Pulling my hair out over LM choice

[tony2177]

I’m at the point where I’ve done so much research on launch monitors I can no longer “see the trees through the woods” … I’m way too far into the weeds now.

Every time I think I’m comfortable pulling the trigger on one I do more research which causes me to find some other significant drawback about that system.

I don’t have a dedicated room yet, but could use my 8.5’ tall garage in the interim before I go all out and build a proper shed for it. In the interim obviously only a camera based system would work but the shed, approved by my wife, would let me go overhead with the correct system. Mid handicap looking to take the next step forward to lower handicap. My beef with some of these systems -

Skytrak+ - Not convinced the data is all that accurate. Subscription fees.

Uneekor Mini - Read the software isn’t all that great. Limited club data. Subscription fees for simulation outside Refine.

Uneekor QED - Same as Mini, but club data appears a touch better in scope (face angle, for example). Marked balls.

GC3 - No path to full club data (like face angle, impact, etc).

BLP - Subscription fees, and substantial too. I’d like to keep whatever unit I buy for a long time, so even if the BLP is ‘7 years cheaper’ than a GC3, I’m likely to reach the GC3 status in that time.

Protee VX - Very limited review / info out there. The ‘no refund’ policy is a huge turnoff for me, especially for a new offering at that price.

If you had to make one choice, what would it be? Someone pull me from the golf sim ledge.

[Leo Spaceman]

I'll give you my 2 cents on the systems I'm familiar with.

Skytrak - I have the OG Skytrak and not the +, but I never had major doubts on the data. It's limited compared to the other systems for sure, but my distances and shot shaping always felt reasonably accurate to me. The bag mapping and wedge matrix that I did on Skytrak helped me on the course 100%. The limitations are what made me want to upgrade and go to an overhead system though. More club data and the impact video is huge for me. Skytrak is a pain in the balls if you have a lefty playing (which I do), and as you said, the subscription fees. Misreads also seem much more common on Skytrak. I particularly had trouble with high lofted wedge shots when working through the wedge matrix.

Uneekor QED - Don't own the system, but took a series of lessons on one last winter. I thought it was great and was a big reason why I was looking at a Uneekor before the VX came along. The marked balls were a pain that I probably could've lived with, but I was really looking at the XO to avoid it. Data, impact video, etc., were all great and I never questioned the accuracy.

Protee VX - Still early days for me, but to me it does everything the XO could do at a lower price point. No subscription fees and a free transfer for TGC2019. I'm not sure where the 'no refund' policy is coming from but I've seen that on here a couple times. If you buy from a reputable reseller they all have return policies. And if you saw the ordeal I went through I was in direct contact with Protee and they were going to make it right if the fix didn't work. Maybe that means you can only get a replacement and can't get a refund if you don't like the system but I didn't dig deeply enough into that to say one way or the other.

[boungolf]

tony2177 I have the Mevo+ bought the first year it came out. I love the machine. I am looking for a new one as I have been having some really annoying issues with my device lately.

From your picks looks like you want to spend between than 4-8K

If you do not want to use your LM outside at the range go for an overhead launch monitor.
protee VX is probably my first choice as its $6500 USD with no subscription fee. more reviews now and looks like a great LM.
(This is what I am considering use my mevo+ outside and use the VX for my simulator at my house)
QED - would be good its cheaper but does not have all the parameter's

if you want to use both outside/inside
1.) GC3 (due to accuracy)
2.) Eye mini (the club impact is a really nice feature)


just my thought hope it helps you.

good luck.

[tony2177]

Leo Spaceman - thank you for the detailed information! That is all very insightful. Good to know you think the Uneekor is fairly accurate, but also interesting to note that you also thought the XO was a much better fit for you because of the complete club data.

Regarding the Protee, I did read your post on your ordeal on this forum. It was reassuring that they took care of you and were willing to take care of you. I sent an email to Carl’s place asking about the no refund and they confirmed that that was indeed the case. But like you said, I’m guessing that it’s in the case of “you don’t like it” rather than “it’s broken”. I’d be curious to know your take on it in a few weeks. Accurate? Any issues?

boungolf - A second vote for Protee … interesting! Indeed, I don’t have any need for an outdoor launch monitor. Purely indoor is what I’m looking for.

[StalefishFS3]

The absolute best bang for your buck right now is a GC2/HMT. Aside from the age, which really isn't that much of a detriment, you can get Quad data for less than 1/2 of a price of a Quad. And no additional subscription fees for anything. You don't need additional software other than GSPro. Cost:

1) GC2/HMT: 5000-6000
2) GSPro: 250/year
3) Plus other necessities you would need for any LM, like a PC, hitting mat, projector, screen or heck even just a TV and net.

