I'm overwhelmed by the research I've done. It's time for help. What sim should I buy?

[DarthStig]

Hi guys!

I'm trying to decide on which golf simulator to buy and I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed with the choices and I'd like to have help figuring out the correct thing for me. I'm sorry if there are too many questions to answer. Let me start by saying I'm VERY tech savvy and setting up finicky systems won't be a detractor for me.

Here are some definitives:
-The shed I'm using as a golf sim has an effective playing area of 11 feet 5 inches in width, and 14 feet 5 inches in length to the beginning of the net I have inside the shed. If I remove the net, I believe I'll have at least another 2 feet if the future projection screen is pushed back. Unfortunately, this shed has a window on either end, so I cannot use the full length (unless you know of a solution of making sure the ball cannot break the window). I can get you the exact lengths if needed, but let's say it's just over 15 feet so I can use the Mevo+ if that's the best option. Height wise, is probably 9-10 feet. The whole space feels just big enough to not hit the ceiling, again I can get you the exact measurements if needed.
-This may be an issue, but currently my shed doesn't have WIFI capabilities. I can run a hotspot with my phone however. I'm also thinking of running a CAT6 cable when I get ready to run power out to my shed.
-I do not want a brand new GCQuad or something equivalent. Frankly, I can't afford it.
-I seem to be going back and forth between the Skytrak and Protee the most. Then the Mevo+, but it has alot of downsides to it (stickers on the ball, needing 15' to properly work), and I'm also looking at potentially a used GC2 if the price is right. I have no problem buying this stuff used. As I said, I'm pretty tech savvy and I feel I'd be cautious enough to not get scammed, so if you're selling one of these machines DM me and we'll talk. More than likely I'll want to try before I buy, but I'll come to you even if you're 8 hours or so away from Atlanta (maybe more if the deal is good enough).
-I KNOW I'll be purchasing TCG 2019. It looks too robust of a software package not to buy it. I love the idea of playing some of the courses around me digitally to the point I know them well enough to kick my friend's butt. I have the means to build a new PC dedicated for the golf sim. I have a perfectly working ASUS 970 GPU and a 4th gen i7 processor lying around from old rigs I've built so processing speeds and graphics won't be much of an issue.

Things I don't see myself doing/changing after my research
-I don't think I will ever take this to a range. I'd be too scared to lose or break it so the mobile ones are of little interest. If I want something like that, I'll buy a separate Rapsodo if they ever do an Android version, or a Mevo (not plus).
-I think I like the Protee the most, but it looks to be the ugly duckling no one chooses compared to the Skytrack and Mevo+.
-I would prefer a hardware package I could add more parts to make it more accurate/more statistical data if I choose to add them in the future; akin to the GC2 and adding the HMT to it eventually.
-I hate paying monthly/annual fees so subscription based things are out unless there is a good reason.
-I like the idea of having slow-motion replay available at the very least behind me and in front of me to analyze my swing planes.

Complete and total in the dark questions:
-I hate the idea of buying something, only to have something else coming out in the near future I would have preferred. The Skytrack for instance is at least 5 years old as far as I can tell. I would assume the company is about to launch the Skytrack 2.0 or 2022 model or something. Is there any piece of hardware or software (like a new TCG 2022) I should be on the look out for and wait?
-Just last week, I went to my local PGA superstore and found something called a GCHawk which is an overhead monitor. I really can't find much data on it, so I would assume it's fairly new. It looks like the MSRP on it is $16,000 so it's out of my price range, but it got me wondering about other overhead monitors and if there are any good ones, the UNEKOOR QED for instance.
-Warranty/durability/longevity wise- what's the best option? As I said, the sim will be in my shed which is not heated or cooled unless I'll be in there and I live in Atlanta. Temps vary between scorched earth and tropical swamp in the summer and below freezing in the winter. It's the humidity I'm most worried about though. I certainly need something that will hold up to the elements. Barring that, for the most expensive piece/pieces I'll need something that can be easily disconnected and taken in doors to keep safe. I will have a window mounted climate controller of some sort but it will only be on when I plan on being out there.

