Question Regarding SkyTrak

[taipan1013]

Wanted to ask questions to forum members before purchasing SkyTrak Simulator:
1) Had any issues with simulator hardware?
2) Is it worth purchasing the software upgrades ($99 or $199 package)?
3) What is the best mat to use with SkyTrak?
4) What is the best ball to use with SkyTrak?
5) Would you recommend purchasing the case?
6) Would you recommend purchasing the extended warranty?
7) Is there other simulators in this price range you would recommend?
8) Is It better to run software on Windows or OS?
9) Are you happy with accuracy of the unit?
10) Has the unit helped to improve your game?
11) How does the unit do with reflecting accuracy of short shots?

Thanks you very much for considering to help me with the above questions.

[blitz12]

Here are my thoughts on skytrak:

1. I have not had any issues with the hardware. It's worked great for the past 1.5 years.
2. I do have the $99 package, it adds a bunch of fun practice features and the ability to use other simulation software. I do think it's worth it.
3. Mat experiences will differ based on the person but I use Fiberbuilt mats and they are quite popular in the forum
4. Ball should be white, yellow balls do not get picked up well by the camera. Other than that it makes sense to use the same ball you play with.
5. Yes. Protection against shanked shots.
6. Depends on your risk tolerance. I did not and had no issues with my system.
7. GC2 is another device often compared to Skytrak but it is more expensive. There is nothing else in the $2000 range at the moment.
8. I use Windows and have no issues, can't comment on IOS. I have used it on my android phone but it is much slower.
9. It is very accurate and I am happy with it.
10. Yes, really helps with knowing distances you hit the ball and can help you practice with a focus and goal using the additional games/skill challenges in the skytrak software. It's always good to hit more balls and get feedback.
11. It's pretty good with chips. Putting is difficult and it can be inaccurate. Very good for dialing in wedge distances.

Hopefully that helps. I'm sure other people will chime in with their experiences.

[Lgnir]

Here are my responses:

1) Had any issues with simulator hardware?
Nope! It has worked like a charm! Remember though, SkyTrak is basically a launch monitor. A simulator is a software package you would add on. There are no golf courses included with a SkyTrak unless you upgrade to the Play and Improve package (the $199 one) and that comes with WGT. I think (based on reviews) that WGT is the least popular of the simulator software packages.

2) Is it worth purchasing the software upgrades ($99 or $199 package)?
At the minimum, you want the $99 game improvement package. This way you have assess to sim software.

3) What is the best mat to use with SkyTrak?
That is a personal preference. I went through 3 before I found one I liked, which is the Martin Hall 5 Star Golf Mat

4) What is the best ball to use with SkyTrak?
I use Titelist Tour Soft or Srixon Soft Feel balls when I play real golf, and I use the same type on the simulator. Just make sure it's the white version of whatever ball you play. Your distances will be way more accurate if you use the same ball you play real golf with.

5) Would you recommend purchasing the case?
Yes, I've never shanked one into it, but lord knows if I didn't have the metal case on it, I would!

6) Would you recommend purchasing the extended warranty?
Sure, if anything happens, it's normally within the first year has been my experience.

7) Is there other simulators in this price range you would recommend?
No, there is nothing that compares for $2000. I think you can by 3 SkyTraks for the price of one GC2.

8) Is It better to run software on Windows or OS?
I haven't been a big fan of Macs, so I primarily use PC (Windows based)

9) Are you happy with accuracy of the unit?
Absolutely! If you have EVERYTHING set up correctly, it is VERY accurate! It is so much easier to make a club choice on the course when you know your distances to the number!

10) Has the unit helped to improve your game?
OH GOOD LORD YES! My accuracy has greatly improved over the last year and a half! One of the greatest functions I love in the SkyTrak unit is the random greens. You set a minimum and maximum distance, choose the size of the green, and every shot is a different distance into the green. It's like playing an entire round of just hitting approach shots into the green. I can spend TONS of time on that!

11) How does the unit do with reflecting accuracy of short shots?
Extremely well! If your computer can handle it, get TGC 2019. They have a great practice area. The chipping area is a lot of fun working on your short game!

You are basically looking around $3000 for the SkyTrak, a high quality net, and a good quality mat. That's not including any hardware you may need to purchase. (i.e.computer) Add in simulation software, and the price jumps again. If you are going the projector route, then you have those costs to consider as well,

The bottom line, get what you can and then upgrade. I started out with the SkyTrak, a decent laptop, and an inexpensive net (which did not last that long). Slowly upgraded by getting a Net Return net, then the 5 Star mat, and then the simulation software (TGC).

