GCQuad vs SkyTrak Review: Tested And Evaluated For You

Ironically, the company at the forefront of launch monitor technology is called Foresight. They are famed for their GCQuad launch monitor, used by tour golfers and coaches. But, the price is well out of the budget of the average golfer.

In this post, I review the GCQuad vs skyTrak launch monitor. I aim to see if a more affordable device like the SkyTrak can match the Rolls Royce of the sector.

GCQuad vs SkyTrak Review

Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitor

Pros

• Easy to use, place it on the ground in line with your ball and start striking.
• It is the industry standard in terms of accuracy.
• Real-time data feedback.
• You can use the GCQuad in wet weather conditions.

Cons

• It is an expensive device and may not make economic sense for the average golfer.
• It weighs 7.5 pounds, making it impractical to carry in your bag.
• The device requires an alignment stick to help it detect targets outdoors.

The Foresight GCQuad is a premium product. It is considered by many to be the pinnacle of launch monitor technology. The device contains four cameras, set up at four different angles to measure multiple facets of your backswing and follow-through.

The GCQuad’s advanced imaging technology measures your ball speed, backspin, launch angle, side angle spin, carry, and distance. These data points allow for the GCQuad to calculate the results of your shots with millimetric accuracy.

All the data generated from your shots are uploaded to the cloud, enabling you/ That enables you to review and analyze your performance in your own time. The granular data that the device collects allows you to identify exactly where your weaknesses are.

Besides the advanced shot analysis, the GCQuad also helps your putting game. This device gives you more data on your putting stroke than any other launch monitor out there.

GCQuad Features and Benefits

The GCQuad has four cameras that view the clubhead and ball from four different perspectives at impact. That enables the device to analyze various elements of your shot.

Here are a list of the features of the GCQuad and how this launch monitor may benefit you.

Data

The Foresight GCQuad measures:

• Ball data
• Club data
• Carry
• Distance

All of these factors help you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses sit with a specific club. That helps you to take action, make corrections and continue scoring low.

Cameras

The ability of the GCQuad to measure multiple data points simultaneously is thanks to four cameras on the device. These camera angles can measure your ball and clubhead at impact, from four different angles.

The algorithm in the device calculates various data points, fed to it by the device, and gives you the results of your shot.

Indoor/Outdoor Setup

Whether you are in your lounge, on the driving range, or on the course, you can set up the GCQuad. For indoor use, you will need to acquire equipment to prevent you from smashing windows.

You could buy a net. But, for the whole experience, you would probably want a sim-in-a-box package. The Eagle Plus package includes the GCQuad and a full simulator setup. However, is more than double the price of the launch monitor alone.

The launch monitor does not need to be calibrated. Just place it on the ground and start swinging.

Size

While the GCQuad is portable, it weighs 7.5 pounds. It is not super heavy, but it can wear you down after lugging it around for 18 holes. However, if you are using a golf cart, then it won’t be a problem.

Price

The most frequently asked question about this launch monitor is, what is the GCQuad price? It is a premium product and will run you thousands of dollars for the launch monitor device alone. If you want the simulation setup, prepare to add at least $10.000 to the price of the launch monitor.

Add Ons

If you want more from your GCQuad device, you have the option to add on the following features:

• Clubhead measurement
• Essential Putting Analysis

While most golfers are more concerned about the distance and carry off their shots, it is vital to analyze your whole game. Without measuring your clubhead speed, it is difficult to analyze the cause of your high or low ball speed.

Furthermore, the great Bobby Locke once said, “you drive for show and putt for dough.” What use does a launch monitor have if you can’t putt? The GCQuad ensures all facets of your game are covered to allow for continued improvement.

Warranty

When you purchase a GCQuad launch monitor, you receive a 2-year warranty on your device.

SkyTrak Launch Monitor

View on Amazon

Pros

• Affordable by golf simulator standards.
• Comparatively accurate to more expensive golf launch monitors.
• Lighter than the GCQuad, easy to store in your bag during a round.
• Enables set up for various courses and weather conditions, to help improve your distance control in all situations.
• No interest-financing on 6 – 12-month plan payment plans.

Cons

• Accuracy on drives, long iron, and mid-iron shots is off for faster swinging players.
• Display of shot data delayed by a few seconds.
• Best suited for golfers with slower swings.
• There is an annual fee for the software upgrade

In light of recent events, Skytrak’s popularity is booming with the average golfer.

In the past, the premium cost of a launch monitor made it viable only for coaches, golf shops, and tour professionals.

