Jan.
2021 Update: We’ve updated our article on golf launch monitors with new tips. Launch monitors are becoming increasingly popular among golfers who enjoy practicing and are interested in their technique. There are various devices available, ranging from as low as €200 up to €20,000, which use different technologies and measure numerous parameters. We have several launch monitors in our product portfolio and are regularly asked if we can provide recommendations. That’s what we’re doing here with this post. We provide an overview of the different measurement technologies and offer recommendations for specific applications.
How do launch monitors work?
Launch monitors use various techniques to measure numerous parameters and display them directly on the device or in an app. Commonly measured data includes clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, smash factor, spin rate, swing path, and side-to-side deviation. Up to 25 metrics are measured.
When using the devices indoors with, for example, a golf net or screen, the measurement area is only a few meters. That is sufficient to calculate the remainder of the ball’s trajectory. This involves more complex calculations based on extensive empirical data and measurement results. Many monitors can also be taken to the driving range, where the measurement area is significantly larger because the ball can be tracked for a longer distance.
1. Launch Monitor Measurement Technology Radar
Most launch monitors use Doppler radar to measure various parameters. This technology is quite user-friendly and affordable, so entry-level models start at just €400 and are quite compact. Most are no larger than a tablet or a book. However, you shouldn’t just grab the first device you see, as the measurement results are often poor. It’s worth looking at the value for money here. Our recommendation is the Ernest Sports B1, which costs just over €500.
Advantages:
– affordable
– user-friendly; detects almost all balls
– relatively small and handy
– Can also be used outdoors
Disadvantages:
– cannot accurately measure spin, poorly struck balls, or balls with a lot of curve
Launch Monitor ES14 in Action
Launch-Monitor ES B1 in action
2. Launch Monitor Measurement Camera
Some models measure these parameters using only a high-speed camera. Optical measurement has its advantages, but also a few disadvantages. This is because the camera must capture the ball and track it after the shot. While the measurement results are very good with a high-quality camera and software, they are not as consistent as radar measurements.
Advantages:
– generally good measurement results, can determine spin
Cons:
– A good camera and software are essential
– Optical measurement is more prone to errors; balls are often not detected and must always be hit at the same spot relative to the camera
– Good lighting conditions are necessary; often cannot be used outdoors
3. Radar and Camera Measurement System
Models that combine camera and radar technology deliver the best performance, as they leverage the advantages and capabilities of both technologies. However, this comes at a price: recommended devices start at €2,400 and go up to €20,000. The top-of-the-line models here are those from Trackman, which are also used on the PGA Tour. While often unaffordable for personal use, it’s important to consider the price-performance ratio here. Recommended devices start at €2,400 and are also ideal for a home simulator.
Advantages:
– Very good, precise, and reliable measurement results
– Suitable for full-scale simulation
– Can usually be used outdoors as well
– Many measurement parameters available
Disadvantages:
– expensive; devices start at around €2,400
– The issue with sensitive optical measurement remains, but it is no longer as serious since radar readings are also measured
Why do I need a launch monitor?
When you watch the pros on TV and the driving range comes into view, you see many players practicing with these devices. These days, it’s essential to know and optimize your stats. You actually improve automatically as you get to know your own distances better, and this is a huge advantage on the course, especially when combined with a rangefinder. Many launch monitors also offer a kind of challenge where you have to hit a specific target, helping you improve in a fun way.
1. Discover and improve your own values
A key to success is optimizing your own metrics, something the pros do almost every day. For example, if your driver launches too high and then drops off, the spin rate might be too high. Are there other shafts that let me hit the ball farther? Am I striking the ball too much on the downswing and losing distance as a result? All these questions—and many more—can be answered using a launch monitor. Another important factor is carry distance. Studies in England have shown that using rangefinders saves 2.7 strokes per round. If you now know your carry distances exactly, that’s an unbeatable combination.
2. Improve through play
Many launch monitors, such as the ES B1, offer “challenges”—tasks that you must complete to earn points. This lets you practice your distance in a fun way, and it’s also enjoyable to hit into a net in your garage at home. Additionally, you can use simulation to play on courses, which brings us to our third point.
