The Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor has officially launched! Will it be a worthy competitor to the Bushnell Launch Pro? We think it is, but Uneekor needs to fix one glaring problem first.
Continue reading for our review of this exciting new launch monitor.
> The Uneekor EYE MINI is the only true competitor to theBushnell Launch Pro in this price range for photometric launch monitors > It ships with all club metrics unlocked & includes a driving range> In order to play simulator golf, you are required to purchase a subscription> For golfers living outside the USA, the MINI can be a great choice over the GC3 (TheBushnell Launch Pro is only available in the USA)
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Overview
After more than a year of announcing a prototype, the Uneekor EYE MINI portable launch monitor has finally been released.
There has been a ton of hype around the EYE MINI due to Uneekor’s excellent reputation with their mounted launch monitors. After testing out the MINI, it is a great launch monitor and performs really well.
There are some concerns around the pricing model, but lets take a closer look at the unit before talking about pricing.
First Look
The Uneekor EYE MINI is a great launch monitor and has some unique features. If we ignore pricing for now, it really can compete with the Launch Pro on features.
I actually think that the build quality of the EYE MINI is better than the Launch Pro and it just looks nicer. It is pretty big though, which can be a factor if you plan on taking it to the range often.
The display is REALLY nice and E-Ink was a great choice. I will cover all of the main areas, but the only thing holding back the EYE MINI is the pricing model. But Uneekor can literally solve that problem overnight and will need to if they want to be a leader in this segment.
The EYE MINI provides accurate club and ball data all without a subscription. In addition it has Club Optix technology which allows you to see the club through impact.
What Makes The Uneekor EYE MINI Unique?
The EYE MINI ships with all club metrics unlocked & includes a driving range with no subscription required. It includes an E-Ink display, video of club through impact, official 3rd party software support, and is also available outside the USA.
The Uneekor EYE MINI’s unique selling points are the following:
The Uneekor EYE MINI competes directly with the Bushnell Launch Pro. These are the only launch monitors that offer club metrics for under $7k.
Here is a quick look at the main advantages/disadvantages of Uneekor EYE MINI:
Advantages
- Club metrics included with purchase
- Video of club through impact
- E-Ink External display
- Official support for 3rd party simulator software
Disadvantages
- Requires a subscription to connect to 3rd party simulation software (GSPro, TGC 2019)
- Only has (2) cameras (vs
Bushnell Launch Pro ‘s three camera setup) - Requires a subscription to access more advanced software features
- Purchase price is higher than Bushnell Launch Pro
Who Is UNEEKOR?
Uneekor was founded in 2015 and is a company that offers a range of golf simulation products, including launch monitors, software applications, and accessories.
One of Uneekor’s main products is the QED (Quantum Electronic Design) golf simulator, which has been praised for its accuracy, ease of use, and flexibility.
As for awards, Uneekor has received several accolades for its innovative products and contributions to the golf industry. For example, the QED simulator was named “Best Value Golf Simulator” by Golf Digest in 2021.
The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in California, USA.
Uneekor EYE MINI Price
The EYE MINI retails for $4,500 USD & includes club data with the purchase. Additional functionality can be unlocked with different subscription packages (see below).
Considering the pricing of the Bushnell Launch Pro, the price for the MINI is actually pretty steep. They will need to make adjustments to the purchase price or subscriptions in order to push the Launch Pro.
Unlocked Price
The EYE MINI costs an additional $1,999 to fully unlock the launch monitor. This includes REFINE+ and the 3rd party connector. The total unlocked price is $6,499.
The
The GC3 is available outside the USA, but costs quite a bit more than the EYE MINI as it sells for $7,499 unlocked.
The EYE MINI is currently a better deal than the GC3 for anyone living outside the USA.
Uneekor EYE MINI Accuracy
I tested the MINI thoroughly against the Bushnell Launch Pro, which is the gold standard in this class of launch monitors. The Launch Pro has been tested outside and is within about 1% accuracy of a Trackman.
In addition, the Bushnell Launch Pro is based on the Foresight GCQuad, which is the best portable photometric launch monitor you can buy.
Check out this picture I took from the 2023 PGA Championship in which you can see 4 of the 5 pros warming up and using the GCQuad.
In my testing, the EYE MINI produced basically the same metrics as the
Testing
For my testing I used new Titleist ProV1x golf balls and set the altitude on both launch monitors to zero. Due to the large hitting zones, I was able to set EYE MINI & Launch Pro up side-by-side.
