If you’re looking to test your golf swing and improve your game overall, there are plenty of tools out there that can help. Here at Golfzon, we specialize in innovative golf simulators to help you build your skills and soon, we’ll be launching our Wave golf launch monitor.
Since it’s not always possible to make it out to a golf simulator or install one in your own home. That’s where launch monitors come in.
Overall, golf launch monitors are usually cheaper, smaller and more portable than golf simulators and are mainly used to collect data while on the driving range. On the flipside, golf simulators are an entire experience with software and more robust hardware to bring the golf course to you. One isn’t better than the other, but the former offers a lot more flexibility and versatility for more players as a whole. That’s why it’s important to learn a little bit more.
These nifty devices come in a variety of shapes and forms – you can find full golf launch monitor setups while others use their portable golf launch monitors on the go. It just depends on what you’re looking for and how you want to use it.
Golf launch monitors are exceptional at helping you dial in your game from truly anywhere. But if you’ve never used one before, you might be curious as to how they work and what they’re really capable of. That’s why we’ve put together a guide answering your most-asked questions when it comes to golf launch monitor technology. Now, you can boost your practice sessions in style.
1. What Is a Golf Launch Monitor?
It’s easy to get confused when it comes to golf launch monitors. There are plenty of devices out there that can help you improve your golf game if used correctly.
Additionally, it might be difficult to understand what makes a launch monitor different from a golf simulator. Some golf launch monitors are quite expansive, making them almost the same as a simulator. But in general, there are key differences such as size, scope and price.
Golf launch monitors are electronic devices used to monitor and collect data while out on the golf course or at a driving range. Utilizing radar technology, launch monitors track ball flight characteristics such as distance, trajectory, launch angle, location, speed and much more depending on the brand being used. Data is populated within seconds of your shot.
These launch monitors have grown in popularity over the years, mainly due to their versatility – they can be used out on the golf course or indoors with a golf net and hitting mat setup. With their complex data-pulling capabilities, golf launch monitors are in high demand.
2. How Do Golf Launch Monitors Work?
There are two types of golf monitors, each working in slightly different ways to gather golf data.
The first type of golf launch monitor uses satellite doppler radar to sense, in a way, how and where the ball moves upon impact. This allows the device to track and analyze your golf ball’s speed, height, distance, spin rate, carry distance and overall shot shape.
Other launch monitors utilize doppler radar technology to measure the ball at impact. From here, they use a variety of algorithms and systems to project data and measurements to provide insights on your golf shot.
These complex devices might seem intimidating at first, but are actually quite easy to use – they were built that way. They take the guesswork out of understanding what steps you need to take to get better and better.
3. Who Needs a Golf Launch Monitor?
Launch monitors are great tools for golfers to have in their arsenal. They’re easily portable and extremely accurate to ensure you get the most out of them.
For the most part, any golfer looking to swing faster and hit the ball farther can benefit from having a launch monitor. These devices pinpoint, almost instantly, where your areas of opportunity are throughout your golf swing and ball flight.
Even PGA professionals utilize golf launch monitors – they’re great tools for teaching as well as club fitting. They can be fun, too, and a great addition to a golf lover’s man cave.
That being said, golf launch monitors can get pricey, so it’s important to understand what you really want to gain from using one and vetting your options before jumping in.
4. What Is the Best Golf Launch Monitor?
There are many factors that go into what makes a launch golf monitor truly spectacular. Most of these depend on what you’re looking to get out of them. By knowing your goals and what data you want to collect to continue boosting your performance, you’ll be able to find the best golf launch monitor for you.
Versatility and portability are two incredibly important features that make up a good golf launch monitor. This allows you to up your game everywhere you go with ease and efficiency. You’ll also want to note if your launch monitor can be used indoors and outdoors, or if it’s designed for one setting only. Similarly, make sure your device has substantial battery life.
Another key feature is the complexity and comprehensiveness of the tracking software and radar. You want to ensure your launch monitor is extracting all of the data you’re looking for as accurately as possible.
App integrations are also hugely beneficial. Many launch monitors have a companion app you can connect to your phone, meaning you can plan your next practice session based on your past performance before you ever hit the golf course.
Another indicator of a truly great launch monitor are the extra features that come with it. Some monitors come with accessories to fully round out your arsenal, including putting mats, nets and more.
5. How Accurate Are Golf Launch Monitors?
There are certain fluctuations when it comes to launch monitors and how accurate they are. Accuracy numbers range depending on the brand, but on average, golf monitors are about 90% accurate in their measurements.
Depending on your needs and your level of gameplay, you might seek out a launch monitor that’s closer to 95-98%. These are on the higher end in terms of accuracy, of course, and price. However, for most golfers, the majority of launch monitors available should be accurate enough to help you learn more about your game and improve.
6. How Do You Build a Golf Launch Monitor Setup?
The best way to maximize your game’s potential is to create a golf launch monitor setup that works for you. However, this does require a little DIY-ing on your part. You’ll have to go out and grab a few extra supplies to create a setup that meets your needs.
