The Optishot 2 and the SkyTrak simulators are two of the most popular and affordable options available. We’ll give you a solid comparison of the SkyTrack vs OptiShot 2 simulators to help you make an informed decision.
The use of launch monitors and golf simulators has become extremely popular and many golfers from all levels have made a launch monitor/golf simulator the best commercial practice equipment. The use of the launch monitor has become widespread throughout the golf industry, be it for club fitting, coaching, practicing, or indoor golf simulator experiences.
The substantial number of golf launch monitors available on the market spans a wide range of prices and features offered. This could make it extremely challenging to select a suitable launch monitor for your requirements.
Pros
- OptiShot2 is built for all level of golfers
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
- 15 standard courses
- It offers a realistic environment
- Multiplayer ability
- You can successfully go to the next level of your game by OptiShot Season Pass
- You can compete with golfers around the world & win prizes
- It can use foam or real balls
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Easy setup process.
- Lacks accuracy
- Putting is difficult
- The graphic detail could be better
- The lighting requirement is a little bit strict.
The OptiShot 2 was designed and developed by passionate golfers in their desire to bring the joy of golf simulation to more golfers and friends. Since the release of the Optishot 2 it has become extremely popular and one of the best selling entry-level golf simulators.
It is simple to set up and to move to another destination, however, it is slightly bulky to carry to the driving range.
OptiShot 2 uses 2 rows of high-speed infrared sensors to tracks club speed, club path and face angle. OptiShot 2 records your every movement and then transfers the data to your digital device, either Windows or iOS based.
Once the ball has been struck it will present visual imagery of your ball flying through the air. Feedback is available immediately. The design of the OptiShot 2 is unique in that it tracks your club instead of the ball and this enables you to use foam, plastic balls, or no ball at all.
The negative side of this is that there is no tracking of ball data. Even mishits will reflect as proper contact by the Optishot 2 creating loads of false data.
Components that come with the purchase of the Optishot 2:
- Swing Pad with Turf
- 10ft USB Cable
- Gripper Tee
- Foam Golf Balls
- Practice Tees
- Product Key found on the underside of the swing pad
Pros
- Accurate readings for shots hit off artificial mats
- Fantastic user experience
- You can change factors such as wind and temperature
- Fully accurate
- Very portable and easy to use
- Integrates well with software packages
- Astoundingly simple to set up
- Loads of handy practice features
- Doubles up as a golf simulator
Cons
- The slight lag between contact and providing feedback.
- Only tracks the golf ball, and not your club path
- The golf ball and the launch monitor has to be at the same level
- Annual subscriptions required for the advanced features
SkyTrak is high quality and well-priced simulator and launch monitor designed and priced to bridge the gap between the high-end and lower-end devices. The price is reasonable, and it is affordable to most golfers while still maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
The photometric SkyTrak launch monitor utilizes high-speed cameras to capture high-speed images of the ball for the first couple of feet immediately after impact. SkyTrak then uses sophisticated algorithms to determine a realistic model of the flight path.
Benefits gained from purchasing the SkyTrak launch monitor:
- Swing improvement
- Practice anytime, anywhere
- Accurate feedback
- Entertain your family and friends
- Fun challenges to improve your accuracy
- Affordability
We’ll look at some of the most important categories to compare these simulators including, accuracy, user experience, features, and price.
Read our full SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review
SkyTrak vs OptiShot 2 – Side-By-Side Comparison
Dimensions
- The Optishot 2 measures in at 15 inches long X 10 inches high X 2 inches wide and weighs 15 pounds.
- The SkyTrak is small enough to carry with you to the driving range, slot into your golf bag, and quick to set up. The dimensions of the device are 5.75 inches long X 6.75 inches high X 2.5 inches wide it weighs 1.7 pounds.
Verdict: The SkyTrak is the most compact and lightweight of the two and therefore our winner in this category
SkyTrack vs OptiShot 2 – Hardware Compatibility
Optishot 2 is compatible with:
Windows
- Windows® 7, 8, or 10
- Graphics Card: 256MB Adapter RAM and OpenGL 2.0 Support
Mac Minimum System Requirements
- Mac® OS X 10.8
- Intel® Core 2 Duo
- NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT or ATI Radeon™ HD 2600 or Intel Iris Pro or better
- OpenGL 2.0 Support
Both operating systems require:
- 3GB Hard Disk Drive Storage
- 4GB RAM
- USB 2.0 Port
- Internet connection for software installation, updates, Platinum course delivery, and online play
The SkyTrak app supports iOS and Windows but the Mac desktop and laptop cannot be used.
iOS
The following iOS devices are compatible with SkyTrak
- iPad Air or newer
- iPad Mini 2 (with Retina Display) or newer
- iPad Pro
- iPhone 6 or newer
Android
The following Android devices are compatible with SkyTrak
- Google Pixel C
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
- Samsung Galaxy S8
PC
The recommended requirements for PC’s compatibility with SkyTrak
- Windows 7, 8, or 10
- Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz or higher
- 2GB RAM or higher
Both of the launch monitors are compatible with Windows and iOS and there is very little to choose between the two. In our opinion, SkyTrak is the winner based on the fact that it requires fewer resources.
Battery
The Optishot 2 comes with a rechargeable battery that will last for approximately 4 hours.
The unit has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last for up to 5 hours of use and can be recharged using the included micro USB charging cable.
