Help. Want to put in a simulator don't know where to start.

[Golfer81j]

I am willing to spend 5 to 7 thousand

[Mike80]

First you need to decided which launch monitor you want that will read the ball data. Here is just a quick overview of the top three setups to pick from.

Skytrak
- $2,000 + $99 per year for Game Improvement Package
- Very accurate and tested against GC2 and Trackman with accurate comparison.
- Has about 2 to 3 second delay to display shot after you hit the ball.
- WGT simulator software is an additional $99 per year. WGT only works on iPad. It is very basic and not a very good simulation software.
- TGC (The Golf Club) and PG (Perfect Golf) are two other simulation software that is going to be released for Skytrak very soon. TGC is rumored to be $1000 buy out right and PG is rumored to be $250 per year. These two seem to be voted the best simulation software.
- CON: Switching between left and right handed players. You must physically move and turn the launch monitor when switching.

Foresight Sports GC2
- Considered one of the most accurate launch monitors.
- No delay and shows the shot display immediately.
- $8,000 and no annual subscription cost
- TGC is available at $1,000 one time cost and free updates.
- PG still hasn't been released and is in beta testing.
- CON: Switching between left and right handed players. You must physically move and turn the launch monitor when switching.

ProTee
- Uses cameras and club sensor in turf. Very accurate with combined camera and club data to analyze and display your shot.
- Complete kit with cameras, sensor and TGC is around $3,000.
- Great for left and right handed players because camera is mounted above and there is no launch monitor required to move.


Note: TGC: You will need a high end gaming computer with a great graphics cards (GTX970 or better).

I have a Skytrak and it is very accurate. I am waiting for TGC and PG golf simulation software to be released. If cost was no issue I would buy the GC2 but am very happy with Skytrak. ProTee is also another great setup. I have never used one, but many many people on this forum use it and love it! Maybe they can provide more details.

After you decide the launch monitor, then many options for building your sim room with type of impact screen, turf, netting/frame, etc. Other threads have a lot of information about this.

[Gamble Gamble]

This is a great synopsis.

[aja]

Actually the ProTee TGC package is only $3,000 USD. You get the base sensor, lights, launch camera and TGC software for that price.

ProTee does lend itself more to a permanent install, so may not be the best for a garage set-up.

[Mike80]

Thanks for pointing out the price correction. I saw on the website the $5,995 price package, but that must have included additional software or something. I'll edit my response above to reflect this price. Thanks!

[Gamble Gamble]

My best advice I could give you is to figure out a rough idea of what you want to do, then start building it. Do not buy the LM and electronics until you have figured out how to conquer all of the hurdles of the actual build.

The worst thing you could do is buy the LM and find out the room is too loud or too small to use for a sim room.

[Golfer81j]

Thank you guys for the advice very helpful. It will go in my garage so sound and size isn't a problem. I'm a 2 handicap so I want something that is very accurate. I guess my biggest concern is which one to buy and is a used one ok to buy because the gc2 is out of my price range. Thanks again

[goodmatt78]

I did mine for the high end of your budget and I think it turned out pretty good. I posted some pics in the simulator thread for ideas.

Things that saved me lots of $$$.

1) learn to sew
2) find a local place for turf if possible as shipping will run 300+
3) read through hours worth of threads on here for ideas.
4) shop around for the gaming pc and you can find one for about 1k. (Hp or abs on newegg)

Don't skimp on a good hitting mat!

[Golfer81j]

Hey Mike80 you really had some great info. Any chance I could pick your brain over the phone. I understand most of what you said but still have some questions and you seem to know what you are talking about

[Mike80]

I sent you a PM.

[ForeLeft]

Golfer81j I just built a sim in the past month with similar budget. Here's the thread that I started with and got lots go helpful advice: http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...r-5k-need-help. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.

[Cklguy2013]

For me it came down to a rightie leftie issue, so I ended up going with the Protee system, which is difficult to install but once installed properly quite accurate. In retrospect, if I had it to do over again as I'm the only one on the system 99% of the time I might go with the GC2 as it is very accurate as well, and is more plug in and play then the Protee.

[Rnolen]

I went with a flightscope. Dopplar radar (same as trackman) No sensor issues (lighting or clubs not reading corectly) Doesn't matter if your left or right handed. Sits behind you (no chance to hit it) You need 16ft from sensor to screen is the biggest downfall along with no putting. Is there any Sim putting that is lifelike?

2.5 k for xi or
5 k for xi plus (what I use)
1.7 k E6 Sim software
Free E6 demo (what I use) waiting for the cloud service, monthly fee)
$800 Epson projector
$150 netting for sides an ceiling.
$300 impact net PR-20
$100 misc pipe from HD for cage
$150 monster turf hitting surface

Ipad or computer needed for apps
Computer needed for E6

I couldn't be happier with my setup. Scary how accurate ball flight an distance is to actual shots on the course.

[drewtaylor21]

Rnolen Sounds like exactly what I'm planning. I've got the mat and PR-20 is on the way. What projector did you get and are you happy with it on the PR-20?

When using e6 demo, since there is no putting is it just auto-gimme on the green?

[Cklguy2013]

Can you hook up with The golf club using the flightscope?