Golf Simulators: Lasergolf & Golf Launchpad

[binga7]

I just stumbled across these pieces of technology, searched the site and nothing mentioned them so here they are!

http://www.lasergolfgame.com/

http://www.electricspin.com/

Both are compatable with TW 2008 for PC which means you can play on some of the great courses like Augusta, and practice your game at the same time.

The launchpad one is obviously more realistic with using your own clubs if you have the living room space that is.

Anybody tried these? Recommended? What do you think about price etc.

[andyfive]

Hi binga7,

I have had the Launchpad Tour for a couple of years and whilst initially frustrating to use, having persevered, I have found that there are numerous things that can be done to improve its performance (e.g settings/hardware setup etc..). It is probably best described as an entry level simulator. Accuracy will not be 100% and it cannot differentiate between a push/slice or a pull/hook as it only measures a combined club path/angle at impact which translates to a yardage right or left - this always shows as a hook or a slice even if it was a pull or a push. I found that the turf did not last very long and the supplied tethered ball eventually split. Both of these items can be replaced in the form of a 'reload' kit but you would probably be replacing these quite frequently depending on use. I prefer to hit balls into a net rather than use the tethered ball and have found that replacing the top level of green turf (not lower, impact rubber) with a simple rubber car mat (cut to shape/holes cut for the sensors [using impact rubber layer as template]) and gluing it onto the impact rubber works much better and far more durable.

The next level up is probably the Optishot which seems very popular but is almost double the price of the Launchpad but may offer more accuracy. Again going up a level, is a P3pro which again doubles in price over the Optishot. This trend seems to continue with each step up almost doubling the price until you reach the full blown 50000+ simulators.

It really depends on what you want from the simulator. In my opinion, no simulator, however expensive will ever be able to replicate actually playing a real round of golf (downhill/uphill lies, thick rough, bunkers etc..) so I prefer to think of them as driving range simulators where you can practice shots off a mat at home. Bear in mind that many of the more expensive sims do need to be used indoors under specific lighting conditions so you will need the indoor space. At least with the LaunchPad, it can be used outdoors.

Hope this helps.

[Aqualung]

Anyone evr try this?

http://www.dancindogg.com/whatisopti...ion=whatisopti

[binga7]

Thanks for the reply. I have since read a couple reveiws on the launchpad product and like you said, there are some bad and good reviews. I was mainly attracted to it because of the Tiger Woods PC game compatability, hoping to d/l Augusta and play on the hallowed turf. I was however skeptical of how it measures half swings and chips shots.

At this point I am not looking at a full on simulator, as I can pretty much play golf all year round where i live, not to mention space is limited, and i cant afford it.

I seem to prefer to practice outdoors for realistic results, so if i just want a bit of fun would it be better to just buy the wii version of Tiger Woods?

EDIT: So the more expensive simulators can show the push-hook, and pull slice?

[CassinoNorth]

So the more expensive simulators can show the push-hook, and pull slice?

Definitely.

If you have an extra $50,000 laying around http://www.fullswinggolf.com/ is easily the best out there. It's almost scary accurate.

[andyfive]

In a nutshell, the lower end simulators use technology (e.g infra red sensors) to measure the club only (Path, speed, angle). This is then translated into a simulated ball flight (based on the club you have told the system you are hitting) and shows this on the screen. In theory, as the Launchpad hardware measures all these factors it should be able to show push-slice and pull-hook. I have raised it with the manufacturers so may be they will release a firmware/software update in future. The more sensors, the better the accuracy.
The high end simulators use things like laser/radar technology as well as IR to measure both the ball flight (launch angle/spin rate etc..) and club to give almost inch-perfect accuracy. Like CassinoNorth says, it would be nice to have $50,000 to afford the best :)

For fun purposes, yes the wii would be a good option, but not with your own clubs. The Launchpad is a good entry-level option to use your own clubs, just don't set your expectations too high.

[binga7]

I see. I knew it was too good to be true lol!

So how much for something like what Bridgestone golf uses on their ball fittings. When i went to an expo they had a camera setup near the ball, and they claim its very accurate, which i doubt cos the guys told me i was hitting a low straight ball, with their low spin J38 Driver. Normally i have some sort of fade/slice with my Burner Driver.

[andyfive]

I suspect it was some sort of Launch Monitor which measured the ball speed/spin etc - something like these : http://www.accusport.com/ With regard accuracy, bear in mind they are trying to sell something (Balls/clubs) though!!!

[CassinoNorth]

I see. I knew it was too good to be true lol!

I don't trust Bridgestone's ball fitting as far as I could throw it.

Is it any wonder why I was fit for a Bridgestone ball?