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.

[Bubba22]

I agree with FaultyClubs and wbond. These last 2 posts by them summarize all you need to know about the systems. This has been discussed to death and the conclusion never changes. These are good starter systems and can be fun for what they are!

[wokman]

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.

The current offers on the table are about
1) $500 for Optishot 2 in the UK.
2) $700 for P3Pro Refurb + $120 shipping + unknown UK VAT/Customs
3) $800 for new P3Pro + $120 shipping + unknown UK VAT/Customs

I could get someone in the US to carry it for me or find a cheaper courier to beat the UPS extortion. But even then I think the P3P is priced out. It is good to note that the Optishot is not just a toy but can provide some useful data and entertainment.,

A curveball would be
1) the Optishot 1 is on offer at Dicks for $200. Could buy that and then upgrade the software at $100. This will save a few shillings. Anyone gone down the upgrade route?

[billydruce]

As with anything buy the correct thing first time, if you don't you will only end up buying it at a later date. I say forget them and go either skytrak or flightscope.

[wokman]

As with anything buy the correct thing first time, if you don't you will only end up buying it at a later date. I say forget them and go either skytrak or flightscope.

Dont fuel my wet dreams mate..
I am assuming that both of them are way out of budget for me. Also not sure how well will a doppler system work inside a garage setup that is less than 3m (10ft) deep. I did ask for pricing for the GC2.. worked out to over £5K!! At those levels it is choice of paying the mortgage or practice in the garage...

[FaultyClubs]

A curveball would be
1) the Optishot 1 is on offer at Dicks for $200. Could buy that and then upgrade the software at $100. This will save a few shillings. Anyone gone down the upgrade route?

People have, it's possible. If you want online play then you'll need to upgrade. Optishot 2 is exactly the same hardware so no improvements except online play plus a few minor tweaks. I think depending on the date of the Optishot 1 the upgrade may be free (check Optishot site for details). Email Optishot and confirm whatever you are concerned about before doing it, they answer emails fairly well.

Hard to beat $200. Accuracy will cost you 10x that at least (probably more like 20x if you want game simulation). Only you know if it is worth it. Upgrading later to accurate system won't waste much since you can sell the Optishot easily. Worst case, if you sell for $100 then it only cost you $100 to gain experience, have a bunch of fun and know for sure you need to spend big dollars to be happy. Or you might find you are happy and nothing more needs spending. Either way, unless you do something dumb, the dollars involved don't seem to make it a high stress decision.

[wokman]

People have, it's possible. If you want online play then you'll need to upgrade. Optishot 2 is exactly the same hardware so no improvements except online play plus a few minor tweaks. I think depending on the date of the Optishot 1 the upgrade may be free (check Optishot site for details). Email Optishot and confirm whatever you are concerned about before doing it, they answer emails fairly well.

Hard to beat $200. Accuracy will cost you 10x that at least (probably more like 20x if you want game simulation). Only you know if it is worth it. Upgrading later to accurate system won't waste much since you can sell the Optishot easily. Worst case, if you sell for $100 then it only cost you $100 to gain experience, have a bunch of fun and know for sure you need to spend big dollars to be happy. Or you might find you are happy and nothing more needs spending. Either way, unless you do something dumb, the dollars involved don't seem to make it a high stress decision.

Well said...

Anyways.. have reached a decision.. Have bought an Optishot 2. They were kind enough to give a Father's day discount of $100 and it ships from the UK, so no more to pay.
The Dicks one is good. But it would need a $100 update to Optishot 2 software + c$80 shipping + unknown UK Customs. So in this case the difference was down to $50 or less and the guys at Optishot were super helpful and I liked their responsiveness..

Thumbs up for Optishot... and now a proper member of the golf sim world.
Now to get the other bits and bobs organised.

[Tommi]

Can I ask where did you buy it? The fathers day deal and shipping from UK sounds good.

I think Optishot would be enough for my kids at the moment. I would buy SkyTrak if they would ship it to Finland..

[wokman]

Can I ask where did you buy it? The fathers day deal and shipping from UK sounds good.

I think Optishot would be enough for my kids at the moment. I would buy SkyTrak if they would ship it to Finland..

Tommy.. check with Optishot directly.. they ship from their UK warehouse and so no UK tax, but has a $10 shipping. They havent advertised their father's day yet, but it is likekly to be soon. PM me and I will send you the details...
Whereabouts are you in the UK?