Recently I was watching the legendary Youtuber, Rick Shiels conduct a test of different launch monitors. While he has had the opportunity to try many launch monitors, it is the GCQuad that he swears by and uses to carry out most of his testing.
As a result, I have decided to conduct a GCQuad review to see who this premium launch monitor is best suited for. We will also advise what you should consider before purchasing a launch monitor, as well as alternatives to the GCQuad.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Launch Monitor
Launch monitors differ significantly in terms of size, functionality, price, and accuracy. If you are to find the right launch monitor for you, here are a few factors to consider.
Budget
Launch monitors vary in price from a couple of hundred dollars to upwards of $40,000. Typically, higher-value launch monitors provide an enhanced level of data analysis and are best suited to golf coaches and tour professionals.
The average golfer can get away with acquiring a launch monitor that is substantially more affordable, than the premium products mentioned above. Keep in mind that you will need to have an additional budget for the annual subscription fees of software that pairs with the device.
Accuracy
Once you have a budget in mind, it is time to think about accuracy. Premium launch monitor products record both club and ball data to provide a more detailed analysis of your shots. However, the more affordable options tend to only record ball data, preventing it from delivering millimetric accuracy.
Technology
Two types of technology are predominantly used in a golf launch monitor, doppler radar and photometric. Radar devices are usually set up directly behind the strike zone and are renowned for delivering accurate speed readings. Photometric technology, on the other hand, has been found to be more accurate in measuring spin and direction data.
Fortunately, you no longer have to choose between accurate spin or speed readings, thanks to a hybrid option. These launch monitors contain photometric and radar technology to give you the best of both worlds. The radar ensures all speed readings are on point, while the photometric technology delivers unbeatable distance and spin results.
Indoor/Outdoor
A large majority of launch monitors enable use indoor and outdoor. For most of us, this is what we are after. When we are on the course or driving range, we want to track our performance to see what the results are in reality. However, we also want a device that enables us to practice at home, when we don’t have the time to get to the range or the course.
There is no shortage of launch monitors that can be used inside and out. However, there are products that can only be used inside, as they require an overhead setup. These devices are best suited to golf retail stores and coaches, rather than the average golfer.
Simulator Software
Once you have your sights on a launch monitor, the final factor to consider is the simulator that your preferred device partners with. Simulators for indoor practice enable you to play a full 18 holes on various famous courses and improve your skills through challenges.
Make sure that the simulator software you are acquiring is compatible with the operating software of your phone, laptop, or PC. Some software only functions with Windows or iOS.
Personally, I have had the best experience using the E6 Golf Simulator, which is preloaded with 23 of the world’s top 100 golf courses. You can test your skills on the most challenging layouts from the comfort of your home.
Foresight Sports GCQuad Review
Pros
- Place the launch monitor side on from the strike zone and start hitting.
- Pinpoint accuracy.
- Data from your shot is displayed in real-time.
- It has 4-cameras that improve the device’s ability to more accurately detect club and ball data.
Cons
- It is not cheap.
- The 7.5 lbs weight makes it slightly heavy to carry around the golf course.
- You require an alignment stick to help the device adjust to targets, in an outdoor environment.
The Foresight GCQuad is equipped with advanced imaging technology and lightning-fast processing power. Enabling the golf launch monitor to capture and analyze multiple data points related to your clubhead, ball, and the strike zone.
Besides Rickie Fowler and Bryson DeChambeau using the GCQuad, it is also preferred by Titleist, Cleveland, Callaway, Taylormade, and Ping. While photometric launch monitors are known for accurate spin and distance measurements, the GCQuad does deliver pinpoint results when it comes to speed, as well.
Finally, Foresight has enhanced the capture area by six times in comparison to the GCQ’s predecessor, the GC2. That enables the launch monitor to measure an increased number of data points.
Features & Benefits
I have routed out the most important features of the GCQuad and explained to whom the launch monitor may benefit the most.
Quadrascopic Camera Technology
The GCQ’s quadrascopic technology results in four cameras watching the impact zone from four different perspectives to measure the actions of the club and the ball. This helps the device to determine where the features of the club and the ball are at impact to measure the forecasted result of that shot.
Data
The GCQuad uses its quadrascopic camera setup to measure vital ball and clubhead factors at the point of impact. Let’s look at what data the GCQuad measures:
Ball Data
- Ball speed
- Ball launch angle
- Internal horizontal angle comparative to the target
- Total backspin rpm
- Spin tilt axis, which determines the angle that your ball came off the clubface.
Club Data
- Club speed
- Impact Point
- Angle of attack
- Club path
- Delivered face angle
- Delivered lie angle captures
- Impact loft
- Closure rate
The level of data measured by the Foresight GCQuad, makes me understand why Pros and coaches swear by this device. It gives you an in-depth look into your golf shots, and the launch monitor alone is almost half the price of the Trackman option.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy I always find that it is best to do the driver, 7-iron, and sand wedge test. This makes the comparison more accurate when reviewing multiple devices.
Because I have had the privilege of testing an array of launch monitors in my career, I know when the data is wayward.
You will notice that I have not provided every data point in this post, as I felt it was best to focus on the most common measurements.
Ball Speed Readings
- Driver – 159.1 mph
- 7-iron – 124 mph
- Sand Wedge – 88mph
These quadrascopic cameras worked wonders in providing accurate ball speed readings. I am impressed with how Foresight has engineered this device to overcome one of the flaws of photometric technology.
