New here... Hello from the UK

[wokman]

Hello everyone from (Old) England. Always wanted to have a golf sim, but houses this side of the pond are generally very small. Recently moved into a place where we have a double garage. It is 5m wide x 5m deep (5m = approx 16feet) but just shy of 8feet tall. Currently looking to increase the height to approx 10feet - thats the tradeoff achieved with the Mrs who wants to have new kitchen. It will be a few months before that happens, but am keen to get started on the sim, so that my 6 yr old die hard golf loving Jr can start hitting a few balls.

While, most of the posts on the forum are very useful, they are more applicable for the US. I am trying to create a decent entry level sim and am wondering where can I find some of these supplies in the UK. I have a range mat from my course.. Now looking at the Screens and Enclosure. Currently looking to go down the Optishot 2 route - this can change as I learn more about sims. While we currently dont park our car in the garage, would need to have some form of flexibility to do in the future. So hoping to use no more than half of the garage for this. Looking to keep everything under £1K for everything and happy to go second hand on most things.

All thoughts welcome... and Hello again.

[p3eps]

Have a look at my build thread: http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...lator-build-uk

I started in the same position as you trying to kit out my double garage in the UK. I'm still finalising my setup with some ceiling protection and then maybe some form of soundproofing (as my wife complains about the noise!), but my setup is very usable just now. My main issue is finding time to use it with a 9 week old baby!!

[wokman]

Have a look at my build thread: http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...lator-build-uk

I started in the same position as you trying to kit out my double garage in the UK. I'm still finalising my setup with some ceiling protection and then maybe some form of soundproofing (as my wife complains about the noise!), but my setup is very usable just now. My main issue is finding time to use it with a 9 week old baby!!

Thnx p3eps, your post is very useful.. I am pretty much following your footsteps (expect the baby part).. Would be very useful to know where you sourced all your kit from.
I would love to have a GC2, but wont get it cleared by the Mrs - esp since the money in the pot is going towards the kitchen
Hence thinking of going down the Optishot 2 route. At 400 quid it is not cheap, but way less than the GC2. I havent seen the US pricing for the GC2, but fleabay says about $3-5K.

[p3eps]

A new GC2 was a little over $6k... but the UK price is £6475 including VAT.
Perhaps the price will come down a bit now that SkyTrak is on the go and will be offering full simulation?

My net / curtains came from www.golftechsystems.com. The projected image is reasonable, but I think it would be much better with a balistic type screen.
One day I'll upgrade it when I eventually get enough time to get some proper use out of it! For now, it works well though.

Golf is an expensive hobby anyway, and golf simulation is way more expensive than the real thing!!!

[wokman]

GC2 is a distant dream,, Spoke to someone selling the ProTee in the UK, it worked out to about £4K.
So looks like it is Optishot 2 for me.. at about 350 quid, I can just about squeeze past the Mrs. Re the netting, I cant find anything cheap, so planning to get regular golf net & impact nets from http://www.networld-sports.co.uk/onl...act-panel.html... I dont think i will be able to project onto that, but for the time being, will use a laptop to run the shots. Next up will be the projector and possibly a shower curtain from Argos

[Brettster]

Hey Wokman,

. I dont think i will be able to project onto that, but for the time being, will use a laptop to run the shots. Next up will be the projector and possibly a shower curtain from Argos

You don't really need one if you setup the net in front of a white wall, you project onto the wall that way. I just saw a great youtube video of a guy who built one of these in his garage (here in the USA), check it out here, maybe it will give you some ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeezGsP9h9k

Also, while others may balk at cheap sims, I'm in the same boat. You may also want to look at one more option, the P3Pro comes in at around $799 USD, and already has Live Online play and tournaments, check it here on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/P3ProSwing-Pro-Package-for-Clubs/dp/B0051I2E9G

Or, find the Specs for a computer setup from the P3Pro website at:

https://p3proswing.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/27594-p3proswing-virtual-golf-courses-system-requirements

Good luck, let me know what you decide...

Thanks,
-Brett

[Brettster]

Wokman, here's one more video that may be a bit more practical for you, it shows how someone setup the P3Pro system and a 'fold-up' stance mat, to squeeze it all into a single, or 1 1/2 Garage (by USA standards). Very nice work, and an option that I am also considering:

[wokman]

Thanks guys.. Is the general consensus that P3Pro is much better than Optishot. I cant find UK prices for P3P, so have dropped them a note.
I got a half decent price for Optishot 2 and this may swing the balance to them. From a setup point of view it looks like they are very similar, so all the ideas mentioned above should work.
I have read that the lightening for Optishot is critical, so will be interesting to see how it works here..