If you do not have lefties, and never are going to take to range, you can have a "poor man's" Quad for a major discount.

Downsides are that they are old (but still incredibly accurate) and the GC2/HMT really doesn't work with any Apple apps if you want to use an iPad.

You said you wanted face angle and impact. Well, that really is a GC2/HMT, Quad or a Uneekor EyeXO, which you could probably get for 8K used. But the club data is not as robust as the Foresight products.

[wbond]

I still use this combination and agree, it's very tough to beat for price. It's definitely built to last and there are others who still support fixing them if you ever have a problem. The other nice thing with this is the ability to add low cost cameras that integrate very easily. I coach a local HS boys and girls team and the data and video you get with this makes is very easy to explain what's going on and what to work on.

The absolute best bang for your buck right now is a GC2/HMT. Aside from the age, which really isn't that much of a detriment, you can get Quad data for less than 1/2 of a price of a Quad. And no additional subscription fees for anything. You don't need additional software other than GSPro. Cost:

1) GC2/HMT: 5000-6000
2) GSPro: 250/year
3) Plus other necessities you would need for any LM, like a PC, hitting mat, projector, screen or heck even just a TV and net.

If you do not have lefties, and never are going to take to range, you can have a "poor man's" Quad for a major discount.

Downsides are that they are old (but still incredibly accurate) and the GC2/HMT really doesn't work with any Apple apps if you want to use an iPad.

You said you wanted face angle and impact. Well, that really is a GC2/HMT, Quad or a Uneekor EyeXO, which you could probably get for 8K used. But the club data is not as robust as the Foresight products.

[jasonreg]

I don’t have a dedicated room yet, but could use my 8.5’ tall garage in the interim before I go all out and build a proper shed for it. In the interim obviously only a camera based system would work but the shed, approved by my wife, would let me go overhead with the correct system. Mid handicap looking to take the next step forward to lower handicap.

Tough choice for sure. As one with a lower ceiling height I can say that because I cannot hit driver, I tend to head to other venues and/or ranges, especially in the off season to work on Driver. The ability to bring my Quad along with me and work off an iPad has been fantastic. So, while I agree with the comments regarding GC2/HMT value, if I were doing it a gain, I would be looking at GC3 I think.

[StalefishFS3]

Completely agree GC3 is a fantastic unit. I just took the OP at his word that his issue with GC3 was no face impact, path, lie angle, closure rate, etc.. All data points that can only be achieved by using GC2/HMT, Quad, Hawk, EyeXO or EyeXO2.

Combined with his issue of subscription fees, the GC2/HMT, GC3, Quad and Hawk solve that problem. But for the latter three, Foresight forces you to pay for the overpriced FSX software. Only one that doesn't require any of that is a GC2 or GC2/HMT.

Tough choices, indeed. There are upsides and downsides to any unit one considers.

[mthunt]

I’m at the point where I’ve done so much research on launch monitors I can no longer “see the trees through the woods” … I’m way too far into the weeds now.

Every time I think I’m comfortable pulling the trigger on one I do more research which causes me to find some other significant drawback about that system.

I don’t have a dedicated room yet, but could use my 8.5’ tall garage in the interim before I go all out and build a proper shed for it. In the interim obviously only a camera based system would work but the shed, approved by my wife, would let me go overhead with the correct system. Mid handicap looking to take the next step forward to lower handicap. My beef with some of these systems -

Skytrak+ - Not convinced the data is all that accurate. Subscription fees.

Uneekor Mini - Read the software isn’t all that great. Limited club data. Subscription fees for simulation outside Refine.

Uneekor QED - Same as Mini, but club data appears a touch better in scope (face angle, for example). Marked balls.

GC3 - No path to full club data (like face angle, impact, etc).

BLP - Subscription fees, and substantial too. I’d like to keep whatever unit I buy for a long time, so even if the BLP is ‘7 years cheaper’ than a GC3, I’m likely to reach the GC3 status in that time.

Protee VX - Very limited review / info out there. The ‘no refund’ policy is a huge turnoff for me, especially for a new offering at that price.

If you had to make one choice, what would it be? Someone pull me from the golf sim ledge.

Of those, it's GC3 or VX. I have a VX and GC2, If you don't care about switching from right handed to left, the GC3 is amazing. You only get one dot data but in reality with balls data it's all you need. If you need left and right the VX handles it really well. I find it more accurate with PIX balls.

