Now that you know more about what exactly Launch Monitors are, why they’re used, and the many tricky terms they report, it’s good to understand the differences between each.
In this article, the most well-known are analyzed and you will find a table with the differences. In addition, you will learn what each type excels in.
First of all, it is very important to know that no launch monitor is perfect. Even those over €10,000 show deviations, however these are minimal. In addition, it is important to consider for yourself what exactly you are looking for. If you also want to use a launch monitor for putting or chipping; then you either need an extremely expensive model, or two different ones that both focus on their own specialty. Finally, you will have to think about where you will train; if this is mainly indoors, and in combination with a projector, then we recommend that you choose a model that loads faster and is better suited for indoors.
SkyTrak
This model is at Golf Backyard by far the number 1 for indoor training. You can connect SkyTrak quite easily with a number of games, so you can walk a course digitally (not included as standard). In addition, the accuracy of strokes indoors is very high, and even comes close to the extremely expensive models (Trackman / TruFlight). No WiFi is required to use SkyTrak, a USB cable and PC / iPad are sufficient. If you want to take it with you to the Driving Range, you can use it via the app (Android & iOS). What also works very well is the combination of streaming with the iPad to your projector, and the connection between SkyTrak and iPad.
In addition, the SkyTrak reports more than enough statistics that even single handicap golfers can use.
One of the disadvantages of SkyTrak is that if you use it in combination with a projector, and you have both a left-handed and a right-handed golfer in the room, you will have to constantly move the SkyTrak. The device is positioned in front of the ball. Furthermore, a 'spot' is designated from which you have to hit the ball, which is different with devices that are behind the ball. In addition, the SkyTrak is sensitive to shanks; a ball that is hit on the transition piece can damage the SkyTrak. However, such a huge shank rarely occurs.
Finally, the first set-up is considered difficult by many, because of the English terms and you will have to fill in a number of specifications. Including your golf clubs and settings such as wind and humidity that must be adjusted to your preference.
FlightScope MEVO+
The big competitor of the SkyTrak; the MEVO+, almost the same price but performs better than SkyTrak. In addition, MEVO+ has an integration with E6 Connect, one of the better games if you want to play courses. By default, you get a choice of 5 golf courses. If you play with both a left and right-handed golfer, you don't have to constantly move the device. Furthermore, it doesn't work with a 'spot' but you can put the ball down in multiple places.
However, in our opinion, the MEVO+ also has disadvantages. First of all, the battery life is very short; 2 hours when fully charged, 1.5 hours in simulator mode. In addition, you need a lot of space, especially indoors that can be difficult. Because the device is placed behind the ball, you will need an extra 2.5m here.
Furthermore, MEVO products recommend sticking metal stickers on the ball, especially indoors. These ensure that the spin is better noticed, which results in more accurate ball flight and speed numbers. These stickers are difficult to obtain.
Finally, the MEVO+ cannot be used in combination with Android devices, only iOS/PC.
Ernest Sports (ES)
Less known, but a very good product that fits perfectly with Golf Backyard. We strive to deliver the best set-up to practice outside in the garden for an acceptable price, and Ernest Sports fits perfectly with that. At Golf Backyard you can currently find the ES12 and the ES14. You place both products to the right of the ball. The big difference between these two is the number of measuring points, the ES14 contains 2 cameras, which provides a bit more information.
Furthermore, the App works very pleasantly, and is suitable for both iOS and Android. In addition, they both have a long battery life and are suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
However, it is not possible to use these devices in combination with a projector and a disadvantage is that you have to configure your clubs in advance. Now that is not such a disaster, only there is only a choice of standard degree angles, and it may be that your fitted club is not among them. Finally, the App works a little less pleasantly than with the MEVO, and does not save those training sessions. Furthermore, the ES14 gave slightly more accurate results on the Driving Range than with a net.
FlightScope MEVO
Besides the MEVO+, they also have a more affordable model, very similar to the ES14. This one is slightly less accurate than the ES14, but the app works a bit better, and saves those workouts. On the internet we find reviews that indicate that the MEVO is slightly better in combination with a net than the ES14, but we did not encounter those differences. What is an improvement, is that you can enter any type of loft. Finally, you can record your swing in combination with your phone, and data from the MEVO will be synchronized, which gives an extra dimension to your recording.
As far as we are concerned, the ES14 and the MEVO are virtually the same. The only disadvantage of the Flightscope models are the metal stickers. Now that is no problem at home with a net, only on a Driving Range less pleasant. In addition, the battery life is significantly less than the ES14.
Trackman, ES20/20, FlightScope X3
These models are not offered online at Golf Backyard, they are too expensive to keep in stock and have not been tested by us at this time. However, we know from our partners and reviews that these products are of high quality. If you are now interested in one of these models, do not hesitate to contact us, then we will see what we can do for you.
In summary, there is quite a bit of choice, and there will only be more models in the future. But if you are going to put a net and mat inside, we recommend you choose SkyTrak, it is a bit more expensive, but you will benefit a lot from it in the long run. If you want a top model outside, and you have a bit more to spend, go for the MEVO+. If you do not have the budget for the MEVO+, and only want the most important statistics, then the ES14 is a very good alternative!