3. Home Golf Simulator
Full-scale home golf simulators are becoming increasingly popular. Demand was high during the winter and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Have you always wanted to play a round at Augusta or St. Andrews with friends? It’s really fun, and thanks to the latest technology, it feels very realistic.
Golf launch monitors – our conclusion:
For the budget-conscious amateur golfer who wants to use a launch monitor at home in the winter and on the driving range in the summer, we recommend a compact device with radar (e.g., the ES B1 or FlighScope Mevo). These devices measure the most important metrics, connect to your smartphone, and fit in any golf bag.
If you want to set up a simulator at home, we recommend more advanced devices that combine radar and camera technology (e.g., ES Tour Plus, FlightScope, TrackMan). Devices that rely solely on a camera, such as the SkyTrak, did not fully convince us, as the camera alone is too prone to errors and fails to detect many balls.
About Us
We are a Bavarian company called RocketGolf, and we specialize in tech products for golfers. In addition to our own brands of golf lasers and golf watches, we are an official partner of the American company ErnestSports, which manufactures launch monitors. For more information, please see the monitors in our shop below. We have nevertheless made every effort to keep this review as objective and informative as possible.
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Hi Julian
How much space does the No. 16 need around the ball?
Best regards, Heribert
Hi Heribert, the ball can be placed about 30–40 cm away from the device. There is a detection zone where the ball is detected. The distance between the ball and the screen should be 3 m.
Best regards, Julian from RocketGolf
Hi Julian,
I'm about to buy the ES16. The app (for iPad) that works with the ES16 is the ES Golf app, right? This app (version 1.9) received its last update two years ago (!!!). Additionally, there’s a warning in the Apple App Store stating that the developer must provide privacy details when submitting the next app update. This makes it seem as though ES is no longer maintaining this app for the iPad.
According to the app, the ES Range app is only for ES14, ES15, ESB1, and ES Patriot launch monitors. This app received its last update (2.13.1) a month ago and thus seems to be regularly updated. Does this app also work for the ES 16?
Thanks for your reply!
Dieter
Hi Dieter, that's right—the app is called ES GOLF and is available for iOS and Windows. Since we use the apps ourselves on a regular basis, we can confirm that they work flawlessly. The ES Range app is designed for the more affordable models (especially the ES B1).
Your RocketGolf
Hi Julian,
Do the lengths on the ES16 also need to be set in meters?
Thank you very much
Dieter
Hi Dieter, yes, you can easily switch to metric units. Your RocketGolf
Hi Julian:
I keep having issues with my swing path and am looking for a launch monitor to measure it (specifically to measure my over-the-top swing).
Which launch monitor can measure this reliably? I’d be willing to buy a launch monitor privately since there aren’t any driving ranges in my area that have one built in.
Best regards,
Frank
Hi Frank, our ES16 Tour Plus can reliably measure that, as well as 21 other parameters. It has both an indoor and an outdoor mode. Best regards, RocketGolf
Hi RocketGolf ,
Does the ES B1 display the face angle?
Best regards,
Anton
Hi Anton! No, unfortunately not. The ES B1 is radar-based and measures/records six parameters. To measure face angle, you need a camera, which is included in more expensive models (such as the ES Tour Plus). RocketGolf
Hi Julian,
I’ve been thinking about buying the Skytrak for a long time, but I only recently came across the ES 16 Tour Plus.
What I’ve found out about the ES 16 so far sounds very convincing and actually speaks in its favor. From what I’ve heard, it seems to be a bit more consistent and reliable.
An important question for me:
Can the ES 16 Tour Plus be set to German?
And what about the Skytrak?
Since my English isn’t that good, I’d probably go with the one I understand better ;-)
Thank you very much for your answer and greetings from the Allgäu.
Stefan
Hi Stefan,
Thank you for your inquiry. The free ES16 app is only available in English, but it’s fairly self-explanatory. We’re happy to help if any terms are unclear. If you’re also interested in the TGC 2019 game, you can set it to German. The ES16 itself also displays individual values on its screen, which are understandable regardless of the language.
Your RocketGolf