Does everyone really hate their skytrak?

**MrHogan** · 10-31-2015, 07:14 PM

Maybe I've been lucky but I feel the distances on mine are bang on. I'm not one who wants it to say i hit massive drives I want it to reflect real world.
I've played in commercial sims where the distances are definitely massaged, I've got buddies who prefer one SIM center over another just because the shots are longer if they want their ego massaged then fine that's up to them but that's not what I'm about.
If you get used to playing in these tweaked SIMs then maybe you get unrealistic expectations and are disappointed when skytrak doesnt replicate the distances your used to. Should skytrak cater for that market and allow power boosts? Maybe its probably good for their business.

I can say that with Skytrak my game has got better. Driving distances are up 20 yards minimum just from identifying my ball speed and changing my setup to ensure my ball flight is optimised for it. For example I used to think I launched too high turned out I was launching too low!

I've had issues with shots not registering - resolved those by not having the ST sitting on the mat I'm hitting from. I have trouble registering flop shots inside 20 yards but again moving the ball back 2" resolved most of those. Putting is sh!t (at least in WGT) but putting is weak on all SIMs so set it to gimme and move on.

I would recommend ST to anyone, in fact 1 friend has already got one and is happy and another 2 are about to purchase. I wouldn't let the negative comments deflect any decision to get one. Bang for buck it's in a league of its own - today at least.

**JohnMeyer** · 10-31-2015, 07:27 PM

Ive nearly pulled the trigger so many time but kept holding off for many reasons, for me personally a lot of it comes down to the fact that I want this to replace my optishot, in terms of hardware I have no doubt that it is far far superior already, but software wise, and I think some of the criticism comes from being optishot owners, its yet to get anywhere near, and thats a real shame.

Optishot is not an accurate launch monitor, but in terms of a golf simulator, allowing you to play a full round of golf indoors using every club in the bag, skytrak has a way to go to do this. I think this probably leads to the frustration from people who own one, as they've already got a working sim with poor hardware, now they've got the hardware without the software. TGC is graphically superior to the optishot software, but in terms of function still dont think its YET as complete as the optishot live service using the OS software, PG is yet to arrive, so just gives that feeling of limbo, which leads to the frustration. Once TGC and PG are up and running then will be the time to judge the system as a golf sim option,

Im glad I didnt buy when I was going to, but am sure that at some point I will get the neccessary upgrade to Optishot, hopefully it will be Skytrak, but as many have said make sure you know what you want, and that what your buying can deliver what you want. That way its harder to be disappointed.

**wbond** · 10-31-2015, 09:42 PM

JohnMeyer lots of good points and the reason i sold my p3 vs my opti at this point. Opti is very fun and very easy to play. Online play is great.

**doublebogey** · 10-31-2015, 11:07 PM

My honest SkyTrak scorecard.

Hardware: A+ (amazing device and accurate enough - aside from some w hardware issues - esp given the price point)
Value: A- ("minus" only because SkyTrak Japan w similar pricing but apparently better software and customer support/service and used GC2's - more stable and established - available for ~$4k)
Software: C- (as some have mentioned, this is a somewhat beta software but hopefully should get better over time - seems like more people complain about paying $100-$200 for software as opposed to $2,000 for hardware specifically for this reason)
Customer Service: D+ (used to be F so has definitely improved but still has room for improvement - fact that users who shelled out $2k for a device has to come to a 3rd party forum like this for support from other users as opposed to on SkyTrak's own website says it all + the GIP ordeal and now apparently some potential quality control issues w demo units might have created some trust issues w existing and potential customers)

Overall Grade: B (so I guess love but not strong enough - hence checking out Japan's SkyTrak and used GC2's on eBay as potential alternatives if this doesn't work out)

**Ryan5508** · 11-01-2015, 12:16 AM

I returned mine and just ordered a protee.
I love the idea of the skytrak and what it can do. I know there was a chance my replacement could've been much more accurate. The WGT is kind of a joke. The GIP is the biggest joke. It all came down to customer service and knowledge. It's where they seem to be lacking currently.

I almost bought a skytrak when it was released but instead waited more time for everything to mature. wasted year I guess.

**Mike80** · 11-01-2015, 01:09 AM

I preordered mine last October and have used it for a year now. I love my Skytrak. The irons are very very accurate! I think the next release with 4% increase on high ball speeds will really help with the short driver issue. My only big issue is with putting! In E6 demo most my putts push right 4 to 10 inches, and I have everything balanced, aligned and putting with a line painted in my turf. I know others stated putting was very accurate with them in E6 so hoping my unit doesn't have an issue since putting is terrible on my unit (and yes I have the updated firmware). I will have to post a video sometime soon showing this. Somebody said putting in TGC is very good, so looking forward to that!

