Help with choosing a setup

**Foreman33** · 12-13-2020, 05:05 PM

I will only comment on the software since I have different hardware. I just got my sim up and running a couple weeks ago and I've been impressed with TGC 2019. I was deciding between TGC and E6 and am very happy I went with TGC. I love being able to play so many courses: local courses, courses I've played on trips, and of course the more famous and tour courses. Since many of them are user-made they have some imperfections but overall I've been really happy with them. Maybe the graphics/interface/features are better on E6 (I have no idea), but if they are I'll give up some of that for more courses. And the price point and no subscription is an added bonus.

**fortysixandtwo** · 12-13-2020, 06:22 PM

I don’t know much about the mevo, I’m sure it’s good if you have the space. Skytrak is pretty reliable and been around for several years so it has it’s issues but the pro’s outweigh the cons. I’m a gc2 user but have used the skytrak and thought it was good. As far as software, I wouldn’t want to use an iPad for anything. If your going to hit into a net and look at an iPad, might as well get a pc and a 4ktv. I’d get a good desktop and a 4ktv, or go the impact screen/projector route. Laptop is a good alternative but you’re kinda stuck with whatever hardware it comes..
I think tgc2019 has more options for a lot less price. E6 is a pretty big expense on top of a yearly subscription for the courses you’d probably really want to play. Tgc2019 has many great courses that you’ll never see on e6 or in my case fsx2020.

Good luck, let us know how it works out. it’s enjoyable to be at your own house and be able to play/practice golf.
Cheers,
John

**ben7e** · 12-13-2020, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by fortysixandtwo View Post

I don’t know much about the mevo, I’m sure it’s good if you have the space. Skytrak is pretty reliable and been around for several years so it has it’s issues but the pro’s outweigh the cons. I’m a gc2 user but have used the skytrak and thought it was good. As far as software, I wouldn’t want to use an iPad for anything. If your going to hit into a net and look at an iPad, might as well get a pc and a 4ktv. I’d get a good desktop and a 4ktv, or go the impact screen/projector route. Laptop is a good alternative but you’re kinda stuck with whatever hardware it comes..
I think tgc2019 has more options for a lot less price. E6 is a pretty big expense on top of a yearly subscription for the courses you’d probably really want to play. Tgc2019 has many great courses that you’ll never see on e6 or in my case fsx2020.

Good luck, let us know how it works out. it’s enjoyable to be at your own house and be able to play/practice golf.
Cheers,
John

Just to be clear, with any route I'd take, it will be using a projector so even if I used iPad, I would plan to connect to a projector with an impact screen. Sorry if I wasn't clear in that area. Both pieces of software look nice but it seems everyone says to go TGC2019!

**Sixmudd** · 12-13-2020, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by ben7e View Post

Hi all! I am new to the forum and have been reading through the forums here and elsewhere and watching videos for a few weeks. Honestly, I am pretty surprised by the amount of options and I feel like you have to really dig to get some of the information! I work with tech to a decent extent so I am pretty comfortable choosing the hardware from a projector and computer setup and I think I have figured out how I want to lay out the hitting bay. However, I am still in limbo choosing the launch monitor and software. Hopefully some of you can help me decide.

I've been working on a launch Monitor Pros/Cons list. Quick setup explanation - Building as a gift for my Dad - going in a pole building where space is available for a radar based monitor if that is the way I go. Not looking to go crazy on the expensive side. Basically looking at the most popular options of either Skytrak or Mevo+ but recently found out about ProTee and it seems to offer a lot with the addition of club head data at not a huge upgrade in price. So below are my concerns and reasons for wanting each. Welcoming any advice!

My research has brought me here. Maybe this will help organize some of this for others as well as encourage some of you to give some feedback on the questions I still have!

Skytrak
Pros: Popular, low space requirements. Possibly better for chipping and putting than radar systems but putting seems to have its own issues with straightness. If using E6, software is cheaper annually than other options:
Cons: Slow render time - I could see this being annoying. How much is this reduced by a well-spec'd computer? How well spec'd? If I go 16gb ram with a 3+ghz i7 is this reduced or similar?
Brother is left handed - requires moving unit. Possible setup issues/annoyances.

