Sim-in-a-box when enclosure is too big?

[griddle]

Context:

• I'm putting together my first sim.
• I have 8'5" ceilings, I understand the limitations.
• My heart is set on Foresight.
• It's in the garage of a rented house, I want something I can disassemble when I move.

As best I can tell, my best options are:

Option 1: Sim in a Box

• Sim in a Box from Costco
• Carl's Place enclosure (because Foresight enclosure needs 9' ceilings)

Option 2: Part it out

• $13.5k, GCQuad + FSX
• $3k, Pick out ~15 courses (Costco comes with 30)
• $3k, Computer and projector.
• $700 for fiberbuilt mat.
• Carl's Place enclosure.

They're approximately both $20k + an enclosure.

What would folks recommend? Costco? I get an extra enclosure I can maybe sell? But I lose the ability to pick a custom projector and computer. The mat that comes with the Sim in a Box is probably the exact one I'd buy. Or maybe there's a third option I'm not seeing?

[jasonreg]

Major advantage of Option 1 is the courses included. I had them put together a partial package for me but missed getting a couple of the premium courses (Pebble etc.). Will you be in the same house for long? If not, keeping the enclosure may be the way to go. I like the idea of a 1 stop shop to a certain degree.

That said, I am a firm believer that you are better off with Option 2. You get exactly what you are after and any trade-offs (computer, projector, screen, mat etc.) are up to you - you know exactly what you are getting and can plan an upgrade path easier if you can't get it all up front. Projector is on a cart off to one side for the SIB option - OK if you will never have a lefty hitting but a major PITA if you ever want this option. Also, you can get a much better projector / computer for the price. Lastly, given the space challenges you have, you can create a wood or steel pipe frame to maximize your space - anything "in a box" you will get what you get. 8.5 foot ceilings will get you going, maybe limit you to hybrid and lower etc. (you are aware of this) but it will also sprout upgrade fever over time - another reason to go component by component IMO.

My two cents,

[griddle]

Thanks for the reassuring thoughts. I'm OK with whatever computer because that's going to be easy to upgrade. The projector is where I get hung up because I don't really know much about projectors and I'd prefer a short throw. The one that comes with SIB (reportedly an Eiki 308U), needs a roughly 16' throw distance. I'm going to try to mount the projector either way.

For what it's worth, I'm a lefty.

I'll probably buy a house in the next few years so it's likely I'll stay in this house until then.

[nfear24]

I bought the Costco package. I really like it. I also wanted to pick and choose everything but it more than met my expectations getting the full package together. I have projector mounted at 15' on ceiling. When I tested it could be mounted from around 14' and still fill the screen. Projector is very bright. I can have my room well lit and easily see the screen. The frame could be cut down if needed to lower. Would have to modify a few things but could be done no problem. Only thing is if you move then you have now cut down the enclosure. Computer is very capable also. I have settings set at full graphics and it runs perfectly smooth.

[griddle]

Super helpful, thanks! PITA request incoming, and please refuse if you don't want to respond, but would you mind telling me what courses are included? I can't find it published anywhere? It shows the 7 premium courses (St Andrews + Monterey) and then says "plus 23 true to life courses". Are those 23 good courses?

Do you think I'll be able to mount the projector at 8.5' without casting a shadow? That's my current plan if I go with a SIB but I wasn't sure if it's feasible.

[nfear24]

No you wont be able to mount the projector Only 8.5' away. Unless if you dont care how small the screen would be. Minimum is about 14' to fill the screen. Mine is mounted 15' away and I am hitting from 10' and there are No shadows. Attached are some images and the courses.

[griddle]

Sorry, I mean mount it from 8.5' ceilings from ~14' away and not cast a shadow. I could try to do the math. It just seems with my low ceiling height, I might need to get a short throw projector if I want to mount it.

Thanks for the course list! And the setup pictures.

I haven't moved in yet but I did just swing by and measured the space. It looks like I only have 11'5" of unobstructed width. So the 16:10 aspect ratio of the projector isn't ideal anyway since I need a 4:3 ratio to fill my space. It almost makes me want to custom build an enclosure but I'm not sure I want to do that much work to get started.

[nfear24]

Also just so you know if you want the club data the costco package doesn't come with that so you will need to purchase that.

[griddle]

I think I'm OK without club data for the time being. I spent a lot of time with a GC2 + FSX at a commercial indoor range and got plenty of feedback from ball data alone. Maybe I'll change my mind one day. I just don't see $4k worth of value in it for me.

[madawu]

I am in the same position. Have a room with 9'6" high, but only 10'5" wide + 14' long. Love the simplicity of costco deal. Will Sim-in-a-box too big for me? Can I make it fit?

[griddle]

I'd recommend calling Foresight to ask. I'm fairly sure the enclosure will be too wide. And I'm not sure if the projector will work.

[nfear24]

I am in the same position. Have a room with 9'6" high, but only 10'5" wide + 14' long. Love the simplicity of costco deal. Will Sim-in-a-box too big for me? Can I make it fit?

Probably the only other option is when you order from website they have a custom option of 4:3 and its 11' wide, but still wide for your 10.5'. Cost more though and wouldn't be through the costco deal. I think the frame can be modified no problem. The problem is that all the enclosure material and screen is velcro to attach and custom for perfect size. Maybe if you could modify and sew the velcro so everything is smaller would be an option.