SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review

SkyGolf’s SkyTrak Launch Monitor has become one of the most popular affordable launch monitors for golfers looking to improve their game at home. Priced at around $2000, it provides comprehensive ball flight data and integrates with leading simulation software to play virtual rounds. In this in-depth review, we’ll examine the features, performance, setup options, and overall value SkyTrak offers compared to traditional commercial launch monitors that cost many times more.

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SkyTrak launch monitor

This is a pioneer on the market. Skytrak golf simulator built a bridge between real-world practice and full indoor simulation. It is worth the price and more, since it opens up many possibilities for golf improvement.

$1,995 from Top Shelf Golf $1,995 from Shop Indoor Golf $1,995 from Rain or Shine Golf

Who is SkyTrak for?

First, it’s important to understand the target market for this unit. SkyTrak bills itself as a launch monitor for the recreational golfer, not the professional. It focuses on providing accurate ball flight metrics such as ball speed, launch angle, apex, side spin, carry distance, total distance and more. This gives amateur golfers comprehensive feedback to understand their yardage and shot shapes and improve their skills.

However, SkyTrak does not measure advanced club data such as club path, face angle and lie angle. Commercial monitors such as Trackman and Foresight GCQuad are designed for clubfitters and instructors and include more club metrics and advanced analysis features. While any golfer can use them, they’re overkill for the average player. SkyTrak recognizes that most amateurs just need accurate shot feedback and analysis they can understand to practice effectively and have fun. We’ll focus on how well SkyTrak accomplishes this goal for the recreational golfer.

Accuracy of the ball flight data

Arguably the most important criteria for any launch monitor is how accurately it measures ball flight. No matter what fancy features a monitor offers, inaccurate data renders everything else meaningless.

SkyTrak uses photometric capture technology, which uses high-speed cameras to digitize and analyze multiple images of the golf ball immediately after impact. Algorithms derive ball flight metrics from this photogrammetric data.

So how accurate is it? Tests show that SkyTrak’s ball flight accuracy is extremely impressive, especially for the price. High-end models like the TrackMan 4 and Foresight GCQuad typically cost $10,000 to $20,000. Yet, under the right conditions, SkyTrak achieves results within a few percentage points of these leading monitors.

Golf professionals and reviewers have tested SkyTrak side-by-side with the top competing launch monitors. The data is rarely exact because companies use different measurement technologies. But SkyTrak consistently provides very similar values for factors such as ball speed, launch angle, backspin, carry distance and total distance.

For example, one reviewer compared SkyTrak to the FlightScope Xi Tour radar-based launch monitor in an indoor setting. The FlightScope struggled to accurately register shots in the confined space. SkyTrak perfectly matched the tester’s real-world carry distances for each club.

Another tester pitted the SkyTrak against the Foresight Sports GC2 and found the ball speed, launch angle and backspin results to be within a few miles per hour, degrees and revolutions per minute. The GC2 sells for over $8000, so getting comparable performance from the sub-$2000 SkyTrak is remarkable.

Overall, the SkyTrak clearly beats lower-cost competitors like the OptiShot, while approaching the accuracy of leading commercial launch monitors that cost 4 to 10 times more. It’s not perfect by any means, as no launch monitor offers absolute precision. But SkyTrak provides more than enough ball data reliability for the average golfer to trust and benefit from the readings.

Key Features and Software

In addition to nailing ball flight accuracy, SkyTrak impresses with its software features at an affordable price. The features focus on helping the average golfer improve their skills, maximize their enjoyment and get the most out of their home practice.

SkyTrak includes a virtual driving range with adjustable settings such as wind speed, wind direction and club and ball selection. You can view shot history and trends to identify areas for improvement. Dispersion charts visually display all ball locations to reveal shot patterns. It’s like having a built-in coach analyzing your game.

There are fun contests like closest-to-the-pin challenges and skill assessments with scoring to work on iron play and technique. You can even set up different bags to compare club performance and fine-tune your yardage. The software helps add variability, pressure situations and measurable goals to your practice sessions.

To access these features, you must purchase the annual Game Improvement Package for $99 or the full Play & Improve Package for $199. This seems fair considering the value provided. Without the package, the simulator’s capabilities are very limited.

For entertainment and virtual rounds, SkyTrak partners with leading golf simulation software such as The Golf Club, E6 Connect and World Golf Tour. You can play top courses like Pebble Beach, Augusta and St. Andrews from the comfort of your own home. The accuracy of the simulation is excellent thanks to the precise ball flight data.

The versatility to use SkyTrak as both a high-end practice tool and a realistic golf simulator makes the software integration very attractive compared to competing launch monitors.