Finally, does anyone around Atlanta have a Skytrack/ProTee/Mevo Plus or any of the other low-mid range cost simulators at their home I can come see the setup? I think I know what I'm getting with the GC2 since the local PGA superstore have GC Quads setup for demos. I REALLY want to try before I buy. For instance, the lag of input after hitting with the Skytrak supposedly can be annoying to some. I can't picture that being a problem, but I won't know until I try it. I know COVID puts a major damper on this ask, but I'd like to try these machines out before I purchase something.

Again sorry for all the questions. It's a big purchase and I want to get this right the first time.


Thanks,

DS

[MarkSC]

Sorry, can’t help you with the demo, but SkyTrak is great imo. I believe they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy if you want to try it out. As for the lag, it actually is something I like. It gives me time to reflect on the shot and guess what the result will be. You certainly won’t notice it after you get used to it. Also, I don’t think you need to worry about new tech. The Bushnell unit is about to release, and it is pretty underwhelming for the price. The technology for the camera units is very well established now. Also, it is highly unlikely that there will be a new TGC anytime soon. The current one is great btw, as is E6.

[jhp016s]

You will get lots of opinions in this forum, all with good data and usage to back them up. In the end it will be about what you really want for Data amd what you want for true sim play and of course what you want to spend. I have had the Protee and I currently have Uneekor QED. The protee is really a great buy for the money. It gives you pretty accurate club data (path, face, and clubheas speed) and very accurate launch angle and azimuth (assuming you buy both cameras with it). The only downside is the spin is estimated, although it does a pretty good job with that. I went to then Uneekor because I wanted measured spin along with better club data. Unfortunately the club dat on QED is kind of crap even with the club stickers on. The ball data is great outside of it does struggle with launch angle here and there because it’s an overhead unit, but it’s maybe only a degree off here or there. Both of these platforms have good sim options with access to TGC for both and Uneekor basically works with everything. They both read putts really well too so that is a plus for sim use Both have great support as well if you have problems. I am disappointed in the club data with Uneekor so I am actively searching for my next option because I am annoyed I don’t get good club data with Uneekor I am thninking GC3 as I really don’t sim much anymore but mostly use for practice. As for cameras to record your swing, I actually use some old pointgrey’s they are so old I can’t remember the model. I bought them used off an old golf pro. I got them to work with MotionView software which is a pretty cheap one time buy. When i record the light need to be on since they don’t so well in super low light but I don’t mind.

Basically decide what data you want to be most accurate, ball, club or both. Do you want to practice more or sim more? Do you want easy switch for righty lefty (overhead units and protee work well for righty lefty). Do you want easy access to third party software? Then decide how you can fit as many of your wants into the amount you have to spend. No matter what you spend you will always be sacrificing something on your list. No sim/launch monitor is perfect. Best of luck on your journey to buy your first sim, you won’t regret it, I promise.

[DarthStig]

Sorry, can’t help you with the demo, but SkyTrak is great imo. I believe they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy if you want to try it out. As for the lag, it actually is something I like. It gives me time to reflect on the shot and guess what the result will be. You certainly won’t notice it after you get used to it. Also, I don’t think you need to worry about new tech. The Bushnell unit is about to release, and it is pretty underwhelming for the price. The technology for the camera units is very well established now. Also, it is highly unlikely that there will be a new TGC anytime soon. The current one is great btw, as is E6.

I appreciate the info. I figured the software doesn't change much and even if it does, 3rd party support for TGC seems pretty awesome so hopefully it'll be around for a few more years. Like I said in my post up top, I'm most worried about the SkyTrak 2022 model or something coming out right as I buy mine because it's been around for a while.