My other complaint is that it doesn't read the small 8 yard chips very well. Hopefully that and putting will be resolved in the next release.

As far a WGT. For $100 bucks I can't complain too much. It's fun to play and gives you full simulation. But I agree, the 45 degree angles and non-multiplayer is why I won't continue using WGT once TGC or PG is released. But for now, at least its something to play. For all the complainers it's not going to give you everything you want in a sim for $100 bucks.

And yeah, I was a previous OptiShot owner. I sold it. I had a lot of fun with OptiShot but couldn't stand how unrealistic it was. So I'm so happy to have something that is actually accurate.

Once TGC and PG are released you are looking at probably one of the best simulators out there for the price!!!

Very happy! Wouldn't think twice about buying it again.

**luv2golf** · 11-01-2015, 01:57 AM

Originally posted by Vincent_Vega View Post

Just like any product, you only hear from the disgruntled folks who got unlucky and got one of the duds. The satisfied customers are too busy having fun with their Skytrak. I think it's certainly possible that Skytrak needs to improve their quality control. I must have gotten lucky because my unit performs just like I expected it would. Is it perfect? No. Is it a bargain compared to the GC2, Trackman, Flightscope? Absolutely. There has been some growing pains for the Skytrak, but this isn't a market that stuff happens overnight. The fact is, Skytrak is the absolute first time we've had the opportunity to have an affordable launch monitor that gives you ball data, not just calculate it.

I don't agree with you. My skytrak is perfect. It's improved my game and is well worth the $2K. All that being said, it's still a BETA product and will be until everything is in full release.

There's arguing that fact and at this point in time, that's what people who have defective units are complaining about. For Skytrak, maybe this is an acceptable number of 'returns'.

**Rcush88** · 11-01-2015, 05:03 AM

I agree completely with Mr. Hogan, I love the damn thing. I wish the driver and 3 woods would be a bit more on but besides that it's great.

Wgt gives me some way off distances in game mode but I don't really care.

Putting is garbage in all simulators. Let's face it. I chip from 30ft plus even on greens.

Skytrak makes me practice and become a better ball striker and my handicap is much lower than ever. Wish I could see where it the impact of the ball hit on the club but maybe later on with an add on piece. I thing that and swing path would be an awesome addition like p3 had.

**Willymakit** · 11-01-2015, 03:42 PM

So here's the things I find with Skytrak that frustrates me.

1) poor customer service. Says 30 day money back. Tried to return it and they say I can't because I bought it from a dealer that buys from Skytrak in Quebec and they tell him no refunds
2). Delay in shots. Some say they don't mind that. Honestly I can't stand it. I'm a fast player and waiting 3 seconds for a shot to register is ridiculous. Now I have a iPhone 5 and playing wgt takes about 6 seconds. Per shot. Not happy.
3) using Skytrak at the range. Make sure you bring a carpet and umbrella or else you will swing a hundred times and might not get one to read. Happen to me when field testing. Now you ask why the umbrella and carpet. Well you need the umbrella to block the sun because the Lakers don't like the sun. Only thing the Skytrak is missing is a lounge chair and a drink while I'm at it to make it more comfortable Lol. Then you need carpet because if you take a divot it will not read.
3) then there's the updates That's why I feel we have a beta unit that shouldn't be to market. I thought these things are tested to trackman but there's always updates coming out for irons and woods. If Skytrak and trackman were real close a year ago then why are they trying to have more updates.
4). When I field tested I found the woods being short by 20 plus yards. And just maybe the unit was working properly and Skytrak just doesn't like my swing. I have never had a problem with simulators and played many simulators over 20 plus years but I have a friend who hits it just has far but the simulator doesn't pick up his swing and the yardage he hits on the course. He usually 30 plus yards behind us on the simulator but playing on the course he hits it just has far has the group I play in. So he hates simulators for that reason
5) so if you do buy one. Be prepared of spending countless hours on here looking for answers. Welcome to Skytrak of h@ll

6) another I find frustrating was the placement of where to put the ball when using difference clubs. Having it on the lazer was the most accurate. If I moved the ball forward 1" it would not record the shot. If I put the ball behind the lazer 1" I would have really bad data and not at all what the ball flight showed in field test.

I'm glad people have had luck with there Skytrak. I just ran out of patience. but I wonder how many users on here work for Skytrak and act like a customer. Because some of the post I read on here sure seem like it. So good luck if you buy one and have no issues. Your one of the lucky ones. It like winning the lottery.

