Vector vs Vector Pro

[CaseJ]

Hi, I posted this question on another forum but haven't received a response yet. Thought it might be worth asking here.

I am hoping someone can offer some guidance. I am considering purchasing a used Accusport Vector or Vector Pro (with MicroLens). I have a mat and net set up in a shaded area outside that doesn't get direct sunlight. As my practice area is outside i will need to pack up the device after I finish hitting balls and set it back up again anytime I want to use it. The device would be set up in the same position every time I use it.

I have seen a few posts stating the old Vector is better and other posts stating the Vector Pro (with MicroLens) is the better option. If anybody could give me some guidance on the following questions it would be really appreciated.

1. Is the Vector Pro (with MicroLens) superior to the old Vector?

2. How long will it take to set up each device every time I use it?

3. How consistent is each device? What percentage of balls would it capture?

4. Which one fairs better outdoors?

5. I believe the Skytrak uses the same technologies. How much better is it and which ways is it better?

6. Anything else I should consider?

Thanks

[Ronsc1985]

1. Is the Vector Pro (with MicroLens) superior to the old Vector?

Yes but for using outdoors neither is very good due to the constant adjustment you have to make as the ambient light changes.

2. How long will it take to set up each device every time I use it?

Unless you have a fixed jig setup to precisely set the distance to the ball from the lenses it will take a lot of fiddling around. The vector units are also very picky about how far in front or behind the ball is to the lenses center line.. This changes depending on how fast the ball is leaving the clubface. The camera takes takes two pictures and the ball must be in the frame the camera takes.

3. How consistent is each device? What percentage of balls would it capture?

If you get the distance and lens adjustments correct the Vector Pro captures almost all the shots and you can tell by looking at the composite image captured if the launch parameters calculated from the images are correct. After you use the Vector Pro for awhile you get a feel about where to move the ball for different clubs.

4. Which one fairs better outdoors? Neither they both suck due to the constant aperture adjustments you have to make as the ambient light changes. The micro lens really doesn't help with this since the adjustment is only automatic during the setup phase. It does not adjust the aperture on the fly as the light conditions change.

5. I believe the Skytrak uses the same technologies. How much better is it and which ways is it better?

Don't know I only have used a Vector Pro and a GC2. If the Skytrac uses the same two ball picture method then it will be about the same except you don't need a hookup to a computer.

6. Anything else I should consider?

You should consider either providing an indoor setup with constant lighting or don't bother with Vector anything. I have never used a Skytrac but from reading the user comments on this board I don't get a warm feeling it is really suitable for continual outdoor use.

[CaseJ]

Great response, thank you.