GC2 or GCQ?

[delaloi]

First time poster. Have read lots of great information on the forum, but have not seen a dedicated discussion of this topic.

I'm looking to buy a LM, and due to my home setup have pretty much landed on GC2 or GCQ. Price ranges for the various combinations range from around $10k (GC2 + FSX) to $18k (full setup GCQ), with GC2/HMT in the middle. The difference in price is significant but would not involve dipping into the kids'college fund. Whether it's "worth the money" depends what else one would do with the 8 grand, so that's not much of a question.

I will use the unit mostly for game improvement, and do not now envision a projector setup for sim play as my practice area is outside. (Will have to see if sim play without a projector is worthwhile.)

What I would like to hear are people's views on GCQ performance and features vs. GC2. For example:

- I understand that GCQ is better for alignment -- is this a significant differentiator when I'm hitting into a driving net without a projected screen?
- GCQ's bigger hitting window seems a convenience, but not a huge one, right?
- Are there real performance differences or is GC2 pretty much equal in terms of shot measurement?
- Any other differences I should be thinking about?

Many thanks in advance for feedback!

[aeroburner]

GC2 and HMT are almost identical in the thought of performance to the GCQ with the data that is given,
GCQ has no flash to replace and the hmt is intergrated into the unit so portability is a big plus
if you are going to play any software outside of FSX then GCQ is out

[mthunt]

IMO buy the GC2 with HMT. The biggest problem for Foresight is they made such a great product that you'll never need to replace it. Super accurate will always be super accurate. Aligning the GC2 is easy.

The features on the GCQ are good but not really enough for me.

[p3eps]

Here's my take on it...

There's no doubt that the GCQ is a better package. A single unit that does the same job of 2 pieces. If you're to be taking it out and about, then it's a much easier unit to transport and setup. The 6x larger hitting area is a big advantage if you want to hit from different surfaces, and the fact it doesn't have a 'consumable' flash means there are no ongoing maintenance costs. The built in barometer makes the unit adapt distances to your location, and the alignment function would be handy out and about too.
Accuracy wise, the GCQ is supposed to be more accurate, however the GC2 is so accurate that I doubt even a tour pro would be able to tell the difference!

I have a GC2 / HMT, and at the moment, I wouldn't consider upgrading. There's nothing on the list above that would make me consider spending an additional $8-9k (given the trade in values). If I was buying new, I might be a bit more influenced by the shiney new GCQ. Personally I'd still hold off though, as the GCQ is still going through some teething issues as all new products do. The GC2 has been on the market for several years and is a 'proven' device. You rarely hear of one failing.

As Aeroburner states above, the GCQ is locked and can only be used with FSX. No one knows it that's likely to change in the future. The GC2 can be used with numberous different simulation software packages (TGC / Protee / E6 / JNPG), as well as FSX.
For me, FSX is a great piece of software for both game improvement and simulation - but it is expensive. Buying single courses that retail at $155 each v's most other software giving them free or in packs.

It it all depends on your overall outlook. Personally I'd go with the GC2 / HMT / FSX, and use the extra money for a nice screen / enclosure / PC etc.

[Shawk]

I planned to add an HMT this winter but decided to get the GCQ instead about a month ago. I'd love to recommend one over the other but really can't... the others already covered both pretty well so I won't repeat them other than to say, either will be fantastic. Now, after saying that, I'll mention that I have no regrets getting the GCQ over just adding an HMT to the GC2 I had. Have fun either way!

[Lawyer]

How long lasts the flash unit of a Gc2 and how much money occurs to repair/change it? If I buy one used unit how can I see the conditions of the flash unit? Thanks guys for the help

[mthunt]

How long lasts the flash unit of a Gc2 and how much money occurs to repair/change it? If I buy one used unit how can I see the conditions of the flash unit? Thanks guys for the help

There's no way to see how long a used flash will last. New ones range from $50 for one from someone on this forum to $500 for a super flash.

[LEO MODE]

GC2+HMT = cheaper, less portable, smaller hitting area, accurate, needs flash change, has many different sim options, no barometer/altimeter built in.
GCQ = more expensive, portable, bigger hitting area, claims to be more precise in accuracy, doesn't need flash change, currently only has one sim option but could change, barometer/altimeter built in.

GC2+HMT = O,X,X,X,X,O,X
GCQ = X,O,O,O,O,X,O

I guess the winner is GCQ as long as you are willing to pay more and wait until you can use more multiple sims or satisfied with FSX only option!
Latest technology is usually better. iPhone 6 is still a good device but 7 is better. Some will say GC2+HMT is good enough because they already invested in it, but if Foresight says they'll trade Bluetooth enabled GCQ for free, then they'll take it for sure haha.

I am a TrackMan guy but I like GC series too.

[delaloi]

That's great, thanks. I will not have a permanent setup location for the device (will need to set it up new each time I use it) so I really don't see the HMT as ideal. Maybe I overrate this but it looks like a bit of a headache to move around. So I am probably looking at GC2 without HMT or GCQ.

I think people see the club data as the biggest thing when game improvement and not sim play is the primary use, right?

[Dax]

I think for most (including myself) having too much data can be dangerous.

[aeroburner]

yes the data is great for PGA instructors to read what is going on if you do online lessons but for the mild manner golfer its hard to decipher and to much data might get you lost and all of a sudden you are hitting left handed instead of right handed

[p3eps]

That's great, thanks. I will not have a permanent setup location for the device (will need to set it up new each time I use it) so I really don't see the HMT as ideal. Maybe I overrate this but it looks like a bit of a headache to move around. So I am probably looking at GC2 without HMT or GCQ.

I think people see the club data as the biggest thing when game improvement and not sim play is the primary use, right?

I thought a bit like you for a start, that the GC2 / HMT would be a pain the backside to setup / pack away. I too have a setup that involves me packing away my GC2 after use. I don't NEED to, but I don't like the idea of leaving something that valuable lying on my garage floor all the time. I often have the door open when cleaning my car / bike etc, so I'd rather it was as inconspicuous as possible when people walking / driving past glance in!

I've just videoed me setting mine up - and the HMT takes an additional 9 seconds ontop of the GC2 for me. That's my standard setup. I'm sure I could knock it down to less if I hurried!! The GC2 / HMT live in a Peli case, and I place them onto that green board that aligns for my indoor use.
Have a look at it here: https://youtu.be/UpSvrtnoTQ4

I also agree that the clubhead data can be too much for some. In FSX, you have to find it when playing courses - so it's not in your face all the time. I like having it for when a shot goes wrong. I can watch my video replay and get the clubhead data to find out what happened. My main problem with golf is that I'm inconsistent. I can be playing really well and then suddenly fall off the cliff and play bad shot after bad shot. The HMT is helping me figure out what goes wrong!!
I also find it good to be able to look through the FSX My Performance data online after playing a round - and I can analyze my shots there a few hours after.... rather than getting bogged down with it when playing.

[delaloi]

Great advice thanks. GCQ it is.

[Golfbeat]

What about the putting module on the GCQ?

[LEO MODE]

What about the putting module on the GCQ?

last time which was like 3-4 months ago GCQ didn’t have a putting software ready. I don’t know about now.