ES 16 practices for best results

[Stonebattle]

It seems to me that some are having better results than others. I was wondering what those of you, that are having better results, are doing prior to and during play.

For example:
I practiced on one of TGC ranges today. I hit about 50 shots with wedges, irons and the driver. I have to say the unit did not miss a shot. That is, I could call every shot before I saw it displayed. I measured many for vertical and horizontal launch angle and there was not a single vertical or horizontal launch angle that was more then 1.5 degrees different than my measurement. The distances were also reasonable.

I did two things different than normal. First, once the TGC range was loaded, I turned the unit off for a few seconds and then back on for a few seconds before I took a swing. Second, I placed the ball very close to the CAL 1 location for every shot.

I did my normal measurements to make certain that both sides of the mat were equal distance from the screen, insured my target path pointed directly to the center of the circle in TGC, placed an alignment stick on the target path and made sure the ES 16 unit was parallel to that path. I make sure the ES 16 unit is straight up and down by using a T square.

Of course, I will need to repeat this several times to see if these things actually help results and are not a fluke, but these results do makes me wonder what others are doing.

[Stonebattle]

My ES 16 works well at times. It's not clear to me what I can to do get this thing to repeat those good readings on demand. By sharing what I have observed, I was hoping I could change the dialog from one of, well complaining to one of working together to help Ernest Sports and each other.

It seems some are having good results. So, what do you guys do to get those results? Do you just turn the unit on and it works or have you found a way to improve results?
Any info from those of you with good results might be helpful

[p3eps]

Switch it off, go to the driving range, estimate from the markers / flags how far you hit it.
Seems that’s probably as accurate.

[Stonebattle]

P3:
Thanks for the replay. I have switched the unit off and then gone to the driving range, switched it back on and tried to sort of calibrate it. Still, I'm not sure I know quite what you mean?
Can you explain further?

[p3eps]

It’s not the same when you have to explain your jokes!
I mean it’s a total waste of time / money... switch it off and don’t bother using it. Simply guess how far you’ve hit it.

[Stonebattle]

Oh, well I guess it went over my head

[Lefty13]

Good idea for a thread Stonebattle! I also shared the initial frustrations with it but find it's working well nowadays! One thing that I find helps is using the right shoes... I've heard this can affect other launch monitors as well. I try not to wear anything too bright or reflective. My normal golf shoes work well where as running shoes with reflectors cause issues.

[Lefty13]

I've been getting the ball to bounce once and check quite nicely actually using the SRIXON Balls... also feel the Bridgestone e6 is working well with it too!!

[Stonebattle]

Good call, I did not even think of my shoes, but should have. I have white golf shoes and that very well could make a difference.

I like to use Bridgestone B332 RXS golf balls because of their feel. The black direction indicator on them seems to be an issue at times, so I take a file and knock down the tops of without getting into the dimples. Breaks up the black and seems to make things better. I have not taken data to confirm though.

I use the Srixon soft feel golf balls as well. They have a direction indicator that is green and the ladies version is a light red or perhaps pink. I use both and can't tell a difference in them. They work well.

[Stonebattle]

Lefty:
Well, I used it for about an hour today with my brown shoes and I did not have to reset it one time. I hope that reflects things to come.

[Bubba22]

Srixon and Bridgestone ball logo work well. I also keep it plugged in full time so there are no issues with power for Bluetooth or better yet the flash. With your teed shot make sure you use a dark tee as I find it works better than a white tee. White woods tend to have more misses as well. Make sure the unit is level with the mat and parallel with the target. Do the calibration for what it's worth. I think I see better results in a well lit room than a dark room.

[Stonebattle]

Bubba:
I was wondering about lighting as well. I have not taken data, but it seems to me that the ES 16 works better with the right amount of light. Not to much, but not to little.

[Bubba22]

I agree Stone. I use the Protee overhead lights. It seems better with them on.

[Stonebattle]

I thought I might update this thread to the latest I have.
For best results:
Use black or dark blue golf tees
Keep white shoes or other light colored items out of the background
Use golf balls with distinct black logos
I use Srixon soft feel or Bridgestone B332 RX golf balls with the direction indication knocked down with a file
Use golf balls with a lighter colored alignment and number designator
Place the ball with the logo pointing horizontally towards the unit
Calibrate the unit on as flat a surface as you can get, and check that surface with a level
When using the unit, make sure the unit is placed on a flat surface and check the surface with a level
Make sure the unit is setting flat on the surface
Make sure the unit is setting parallel with the target line
Have enough light such that it is easy to see the mat, but don't make it bright
Lighting may be best above and behind the unit
We have found that ES appears to be using a calculation that modifies the ball speed based on the club selection
It's not much, but it represents about 1 to 2 percent per club depending on loft
I find it best to use about a 32 degree, plus or minus 2 degrees, loft for a 7 iron and go up or down from there depending the lofts in you set
I still do a clean restart before I turn on the software
I also do not turn the unit on until the range is ready to go
If the club selection is different on the unit then the software, I change the club with the arrows on the unit unit it matches the software, then I select the club in the software from then on
If I change ranges or courses in TGC, I turn the unit off until I am set to go

I know, a lot of stuff

[Bubba22]

Thanks Stone. Good suggestions.

[Stonebattle]

Thanks Bubba, it has not been easy in this forum of late