**wee988** · 11-01-2015, 04:14 PM

Willy...to suggest that people on this forum work secretly for skytrak is one of the most ridiculous statements you have made which says quite a bit. I started this thread because of all the negativity mostly you have spewed throughout the skytrak posts. I wondered seriously if I just loved something everyone hates..negative negative negative everywhere and i just couldn't believe that there were not more out there like me. People that had researched it and bought knowing that they had a 'low cost' ball reader they could work on their game with...There are multiple examples of long delays in this industry that many refer to...see e1.6, foresight gsx software. You even spoke above about a friend who hates simulators because they all read him wrong....So...ITS NOT JUST SKYTRAK.

1. Skytrak customer service is bad and has been for people having problems with the exception of Seth.
2. The delay is the delay. I like it but wouldn't like it if I had the full simulator projector screen setup others do.
3. Have never and likely will never use outside at the range but others on here have used theirs outside with no problem. Maybe you had a defective unit? Have you written about that at all on this forum?
4. Wood distances are off. Well documented for high ball speeds.
5. Many have NOT spend countless hours doing nothing more than enjoying this product.

The biggest buyer beware not stated above is the fact that there is now and likely won't be a simulator option any time soon. This was well known by early adopters. I private messaged Bubba about this before my purchase and he said not to expect anything for AWHILE meaning AT LEAST a year. It is much closer so it is exciting but skytrak pissed everyone off by making it sound closer than it was. Still a great product.

I mostly started this again for people looking to buy. I think there are many who highly recommend the product and look at sites like this once. When the negative comments of one or two people far outnumber all other happy consumers it is time to reset the discussion to reflect reality.

I am also tired of people referring to this as a BETA product. I think it has been far from that. I am very thankful that the company or at least seth continue to try to improve the quality of the skytrak. Short irons distances were much more frustrating to me than iron distances. I still think that the mid(6-7) iron distance are off because I rarely hit my 7 iron 170 on the course but consistently do it and farther on the skytrak. That may be the weather no wind settings. I don't know.

**Willymakit** · 11-01-2015, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by wee988 View Post

Willy...to suggest that people on this forum work secretly for skytrak is one of the most ridiculous statements you have made which says quite a bit. I started this thread because of all the negativity mostly you have spewed throughout the skytrak posts. I wondered seriously if I just loved something everyone hates..negative negative negative everywhere and i just couldn't believe that there were not more out there like me. People that had researched it and bought knowing that they had a 'low cost' ball reader they could work on their game with...There are multiple examples of long delays in this industry that many refer to...see e1.6, foresight gsx software. You even spoke above about a friend who hates simulators because they all read him wrong....So...ITS NOT JUST SKYTRAK.

1. Skytrak customer service is bad and has been for people having problems with the exception of Seth.
2. The delay is the delay. I like it but wouldn't like it if I had the full simulator projector screen setup others do.
3. Have never and likely will never use outside at the range but others on here have used theirs outside with no problem. Maybe you had a defective unit? Have you written about that at all on this forum?
4. Wood distances are off. Well documented for high ball speeds.
5. Many have NOT spend countless hours doing nothing more than enjoying this product.

The biggest buyer beware not stated above is the fact that there is now and likely won't be a simulator option any time soon. This was well known by early adopters. I private messaged Bubba about this before my purchase and he said not to expect anything for AWHILE meaning AT LEAST a year. It is much closer so it is exciting but skytrak pissed everyone off by making it sound closer than it was. Still a great product.

I mostly started this again for people looking to buy. I think there are many who highly recommend the product and look at sites like this once. When the negative comments of one or two people far outnumber all other happy consumers it is time to reset the discussion to reflect reality.

I am also tired of people referring to this as a BETA product. I think it has been far from that. I am very thankful that the company or at least seth continue to try to improve the quality of the skytrak. Short irons distances were much more frustrating to me than iron distances. I still think that the mid(6-7) iron distance are off because I rarely hit my 7 iron 170 on the course but consistently do it and farther on the skytrak. That may be the weather no wind settings. I don't know.

Why are you worried if people call it a beta. I see you only have 14 post so I just wonder why that would bother you.