Software costs:
E6: Standard $300/yr, Deluxe $450/yr, One Time: $2500 (PC)/ $1500(iPad). TGC2019: $895
+ Game Improvement Package: $99/yr.
Total:
E6: $299/yr or $2599+$99/yr.
TGC2019: $895+$99/yr.

Mevo+:
Pros: Fast shot data. Comes with 5 courses in E6 Connect for iPad.
Cons: More space required. Possibly worse chipping and putting data.

Pro or Con?: My biggest question, possibly positive and also concern with Mevo+: On one hand, it can run everything off of an iPad. It comes with 5 courses on E6 Connect. It seems like maybe this can really handle all of the bases. Do I really need 100's or 1,000s of courses? On the other hand, if I decide to upgrade to the PC version of E6 or TGC2019, the problem I see now is that if I just want good club data (checking gapping for example), I would need to run the Flightscope apps on an iPad and change what device I am connected to which would be annoying. I know the range in TGC doesn't offer a mode to see this info. Is there an option for this in E6?

Software:
Free FS Software and 5 courses on E6.
E6: $2500 + $300/yr - considerably more expensive than if using Skytrak
TGC2019: $995

Another Question - it seems like putting is less than ideal on both units. Does this really matter? Do you just set up gimmes inside of a certain distance on both? I think I read you can manually enter putts on E6 but not TGC2019. Is that accurate?

I know these two units are compared a lot but hopefully my concerns are specific enough to help get some good guidance.
If you have owned both units, which do you like more and why? Which software do you like better and why?

ProTee
I just found out this unit exists. Does not seem as popular and maybe hard to get in the US? Seems less "commercial." Seems to give great data.
Am I reading correctly here that it is $3149 for TGC + this unit?

Page not found - Golf Simulator Store

https://golfsimulatorstore.com/collections/new-products/products/protee-base-pack-tgc

However, I am not seeing it packaged with TGC2019. Is that a thing? Is this unit worth exploring more?

Appreciate any guidance!

I’ve had my skytrak for about 3 weeks now. The lag time isn’t too bad (maybe 2-3 seconds). I thought I would be bothered with this too, but really it’s really not a big deal. If your brother though is a lefty and you’re a righty, that’s gonna be real annoying to have to move the unit and align it again every time you switch players. Putting and chipping are absolutely terrible For WGT. Not sure though about TGC2019. There are some growing pains though with skytrak. Lately I have had more “no reads” which is less than ideal. Sometimes takes a while to connect to my network. Annual fees is annoying but I knew that going into it. But for $2k option for launch monitor, I think most of the pros outweigh the cons for a $2k launch monitor

**3on3putt** · 12-13-2020, 08:48 PM

1. There's no issues with straight putts on skytrak if you turn on the straight putting patch on tgc. Overall, the general consensus seems to be that chipping and putting is better on skytrak as mevo+ seems to struggle with really short chips and putts. That part of the game is actually the skytrak's biggest strength in my opinion. Just a fundamental difference between camera based vs. radar based units. I can hit literally 1 yard chips and they read every time. Chipping and putting is critical for sim play and if I were to do it again I would choose skytrak again for that reason alone. The 2 second delay is not ideal, but you get used to it. Both units are finicky in their own ways. Mevo requires you to put stickers on your ball which I'm assuming you have to keep replacing as you wear out balls. Plus interference issues with metal things and specific space requirements. Probably the biggest thing I don't like about skytrak is how it sits a little out in front of you. You can expect 2 or 3 no reads in 18 holes of sim play. Not the biggest deal in the world but obviously would be better if there weren't any.