You will get lots of opinions in this forum, all with good data and usage to back them up. In the end it will be about what you really want for Data amd what you want for true sim play and of course what you want to spend. I have had the Protee and I currently have Uneekor QED. The protee is really a great buy for the money. It gives you pretty accurate club data (path, face, and clubheas speed) and very accurate launch angle and azimuth (assuming you buy both cameras with it). The only downside is the spin is estimated, although it does a pretty good job with that. I went to then Uneekor because I wanted measured spin along with better club data. Unfortunately the club dat on QED is kind of crap even with the club stickers on. The ball data is great outside of it does struggle with launch angle here and there because it’s an overhead unit, but it’s maybe only a degree off here or there. Both of these platforms have good sim options with access to TGC for both and Uneekor basically works with everything. They both read putts really well too so that is a plus for sim use Both have great support as well if you have problems. I am disappointed in the club data with Uneekor so I am actively searching for my next option because I am annoyed I don’t get good club data with Uneekor I am thninking GC3 as I really don’t sim much anymore but mostly use for practice. As for cameras to record your swing, I actually use some old pointgrey’s they are so old I can’t remember the model. I bought them used off an old golf pro. I got them to work with MotionView software which is a pretty cheap one time buy. When i record the light need to be on since they don’t so well in super low light but I don’t mind.

Basically decide what data you want to be most accurate, ball, club or both. Do you want to practice more or sim more? Do you want easy switch for righty lefty (overhead units and protee work well for righty lefty). Do you want easy access to third party software? Then decide how you can fit as many of your wants into the amount you have to spend. No matter what you spend you will always be sacrificing something on your list. No sim/launch monitor is perfect. Best of luck on your journey to buy your first sim, you won’t regret it, I promise.

Yeah, I'm feeling like everything at my price range has pros and cons/trade-offs and it makes sense why. R vs L isn't a big thing for me, everyone I know swings righty including myself who is naturally left-handed. I'm most interested in the Protee model because it seems to have more data than SkyTrak, but the biggest detractors are that I feel like it's not a plug and play system which kind of stinks if I want to bring it in from the elements. One thing I REALLY feel like I want is the ability to see my club striking the ball which Protee does and SkyTrak doesn't. As a previous owner, did you use that alot? I'm doing the old "paint" the ball with a highlighter/dry erase marker and hitting it to see the mark on my club. I don't use blades because I'm all over the place (relative to blade players) but I want to get better at that.

This website I thought had a REALLY good side by side comparison with the SkyTrak vs Protee. While the Skytrak has more flash, the data points seemed better from the Protee and price seems very similar after you consider all things ($99 yearly fee + having to buy TGC w/ SkyTrak). I also feel like Protee has a upgradeable system to say, the Pack 2 to give better and better data.

[jhp016s]

I can’t speak on the skytrak as I am not an previous owner but it does have measured soon which protee doesn’t not. As for club face impact location for Protee, first off it’s only horizontal location there is no vertical
Location because the sensors are embedded in the floor unit. I would say it’s somewhat accurate I guess. Second there is not a physical picture of the club hitting the ball it’s animated based off the sensor data (Uneekor offers this feature showing slow mow impact). I didn’t really use that data point much. As far as setting up your protee yes it will take some cajoling to get it set up so it’s accurate but there are threads here that help you with adjusting everything and protee support is great as well. You mentioned “bringing protee in from the elements” to be clear this system is for inside use only. Lighting has to be complete blackout with provided spotlights used only for accurate use. At a bare minimum I would recommend
getting Both the vertical and Horizontal launch cameras
without those it’s much less accurate. You can add the
putting sensor if you like to play lots of sim golf. As for the comparison website you listed, I would add that the backspin and side spin for Skytrack is measured, but for protee it is calculated from the face and path data so the spin is less accurate which for ball flight is important.

[aussiebenny]

I've just posted a long reply but for whatever reason, my long posts are getting moderated and require approval. Very annoying. Hopefully it'll get approved soon, as it may give you more ideas or insights. (or confuse you more haha)

[aussiebenny]

I'm a recent Mevo+ owner (and eyeing on the EYEXO as an upgrade for next year).