[Wizard of Coz]

1. No
2. $99 yes
3. Fiberbuilt
4. Your gamer
5. Yes
6. No
7. Nothing comparable in $ range
8. Doesn't matter
9. Yes but it doesn't keep up on fast ball speeds especially driver. At least 5mph slow once you get over 150.
10.Big time 40 years of playing golf never lower than 2.3 hdcp. After skytrak 0.4 hdcp. That is unreal. Lowest round before skytrak 2 under 70 40yrs of trying after skytrak 6 under 66 3yrs of trying.

[Schmoulty]

Not much to disagree with from the above. I have had my SkyTrak for a month or so and it has been terrific. Upgraded to a better mat (Fiberbuilt) after using an old driving range mat for a couple weeks and it is much better -- more accurate, easier on the joints, and can be used for longer periods of time. I'd strongly recommend the Fiberbuilt mat over a cheaper mat (people hear also swear by the Truestrike).

I didn't think I needed the FMJ protection but a beginner who was over the house today wanted to try it and drilled a fairway wood off the toe and it went right off the case -- the ST moved about an inch. It would have destroyed it. With the FMJ, it seemed fine.

I am running the SkyTrak on an iPad and I upgraded to the Play and Improve Package after a few weeks. I am amazed at the graphics, just coming out of the iPad from HDMI to a 55" TV next to my mat. Really impressed (and it comes with a great group of courses -- Bandon, Pebble, St. Andrews, Kiawah, etc.). I may eventually move from the Izzo net to a gaming computer, impact screen and projector, but for now, I am having fun. (We'll see if my game improves this season and next -- I have just started using the "Improve" features, like "bag mapping" and the "wedge matrix").

Attached is a pic of my simple attic setup, with Pebble #7 showing on WGT. I probably hit that tee shot to that green 50 times yesterday, using the "Mulligan" feature. Missed that little green a bunch of times, but it was fantastic!

Good luck!

[Gresh12]

I’ll keep it short as obvious trends developing.

1. No issues
2. The $99 is a no brainer to me, I’d go for other sum software and skip WGT but that’s based on hearsay not me testing it
3. I have Fiberbuilt with no issues
4. I use the 3 piece Kirkland simply because they perform reasonably close to balls I game and they are super cheap (used sim balls also become my winter round balls)
5. I’ve never hit my unit but my kid has (ball and club once) and one of my buddies has. Case gives me comfort to let others use it. I also have almost golf balls for true non-golfers.
6. I never buy these but it’s personal preference. I’ll just say these are a massive profit generator for companies that sell them.
7. Nothing in price range seems to compare. I’d pay up to about double if I got Skytrak accuracy and club data but won’t pay double for no shot delay and marginally better accuracy.
8. For range iPad or PC both equivalent from my perspective. I don’t project my image so I use laptop because it runs TGC as well.
9. Yes. I took it to a track man session and was amazed at consistency given price differential. I think horizontal launch angle is the worst measured stat but it’s directionally correct but magnitude seems off at times. My ball speed is in the 150s so I may see some of the high ball speed challenges but not as much as true high ball speed folks would (fix sounds like it’s coming on this).
10. I’m in a cold climate so I was able to work on swing changes almost daily over winter where I’d be lucky to get to a range once a week even if weather cooperated. I don’t have an index drop to give you but I feel way more confident in my distances.
11. I feel it’s helped me on shots >30 yards where I’m flying to a distance. Bump and runs or very short pitches I don’t think it helps (even if accurate). And for me sim putting is awful and a necessary evil when I play TGC.

[trhuke]

NO issues to speak of. I"d get the $99 level. Case, oh yeah. Fiberbuilt hitting surface which is great, had a CCE which killed my hands, wrists and arms. Warranty, not my choice. Srixon soft feel balls which I discovered over the winter and going to use on the course this year. Windows/Mac eh, but you need Windows to run TGC and some other sims. Helped my accuracy and short game, maybe shorty chips are a little iffy.
I got the SkyTrak last fall and I've put about 6-8 mph on my swing speed since then without making a big point of it. Instant feedback makes it easy to see what worked and what didn't.

Love the thing. No comparison in price range, even a little.

[DannyMRICS]

Wanted to ask questions to forum members before purchasing SkyTrak Simulator:
1) Had any issues with simulator hardware?
2) Is it worth purchasing the software upgrades ($99 or $199 package)?
3) What is the best mat to use with SkyTrak?
4) What is the best ball to use with SkyTrak?
5) Would you recommend purchasing the case?
6) Would you recommend purchasing the extended warranty?
7) Is there other simulators in this price range you would recommend?
8) Is It better to run software on Windows or OS?
9) Are you happy with accuracy of the unit?
10) Has the unit helped to improve your game?
11) How does the unit do with reflecting accuracy of short shots?