Verdict: The SkyTrak battery lasts for approximately 5 hours while Optishot 2 only lasts for approximately 4 hours thus making the SkyTrak the winner of this category.
Accuracy
SkyTrak is incredibly competitive against high-priced launch monitors with small variances
The accuracy parameters of the SkyTrak launch monitor are as follows:
- Ball Speed 0 – 200mph +/- 1mph
- Launch Angle 0 – 55° +/- 1°
- Back Spin 0 – 12,000rpm +/- 250rpm
- Side Spin 0 – 4,000rpm +/- 250rpm
- Side Angle 0 – 20° +/- 2°
The high-speed optical sensors available on the SkyTrak provide very accurate data making the SkyTrak one of the most accurate launch monitors available on the market.
OptiShot 2 is a club and swing analyzer that provides a prediction of the ball trajectory after impact based on your swing. It is will provide excellent club speed and angle data but does have a higher tendency for misreads. It is not designed for perfect ball accuracy.
It is possible to calibrate your clubs with OptiShot 2’s simulator thus providing a reasonable level of access when using the simulator, but this will affect your play on the golf course.
The OptiShot 2 is not set up to give any ball data and is less accurate than the SkyTrak.
Verdict: There is no question that the SkyTrak is the most accurate of the two.
SkyTrack vs OptiShot 2 – Data Points
Optishot 2
Optishot 2 does not measure information related to the ball but only information related to the club. When it passes over the sensors, the rays bounce off the club thus providing you an expanded reading with relative accuracy.
Feedback is provided on:
- Clubhead Speed
- Face Angle
- Path
- Distance
SkyTrak
On SkyTrak measurements are fed back to the golfer in 2 diverse ways:
Firstly, the SkyTrak launch monitor observes the dimples and markings on the golf ball before, at impact and after impact. It then calculates the feedback based on the movement of the dimples and markings.
Factors that will be measured by the SkyTrak launch monitor at this stage include:
- Ball speed
- Launch angle
- Backspin
- Sidespin
- Side angle
Secondly, the SkyTrak accurately calculates other parameters once the ball has traveled a few by making use of the previously mentioned algorithms.
Factors that will be calculated are:
- Clubhead speed
- The angle of ball descent
- Carry distance
- Ball roll
- Total distance achieved
- Deviation from a straight line.
Verdict – The SkyTrak provides feedback on more data points and the feedback is extremely accurate compared to the Optishot 2. Our winner is the SkyTrak
SkyTrack vs OptiShot 2 – Setup
Optishot 2
Optishot 2 provides almost everything that is required to set it up from scratch. Areas that you have to set up are the correct lighting for optimal viewing on the screen, install the hardware, download the software and install, resister your system online and then you can continue.
SkyTrak
Setting the SkyTrak launch monitor up is not difficult and can be completed within two minutes. There is a built-in Wi-Fi that can pair to your mobile device or computer.
When used in the outdoors you can connect directly via the Wi-Fi connection and in the indoor environment, it can also connect via your home wireless network router. It can furthermore connect to a projector by connecting either your PC or mobile device via an HDMI cable.
When setting up the device before you hit your shots, take into consideration that the device must be placed at the same level as the hitting surface and exactly parallel to your intended target. Once the setup is complete you will see a red dot on the ground or hitting mat and you have to place your ball on the exact spot for the best results. When the power, Wi-Fi, and ready lights are green then you are good to go.
Verdict – Setting the SkyTrak up is a lot quicker and simpler than setting up the OptiShot 2. You don’t have to download any software for the SkyTrak before you can start using it.
SkyTrack vs OptiShot 2 – Simulator
Optishot 2 is built to be a simulator first with some extremely limited game improved capability. This is the market where they want to compete and have been remarkably successful in keeping their prices at the bottom end of the market.
The SkyTrak launch monitor doubles up as a simulator thus adding to the fun experience of your device. You will require to sign up for the Game Improvement Plan and subscription to access all the features.
The SkyTrak simulator software can be download to your iPad and then connect wirelessly to your SkyTrak device. It will display both the metrics and the shot tracer technology.
The graphics are astonishing and extraordinarily accurate, and it feels like walking on the real course.
Verdict – Both the devices can provide loads of fun for friends and family on days that you have to stay indoors. The SkyTrak provides more accurate information and you will benefit more from the simulator use on the SkyTrak.
SkyTrack vs OptiShot 2 – Price
Optishot 2 is priced at the very low end of the market for launch monitors and simulators while the SkyTrak is priced substantially higher. The difference is that when we look at the base product you will pay considerably less for the Optishot 2, but it provides you with a very limited range of software and functionality.
To increase the functionality, you will have to buy additional software. SkyTrak has a base price and it includes most of the features and software. However, there are subscriptions to some of the software packages that will push the price up.
Verdict – On a pure pricing point, we have to name Optishot 2 as the winner but when you look at value for money SkyTrak becomes a very attractive option.
Final Thoughts
The use of home golf simulators has increased rapidly in recent years as they became more compact and reasonably priced.
Optishot 2 is one of the most popular simulators on the market but requires many additional software purchases to get it to the same level as the SkyTrak. It may be substantially cheaper than the SkyTrak but does not offer the same functionality.
In our opinion, the SkyTrak provides the best of both worlds in the game improvement area as well as the simulator area. It is more accurate and provides a tremendous amount of software to increase skills and entertain friends and family.
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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.
