Custom Build done by Trackman or GCQuad

[huntdog99]

Hey guys!

Great site. First post. Thanks for having me.

I am in the process of moving to a new home. Trying to decide on Trackman vs GC.

I’ve got the room for either and I’ve spoke to the reps at each company.

Both offer customer installations. Both are pricey and while I would prefer not to over pay I assume if either company completed the work that room would be “right”.

a few questions:

1. has anyone used either company for a custom build? How was your experience if so?

2. is this a giant waste of money? Would I be better off doing this myself even though I’m not all that handy? Or should I hire a contractor and buy the components myself? I am somewhat technical.

3. I am still on the fence about which unit to go with. It seems like every other day I am confidant I’m going with one or the other.

My thoughts on both (please correct me anywhere I’m wrong):

TM:

- best in class outdoors (but I’m planning on using indoors)
- amazing software
- requires more room length
- needs ball dots
- can’t see face
- well capitalized
- solid business model
- local rep

QC:

- awesome at seeing club head
- decent software
- cool that I can sit beside ball and easily take to the range (something I didn’t expect to want to do but that seems cool in now that I think about it).
- needs club dots
- cant follow ball
- not sure about about the finances (Important due to longevity on such a large purchase)
- I don’t understand their model (see electric cart)
- rep in San Diego (I am on east coast)

4. Can you help me decide?

I am looking for a great playing experience but very much care about accuracy of the data so that I can really work on my game and I’m looking for a solid build that has a bit of “wow” factor.

thanks in advance!

[mthunt]

I use both. I'll say the big issue is if you are right handed and someone left handed wants to play. If that ever happens, TM wins hands down. In doors and for spin and club data GCQ wins. It all depends what matters to you. The guy that is Foresight Canada makes amazing sims as does TM Canada but that doesn't help you. I can say 100% you will not be disappointed in either.

[huntdog99]

mthunt

Thank you very much. For the most part everyone I play with is a righty. I feel like that’s a non issue.

I am more concerned about:

- software
- company longevity
- accuracy - I want to play for fun sure but I also want to use it to practice and get better. I used to be a + but over the years the handicap has snuck into the mid single digits.

May I ask why you have both?

thanks again!

[Dax]

I believe both companies have a pretty good future. I think TM takes FS in the software front, but that is really from just a comparison of each companies software as each gives you the info you need in practice sessions. Also, to get good virtual golf at the moment with FS you have to look at spending additional money on third party solutions. With that said, FS has noted an upgrade in the next year, but having heard and seen promises of better virtual golf software in the future I would be a little skeptical and ask questions.

for TM, I would ask them to see if they can share more details on the ball they are planning to release in the near future. This could remove some hesitation you may have on certain aspects from the TM perspective. Also, I would say be sure that you have a good way of protecting the unit at the back of the room.

for FS, if you have the space like you say, would you consider an overhead unit? The inly reason for noting is that the GCQ does sit out there in front and depending on the skill level of the player it could get hit (although it is noted by many to have pretty good protection from errant shots). This is really the only point that gets me for a GCQ and as many would note this may be the best choice for indoor accuracy at the moment.

have a look at Leomode’s website. His data is nine month old now, but he has done extensive testing and comparisons on both units and I suspect this will give you a lot of info that could assist you in making your decision.

good luck with the purchase and welcome to the forum.

[huntdog99]

Thanks Dax!

Great thoughts!

I am not opposed to an overhead unit but if I was going to get a Hawk I’d get the quad just to take it outside from time to time.

And for whatever reason I feel like TM and FS are first in class but that could be marketing at its finest.

[Dax]

Having dealt with TM support a few times on my First set up and having used their product do over five years now, my comments on TM are that they are first class and they continue to develop and improve.

I suspect others will say the same about FS. Having been on forums for a while now, both companies offer pretty solid products from a hardware perspective.

[Blaiser]

To throw a bit of a wrench in the gears, it's worth noting that a Trackman 5 could be just around the corner.

Obviously anything tech related there is always "something around the corner" -- but might be something to keep in mind.

Trackman release schedule has been the following:

2006, 2011, 2015.

Sorry to be "that guy" but figured it was worth bringing up.

[Dax]

Great point. I am guessing next year at some point. @leomode mentions it in his blog where he summarized his discussion with TM rep at the January golf show.

[huntdog99]

Good call out. I spoke to the local TM rep and was told at least 2 years out. But who knows.

[mthunt]

mthunt

Thank you very much. For the most part everyone I play with is a righty. I feel like that’s a non issue.

I am more concerned about:

- software
- company longevity
- accuracy - I want to play for fun sure but I also want to use it to practice and get better. I used to be a + but over the years the handicap has snuck into the mid single digits.

May I ask why you have both?

thanks again!

I don’t own both. I use them. I have foresight in my house. The thing is both are can’t lose solutions. Both are amazing. If you buy either you won’t regret it. The club stickers aren’t ideal but the data is more accurate with the Quad. Especially inside.

I should add that if I were buying today I’d go TM4 with TGC.

[huntdog99]

I should add that if I were buying today I’d go TM4 with TGC.

Is that due to the lefty/righty thing? Curious as you say that Quad is more accurate but you would by the TM.

Thanks!

[mthunt]

That and stickers. I hate them.