Want to purchase golf monitor/simulator and have several questions!

[Pack12]

I have reviewed several websites (Sky Trak, Par2Pro, Rain or Shine) and I am very gun shy from purchasing anything. I like the concept of Sky Trak but the reviews on the Golf Simulator Forum are very disappointing. Buying a Trackman is not going to happen! I am told that one can purchase a used or reconditioned in the $3,300 - $5,400 range but the software is very expensive. How much is the GC2 software per year, what is the quality of the software and what type of computer is required to run it? I get bored hitting into a net and have not feedback on my shots.

Any help would be appreciated on where and how to research and find something that would be fun and affordable! Thanks!

[wbond]

You need to define affordable. What do you want the software to do?

[Pack12]

I will have $4,200.00 to spend on the following: launch monitor system plus software to play simulated golf courses and info. that gives me feedback on my ball striking, golf mat, golf screen, netting and frame to hold netting and a projector mount I have an Epson projector, iPhone6 and iPad for use with software. The dimensions of my garage hitting area is 9 ft. high, 7'9'' wide and 16 feet long. My dad used to say that people often had a champagne appetite on a beer budget. I feel that way now. I found a refurbished GC2 for $5,400.00 with and additional $3,000.00 for software.

I see the Sky Trak system on sale for $1695.00 (save $300.00 until Dec.31st) plus $200.00 Play/Improve, The Golf Club software $479.00 one year or approx. $800.00 one time payment. I have never seen, except on the internet, any of the things I am considering purchasing. The reviews on this forum are very mixed. I don't have $1,700.00 to throw away.

So, I want a dependable set up that will help me improve my swing with a good amount of analytics and that I can play golf in my garage while it rains/snows/ice for 7 months in Oregon. If you need more specific info., please let me know! Thanks!

[DirtyGarry24]

You could do gc2 and TGC for $5k. If you stay true to your budget Skytrak is your best bet. It ain’t bad for the money. Good luck...

[wbond]

That's a pretty tight area being less than 8' wide. You will be offset by quite a bit if you're trying to hit driver as well. WIth 4.2k to spend on all the items you mention, that puts you into the ST level. If you got TGC, do not forgot about the computer cost, you need a fairly decent machine with a good graphics card.

[Pack12]

Thanks for both of your input!

Gary, where would I find GC2 and the TGC for $5K? I'd have to save for a while but the GC2 seems like a more reliable system. Will an iPhone6 or a 2017 MacBook Pro with retinal scan be compatible with the GC2 and the TGC software program? Thanks!

Wbond, I should clarify a bit about the 8' wide measurement. In my garage the tracks are 7' 9" apart. The right side track has a long set of cabinets below it. There is 4' of space to the left of the left side track. So, my golf screen can only be as wide as the track but I I do have quite a bit of space to the left of the screen. I hope this makes sense. I had a chat with the Sky Trak folks about the computer I needed. They said that my iPhone6 and my wife's iPad would work. I also just got an 2017 MacBook Pro with retinal scan. I'm not sure if that is compatible with the Sky Trak and the TGC software program. I am very limited in my knowledge of computer issues so I hope that I am on the right track. People like you and Gary will be invaluable to me! Thanks!

[DirtyGarry24]

I’ve seen used gc2’s on here for around $4k. You just have to be patient. The computer cost is not something that I considered in that number. I was lucky enough to already have a computer that would handle tgc, so that could be an added $800 to someone’s budget.

[akoe19]

My understanding is that you would need to figure out a way to run Windows OS on your MacBook to be compatible with TGC, assuming the MacBook meets all the other technical requirements of TGC

[p3eps]

You can install Bootcamp on a Mac to make it run Windows, however none of the MacBook Pro models at present have a graphics card capable of running TGC with any real performance.

[gene438]

I want to jump in because if you have a limited budget, I want to make sure you are making the right decision. I think we need to step back and make sure we understand what you are wanting to achieve. so, answer the following questions?

1)Ceiling height of 9 ft. concerns me. Have you tried swinging your driver in the space?
2)Do your want a system that is portable or fixed?
3)Is your main goal improving your game or playing simulator golf for social or fun only?
4)Are you low or high handicap. Are you interested in club head data, swing path or just need accurate ball spin data?
5)Are you going to just be a range rat or do you want to play multiple courses, online play, tourneys,etc.?
6)Do you want to continue hitting into a net and looking over to an ipad for the data or do you want to hit into a screen and have the full simulator experience?

I think before you pull the trigger, you need to carefully think how you want to use the system. Even if you have to do it in steps, it's important to know your final goals so that you purchase the right system......

[BadEddieKit]

I bought a used Skytrak and gaming PC with TGC already on it, for $3000. I bought the Net Return and a Simulator screen for it, for $1200. A divot action hitting mat and stance mat for $500 and an Optoma 1080 projector, for $600. All in total $5300. You can probably find a used skytrak and TGC cheaper these days. All in all, for the money, the skytrak is hard to beat. It is has its issues, but they all do. i would say 7 out of 10 shots are right on the money, 2 out of 10 have a slightly odd shot shape, but the ball still ends up where it should. Then you will have that 1 out of 10 that gets read as a push or pull, but you know from where it hit the screen, that it was straight. But its only a couple of degrees off, so maybe its a missed green, however, sometimes that 1 out of 10 is a bad shot from you, and the Skytrak actually saves ya! I think it all averages out close enough, no matter how much you try or spend, in the end, its still gonna be simulated golf! Gene is correct though, need to ask yourself some of those questions to help determine whats right for you.

