Choosing the best golf launch monitor means assessing the features, pros, and cons before deciding which one is right for you.
Each golfer will have a particular set of needs when tracking golf-related data and it will also come down to how the launch monitor will be used.
This is when learning how to choose a good golf launch monitor becomes important.
If that is the situation you are facing, you will want to compare the best golf launch monitors right now. This would be the Bushnell Launch Pro vs Skytrak.
The Bushnell Launch Pro offers a gorgeous display with 10 simulated golf courses and a wide array of data points. In comparison, the Skytrak launch monitor is more affordable, offers 170,000 golf simulations, and comes with a fantastic 4K display.
When comparing the Skytrak launch monitor to the Bushnell Launch Pro, you will want to take the time to see how it will play out when you put it to the test.
Due to the nature of this investment, you will want to find a good launch monitor for golfing.
This guide will help show you how to choose the best golf launch monitor and then compare the Bushnell Launch Pro vs Skytrak launch monitors.
How To Choose The Best Golf Launch Monitor
1. Real-Time Data
When it comes to good golf simulators, you want a solution that will not only come with a nice display but is also going to offer relevant data points immediately.
Instant results are what matter the most.
It’s recommended to enjoy the real-time data that comes through with a great launch monitor in golf.
As soon as the shot is played, you should begin to receive real-time data. This is the type of responsiveness required from a good launch monitor.
2. Weather and Environmental Settings
When you can’t decide between golf launch monitors, it’s recommended to consider the variables at play with the settings.
Can you fine-tune the simulation?
Golf simulation has to be fine-tuned based on the type of golfing experience you’re going for. This is how you are going to optimize the data points that are coming in and learn more about the options available to you.
A good feature is when you can go through a wide array of golf courses and also change the weather settings in those environments.
The difference this will make is going to be useful right away.
3. Easy To Set Up
How long does it take to set up the golf launch monitor?
You have to make sure the golf monitor is easy to set up and is not going to take a long time to put together when you are hoping to run it immediately.
Since the launch monitor is going to be portable, you do want it to be easy to connect. This is why the main launch monitors come with Bluetooth connectivity and are fully wireless.
You can then have the data projected to where it needs to be including a separate device if that’s required.
4. Good Display
The launch monitor’s display should be easy on the eyes.
The main market movers in this category offer 4K results. This is useful as you are going to enjoy the golf simulation more and it is going to resonate with your needs as soon as it is set up.
This is useful when it comes to maximizing the launch monitor and seeing how the data points are coming in.
For example, the Skytrak launch monitor comes with a 4K display.
This is imperative for those who want a well-rounded, modern display that is going to work well in all conditions.
Key Features Of Skytrak Launch Monitor
1. Wide Array of Parameters
The Skytrak golf simulator is world-class and it starts with the data points coming in.
What can users track with the Skytrak launch monitor?
The Skytrak launch monitor helps track key data points including launch angle, distance, ball speed, spin rate, and club speed to name a few.
This well-rounded dataset is great for maximizing how your golfing performance is. Getting all of these data points through the Skytrak app is useful and is going to allow you to optimize the set up immediately.
You can then begin to refine your golfing technique based on the data that is relayed to you.
2. Wireless Connection
When it comes to the Skytrak golf simulation experience, you are going to want to make sure it is easy to connect.
This is the only way the data is going to be useful as you get immediate feedback on your golf swing.
This is a wonderful golf simulator because it provides a wireless connection. This makes it easy to ensure the wireless connection is straight to the point and works out as required. You can link it to a separate device that has the Skytrak app and it will provide real-time data as needed.
This is powerful for those who want instant feedback on their golf swing.
3. Portable Design
One of the main Skytrak specs to keep in mind would be portability.
This is a launch monitor that can be taken wherever you are going and it is going to fit in nicely. This is due to its small, compact design that does not get in the way. When you are on the hunt for a useful golf launch monitor, this is one element that is going to stand out.
It is not heavy and it is not bulky.
This makes it easy to manage when you are storing it in the vehicle and looking to put it into a bag.
4. Real-Time Data
When it comes to data points such as…
- Ball Speed
- Spin Rates
- Club Speeds
- Distance
You are going to want an instant response and you will get it through the Skytrak launch monitor.
This is one of the specs of the Skytrak launch monitor that has to be applauded. It is not only going to provide ample data points but is also going to make sure they are readily available when you want them to be.
This is key when looking to maximize your golf swing and get more out of the golf simulation experience.
