Prior to now, proudly owning a golf launch monitor was merely out of attain for the common golfer. The expertise was too subtle and, because of this, the costs have been far too excessive for many. Fortunately, instances have modified. Right now’s launch screens can be found at a variety of value factors and their accuracy solely continues to enhance. But, as extra golfers be part of the rising ranks of launch monitor homeowners, some myths have surfaced. Should you’re contemplating shopping for one this 12 months, listed below are 4 widespread launch monitor myths debunked.
Fantasy 1: All launch screens are equally correct
You know the way a lot we love to check the accuracy of merchandise. Accuracy ought to be your No. 1 consideration when buying a launch monitor. There may be really no level in proudly owning one if it doesn’t present correct and actionable knowledge to enhance your recreation.
After we examined launch screens in 2024, their accuracy ranged from lower than a yard to almost 20 yards. You’ll additionally discover accuracy varies from indoors to open air.
To check accuracy, we in contrast launch screens to the Foresight GC4 and Trackman, identified for being probably the most correct launch screens within the recreation with little or no margin of error.
Indoors
Whereas many of those launch screens throughout a variety of costs can maintain their very own in the case of carry distance and ball pace, spin charges are the place they typically fall quick. Greater than half of the models examined confirmed common proportion variations better than 15 in comparison with the GC4. Some, just like the Golfzon Wave and SC4, have been off by greater than 30 p.c. In distinction, the Bushnell Launch Professional, Garmin Strategy R50 and Rapsodo MLM2Pro delivered among the most correct spin measurements.
Open air
The ball pace and carry distance numbers have been comparatively correct when examined open air. We noticed a 40-percent distinction in accuracy from the TrackMan when testing the Mevo. The Mevo+ additionally had an 11-percent distinction in accuracy for carry distance.
Switch that to actual knowledge and, for instance, it is going to seem like you carry your 7-iron 166.5 yards as an alternative of 150 yards. That’s an enormous distinction. The Garmin R50 and the Bushnell Launch Professional have been two of probably the most correct outside launch screens we examined.
Fantasy 2: Costly launch screens are at all times higher
Right here’s a fable that’s enjoyable to debunk for golfers on a funds. Should you suppose you’ll must spend $5,000-plus on a golf launch monitor, suppose once more. Costly launch screens are NOT at all times higher.
In our 2024 testing, we discovered the Bushnell Launch Professional to be among the finest general launch screens and definitely one of the best for outdoor use. It’s priced at $1,749.98.
If that’s nonetheless a bit excessive, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO is below $1,000 and has video and simulation functionality. Our greatest-value launch monitor is the SwingLogic SLX Hybrid Professional for $299.
To be truthful, you received’t get the identical accuracy (particularly with spin charges) with the SwingLogic SLX Hybrid Professional as you’ll with the $5,000 Garmin Strategy R50 however it offers you a place to begin to realize some perception and consciousness into your recreation.
Launch MonitorPriceIndoor Carry Distance Diff.Outside Carry Distance Diff.Garmin Strategy R50$4,9992.5percent2.5percentBushnell Launch Professional$1,749<1percent3percentRapsodo MLM2PRO$699<2percent2.5percentSwingLogic SLX Hybrid Professional$2996.5percent4%
Fantasy 3: Launch monitor knowledge is all you might want to enhance your recreation.
Launch monitor knowledge can provide you fairly a little bit of perception into your recreation. You possibly can then take this perception and concentrate on strengths and weaknesses however the knowledge is often inadequate to enhance your recreation independently.
Some golfers who need to dive into swing diagnostics and superior knowledge might have luck however this isn’t an amazing use of time for the common golfer.
Use a launch monitor that can assist you acquire correct details about your recreation so, for instance, you cease arising quick and leaving your method within the water hazard. Use the information to see in case you are spinning your wedges sufficient or spinning your driver an excessive amount of.
Nevertheless, to take this data and suppose you’ll be capable to give up golf classes and formal instruction without end is a fable. Launch screens don’t change golf instruction. They’re instruments that can assist you enhance your recreation like another golf expertise in the marketplace.
Fantasy 4: Launch screens are just for execs
Once you watch skilled golfers on the driving vary, it’s widespread to see them utilizing a launch monitor. Sure fashions, just like the TrackMan, even embody challenges and observe routines the professionals depend on.
However they’re the professionals—so it’s completely different, proper?
When launch screens value $20,000 or extra, that argument may need made sense.
Now you could decide up one thing just like the Rapsodo MLM2PRO, launch screens are now not only for one of the best gamers within the recreation (with the largest budgets). Should you play sufficient golf, spend time on the vary, and need a dependable approach to hold tabs in your recreation by means of the low season, contemplate investing in a launch monitor. They’re not only for the professionals anymore.
Closing ideas
With these 4 launch monitor myths debunked, it’s time to search out the proper choice to your golf recreation. Check out our 2024 Launch Monitor testing, the place we analyzed issues like accuracy, worth and options. We additionally in contrast indoor and outside knowledge so you’ll find the suitable instrument to be just right for you.
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