Sunds like you will have just enough room for the Mevo+. But yeah, if the shed is made out of aluminium/metal and your net will be right infront of the wall, then it may cause radar reflections issues. If so, the radar units would not be a good option. But if it's a plastic/brick shed or similar, then yeah, Mevo+ should be fine and if it was me, I would get the Mevo+ over the Skytrak any day. Reason why I would is because I simply cannot stand the 3 second shot delay of the Skytrak. It feels like an eternity to me. Heck, Mevo+ also has up to 1 second delay on short chips and putts and even that feels long. (but luckily the delay is near non-existent on normal shots) I also don't like that the annual subscription is mandatory in order to play TGC 2019 and the like.

As for the stickers, it's not a big deal at all tbh, You get used to it within a few shots and then it takes just as long as trying to put a ball at the laser dot on the Skytrak. I've been averaging about 300-400 shots per day in my simulator for the past 4 weeks and I've used only about 30 dots so far and 20 of them are still on my balls.It comes with about 200, and I ordered another pack of 1000 stickers just in case. That should last me a life time.

TGC 2019 is awesome. It's a must have. Never ending course collection, and if it's not there, you can make it yourself (easier than I thought), or pay someone to design it for you. Also, I now use it much more than FS Golf or any driving range for that matter. I just start playing a round in TGC 2019, then whenever I want to hit more balls from wherever I am, I just hit the "P" key (shot preview), then hit away until I'm done. Then hit the P key again and you can resume playing through the hole. I've also tried Awesome Golf & E6 Connect but nothing compares to TGC 2019 in graphics, atmosphere,

As for lack of WiFi, yeah, that's an issue if you want to play all the online courses. But it is not an issue just for practice or if you are fine with playing ~30 courses on TGC 2019 that are still available to play offline. https://csc.protee-united.com/hc/en-...ilable-courses

One thing to note, if you really want to do putting, then Mevo+ isn't it. It's just not good at it, and I've really tried hard to like it. lol
But tbh, there's nothing <=$10k that comes close to being realistic for putting than Uneekor QED or EYEXO. Nothing.
e.g. see these videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ODmx97yEao

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3j9KdOAy8I

So yeah, I don't do putting when I play with the Mevo+. Scoring well on the simulator isn't my goal anyways. I just want to hit balls better and more consistent. (that may change when I get the EYEXO but maybe not)

As for video playback, only one that will do everything that you want (face impact shot & slow mo etc) is Uneekor EYEXO. No need for extra cameras either as it's built-in to the unit, and automatically shows it for every shot. (you can add 2 more cameras for swing videos also) One thing awesome is that you can have the VIEW software displayed on another monitor showing this shot video while you play TGC 2019 on the main impact screen. (or see how you did afterwards as the VIEW software records every shot you've hit while playing TGC 2019) It's the only launch monitor that can do this afaik.
e.g.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKJYERVeqCM&t=413s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWo-8crEL0w&t=734s

But yeah, Mevo+ also does have a built-in camera at least to show behind swing view. FS Golf (https://youtu.be/2LFcEsKXTfs?t=334) and Awesome Golf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xYVtRCgLaw&t=454s) both does it. (but FS Golf allows camera feed from the phone or tablet also) PC version of FS Golf is said to come out end of this year, and it should support webcam feeds also.

If you can wait (could be weeks or months), maybe the new GC3 will support TGC 2019 (or vice versa). If so, that may be the best photometric unit you could buy for $7k outright (or less with subscription). But no guarantees really. and does also mean that you will miss out on the enjoyment while waiting for that long. Hence the reason why I opted for Mevo+ now with plan to upgrade later. (as it is only $2k with good resale value, and TGC 2019 license is transferrable). (I guess the same reasoning can apply with Skytrak if radar unit is not an option for you)

Anyways, good luck with your search!

