Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor Review – Worth the Hype?

The Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor is the newest entry level golf launch monitor on the market. But is it the top choice for entry level launch monitors? Maybe, but it all depends on what you are looking for.

The Swing Caddie SC4 has some great features, such as an external display, no subscription required, remote control, great battery life, and fast setup. But it also has drawbacks, such as the MySwingCaddie app and some issues with accuracy.

Read more for our in-depth review of the Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor.

Overview of the Swing Caddie SC4 Golf Launch Monitor

The Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor is an entry-level golf launch monitor with an external display and voice output of distance. It has good accuracy, fast setup, excellent battery life and not requiring a subscription.

The Swing Caddie SC4 is the successor to the Swing Caddie SC300i launch monitor. Both units use Doppler Radar to capture metrics. However, the SC4 is a big upgrade over the Swing Caddie SC300i.

Entry Level Launch Monitors

It is important to remember that the SC4 is an entry-level launch monitor. It won’t be extremely precise (like the Bushnell Launch Pro). It can be an effective training tool though. If you need a higher level of precision & accuracy, you need to step up to the next level of launch monitors.

We recommend a SkyTrak as the bare minimum for accuracy and then moving up from there. Entry-level launch monitors are fine, but the problem is they are inaccurate at certain times which makes it tough to know when you are making a bad swing vs a bad reading.

But, if you keep that in mind and use it as a general training device, it can be a decent tool. I personally would not rely on the numbers provided by entry-level launch monitors UNLESS I had a professional-grade launch monitor to compare it to so I know exactly how different the metrics are.

I went through all of these before landing on a SkyTrak (and then a Bushnell Launch Pro & SkyTrak+). I am not trying to talk anyone out of entry-level launch monitors, but want people to know the reality of their accuracy so you don’t have unrealistic expectations.

Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor Features

The SC4 offers these features:

• No Subscription: You do not need any subscription to use the Swing Caddie SC4. Everything is included!
• External Display: Black background with crisp white numbers
• Swing Video: The SC4 records your swing for playback
• Fast Setup: Place the SC4 5′ behind your hitting area and it is ready to go
• Good Accuracy: Good accuracy for an entry-level launch monitor 
• Metrics:  The core launch monitor metrics are all provided by the SC4 (carry, total, club head speed, launch angle, etc..)
• Simulator Golf: A license to use E6 with a single course and range is provided
• App: The MySwingCaddie app is used to track data
• Great Battery Life: 10 hours of use from a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Remote Control: Control the SC4 with a remote you can keep in your pocket
• Audible Alerts: The Voice Caddie SC4 can read out you numbers after a shot

External Display

The most notable feature of the Swing Caddie SC4 is the external display. Unlike the Swing Caddie SC300i with an orange background, the SC4 has a black background with crisp white text. It makes it really easy to read, especially outdoors when it is sunny out.

This sets the Swing Caddie SC4 apart from the Garmin Approach R10, and the Rapsodo MLM2PRO. In fact, if you require an external display then the SC4 is your choice!

Fast Setup

No one likes spending time setting up and calibrating a launch monitor. We just want to get to the business of hitting golf balls! This is another are in which the Swing Caddie SC4 excels. You basically set the SC4 5′ behind your hitting area and are ready to go. 

Since the SC4 uses an external display, you don’t need to connect it to any devices in order to use it. This is similar to the Bushnell Launch Pro and Uneekor EYE MINI, which are professional-grade launch monitors.

This is a big plus in my book, as you can go to the range, set it down and start hitting.

Additional Setup

If you really want the most accurate numbers, you do need to make a few adjustments before hitting balls:

Tilt: Adjust the SC4 until the Tilt reads as close to 0 as possible

Horizontal Alignment: The SC4 has a red line that should be aligned to your target. They sell an optional alignment plate which makes this really easy to do.

In my opinion, you should not have to buy an additional alignment plate to use your launch monitor accurately, but this is what Voice Caddie has chosen to do.

Who Is Voice Caddie?

Voice Caddie is a South Korean company that specializes in golf course rangefinders and related golf products. Voice Caddie makes the Swing Caddie SC4.

The company was founded in 2007 and is based in South Korea. In addition to rangefinders, Voice Caddie also offers other golf-related products, such as GPS golf watches (the SL2 is the official rangefinder of the LPGA tour).

Recently, Voice Caddie signed a joint deal to acquire SuperStroke (the putting grip manufacturer).

Accuracy of the Swing Caddie SC4

The Swing Caddie SC4 demonstrates good performance and accuracy in measuring distance and swing speed for launch monitors in this category. Compared to the Bushnell Launch Pro, Uneekor EYE MINI, or SkyTrak+, it is close but just can’t match the accuracy of those launch monitors. 

