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Once we fall in love with the game, golfers begin an endless search for improvement. We want to know each detail about our swing, how it compares to other players, and whether we can track our progress with tangible statistics. For that reason, golf launch monitors that measure analytics for a golfer have become some great golf gifts.
The best golf launch monitor needs to suit not only a player's budget but also their priorities as a player. Some golfers may be interested in having a more inexpensive mobile launch monitor that can be easily transported. Other golfers may value putting a launch monitor in a simulator so they can play in their own homes at any time. For the serious player, a more expensive, accurate, and still portable device could be warranted.
The Best Golf Launch Monitors - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Golf Launch Monitor: Flightscope Mevo+
- Best Portable Golf Launch Monitor: Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
- Tour-Favorite Golf Launch Monitor: Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor
- Best At-Home Golf Launch Monitor: Skytrak Personal Launch Monitor
- Best Photometric Golf Launch Monitor: Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
- Best Compact Golf Launch Monitor: Garmin Approach R10
- Best Budget Golf Launch Monitor: Swing Caddie SC200 Plus
- Best Golf Launch Monitor with GPS: Garmin Approach G80
Any golf launch monitor is a major investment that can be tough to commit to because of the price. But, the right one can completely change how you enjoy the game. Here are the ACTIVE Reviews Team's choices for the best golf launch monitor in each category available.
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Best Overall - Flightscope Mevo+
SPECS
- Battery life: Up to 2 hours
- Technology: Doppler radar
- Tech compatibility: E6 TruGolf, The Golf Club, Awesome Golf
- Other features: 16 data parameters, internal camera and skills combines
At an accessible price point with high-level analytics, the Flightscope Mevo+ has become a force amongst golf launch monitors. It measures 16 different parameters, including advanced ones like angle of attack and spin axis, and can accurately be used in either an indoor or outdoor setting. With a wireless boresight internal camera and 3D doppler radar, the accuracy of the data rivals other top launch monitors. The Mevo+ can also be used with systems such as the E6 TruGolf, which is a major bonus. There are six simulated courses and 17 different practice ranges available on iOS through the E6 connection.
So what is the difference between a Mevo+ and high-end launch monitors that cost more? There isn't much of a gap. There are some parameters like club path that the Mevo+ doesn't offer, and you do need to make sure the settings on the device are optimized to get accurate readings. But, overall, we think this is a professional-grade launch monitor at a reasonable price for all of the data available.
What We Like
- 16 different parameters measured
- Reasonable price for value
- Wireless boresight camera
- Indoor and outdoor function
- E6 TruGolf connection
What We Don't Like
- Different lighting can affect accuracy
- Set-up conditions greatly influence accuracy
Best Portable Golf Launch Monitor – Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
SPECS
- Battery life: 8+ hours
- Technology: Doppler radar
- Tech compatibility: iPhone and iPad (iOS only)
- Other features: Video replay with shot tracer, GPS scatter plot
Rapsodo leads the mobile launch monitor group, harnessing the power of a smartphone camera with a small doppler radar device that sets the phone facing the player. After each swing, a video replay appears with a shot tracer to show where the ball went. While the Rapsodo lacks some of the advanced metrics you will find in more expensive launch monitors, this is an affordable option for players who want to see basic analytics.
One of our favorite parts about the Rapsodo that makes it stand apart from other mobile launch monitors is that the app is extremely simple and effective. There is a tab for competitions against friends or remote users, and there is also an explore tab to see a social feed of golf swings. With a shot library that stores your last 100 swings—a premium subscription will offer up to 10,000—you can quickly view and share past shots with friends or coaches.
What We Like
- Far cheaper than most launch monitors
- Easily portable for indoor or outdoor play
- Instant video replay of swing with shot tracer
- Scatter plot with GPS overlay shows consistency of shots
- Last 100 shots saved into library within app
What We Don't Like
- Occasionally shots are missed or traced incorrectly
- Device position can impact accuracy
BUY: Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
Tour-Favorite Golf Launch Monitor – Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor
SPECS
- Battery life: Around 5 hours
- Technology: Doppler radar
- Tech compatibility: E6 connectivity with iOS devices only
- Other features: Full HD 1080p camera, simple set-up, high level of accuracy for good value
When Tiger Woods puts his name behind a launch monitor, it's going to get attention. The recently created Full Swing Kit launch monitor provides PGA Tour-caliber accuracy at a more palatable price point for the average consumer. This product reliably measures the critical data that serious golfers and teachers care about, including club path, face angle, face to path, and angle of attack.
One of the major selling points for us is how simple it is to use the device. Many launch monitors need to be experimented with to get the ideal setup position, but the Full Swing is essentially ready at any time after just a few seconds of getting it prepared. It’s small enough to be stored in a golf bag, another added advantage that some larger launch monitors don't have.
