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Best Golf Launch Monitors – (Reviews & Guide 2022)
These days, you don’t need to have a team of PGA teaching professionals to improve your golf game. While some of the biggest names in the golf world have access to top-notch trainers, it’s not uncommon to see them walking around with a handheld golf launch monitor. The best golf launch monitor can give you a ton of in-depth information about your swing.
Imagine being able to pinpoint the exact reason why you repeatedly make fat shots or why your drives always end up pulling to one direction. Think about the difference having that information would make to your endgame. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not.
Launch monitors can analyze everything from spin to carry distance, giving you the knowledge you need to improve on your own time. We’ll get into what these high-tech devices can do a bit later. First, here’s a collection of some of the best launch monitors that money can buy. Check out our buying guide below for some important information that you can use to find a device that’s right for you.
Comparing the 6 Best Golf Launch Monitors 2022
Let’s have a brief look at some of the very best golf launch monitors in 2022.
Launch monitor and golf simulator combination designed to act as a game improvement tool
The SkyTrak launch monitor is great for beginners and seasoned players alike. It’s simple to set up and pairs with your mobile device for easy data interpretation.
Technology:
A high-speed camera built into the body of the camera is what picks up data. Simply position the unit so that it’s pointed directly at you. After the ball is launched, the monitor will push the data to your mobile device.
Performance:
The thing that stands out the most about this monitor is the app. The SkyTrak app is very well-designed. All the information is displayed in a way that’s easy to understand, making it accessible to anyone. There are even some great course graphics with shot overlays and graphs.
Specs:
Photography-based monitor
Measures ball speed, distance, launch angle, club speed, and spin rates
Works indoors and on the course
Pros
Connects to smartphone or tablet
User-friendly app
Digital drive range feature
Small enough to fit into a pocket
Cons
Doesn’t have the best accuracy
Battery only last for about 5 hours
Final Verdict:
There’s a lot to love about this monitor. Despite its small footprint, the device packs a powerful punch. It offers a reasonable amount of metrics and can be used virtually anywhere.
Awarded 2021 best personal launch monitor by My Golf Spy
Is portability a top priority for you? Check out this smartphone-enabled monitor from Rapsodo. Instead of using a bulky data collection unit, it uses the technology you already have in your pocket!
Technology:
Don’t let the simple design of this monitor fool you. It has a lot to offer in terms of technology. The available smartphone app is the brains of the operation. It’s a feature-rich piece of software that provides a lot of in-depth information. You don’t even have to pick up your smartphone to view it all. The app will display key metrics in large type so that you can take a quick peek at your performance from the tee box.
Performance:
From a performance standpoint, this model goes above and beyond. Modern smartphones are already equipped with high-end cameras, so why not take advantage of it? It’s relatively accurate and automatically calibrates every time you use it, saving you tons of time.
Specs:
Camera-based monitor
Uses smartphone camera
GPS course features
Measures distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, angle, and direction
Pros
Automatically calibrates itself
Live video recording
Very compact design
Relatively affordable
Intuitive app
Cons
Lengthy setup process
Not compatible with all devices
Final Verdict:
All in all, this is a great MLM option for any golfer. Thanks to its low price tag, you can start improving your game without spending a fortune.
MEASURE: Mevo provides ACCURATE real-time performance data to help you train and improve with every club in the bag, whether on the range, on the course, or in your home.
Here’s another great portable option. This one is from Flightscope. Like the previous monitors, it works alongside an intuitive smartphone app. However, the main difference is the technology it uses.
Technology:
This particular monitor uses Doppler radar. While it is small enough to fit into your pocket, the radar system does a pretty decent job of collecting data. Best of all, it can be used indoors.
Performance:
The monitor analyzes many different aspects of the launch, which is good for improving your game. The downside is that you must use metallic stickers on the ball if you want to measure spin. Aside from that, the device offers decent accuracy for the price point.
Specs:
Radar-based monitor
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Works alongside smartphone app
Measures distance, ball speed, club speed, spin rate, launch angle, smash factor, apex height, and flight time
Pros
Only 3.5 inches long, 2.5 inches tall, and 1.5 inches thick
Saves data for future reference
Video recording option with smartphone app
Customizable data readouts
Cons
Requires a bit more space than other models
Not the most accurate option on the market
Final Verdict:
Thanks to its tiny footprint, this monitor can be tossed into any golf bag and taken to the course. It’s a flexible unit that’s easy to use whenever you want to work on your drive.
