Upgrading beyond toy level...

[mikez1]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading for a couple years now and have appreciated a lot of the knowledge passed on. I built a sim in my garage around an optishot, fully thinking that at some point tech/prices will drop enough to swap that system for a more quality LM/Sim.

I'm seeing the GC2 for under 2k lately without HMT, and my question is this...Is this one of the more accurate launch monitors to jump in and get the ability to run a sim off of? I don't like that a lot of newer systems seem to have subscriptions that are needed just to allow more subscriptions. I find I haven't enjoyed the optishot as much as I'd like, largely because the ball is essentially imagined (or unnecessary). But I did like that the courses were subscription free.

I think what I'm seeing is the GC2 is a really good unit that measures spin, and I can get by with the 250 dollar GSPRO? Do I need to worry about the longevity of the unit or replacement parts? I know the HMT has more data, but I'm not that great of a golfer so am looking for something that I can use to improve but also have my fellow firefighters over to play the sim without breaking the bank.

Also, does it make sense to keep waiting another year? To me I think there might be an opportunity to buy the GC2 for under 2k and avoid a heavy subscription model.

I appreciate everyone's time..I'm overdue on sharing my build.

[mikez1]

This is the setup..for football.

[UnderPar]

If you're looking for a very good, accurate, cost effective launch monitor, I would strongly recommend considering the Rapsodo MLM2Pro. I've used the GC Quad (perhaps the industry benchmark) at my club for the past 3 years and just recently built my own sim using the MLM2Pro. I am a 4 handicap and I have seen virtually no difference in the distance or spin rates when comparing a sub $1000 launch monitor (MLM2Pro) to one that costs over $10k (GC Quad). I purchased the MLM2Pro with an abundance of hesitation but I could not be happier with the unit. It also comes with a 1 year free subscription to the Rapsodo courses (30,000 courses although most look the same) which lack surrounding detail (trees, landscape) and aren't great, but they get the job done. Upgrading to GS Pro as soon as I buy a gaming PC.

[mikez1]

I appreciate the response. My concern with the MLM is if I want to use any software like the GS Pro I'll have to pay the yearly $200 subscription. I'm wondering if the used GC2 would get me to good data and only cost the GS Pro subscription moving forward (as well as last a few years). It seems like a lot of launch monitors now require a subscription just to get more subscriptions..which is sort of what I'm trying to avoid.

[bubbtubbs]

I just grabbed one for $1150 on eBay so the price is definitely right at the moment. Subscriptions can eat a bag of dongs.

Edit: GC2, that is.

[timsiegle]

You won't be disappointed with a GC2 and GSPro. Lots of people still using that LM.
GSP requires a computer (preferably desktop) with a 3060ti or better graphics card to get the most out of it so if you don't have that already, expect to pay another 1.5k ish on top of the GC2 cost. IMO totally worth it though for the huge upgrade in accuracy from Optishot.
MLM2 doesn't putt so you're missing out on a huge part of the game too.

[grant2145]

In my opinion, the GC2 at the price they are selling today is the best value for a home sim. These were selling for $6,000+ just a few years ago during covid. You can run any of the sim titles without having to pay a subscription to Foresight. The only calibration is setting it down squarely to your target line. No marked balls, or environmental factors to worry about.

[TGrant14]

I have a BLP for sale. PM if interested

[mikez1]

So the end of the story...I went down the rabbit hole of avoiding subcriptions and decided to try a Mevo Plus. Really interesting to learn about GSP.. but I don't want to upgrade a computer and pony up for the LM. I really like the idea of courses included with a purchase of a launch monitor and wanted to support that. Like bubbtubs says above, bag of dongs.

Thanks for the discussion everyone.

[bubbtubbs]

I didn't use my Mevo+ courses. Getting a separate iOS device just never made sense. They hold their value too well on the used market for what the hardware capability merits so I never ended up getting one off Marketplace.

[GullLakeMi]

I despise subscriptions as well, but got over it for golf sim. GSPro is $250 a year. That is same as 5 rounds of golf. Worth it to me for a great product with new courses every day, training modules. Great support. Great user community.

I went from GC2 to GCQuad. No regrets.

[mikez1]

I think I'll do GSPro at some point. I liked that the Mevo essentially buys me time before I get into the subscriptions but knowing myself I'll probably get the itch in MN to upgrade in December as I'm thinking about outdoors. Noting your comment on 5 rounds of golf...we find a reason to justify the cost right? It replaces the need to join an indoor league by having the user community so =free.

I think I need to look up the training modules. I always have enjoyed training drills in sports, the E6 ones appear very meh.