2. If you plan on playing a lot with your lefty brother, mevo is a way better option. I've never played on the skytrak with a lefty but I imagine it's a giant pain in the butt. Is it possible to keep it in right handed mode and just have the lefty swing over the top of the unit? Either way, it's not ideal. I am fortunate not to know any lefties (although I fear my daughter might be lefty which means I'm doomed lol).

3. E6 vs tgc2019 is no comparison in my opinion. Tgc has better graphics, more courses, the ability to design your own courses and a much bigger community of online tournaments (which is the coolest part of the game). And above all that, is miles cheaper than e6.

**impliciter** · 12-13-2020, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by ben7e View Post

ProTee
I just found out this unit exists. Does not seem as popular and maybe hard to get in the US? Seems less "commercial." Seems to give great data.
Am I reading correctly here that it is $3149 for TGC + this unit?
https://golfsimulatorstore.com/colle...-base-pack-tgc

However, I am not seeing it packaged with TGC2019. Is that a thing? Is this unit worth exploring more?

Appreciate any guidance!

I think this is hilarious because this forum is hosted by Protee. I just ordered and setup a Protee base TGC pack. I bought it directly from Protee for a decent discount (much cheaper than Skytrack plus TGC). I ordered on a Monday and it was delivered on Thursday from the Netherlands. It's been running great and I'm a little surprised it's not more popular in this price category. My only recommendation would be to get the horizontal camera in addition to the base pack. Flop shots and other high loft short shots can confuse the hardware because the club will obscure the ball passing over the front sensor array. Without the horizontal camera, the horizontal departure angle is calculated by the front array.

In general, it's much less "plug and play" than Skytrack/Mevo but the support is good and it's quite tweakable. The second major consideration is the Protee sim is much more picky about lighting. You have to control ambient lighting really well (essentially only have the supplied spotlights). This was no problem for me as I wanted it as dark as possible for the projector.

**Brettster** · 12-13-2020, 11:07 PM

ben7e - the comments by impliciter are spot-on.

just ordered and setup a Protee base TGC pack. I bought it directly from Protee for a decent discount (much cheaper than Skytrack plus TGC). I ordered on a Monday and it was delivered on Thursday from the Netherlands. It's been running great and I'm a little surprised it's not more popular in this price category. My only recommendation would be to get the horizontal camera in addition to the base pack. Flop shots and other high loft short shots can confuse the hardware because the club will obscure the ball passing over the front sensor array. Without the horizontal camera, the horizontal departure angle is calculated by the front array.

In general, it's much less "plug and play" than Skytrack/Mevo but the support is good and it's quite tweakable. The second major consideration is the Protee sim is much more picky about lighting. You have to control ambient lighting really well (essentially only have the supplied spotlights). This was no problem for me as I wanted it as dark as possible for the projector.

I would also add a few things you should consider... you can purchase base-pack II which includes 2 high speed cameras (horizontal/vertical) as well as a putting sensor, not required, but gives you much more data on putting. As long as you can mount your hitting sensor about 9'-10' from screen, you will have about 7'-8' to putt from and get much more accurate putting data then relying on the hitting sensor. I'm about to find all that out, and will post details when I've finished my ProTee setup. I have purchased a used unit. If you do the same, make sure you get one with cameras made after (I think it's Oct. 2017), as those newer cameras are more stable in holding their configuration - you can find posts about that up here and on ProTee support. If you buy a new unit, you have the new cameras.

Here's the Pros/Cons of ProTee from my opinion (I've played on a ProTee setup prior to purchasing mine - which I am currently involved in finishing out my build):
---
Pros: Excellent support/help in setting up. Fast shot data, and fast render on screen (no delay). Space requirements are decent (so cameras/lights can be placed properly, and more length needed if setting up putting sensor, more width if setup is for both right/left hand players). The best for chipping and putting than all other systems. No marks/dots required on balls . No annual subscriptions required for TGC2019 - one-time purchase. Fast render time. Hitting sensor comes standard with Fiberbuilt mat (easier on wrists and long life, replacements can be purchased). No problems with left/right hand players other than larger width space requirements.
Cons: Space requirements are a little longer if adding putting sensor, and a little wider if setting up for right/left players, Very specific lighting requirements (IR spotlights). Both sensors must be embedded in floor, requiring raised flooring (3 1/2" or so). Not portable: entire system is unique setup to space, cannot be used outdoors (for example). You're hitting off the impact sensor/mat with holes cut into it so sensors can read club data - the holes bother some people, but they can also be useful, for example dropping in a 'brush tee' to simulate rough.
---