[DarthStig]

aussiebenny I appreciate the feedback and the time you spent nonetheless. When the message does come through, I will certainly reply to it. Thanks in advance!

[DarthStig]

jhp016s Thanks for the info again. When I talk about "the elements" I live in Atlanta, GA. If you've never lived in the southeast of the US it can be equal parts muggy and hot. People don't understand that 95°F with 98% humidity (a very common day in the summer) is worse than the 120°F dry heat in the desert in NM/AZ and I've lived in both places. Some days, the air is so thick and hot you literally feel like breathing is an issue. The only way I can describe it, is that it's a much more painful altitude sickness, as your lungs are burning and you can't explain why you're out of breath just by walking outside for a few minutes.

Then with close to the same humidity, it can get below freezing at any point after November to mid-April. The reason I say all this is because unless I'm in the shed, my soon-to-be-installed A/C and heating machine for the shed will not be turned on. I need something I can easily remove to bring inside to my climate controlled house. I don't think anyone would leave a laptop out in a shed, so I wouldn't think to leave the golf sim hardware. Being outside in a shed more exposed to those types of schizophrenic weather changes would kill most electronics pretty quickly. The last thing I would want is to buy a $5000 brick.

I did not know the Protee needed near absolute darkness to work. I just thought that was a preference and made it easier to pick up the ball, not a requirement. It's not a deal breaker, I just have such a small area in my shed and I'd like to be able to have friends over to play. The shed has a double door right next to where the ball would be, but I think I can make it fairly dark to pickup.

[PROTEE UK]

The ProTee doesnt need near darkeness, just avoid daylight in the area, avoid highly reflective surfaces, LED lights near the sensors or flourescent tubes. as long as light conditions remain a cosntant then the illumination of the ball will be maintained.

[Brettster]

PROTEE UK - that's the first lighting post I've seen specifically detailing how to have a lighted area using ProTee, which is one of the things I am most interested in. So you say,
1.)

avoid daylight in the area',

I am planning on a blackout curtain that curves toward the wall and completely covers over any light coming in from the window.

2.)

avoid highly reflective surfaces

I think you mean here the turf, in which case I've chosen PE (Polyethylene) over Nylon every time... so no reflective nylon. But, are there other things that you mean that could be a 'reflective surface' or are you only talking about reflective surface in direct line-of-sight from the Cameras?

3.)

LED lights near the sensors or fluorescent tubes.

I got that, but can you tell me how close the LED lights can be to the sensors and still allow you to have LED lights? I have 2 that are directly over one of the hitting mat, and one pointing down behind me - I plan on turning both of those OFF when playing ProTee, but, if you're suggesting I could have LEDs in a different location in the room and it would be fine, perhaps not even effect my play with ProTee sensors at all, how would I do that? I only have the space between the 2 halogen spots (1 for hitting, 1 for putting) and that space is only 4'-5' per your instructions, would LEDs work in this area without having an affect, or is that still too much light near the halogen spots? Finally, I would have 2' deep space (overhead) from putting sensor to screen, and 5' deep space (overhead) behind my hitting area where I could place the 2 LED bulbs I have (they are very bright, LEDs, by the way as they overpower the Halogen Spots). So, if I can place them far enough away where the Halogen Spots are not affected - I am good?

4.)

as long as light conditions remain a cosntant then the illumination of the ball will be maintained.

Now, this intrigues me too - is this suggesting I could have quite bright light throughout the ProTee playing area, as long as they do not bleed over, or shine into the areas where the camera is reading the ball then I am good? It sounds like that, which I would think, would allow me to move the 2 bright LEDs I currently have to behind the hitting area, without any affect on the ProTee cameras? Or, that space that would be to the left of the hitting area (from the hitting mat to the screen) that is not on the 'offset right' side of where the sensors are placed - a pretty big space there, maybe 8' (to the screen) x 6' wide?

