Does anyone have first hand experience with the aftermarket metal case that has been available on Ebay? I'd like to breathe easier when someone less consistent is stepping up to my rig. I know it's going to be some time before the OEM case is back in stock so I'm debating on pulling the trigger. It's obviously not as solid build quality but as long as it's protected and still reads shots I don't mind what it looks like.
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There's a few threads about this. I have the ebay version. I'm sure it does just fine for side contact from a real bad shank but there is no protection on the top of it. So it leaves the skytrak exposed to a ball that comes bouncing back off the screen and lands or bounces on top. Might be a one in a million shot but a shot nonetheless.
Mine came with only I think 2 screw holes to hold the skytrak in place (I think the real version has 3?). And one of the holes was the wrong size, which means I could only use one screw to hold it in place. That being said, I haven't had any issues with it sliding around or anything even with just the one screw in there. It does seem rickety though when I have to move the skytrak (like it kind of wobbles in place in there).
I've never had the real version, so I can't make a direct comparison. If I were to do it again I would just pay the extra 60 bucks or so (I think I was charged like $15 for shipping for the ebay one) and get the real thing. But if it comes down to the ebay version or nothing because of covid delays, then it's certainly better than nothing.
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I appreciate the response. Being that I’m eager to get it protected, I’ll probably move forward with it. It’s getting more use than ever due to Covid and my main concern was if caused misreads more than the OEM version.
The top not being protected isn’t too much of a concern. If I can’t bend the top handle back with tools (can't tell from pics but I assume that is where the unit slides in), I’ll find another way to keep it protected on top. Perhaps just cut and lay a small piece of scrap metal on top when in use. As far as the screw hole not being the right size? Could it be drilled out to fix the issue (or use a small washer if the hole is too large)?Last edited by smiller815; 05-27-2020, 05:19 PM.Comment
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I'm sure you could probably manipulate the screw hole to make it bigger (I recall it being too small). Others have reported the same issue so I don't think it was just mine. And yeah, you could certainly place a piece of wood or something on top to protect it.
As far as misreads go, I really don't have an issue. The occasional one here and there (usually with high-lofted flop shots) and I doubt it's due to the jacket.
Like I said, if given the choice between the two, spend the extra coin and get the real thing. But if the real thing is backed up by covid and the ebay one is the only option, go for it. You can always sell it at some point and recoup some of the money when the real ones come back in stock.
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A good option is a golf smash bag or even two, one on top of the other , placed in line with the launch monitor on the screen side. I use this with my GC2/HMT combo to minimise the likelyhood of a ball flying back towards the launch monitor and striking the unit.
I have the GC2 shank tank but still feel a little more comfortable with the smash bags in place , cheap insurance = always good.....Comment
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I have an original full metal jacket case and it didn't have a top on it. I bought some flat slotted steel at my local Menards lumber yard. I cut two pieces about 6" longer than the top of the skytrak,bent them in my vice to fit down both sides and painted them black. I have had a few hits bounce back and hit the top of the case and they protected my skytrak just like it was part of the case.Attached FilesLast edited by Joegolfguy; 05-28-2020, 03:08 PM.Comment
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Great idea on original case. May have to borrow that idea.Comment
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