Help with Final Decisions

[romine17]

Ok guys my new simulator room in the basement is almost complete and now I must make my final decisions on what to put into it. My budget is not unlimited, but I want to go for quality even if it costs a little more. I am listing my couple options based on the research I have done, but I have never done a simulator before so please critique or give opinions.

The room is 14 feet across by 19 feet long and 12.5 feet high. So my screen area is 14 by 12.5 high.

1. Sensor System - Might run multiple but leaning towards camera based. Want Visualsports to have the different games for kids to play. Liking the E6 software because of the courses and multiple game modes, still not sure which sensor system is best to get with it.

2. Software - Visualsports and E6

3. CPU - Already have CPU to run mu Oculus Rift so should have no problem handling this.

4. Projector - Optoma HD26 or GT1080 or BenqHT1085. Please help here!!! Have whatever room I need just want a good picture quality.

5. Impact Screen - Protee or HQ?

6. Mats - Country Club Elite Mat with DivotAction cutout.

Ok guys any info is welcome and if I am way off on any of my options feel free to recommend something different. Thanks for everyone's help.

[mthunt]

1. I'm pretty sure Visual Sports will only sell a complete solution including sensors, software and computer. When I tested them out in 2014, that's what they told me. The new sensors look really good. They are camera based and overhead.
2. See 1
3. E6 is easy to run
4. The 1080 and 1085 are great. I have the 1085 predecessor. Love it. You can't really run 12.5x14. Too tall. I believe it's more square than 4:3
5. ProTee is quitter and less bounce. HQ can be sewn by you. I have both. Both are max 10 feet tall.
6. A CCE is really expensive. A divot action is not. Cutting a CCE to put a divot action in it is strange. I suggest a cheap mat if you want to cut out for divot action.

[Jeff Lepak]

I just installed the benq 1085st and am happy with that. I have the CCE 5x5 mat that I purchased from Costco and am happy with that as well.

As far as the impact screen I wen with west coast netting and their cheaper (not hd?) screen. My sim is a garage sim so I wasn't worried as much about image quality (although I think it is pretty good) and was worried more about price with my first build. The netting is really nice and it is custom made to fit your needs or enclosure. Then the screen has Velcro edges that you attach to the net once you have installed the net on your frame. I am really happy with it and it is working well. I figure I can upgrade to the better screen in the future if I want. My screen is 12 wide by 10 tall. This allows for a foot of the screen to hang on the ground and I project 12 x 9 at a 4 x 3 ratio which is pretty decently sized.

[romine17]

Thanks mthunt. I will check with Visual Sports. The golf simulator is the main idea and the extra games are more of a nice benefit. So I question is Visual Sports the best for the golf simulator? And if it isn't what is best choice?

Makes sense on the CCE and divot action.

[mthunt]

Most poeple these days use a launch monitor and TGC or JNPG. I have a GC2 with TGC. I couldn't be happier.

[Dan McWhirter]

I am liking my SkyTrak and E6. I also have JNPG and TGC. All annual subscriptions...at least until I find my favorite software.

[Bubba22]

I agree with mthunt. You have many options. Visual sports ok but not cheap. GC2 or Skytrak will do the trick. Don't get a CCE and divot action. ProTee screen is nice as is the HQ. There is no wrong answers. Think hard about upcoming TGC2.