Which Simulator should I go with?

[Dax]

One thing to keep in mind with Trackman is the yearly maintenance fee they charge, which when we spoke with them, it was $1200 year I think. That's what we were told anyway. Plus, the putting isn't the best, which I think someone else mentioned.

We just recently bought the Uneekor (the current model using marked balls), and it's a very nice unit and reads really well. The downside being the marked balls, but it's not a huge deal.

Prior to the Uneekor, we used a GCHawk, and although we were really happy with it, the FSX2018 Software was really buggy in any mode other than Stroke play. We primarily play 6 or 8 man scrambles, and the software was really disappointing. This was the Primary reason for switching to the Uneekor, so we could use e6 Connect. Unfortunately for us, within the next month, Foresight announced at the PGA show that they would be integrating with e6...ugh! Had we known that was coming, we would have still been using the GCHawk.

If anyone is interested in getting a really good deal on a GCHawk that was used for a month, message me!

Just to clear things up on this, Trackman does charge an annual licence fee and this call all be found on their website. You can pay a $1k per year software fee as well as a $1k per year hardware fee. However, a new unit comes with both included for the first year. After this time you can decide what you want to do. I have not paid either on my TM for 3 years now and I am still able to use my issue free with e6 and I can continue to use TPS 7.0 and get hardware updates on my TM 3e (what you don't get is major updates like when putting was added or when they added strike location as a valid software license from that time was required, but for my TM3e neither of these would have applied in any event). Additionally, I can still use the ios apps that are out their as well and the only thing that I don't get is the better range and practice options (nor course play) that is within TPS. I can still also play my e6 1.6 without any issues. Trackman also has package deals where for instance for $2k you can get 3 years of software, which breaks down to $666 per year for TPS and Sim Version 2. When one compares this to the $600 annual subscription to get all e6 Connect courses (after paying the $2.5k for the software) it does not sound all that bad.

I really just feel that you need to go out and try each alternative you are considering and make a call for what works best for you.

If it were me, I might even look into that used GC Hawk unit that was noted above...

Editing for one more comment. There was a video posted today of someone using a TM4 playing three holes on a sim and you can judge the putting for yourself in terms of accuracy. I think the key is to get the lighting correct, but in any event this is something that the TM rep can confirm.

[Hawkman23]

Thanks for the advice and clarity from everyone. Looks like I have narrowed my search down to the following...

1. Trackman with their Virtual Golf 2 software
2. ForeSight GCHawk with E6 Connect software (when it comes available)
3. Full Swing Golf w/ E6 1.6 software (their sales rep told me they will have new software on a subscription basis by the end of 2020)

Now I am trying to decide on doing a turnkey purchase on one or trying to piece it out to save some money. I just broke ground on a new home so the idea of one of these systems working with my contractor to set it up the way I would like sounds very appealing.

Hawkman23

[pjbrien]

Thanks for the advice and clarity from everyone. Looks like I have narrowed my search down to the following...

1. Trackman with their Virtual Golf 2 software
2. ForeSight GCHawk with E6 Connect software (when it comes available)
3. Full Swing Golf w/ E6 1.6 software (their sales rep told me they will have new software on a subscription basis by the end of 2020)

Now I am trying to decide on doing a turnkey purchase on one or trying to piece it out to save some money. I just broke ground on a new home so the idea of one of these systems working with my contractor to set it up the way I would like sounds very appealing.

Hawkman23

Hey Hawkman -

I'm interested in a similar setup (Foresight GCHawk with E6 Connect) that you're considering. We're planning an addition and I'd be curious to hear anything you learn. (room size, dimensions, pricing, subscriptions, etc.) I'm hoping 15 wide, 10.5 high and 16 deep will suffice but I'm a little concerned about depth after reading a bunch of threads. I definitely need LH/RH which is why I'm interested in GCHawk. It would be ideal to hit from center also. I also read you need more depth for the Trackman setup and I'd rather limit my depth to 16 feet so I have room for seating/entertaining. (Addition will be 25 feet deep) My budget is closer to the $35K range but I'd consider raising it if I found something that was too good to pass up. After reading here the last 3 weeks I'm strongly considering DIY to save some $$$'s.

[kramerica]

Any updates on this Hawkman?

[Shep12]

Here are some pics of my sim room in our new house using the GCHawk. I too am a scratch golfer and couldn’t be more pleased with the accuracy. The graphics for FSX 2018 could definitely improve but overall the software has some major pluses with ball tracking and such. I’m excited to try out e6 when it becomes available. I feel like you’re in a similar position to what I was in this time last year. This site has been really helpful for someone coming in with no knowledge of the sim world. Let me know if you have any questions about the Hawk specifically. Good luck

[SkeetShooter]

Thats a really nice setup. Congrats!

[Golfstrongia]

I'm sorry i didn't see anyone mention a Uneekor?
You really need to look into the Uneekor-----We have used everything has been mentioned to you an by far the Uneekor beats them in every aspect including price.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Jason 515-988-9323

[mikemcd22]

I'm really surprised no one has recommended TruGolf (unless I missed it). Seems to me you would be interested in their Signature or Premium units. A lot of folks have said E6 is the gold standard and these folks produce E6 Connect. Full Swing has broken off from E6 and as of the PGA show they only had a handful of courses but promised one a month for the next 2 years. Their graphics are stunning but they are rebuilding. Give TruGolf a look. Otherwise the Foresight sims (probably GHawk or Quad) would be the way to go IMO. Good luck.