[Brettster]

Hi Wokman,

P3 (65 optical sensors)
There are a few different versions of the P3Pro system, there is the Economy version $799 (20 courses with a 6 months warranty), which would be about: 525 Pounds in UK:

http://www.p3proswing.com/site/shop/pro-economy.html

Tthen you have the Pro X Plus system $1,399 with (132 courses and a 2 year warranty) which is about in 920 Pounds in the UK:

http://www.p3proswing.com/site/shop/prox-plus.html

Here's a full comparison of all the P3Pro systems:

http://www.p3proswing.com/site/comparison

From what I understand there are several advantages to P3Pro over Optishot. 1.) P3Pro already has online play, 2.) P3Pro seems to be updated regularly (as in every month or so), 3.) P3Pro has 65 sensors, while Optishot has 2 rows of LED sensors. 4.) P3Pro offers an optional launch angle camera giving even more accurate data,

Here's a recent forum link from P3Pro with one guys opinion:

http://www.p3proswing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=865

The OptiShot is a club tracker (detailed information, but less accurate than a ball tracker or launch angle monitor, and sensitive to lighting conditions, texture and painted clubs).

Here's the total breakdown - there's no way I would consider OptiShot, it's just too inaccurate, I would go with the P3Pro and the Pro X Plus System if you really want to get accurate:
--
Optishot $400 (club tracker):
============
clubhead speed
face angle
swing path
distance traveled
face contact
swing tempo
shot shape

Practice and Play (up to 4 players)
-online play is coming, but not yet available

* stickers/tape may be required to track club, even then may have trouble tracking drivers.

P3Pro Economy - $800 (club tracker with launch angle/camera input available):
============
hit distance
carrry distance
club speed
ball speed
swing tempo
left/right center
left/right path
toe/heel height

Practice and Play (up to 8 players)
- Video Capture/swing analysis software
- online play


* stickers may be required to track club, patented P3 taping system can read any club.
--

Here's a great video that compares the Optishot vs. P3Pro. It does a fairly good job, but the video is over 1 year old, so as for graphics in P3Pro, they may be enhanced by now, and as for online play with OptiShot - it's planned, but there's nothing I can find for online play yet with OptiShot:

[Brettster]

Thanks guys.. Is the general consensus that P3Pro is much better than Optishot. I cant find UK prices for P3P, so have dropped them a note.
I got a half decent price for Optishot 2 and this may swing the balance to them. From a setup point of view it looks like they are very similar, so all the ideas mentioned above should work.
I have read that the lightening for Optishot is critical, so will be interesting to see how it works here..

Well, it's more accurate according to about everyone that has played both, here's some more details...
---

P3 (65 optical sensors)
There are a few different versions of the P3Pro system, there is the Economy version $799 (20 courses with a 6 months warranty), which would be about: 525 Pounds in UK:
(See P3ProSwing.com website)

Tthen you have the Pro X Plus system $1,399 with (132 courses and a 2 year warranty) which is about in 920 Pounds in the UK:
(See P3ProSwing.com website)

Here's a full comparison of all the P3Pro systems:

http://www.p3proswing.com/site/comparison

From what I understand there are several advantages to P3Pro over Optishot. 1.) P3Pro already has online play, 2.) P3Pro seems to be updated regularly (as in every month or so), 3.) P3Pro has 65 sensors, while Optishot has 2 rows of LED sensors. 4.) P3Pro offers an optional launch angle camera giving even more accurate data,

Here's a recent forum link from P3Pro with one guys opinion:

http://www.p3proswing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=865

The OptiShot is a club tracker (detailed information, but less accurate than a ball tracker or launch angle monitor, and sensitive to lighting conditions, texture and painted clubs).

Here's the total breakdown - there's no way I would consider OptiShot, it's just too inaccurate, I would go with the P3Pro and the Pro X Plus System if you really want to get accurate:
--
Optishot $400 (club tracker):
============
clubhead speed
face angle
swing path
distance traveled
face contact
swing tempo
shot shape

Practice and Play (up to 4 players)
-online play is coming, but not yet available

* stickers/tape may be required to track club, even then may have trouble tracking drivers.

