Jan.
Update 2021: We have updated the article on golf launch monitors with tips. So-called Launch monitors for golferswho like to exercise and are also interested in technology. There are various devices from as little as €200 up to €20,000, which also use different technologies and measure numerous parameters. We have several launch monitors in our product portfolio and are regularly asked if we can make recommendations. That's what we're doing here with this article. We provide an overview of the various measurement techniques and give recommendations for specific areas of application.
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. Among the most common Measurement data include club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, ball flight distance, smash factor, spin rate, swing path and lateral deviation. Up to 25 values are measured.
If the devices are used indoors with a golf net or screen, for example, the measuring area is only a few meters. This is sufficient to calculate the remaining trajectory of the ball. Behind this are more complicated calculations based on numerous empirical values and measurement data. Many monitors can also be taken to the range, in which case the measuring area is significantly larger, as the ball can be tracked for longer.
1. launch monitor measurement technology radar
Most launch monitors use Doppler radar to measure the various parameters. This technology is quite user-friendly and inexpensive, so the first training devices start at €400 and are quite handy. They are usually no bigger than a tablet or book. However, you should not go for the first device that comes along, as the measurement results are often not good. It is worth looking at the price-performance ratio. Our recommendation here is the Ernest Sports B1which costs just over €500.
Advantages:
- inexpensive
- User-friendly, almost all balls are detected
- Relatively small and handy
- Can also be used outdoors
Disadvantages:
- cannot accurately measure spin, very poorly hit and very curved balls
Launch monitor ES14 in action
Launch monitor ES B1 in action
2. launch monitor measurement technology camera
Some models only measure the parameters using a high-speed camera. Optical measurement has an advantage, but also a few disadvantages. This is because the camera has to capture the ball and track it after the shot. With a good camera and good software, the measurement results are very good, but not as constant as the radar measurements.
Advantages:
- Usually good measurement results, can determine spin
Disadvantages:
- Good camera and software are crucial
- Optical measurement is more error-prone, balls are often not recognized, must always be hit to the camera in the same place
- Good lighting conditions required, often cannot be used outdoors
3. measurement technology combination radar + camera
Models with a combination of camera and radar provide the best performance, as they utilize the advantages and possibilities of both technologies. However, this is reflected in the price, with recommended devices starting at €2,400 and going up to €20,000. The Trackman devices, which are also used on the PGA Tour, are the top of the range. However, they are often not affordable for private use, so you should look at the price-performance ratio. Recommended devices are available from €2,400, which are also suitable for a Home simulator are ideally suited.
Advantages:
- Very good, precise and reliable blade results
- Suitable for full-fledged simulation
- Can usually also be used outdoors
- Many measurement parameters possible
Disadvantages:
- Expensive, devices start at around € 2,400
- sensitive optical measurement remains, but is no longer as serious, since radar values are also measured
Why do I need a launch monitor?
If you watch the pros on TV and the driving range is shown, you will see many players practising with this equipment. Nowadays, it is important to know and optimize your values. You actually improve automatically as you get to know your own lengths better and this is a great advantage on the course, especially in combination with a rangefinder. Many launch monitors also offer a kind of challenge in which you have to reach a certain target and improve in a fun way.
1. get to know and improve your own values
One key to success is optimizing your own values, which the pros do almost every day. For example, if the driver flies too high and then crashes, the spin value could be too high. Are there other shafts that I can hit further with? Am I hitting the ball too much on the downswing and losing length as a result? All these questions and many more can be answered using the Launch Monitor. Another important factor is the Beat length. Studies in England have shown that the Use of rangefinders save 2.7 strokes per round. If you now know your exact lengths, this is an unbeatable combination.
2. get better at playing
Many launch monitors such as the ES B1 offer so-called challenges, i.e. tasks that you have to solve and then earn points. This is a fun way to practice your lengths and it's also fun to hit a net in the garage at home. You can also use simulation to play courts, which brings us to the third point.