Well it wouldn't surprise me if Skytrak was on here. I noticed you only have 14 posts. Not saying you are or not but when I read some stuff on here about Skytrak I have to roll my eyes and wonder if it's a Skytrak employee

I'm not here to attack anybody. I'm just pointing out my experience with Skytrak. Obviously some can't handle criticism and would rather hear about the good in a product like I did before I purchased it. If somebody like myself posted what I have posted I would have never purchased Skytrak and I would have went a different direction.
Here's why I'm pissed. I'm stuck in a product I do not like. I tried to return it under the 30 day money back guarantee and they don't stand by that. So that's why I'm on here to prevent people to make sure what there getting into. Like I told Skytrak. You want many customers not to buy or just one. I can go away quietly but obviously not. I have all the emails proof of what they said and what I said. They said they wouldn't refund me and all I told them is social media is a great tool. So now I'm trying to sell it and people are low balling me. I thought Skytrak was worth what I guy pays for it but obviously not. And until I sell Skytrak I'm not going away. So Skytrak please buy your product back

**keithpbz** · 11-01-2015, 06:09 PM

Your refund problem is more towards the dealer you bought it from rather than skytrak. Not sure how you expect a company to refund your money when you didnt actually buy it from them. The delay is stated on their website and I've hit on gc2 and while there is no delay the ball flight is slow in my opinion. So when comparing the 2 I'd be curious to see total time between the ball being hit and it actually landing on the monitor. I agree with the hitting off grass outside sucking. Guess gc2 uses a higher quality camera that's able to not see the grass or divot flying up and not be affected by the sun. Yours obviously has an issue and needs to be exchanged, but I can hit from nowhere near the laser dot and still pick up the shots. I've hit from 6" behind the dot and still picked it up.

**wee988** · 11-02-2015, 03:54 AM

willy. i am worried about calling it beta because it implies that the product is not done or useful and i completely disagree. If I read your posts while researching the skytrak I may not have bought one and would have really missed out during the past year. That is why I stepped up posting more recently because your continuous negativity could sway someone who might really enjoy this product at this price and I think that would be too bad. I want people who are researching the skytrak to be fully informed and part of that is to let them know that many of us are the opposite of you. I love it warts and all.

And I think most people have been more than willing to point out skytrak's shortcomings..customer service has been one as well as no sim.

I think you can't take people challenging your negativity about the product. Everytime someone has said positive things about the skytrak you follow up with a 'how much did they pay you' statement which is bull. I wish you well on your quest to rid the world of skytrak. As keithpbz says above I would be much more upset at my local distributor who i bought it from.

Hell I think you should start a new thread telling your story from beginning to end because I am confused about what has happened in your life with skytrak as well as if you are or aren't getting a new unit from skytrak. I know you got a defective unit but would love to hear the entire story with emails copied and everything. Was driver distance and outside use the main issue? I don't have a defective unit but do not know who I would have contacted if I had problems besides this thread (which I love and also don't work for). I would not have a good opinion if this had happened but it has happened to people who dropped 7000 on a gc2 from what I have read. Good luck man. Seriously.

**Spudly** · 11-02-2015, 01:32 PM

I was the very first person to receive his skytrak last October, if there was a unit that you would think would have problems it would be the first one shipped, but that has not been the case at all. I love this thing and it has performed flawlessly in every application, it has allowed me to spend money in other areas such as the net return, solid PC setup and hitting area, all of which I would not have been able to afford if I had to go out and spend 8K for a GC2. I use it just about every weekend to fine tune my shot shaping and work on lower spin rates with my driver, yes I am anxiously awaiting TGC for this winter, but will be fine doing what I am doing now.

In my opinion, best unit on the market dollar wise, hell maybe best unit in any price range, and no, I do not work for Skytrak!

**Fawley** · 11-02-2015, 04:10 PM

I've had mine for about a month now, and couldn't be happier with it. I think it is very accurate in its measurement of ball data, and generally does a good job of converting that data into ball flight. I agree with the consensus that it may be slightly short for driver, and I'm looking forward to the 2.1 fix, but for driver, I'm less interested in a calculated distance than I am in optimizing my launch parameters which I can do perfectly well with all the information available to me. The remainder of the calculated distances seem very accurate, and those are more useful to me than driver distance - knowing exactly how far I consistently carry each iron was a big reason I bought the unit in the first place.

After researching Skytrak before purchase and spending a ton of time reading these forums, I think the people who are unhappy likely fall in to one of three categories:

1. People who got a bad unit - that sucks, and if Skytrak weren't able to quickly make it right, I'd be pretty unhappy too.
2. People who have unrealistic expectations of what Skytrak does - if you bought a unit expecting it to immediately or by a certain date flawlessly support simulator play or anything else that isn't expressly stated on the website, you're likely going to be disappointed (through no fault of Skytrak).
3. People who have an unrealistic idea of how far they consistently hit a golf ball. There were only 25 guys on the PGA tour last year who averaged better than 300 yards off the tee. The average carry distance off the tee on the tour was around 270 yards. There seems to be a very high percentage of forum golfers claiming to hit the ball further off the tee than most tour players. I think that likely contributes to the issue people are seeing with driver distance - it can be a little humbling to see your ball really goes 240 yards when you've been telling all your friends you hit it 300.

Does everyone really hate their skytrak?

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