What We Like
- 16 different parameters
- Fool-proof set-up takes matter of seconds
- High level of accuracy
- Ability to set target alignment on phone
- Easily stored in bag
What We Don't Like
- Need to pay extra for full app experience
- No ball normalization feature
BUY: Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor
Best At Home Golf Launch Monitor – SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor
SPECS
- Battery life: Around 5 hours
- Technology: Photometric
- Tech compatibility: World Golf Tour, E6 TruGolf, Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf, The Golf Club
- Other features: Comes with own simulating capabilities
A challenger to the Flightscope Mevo+, the SkyTrak Personal arrives at a similar price point and accuracy capabilities. The photometric device captures the ball flight with remarkable precision and provides a 3D ball flight model that comes with its own simulator capability. That allows you to practice and play courses without spending thousands of dollars on a larger simulator.
The SkyTrak Personal isn't professional-quality in terms of getting every accurate measurement that more expensive systems won't miss. But, it leads the list for golf enthusiasts wanting to play simulator golf on a consistent basis. There is a yearly subscription fee in order to use this technology, so be aware that this is not really a one-time purchase.
What We Like
- Strong simulation software
- Simple set-up
- Excellent ball tracking ability
- 3D-ball flight model
- Skills assessment within app
What We Don't Like
- Delay between contact and seeing ball flight
- Yearly subscription is necessary
BUY: SkyTrak Personal Launch Monitor
Best Photometric Golf Launch Monitor – Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
SPECS
- Battery life: 5-7 hours
- Technology: Photometric
- Tech compatibility: FSX Play
- Other features: Comprehensive ball and clubhead data
Behind the power of three high-speed cameras capturing thousands of images per second, the Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor is remarkably accurate and reliable. This is a high-end product meant for better players who want absolutely perfect data at every turn. The GC3 measures most parameters from a clubhead and ball perspective, although it's worth noting that face angle is not one of them. The other clubhead data paints a clear picture of the swing, however.
One part that surprised us was how portable the unit is. It's only 30 centimeters high and can be stored in a golf bag. Everything from the LCD display to the thermoplastic rubberized finish gives the look of a professional launch monitor. If you have the money to spend and accuracy is at the top of your list, you should look at the GC3.
What We Like
- High level of accuracy
- Barometric sensor adjusts data based on atmosphere
- LCD screen that is readable indoors and outdoors
- Thermoplastic rubberized finish
- Accelerometer for auto-leveling
What We Don't Like
- Expensive relative to many launch monitors
- Does not measure face angle
BUY: Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor
Best Compact Golf Launch Monitor – Garmin Approach R10
SPECS
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
- Technology: Doppler radar
- Tech compatibility: Home Tee Connect and E6 TruGolf
- Other features: Clubhead data for low price
The Garmin Approach R10 is best known in the golf industry for two factors. The first is the compact device and convenience of moving the unit around, especially given the sturdy tripod it comes with. The second is that it's difficult to find a more inexpensive unit like this one that offers detailed clubhead data. Having this data is a major benefit in the instruction world, so the Garmin Approach R10 makes it more accessible than it used to be.
This unit is not going to be able to match the consistency of more expensive launch monitors, especially as it relates to spin rate numbers. However, if you are looking for clubhead data, a convenient setup, and golf simulation possibilities, then this is a terrific option.
What We Like
- Offers clubhead data at low price
- Golf simulation opportunities
- Comes with tripod
- USB-mini charger
- Can pair with other Garmin golf devices
What We Don't Like
- No putting on simulation
- Inconsistent spin rate numbers
Best Budget Golf Launch Monitor – Swing Caddie SC200 Plus
SPECS
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours
- Technology: Doppler radar
- Tech compatibility: My Swing Caddie app
- Other features: Can measure clubhead speed without ball
A standalone product that is on the inexpensive side of the price scale for launch monitors, the Swing Caddie SC200 Plus is a fantastic tool for those who just want basic numbers without any other tools. While you won't have access to simulation or additional features, the SC200 Plus has the ability to effectively measure clubhead speed, even being able to read a swing speed without a ball being hit. The parameters measured are mostly basic ones and the accuracy is not at the level of more expensive units, but you are only sacrificing a few yards in either direction.
The SC200 Plus has one of the easiest setups you will find. You just take the unit out, let it calibrate for a moment, and then you are ready to hit. There is also a remote that pairs with the unit so that you can change clubs and modes without having to go back and forth. It's an excellent value for the price.
What We Like
- Lowest cost you will find for launch monitor
- Remote pairs well with the unit
- Extremely easy to use
- Swing speed mode for clubhead speed without ball
- Long battery life
What We Don't Like
- Very limited features
- Carry distances can be inaccurate
Best Golf Launch Monitor With GPS – Garmin Approach G80
SPECS
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours
- Technology: Doppler radar
- Tech compatibility: Garmin Golf app
- Other features: GPS data combined with launch monitor
A singular product on the market, the Garmin Approach G80 provides launch monitor data while also giving yardage information for the course you are playing. With over 41,000 courses preloaded into the app, there is little chance you will find a facility that doesn't match with the device. You just put the device next to the ball for each swing and then reattach it to the cart after you are finished.