The launch monitor from Voice Caddie is a unique option that’s great for golfers looking for something on the simpler side of things. While it does provide more detailed information through an app, this unit is designed for instant feedback.
Technology:
Like the previous monitor, this one uses Doppler radar. The radar emitter and sensors are on the back. All you need to do to start collecting data is prop the unit up and point it in your direction.
Performance:
With every swing, the monitor collects a variety of information. The coolest thing about it is that audible feedback is provided. It will tell you the distance of your shot instantly so that you don’t have to dig into the data yourself.
Specs:
Radar-based monitor
Provides instant audible feedback
Measures total carry distance, smash factor, launch angle, club speed, maximum height, and ball speed
3 percent margin of error for ball speed
Pros
Compact design
Voice output tells you distance immediately
Large LCD screen is easy to read
Cons
Confusing setup instructions
App isn’t as intuitive as competitors
Final Verdict:
With its affordable price, this monitor is worth considering. While it’s not the most accurate or feature-rich option out there, it certainly gets the job done and covers the basics.
Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
Garmin is one of the most popular golf GPS brands in the world. It’s no surprise that the company decided to release a golf monitor. This model manages to serve several functions while staying small and compact.
Technology:
This is one of the sleekest launch monitors you can get. It looks like a smartphone. There’s even a touch screen color display. Hidden within the minimalist body is a Doppler radar system, which collects various data points about your drive.
Performance:
When you are monitoring your shot, the device displays key metrics in large font for easy viewing. It’s a bit limited in terms of what it can measure. However, those limitations are made up for in the GPS feature. You can gain access to over 41,000 maps of courses all over the world and track your score as you play.
Specs:
Radar-based monitor
3.5-inch touch screen display
Integrated GPS functionality
Monitors club speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, and estimated distance
Pros
Small handheld design
Colorful maps
Compatible with Garmin apps
Battery lasts up to 15 hours
Cons
Limited metrics
Prone to overheating in hot climates
Final Verdict:
The Garmin Approach G80 is a jack of all trades. With its many useful features, the monitor is a must-have accessory for your golf bag.
The ES12 by Ernest Sports gives ball speed and distance data instantly
Don’t expect to get professional-quality results with this launch monitor from Earnest Sports. The simple device provides basic information at an affordable price point.
Technology:
This is a radar-based monitor. The Doppler radar system is located on the back. Earnest Sports has made setup relatively simple thanks to the pop-out kickstand. Once you have it propped up and in position, the monitor will analyze the ball’s speed and distance.
Performance:
The accuracy of the radar monitor is decent. What we like most is how the data is presented. There’s a built-in touch screen display to check out your performance in seconds. If you need more in-depth information, look at the smartphone app. There, you can see simulations and compare it to live video of your swing.
Specs:
Radar-based monitor
Color touch screen
Compatible with smartphone app
Monitors ball speed and distance
Pros
Fits into pocket or bag
Colorful maps
Rugged exterior housing
Very affordable
Cons
Limited metrics
Must use real balls
Prone to wireless connectivity issues
Final Verdict:
Because it only picks up two metrics, we don’t recommend this for golfers who are looking to seriously improve their game. However, it can serve casual players well who are looking for a fun device to enhance the way they play.
A Complete Buying Guide for Golf Launch Monitors
Golf is a highly technical game, so it’s not uncommon to see seasoned players spending thousands of dollars on high-quality training gear. Launch monitors are no different. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand. Needless to say, it’s a big investment.
With that said, you can get a solid monitor without hurting your wallet. A higher price tag doesn’t always equate to good performance. The most important thing is to choose a model that has all the bells and whistles that you need.
What Key Features to Consider When Buying a Golf Launch Monitor
Radar
The first thing you should consider is how you want your golf launch monitor to work. There are two different times of launch monitors on the market. The first utilizes radar technology.
More specifically, they use Doppler radar. High-end launch monitors typically use radar technology because it provides very accurate information. Not only can Doppler radar tell you about the mechanics of your swing, but some can even follow the ball as it flies through the course for more in-depth data.