Let me know if you have any other questions... I've played on many of the sims listed up here, and that's what I based my decision on when it came time to purchase. I would suggest if you really want to get the best idea of how any system works for you, consider locating a setup in your local community (though not always easy to do, for example we have one TrueGolf/E6 in a local bar I just found out about several years ago).

Good luck!

**ben7e** · 12-13-2020, 11:09 PM

Originally posted by impliciter View Post

I think this is hilarious because this forum is hosted by Protee. I just ordered and setup a Protee base TGC pack. I bought it directly from Protee for a decent discount (much cheaper than Skytrack plus TGC). I ordered on a Monday and it was delivered on Thursday from the Netherlands. It's been running great and I'm a little surprised it's not more popular in this price category. My only recommendation would be to get the horizontal camera in addition to the base pack. Flop shots and other high loft short shots can confuse the hardware because the club will obscure the ball passing over the front sensor array. Without the horizontal camera, the horizontal departure angle is calculated by the front array.

In general, it's much less "plug and play" than Skytrack/Mevo but the support is good and it's quite tweakable. The second major consideration is the Protee sim is much more picky about lighting. You have to control ambient lighting really well (essentially only have the supplied spotlights). This was no problem for me as I wanted it as dark as possible for the projector.

Well, in fairness, this forum is where I found out about Protee but I don't really see it elsewhere as much - social media, YouTube, etc. It does exist there but maybe it is because it has been around longer (not sure if that is true vs. Skytrak). I think also that the look of the product itself is not a refined/branded look. It could very well be the best bang for the buck unit. The issue w/ ambient light could be an issue as the building it will be going in has automatic motion sensor lights. The hitting bay I am planning on building will have tarp sides so it may be dark enough inside but that I may not want to take that risk.

**impliciter** · 12-14-2020, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by ben7e View Post

Well, in fairness, this forum is where I found out about Protee but I don't really see it elsewhere as much - social media, YouTube, etc. It does exist there but maybe it is because it has been around longer (not sure if that is true vs. Skytrak). I think also that the look of the product itself is not a refined/branded look. It could very well be the best bang for the buck unit. The issue w/ ambient light could be an issue as the building it will be going in has automatic motion sensor lights. The hitting bay I am planning on building will have tarp sides so it may be dark enough inside but that I may not want to take that risk.

The "hilarious" comment was not intended to be judgmental in any way, especially since I think I found out about Protee in the same way. It was more that there are so few simulators/launch monitors in this price range and yet Protee is not on peoples radar, especially after being on the market for quite some time. It does appear that they are reaching out to partners in the US to improve they're presence.

Originally posted by Brettster View Post

ben7e - the comments by impliciter are spot-on.

I would also add a few things you should consider... you can purchase base-pack II which includes 2 high speed cameras (horizontal/vertical) as well as a putting sensor, not required, but gives you much more data on putting. As long as you can mount your hitting sensor about 9'-10' from screen, you will have about 7'-8' to putt from and get much more accurate putting data then relying on the hitting sensor. I'm about to find all that out, and will post details when I've finished my ProTee setup. I have purchased a used unit. If you do the same, make sure you get one with cameras made after (I think it's Oct. 2017), as those newer cameras are more stable in holding their configuration - you can find posts about that up here and on ProTee support. If you buy a new unit, you have the new cameras.

