Best Golf Launch Monitor 2020
Do you feel like your golf game is stagnating? Are you wondering what you might be able to do to take that next major leap? If you have never thought of getting a golf launch monitor to help improve your game you should really consider one.
The right golf launch monitor could provide you with vital data on your swing and help you correct fundamental flaws that may be holding you back. Golf launch monitors are invaluable training tools for serious golfers. The right one could help you break your handicap slump.
But there are all kinds of golf launch monitors out there. Some rely on radar and some measure by impact. Some you could use outdoors while some work better indoors. Some provide video data while others are more basic. There is essentially a different kind of launch monitor for every kind of golfer.
So to help our readers find the perfect one, we have compiled this list of the best golf launch monitors. This list represents a cross-section of high quality golf launch monitors available now as we head into 2020. Let’s take a look.
1. The Flightscope Mevo
One of the coolest things about this launch monitor is that you can sync it to your phone and record video footage of your swing. Then you can create video clips with data overlays for each swing you take.
The Flightscope Mevo uses Doppler radar to detect metrics like ball hang time, maximum shot height, carry distance, club head speed, ball speed, smash factor and vertical launch angle.
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Helpful smartphone app
- Social media sharing
Cons:
- Weather may affect accuracy of measurements
- Wireless connection with phones can be spotty
Check The Best Price On The Mevo Here:
2. The Skytrak
The Skytrak uses a camera to accurately assess metrics like club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, total distance, carry distance and spin speed. You can also connect it to a compatible device for a very handy course simulator.
This unit definitely works best indoors as it relies on a controlled field of vision to assess metrics with the camera. That being said, it is a great device to have if you are setting up a home range.
Pros:
- Offers skills assessment and analysis
- Very fun course simulator
- Accurate measurements
Cons:
- Subscription fee required
- Not Android compatible
Check The Best Price On The SkyTrack Here:
3. The Swing Caddie SC200
The SC200 offers some very interesting features in a compact and affordable launch monitor. First of all it has a practice swing mode where it predicts distances without ever having to hit an actual ball.
It also accounts for barometric pressure fluctuations which makes it more reliable in inclement weather. And did we mention it talks to you? All distances can be given via an automated voice program.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Measures distances up to 320 yards
- Accurate in most weather conditions
Cons:
- Inaccurate outdoors
- Doesn’t pick up all shots
Check The Best Price On The SC200 Here:
4. The Garmin G80
Garmin makes our list with a hybrid golf GPS and launch monitor device. All info is displayed on a 3.5” color touchscreen display including course maps of over 41,000 courses, club head speed, smash factor and estimated distance.
This launch monitor also comes with a practice simulation mode which is fun. And your purchase of the Approach G80 grants you access to the Garmin app on which you can compare your data to other Garmin users.
Pros:
- Combo golf GPS/launch monitor unit
- Rechargeable battery
- Integrated tempo training
Cons:
- The screen freezes sometimes
- Battery life is not 15 hours as advertised
Check The Best Price On The G80 Here:
5. The Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors
Easily the most unique device on our list, the Arccos sensors attach to the end of your clubs and measure distances using sound and impact detection. Each sensor connects with your smartphone to provide shot distances, shot data and club data.
The star of this bundle which includes 14 sensors is the Arccos caddie app. It keeps track of all your course stats and offers AI shot advice based on your performance with each club, doglegs and hazards.
Pros:
- The sensors are lightweight
- No need to carry additional devices
- The Caddie app offers in-depth advice and analysis
Cons:
- It takes a while to pair each sensor
- The added length to your club may affect your shot
Check The Best Price On The Arccos Smart Sensors Here:
6. The Swing Caddie SC300
The SC300 has all the features of the erstwhile mentioned Voice Caddie SC200 with a few extra perks. First of all, it comes with a carrying case and portable charger.
Additionally, you can now get all shot data sent directly to your phone via Bluetooth. The device itself measures shot distance and metrics via Doppler radar.
Pros:
- Includes a practice and target mode
- Enhanced wireless features
- Affordable
Cons:
- The app can be buggy
- Does not allow for multiple player profile tracking
Check The Best Price On The Swing Caddie SC300 Here:
7. The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
The Rapsodo monitor works in tandem with your phone’s camera and GPS. The device cradles your phone so it can take videos of your swing, use the GPS to trace your shots and see where they land and gather club data.
The nice thing about this device is that you only need to calibrate it once and it automatically detects which club you are using so you don’t have to manually input club information.
Pros:
- Measures pertinent shot metrics
- Archives shot videos
- Good accuracy
Cons:
- Not Android compatible (yet)
- Not for indoor use
Check The Best Price On The Rapsodo Launch Monitor Here:
8. The Zepp Golf 2 3D Swing Analyzer
The Zepp 2 offers more in the way of swing training. It is a sensor that attaches to your glove and gives an instant 3D model of your swing along with metrics including backswing length, club plane and club speed.
The sensor connects to your tablet or smartphone and the app features virtual training from pros and coaches, shot measurements and video feeds of your shots.
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery
- Helpful training videos
- Instant data after shots
Cons:
- Requires that you wear a glove
- You need to manually input club information
Check The Best Price On The Zepp 2 Here:
9. The Ernest Sports ES14
This launch monitor is very straightforward. It provides immediate audio read-outs of each swing you take and keeps track of metrics like ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, smash factor and club speed.
The monitor itself needs to be set a few feet in front of you as you swing. Your purchase of the ES14 includes the ES14 app which archives club stats and round data.
Pros:
- Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
- Very easy to use
- You can hear how far your shot went without looking at any device
Cons:
- Inaccurate with carry distance
- Limited metrics measuring
Check The Best Price On The ES14 Here:
10. Sports Sensors Swing Speed Radar
If you are looking for a bare-bones launch monitor, this is as basic as it gets. The Sports Sensors Swing Speed Radar device measures club speed at the apex of the swing in miles and kilometers per hour.
The speeds are displayed on a small digital screen and it captures speeds between 20 and 200 MPH. It takes 3 AA batteries that last quite a long time (we used it for 2 rounds and a couple range sessions and didn’t have to change the batteries).
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Simple to use
- Can be used for batting practice as well
Cons:
- Very limited metric tracking
- Does not track speed at point of impact
Check The Best Price On The Sports Sensors Here:
Our Recommendation
Our list consists of a wide variety of launch monitors. Your selection will invariably depend on what you value most in such a device. Do you like hybrid GPS launch monitors? Do you prefer simplicity? Do you want advanced metrics tracking?
Our staff prefers accuracy above all else which is why we really liked the Flightscope Mevo. It provided superior accuracy on all kinds of metrics and worked consistently.
It is a little more complex to use and doesn’t provide much GPS information, but we think it is the best buy in terms of pure launch monitoring. If we have to recommend one of these 10 (and we do), it would be the Mevo. Try it out for yourself!