Best Personal Launch Monitor?

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By Joe F

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  • 15 Replies
  1. Joe F

    Joe F
    California

    I watched a lot of videos regarding launch monitors, and which ones are the best.

    I want to ask the Team Titleist community what launch monitor they have, and why you chose that certain brand/model monitor. Getting some personal input from an individuals perspective is something I need!

    Thank you

  2. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Wow. I literally was about to start a thread with the exact same question. Then lo and behold, I see you started one yesterday. Thanks for saving me the trouble. I too will be eagerly waiting to see if there are any responses.

    I checked a MGS review on all the different personal launch monitors and got some mixed messages. Looks like the Mevo plus is best, but that's way out of my price range. The regular Mevo (much smaller) and SC300 seem like more of a fit for my wallet at around $500, but seems pricey considering there are no spin number metrics. Same with the highly rated Rapsodo. Hopefully some of the team here has had some experience with these and can give us both a helpful assessment.
  3. Joe F

    Joe F
    California

    I ended up purchasing the Garmin 80 today. I'll let you know how it fairs. My second choice was the SC300!
  4. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Doug E said:

    Wow. I literally was about to start a thread with the exact same question. Then lo and behold, I see you started one yesterday. Thanks for saving me the trouble. I too will be eagerly waiting to see if there are any responses.

    I checked a MGS review on all the different personal launch monitors and got some mixed messages. Looks like the Mevo plus is best, but that's way out of my price range. The regular Mevo (much smaller) and SC300 seem like more of a fit for my wallet at around $500, but seems pricey considering there are no spin number metrics. Same with the highly rated Rapsodo. Hopefully some of the team here has had some experience with these and can give us both a helpful assessment.

    The personal launch monitor "holy grail" is hard to achieve IMO. Unless you're willing to spend 4 or more figures (thousands of USD) on launch monitor, the "budget" options will be missing some data points. For me the Rapsodo checked most of my boxes as I was looking for launch angle and ball speed as my important data points. Rapsodo's numbers seemed to pretty close to the more expensive devices and so far I've been very happy with the MLM.
  5. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    I found the Ernest Sports ESB1. It is $550 but I found a $75 coupon.

    It does Club Head speed, Ball speed, Launch Angle, Spin (although 1 number, not back and side), Distance, and Smash factor. I've not had any issues tracking (when not hitting a worm burner) at least outdoors. It isn't real particular about the 4 feet setback. Does only record data in their app on IOs phones/tablets via bluetooth. The device indicates the distance is Carry Distance even though the app only says Distance.

    Will be trying it in the garage this weekend now that it isn't so cold in there to freeze White Claw. The manual does specify 8 feet of travel minimum for indoor use.

    No delays on shipping - made in the USA.
  6. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    I think you will find that the Ernest unit will struggle indoors. Outdoors, it isn't bad but I found it didn't track very well to a TrackMan.

    The MEVO unit does track well to the TrackMan both indoors and outdoors.

    I own both the MEVO and the Ernest Sports units and have use of a TrackMan.
  7. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    I have both the Rapsodo MLM and the Garmin G80. If it's all about the launch monitoring data, I'd go with the MLM. I find myself using the G80 more often because it has GPS and I use it during my round. If I'm at the range I use the MLM exclusively.
  8. I like the Rapsodo a lot, but recently considering the MEVO for the battery life and ease of use.
  9. Kyle M

    Kyle M
    California

    I have been using the Garmin Approach G80. It has been overall a pretty good experience locking down distances on the range. It is surprisingly a good on course GPS range finder.

    For the price I don't think you can beat it.
  10. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Kyle M said:

    I have been using the Garmin Approach G80. It has been overall a pretty good experience locking down distances on the range. It is surprisingly a good on course GPS range finder.

    For the price I don't think you can beat it.

    One thing that would be nice with the G80 is if Garmin would update the software so that wind speed and direction could be incorporated with the GPS features. I have a Garmin Z82 and it displays wind speed and direction via a Bluetooth connection with your mobile phone. The G80 already connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, so I believe all Garmin needs to do is update the software of the G80.
  11. I think the Garmin G80 is the phenomenal for the money. I haven't tried a ton of others, but I do have the G80. It's not great on distances the higher you go in your bag, but it does give some great data for a small device at the range. The tempo trainer is an awesome tool. Swing speed is pretty accurate until you get to the driver and it doesn't seem to go higher than 116mph (I have no problem going a bit higher on trackman). I like to use the swing speed as a reference point for consistency rather than a definite, accurate number. On top of all that, you can use it on courses you're unfamiliar with to get aerial views and distances to hazards, greens, etc... basically a digital yardage book. You can switch it up at the range and play virtual courses as well. It's just a versatile range tool, even outside of carry/total distances being finicky.
  12. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    The Rapsodo MLM is Excellent!!!
    It's sooo good I stopped using it for myself...it's really honest and the data is solid.
    I like to use it at the range for my son and daughter...it's fun to see the data and the kids love the shot tracker!!!
    I'll be using it this week for some driver comparison testing.
    Well worth the $499 price tag.

    Cheers,
    Dr. K
  13. Play18

    Play18
    Aurora, IL

    Rapsodo is great for checking distances on the range or the course. But, it doesn't measure swing speed without hitting a ball. If your training with Speed Sticks, PRGR Black is a good device for indoor use and training.
  14. Scott D

    Scott D
    Lethbridge,

    I have the SC300 and it works well for me. I really like it for getting the yardages right with my wedges.
  15. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Fortunately our range has landing greens with flags. I shoot the flags, it with my rangefinder (Bushnell Pro XE) to check yardage, whether I am practicing or warming up prior to a round. For the driver, tempo and accuracy. With pulling out my card, this has helped me.
  16. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Chuck Z said:

    Fortunately our range has landing greens with flags. I shoot the flags, it with my rangefinder (Bushnell Pro XE) to check yardage, whether I am practicing or warming up prior to a round. For the driver, tempo and accuracy. With pulling out my card, this has helped me.

    It's great to have targets to hit at the range because with a laser rangefinder, "the number is the number." I believe most people who have invested in a portable launch monitor are looking for more detailed data points like, swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, etc... A laser rangefinder won't provide you with that data. Personally, for me I've been focusing on gaining more consistency with my launch angle numbers and swing speed.

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