Here's the Pros/Cons of ProTee from my opinion (I've played on a ProTee setup prior to purchasing mine - which I am currently involved in finishing out my build):
---
Pros: Excellent support/help in setting up. Fast shot data, and fast render on screen (no delay). Space requirements are decent (so cameras/lights can be placed properly, and more length needed if setting up putting sensor, more width if setup is for both right/left hand players). The best for chipping and putting than all other systems. No marks/dots required on balls . No annual subscriptions required for TGC2019 - one-time purchase. Fast render time. Hitting sensor comes standard with Fiberbuilt mat (easier on wrists and long life, replacements can be purchased). No problems with left/right hand players other than larger width space requirements.
Cons: Space requirements are a little longer if adding putting sensor, and a little wider if setting up for right/left players, Very specific lighting requirements (IR spotlights). Both sensors must be embedded in floor, requiring raised flooring (3 1/2" or so). Not portable: entire system is unique setup to space, cannot be used outdoors (for example). You're hitting off the impact sensor/mat with holes cut into it so sensors can read club data - the holes bother some people, but they can also be useful, for example dropping in a 'brush tee' to simulate rough.
---

Let me know if you have any other questions... I've played on many of the sims listed up here, and that's what I based my decision on when it came time to purchase. I would suggest if you really want to get the best idea of how any system works for you, consider locating a setup in your local community (though not always easy to do, for example we have one TrueGolf/E6 in a local bar I just found out about several years ago).

Good luck!

Putting has been fine off the main sensor mat for me. I have mine setup pretty close to the screen so don't have room for the putting sensor. I'm not sure how it could make putting anymore enjoyable but it may be a bit more accurate. My recommendation would be for the TGC base pack and potentially buy the horizontal camera down the road. The $5k for the base pack II puts it closer to considering other launch monitors.

I would add the fiberbuilt mat as sort of a neutral/con for me. Protee recommends only hitting from the tee position although others have argued that you don't have to. The rubber tee holder that is included is pretty short so by default, the ball sits down in the hole/divot and you need to use a tee to hit flush with the turf. I think I found an easy solution to this by getting a longer rubber tee holder so that the ball sits up a bit more. It's not a huge deal but replacement turf are over $400. The positive way of looking at it is that you don't need to buy a nice hitting surface as that is included in the simulator.

**ben7e** · 12-15-2020, 04:25 PM

If purchasing TGC2019, am I missing something or can you only buy the sim versions from 3rd party sellers?
Also, if I have Steam on my computer and just want an extra copy say to design courses for fun, if I make a course on the steam version, that can import into the sim version, correct?

**impliciter** · 12-15-2020, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by ben7e View Post

If purchasing TGC2019, am I missing something or can you only buy the sim versions from 3rd party sellers?
Also, if I have Steam on my computer and just want an extra copy say to design courses for fun, if I make a course on the steam version, that can import into the sim version, correct?

Protee United is the company that licensed the video game version (from HB Studios) and adapted the game for sim use. You can buy it directly from Protee United here:

Page not found - Golf Simulator Store

https://golfsimulatorstore.com/collections/the-golf-club/products/tgc-2019-simulator-software?variant=13246550114403

For Skytrak, you need to buy from the Skytrak store.

I imagine you could use the game version on PC to design courses but I haven't tested it. I was actually playing with it yesterday wondering the same thing.

**ben7e** · 12-15-2020, 06:19 PM

Thanks all!
What about metal surfaces with Mevo+? How close of proximity can cause an issue. As this is going in a pole building, the sides and roof are metal. Is that going to wreak havoc or will my hitting bay provide enough separation to use a radar system?

**impliciter** · 12-16-2020, 07:57 AM

EDIT as I posting in the wrong thread

**ben7e** · 12-16-2020, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by ben7e View Post

Mevo+:

Software:
Free FS Software and 5 courses on E6.
E6: $2500 + $300/yr - considerably more expensive than if using Skytrak
TGC2019: $995

Just wanted to correct myself here since I don't think I can edit the OP.
Mevo+ also waives the $2500 E6 fee so it is $300/yr as well.

Help with choosing a setup

Help with choosing a setup

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