5. 170,000+ Simulated Golf Courses
How many golf courses are available through the Skytrak golf launch monitor?
You are going to have access to 170,000+ simulated golf courses. This is an impressive number and far more than other options on the open market.
Most golfers will want as much variety as possible and that is going to be available through Skytrak.
If you are looking for a specific golf simulation, it is easy to find it through the Skytrak launch monitor. This is a golf simulator that allows you to enjoy the perks of diversity.
Pros of Skytrak Launch Monitor
1. Easy To Use
When it comes to the benefits of the Skytrak Launch Monitor, it’s important to start with usability.
You are going to enjoy setting this launch monitor up as a golfer because it’s going to take seconds to put together. You can set it wherever you need and then wirelessly connect the launch monitor to a mobile device.
This will ensure the real-time data gets to where it needs to be instantly.
Many golfers prefer setting it up with a projector and screen to help further enhance how the golf simulator works.
This is up to you but it is quite advantageous due to how well it responds to feedback.
2. Responsive
This is one of the most responsive golf simulators on the market.
Since it offers a wide array of data points through the simulator, you are going to learn more about your golf swing and also enjoy going through all of the different locations available to you.
This is only enhanced by the overall responsiveness of the golf simulator and how well it works as soon as it is set up.
Being able to set it up without having to struggle with USB cables or wiring is key. This is what adds value to its setup and how well it works.
3. Exceptional Dataset
The dataset is impressive.
You are going to gain access to loads of information after each golf swing. This is going to include the ball speed, club speed, spin rate, and more.
Just being able to tap into this information is empowering because you are going to feel immersed in the golf simulation and it is going to only get better as you go through the various simulations.
This is a launch monitor that is made with a lot of care and it shows through the real-time data as it is displayed.
Cons of Skytrak Launch Monitor
1. Pricey
For the negatives of the Skytrak launch monitor, it’s going to come down to the price point. While it is not the most expensive launch monitor in golf, it is still one that is going to come with a hefty price tag.
You will need to be prepared for this as a golfer.
If you want to buy a launch monitor, you will want to account for this by setting aside the amount required to get your hands on the Skytrak launch monitor.
However, due to it offering 170,000+ golf courses to choose from, you are going to have ample variety to make it a long-lasting investment. This alone adds value to buying the Skytrak launch monitor.
2. Difficult In Tighter Spaces
Does it work well in tighter spaces?
Based on the first impression of this launch monitor, it does do well in most environments but it does become a little restrictive in tighter spaces.
If you are restricted to a few feet of space on the sides, this might be difficult to manage as it is going to lose some of its reliability.
However, if there is enough space for the golf swing to be manageable then you should be good to go.
The photometric technology used for the Skytrak launch monitor should help with this in most spaces.
Key Features of Bushnell Launch Pro Monitor
1. Touch-Enabled Display
When looking at the Bushnell Launch Pro specs, it’s best to start with the gorgeous display.
It comes with a touch-enabled display making it responsive and ideal for those who are looking for a portable solution that’s easy to set up. It does not take a long time to put together and it will offer an immersive experience.
This display is designed to work well both indoors and outdoors for those who want to make sure it is versatile and readily available.
The display is not only touch-enabled but it is also clear. This makes it a joy to use.
2. Online Play
Online competitions through the Bushnell Launch Pro are quite fascinating.
Players that want real-time action and something else to do other than offline play can tap into the subscription service. This is where you are going to have an online ID that is available for your Bushnell Launch Pro account.
The online competitions happen throughout the day and you can go through a simulated golf experience against someone else.
This adds to the excitement and can keep you engaged for hours at a time. Each online experience is unique, which only adds to the process.
3. Multi-User Setup Available
The Bushnell Launch Pro allows the unit to have up to 8 users at a time. This is imperative for those who want to maximize the data archiving feature available through this launch monitor.
Up to 8 users can have their data archived on the unit making it ideal for those who are going to have multiple users using the launch monitor.
While this might not play a role for those who are single users, it is useful to have it as a feature.
If someone uses the Bushnell Launch Pro monitor, they will feel good about how well it works to their data points.
4. Real-Time Data
With the use of 3 high-speed cameras, the Bushnell Launch Pro golf monitor is quite useful in being responsive and offering quality data points.
Not only are you going to gain access to data points such as club speed, ball speed, spin rates, and more, you are also going to get it right away.
This is key for those who are looking to get immersed into the golf simulation and want to feel like they are getting accurate data from their golf swing.
