Launch Monitor suggestions

[wackozb4]

I'm looking to get a reasonably affordable launch monitor for Christmas and have tried to review everyone i can find but can't decide which is the best. Does anyone have any suggestions on ones they've used that would be best for the price? 

[Divotmaker77]

Completely depends on what you consider "reasonably affordable".  To some, a $20-25k Trackman is a reasonable cost.  My guess is you are looking for something much cheaper.  I have the Skytrak which is around $2k.  Its not perfect but for the money it is a pretty good device.  If you can spend more, I would get the GC2.  Much better than the Skytrak when using outside. I believe it is in the $4-6k range.

In order from best to worst (strangely enough coincides with cost)

- Trackman, Flightscope, GC2, Skytrak    There are several others like HD Golf which a lot of pros use in their homes, etc. but these are the most popular.  Optishot is junk unless you simply are on a very tight budget and want something to have some fun with during the winter.

[iacas]

5 hours ago, Divotmaker77 said:

In order from best to worst (strangely enough coincides with cost)

I disagree with that… the Flightscope was more accurate and more consistent in our test than the Trackman, and it wasn't even particularly close.

The FlightScope X3 is a pretty great update too.

[OrangeHog]

I love my SkyTrak.  If you want something to use outside then I'll admit it's not ideal.  I've used it before and it's generally ok but if anything gets it off level the data can become inaccurate.  Kind of a pain in the butt to have to keep checking the little level on the top of it every shot or two.

That said, however, I've found it to be really accurate when hit indoors off my mat in the garage.  For the price it's hard to beat.  If you can find a GC2 used for a good price then that's a really solid LM.  I wish I had the cash to drop on a Trackman or Flightscope.

[Divotmaker77]

On 12/7/2016 at 10:34 PM, iacas said:

I disagree with that… the Flightscope was more accurate and more consistent in our test than the Trackman, and it wasn't even particularly close.

The FlightScope X3 is a pretty great update too.

I have heard that from a few folks.  My club just got a flightscope but have not been able to use it yet.  Looking forward to using it when the weather breaks.  Have never had a true outside fitting experience so look forward to using it for that purpose.  For now, I do enjoy my Skytrak when I am able to use it.  Has been a hit with the buddies.  Great tool to work on your swing with (especially during the winter).  

[JonMA1]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Ernest Sports ES14 Pro?

https://store-861a0.mybigcommerce.com/es14-golf-launch-monitor/

I don't think these are simulators in the manner that you can play a simulated round of golf with them. It looks like they just provide launch data?

[iacas]

12 hours ago, JonMA1 said:

Does anyone have an opinion on the Ernest Sports ES14 Pro?

https://store-861a0.mybigcommerce.com/es14-golf-launch-monitor/

I don't think these are simulators in the manner that you can play a simulated round of golf with them. It looks like they just provide launch data?

Not a fan. It just tracks ball speed, so if you thin one sometimes it'll say you hit your 7-iron 200 yards or somesuch.