Honest answers on GC2 software needs

[Danielwt]

Hi everybody...

Been having a blast reading through all of your threads; thank you for such amazing info. My hope is to add valuable insight someday (soon) too!

With that said, I need help...
I'm in discussions with a GC2 rep right now, and he's giving me very short answers; seemingly only opening the "can of worms" -- just barely enough -- to get the sale. Comes across as a pretty decent guy, but too much sales technique for me... Won't even budge on price... Who spends ~10k on ANYTHING without negotiations! lol... I might have to find a used unit if he continues to be unrealistic...

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Background: My #1 goal, today, is to find an extremely accurate indoor launch monitor for PRACTICE. I want the ability to hit balls, in my house, rather than having to go to the range everyday... Sim sounds cool/fun, but that can come later, if I'm impressed enough / interested enough, down the road...
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Anyways, here are my questions for those of you in the "know," and willing to help!
1) Is software absolutely necessary to hit balls into a net in my garage? I don't need a "simulated ball flight." Top down view is okay, which I've read comes with the IOS ipad app. I'm primarily interested in numbers (distance, spin, launch angle, etc.). I'd like to 'know' path, but I don't need to 'see' path.. I'm fine with seeing numbers (or top down view) that shows me the ball carried 165 yards, and went 5 yards left of target... Recommendations?

2) Initially he told me that I "needed FSX." After reading through these forums, however, I realized that there are other options. When I presented this to him, he mentioned that "all third party software is illegal to use with GC2." He then offered a cheaper option than FSX (which is FR1)... What are your thoughts? And yes, I have read through MANY of the FSX vs TGC threads... Just looking for any additional/valuable information specific to my wants/needs.

3) I cannot find, anywhere, what 'comes' with FSX. His quote says that "courses are $99/year." Really??? Is there a way to buy courses that don't have an annual subscription? I'm primarily interested in a driving range, and potentially 1-2 courses.... That's it... Not using it (necessarily) for "sim"....primary goal is practice... When you bought FSX, did it REALLY, ONLY, come as stand alone software? No "free" course, no "free" driving range, etc...?????

4) HMT: If I forgo the FSX software (or any software) for now (to potentially purchase later), do you think HMT is necessary for what my needs are? To reiterate: My #1 goal, today, is to find an extremely accurate indoor launch monitor for PRACTICE.. Playing sim rounds sounds fun/interesting, but right now I'm primarily concerned with having the ability to hit balls without having to go to the driving range...


Thanks for looking!!!

Daniel

UPDATE; Re additional courses with FSX: I just re-checked my emailed quote, based on a previous post - and I WAS WRONG ABOUT THE $99/YEAR. The quote from the rep at Foresight reads, $99/per, NOT $99/year... I misread this, and have been telling people that they (Foresight) told me $99/year...

[fortysixandtwo]

When I first got my gc2 used with the fr1 and dongle, I contacted foresight and they sent me a link for the latest version of fr1 to download with my gc2. I have the dongle, and was told it was 500.00 to replace it if lost. I wish they came out with a key like TGC that way you wouldn't have to worry about losing the dang thing, but it's nice not having to be tied to the internet. What if the internet is down for some reason and you wanted to practice with fsx without a dongle?? Those extra courses for fr1 should be dirt cheap by now, but I don't see that happening...

[p3eps]

Here's a thought...
As there is no discount available for buying the GC2 / Software as a package, why not just buy the GC2 on it's own for a start and see how you get on.
I bought the GC2 and the iPad app, and spent a few months just using that. Once I felt like I needed more (and had a projector and screen set up), I bought TGC for simulation.
I still use the Foresight iPad app for practicing in both my garage and at the range. When I have friends round, or fancy a round of indoor golf, I use TGC.
When I bought TGC, it came with ProTee, so I sometimes use ProTee for practice too.

On another note - there is a free demo version of FR1 that you can try before you buy. It's limited, but works fine.

[Jeff Lepak]

I bought my GC2 from Foresight 2 weeks ago. They did offer discounts on software, courses, and the unit when I bought it. I bought FSX and 5 courses. My plan is to by TGC here in the new future. So far I enjoy the FSX software for practice. It allows me to add all my clubs and keep detailed reports and stats on each club in my bag so I can see where I am now and how things change in the future. I probably would not buy the courses again and would have just taken the free one and used the range and eventually bought TGC. I am loving everything about it right now!

[legendsfan]

Any chance you can share with me what type of discounts you were seeing on the unit?