The process of collecting information can be quite complicated. To put it simply, the device takes advantage of the Doppler effect. When turned on, it generates microwaves. Any moving object in the path of those waves will interfere with the signal. In the case of golf, this would be your ball. The ball reflects some of those waves back to the launch monitor where sensors can interpret its movements.
Fun fact: this is the same type of technology that’s used by meteorologists to study weather patterns. The military utilizes it as well for missile detection and defense.
Camera
If you’d rather go with something a bit simpler, there’s always camera technology. Camera-powered launch monitors tend to be more compact and easier to understand. The downsides? Well, they aren’t as powerful as radar. Radar systems can track your ball mid-flight. The same can’t be said for cameras.
If that’s not a deal-breaker for you, camera golf monitors still have a lot to offer. They work using high-speed and high-definition cameras. As you launch the ball, the cameras can collect information about your swing and the first foot or two of the flight. This data is then presented in an easy-to-read format.
Best of all, most of these devices are very compact. All you have to do is point them at the ball and you’re good to go. This is a stark contrast to the somewhat bulky radar-based options. We’ll touch on portability in a bit.
Many of the camera systems out there rely heavily on photometry, which is a measurement of light. Thus, these devices can be a bit finicky under certain lighting conditions.
Metrics
What good is a launch monitor if it can’t show you the metrics you need? Truth is, the types of information that launch monitors provide vary quite a bit. That may seem counter-intuitive to the broader goal of improving the game of golfers everywhere. However, it’s actually beneficial. Let me explain…
Professional-grade monitors, which can set you back 20 grand, offer far more features than what most players need. Unless you’re in a PGA tour competing for millions of dollars, buying a device that provides an exorbitant number of metrics just isn’t feasible.
So, many golf launch monitor manufacturers will stick to the basics to make these devices as affordable and easy-to-use as possible. The trick to getting a monitor that will serve you well for years to come is to choose the metrics that are most important to you.
There are two basic categories of data you can look into. The first is data about the ball itself. Ball speed, launch angle, direction, and spin are essential. If you want to get a bit more advanced, you can also go with a monitor that measures smash factor, height, carry, and more. Golf monitors can be as simple or complex as you choose.
The second category of metrics involves your swing. This includes things like attack angle, swing speed, and more.
Accuracy
Despite all of the great technology that goes into golf launch monitors, they are not going to provide you with 100 percent accuracy. As with anything regarding data collection, there’s always going to be some margin of error.
Manufacturers will often provide that information to be upfront about what you can expect, which is a nice touch. You can use that transparency to your advantage and choose a device that offers high levels of accuracy. The good news is that the margin of error is very minimal. In most cases, those tiny discrepancies aren’t going to affect the way you improve moving forward.
Keep in mind that the margin of error will usually be more significant the greater the measurement. For example, if you are analyzing a 300-yard drive, you will experience a bigger decrease in accuracy compared to a 100-yard drive.
Ease of Use
If you’re not a particularly tech-savvy person, golf monitors can be daunting. They’re highly advanced pieces of equipment. Not only do you need to learn how to set the device up and take advantage of all its features, but you also need to learn how to interpret the data.
That can be a tall order if you’re not familiar with the mechanics and physics behind golf.
Luckily, some of the best golf launch monitors are designed to make things as easy as possible. Detailed user-guides, graphic-based information, and built-in improvement tips are common. User-friendly readouts can help you make the most out of the data provided and push you to take your skills to the next level.
Value-Added Functionality
While the core purpose of a launch monitor is to analyze the movement of the ball after a swing, you can easily find devices that do double-duty. Extra features can add tons of value and save you from lugging around several standalone devices.
One of the most useful features you can have is built-in swing analysis. Your swing and the movement of the ball go hand-in-hand, so it only makes sense that a monitor will provide you with details of how the golf club is moving.
Some monitors also have GPS features, which can provide you with some great information about the course you’re on. Depending on the model, you may even be able to see a map with a top-down view.
Portability
Have you ever taken a minute to look at all the gear you have to carry to the course? Chances are, there’s a lot of it. Beyond the basic equipment, you have to worry about finding a spot for all the extra equipment that’s going to improve your game.
Golf launch monitors come in a wide range of sizes. If you’re already having difficulties carrying your bag to the course, you might want to stick with a pocket-sized model. Smaller monitors can be tucked into a bag with ease. On the other side of the spectrum, there are high-end models with massive radar units or cameras. While these options do have their benefits, they aren’t great if priority is a concern.
