Advice Needed -- Back Yard Launch Monitor -- SkyTrak?

[twopups]

Hello All, I'm looking for advice on which launch monitor will suit this environment and my needs. This is the back yard of a tall south-facing home in Alameda in the S.F. Bay Area, shaded most of the time by the house and a huge maple tree in the neighbor's yard. A few months of the year, in the morning hours, full sun. I move the hitting mat back and forth on the 2" turf depending on club -- very close for wedges, further back for long irons thru driver. I'm looking for a basic launch monitor, like SkyTrak, that can estimate trajectory, spin rates, distance etc. Club head speed not needed. I'd like to sync to a PC or iPad that can display basic driving range functionality -- shot shape, overall look of ball flight. I'm fairly handy so if I have to build a little platform that aligns with various tee-heights, provides stability for launch monitor, I'm happy to do it. The price point of SkyTrak is great and I'm not sold on the Bushnell / Foresight, but if it's worth the extra investment I'd consider it. Not sure what else I can share -- thanks for any input -- I'll also post to the SkyTrak forum. Much appreciated! -Mike

[grant2145]

SkyTrak is known not to work great outdoors, even in shade. I highly recommend a second-hand Foresight GC2, they are selling at very reasonable prices. The GC2 is very accurate and very easy to set up and move around. It will also be compatible with all third-party software titles without any subscriptions. For basic range practice, you can pick up the older FR1 software that will run on any PC even without a GPU.

[twopups]

Thanks -- I've heard good and bad about SkyTrak outdoors under near-pefect conditions, non-direct sunlight with a perfectly stable, aligned unit, which doesn't sound fun. I do see refurbed / second hand GC2 units on eBay, local CL, etc. I suppose I just worry about the second-handedness of the unit... Thx for the input.

[jpinkardvt]

I’m a SkyTrak guy, but Mevo + could be a good option in the same price range as skytrak

[twopups]

I'm under the impression Mevo+ needs a bit more space than I have -- I believe the best option for me is a photo-based system vs. radar? I'll have another look at Mevo, though -- thanks. I'm leaning now toward a used / refurbed GC-2.

[preludesam]

What are the dimensions of your available space?

Mevo+ is much better than a Skytrack. It ticks every box as far as accuracy compared to Skytrack plus added portability (range sessions) and adding a Pro Package gives you measured club data. GC2 is better with reduced restricted flight but to get club data you will have to spend a couple grand extra on top of the purchase price.

If you have the space for a Mevo+ it’s definitely recommended.

[Tom Howarth]

I used a Skytrak outdoors for a few years in a similar situation. It worked great. I had minor issues occasionally when the sun was directly overhead. I think you can add a piece of cardboard to the top to provide shade above the camera (infrared light) in very sunny situations.

[HappyGilmore102]

Hi

One launch monitor is not better than the other. They all have pro's and con's.

Photometric - better indoors and where space is limited also better at reading spin due to the technology used.

Radar - better outdoors and where space is not limited to track the ball, spin more difficult to read might need to use metallic dots/balls etc indoors.

I wouldn't buy a used GC2, its old and outdated and foresight might charge you a bomb for repairs or might not want to repair it at all. GC3 or Eye mini would be better.

The other thing to consider is internet use with software.

Wifi connection is important for sim golf, skytrak has network connection mode, mevo + needs a 2nd dongle.

Mevo plus also needs a power bank for sim play, so mevo Plus is alot more fidgety to setup.

They all have pro's and con's.

[twopups]

Thanks, All -- I'm learning that one launch monitor is indeed no better or worse than another...

Re: spacing, when I move my hitting mat back for longer clubs, I have maybe 8' more of yard. (It's the SF Bay Area -- land isn't cheap here!...)

I've been in touch with Foresight and for $500 they'll re-register a used / refurb'ed GC2 and my local golf shop owner has a bay full of GC2s and GC3s and says he's happy to help set up, configure. Sounds like I can even buy non-official driving range software vs. spending $3K on the whole software shebang - yikes!...

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new mat -- Fiberbuilt 7'x4' Studio -- ideal for the space, launch monitor, etc.

Much appreciated!

[grant2145]

Foresight is running an incredible deal on a CPO GC2, FSX2020, and a gaming desktop for $4,000. It's one of the best deals I've seen from Foresight. https://shop.foresightsports.com/col...cpo-gc2-bundle

[mplsgolfer]

I was in a similar situation where I wanted something for my backyard to use. I ended up with the BLP synced to FSX Pro on my iPad and it's been great for me. The only thing that seemed a little glitchy for me was using the BLP wifi and since switching to an Ethernet to a USBC adapter and hardwiring it to my iPad it's been flawless. My concern with Skytrak was how well it would handle daylight and the BLP hasn't given me any issues. It looks like they also have a holiday sale going on right now.

Here's my setup which is very similar to yours -

[twopups]

Damn that $3,999 deal is too good to pass up.Thanks, all -- will give project serious consideration and post follow-up pics, review, challenges, etc. Very much appreciated.

[wbond]

Don't rule out a GC2, they are one of the best built units out there. Also you don't need to go through foresight for most things if something is wrong, there are people who can repair them if needed and make alternative flash modules at a much better price. They can replace charging ports, cables, screens, etc. And it's one of the easiest units to get to work with any software out there.

[twopups]

Thanks -- definitely leaning toward that GC2 holiday package!