[friedT]

My view is that Club data is everything. I use a Mevo+ and activated the pro package. if you really want to improve you need to understand the club face, club path and face to path. The rest of the data is nice, but isnt nearly as important as understanding what the face is doing at impact - especially as a mid handicap. Mevo + is great (and accurate). If I were starting from scratch, I would probably get the VX. The video of the ball hitting the club differentiates those monitors from the Mevo+, although Mevo + is about half the price, so that is a consideration, plus you need more room it.

[tony2177]

This is all wonderful banter - please keep the info and discussion going! I really appreciate everyone’s input so far. Super helpful.

Regarding the GC2/HMT - I’ve seen a few units for sale on the classifieds section of this forum, but was t really sure what a good price is for both. Considering the age, how much is too much? Some other concerns I’ve had - how serviceable are they in case something goes wrong? StalefishFS3 - excuse my very obvious ignorance , but what do you mean when you write: “Foresight forces you to pay for the overpriced FSX software. Only one that doesn't require any of that is a GC2”. If I get a GC2, what does it come with as a range and as a sim?

Another GC2 concern, but only because of buying - how confident are you in buying used through a forum like this or Second Swing or something like that?

mthunt - What is your experience with the VX? Accurate?

And for all VX users … something else I’ve wondered … I see that the Uneekor units have a protective case. Anything for the VX?

[tony2177]

For example - GlobalGolf currently has a few “Value” condition GC2’s selling for $3,120. Good deal or run for my life?

[StalefishFS3]

So when you buy a Foresight product new, it "comes with" FSX2020 and FSXPlay for a whopping 3500 extra. Example: you buy a GC3, you are actually paying roughly 4000-4500 for the hardware, then Foresight forces you to buy the software as a bundle with the GC3. Same with a Quad: 15,000 for a Quad with club data, but it will really cost you 18,5000. Just like when you get cable, you get all these channels you don't want, or will never watch.

Foresight no longer sells GC2 and HMT. They deemed them "end of life". But don't let that scare you. They are rock-solid units, and probably everyone on these boards will agree with me. They are often referred to as tanks. Which is true. Very well built, and if you take care of them, you can have many years of enjoyment with them. The only thing that needs to be changed from time to time is the flash on the GC2, and if you know how to use a screwdriver, you can do it yourself.

If you get a GC2, it is strongly recommended you buy a subscription to GSPro for 250/year. You get that at the GSPro website. A GC2 works flawlessly with GSPro. GSPro has everything you need - from a driving range or user created driving ranges, and great simulation play. YOU DO NOT NEED FSX2020 or PLAY with a GC2. Don't buy it unless you really want FSX2020 and Foresight software. I am not saying FSX2020 or Play is bad; to the contrary, it is a really good training piece of software. But it is just overpriced by Foresight.

As for buying here, shouldn't be an issue. Facetime with the seller. Have the seller show you it is working, from the data on the GC2 itself to the data on the projector or the TV. I bought mine from a member here and zero issues for the last 2.5 years. I'm happy to Facetime with you to show you mine if you want to DM me.

As for price, that depends. The newer the GC2, they are a little more pricey, but not much. I would guesstimate for a GC2/HMT combo, somewhere in the 5000 to 6000 range, depending on what else comes with it. Such as a shank tank, extra flashes, if the battery has been maintained, etc... And i think you will always get a fairer price here than through a retailer like Second Swing.

Hope this helps.

[StalefishFS3]

For example - GlobalGolf currently has a few “Value” condition GC2’s selling for $3,120. Good deal or run for my life?

There is zero chance I would pay that for a GC2.

[mthunt]

This is all wonderful banter - please keep the info and discussion going! I really appreciate everyone’s input so far. Super helpful.

Regarding the GC2/HMT - I’ve seen a few units for sale on the classifieds section of this forum, but was t really sure what a good price is for both. Considering the age, how much is too much? Some other concerns I’ve had - how serviceable are they in case something goes wrong? StalefishFS3 - excuse my very obvious ignorance , but what do you mean when you write: “Foresight forces you to pay for the overpriced FSX software. Only one that doesn't require any of that is a GC2”. If I get a GC2, what does it come with as a range and as a sim?

Another GC2 concern, but only because of buying - how confident are you in buying used through a forum like this or Second Swing or something like that?

mthunt - What is your experience with the VX? Accurate?

And for all VX users … something else I’ve wondered … I see that the Uneekor units have a protective case. Anything for the VX?

The GC2 is dead solid accurate, super reliable and bullet proof. Repairs are easy on it. The downside is you need two or you have to move it for a leftie. I have 2. I have a VX as well. The thing is great. I’m happy with it. I use the PIX balls and get better readings with those balls. It’s brand new technology so they are improving it. I find driver carry less than expected but the irons are dead on. Spin is accurate as well. I’ve hit lots of shots with the VX and GC2/HMT running at the same time.