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Hi All,
When I was researching the Skytrak one of my concerns was whether I could use foam practice balls accurately with it. I found a couple of comments here or there that said it seemed to work ok, but no stats or definitive results. I want this capability so that I don't have to worry about my kids or wife shanking a ball into the Skytrak as they learn the game. I did a brief test today and thought I would share my results as I have seen others curious about this topic.
Test Parameters:
1) I am setup using the skytrak in my garage with plenty of room to swing.
2) Session set to 500 ft elevation, 85* and 90% humidity - realistic for today where I live.
3) I used my 3 Hybrid to get a sense of accuracy on longer distance shots - I can hit this about 240 yards on the course, but usually hit it 210-225.
4) I was hitting bare foot because I can now that I don't have to go in public to hit.
5) Even balls are the real ones - Calloway HX Diablo Tour (White).
6) Odd balls are the foam ones - Calloway HX foam Practice Balls (Orange).
Results from the chart attached:
1) Ball speed appears to be consistent between the two balls when club speed is close (shots 5/6; 8/9)
2) I got slightly higher launch angles with the foam balls
3) Back spin seemed to be reasonable and fairly consistent
3) I seemed to be getting opposite side spin between the two balls, but I think this was me being inconsistent with my swing (compensating for the previous shot)
4) I am happy with the distances as they are mostly in the range I hit this club. Maybe gave up a little distance without shoes??
Overall I thought that the results were close enough to feel comfortable using the foam balls to practice with the Skytrak, but I need to do a more thorough test throughout the range of clubs and with shoes on. I hope that others find this helpful and appreciate further contributions and thoughts.
When I was researching the Skytrak one of my concerns was whether I could use foam practice balls accurately with it. I found a couple of comments here or there that said it seemed to work ok, but no stats or definitive results. I want this capability so that I don't have to worry about my kids or wife shanking a ball into the Skytrak as they learn the game. I did a brief test today and thought I would share my results as I have seen others curious about this topic.
Test Parameters:
1) I am setup using the skytrak in my garage with plenty of room to swing.
2) Session set to 500 ft elevation, 85* and 90% humidity - realistic for today where I live.
3) I used my 3 Hybrid to get a sense of accuracy on longer distance shots - I can hit this about 240 yards on the course, but usually hit it 210-225.
4) I was hitting bare foot because I can now that I don't have to go in public to hit.
5) Even balls are the real ones - Calloway HX Diablo Tour (White).
6) Odd balls are the foam ones - Calloway HX foam Practice Balls (Orange).
Results from the chart attached:
1) Ball speed appears to be consistent between the two balls when club speed is close (shots 5/6; 8/9)
2) I got slightly higher launch angles with the foam balls
3) Back spin seemed to be reasonable and fairly consistent
3) I seemed to be getting opposite side spin between the two balls, but I think this was me being inconsistent with my swing (compensating for the previous shot)
4) I am happy with the distances as they are mostly in the range I hit this club. Maybe gave up a little distance without shoes??
Overall I thought that the results were close enough to feel comfortable using the foam balls to practice with the Skytrak, but I need to do a more thorough test throughout the range of clubs and with shoes on. I hope that others find this helpful and appreciate further contributions and thoughts.
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