All testing was done indoors with the temp about 70 degrees hitting off a premium mat into an impact screen.
I hit wedges, irons, and drivers as part of my testing.
MINI vs. Launch Pro Results
Here is how the EYE MINI fared against the Bushnell Launch Pro:
Accuracy Summary
For all practical purposes, the EYE MINI is basically the same as the Bushnell Launch Pro as far as accuracy. The only metric where the MINI seemed to be wrong was on Club Head Speed.
This could be attributed to the fact I had (2) stickers on my clubs for testing and perhaps the MINI had an issue with that. The MINI stickers are placed on the toe whereas the Bushnell Launch Pro stickers are placed at the top of the club face.
Overall, I would not hesitate to get the EYE MINI and feel it is very accurate.
Uneekor EYE MINI Subscriptions
This is likely going to be a sore spot for golfers. Everyone is burned out on subscriptions and there was a hope that Uneekor would include all club & ball metrics, AND 3rd party golf simulator connectivity in the purchase price.
While you do get club & ball metrics included in the purchase, a subscription is required to connect the MINI to 3rd party software (such as GSPro or TGC2019).
Here is a look at the different subscription packages. You will need at least the PRO package to connect to 3rd party simulation software.
As mentioned above, hopefully Uneekor will adjust these packages to be make the MINI pricing more attractive.
| FEATURE | PLAYER | PRO | CHAMPION | LEGEND (unlocked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Included | $199 /yr | $399 /yr | $1,999 (one-time fee) |
| Ball Data Points | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Club Data Points | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| VIEW & VIEW Air | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Profiles | 1 | 5 | 50 | 50 |
| Sessions Per Profile | 15 | 100 | 500 | 500 |
| Power U Report | 500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |
| REFINE+ | Y | Y | ||
| 3rd Party Connector | Y | Y | Y | |
Uneekor EYE MINI Features
Below is a list of features and technology included in the EYE MINI.
Dual High Speed Cameras
The EYE MINI uses dual high-speed cameras (similar to the EYE XO cameras which are rated at ≥ 3000 fps).
In addition, there are also infrared sensors which means there are no special lighting requirements.
External Display
The EYE MINI includes an external E-Ink display which means you get full metrics when you go to the course or just want to have a quick session without setting up your PC and sim software.
It includes a backlight that can be turned on/off to improve visibility.
The E-Ink display is really good quality & is a big improvement over the Launch Pro. Text is super crisp and easy to read.
What is E-Ink? E-ink, short for electronic ink, is a type of display technology used in e-readers, digital signage, and other devices that require low power consumption and high visibility in various lighting conditions. E-ink displays mimic the appearance of printed text on paper. The image on an e-ink display remains visible even when the power is turned off, which means that the device does not consume power while displaying a static image. This feature makes e-ink displays very energy-efficient, enabling devices like e-readers to have a long battery life.
The display is not a touchscreen, so there is a row of buttons on the front that you use to get to all of the options.
Automatic Alignment
The MINI has a great feature for aligning the unit to your target. You take (2) golf balls and line them up about 8″ – 12″ apart facing toward your target. There is a button you press on the MINI and it will calculate how close the MINI is to being lined up.
For instance, it will tell you you are 1.3 degrees right and show a visual of a line pointing right. You can then adjust the MINI and hit Align again to get the updated reading.
Battery Life
Battery life is 5-6 hours.
Hitting Area
The hitting area approximately 12″ wide x 8″ long.
Case
The MINI comes with a small “suitcase” that you can carry it to the range in. It is actually pretty big, but definitely will protect the unit as it is has really good padding inside.
Connectivity
The unit has great connectivity options to cover you no matter where the launch monitor is used:
- Wifi
- USB-C (for Uneekor use only)
- Ethernet
EYE MINI Launch Monitor Based on the EYE XO
The EYE MINI includes technology from the EYE XO. The key difference being that the EYE MINI is a portable launch monitor.
The EYE XO is a highly-regarded launch monitor with the key difference being that it is ceiling mounted. The EYE MINI is Uneekor’s first portable launch monitor.
See more details on the EYE XO in our Uneekor EYE XO Review.
Uneekor EYE MINI Features
- Non-Marking Ball Technology (use any ball with the EYE MINI)
- Equipped with 2 hyper-speed cameras
- Infrared sensors
- Club Data – read with reflective stickers
- Club Optix – Provides real-time footage of club and ball at impact
Club Optix
Where you strike the ball on the clubface is one of the most important variables in establishing consistency.
