First time setup

[asteen]

Long-time listener, first-time caller. I've wanted a golf simulator for a long time. As the technology has gotten better, I've had my eye on one, but I've never had a house that would work. Well, we're moving, hopefully for the last time for a long time, and I'm making sure to get a room with high enough ceilings that I can swing away. I'm pretty well convinced that I'll be getting a SkyTrak as I don't need clubhead information and I don't think a GC2 is within my price range. Is there anything else in the $2-3k range I should consider?

So, I have many questions. I've tried to read as much as I can (and I've been reading forums like this for years), but its hard to keep up with the very latest. It looks like The Golf Club and one other software package are the two best at the moment, is there a recent thread that compares the two? I'd like to be able to play and work on my game as well as allow others to use the system easily (wife, Dad, friends). Also, we haven't settled on a house yet, is there a minimum distance I should be back from where the ball hits the screen for best results? Is there a ceiling height beyond what I need to swing that is necessary?

Last question, I can't decide between ordering a pre-built setup or trying to build one myself. Are the pre-built setups good enough or do they have serious drawbacks that I could remedy doing it myself?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm excited, but nervous at the same time. I want to get it right the first time!

Thanks in advance.

[wbond]

In the 2-3k range you've got skytrak and protee. For protee you need to follow their recommended setup distances. For skytrak, you can be as close or far away as you want from the screen. I would say you want your ceiling to be at least 9' minimum. More is definitely better as it doesn't feel as cramped and gives more play for the projector placement. Build your own setup, it's quite simple and will save you a lot of money. More than likely you will not get it right the first time, i think most on here have re-done things multiple times, some more than others.

[Stevew]

If you can afford another $1k. There are some refurbed ES16's for sale on the forum. For that, It is much better than skytrak. I know you don't need Club Head info, but you will save $1600 off retail.

[BadEddieKit]

My 2 cents.. I personally don't think there is any better VALUE than a Skytrak, with TGC. First of all the Skytrak has proven to be accurate and measures the ball, and at $1700 is by far the lowest price for a ball tracking sim. Secondly, rumor has it that soon there may be an integration with an existing product that will give you club data. Thirdly, TGC being a lifetime membership, how can you go wrong with that? You have access to a very large library of courses, an online golf tour, and you can create your own local courses with ease.

If money is of no concern, then there may be other options you should explore, but if you are watching the bottom line, a Skytrak is a great buy!

[afmilboy02]

well put Eddie and completely agree that if the "bottom line" isn't an issue or if you are willing to go all in right away, there are additional options out there.