3. golf simulation at home
More and more popular are complete Golf simulations at home. Demand was high in winter and especially during the coronavirus crisis. Have you always wanted to play Augusta or St. Andrews with friends? It's really fun and works very realistically thanks to the latest technology.
Golf Launch monitors - our conclusion:
For the price-conscious hobby golfer who wants the Launch Monitor at home in winter and on the range in summer, we recommend a handy device with radar (e.g. ES B1 or FlighScope Mevo). They measure the most important parameters, can be connected to a smartphone and fit in any golf bag.
If you want to set up a simulator at home, we recommend more complex devices with a combination of radar and camera (e.g. ES Tour PlusFlightScope, Trackman). Camera-only devices such as the SkyTrak did not fully convince us, as the camera alone is too error-prone and does not recognize many balls.
About us
We are a Bavarian company called RocketGolf and have specialized in technical products for golfers. In addition to our own brands of Golf Rangefinder and Golf watches we are an official partner of the American company ErnestSports, which produces launch monitors. You can find more information about the monitors in our store below. Nevertheless, we have made this review as objective and informative as possible.
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Hello Julian
How much distance does the 16 need to the ball?
MfG heribert
Hello Heribert, the ball can be placed about 30-40 cm away from the device. There is a corridor in which the ball is captured. The distance between the ball and the screen should be 3 m.
Best regards Julian from RocketGolf
Hello Julian,
I'm about to buy the ES16. The right app (for iPad) for the ES16 is the APP ES Golf, right? This app (version 1.9) was last updated 2 years ago (!!!). Additionally, there is a warning in the Apple App Shop that the developer must provide privacy details when submitting the next app update. This looks like this app is not being maintained by ES for the iPad.
According to the app, the ES Range APP is only for ES14, ES15, ESB1 and ES Patriot Launch Monitors. This APP had the last update (2.13.1) a month ago, and seems to be always updated. Does this app also work for the ES 16?
Thank you for your answer!
Dieter
Hi Dieter, that's right, the app is called ES GOLF and is available for iOS and Windows. As we also use the apps ourselves on a regular basis, we can only say that they work perfectly. The ES Range app is intended for the cheaper models (especially ES B1).
Your RocketGolf Team
Hello Julian,
Can the lengths on the ES16 also be set in meters?
Thank you very much
Dieter
Hello Dieter, yes, you can easily switch to metric units. Your RocketGolf Team
Hello Julian:
I keep having problems with my face path and am looking for a launch monitor to measure this (i.e. to measure my over the top).
Which launch monitor can measure this reliably? I would be prepared to buy the launch monitor privately as there is no range in my area that has an integrated launch monitor.
Greetings
Frank
Hi Frank, the ES16 Tour Plus can measure this reliably, as well as 21 other parameters. There is an indoor and an outdoor mode. Best regards RocketGolf Team
Hi RocketGolf Team,
Does the ES B1 display the face angle?
Greetings
Anton
Hello Anton! No, unfortunately not. The ES B1 is radar-based and measures/records six parameters. A camera is required for the face angle, which is used in more expensive monitors (such as the ES Tour Plus). RocketGolf Team
Hello Julian,
I've been thinking about buying the Skytrak for a long time, but have only recently become aware of the ES 16 Tour Plus.
What I have been able to find so far about the ES 16 sounds very convincing and actually speaks more in its favor. From the sound of it, it's a bit more consistent and reliable.
An important question for me:
Can the ES 16 Tour Plus also be set to German?
And with Skytrak?
As my English is not so good, I would probably take the one I understand better ;-)
Many thanks for your reply and greetings from the Allgäu.
Stefan
Hello Stefan,
Thank you for your request. The free ES16 app is only available in English, but it is relatively self-explanatory. We are happy to help if individual terms are unclear. If you are also interested in the TGC 2019 game, this can be set to German. The ES16 itself also shows the individual values on its display, but these are understandable regardless of language.
Your RocketGolf Team