Smartphone/Tablet Apps
Speaking of portability, you can always get a model that utilizes your smartphone or tablet. Not only can you decrease your carrying load, but the power of your mobile device can enhance the user experience.
Remember how we said that many devices provide user-friendly readouts? Oftentimes, this is done through a dedicated mobile app. The bright and responsive screen is great for graphical representations and in-depth analysis.
You can monitor the movements in real-time, view simulations, and more. Some even use the cameras of your smartphone to record your actual swing, which can then be used alongside an overlay to help you make improvements.
Budget
Golf launch monitors don’t come cheap. You should expect to spend a few hundred dollars minimum. Enterprise-level monitors can have a five-figure price tag, so you’ll find a lot of variety on the market.
It’s important to set a budget first. Then, you can start looking within your price range and find the features you need most.
Indoors, Outdoors, or Both?
Where do you plan on using your new monitor? This is something that many golfers fail to think about. Because of the technology used to gather data, not all devices will work in every practice situation.
For example, Doppler radar systems require a lot of space to monitor your shot. They’re best for outdoors. If you do want to use it inside with a golf training net, you need to make sure that you have at least 8 feet of space for the radar to work its magic.
Typically, camera-based systems work well indoors and out. They only require a couple of feet of shooting distance, so you shouldn’t have a problem implementing them into a basement simulator space. Keep in mind that lighting might affect the camera’s ability to detect the ball. Just make sure to keep your space well-lit!
Think about your goals for the monitor. Do you want to improve your own game so that you can become a PGA player? Or, is it more for casual fun and beating your buds on the course?
The answer to that question is important. Remember, price points and available metrics are all across the board. You don’t need to have all the fancy features of a high-end model if the goal is to just improve your game for fun.
On the other hand, a cheaper device won’t cut it if you’re a seasoned player looking to overcome a plateau. The same goes for golf trainers wanting to use data to help clients.
Range Balls or Real Balls?
This often comes as a surprise to non-players, but there are several types of golf balls that you can use. They all differ when it comes to construction, density, and overall feel. Before you purchase a golf launch monitor, you need to make sure that it works for the ball you play with!
Some are only going to pick up range balls that you use for practice. Others might only use real balls, limiting where you can use the device. The last thing you want to deal with when you’re trying to improve your game is having to adapt to a brand-new ball. Check with the monitor’s specs before you jump the gun.
Q: What’s the difference between a personal launch monitor and what my fitter or coach uses?
The main differences between what your coach is using are price, accuracy, and metrics. Professional-level monitors cost several thousand dollars because they use more advanced technology. Thus, you can see a wide range of data pertaining to your shot. The internal components capturing that data, such as the radar sensors and camera, are also top-notch, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.
Q; What data can I get from a personal launch monitor?
This all depends on the brand. Typically, you can expect to see information about your speed and a rough estimate of potential carry. Spin and launch angle are also pretty common. As you go higher up in price, more metrics are added. These include things like landing angle, hang time, height, and more.
Q: What is smash factor?
To put it simply, smash factor is a way to determine potential energy transfer. It’s an important metric that golfers spend years maximizing. To determine the smash factor, the monitor will divide your ball speed by your club speed. The goal is to get as close to a 1.5 smash factor as possible. It’s the theoretical upper limit.
Q: Are all personal launch monitors accurate?
As we mentioned earlier, all monitors have some degree of error. Personal units tend to have lower accuracy than professional-level ones. Other factors, such as the quality of the technology used, play a role as well.
Conclusion
Forget paying thousands of dollars to a coach. The best golf launch monitor will act like your personal digital trainer. The detailed information it can provide can drastically improve your technique. Many models will even let you track your progress and show you measurable results. So what are you waiting for? Get your launch monitor and hit the driving range!
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If you’d rather go with something a bit simpler, there’s always camera technology. Camera-powered launch monitors tend to be more compact and easier to understand. The downsides? Well, they aren’t as powerful as radar. Radar systems can track your ball mid-flight. The same can’t be said for cameras.
Despite all of the great technology that goes into golf launch monitors, they are not going to provide you with 100 percent accuracy. As with anything regarding data collection, there’s always going to be some margin of error.
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