If that is what you require, you will appreciate the value of the Bushnell Launch Pro.
Pros of Bushnell Launch Pro Monitor
1. Gorgeous Display
The LCD display is gorgeous and appealing to the naked eye.
It offers an immersive element that is ideal for those who want to optimize how they are managing the golf simulation.
The Bushnell Launch Pro golf simulator is designed to offer a touch-enabled display that works instantly. This is ideal when it comes to getting into the simulation and going through the data points as soon as they are available.
If the goal is to go with a good launch monitor display, this is one of the better ones on the market right now.
2. Easy To Use
The infrared technology of the Bushnell Launch Pro monitor is quite impressive.
The engineering that has gone into maximizing how the launch monitor responds to a golf shot is key.
It is easy to set up and does not take a long time to get started. Most golfers will simply want to start the golf simulation and that won’t be a problem with this setup.
It tends to take a few minutes to get up and running.
3. Refined Performance
When it comes to going through the Bushnell Launch Pro review, you will want to focus on the overall performance as that is what matters.
Does it get the job done?
Yes, the Bushnell Launch Pro is good and it offers a refined performance.
This is due to its infrared technology allowing it to be responsive in all conditions. This includes those who are going to be setting up the Bushnell Launch Pro indoors and want to ensure it is still responsive in all conditions.
You can set it up outdoors and it will still work well.
4. Good Data Set
What data points are you going to get with the Bushnell Launch Pro?
The data points will include…
- Vertical Launch Angle
- Ball Speed
- Club Speed
- Spin Rates
- Distance
This is key information that is only going to add value to the immersive experience. Golf simulation with the Bushnell Launch Pro is quite unique and it allows you to have real-time data stream in.
Cons of Bushnell Launch Pro Monitor
1. Expensive
When it comes to the disadvantages of the Bushnell Launch Pro monitor, you will have to start with the price point.
This is a pricey golf launch monitor and it is going to put a dent in your wallet.
It is more expensive than the Skytrak launch monitor making it important to ensure you are understanding the positives that come along with the Bushnell Launch Pro.
2. Only 10 Simulated Golf Courses
This is one of the main negatives of the Bushnell Launch Pro.
It is simply not offering enough value when it comes to the n umber of simulated golf courses that are available.
Most golfers are going to get tired of the same simulations. You want something unique every time you turn on the Bushnell Launch Pro and that is not what is going to happen.
Instead, you will only get to toggle through 10 simulations and that is not enough.
Bushnell Launch Pro Vs Skytrak Launch Monitor – Which Golf Launch Monitor Is Best?
If you can’t decide between the Bushnell Launch Pro and Skytrak Launch monitor, it’s important to understand how you are going to be using the launch monitor.
It offers 170,000+ golf simulations ensuring there is enough variety for a long time. You also get a wireless connection that is easy to manage and it is still far more affordable ethan the Bushnell Launch Pro.
While the Bushnell Launch Pro is good, it is too expensive and it does not offer enough simiulations for the subscription to be worth it.
Will The Bushnell Launch Pro Work In Canada?
No, the Bushnell Launch Pro is only designed to work in the US. This means only offline simulations can be run through the golf simulator. This is not useful for those who want to sign up for the online subscription in Canada.
Can You Use The Bushnell Launch Pro Without Subscription?
Yes, you can use the Bushnell Launch Pro without a subscription. Please note that this is going to limit the features including the number of golf simulations available for you to choose from.
When you get the Bushnell Launch Pro subscription, you are going to get the 10 simulated golf courses.
How Much Does Skytrak Cost Per Year?
The Skytrak subscription comes in at $99 annually. It’s important to note that you are going to have the option to not move forward with the subscription but this will limit the number of simulated golf courses available through the setup.
Can I Use Skytrak Without A Subscription?
Yes, you can use Skytrak without a subscription. This will limit the number of simulated golf courses available through the system.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a good golf launch monitor can often come down to the finer details. This will become apparent as you compare the Bushnell Launch Pro vs Skytrak.
The Bushnell Launch Pro offers an LCD, an infrared radar for immediate tracking, and is expensive. In comparison, the Skytrak launch monitor offers 170,000+ simulated golf courses, remains wireless, and is more affordable.
It is important to maximize your experience with the golf simulator. This includes the golf clothing you are wearing and the golf clubs you are using.
It’s also best to make sure you are optimizing your golf swing with the help of the right golf simulator. This is where the Skytrak golf launch monitor stands out.