Oct.
Are you looking for a golf simulator and have your eye on the SkyTrak or ES Tour Plus? Both launch monitors offer a great golf experience at home, but we'll do the comparison and probably answer your questions. Does the SkyTrak win the test? Find out in the article.
1. which golf simulator is the best? SkyTrak or ES Tour Plus?
We are a competent partner for Golf simulators in Germany. We have the necessary technical understanding and are happy to advise you. As we are very often asked which simulator, the SkyTrak or ES Tour Plusis better, we have created this article. This way, we don't have to explain the differences every time and can refer to this comparison. We endeavor to be as objective as possible in this comparison and test, even though we are partners of Ernest Sports from the USA and sell their products. You are welcome to leave your experience and opinion as a comment at the end, which we would be delighted to receive.
If you are considering buying a Golf simulator at home you need to pay attention to a few points. Below we provide a brief overview of both Launch monitors and then compare them. We refer exclusively to the facts and manufacturer information in order to achieve the best possible objectivity.
2. simulator SkyTrak at a glance
The SkyTrak is a popular launch monitor from the American company SkyGolf 360. According to the company, the SkyTrak is the first personal launch monitor of its kind and enables a realistic golf experience in real time. The SkyTrak connects wirelessly to a tablet or PC and captures and displays the data in real time. You see the ball fly and get instant feedback on every shot. Now you can tee off and practice from the comfort of your own home 365 days a year, whatever the weather.
Slogan: Practice and play like a Pro
3. overview of Simulator ES Tour Plus
Ernest Sports is a company from the USA that offers launch monitors for everyone. The product range extends from inexpensive training devices to fully-fledged simulators for home use. Still relatively unknown in Germany, Ernest Sports has long been an established provider of golf technology in the USA.
According to the manufacturer, the Tour Plus is the only American-made golf launch monitor and simulator. The ES Tour Plus delivers extremely accurate data and combines two high-speed cameras with a quad Doppler radar. It has also been tested on the Tour and measures all 26 data points that are relevant for golfers.
Slogan: Undoubtedly the best indoor simulator for your money
4. comparison SkyTrak vs. ES Tour Plus - the comparison
Now we come to the probably most exciting part of the article, the comparison. For this we have the three categories Costs, Technology and Measurement used. The date of the comparison is October 2021, but we will check the data regularly and adjust it if necessary. Here we go:
Cost comparison SkyTrak vs. ES Tour Plus
We have broken down the costs below to give you an overview. This is not so easy with SkyTrak, as the manufacturer's website is somewhat confusing and there are various subscription models. As we understand it, the SkyTrak can only be used to a limited extent without a subscription, whereas the ES Tour Plus provides all functions from the time of purchase.
| Costs | SkyTrak | ES Tour Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Simulator | 2,245 € one-off | 2,499 € one-off |
| Range of functions | Very limited without subscription | Complete |
| Driving range app | from € 99.95 per year | Free of charge |
| Simulation software | Only possible with a subscription, not included, can be ordered separately | Not included, can be ordered separately |
| Additional costs | Protective cage for 199 € | None, not necessary |
| Total one-off | 2.245 € | 2.499 € |
| Annual costs | 99,99 € for subscription | None |
At first glance, the SkyTrak more favorable. After several years of operation, the ES Tour Plus but the clear price winner, as there is no subscription model. The ES Tour Plus is cheaper from the second year onwards if you want to use all the SkyTrak functions and buy the necessary protective cover. Status October 2021
Technology comparison SkyTrak vs. ES Tour Plus
With such an expensive launch monitor, the technology has to be right! We compared the two simulators and, surprisingly, the SkyTrak has clear disadvantages compared to the competition. We were surprised by this clarity.
| Technology | SkyTrak | ES Tour Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Radar | Not available | Quad Doppler radar |
| Camera | High-speed camera | Dual high-speed infrared cameras |
| Connectivity | WLAN | Bluetooth |
| Country of manufacture | Malaysia | USA |
The technology of the ES Tour Plus. With its combination of radar and camera, it offers the complete system and therefore delivers more precise and consistent data than the SkyTrak. Status October 2021
Parameter comparison SkyTrak vs. ES Tour Plus
The comparison here is actually already decided due to the better technological features of the ES Tour Plus. Thanks to the combination of radar and camera, the ES can record significantly more and more precise parameters than the SkyTrak. We have also already published an article about the most important parameters written.
| Parameters | SkyTrak | ES Tour Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Speed | ||
| Club Speed | ||
| Launch Angle | ||
| Direction | ||
| Spin rate | ||
| Side Spin | ||
| Hang Time | ||
| Landing Angle | ||
| Height | ||
| Smash Factor | ||
| Side Carry | ||
| Carry Distance | ||
| Ball Speed | ||
| Roll | ||
| Total Distance | ||
| Dynamic Loft | ||
| Spin Loft | ||
| Angle of Attack | ||
| Face Angle | ||
| Club Path | ||
| Face to Path | ||
| Launch Direction | ||
| Side Total |
Again the ES Tour Plus in the parameters and measured values category. Overall, the SkyTrak read 15 parameters, as opposed to 23 measured values with the Tour Plus. The measured values are also more accurate, so a clear win for the ES. In addition, the sole measurement via camera has disadvantages, which you can find out about here. Status October 2021
5. conclusion
All in all, the Simulator ES Tour Plus the better simulator and beats the SkyTrak clearly. The Tour Plus is ahead in all comparison categories.
Nevertheless, the SkyTrak is also a solid launch monitor and even the better-known brand. If you have the necessary money and are not afraid of the rather expensive subscriptions, you end up with even more options and features than with the ES Tour Plus. From our point of view, however, the subscriptions have a somewhat negative aftertaste. And the ES is clearly ahead, especially when it comes to the important measurement technology.
We would be delighted to receive your experience reports and opinions as comments below. We would also be happy to advise you in detail on the subject of golf simulators.
Launch monitors and simulators for training at home
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ES vs. SkyT: As an absolute beginner, I bought a second-hand SkyT four years ago (approx. 1,600). It really helped me to get off to a good start. I then bought the open version for a year. However, I found the scope more of a gimmick. It didn't help me in my endeavors to beat cleanly because some data was missing. To compensate for this disadvantage, I bought the OptiShot gebr. Now I have a swing path etc. and can even practise straight putting (the SkyT can't do that either!). Unfortunately, the simulated trajectories are often very different. The real ball flight matches the SkyT result. But after I was allowed to try out a Trakman, I would like to sell the whole thing 😉. Unfortunately, that's beyond my means. I also prefer to play outside in nature! But I would like to try out an ES because the radar technology would close some gaps (see TrakMen)
Dear Mr. Schäfe, thank you for your comment. I can understand that you are not satisfied with the Skytrak. I don't even want to talk about OptiShot. And a Trackman is actually too expensive if you don't want to use it professionally.
The ES Tour Plus is definitely an option, both in terms of price and performance. Unfortunately, we cannot lend the device for testing. Given the price, we ask for your understanding.
Your RocketGolf Team