Once you’ve secured your launch monitor system, the following golf accessories can really bring your indoor golf setup to life:
- Golf launch monitor software (like the Wave’s 100+ golf courses)
- Golf Net or impact screen
- Hitting mat
- Putting mat (like the Wave’s mat or a separate area to practice putting)
- Side enclosures
Once you’ve assembled all of your equipment, all you need is a golf bag, some golf balls and you’ll be ready to get practicing.
If you’re not interested in the DIY approach, Golfzon can provide you with your own, indoor golf simulator setup to maximize your improvement and fun in no time.
7. What Data Can You Collect From a Golf Launch Monitor?
Golf simulators and launch monitors capture a wide variety of data to help you tweak your golf swing and get you ready for your next round. This data includes metrics around golf ball flight and clubhead.
Depending on the launch monitor you use, you can gain access to a wide variety of data points. For the most part, however, the best golf launch monitors will have data about the ball flight as well as your club.
Ball Flight Data:
- Ball speed: how fast the ball moves upon impact
- Launch angle and direction: the angle at which the ball leaves the clubface and in what direction
- Spin rate: the amount of spin of a golf ball upon impact; optimal spin rates vary by golf club.
- Maximum height (apex): the maximum height your ball reaches during flight
- Carry distance and shot shape: the distance between impact and touchdown before any roll is added; you can also see the amount of draw or fade your shot has.Total distance: the total distance your ball travels (including roll)
- Landing angle: the angle at which the ball hits the ground
- Hangtime: the amount of time your ball is in the air
Clubhead and Clubface Data
- Club speed and path: how fast you swing your golf club and the direction it moves through impact
- Attack angle: the angle at which your club hits the ball
- Face angle: the direction the clubface is pointing at impact
With all of this data, there are endless ways for you to check your golf swing to ensure you continue to improve your game. Whether you’re looking for overall performance improvement or you’re looking to specifically adjust your attack angle and swing path, these launch monitors can provide immense insights.
8. Is it Worth Buying a Golf Launch Monitor?
Golf launch monitors can range in costs from a few hundred dollars to thousands. That makes them a valuable investment – one you’re going to want to use long term. Before your purchase, it’s important to take the time to do your research. This way, you can be sure that the launch monitor you choose meets all of your needs.
That being said, is it worth buying a golf launch monitor? Absolutely.
These devices can make a huge impact on your overall performance, from your golf swing to your ball flight. It can be easy to fall into a slump or hit a roadblock, especially when you start to notice how often you might slice the ball. But with a golf launch monitor, you can learn more about how you play in order to get better results.
If you’re an avid golfer or someone wanting to perfect their game, a launch monitor is a great investment, and one you won’t soon regret.
9. Do Launch Monitors Improve Your Golf Game?
The short answer? Yes. Golf launch monitors are made to collect key data points around your golf swing, which ultimately impacts how and where your golf ball flies. By analyzing where and how your clubface makes an impact, these launch monitors can, quite accurately, detail where and how it will land, even if you’re hitting into a net.
Knowledge is power, and with these insights, you can learn a lot about yourself and how to improve in order to reach your goals.
Golf launch monitors can help you consistently hit longer, more accurate shots. In the long term, these launch monitors can also help you become more attuned with your game and your style so you can adapt during your round with confidence or enter it with only one swing thought.
10. What Should I Look for in a Golf Launch Monitor?
When choosing a golf launch monitor, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure you’re making a good investment.
Firstly, price does matter. It’s important to know your budget so you can find the device that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank. From there, you can look into what differentiates the brands.
Understand the number of data points collected – the more data your launch monitor collects, the more accurate it can be, which ultimately impacts how accurate you can be on the golf course.
Another factor is size – do you want something smaller and more portable or are you looking to build your own setup with bigger, stationary equipment?
You also need to decide on technology. You can choose from the camera-style or the doppler-style.
With all of this in mind, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which golf launch monitor to choose and why.
11. When Were Launch Monitors Invented?
Did you know that the technology behind launch monitors actually came from the military? They were testing missiles for speed and trajectory. It’s funny how that translated into tracking a golf ball.
The first well-known launch monitor was introduced to the market in 1996 by Swing Dynamics. From there, many other brands entered the game, evolving the technology to be more robust and accurate. Popular brands today include TrackMan, SkyTrak and FlightScope among others. This list will soon include the Golfzon Wave.
Launch Monitors to Boost Your Game
Launch monitors have revolutionized the game of golf, giving players more definitive insights into how they can improve. And it’s not just amateur golfers that can learn a thing or two from the data these devices collect.
In fact, most if not all professional golfers use a wide variety of portable launch monitors and other tracking devices to continue to get better every day. You’re never too old or too good to learn something new.
Depending on your needs, there are plenty of golf launch monitors on the market to help you reach your goals. At Golfzon, we offer our revolutionary Wave launch monitor to turn your home into your own personalized golf course and driving range.
If you’re a business owner with a love for golf, Golfzon can help you combine your work with your passion. Our launch monitor and commercial golf simulators are comprehensive and robust systems that can be used in a variety of ways to boost your sports bar, restaurant or virtual gaming business.