New Guy with Techie Questions and General help

[Podunker]

Hello Everyone, I am brand new to the forum and brand new to the world of home launch monitors, and Sim Golf. I have been doing a lot of research on launch monitors that can also be used for Sim Golf. I am planning on turning half my garage into the golf Sim room. I am not new to golf, I am an experienced player, and have been playing for years. Love the game, and want to be able to just enjoy some fun with my friends, family, and get some extra practice in the cold months.




I am not overly concerned with using the launch monitor to get accurate numbers, although, I would like to get the distances close. Even if I have to fix the elevation in the software, if that is possible. I don’t think Sim Golf will be as fun if the actual yardage numbers are not even close. I can see myself playing the practice games and playing sim rounds with friends and family.




I am not wanting to get to expensive of a setup right out of the shoot. Probably just a nice net, mat, and launch monitor to start out with. I am looking at the Garmin R10, but might be willing to bite the bullet on a Mevo+ if people think that would be better. But, I honestly may be limited to whatever one works with tech stuff I already have. I really am not wanting to shell out more money for a new computer.




Currently I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max, with 128GB. I also have a MacBook Air with an M1 processor. Finally, I have an older I Pad, but don’t know the specifics on it. I actually can’t find it. I have a 32 inch Vizio TV I can also use to maybe mirror one of the other items to get a better view. The problem is, I don’t know what sim software will work with what. From my research I think GSPro is probably the best and not too expensive, I also like Awesome Golf, and it’s seems reasonable price wise also. I know each launch monitor comes with some free software stuff, like E6, but once again, don’t know what I can run with the stuff I have. With the Garmin I may not even need to purchase any new software because of what comes already with the R10. The above techie stuff is the part I am most confused about. I don’t want to purchase something and then cost me a bunch more money upfront just to use it.




I have plenty of room in my garage. It has 10’6” ceilings, plus its 24 x 28 usable space. So I can move the launch monitor back far enough from net and ball striking location. I also have some rubber horse stall mats that I can place on the floor between to monitor and the net, so no cement floor interference. I am willing to add little things to make it better, but just don’t want to go all in until I know it’s going to work correctly in my space. I may be willing to upgrade to an impact screen and projector later. I just want to get the ball rolling using what I already have as much as possible.




I love the forum, and it’s been a big help in my research. Thanks in advance for the responses!

[Bubba22]

Welcome. Everybody has different needs for indoor golf. All current launch monitors will measure ball data like speed and vertical/horizontal direction very well. Spin and spin axis measurement is what sets these units apart. Everything is eventually calculated but the better accurate measurements then the better the calculated data including distance and direction offline. The problem with the R10 is the spin axis measurements are weak compared to other units. If that's acceptable for you then go for it as everyone has their tolerances. Spin and spin axis is the holy grail of indoor golf and the most difficult parameter to measure. Keep that in mind as you choose your launch monitor. Good luck and keep us posted.