FSX vs. TGC

[mfsteve]

I am close to purchasing my first launch monitor and would appreciate some feedback regarding the difference between the FSX and TGC software.
I am most interested in using the launch monitor for training and swing improvement but a close second is for the enjoyment of playing on a simulator. I definitely want club data. The ability to take it out to the range is attractive to me.
I was ready to pull the trigger on the GCquad but was disappointed to discover it wouldn't work with third party software. In reviewing the course samples, the FSX graphics seem “flatter” and less realistic than other software like TGC.
I understand that the GC2 will work with other software but then I'm sacrificing the mobility of the quad.

For GC2 users who have used FSX and TGC (and others), what are your thoughts on the differences between the two?
Do the TGC courses look that much more realistic on full screen?
How is your time divided between the courses for each and why?
Should I be considering more than the visual aspect of the courses when choosing software?
What is the likelihood of the Foresight changing the compatibility of the quad going forward? I wonder if enabling the Bluetooth would be enough?

[p3eps]

This is definitely a style vs substance thing.
I own both, and you're right... TGC is much more visually impressive than FSX.
To me, that's where the benefits of TGC end.

For practice and game improvement, there is no contest. FSX wins hands down. It's unlikely the GCQ will be able to play 'other' software anytime soon. I've got a GC2/HMT, and the data I get back in FSX is invaluable.

For simulation, it maybe doesn't look as good, but it plays better too. I always feel TGC plays very 'arcadey', but FSX plays more like I'd expect a course to play in real life.

Although I own both FSX and TGC, I haven't loaded up TGC for nearly a year since I bought FSX... and probably won't load it again.

[mfsteve]

Does any of the ball or club data carry over to TGC?

[mfsteve]

Is there any flexibility in FSX to how the ball and club data appear or do you simply access the "Ball page" and "club page"? Can you add some specs that appear on the screen when playing a FSX course?

[p3eps]

TGC will show you ball data, but not any "real" club data. It makes up what club path it thinks you had based on the ball data... but won't take the data from the launch monitor.

If you're in practice on FSX, then it displays all the data after each shot on the screen.
If you're playing a round, it only gives you the carry distance - and the rest is accessed by pressing a button on the screen.

You always have the data displayed on the actual GC2 / GCQ screen anyway. You could choose to have the GC2/GCQ connected to the PC by USB, and have an iPad connected by bluetooth to display the club / ball data permanently.

[sharbel]

I'm in the exact same boat, with the exact dilemma. For what it is worth, I've asked around as well, and am receiving similar reports as p3eps. I am pretty much decided to go the GCQ/FSX route since my main goal is to improve my game.

[mfsteve]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.

[DFDubb]

TGC is a video game. A very cool one, but video game nonetheless that simply uses the data from your LM to play. I find TGC annoyingly complex trying to do simple things while trying to play a round and it is because it simply wasn't designed for SIM golf. I actually don't get the hype about it on this board and am about to scrap it. If game/swing improvement is your ultimate goal, FSX is a no brainer.

[p3eps]

I actually don't get the hype about it on this board and am about to scrap it.

This forum is run and operated by ProTee, hence why it is so pro TGC!
They've posted a comprehensive list about which s software came from which computer game before. Essentially, all sim software was originally derived from a PC game.
Personally, I feel TGC is very early in its sim adaptation - hence why it's a bit awkward and missing some essential features.
Although FSX is relatively new, its based on FR1 which has been sim software for years. There are still plenty of bugs hidden in there, but I feel it actually plays less like a game.

[Stingreye]

I used FSX for FSX live and the webcam/range integration. Its awesome. The combine is pretty good too. However, I prefer both TGC and PG for sim playing. Putting on FSX seems off but I haven't messed with the settings much

[mthunt]

The reason I bought TGC over FSX was course selection and price. FSX has better features. TGC has a lot of really good courses. One is a heck of a lot less money and there you have it.

[p3eps]

I can’t comment on the putting on FSX as I don’t putt in my sim. I don’t see the point, as hitting off a flat mat isn’t going to simulate a real green with contours... and aiming via a keyboard.

TGC may have in excess of 100k courses... but the majority of them are created by someone on a PS4 / Xbox! Yes, there are some really dedicated people around here creating ‘protee’ specific ones that are designed for playing on a sim, but that’s a small portion of the courses available.
I’ve played many TGC courses over the 2 years I used it and though WTF is this! It wouldn’t be so bad if there was a preview. At least when I buy an FSX course, I know that I’m getting something designed solely in mind for playing with a GC2 / GCQ.