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Power in golf is not restricted to club and ball technologies or brute strength. With advanced technologies, golfers can build their swing in a scientific way combining all the specific measurement that culminates in the purest possible contact between ball and clubhead.
To unlock the secrets to a pure strike is impossible with the eye or even some cameras. Using a launch monitor with advanced technologies you will be able to track your swing, contact area, and ball flight after contact.
Using a launch monitor will enable your golf coach to identify areas of your swing that require the most attention and enable a club-fitter to provide you with the best-suited clubs for your swing.
Let’s take a look at the Trackman4 and some of the alternatives in this article.
Trackman4
Pros
- Dual radar technology
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Great putting software
Cons
- Software subscription required
- Substantial add-on list
Trackman4 will analyze and diagnose your swing and provide feedback based on accurate facts.
The TrackMan 4 was designed and engineered to be the most powerful and accurate golf launch monitor built to date.
Dual radar technology is the result of a three-year journey to obtain maximum data quality and increased pick-up rates.
The world’s first and only dual radar technology the next generation
Impact radar system tracks the club before, during, and after impact providing accurate feedback on club path, face angle, swing direction, and spin loft.
Ball flight radar system tracks the full ball flight from launch to landing to provide feedback on data points such as launch angle, spin rate, and curvature.
Dual radar technology broadens the amount of data available and the accuracy of measurements. The amount of detail achieved in the club delivery and ball flight is vastly superior to what is possible through a single radar technology.
This advancement provides the perfect foundation for golf instruction, coaching, fitting, and entertainment.
Conclusive data is delivered in an easy-to-understand format, empowering professionals to excel in their training routines.
Tracking data
All shots from a 6-foot chip to a 400+ yard drive can be measured on the Trackman4. It is accurate within one ½ foot at 160 yards.
Ball flight is mapped in 3D in real-time, together with all impact and launch information.
Below are examples of the key club and ball definitions you can track with TrackMan.
- Smash factor
- Spin rate
- Launch angle
- Carry
- Ball speed
- Club speed
- Dynamic loft
- Attack angle
- Club path
- Face angle
Cost
TrackMan 4 – indoor $18,995
TrackMan 4 – indoor & outdoor $24,995
Technology
- Dual radar Technology
- Two radar systems synchronized in time and space: A short-range, high-resolution system, focused on putting, club and impact data
- Advanced simulator integration including putting
- Built-in camera is radar synchronized with high dynamic range HD 720p Full HD 1080p + more
- Indoor length setup requires 16 feet from radar to net
- Intel Quad Core 1.9 GHz processor
- Dual Band 2.4 + 5 GHz wi-fi
- Micro-USB and Ethernet interfaces connectivity
- The versatile app provides seamless integration of video and data, comparison of swings, state-of-the-art performance-enhancing software, and the option to screencast everything you do on your iPad or iPhone.
- It weighs in at a mere Just 6.2 lbs enabling you to use it anywhere you want; indoors or outdoors.
- Recording your shot from multiple angles is possible by adding up to six external cameras, in addition to the internal HD camera.
Conclusion
Trackman four is one of the most advanced launch monitors available on the market using dual radar technology to measure your club during the swing and impact.
It provides sufficient data points to analyze your swing and guide you to areas that require improvement.
It may be unaffordable to most golfers but will benefit those that can afford it.
Trackman4 Alternatives
1. Foresight GC Quad
Pros
- Quad high-speed camera
- Powered by battery for indoor and outdoor use
- Accurate
Cons
- Expensive
- Add-ons and upgrades are expensive
The GCQuad is a highly competitive launch monitor that provides accurate, versatile, and complete data.
It is the only launch monitor in the industry to utilize Quadrascopic imaging delivering the most accurate detailed picture of the ball and club head for analysis.
Effective use indoors and outdoors has made it a three-time winner of the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award Winner.
Tracking data
Foresight Sports launch monitors use a combination of infrared object tracking and high-speed, high-resolution camera-based technology to precisely measure every aspect of the clubhead and ball launch performance.
This combination captures thousands of images per second via the Quadrascopic high-speed camera system to build a virtual 3D model for analysis.
Data collected is used to create the most accurate and complete picture of your ball and club head performance providing near real-time feedback.
Accurate results are achieved by measuring club head data based on the club’s face plane.
Ball launch data is measured by comparing an image to the next captured image to accurately determine what the ball is doing post-impact.
Here are the key club and ball performance metrics the GCQUAD launch monitor’s measure.
Standard data points provided:
- Ball speed
- Horizontal & vertical launch angles
- Total ball spin data
- Spin rate
- Sidespin
- Carry distance
Data points that require upgraded software:
- Clubhead speed
- Smash factor
- Angle of attack
- Club path
- Loft at impact
- Lie & face angle at impact
- Impact location on the clubface
Cost
GCQUAD launch monitor $11,000.00
* FSX 2020 Software
- Purchase a new FSX 2020 license for $3,000.00
- Upgrade from existing FSX license $1,000.00
GCQUAD Add-ons:
- Add Clubhead Measurement $4,000.00
- Add Essential Putting Analysis $2,500.00
Technology
- Quadrascopic high-speed camera system
- Dimensions 7 inches wide, 12.5 inches tall, 4 inches deep
- Weighing in at 7.5lbs
- Power – removable lithium-ion battery that lasts 6-8 hours
- USB / Wi-Fi / Ethernet data interface
- Compatible with Android and Apple
Conclusion
The Foresight Quad is highly competitive against the Trackman 4. It uses quad cameras and algorithms to calculate ball flight based on the images taken by the high-speed cameras.