Launch Monitor Setup and Installation

A common pain point with some launch monitors is difficult calibration and time-consuming setup. Again, SkyTrak excels in the ease-of-use department. It uses a laser-based trigger zone to detect ball strikes. All you need to do is place the unit 7-8 feet behind the ball, pointing perpendicular to the target line. As long as the laser dot is visible on the turf under the ball, you are good to go.

The SkyTrak package includes a rubber mat to absorb shock. It can be used indoors or outdoors. For indoor accuracy, SkyGolf recommends an 8 x 8 foot free swing area and a minimum ceiling height of 10 feet. This is a reasonable space compared to larger commercial launch monitors.

For best results, you’ll want to use premium balls and quality mats for realistic turf interaction. Mats like the FiberBuilt Professional or Real Feel Golf Mat simulate real fairways well for indoor use.

Setup takes 5-10 minutes once you get the hang of ideal placement. The sensors auto-calibrate after a few swings, and you’re off and running. It’s refreshing to avoid the complications of camera alignment, tripod adjustment and calibration tools that some launch monitors require.

Simulation and Entertainment Experience

One of the biggest attractions of owning a launch monitor is playing simulated golf in the comfort of your own home. SkyTrak, when paired with simulation software, provides an exceptional virtual golf experience for the price.

The graphics and course accuracy of packages like The Golf Club and World Golf Tour (WGT) are among the best in the industry. You can play legendary courses like Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews with remarkable realism. The simulation is smooth, the gameplay is fun and addictive, and you feel fully immersed in each hole.

The gameplay experience does have a few limitations to be aware of. First, the short game feels awkward and unrealistic. Judging putts and chip shots becomes frustrating because your real-world touch doesn’t translate well. Second, there is a 4-7 second lag from impact to the shot registering on the screen. This lag is disruptive to the natural flow of the game at first, but becomes less annoying over time.

These drawbacks aside, SkyTrak provides a fantastic simulation experience for the price. The ability to play rounds after work or during the winter keeps your skills sharp while entertaining guests. The accuracy of the simulation is excellent thanks to the precise ball flight data generated. The overall entertainment value is one of SkyTrak’s greatest assets.

Cost savings when compared to commercial options

Okay, we’ve covered performance and features. Now what about the cost?

There’s no sugarcoating that $2,000 is still a hefty price tag for many golfers. But relatively speaking, SkyTrak is an outstanding value compared to traditional commercial launch monitors.

The cheapest TrackMan model still costs about $19,000. Competitors like FlightScope and Foresight start around $8500 and reach $20,000+. And those prices are just for the launch monitor itself. Add in a hitting enclosure, computer, projector, software, and more, and you’re looking at $25,000+ for a complete simulator setup.

Conversely, SkyTrak costs 1/10th of that while providing comparable accuracy and great simulation capabilities. With a net, mat, and software, you can set up a complete SkyTrak simulator for under $5000 total. Yes, the cost adds up, but it’s drastically more affordable and accessible for an amateur building a home system.

For Golf Professionals

If you’re a golf pro, club fitter or other commercial business, SkyTrak doesn’t provide the full club metrics and in-depth swing analysis you need. You’ll probably want to invest in a top-of-the-line system like TrackMan or GCQuad.

But for most casual golfers who just want to have fun and work on their game in an affordable way, SkyTrak hits the sweet spot. You get data that is extremely useful for improving technique and consistency without going overboard. And the entertainment value is excellent. SkyTrak removes the barriers to entry for launch monitor technology and simulation for the everyday player.

Setup Costs and Packages

To give you a better idea of the full setup cost, here is an overview of common SkyTrak packages and individual items you may need:

With just the basics like a net, mat, and iPad, you can set up a working SkyTrak simulator for around $3000. Scaling up to a premium setup with a PC, projector, and other accessories brings the cost up to $5000-$7000. Again, not cheap, but thousands less than commercial systems.

Overall Value Scorecard

To summarize SkyTrak’s overall value compared to traditional launch monitors:

As you can see, it scores very high across the board, while offering commercial-level performance at a recreational-friendly price. No launch monitor is perfect, but the overall value SkyTrak offers makes it easy to recommend to the average golfer.

Pros and Cons Summary

Let’s recap the key benefits and potential limitations that buyers should keep in mind:

In summary, SkyTrak delivers absolutely outstanding performance and value as an affordable launch monitor solution for the everyday golfer. If you can manage the expectations around the shortcomings, and it fits within your budget, it’s easy to recommend SkyTrak highly.

Conclusion

We hope this detailed SkyTrak launch monitor review has given you a comprehensive look at its capabilities and value for improving your golf game. Its accuracy and features rival competitive monitors costing many times more, and its integration with leading simulation software brings virtual golf to life. If you have the space and budget, SkyTrak can be a game-changing addition to any golfer’s practice and entertainment routine.

Frequently Asked Questions