However, the more affordable price point of skyTrak products puts it in reach of amateur golfers.

With the SkyTrak launch monitor and simulator, you can now improve your game from home. The photometric device gives you all the data that the premium launch monitors offer to help you gain an in-depth insight into your shots.

Software Plans

Although skyTrak only has one launch monitor product, it comes in three software options.

1. SkyTrak Basic Practice Range Plan

The most affordable option in SkyTrak stable is the Basic Practice Range Plan. Connect your SkyTrak launch monitor to their Free downloadable app, and start seeing results.

The app is downloadable on Android, IOS, and Windows, allowing you to view your shots on your preferred device. You will receive feedback on your trajectory, launch angle, backspin rpm, ball speed, and total distance.

2. SkyTrak Game Improvement Package

Next in line is the Game Improvement Package, which is a few hundred dollars more than The Basic Practice Range Plan. This plan includes:

• A SkyTrak Launch Monitor
• Protective Metal Case
• Play and improve plan
• Everything in the Basic Practice Range Plan
• Increase Your Clubhead and Ball Speed Off The Tee to Gain More Distance With Your Driver
• Improve Your Distance Control and Accuracy with Closest to Pin Contests
• Enhance Your Accuracy With Target Practice
• One Year Subscription to Game Improvement Plan
• Skills Assessment
• 5 Camera Views

Improve your golf skills by tackling challenges and tests, and take on your family and friends in various competitions.

If this package strikes your fancy, you must bear in mind that there is an annual fee for software licensing. SkyTrak gives you the option to pay every three years, which does work out to be more affordable.

I would recommend the game improvement package if you have a family. You can increase your kid’s interest in golf by gamifying practice sessions and making it competitive.

3. SkyTrak Tee Off Package

The final software packaged offered by Skytrak is The Tee Off package. One major downside of this option is that it only functions with an iPad. However, it offers the following:

• All The Features From The Game Improvement Package
• One year subscription to the WGT Play and Improve Plan
• Virtually Play 11 Of The Worlds Most Famous Courses
• Closest To Hole Challenges

Like the Game Improvement Package, the Tee Off offer only provides a one-year subscription for the play and improve plan.

An epic feature is that you can play 11 legendary golf courses from the comfort of your home. You can also improve your skills with a host of challenges, designed to enhance your golfing ability.

GCQuad vs SkyTrak – Benefits

The GCQuad and SkyTrak are two superb machines, catering to polar opposite markets. You would be hard-pressed to find an average golfer who has a GCQuad lying around in their living room, because of its price. The GCQuad is better suited to tour professionals and coaches.

The SkyTrak, on the other hand, is significantly more affordable than the Foresight product. It is best suited to the average golfer looking to get more practice in.

The GCQuad is heavier than the SkyTrak launch monitor, making it inconvenient to carry around 18 holes. The SkyTrak device is lighter and is easier to maneuver around.

Both launch monitors provide golfers with similar feedback into their shots. Where the GCQuad takes it for me is its ability to help us golfers on the putting green. Most devices focus on distance and carry, whereas we should be nailing our putting stroke.

Verdict

The fact that GCQuad takes putting seriously makes it a winner in our benefits category. You can hit the ball a million miles, but if you can’t sink a putt, the whole game is pointless.

GCQuad vs SkyTrak – Data and Accuracy

Besides the features on both these devices, the question you all want to know is, do they work? How accurate are they, and what data do they provide?

To find out, I tested both launch monitors to see how they compared. Here is what I found.

Ball Speed

When I tested the GCQuad vs SkyTrak, I decided to do my usual driver, 7-iron, and wedge assessment.

GCQuad Ball Speed

• Driver – 159.1 mph
• 7-iron – 124 mph
• Sand Wedge – 88mph

My shot data from the GCQuad compared equally to my past averages, and I was happy with its ball speed accuracy. Overall the GCQuad was accurate and displayed the level of ball speed I would expect from each club.

SkyTrak Ball Speed

• Driver – 170 mph
• 7-iron – 136 mph
• Sand Wedge – 88mph

My results on longer shots were well off the mark in terms of accuracy. However, the wedge results showed the same ball speed as the GCQuad.

It seems that my driver through to mid-iron strikes was faster than the device could keep up with. Now I am not special because my swing speed is far slower than many golfers I know.

When I swung quickly on the longer shots, it messed up the calibration, and I was getting wild data. With my wedge, I have a much slower, rhythmic swing. That is why SkyTrak results were spot on with my shorter shots.

