Golfsmith Launch Monitor and Ball Flight

I have not paid attention to the type of monitor at Golfsmith, and but I have never seen tape of any sort on their balls at the store I frequent.  I expect it isn't unreasonable to presume a machine could be out of calibration.  For me, they always seem to project very optimistic results.  This may be calibration also, or perhaps hitting from plastic grass.

I was at my local Golfsmith two days ago looking at new drivers to replace a 10 year old Mizuno.  All of their scopes were banged up from hackers hitting them.  I can't imagine all of these direct hits haven't done something to the sensors.  I am not a scratch golfer, but I hit my driver a long way.  I was in to look at the new tech and was perplexed at the shot tracking.  It had most of my shots flying 240-250 in the air and totaling 260-285 with roll.  Considering the amount of back spin the machine said I was putting on the ball there was no way it would be rolling 20+ yards once it hit the ground.  What I got out of my session was some drivers helped me reduce my backspin and others didn't.  Some seemed to promote more of a draw from my swing and others were all over the place.  I ended up buying a Callaway Razr Fit because it felt the best, promoted low backspin and I love the look at address.  Maybe the system in the area you can get private lessons is more accurate.

Accuracy may vary from shop to shop. Flightscopes and launch monitors need to be calibrated regularly.

From my experience, the main Golfsmith I visit seems to give data similar to what I hit on the course. On the other hand, The Golf Galaxy launch monitor seems to be a little conservative. I'm a half to full club longer in open air than in their shop.