All of this, Pertaining to this:

Lighting has to be complete blackout with provided spotlights used only for accurate use. for protee it is calculated from the face and path data so the spin is less accurate which for ball flight is important

[MarkSC]

For the humidity, you could place an enclosure over the unit and put those anti moisture balls in there when not in use (or just move ST indoors—you can mark the location on the floor so you don’t need to realign the unit). I had a ProTee before Skytrak. While it was ok, I had a lot of misreads due to the lighting issues in my garage, which were my fault I’m sure. The accuracy is much greater with ST since it reads the ball spin and trajectory. For club head data, just get TGC2019. It calculates all of that from the ball data. Extremely accurate and useful as long as you hit the ball soundly (the calculations can be off on severe misfits). My average swing path is the same with ProTee and TGC2019 SkyTrak.

[Wizard of Coz]

1. Portable Used Gc2

2.upgradable Used GC2 then add hmt for club data/ impact point
3. No yearly fee to play 3rd party software. GC2
4. Best bang for the $$ gc2
5. No delay / very little GC2
6. accurate gc2

If you buy a skytrak your going to eventually upgrade to a gc2 so save yourself the headache and buy a used gc2. With the gc3 coming out I've noticed more used gc2 for sale and have even seen them for under 4k. Recently one went for 3500.

The gc2 isn't very heavy I think you can carry it into the house from the shed without too much effort.

That's all I've got good luck with your research.

WIZ

[spaz]

I dont think the lag in the skytrak is much of an issue, its a solid launch monitor that gives very accurate data imo, I would like club data, but the ball flight tells a lot about what the club did. I use foot spray on my clubs to see impact and record slow motion video with my phone when I want to analyze my swing. If you align the skytrak and put tape on the floor to mark its location, would make it real easy to just unplug and take inside when not in use.

[bubbtubbs]

It drove me absolutely bananas, especially when you'd wait 2s just for a misread or no-read.

[Wizard of Coz]

When I had skytrak it was slow on driver ball speed. The delay was fine when I hit it into a net. I could hit the shot retrieve the ball and then look at the screen and it would launch so no big deal but once I went projector/ impact screen - not a great experience. Wayyyyyyy more no reads for me too with skytrak (good and bad shots). Difficult to get a flop shot to read.

Hey I loved my skytrak. Hey I would never go back though either and I don't miss the annual gig fee. If I own tgc2019 why should I have to pay skytrak to use my owned hardware to play my owned software. That doesn't feel right to me.

[spaz]

My biggest problem is probably no reads, predominantly on good shots it seems to have no problem reading my screw ups, haha. Mostly though i don't have issues, just occasionally. I doubt I would have went with a used unit when I first started out as I was nervous enough finding the proper computer to buy coming from a Mac. I think the GC2 was around $5000 new and skytrak $2000 so it was a no brainer for me at the time as I didnt even know how much I would use it. i think its a highly accurate LM for its price, albeit entry level.

Now that I know Im addicted to Sim Golf, I probably will upgrade eventually...........

[Wizard of Coz]

Oh not probably. You will. 😆

You are most likely falling into the rabbit hole.

[DarthStig]

Alright, so it's sounding like Protee vs GC2 vs SkyTrak... Anyone have any love for the Mevo Plus or one of the overhead units? The Mevo was kind of low on my list to begin with, needing the additional space and special dots on the ball. I like the idea of the GC2, I'm just not into the cost of one. If I can get one for as low as $3500 I'll do it for sure.

[Wizard of Coz]

I've seen 2 gc2s lately for 3500.
Overhead unit your not bringing into the house remember.
Mevo nah
Skytrak nah.

[aussiebenny]

I would get Mevo+ over Skytrak any day. It is simply a better unit.
Here's a video I uploaded recently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-dE8ImZV00
but yeah, if you can get GC2 for very cheap, then that would be a good alternative.
My longer reply above finally got approved btw.

[kwas911]

I have a GC2 setup that I am happy to let you come and see. My room is 16’ deep with 9’ ceiling and 2 walls of windows. I use a retractable screen and curtain. Works really well.