[Daoasis]

Hi all,

I'm just starting the journey to build a (I hesitate to call it) Mancave in the drive shed. I've given it a lot of room to include a regulation basketball key and hoop, sim area, putting area and lounge. When hitting into the sim, you could turn around 180 degrees, open the garage door and hit outside onto a 3000 square ft artificial green 140 yards away over a 1 acre pond. This way I can hit real balls outside from a heated area in the winter as well. I'll post updates on the project as it goes along if anyone is curious and will detail the process.

Right now, I'm deep into the tracking hardware conversation and have been back and forth as I'm sure most of you have. I was thinking of Pro Tee because a friend has the one camera configuration and said he liked it. (I've never tried it). I am looking for something that has accurate ball flight information, club swing information and great graphics. I personally like the 12' wide screens so am building for that and 4K. I'll be doing the build out, design and install myself too.

The room itself is a 44' x 19' space with 11.5' ceilings and a section with a vaulted 20' ceiling for the basketball area. Everything will be Cedar T&G and the room will certainly smell like a sauna, which I love .

Here's a pick of the plans and I hope to have everything built out by May.

My question to the group is regarding the tracking hardware. For cost and functions I've now come to focus on Uneekor. I like it because it doesn't take up any floor space, works for LH and RH golfers, has the video replace of the club face contact with the ball and works with TGC 2019. (I've never used TGC 2019, but from what I've read, is on par with E6 (which I've also never used). All else being equal and cost wise, I'm leaning to TGC. From the videos and screenshots online, it seems the graphics are more realistic which I like.

If anyone has any pros\cons regarding Uneekor and any advice on something similar in price (around $8200 CDN at the time of writing this) please do share.

Thanks so much everyone,
R

[DS12]

Do you plan on using the launch monitor when you hit to the outside green/target? If so, you might want to avoid any permanent setup options

[mthunt]

A lot of guys are using Uneekor and they speak highly about it. The only real downside is the marked balls.

[Daoasis]

Thanks, I hadn’t thought about tracking the shots outside as I can see how I’m hitting the ball. I’m good with just tracking the hits inside.

Am I missing something about the marked balls for Uneekor? They provide a bunch which I’ll dedicate just for the sim so don’t see an issue.

Also not sure if it’s true or not, but someone in here mentioned that summer 2020 they’re updating their software to no longer need marked balls.

Thanks,

[DS12]

I think that's only with the new simulator they're coming out with "Eye XO"

[wbond]

Its a hardware change.

Thanks, I hadn’t thought about tracking the shots outside as I can see how I’m hitting the ball. I’m good with just tracking the hits inside.

Am I missing something about the marked balls for Uneekor? They provide a bunch which I’ll dedicate just for the sim so don’t see an issue.

Also not sure if it’s true or not, but someone in here mentioned that summer 2020 they’re updating their software to no longer need marked balls.

Thanks,

[Daoasis]

Thanks all, I've gotten confirmation from Uneekor that EyeXo will not require marked balls and also have additional club face information. They said they will offer an upgrade program to all QED customers.

[Jay28]

I have spent the last 2 months whittling down choices to 2 (Uneekor QED and Foresight GC2a) and ended up going with GC2a (with a view to adding HMT later). I considered spending more and going with the GCQuad, but through this forum realised the Bluetooth is locked so can't use TGC2019 on it. So no go. I did also go with FSX 2018 even though it is expensive (comes with free upgrade to FSX2020 which is only a couple of months away) - mainly because practice and club gapping / histories is more important to me and Uneekor seems to have some gaps there. Practice over sim play for me - though will be doing both.

Didn't have the space for Trackman so never even considered it - and price is really high for indoor and outdoor use.
Also not enough space for Protee, but did look into it further.
Never even heard of Full Swing - sounds like it might be really high end and out of the price range.

[Brettster]

> Also not enough space for Protee, but did look into it further.

What is your space Jay28 ?? I'm installing ProTee in 12'x15' space, from what I see it will not be much of a problem at all. Also, having the ProTee Putting Sensor will allow me to putt in close to real life as possible.

[Dax]

A solid choice!

[mthunt]

I have spent the last 2 months whittling down choices to 2 (Uneekor QED and Foresight GC2a) and ended up going with GC2a (with a view to adding HMT later). I considered spending more and going with the GCQuad, but through this forum realised the Bluetooth is locked so can't use TGC2019 on it. So no go. I did also go with FSX 2018 even though it is expensive (comes with free upgrade to FSX2020 which is only a couple of months away) - mainly because practice and club gapping / histories is more important to me and Uneekor seems to have some gaps there. Practice over sim play for me - though will be doing both.

Didn't have the space for Trackman so never even considered it - and price is really high for indoor and outdoor use.
Also not enough space for Protee, but did look into it further.
Never even heard of Full Swing - sounds like it might be really high end and out of the price range.

Quad connects to TGC now the same as a GC2. I have the connector. It uses wifi.

[Jay28]

Good to know if i decide to upgrade at some point in the future. Thanks.

[purowdy]

Is there a chance you could expand on this some more? We have a GCQuad at our office and are currently using FSX but I would love to get it setup with TGC.