Uneekor’s Club OPTIX allows you to see exactly where you strike the ball on the face and provides the visual feedback you need to make adjustments to your swing.
A built-in camera captures your club right before impact with the ball all the way through impact. This super-slow motion footage shows you what actually is happening at impact–no more guessing!
This is impressive technology and is not available with any other portable launch monitor in this range. You can use Club Optix with FSX Pro (range) and FSX Play (simulator golf).
Club Data Measured in Real Time
Whether you’d like to work on hitting it longer, dialing in your accuracy, putting, or everything together, an accurate and speedy launch monitor can you you make it a reality.
In my experience, the MINI registered shots almost instantaneously. There was no perceptible delay and it made playing sim golf very immersive.
EYE MINI Club Stickers
Reflective EYE MINI Club Stickers are required for EYE MINI launch monitor club data. The stickers are placed on the toe of the club, 7 grooves up for irons and 5 grooves up for the driver.
EYE MINI SOFTWARE
VIEW Software
The EYE MINI comes standard with the VIEW software app for your PC and iPad app.
Easily pair your iPad (or PC) with the EYE MINI to use the VIEW software anywhere.
The View software includes the following features:
- Validated Photographic Technology providing enhanced videos including impact point, ball spin, and club footage through impact
- 3D Driving range with a wide range of shot visualizations, ball data and club data
VIEW is a basic driving range, but has a ton of metrics an different “view” you can use to see the ball flight. In the image above, I added the club view to the window so you can see all of your metrics and a visual representation of the club.
You can also output your range session info to the web or even locally export it to an Excel file.
BALL & CLUB DATA
The Uneekor EYE MINI includes all of the ball & club data right out-of-the-box without any additional cost. Subscriptions are needed to unlock different functionality, but that does not affect metrics.
Ball Data
- Ball Speed
- Side & Back Spin
- Side Angle
- Side Distance
- Launch Angle
- Carry Distance
- Descent Angle*
- Apex* (Peak Height)
- Distance to Apex*
- Flight Time*
- Run*
*available on VIEW (PC) or VIEW Air (iPad)
Club Data
- Club Speed
- Attack Angle
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
To improve at golf, it is critical to understand these metrics and what they mean. In our post How Golf Launch Monitor Metrics Can Improve Your Game, we explain how you can use launch monitor data to analyze & improve your golf game!
UNEEKOR EYE MINI GOLF SIMULATOR
The EYE MINI works with all major golf simulator programs. The catch is that you are REQUIRED to purchase at least the PRO Package to unlock a 3rd party connector.
3RD PARTY SIMULATOR SOFTWARE
Our recommendation is to purchase 3rd party simulator software. The software is better overall and you can find almost any course in the world in these packages.
We are not going to go into a long review of these, but will give you an overview of the 3 most popular simulator programs. You cannot go wrong with any of these–it’s more a matter of what you want in a golf simulator.
GSPro was designed to be a true to life golf simulator. Featuring 4K graphics, tons of real courses, realistic ball physics, and an advanced physics engine that can account for different lies, deep rough and undulations on the greens.
GSPro
What makes this unique?
- The most realistic ball physics
- The most popular courses in the world
- Constant updates
Summary
GSPro was designed to be a true to life golf simulator. Featuring 4K graphics, realistic ball physics, and an ever growing online community.
In GSPro, it has an advanced physics engine that can account for different lies, deep rough and undulations on the greens.
It also includes a driving range and different skills challenges.
With GSPro you’ll be able to create and play courses built by other indoor golfers in the community.
New courses added weekly including many of the most popular courses worldwide. GSPro is less polished but the ball physics are unmatched.
The Golf Club 2019 (TGC) was created from the popular console video game. It features announcers and crowds which is similar to the Xbox/PlayStation game versions. It also includes a driving range and different skills challenges.
The Golf Club 2019
What makes this unique?
- A smooth video game experience
- Access to over 100k courses (most are user-created)
- Announcers and crowds
Summary
The Golf Club 2019 (TGC) was created from the popular console video game. It features announcers and crowds which is similar to the Xbox/PlayStation game versions.
It also includes a driving range and different skills challenges.
The Golf Club 2019 is pretty polished with some great graphics but has some flaws. It is really geared towards a video game experience on a simulator vs a more accurate experience (like GSPro).
E6 includes Courses, Mini Games, Skills Combines, Training Aids, and more. It includes constant updates.
