Launch monitors
One we have proven. A pile we have not.
We're not putting up a wall of logos and letting you find out the hard way. Here's what we've tested, what might work, and what doesn't yet.
Status
Where each one stands.
| Monitor | Status | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Approach R10 | Works | What we build on and play on. Every round we've played was on an R10. If you've got one, you're set. |
| Monitors that speak the E6 protocol | Might already | The R10 talks to us over E6, which is open enough that other monitors using it have a real shot at just connecting. We haven't tested one. Tell us and we'll find out. |
| Everything else | Not yet | If a monitor only talks to its own app in its own format we can't read it. Some are doable and we want to do them. Ask for yours by name and it moves up the list. |
If something on this list changes, this table changes with it. We're not quietly upgrading a "might" to a "works" without hitting balls into it.
Testers wanted
Got something other than an R10?
We want to hear from you, and not in a vague marketing way. If your monitor speaks E6 there's a decent chance it connects first try. If it doesn't, we want to know why.
What you'd be doing: connect it, hit some balls, tell us what the app showed against what your monitor showed. You get the app free for the trouble.
What we won't do: sign you up for anything, put your name on the site without asking, or go quiet on you.
Do not have a monitor yet?
Buy a used R10. It's the one we can promise works, it's the cheapest thing that gives real spin numbers, and used ones show up constantly around $300.
New they're about $600. Unless you want the warranty there's not much reason to pay it.
What we actually need from it
- Ball speed
- Launch angle
- Launch direction
- Spin rate
- Spin axis
Club data is nice and we will show it, but those five are what fly the ball. A monitor that reports all five has everything we need.
Why the R10
It is the cheapest honest launch monitor there is.
It measures spin
A lot of budget monitors guess spin from the club. The R10 reads it. Without real spin, half of what makes a golf shot a golf shot is made up, and you can't practice against made up numbers.
It is everywhere
Plenty of people bought one, used it twice and put it in a closet. Good news for you. Patience gets one around $300.
It works outside
Radar, so it wants a bit of room but doesn't care about light. That matters when your sim is a net in the yard and you play at night.
Get the email when it hits the stores.
Apple and Google, $79, one purchase. One message from us, on the day.
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