Skytrack newbie - Software vs. standard app

[cjjdavis2]

Hey Everyone,

I likely have a very basic question, but have had trouble finding answers in the posts on this topic.

I am looking to get the Skytrack to round out my indoor range (I've already got the net as well as real feel country club elite golf mat). As I am VERY new to the monitors and the software that goes with the monitors, as I read about "WGT and TGC", and other software that is general spoken about in most skytrack conversations, I get lost.

I guess my question is...the basic package Skytrack, from what I understand it is basically the monitor itself. You then download the Skytrack app (which is free) and sync it up to your monitor. Is anyone using their Skytrack with the basic App? It just says "Driving Range only"...what exactly does this mean? Will it still record my shots, give me distance ect ect ect? What about the WGT software packages...is this a separate App all together, or does it just unlock other features on the Skytrack app??

I guess my main question is...what is the advantage/disadvantage of using the stock app only vs. using the features that come with the software packages (that start at $99 a year!!). Ultimately, i'm really setting this all up so that me, my wife and son can get a feel for our clubs...get distances and get an understanding on how we are hitting. I do not have a direct desire to use this to play a course or play games...I'm really just looking to get ranges on my shots and keep fresh throughout the winter. Is it possible to at a later date sign up/buy/download companion apps or software that uses the monitor to play?

Thank you so much in advance, looking forward to some feedback.

Chris in Indiana.

[GmanJeff]

Chris, the SkyTrak is functional by itself, in that you get access to the driving range simulation. When you hit a shot, you'll see your shot shape and data about the shot, including distance, etc. That capabilityis referred to on the ST site as the Basic Package, and requires no additional fee. There is a $100/yr fee to access enhanced driving range features, like skill challenges and the ability to filter shots by club. That's called the Game Improvement Package (GIP). For $200 you also get access to golf course simulation through WGT (World Golf Tour); you download the WGT app for free onto a iOS device but need the $200 ST package in order to use the program with the ST - otherwise WGT is able to be played as a stand-alone game without input from real golf club shots. WGT is only available on a iOS device. Other golf course simulation programs are available for Windows machines, and those require the annual ST GIP fee and a fee for the 3-rd party simulation software, either purchased outright or on an annual subscription basis.

When you get your ST, you can set up a free SkyGolf 360 "Community"-level account, where you can access data from your ST acquired when the device syncs with your account when you're connected both to the device and to the Internet.

The ST is amazingly fun and informative to use, and I have found it to be very helpful as an adjunct to lessons from a PGA pro.

Hope this helps

[penrose]

Gman Jeff summed it up well. for what you are asking I would get the 100 a year - the challenges are fun. If you are near Jeffersonville IN you are welcome to come by and I can demo all 3 for you.

Welcome to the skytrak world

[cjjdavis2]

I'm actually up on the north side of Indy, but funny enough I did live in Jeff for a year while attending mortuary school...(no longer in the biz). Thank you both for the replies...I did pull the trigger today on the simulator and protective case...I may get the $99 add on later but first want to get it and check out how it works. Thanks!!

[wterryiv]

I would second the $99 package at a min. I got the play and improve package when I got my unit but had issues activating it for about a week so only could use the free one which is quite limited. You can't change the conditions to see how winds, weather etc impact distance. You can't set green targets at specific distances which is pretty fun. Multi trace shots and different flight views aren't part of the free package. I'm sure I'm missing some other stuff.

[cjjdavis2]

Thanks for the reply, I greatly appreciate the advise. According to FedEX mine will be here by EOD tomorrow. For my immediate need, I'm really looking forward to just getting an idea on distances for all my clubs. Just buying a new set of irons, I'm pretty excited to have actual distances so i know for SURE how far each one is hit when hit properly. I've been hitting on my setup as it is today with just my real feel mat and net...so now ready to actually see how these shots would fare if they were allowed to let fly. I'm thinking the $99 package will be due once winter comes and this becomes more than just a club gauge and more of a fun time to play.

[penrose]

good that you are getting use to hitting inside. Post your thoughts on the skytrak once you have it all setup.

[Chughes82]

Don't be shocked if your distances are shorter than you expect in the beginning. It took many of us a while (days or weeks) to get used to hitting indoors.