E6 Connect
What makes this unique?
- Full practice and course package
- Polished interface and graphics
Summary
E6 includes Courses, Mini Games, Skills Combines, Training Aids, and more. It includes constant updates.
E6 also comes with different driving ranges, putting areas, chipping areas, and games for kids.
E6 is more of a combo of GSPro and TGC 2019. However, we would recommend one of those 2 over this due to the price vs. value.
Is THE UNEEKOR EYE MINI Right For You?
After reading this post you hopefully have a good understanding of the Uneekor EYE MINI features. There was so much hype around this unit before release–and some thought it might never be released.
But does it stand up to the Bushnell Launch Pro? At this point, the Launch Pro still edges the EYE MINI only based on the massive price difference. But that could change overnight.
Remember that the EYE MINI includes official support for 3rd party simulator software and the Bushnell Launch Pro does not. Bushnell could block unauthorized connectivity in the future.
We will be releasing an in-depth video review of the EYE MINI soon. If you are undecided, join our mailing list to be notified when our video review is posted.
Reasons to Buy
The EYE MINI ships with all club metrics unlocked & includes a driving range with no subscription required. It includes an E-Ink display, video of club through impact, official 3rd party software support, and is also available outside the USA.
Here are reasons to buy the EYE MINI:
- Club Optix included (video footage of club through impact)
- Club metrics included in the base purchase price (with driving range via VIEW)
- You want the E-Ink display
- Official 3rd party simulator software support
- You live outside the USA (the unlocked price is better than a GC3)
- You would like to purchase & use Swing Optix cameras
- You would like to purchase & use the new Balance Optix balance mat
Uneekor Game Day Software
One thing to take into account is the potential release of Game Day software.
At the 2023 PGA Show, Uneekor has demoed new simulator software with the EYE MINI called “Game Day”. They mentioned that this will be going into beta testing soon. It will be 100% focused on playing the course and will included 4K and realistic conditions.
If this replaces REFINE, it could be a great option and would improve the value proposition of the the EYE MINI.
Reasons to Skip
The picture gets a bit cloudy if you want to play simulator golf and compare to the Bushnell Launch Pro. The reason being that the EYE MINI costs 33% more and then you need subscriptions on top of that.
- Higher purchase price + subscription still needed for 3rd party connectivity
- (2) cameras vs (3) with the Bushnell Launch Pro
- The MINI is much bigger in size & weight than the Launch Pro
What’s in The Box
- Uneekor EYE MINI Launch Monitor
- Uneekor EYE MINI Carrying Case w/ Carrying Strap
- Power Cable and Adapter
- CAT6 Ethernet Cable
- Uneekor EYE MINI Club Stickers
Full Specifications
Below are the full specs for the Uneekor EYE MINI:
- Tracking: Photometric launch monitor
- Camera: Dual Cameras (Photometric) and Infrared Sensors
- Display: E-Ink (with backlight)
- Charging Port: USB-C
- Unit Dimensions: 15.75″ (H) x 6.6″ (W) x 6.5″ (D)
- Unit Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz.
The Competition
So who are the competitors in this space and what do those launch monitors cost? Let’s take a quick look at portable, photometric launch monitors.
Note: we are only comparing to photometric launch monitors as that is the design of the EYE MINI. We have explicitly excluded radar launch monitors (Full Swing & Mevo+) as they use different technology and have different requirements.
We provided links for your convenience if you want to look at all details and purchase options.
$1,995
Skytrak
- Skytrak has (2) cameras that are lower-speed
- Skytrak does not capture club data
The best photometric launch monitor in its class. It is built upon the technology of the award-winning GCQuad and features (3) cameras, external display, club metrics, auto-alignment, indoor/outdoor use, and more!
See our review of the Bushnell Launch Pro for more info
The GC3 uses a high-speed, high-resolution infrared camera system. This three-camera system is auto-calibrating and captures the impact zone including a small space before and after the ball. Club data is included with purchase & no subscriptions are required.
The GC3 &
Get More Launch Monitor Info
Visit our Launch Monitors page for more information on golf launch monitors, including why to use them, the benefits of launch monitors, and get links to more reviews on premium and luxury golf launch monitors.
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I am an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap with over 20 years of experience playing golf. I use my analytics education from Georgia Tech to help me research and write the best articles on luxury & premium golf products! I love how analytics has seeped into every aspect of golf and how it can be used to provide incredible insights into your game. In my time, I’m either writing about golf, watching golf, or playing golf!
