Starting from scratch with a $30k budget - Help

[duke5021]

Hi guys- finally at a place in my life where I can look into doing this and glad I came across this community!

I live in NJ, and am looking to get an indoor simulator. I'd don't have the room in my house, but am looking to build a garage extension (18x24 maybe) that can house this simulator. I'm figuring about $10-12k for the outdoor area, then that leaves about $18k for a sim.

In the limited research, it seems like ProTee is the top of the line (but that might be a littler out of my budget), so I was looking at TruGolf Vista 10/12 then. I'm looking for a complete system that has everything in. What would you guys recommend?

Additionally, anyone form NJ have experience here? Or know any installers / set-up guys in the area that are available hire?

Thanks for the help.

[Stevew]

Save some money and pick this up. Having $18k will leave you plenty of money to make a really nice set up.

http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...age-2-for-sale

[Cklguy2013]

With a 30K budget, I'd be highly inclined to do the CG2 and HMT, etc.

[wbond]

Do you have to have right and left handed play? I would also suggest the GC2 route. Even setting it up for both RH and LH, could be accomplished with your space. Set it up for your predominant hand use and have them hit to the middle of the screen. Put the gc2 on something like a turn table and then when switching to the other hand, they would just be hitting off center of the screen which is not a big deal since it would probably not be that often. That is unless you have both RH and LH players in the house using it. I don't think many are going to vote for the Trugolf with the budget you have. You have lots of options with your space and budget. Good luck.

[aja]

How is your golf game?

I would approach this this way:

If you are a high handicapper (I'd say 15 or more) you probably are still trying to figure out what your club head is doing. In that case, go with ProTee. It's strength is club head information. Righty or lefty is no problem as the sensor is in the floor.

If you are a better golfer and you've solved the mystery of what kind of swing path, club head position, etc. results in what kind of shot shape, then choose the Foresight GC2 launch monitor. (The HMT add on that gives club head data for the GC2 doubles the price but not so sure that it gives you that much more usefull information.) Righty / lefty is a little more involved with the GC2 from what I gather.

In either case ProTee can set you up with the TGC sim which many think is as good as it gets as far as simulation on a budget gets. Their support is excellent and TGC is likely being upgraded in less than a year's time where it will get even better.

[duke5021]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll take a look at GC2.

Budget is $30k all-in, however I need to build a garage area too. So for the Sim I anticipate looking at about $18k or so if possible.

Handicap is a 13. Myself and all of my friends that would be using it are righty, so I don't anticipate that being a problem.

Anyone have any suggestions for who to work with in NJ that can be used for an install?

[andygg1986]

If you are considering a GC2 and HMT combo, there is a used one on ebay right now with 3 days left. It is at $7100 right now but will certainly go up at the end. Used HMT's don't come up on for sale often. Like Clkguy2013 said below, if I had the budget for both, I would go that route. As it is, I have a GC2 with TGC and love it. It is super easy to set up yourself (no need for an installer to set up that aspect of your sim). I imagine you would have more luck finding a local contractor who can build the rest of the sim than finding one who specializes in one particular system.

[Cklguy2013]

With an 18K budget and not having to worry about lefty play I'd definitely go with the CG2 and HMT, you should watch some videos on line but I think it's generally understood that it's the best system out there even better than Trackman.... also you'll want to add the TGC (the golf club) software, it has a ton of courses and lets you play online tournaments.

[BlechBOX]

I agee with Cklguy2013. GC2 hardware with TGC software is the way to go. As for building the room you will have to look around for exactly what you want. If you want someone else to build it for you i would suggest going with par2pro. I ordered parts from them and built it myself because i'm fairly hands on but they would net you something awesome.

No matter what you choose you should plan on the simulator also being a theater so make sure the screen is a 16:9 aspect ratio. It is great for watching sporting events and movies.

[penrose]

with an 18k budget I would try this route http://www.golfsimulatorguys.com/col...olf-simulators or google golf simulators find a look you like and walk go to a new home building site. Find a contractor and ask - hey would you help me build this?

[Timdm3]

Hey duke5021 ,

I am in NJ, Monmouth County. I have a Skytrak setup and did the setup DIY. It is a much smaller setup than what you are planning, but I'd be glad to help with any questions.

[NYCgolfer]

where in NJ are you located?

[Bubba22]

I am sure you can pay someone from this forum a few K to come setup an awesome home simulator for you. Get the garage built ( go as big as you can) and research all your options here. Read, read, read. Go visit anyone with a home sim or golf simulator center and try different sims. Then make your decision.

[duke5021]

Thanks for the help and responses guys... I'm in Pt. Pleasant, so right next door to ocean county.

[Tonyd9366]

Definitely the gc2. I have it and could not be happier. Especially if there are no lefties in your group of friends. something people forgot to mention here is that if you go with the HMT tower that reads the club data, you need to purchase special stickers that goes on each club in order for the HMT to read the club data. And the stickers are not cheap. The GC2 reads the ball only and based on the spin you produce will give you some club data on the analysis screen right after you hit the ball. It's not 100 % accurate but to me it's accurate enough. But like AJA said I'm a good golfer so I know my swing. At a 13 you may want to get it if you wanna know exactly what your club is doing thru the strike. However, putting stickers on clubs doesn't excite me. For me personally, the gc2 alone gives me all the data I need and is extremely realistic and accurate. 6500.00 new at foresight sports. I think you would be really happy with the gc2 set up.... Tony

[Tonyd9366]

As far as set up consult with Cory at par2pro. They can help you with your set up needs. They are great, and their customer service is supurb, and they also sell the gc2 as well. Also check out some youtube videos on the gc2... Par2pro has some good ones. .. Best of luck again and welcome to the future of golf.. The sim world !!!!