But that is not a surprise. This is a $500 launch monitor and those are 7x more expensive. The SC4 does well enough for a general idea of what is happening with your swing. 

Distance and swing speed measurement accuracy

The Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor is accurate in measuring both distance and swing speed. Golfers can rely on the precision of this device, as its distance measurements are within a few yards of more expensive options like the Bushnell Launch Pro.

It will vary by several yards on most shots. However, sometimes the SC4 will be off by 8-9 yards which is a full club off.

Spin rate accuracy

The Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor has the most problems measuring spin rates. They can vary wildly depending on the shot and environment. In my opinion, carry, club head speed, launch angle, and direction are more important than Spin Rate. Just be aware that this metric does have accuracy issues.

Metrics

The Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor provides the following metrics. See our article on Using Launch Monitor Metrics to Improve Your Game.

• Carry Distance – how far the golf ball flies in the air
• Total Distance – how far the golf ball flies in the air + roll out on the ground
• Swing Speed – how fast the club moves through the hitting zone
• Ball Speed – how fast the ball launches off the club face
• Smash Factor – a calculated metric to show swing efficiency
• Apex – maximum height of ball
• Launch Angle – the angle in which the ball is launched off the club face
• Launch Direction – direction ball flies off the club face
• Spin Rate – number of ball revolutions per minute

Golf Simulation

The Swing Caddie SC4 will work with E6 Connect, but only on iOS. So if you are on Android, it will not work for you.

An E6 Connect license for the driving range and 1 course is included in your purchase.

MySwingCaddie app

The MySwingCaddie app is used by the SC4 to track all sorts of stats and measurements from the launch monitor. Compared to other brands, it’s a little less polished and more difficult to use.

This is a weak spot of the SC4 compared to its competitors. It provides stats, practice info, distances to targets, and some visualizations showing how distances and your clubs. 

Some of the visuals are nice, such as the shot groupings so you can easily see how tight your shot discrepancies are. But it could use some UI help. This is not a deal-breaker however.

Battery life and portability

The Swing Caddie SC4 launch monitor is designed to be highly portable and convenient for use on the golf course or at home. With its long-lasting battery life of over 10 hours, you can practice your swing without worrying about running out of power.

It doesn’t come with a carrying case, but that can be purchased as an option.

Voice output and remote control

The Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor offers voice output for immediate feedback on shot distance. With this feature, you receive audible updates on how far shots carry (or total distance) without the need to look at a screen. This is great at home. On the range, everyone might not appreciate this feature.

Additionally, the SC4 comes with a convenient remote control that you can use to quickly change settings without having to go to the launch monitor every time you want a different metric.

Is the Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor right for you?

The real question is to figure out if the Swing Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor is right for you. Here is a list to help you make that decision. We are assuming you have limited your search to entry-level launch monitors. If you still need help here, check out our Launch Monitor Wizard.

• You want an external display on your launch monitor
• You do NOT want to pay for a subscription
• You are fine with the app not being the most user-friendly

Alternatives to the Swing Caddie SC4

There are essentially 3 alternatives to the SC4. The Garmin Approach R10, Rapsodo MLM2PRO, and the FlightScope Mevo.

Swing Caddie SC4 vs. Garmin Approach R10

The Garmin Approach R10 is a more polished launch monitor than the SC4. However, it does not have an external display. It does get a slight edge in accuracy and the Garmin Golf app is more polished.

The R10 also comes with (5) courses to play on E6 and is much better as a golf simulator. You also do not need to pay for a subscription with the Garmin R10 unless you want to play Home Tee Hero or save your videos from practice sessions.

Swing Caddie SC4 vs. Rapsodo MLM2PRO

The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is a completely different launch monitor from the SC4. The MLM2PRO is heavily app-dependent, requires a subscription to get the full benefits, and has some incredible video display options, Impact Vision & Shot Vision.

You can also add your own cell camera to capture a face-on video. However, these advanced features are locked behind a pricey subscription.

The MLM2PRO is better than the SC4 in every way except that it does not have an external display and it has a pricey subscription.

Swing Caddie SC4 vs. FlightScope Mevo

The FlightScope Mevo is their entry-level radar launch monitor. It is very compact, and lacks an external display, but is pretty accurate. The FlightScope app is much better than the MySwingCaddie app as well and can also capture video.

Final Thoughts on the Swing Caddie SC4 

The Swing Caddie SC4 has a lot of good features. External display, fast setup, great battery life, no subscription, and more. In my opinion, it would be a good choice for an entry-level launch monitor if you require an external display and do most of your practice at a range. This is where it will make it simple to use.

If not, the Garmin Approach R10 offers the best combination of features, accuracy, golf simulator experience, and price (no subscription required)

Frequently Asked Questions