P3Pro Economy - $800 (club tracker with launch angle/camera input available):
============
hit distance
carrry distance
club speed
ball speed
swing tempo
left/right center
left/right path
toe/heel height

Practice and Play (up to 8 players)
- Video Capture/swing analysis software
- online play


* stickers may be required to track club, patented P3 taping system can read any club.
--

Here's a great video that compares the Optishot vs. P3Pro. It does a fairly good job, but the video is over 1 year old, so as for graphics in P3Pro, they may be enhanced by now, and as for online play with OptiShot - it's planned, but there's nothing I can find for online play yet with OptiShot:

[Brettster]

Thanks guys.. Is the general consensus that P3Pro is much better than Optishot. I cant find UK prices for P3P, so have dropped them a note.
I got a half decent price for Optishot 2 and this may swing the balance to them. From a setup point of view it looks like they are very similar, so all the ideas mentioned above should work.
I have read that the lightening for Optishot is critical, so will be interesting to see how it works here..

Well, it's generally considered more accurate, I've put together a post that compares the two, but for some strange reason, this forum will not let me post it???

If you want the details PM me here...

Thanks,
-Brett

[Brettster]

Here's a full comparison of all the P3Pro systems:

http://www.p3proswing.com/site/comparison

From what I understand there are several advantages to P3Pro over Optishot. 1.) P3Pro already has online play, 2.) P3Pro seems to be updated regularly (as in every month or so), 3.) P3Pro has 65 sensors, while Optishot has 2 rows of LED sensors. 4.) P3Pro offers an optional launch angle camera giving even more accurate data,

Here's a recent forum link from P3Pro with one guys opinion:

http://www.p3proswing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=865

The OptiShot is a club tracker (detailed information, but less accurate than a ball tracker or launch angle monitor, and sensitive to lighting conditions, texture and painted clubs).

Here's the total breakdown - there's no way I would consider OptiShot, it's just too inaccurate, I would go with the P3Pro and the Pro X Plus System if you really want to get accurate:
--
Optishot $400 (club tracker):
============
clubhead speed
face angle
swing path
distance traveled
face contact
swing tempo
shot shape

Practice and Play (up to 4 players)
-online play is coming, but not yet available

* stickers/tape may be required to track club, even then may have trouble tracking drivers.

P3Pro Economy - $800 (club tracker with launch angle/camera input available):
============
hit distance
carry distance
club speed
ball speed
swing tempo
left/right center
left/right path
toe/heel height

Practice and Play (up to 8 players)
- Video Capture/swing analysis software
- online play


* stickers may be required to track club, patented P3 taping system can read any club.
--

Here's a great video that compares the Optishot vs.P3Pro. It does a fairly good job, but the video is over 1 year old, so as for graphics in P3Pro, they may be enhanced by now, and as for online play with OptiShot - it's planned, but there's nothing I can find for online play yet with OptiShot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwMfl0wcZWo

[wokman]

I believe Optishot Live is now part of Optishot 2.. so that takes care of one angle. However cannot take away the fact that P3P proabably is far more accurate than Optishot due to additionall sensors. But it is still double the cost!! I dont think I can justify it at the moment. Maybe use the Optishot for a few years and then 'graduate' to P3P? Unless I can find a second hand P3P somewhere

Had mailed P3P but no response from them, while Opti guys were fairly quick to respond..

[wbond]

I have opti, P3 and skytrak.
Accuracy:Skytrak>P3>Opti
Opti does have online play, and every week they usually have a premium course to play for free and you get a chance to win free premium courses for life.
Getting a used P3 is fine and they also sell refurb units, i wouldn't hesitate to go this route.
Opti is easier to use than P3, obviously this is my own personal opinion.
Opti is more prone to ambient lighting issues.
Opti and P3 are both club trackers, no ball data, unless you add the LA camera to the P3, that would then be the only ball measurement that it would do.
You have to tape clubs for both opti and P3. Irons you can usually get away without taping on both systems.
P3 does update a lot more frequently, good or bad.
For me, graphics are a wash between both, but I don't have a high end projector or the best screen to get the best the image.

[FaultyClubs]

A friend and I have both also. To reject the Optishot as "just too inaccurate" while considering the P3pro is rubbish. Properly setup the the raw club data is very similar and can be used for gross adjustments given enough thought and care. I wouldn't make any swing decisions based on depicted shot shape from either system. If you want a good starter system pick the one you fall in love with. They can be a lot of fun provided you don't take them too seriously. If you want accuracy look elsewhere. If you are going to upgrade later, try not to spend too much money now.