The Best Golf Launch Monitors 2016

Launch monitors have changed the face of club fitting in recent years, but understanding of the data they provide also now allows coaches to deliver new insight on swing technique to their pupils. While the cost has been prohibitively high for all apart from those using on a professional basis, there is now a wave of 'personal' launch monitors hitting the market for home use by the every day golfer. Check out our list of the very best launch monitors across all price points available in 2016. 

FlightScope X2 Elite

FlightScope have described their X2 Elite model as “the next generation of radar performance,” but just what does this bit of kit have to offer? The revolutionary new radar design and implementation delivers unprecedented accuracy and the new microwave component greatly enhances the unit’s signal detection ability. With higher performance, increased signal clarity and more consistency, the X2 Elite provides advanced accuracy on every measurement and date parameter.

The device can offer feedback on several areas of your game. On the ball launch and flight side the device will measure: ball speed, vertical launch angle, horizontal launch angle, vertical descent angle, smash factor, spin rate, spin axis, carry distance, roll distance, total distance, lateral landing, apex height, flight time, shot description, shot distance to pin and a skills score. On the club and swing side of things the device will offer data on: club speed, club speed profile, club speed acceleration profile, face to path, face to target, dynamic loft, angle of attack, club path, spin loft, swing plane horizontal and swing plane vertical.

New updates on this model include a next generation 3D Doppler tracking, updated body style, universal external camera mount, enhanced battery technology, a built-in Wi-Fi boresight camera and increased its portability.

Price: Upon enquiry

Foresight GC2

With such advanced technology, it is no wonder 92% of golfers get custom-fit with a GC2 launch monitor. Foresight describe the device as more than just a launch monitor, it is a game changer. With the GC2, you practice or play golf in any environment with equally trusted results. Outdoors, the portable device uses exclusive levelling technology to provide verifiably accurate results on every surface and indoors, the GC2 produces the most accurate measurements of ball characteristics at launch.

The GC2 offers a quick and easy set up with a patented on-screen golf ball identification system and self-levelling accelerometer. There is no need for calibration and no need for marked golf balls; you’ll be set up and ready to go in no time. The GC2 also offers verifiable accuracy as at the heart of the GC2 is a stereoscopic camera system that precisely captures and analyses ball characteristics at the most critical point of measurement, club impact. Finally, the launch monitor offers all-in-one simplicity as the large, outdoor-readable LCD display and audio feature delivers ball performance data in real-time.

Price: Upon enquiry

Optishot 2

The Optishot 2 is a golf simulator that can be used in many forms and can offer some important feedback on your golf game. When practicing into a net, you miss out on observing the ball’s flight and means you’re not getting the critical feedback you need in order to improve your swing.

The system works by simply plugging the Optishot Sensorpad into your Windows/Mac Computer via the provided USB cable. You then select what club you are playing and what type of ball and swing away. The infrared sensors on the Optishot Sensorpad will track what your club has done during the swing, such as your club path, club speed and face angle.

Price: £349.00

SkyTrak

SkyTrak is the first personal launch monitor of its kind as it offers a realistic and real-time golf practice and play system. SkyTrak connects wirelessly to your iPad Air, then accurately captures and displays launch data and ball flight as soon as the ball leaves the clubface.

Some of the advanced features you will find in SkyTrak are: photometric launch monitor, completely wireless design, iPad compatible, PC compatible, professional-grade accuracy and a robust set of measurement parameters that includes ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side spin, side angle, spin axis and total spin.

Price: £1695.95 (Basic Package)
£1774.95 (Game Improvement Package)
£1854.95 (Play and Improve Package)

TrackMan 4

Technology is now a central component in the golfing industry and can seriously help your further your game. TrackMan offers some of latest technology in their launch monitor in order to help you improve your game. TrackMan believe they offer a ground-breaking club and ball tracking golf radar system, as well as the best performance enhancing software available in the industry today.

In simple terms, the change in frequency of the microwaves from a moving golf club and golf ball is what makes it possible for TrakMan to track what happens at the very moment of impact between the club and ball. TrakMan tracks the full trajectory of any shot, from 6ft to 400 yards and pinpoints the landing position with an accuracy of less than 1ft at 100 yards. Some of the key club and ball definitions you can track with TrackMan are: smash factor, club speed, spin rate, dynamic loft, launch angle, attack angle, carry, club path, ball speed and face angle.

Price: $18,995.00