Launch Monitor: Worth The Investment For Your Golf Game?

Launch monitors are becoming increasingly popular in the world of golf, with even professionals relying on them to improve their game. These devices can capture detailed data related to the impact and launch of a golf ball, such as clubhead speed, ball speed, and spin rate. This data can then be used to improve equipment choices and swing technique. Launch monitors can be expensive, with some costing upwards of $10,000, but there are also more affordable options available for under $1000. When deciding whether to buy a launch monitor, it's important to consider factors such as budget, portability, and the level of detail in the data provided.

Launch monitors provide data on ball speed, clubhead speed, spin rate, swing path, face angle, and attack angle

Launch monitors provide a wealth of data that can help golfers improve their game. They do this by capturing detailed information about how the club strikes the ball and how the ball takes off. Launch monitors slow down the high-speed action of a golfer striking a ball to measure what is taking place.

Some of the most important measurements that can be taken by a launch monitor include ball speed, clubhead speed, spin rate, swing path, face angle, and attack angle.

Ball speed refers to the velocity of the ball as it leaves the clubface, usually measured in miles per hour. Higher ball speed will generally lead to more distance.

Clubhead speed is the speed at which the club is travelling when it strikes the ball. Faster club speeds generally lead to faster ball speeds, resulting in the ball travelling further.

Spin rate measures the amount of spin on the ball in revolutions per minute. Spin rate, along with the axis the ball rotates around, will affect the distance, height, and shot shape.

The swing path, or direction the club is travelling through the hitting area, can be measured by a launch monitor. This can indicate whether a golfer is swinging "out-to-in" or "in-to-out".

Face angle refers to the direction the club face is pointing relative to the target line at the point of impact. An open club face points to the right of the target, while a closed club face points to the left.

The attack angle is the vertical angle at which the club head is moving at impact. Shots from the ground, like iron shots, should have a slightly negative attack angle, whereas an optimal drive will have a slightly positive attack angle.

Launch monitors provide golfers with detailed insights into their performance, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to their equipment or technique.

Launch monitors can be expensive, with some costing upwards of $10,000

The high cost of launch monitors is due to the advanced technology they contain. Launch monitors can capture incredibly detailed information about how the club strikes the ball and how the ball takes off into the distance. They can measure various parameters related to the club and ball at impact, such as carry distance, spin, ball speed, and clubhead speed.

Despite the high cost, launch monitors can be a worthwhile investment for serious golfers or instructors who want to improve their game or provide valuable insights to their students. Launch monitors offer a wealth of data and analytics that can help golfers identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions about their equipment and swing technique.

In recent years, there has been a number of relatively inexpensive portable launch monitors entering the market, with some options available for less than $500. For example, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor and the FlightScope Mevo offer basic swing data like launch angle, ball speed, and carry distance at a more affordable price point.

Additionally, golfers who want to utilise the benefits of a launch monitor without purchasing their own device can consider booking an appointment with a professional at their local golf course or driving range, as most golf facilities have at least one launch monitor these days.

Launch monitors are user-friendly, portable, and lightweight

Many launch monitors can be controlled through iOS or Android smartphones or tablets. You only need to download a matching app such as MLM2PRO, FS Golf, or FS Skills. These companion apps are also more helpful for improving your game because they provide visuals rather than just raw data, allow you to store, organize, and analyze your session data, and provide video playback of your swing.

Some launch monitors, like the Garmin Approach R10, require a smartphone app to be used as they don't have an electronic display on the unit itself. However, the R10 is extremely portable and easy to use, giving you vast amounts of data at your fingertips.

Launch monitors are also highly portable and can be carried to almost any location, including inside the home, around the yard, or to the driving range. They can often be folded up nicely or are handheld devices, making them highly portable.

The most portable launch monitors, such as the Swing Caddie SC200 PLUS, can even fit in your pocket! This makes launch monitors a great option if you want to practice in different locations, such as the driving range, an indoor studio, or even the golf course.

With their compact size and lightweight design, launch monitors are a convenient tool for golfers of all levels, from professionals to beginners, to improve their game and gain valuable insights into their performance.

Launch monitors can be integrated with software simulation and mobile apps

Many launch monitors are designed to be user-friendly and portable, weighing less than 10 pounds, so golfers can easily take them to the course or driving range. They can also be connected to mobile devices via Bluetooth, allowing golfers to access companion apps that provide visuals, data storage and analysis, and video playback of their swings.

For example, the Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor requires the use of a smartphone app, such as the Garmin Golf app, as it does not have an electronic display on the unit itself. Other launch monitors, such as the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor and the FlightScope Mevo, offer basic swing data like launch angle, ball speed, and carry distance for a more affordable price.

In addition to basic data tracking, launch monitors can also be integrated with third-party simulation software to create a full golf simulator experience. For instance, the SkyTrak+ is both a launch monitor and a simulator, offering numerical shot data as well as software that simulates ball flights. The Bushnell Launch Pro is another example of a launch monitor that provides true-to-life simulation, allowing golfers to play on virtual courses while also dialling in their game on the range.

By combining launch monitors with software simulation and mobile apps, golfers can benefit from a wealth of information and interactive features that can help them improve their game and enhance their overall golfing experience.

Launch monitors are more affordable than golf simulators

Many launch monitors can accommodate low- to medium-budget requirements of under $1,000. However, there are many launch monitors that cost much more than this, even going into the five figures. Launch monitors range from inexpensive, entry-level devices to high-end, luxury options.

Golf simulators, on the other hand, are orders of magnitude more expensive than launch monitors because they simulate play. A typical case is the FlightScope Mevo launch monitor, which costs just under $500, while a SkyTrak simulator package with a basic studio setup can cost over $4,000.

Launch monitors are a great option if you have a smaller budget. If you have a budget of a few thousand dollars, consider the SkyTrak+, which is both a launch monitor and a simulator.

Frequently asked questions