If the launch monitor you use measures the incorrect ball speed, it will deliver you the wrong distance readings.

Backspin

The backspin readings from the GCQuad were spot on. I used a Pro V1 in the test because I know what I average, and it made it easier to tell if the launch monitor was accurate or not.

GCQuad – Backspin RPM

• Driver – 2500 rpm
• 7-iron – 6200 rpm
• 56 Degree Wedge – 11,000 rpm

I found that the GCQuad provided data close to, or the same, as my actual averages.

SkyTrak – Backspin RPM

• Driver – 2900 rpm
• 7-iron – 5100 rpm
• 56 Degree Wedge – 11,000 rpm

My backspin rpm off the tee was higher than my actual average, but not by much. The backspin reading I got for my 7-iron shots is impossible. 5100 rpm is the kind of backspin you get from a 5-iron. I am not buying that.

If your launch monitor measures too much or too little backspin, it will impact the carry and total distance measurements.

Launch Angle

GCQuad Launch Angle

• Driver – 12.8 degrees
• 7-iron – 19 degrees
• Sand Wedge – 30.5 degrees

The trend continued in terms of accuracy for the GCQuad, as the results were as expected.

SkyTrak Launch Angle

• Driver – 14 degrees
• 7-iron – 18 degrees
• Sand Wedge – 30.2 degrees

My driver was launching a degree or so higher than usual. However, my 7-iron and sand wedge results were as expected.

Distance Offline

Based on the feel of my shots, there were very few that I felt were significantly offline, and the GCQuad corroborated that. The SkyTrak showed my ball heading 10 yards offline to the right on average. I have hit many a slice in my life, and none of those shots were it.

Carry

GCQuad Carry Distance

• Driver – 286 yards
• 7-iron – 176 yards
• Sand Wedge – 99 yards

The consistency of the GCQuad continued with carry distance, providing me with expected results.

SkyTrak Carry Distance

• Driver – 304 yards
• 7-iron – 195 yards
• Sand Wedge – 99 yards

The SkyTrak measured my driver carry distance at 304 yards. As much as I would love that to be the case, it is not. On average, my tee shots carry about 285 yards, so the SkyTrak was 19 yards off.

The 7-iron yielded the most inaccurate readings, displaying a carry distance of 195 yards. That is a good 12 yards off of my previous carry averages. Finally, I was happy with the carry distance on my sand wedge shots, showing 99 yards.

Total Distance

GCQuad Total Distance

• Driver – 304 yards
• 7-iron – 190 yards
• Sand Wedge – 99 yards

As was the case throughout the test, the GCQuad provided results that match my past averages.

SkyTrak Total Distance

• Driver – 320 yards
• 7-iron – 205 yards
• Sand Wedge – 99 yards

Again, while I wish my drives averaged 320 yards, that is not the reality. On a good day, I can consistently drive around the 305-yard mark, but 320 yards is pushing it.

The SkyTrak also told me that my 7-iron went 205 yards, which is not possible, given my past distances. I tend to hit a 4-iron 200 + yards, maybe a 5-iron if I am striking the ball well.

The readings on my sand wedge strikes were spot on, as they had done throughout the test.

Verdict on Data and Accuracy

From our test of the accuracy of the GCQuad vs SkyTrak, it is evident that the GCQuad wins this category. The SkyTrak struggled to deliver accurate results on longer shots, which let it down.

I did hit a few more drives and 7-iron shots with a slower swing, and the results were far closer to what I would expect. However, I don’t endorse the idea of having to change your game to sync with the technology.

GCQuad vs SkyTrak – Price

As I have mentioned before, the GCQuad is a premium product, and you shouldn’t expect to be paying anything below $10.000. It is for this reason that the GCQuad is a more suitable option for professional golfers or coaches.

The SkyTrak price is far more affordable and in the lower thousand dollar range. While it still requires a bit of an investment, it is within reach for the average golfer.

Verdict

Because of its affordability for the average golfer, we award SkyTrak this round.

Final Thoughts

The GCQuad vs SkyTrak test yielded interesting results. They are two different products for different golfing needs. The accuracy of the GCQuad is superior to the SkyTrak, but the SkyTrak’s accuracy is bearable.

If I was recommending a device to a golf coach or a Professional, it would be the GCQuad. However, since GolfSpan is a game improvement blog for the average golfer. I am going to recommend a product for the average golfer.

SkyTrak wins the test. Because of its affordability and skills improvement features. If you want a launch monitor that will allow you to practice from the comfort of your home, take a look at the SkyTrak options here.

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