[Pack12]

Hi Gene,

1. I am 5'6" (One of the few benefits of being short.) and I have used my driver in my garage.
2. Portable
3. Improve play #1, and a simulator for fun/social
4. I was a 6 handicap 15 years ago and now retired. Working to return to my previous or better handicap!
5. I play multiple courses. I may try online play, tournaments in the future. I don't know anything about the online play and tournaments.
6. I definitely want to hit into a screen and have the full simulator experience.

I do think the best thing for me to do is build in steps as you mentioned.I will hold off on purchasing a SkyTrak until I have my hitting area set up and I know that I have the correct computer to use with the system. Due to my odd garage dimensions I will most likely have to make it a DIY project. I have hit golf balls in my garage before but the set up was pretty weak. I will be checking out the forum for ideas.

Thanks Gene!

[Pack12]

I wanted to show you a picture of my garage setup so that you can see what I have to work with. Please let me know what you think I could do with this space! I've spent the last 3-4 hours looking over the forum and I am really impressed! I have listed the dimensions above.

Thanks again!

[wbond]

Instead of hitting towards the garage door, can you hit away from it? It should give you a wider screen/hitting area. Also, you can install high lift tracks to get your garage door closer to the ceiling to give you more height if needed.

[Pack12]

I will look into the cost of installing higher lift tracks. Thanks for the idea! In the mean time I have looked into building a hitting net under the existing tracks. I can make them 87 inches high by 9 feet wide. by 8 feet long. I would need to buy netting approx. 25 ft. long by 90 inches high, I would also purchase a simulator screen 9 ft. wide and 87 inches high. I would then like to purchase a tarp the same size. The f, simulator screen, rame will probably be made of 1" pvc pipe. (I have also heard that lead pipe might work better!) I would like to get a 6' x 10' mat similar to the one SkyTrak advertises.What are the best places to look for quality netting, simulator screens and a mat. I think this will look nice and will be less than the Net Return systems. This will allow me to then purchase a Skytrak or used/reconditioned GC2 system, TGC software, projector mounting kit. Since this is a DIY project I will also need suggestions on how to mount the nets, tarp, the projector mount (If the Viewsonic will work!) and connecting the projector to either my iPhone6 or an iPad.

Other issues: I was given an Viewsonic projector that does not have manual. So, I am not now sure it=f it a short throw project. The following if written under the projector - manufactured in May of 2010. PJD6531w/DLP Projector Model VS12476, Input 100-240V-5, on top is says Picture by DLP Texas Instrument DLP DLP Ready, Wide XGA. I hope this is what I need.

Is there any way to know if my iPhone6 or our iPad will actually work with my future purchase of a SkyTrak or refurbished GC2 with TGC software?

Please let me know any suggestions you have. I don't want to waste money or have to start over in the near future. I am asking for a lot of help and I hope that some day I will be able to help someone else in a similar situation!

[Pack12]

If my iPhone6 or iPad do not work I need suggests on where would be the best places to look for a pc that would work with the TGC software system. (Looking through the forum it seems that most people like the TGC software.) The Rain or Shine website lists the following requirements for the SkyTrak monitor with the TGC software Recommended System Requirements

• SkyTrak Game Improvement Package ($99.95/year)
• The Golf Club Software Package ($479/year or $995 one time fee)
• OS: Windows 10 (64Bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i7
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVidia GTX 970
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Hard Drive: 20 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible

If I got a refurbished/used GC2 would the pc requirements listed above work? Thanks for your expertise!

[akoe19]

Other issues: I was given an Viewsonic projector that does not have manual. So, I am not now sure it=f it a short throw project. The following if written under the projector - manufactured in May of 2010. PJD6531w/DLP Projector Model VS12476, Input 100-240V-5, on top is says Picture by DLP Texas Instrument DLP DLP Ready, Wide XGA. I hope this is what I need.

According to the calculator on projector central, it is not short throw and would have to be about 15 ft from the screen to create a 9ft wide image

[Pack12]

It appears I need to now purchase new/used short throw projector as my Viewsonic PJD6531W would need to be 15 feet away for my 9 ft. wide screen. At that distance I would assume my shadow would cover the screen.

[rob donovan]

A net under the tracks will definitely not work. It will be in the way of the projector and most importantly, your swing. I am also around 5'6" and I just get by with 9' ceiling height with no netting. Your best bet is to install a screen on the back wall (away from garage doors) and make it as tall as possible. Available height will determine the width of screen you will need if you are trying to fill the screen with a display. You shouldn't need a net to the side or above you. You could position the projector between the tracks and have your teeing area in the same spot between the tracks. This will take the tracks out of play. I found my net and screen on Amazon. I got a raw screen from Carl's Place and had it sewn to my needed dimensions at a local sew shop. Any sports netting should work behind the screen. If you only have a screen that is 87" you will be hitting over it with wedges unless you are right on top of it when hitting. I hit from 10' away and I have trouble with wedges with my 9' tall screen.

[Pack12]

Thanks for your input Rob. I can't hit in the other direction as I have a bench and several cabinet there. I can temporarily take down the left track (The right track runs across the top of some cabinets so it doesn't need to be removed.) which will give me another 2 feet in width. I would then have an area 10 feet wide, 9 feet high and 16 feet long. I might check into raising the tracks but I have no idea n=how much that would cost. I may need to just scrap the who idea of a golf simulation project in my garage. What are your thoughts?