Thanks you very much for considering to help me with the above questions.

1) No - 15 months and all good.
2) $99 yes - really good practice features.
3) I use Truestrike and really like it.
4) White premium. Point the logo at the unit.
5) For me yes - I practice outdoors, and need the adjustable legs to level the unit. It’s a real PITA to level without the case.
6) I didn’t.
7) No. Second hand GC2 @ ~ $4,000 is the closest.
8) I use IOS and it’s great. Note different requirements if you want simulation software. For TGC or equivalent you’ll need a gaming PC. I’m not mad about WGC, and the way it shows ball flight. This is the only sim software available on IOS, atm.
9) Yes, 19 times out of 20. Occasional queer one.
10) Yes.
11) Pretty good over ~ 30 y, but limited transferability to course, because no depth perception.

Set up is really important, and may take some tweaking. Outdoor, sunlight can be a problem. Haven’t used much, but I understand putting isn’t as good as GC2.

When it’s set up properly, it’s a very good piece of kit, and the only hardware I’d rather have for indoor or net use is a GC2 or Quad.

Your distances will almost certainly be shorter than you think they should be, but this will be 90 - 95% you, your perception, your mat, indoor swing effect, etc.

Danny

[cmckelvmi]

1) Had any issues with simulator hardware? I got my ST in December on 2017 and haven't had any issues.
2) Is it worth purchasing the software upgrades ($99 or $199 package)? I got the $199 for the first year so I could use WGT. Now I just did the $99 and use TGC, which is much better!
3) What is the best mat to use with SkyTrak? I switched from a CCE type mat to Fiberbuilt after struggling with wrist tendonitis.
4) What is the best ball to use with SkyTrak? I use ProV1x which is what I use IRL.
5) Would you recommend purchasing the case? Yes, full metal jacket (FMJ) is highly recommended.
6) Would you recommend purchasing the extended warranty? I didn't and luckily haven't needed it yet....
7) Is there other simulators in this price range you would recommend? I am not aware of any others at the price of a ST.
8) Is It better to run software on Windows or OS? I think the ST app and WGT are the only things that work on iOS. I used an iPad Pro for a while. If you have a good gaming laptop you will have less of a delay after your shots.
9) Are you happy with accuracy of the unit? Very happy! It realistically shows my shanks and slices.
10) Has the unit helped to improve your game? Yes, I improved from 30+ handicap to about 16 now. My tour hcp got down to 13.8 last Fall.
11) How does the unit do with reflecting accuracy of short shots? I think flight and shape is very accurate, but back spin stoppage is a little less accurate. However, someone at my skill level isn't supposed to have much back spin and stoppage.

You will not regret getting a SkyTrak!

[Supraracer]

Wanted to ask questions to forum members before purchasing SkyTrak Simulator:
1) Had any issues with simulator hardware?
2) Is it worth purchasing the software upgrades ($99 or $199 package)?
3) What is the best mat to use with SkyTrak?
4) What is the best ball to use with SkyTrak?
5) Would you recommend purchasing the case?
6) Would you recommend purchasing the extended warranty?
7) Is there other simulators in this price range you would recommend?
8) Is It better to run software on Windows or OS?
9) Are you happy with accuracy of the unit?
10) Has the unit helped to improve your game?
11) How does the unit do with reflecting accuracy of short shots?

Thanks you very much for considering to help me with the above questions.

1. No issues July 2018 Purchase
2. The $99 is a no brainer.
3. I have Fiberbuilt with no issues, moved from a CCE
4. Pro V1
5. YES. I have hit it and my friends have hit it and my kids...
6. No
7. Ditto this "Nothing in price range seems to compare. I’d pay up to about double if I got Skytrak accuracy and club data but won’t pay double for no shot delay and marginally better accuracy."
8. PC with projector. Ipad ok on range
9. Yes.
10. Yes and No. All my yardages are up 20 - 30 yards and growing, so I have to relearn my distances. I am high handicapper. So No in a good way! Cold winters here.
11. Ditto "I feel it’s helped me on shots >30 yards where I’m flying to a distance. Bump and runs or very short pitches I don’t think it helps (even if accurate). And for me sim putting is awful and a necessary evil when I play TGC."

[taipan1013]

THANK YOU- Very grateful to the forum members who responded to my questions. The answers where extremely helpful. THANKS AGAIN.