Are you looking to take your golf game to the next level and want to know how to choose a golf launch monitor?
These advanced devices provide valuable data on your ball flight, swing mechanics, and shot consistency, helping you improve your game and make informed decisions about your equipment.
But with so many options available on the market, choosing the right launch monitor can be overwhelming.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the factors to consider, essential features, and the different technologies to help you make an informed choice and find the perfect launch monitor to suit your needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Golf Launch Monitor
Before diving into the technical aspects and features of a launch monitor, it’s essential to consider the following factors to align the device with your goals and requirements:
Accuracy
The most crucial factor in a launch monitor is its accuracy. Look for a device that provides precise and reliable data. Accuracy in measurements like ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance is critical for understanding your performance and identifying areas for improvement.
For usable accuracy, you need to consider the Mevo+ as a starting point and go up from there. Launch monitors below that price point are just not accurate enough.
Budget
Launch monitors come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget before starting your search, and consider models that offer the best value for money without compromising essential features.
The starting point is $1,700 for accurate data. The Bushnell Launch Pro and SkyTrak+ are both under $3,000 and are incredibly accurate.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Decide whether you will primarily use the launch monitor indoors or outdoors. Some models are designed for both settings, while others may perform better in one environment over the other.
As a general rule, camera-based launch monitors are the best for indoors and radar-based launch monitors are the best for outdoors. However, camera-based (also called photometric) launch monitors work almost as well as radar outdoors.
Do not consider a radar launch monitor if you will mainly be using it indoors. They are not designed for small spaces and you will encounter mishits, inaccurate data, and potential interference from lighting and fans.
Portability
If you plan to use the launch monitor at different locations, consider its portability. Look for lightweight and easy-to-transport options that won’t be a hassle when setting up and packing down.
For instance, the Bushnell Launch Pro is 40% smaller than the Uneekor EYE MINI. The SkyTrak+ is even smaller and can easily fit in your golf bag. If you want to take your launch monitor to the range & course, this can be a deciding factor.
Data Points
Assess the data points provided by the launch monitor. Apart from ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate, look for metrics like clubhead speed, attack angle, smash factor, and shot dispersion to gain a comprehensive understanding of your swing and ball flight.
Club data is the one data point that sets launch monitors apart. Some require extra subscriptions to unlock full club data. Make sure you figure out how important this is to you.
Compatibility
Ensure the launch monitor is compatible with your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Compatibility is crucial when connecting the launch monitor to golf simulation software or apps.
If you go to the range, you want to make sure there is range software for your phone or iPad so you can capture the metrics.
Data Visualization
Consider how the launch monitor presents the data. A launch monitor that provides clear and visually appealing data visualization can be more engaging and help you analyze your performance effectively.
The SkyTrak+ has the easiest-to-understand visualizations with their new range software. However, Uneekor actually will show videos of your club through impact, but its software is more complex.
Essential Features to Look for in a Golf Launch Monitor
Once you’ve considered the factors mentioned above, let’s delve into the essential features that set a golf launch monitor apart:
Metrics
A reliable launch monitor should provide crucial launch parameters such as ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, and total distance. These parameters form the foundation for understanding your shots. All launch monitors basically provide the same core metrics.
Data Analysis and Reports
The launch monitor should offer comprehensive data analysis and reports. This feature helps track your progress over time, identify areas for improvement, and set specific goals for your golf game.
Club Data
Beyond ball data, having club data is invaluable for understanding your club performance and selecting the right equipment. Look for a launch monitor that provides clubhead speed, swing path, and impact location data.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
If you plan to use the launch monitor both indoors and outdoors, ensure it performs well in both settings. Camera-based launch monitors have specific features designed to optimize accuracy in indoor spaces but still work great outdoors.
Connectivity Options
Check the connectivity options the launch monitor offers. Most modern devices offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, making it easier to connect with your preferred devices.
Video Capture
Some high-end launch monitors offer video capture capabilities, allowing you to record and review your swings alongside the launch data. This feature can be incredibly beneficial for visual feedback and swing analysis.
The Uneekor EYE MINI launch monitor captures video of your club through impact that can be replayed.
Different Technologies in Golf Launch Monitors
Golf launch monitors utilize different technologies to track and measure your ball flight. The two primary technologies are camera-based and radar-based systems. See our article Radar vs Camera Launch Monitors for an in-depth look at both types of units.
Camera-based Launch Monitors
These devices use high-speed cameras to capture the golf ball’s flight. Image processing algorithms then track the ball’s position over time, enabling the launch monitor to calculate essential data points like ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate.
Camera-based systems are known for their high accuracy indoors and flexibility.
Who should use a camera-based launch monitor?
A camera-based launch monitor is the right choice for almost every golfer out there. They are the best type of indoor launch monitor and are great outdoors as well.
Radar-based Launch Monitors
Radar-based systems emit radio frequency waves toward the ball and analyze the frequency shifts in the reflected waves (Doppler effect).
By measuring these frequency changes, the launch monitor can determine the ball’s velocity and other relevant data. Radar-based systems are known for their ability to work outside and their quick and straightforward data.
Who should use a radar launch monitor?
Radar launch monitors are less common and are only really suited for dedicated outdoor use. They are not great indoors as they require a lot of space and are prone to interference. And even outdoors, photometric launch monitors are almost as accurate.
Their main advantage is not having to move the units for right & left-handed golfers and being able to track club data without the use of club stickers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right golf launch monitor can significantly impact your game improvement and decision-making on the course. Consider factors like accuracy, budget, portability, and compatibility before exploring the essential features and technologies.Â
For more help, click on our Launch Monitor Wizard below which will ask a few questions and then display the best launch monitors for your own personal space.
Launch Monitor Wizard
The Launch Monitor Wizard will walk you through a series of questions designed to find the best launch monitors for your unique purpose. It will then provide a list of the best golf launch monitors that fit your requirements and price range.
The Wizard can be restarted at any time if you make an incorrect selection.
More on Launch Monitors
See Launch Monitors for more details on how to use them, features, benefits, reviews, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best golf launch monitor?
Determine if you want a portable or stationary monitor, and decide between camera-based or radar-based technology. Prioritize the features that are most important to you, such as accuracy, data feedback, and ease of use.
What is the best golf launch monitor on the market?
These launch monitors offer a range of features and technology to help improve your golf game and provide accurate data feedback on every golf shot. Trackman has the biggest brand recognition, but is extremely expensive and can be matched by the GCQuad and X3.
How much does a golf launch monitor cost?
It’s important to set a budget and consider your needs before making a purchasing decision.