From the tee to the short shots my GCQuad produced the ball speed readings I expect to see.
Backspin RPM
- Driver – 2500 rpm
- 7-iron – 6200 rpm
- 56 Degree Wedge – 11,000 rpm
You would expect a photometric golf launch monitor to thrive in delivering accurate backspin readings, and the Foresight device did not disappoint. Every measurement was in line with my previous averages.
Launch Angle
- Driver – 12.8 degrees
- 7-iron – 19 degrees
- Sand Wedge – 30.5 degrees
The four cameras on the GCQuad certainly enhance its measurements of elements in the strike zone. I cannot fault the launch angle readings, as there is a millimetric difference between my past averages and these.
Carry Distance
- Driver – 286 yards
- 7-iron – 176 yards
- Sand Wedge – 99 yards
So far the GCQuad has excelled in terms of accuracy. Now, we get into the distance part of the test. First up, we looked at carry distance, and the trend of accurate measurements continued. The carry distances through the bag are what I would expect to see on an average day.
GCQuad Total Distance
- Driver – 304 yards
- 7-iron – 190 yards
- Sand Wedge – 99 yards
The final data points I wanted to show you were total distance. And, once again the GCQuad performed spectacularly giving me the total distances I have come to average in my career.
After assessing the data and the accuracy of the GCQuad it is clear that it is one of the best performing products on the market. This is why it warrants a high price and is trusted by golf equipment manufacturers, coaches, and tour professionals.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
The portability of the GCQuad enables you to make use of the device both indoors and out. Whether you want to use it on the range to help improve your distance control, or at home with your golf simulator. The GCQuad offers you the best of both worlds.
Manual Alignment Stick
A manual alignment stick is included with each GCQuad launch monitor purchase. This stick helps you to manually set up your device to detect targets in an outdoor environment.
Weight
Although the GCQ is still light, at 7.5 pounds, it is one of the heavier launch monitors on the market. While it is easy to transport between home and the range, it may be too heavy to carry around for 18 holes.
Price
The GCQuad price tag is in line with other premium launch monitors. However, the device itself is almost half the price of the Trackman 4. I recently conducted a review of the GCQuad vs Trackman launch monitors and was impressed with the accuracy of the Foresight product.
Even though the GCQuad is more affordable than the Trackman 4, its price is still high for the average golfer. I believe that it is golf coaches and golf retail stores that can derive the most value from this investment.
GCQuad Alternatives
1. Trackman 4 Launch Monitor
The fact that 700 tour professionals use the Trackman 4, speaks volumes about the quality of this device. It is one of the most expensive devices on the market and fetches upwards of $20,000.
The Trackman 4 comes with dual radar technology, that allows the radar to focus on the club and ball simultaneously. As a result, you receive accurate speed, spin, and direction data.
As is the case with the GCQuad, this is a device best suited for professional golfers, coaches, and retail outlets.
2. Ernest Sports ES16
The ES16 from Ernest Sports is a hybrid launch monitor. It combines doppler radar with photometric technology to provide accurate, speed, spin, and direction data.
The ES16 is one of the best value-for-money launch monitors on the market and will set you back half of the price of the GCQuad. Its accuracy and features are on par with those of a premium product, at a mid-range price point.
Weighing in at only 3 lbs, the ES16 is light and portable, enabling you to use it indoors, on the range, and on the course during non-competition rounds. The biggest downside to the ES16 is that is only compatible with an app that functions solely on Windows 10.
However, it does pair well with the E6, The Golf Club, and Perfect Parallel golf simulators, to enhance your practice experience. You can participate in various challenges, and play full rounds on some of the world’s most famous layouts.
While I would certainly recommend the ES16 to golf coaches and retail outlets, this device is an option for the average player. It still requires a healthy investment, but as far as launch monitors go, the ES16 is a bargain.
3. SkyTrak Launch Monitor
SkyTrak launch monitors have soared in popularity over the past 12 months. Casual golfers have rushed to acquire equipment that will help them practice anywhere at any time. The entry-level SkyTrak option is almost half of the price of an ES16 launch monitor.
These launch monitors offer the average golfer the chance to own a quality device. The launch monitor operates on photometric technology, and only measures ball data. When I did a test of the GCQuad vs SkyTrak launch monitor, I found that the lack of club data did impact the results when it came to speed, carry, and distance.
SkyTrak launch monitors come in three different software options. The Basic Practice Plan, Game Improvement Package, and The Tee Off Package.
The Basic Practice Plan displays shot data and allows you to compare your performance over time. While the remaining two packages are designed to enhance your golfing skills, by putting you through various challenges.
Final Thoughts
After completing our GCQuad review, there is no doubt that this is a launch monitor that tour professionals, golf coaches, and golf retail stores should consider. It is more affordable than the Trackman 4 and delivers millimetric club and ball data.
If you are a professional in the golf industry and are looking for an accurate photometric launch monitor, you can check out the GCQuad here.
Related Articles
- The 5 Best Golf Launch Monitors on The Market
- Trackman Review; Is This $20k Launch Monitor Worth Investing In?
- ES16 vs SkyTrak; Launch Monitor Testing
- Do You Need A Sand Wedge
Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
