SkyTrak Launch Monitor

[Maverick]

Not sure but I heard there would changes to the website very soon that will include a checkout.

[Maverick]

Specs:

Ball Speed: within 1 mph
Launch Angle: within 1 mph
Horizontal Angle: +/- 2 deg
Back and Side Spin: within 250 rpm
Battery life: 5 hours
Connectivity: Wifi

http://rapsodo.com/

[wizardofodds]

On the surface there seems to be statistically significant differences between the measurement tolerances of SkyTrak vs Foresight GC2. The GC2 is more accurate by multiples of SkyTrak's ranges. As an actuary, I'll spend my money on the accuracy. Food for thought.

Specs	Foresight GC2	Skytrak
Ball Speed (mph)	+/- 0.5	+/- 1.0
Launch Angle (degree)	+/- 0.2	+/- 1.0
Horizontal Angle (degree)	Unspecified	+/- 2.0
Back Spin (rpm)	+/- 50	+/- 250
Side Spin (rpm)	+/- 50	+/- 250
Side Angle (degree)	+/- 1.0	Unspecified

[zip]

+/- 2 degree azimuth isn't very good. On a 200 yard shot that's +/- 7 yards. So a shot the registers as straight could be 7 yards left or 7 yards right.

For comparison, Foresight claims +/- 1 degree.

Of course we don't know for sure that Foresight has any real data to back that claim up.

[zip]

Guess I got beat to the punch while I was polishing up on my trigonometry. :-)

[Maverick]

Side angle = horizontal angle = ball path = ball azimuth.

While the GC2 specs appear to be tighter, in reality, the differences in those numbers aren't that big a deal. .5 mph, +/- 1 deg, or 200 rpm shouldn't make much of a difference in real world results. The question is whether the price difference is justified. And there's more to a LM besides specs.

The reviews will answer that question.

[zip]

Wizard, I think side angle is the same as horizontal angle.

[Brettster]

Wizard,

GC2 blows away the SkyTrak that's for sure! Didn't you say in our chat that the ProTee easily beats the GC2? There's no question that these launch monitors are pretty much worthless when it comes to simulation use... It has to be ProTee all the way - for accurate data.

On the surface there seems to be statistically significant differences between the measurement tolerances of SkyTrak vs Foresight GC2. The GC2 is more accurate by multiples of SkyTrak's ranges. As an actuary, I'll spend my money on the accuracy. Food for thought.

Specs	Foresight GC2	Skytrak
Ball Speed (mph)	+/- 0.5	+/- 1.0
Launch Angle (degree)	+/- 0.2	+/- 1.0
Horizontal Angle (degree)	Unspecified	+/- 2.0
Back Spin (rpm)	+/- 50	+/- 250
Side Spin (rpm)	+/- 50	+/- 250
Side Angle (degree)	+/- 1.0	Unspecified

[m3w]

You can't accurately compare those numbers unless they were obtained using identical methodologies. How one company figures out their products tolerances may be a whole lot more precise than another. But that doesn't necessarily mean the product itself isn't as precise. I'll wait and see what the reviewers tell us, before counting one out as inferior.

[Bubba22]

I wouldnt say that the launch monitors are worthless when it comes to simulation. The Protee is a great unit when it is setup correctly. Would definitely recommend it. GC2 with Protee Play is a great option but more pricey. Skytrak hardware is quite good. Its the software that is slow to come. For the price, I personally dont think the difference in specs justify's the increased cost in the GC2. Having played on both the GC2 and the Skytrak for close to a year now, I wouldnt say the GC2 blows the Skytrak away, in reality or in specs. Your thoughts ZMax?

[wizardofodds]

I think the club data available from ProTee Base is invaluable for correcting your swing. On the flip side of the coin, pure simulation needs are probably best suited for a very accurate launch monitor. I agree methodologies for studying measurement variances may differ between Foresight and SkyTrak--and we likely will never know the true differences since there is no independent research foundation dedicated to put each company's marketing money where their mouth is (otherwise there would be an industry standard for shaft stiffness). That said, I'm alluding to purchasing a GC2 when the prices fall (which they will) upon SkyTrak's availability. I would think GC2 should end up comparably close in price to SkyTrak since they have similar technology and usability. What would be nice is if GC2's fell below SkyTrak since they are older and more heavily used but that will depend on the demand of SkyTrak's services by the public.

[Maverick]

I completely agree with bubba22. The GC2 is still the most accurate indoor device. The ProTee is solid and it's putting sensor is very realistic. SkyTrak will be a very affordable alternative to GC2 and radar devices for club fitters.

The minor difference in specs/performance doesn't justify the difference in cost, but the GC2, at the moment, can do things the SkyTrak can't.

[wizardofodds]

Wizard, I think side angle is the same as horizontal angle.

My understanding is horizontal angle means the direction the ball is launched either left, right, or straight ahead...whereas, side angle refers to azimuth or tilt of the ball while it is on its combined vertical and horizontal path. Thoughts?

[SFR]

My understanding is horizontal angle means the direction the ball is launched either left, right, or straight ahead...whereas, side angle refers to azimuth or tilt of the ball while it is on its combined vertical and horizontal path. Thoughts?

The azimuth, I think, is where the ball starts left or right of target. On the GC2 that is +/- 1.0 deg.
When that read is close to 0 either way your ball starts on target and then moves however from there.

[Bubba22]

My understanding is horizontal angle means the direction the ball is launched either left, right, or straight ahead...whereas, side angle refers to azimuth or tilt of the ball while it is on its combined vertical and horizontal path. Thoughts?

I think ZMax is right.

Side angle = horizontal angle = ball path = ball azimuth.