Simulator Build/Viewing area question

[JJI1981]

I have an oddly shaped room in which I will be installing a simulator and have the option of hitting toward an enclosed area/screen of either: (a) 12 wide x 9 high or (b) 14 wide x 7.5 high. There is plenty of room to swing my club, however, in both scenarios (both height and width).

I have seen some arguments for "wider is better" as far as projected images and aspect ratios, but I'm concerned as to whether the 7.5 height may force me to hit too close to the screen and preclude me from perhaps one day swapping out the current LM (likely a skytrak) for a radar unit (which requires more ball flight). There will be an overhead apparatus of some kind for sure (either net or enclosure) on the 7.5 height option.

So, long winded description of my question: (a) 12 wide x 9 high or (b) 14 wide x 7.5 high?

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

[wbond]

I would go higher for sure. You would have to be very close for wedges if you go with 7.5

[gene438]

I think I am in the minority but i got to tell you that I would go wide. When I rebuilt my room, I wanted to go from a batting cage enclosure type hitting area to a wall to wall hitting area, no enclsosure...just all wall. Part of that decision was deciding how close to the screen to hit. After research and debate, I cam up with 8 feet. After months and months of hitting daily, I can tell you that the screen can handle it (I got mine direct from mill with guys here). My screen is showing no wear at all. The other benefit for moving closer to the screen is that my wedges do not hit the ceiling at 8 feet. (My 58 deg will but I don't use it much). Now, if I purposely try to hit a flop shot it will but, I have also made it a point to try and hit lower angle irons, particularly after seeing how low the pros hit their wedges....

In addition, I believe moving closer to the screen provides a more immersed simulator experience and I prefer the wider aspect ratio.

So, bottom line is that I prefer hitting closer to the screen and I have not had any damage to my screen.

[Stingreye]

I am a little confused, when you say height, I am thinking distance from the ground to your ceiling. Do you mean depth? Distance from screen to back of hitting area?

[Stingreye]

If its tall tall enough to swing (10 feet likely needed) and just the impact area is lower, I think I would go wider and hit from 7.5 feet, if you mean distance from ball to screen is 7.5 feet.

[JJI1981]

So I can go back pretty far or stand as close as I want. But the issue is that where I will be placing the screen will only give me two choices: 12 by 9 or 14 by 7.5

[Stingreye]

So if height swinging isn’t a factor. I would rather have a wider screen that’s 14x7.5. I think that’s close to 16x9 widescreen.

[jrz]

I’d vote for wide. It will be a more realistic experience. No matter how high you make it you’ll still hit the top of the net with flop shots.