Indoor and outdoor use provide accurate readings.
2. Flightscope
Pros
- Accuracy
- Built-in Wi-fi
- Environmental Optimizer
- A large number of data points
Cons
- Price is at the top-end of launch monitors
FlightScope technology is based on the technology used to measure projectiles for the defense industry.
Using 3D Doppler ball-tracking technology to track the ball and club head parameters in golf.
The FlightScope X3 is one of the most sophisticated systems to evaluate all aspects of your game from tee to green, whether it relates to the ball or your swing.
The patented phased array tracking technology that is used in all FlightScope radar units is the most advanced in the industry today.
Tracking data
FlightScope 3D motion measures 27 variables related to the golf ball, club path, and impact. Data points being measured cover full swing and ball flight.
Club and swing
- Angle of attack
- Club acceleration profile
- Clubhead speed
- Club path
- Club speed profile
- Dynamic loft
- Face angle
- Face to path
- Smash factor
- Vertical descent angle
- Vertical launch angle
- Skills score
- Vertical swing plane
- Face to target
Launch
- Flight time
- Horizontal launch angle
- Horizontal swing plane
- Lateral landing
- Launch angle
- Launch direction
Ball
- Apex height
- Ball speed
- Low point
- Shot dispersion
- Shot type
- Spin Axis
- Spin loft
- Spin rate
- Curve
Distance
- Carry distance
- Distance to pin
- Roll distance
- Skills distance to the pin
- Total distance
Short game
Chipping and putting
- Club path
- Clubface angle
- Clubhead speed
- Launch speed
- Launch direction
- Lateral position
- Smash factor
- Skid distance
- Roll distance
- Total distance
- Distance to pin
Cost
The price of the Flightscope starts at around $25,999.
Technology
FlightScope is compatible with Apple and Android apps making it one of the most portable ball-tracking devices available.
It is wireless, portable, and very lightweight allowing you to take it to any place that you can swing a club freely whether indoors or outdoors.
FlightScope X3 interfaces with your laptop or tablet device through the built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi hotspot.
FlightScope Environmental Optimizer allows you to configure the impact of
- Altitude
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Relative landing height
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
Conclusion
Flightscope X3 is an extremely highly rated launch monitor based on technology developed for the defense industry.
FlightScope’s patented Fusion tracking is an innovative combination of radar tracking and image processing that represents advanced measurement technology of fast-moving objects.
3. SkyTrak
Pros
- High-speed cameras produce a 3D ball flight
- Accuracy
- Compatible with E6 software
- Can set environmental factors
Cons
- Limited hardware compatibility
SkyTrak is a quality and reasonably priced launch monitor to successfully bridge the gap between the high-end and lower-end launch monitors.
The design of the photometric SkyTrak launch monitor is based on high-speed cameras that capture high-speed images of the ball for few feet right after impact.
The realistic 3D ball flight model of the ball’s flight path and distance is calculated by sophisticated algorithms.
A built-in Accelerometer-based internal leveling system enhances the stability of the unit
Tracking data
Data points that are measured by the SkyTrak launch monitor
- Ball speed
- Launch angle
- Backspin
- Sidespin
- Side angle
SkyTrak calculates other parameters once the ball has traveled a few feet making use of some complex algorithms.
Data points that will be calculated are:
- Clubhead speed
- The angle of ball descent
- Carry distance
- Ball roll
- Total distance achieved
- Deviation from a straight line.
Cost
The SkyTrak launch monitor with a basic practice plan will set you back $1,995.00
Options
- SkyTrak game improvement package $2,244.90
- SkyTrak tee-off package $2,344.90
- SkyTrak home series package $3,288.90
Technology
SkyTrak is a photometric camera-based launch monitor that captures high-speed images of the ball immediately after impact.
An accelerometer-based internal leveling system
SkyTrak enables you to input a series of desired variables and environmental factors such as weather and course conditions. This helps simulate real-world golf and provides a more accurate shot analysis.
Add on a simulation package and enjoy a realistic golf course experience at home, using your clubs and balls. Available for iOS or PC, simulation puts you on the green of the world’s most famous courses.
Dimensions: 5.75 inches long, 6.75 inches high, 2.5 inches wide
Weighing in at 1.7 pounds
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power for up to 5 hours of continuous use
Connects either directly to iPad Wi-Fi or through a router/home network
Hardware Compatibility
iOS
- iPad and iPhone
Android
- Google Pixel C
- Samsung Galaxy Tab
- Samsung Galaxy phone
Computer
- Windows 7, 8, or 10
- Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz or higher
- 2GB RAM or higher
Final Thoughts
The SkyTrak launch monitor is the least expensive of the launch monitors reviewed and offers excellent value for money. There are a few other options that are worth a look at.
SkyTrak offers flexible packages enabling you to determine what would benefit your pocket the most. Give some thought to your needs and select the best launch-monitor for your needs. Your game will improve and you will not regret it.
- The 5 Best Golf Launch Monitors on The Market
- Trackman Review -Is This $20k Launch Monitor Worth Investing In?
- Trugolf vs SkyTrak: Launch Monitor Testing
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.