But, if you are looking for a GPS-only device or a launch monitor-only device, this isn't the right fit. The G80 is ideal for players who want some analytic data available while also having basic GPS measurements on the course.
What We Like
- Gives GPS and launch monitor data
- Straightforward and easy to use
- Over 41,000 courses in the system
- Lightweight, can be clipped to cart
- Stat tracking
What We Don't Like
- Better GPS-only units available
- Basic displays that don't look like real courses
How to Choose a Golf Launch Monitor
Parameters
What does a golf launch monitor measure and why does it matter? Most devices record the most basic stats that a golfer is interested in knowing. These include the carry distance a ball travels, the total distance a ball travels assuming it rolls forward on the ground after it lands, the speed the ball was traveling when it left the club, the launch angle that the ball took off at, and the spin rate of the ball.
As a general rule, more expensive devices offer more detailed analytics. The parameters extend into areas like the speed your club was traveling when it reached the ball, the descending or ascending angle the clubhead had coming into the ball, the path the clubhead takes to reach the ball, the amount of side-spin imparted on the ball, and a long list of more granular details about the shot.
Many golfers will only be interested in the “power numbers” that measure how hard a ball is hit and how far it travels. These are extremely important, and those core analytics may be all that some want to see. However, those who love to practice and improve will want to see a more complete picture of their games. There is only so much that can be told from distance numbers. A great swing coach can use a variety of metrics to help identify swing errors, and he can use those same metrics to prove progress to a student.
Accuracy
There is nothing more fundamental to a launch monitor than the accuracy of the statistics it provides. If you can't trust the launch monitor's numbers, that is a significant disadvantage. In a sense, it completely undermines the concept of having a golf launch monitor in the first place.
It's fair to say there are levels in terms of a launch monitor's precision. More expensive, larger devices provide exact information that comes without a shadow of a doubt. It's also a rarity for these machines to ever fail in reading a shot, which is a factor that comes up when talking about more inexpensive mobile launch monitors. The technology used in measuring a golf ball's launch—usually doppler radar or photometric—also plays a vital role in the level of accuracy.
Doppler radar relies on radiating a signal from the device to capture data, which photometric machines revolve around high-definition cameras capturing club and ball data at impact to project the ball flight.
Your desired accuracy should reflect what you intend to use the launch monitor for. If you just want access to mostly accurate analytics that are available with a convenient setup and a lower price point, then a mobile launch monitor would be best. If having total certainty over the information coming back at you is vital, then you will want a more substantial machine.
Features
Most golfers think of launch monitors in a standard practice setting. A shot is hit, the measurements are spit out, and the session continues in that loop throughout the practice.
This may be a common form of using a launch monitor, but these devices can provide more than immediate feedback in the moment. For one, most golf launch monitors have some form of shot library or scatter plots that allow you to analyze your session for trends. The level of detail depends on the parameters available, but shot breakdowns in certain launch monitors can be more elaborate than others. This is a valued feature because it takes a heap of data and sorts it for golfers so you can understand the next steps for improvement.
There are also many launch monitors that offer video replay of your swing with a shot tracer that shows the ball's trajectory. This is particularly helpful because you can view certain swings and correlate them with data. For instance, you can pick a favorite swing with your driver that went the farthest distance in that session, allowing you to analyze what made that swing effective. You can even send videos of two swings—one that was effective and one that didn't go well—to an instructor for voiceover analysis.
One of the other main feature categories is simulated play. This can mean actually connecting a launch monitor to a simulator system to ensure the most detailed analytics, but it can also mean the launch monitor itself having a competition mode. Many devices also have contests where you can compete with friends who are with you or you can play against remote challengers through an app.
App Connectivity
Nearly every golf launch monitor comes with access to an app that serves as a shot library and home for a breakdown of each parameter. The accessibility and convenience allow golfers to have their swing and shot data wherever they go.
One of the best parts of app connectivity with a launch monitor is the sharing of videos and other swing information with friends, coaches, or social media. This creates trackable progress, which is exciting for any golfer. It's important to note that app functionality varies throughout launch monitors, and some require a premium subscription to unlock certain features within the app. This can include being limited to accessing a limited history of videos or stats.
FAQs About Golf Launch Monitors
Which launch monitors show a club path?
The Full Swing Kit, Foresight GC3, and Garmin Approach R10 are three examples of launch monitors that show club path data. Many golf launch monitors do not measure club paths, although more expensive units often do. The Garmin Approach R10 is among the most inexpensive units to offer clubhead data.
Which launch monitor does PGA Superstore use?
PGA Tour Superstore uses multiple launch monitors in its hitting bays, but the Foresight GC2 is one of the main devices they have in most stores.
What golf launch monitor do the pros use?
Pro golfers usually own a high-end launch monitor they take with them to each tournament. Some of the more popular models in professional golf include the TrackMan 4 and the FlightScope X3. In terms of at-home simulators, pros often use the Foresight Sports GC3 and the Full Swing KIT launch monitors.