Skytrak vs Trackman – Which One Should I Buy?

You may have heard a lot about these two golf launch monitor systems. You may have heard about some of the cool features that they both offer. You may be chomping at the bit to get one for yourself. But unless you have done your research; you may end up with a severe case of buyer’s remorse.

On the surface, both of these systems seem to do the same job: measure a variety of golf swings and provide shot data. But rest assured, these two systems are night and day in terms of who they are suited for. The price tag of each device is enough to tell that tale.

So if you are reading this now, congratulations. You are obviously doing your homework and not just making an impulse buy. Today we will be going over the features, benefits, differences and purposes of these two launch monitors so that you can buy the one that will work best for your needs and desires.

The Key Features of the Skytrak

The Skytrak is manufactured by Sky Caddie which is a company known for technologically advanced golf devices. The Skytrak launch monitor also functions as a golf simulator. You can set up a projection screen and immerse yourself in a rich golf simulation.

Or you can set it up with your tablet or phone and simply hit into a net. Either way, you get pertinent shot data which we will discuss shortly. The Skytrak utilizes photometric technology to take multiple pictures of your shot upon impact.

From there it computes the photo data to give accurate readouts on distance and other helpful metrics.

Skytrak comes with an Android/iOS compatible app that offers live shot data. Through the app, you can also enter various golf skills competitions with other users. Skytrak also keeps track of your performance as you use the device. You can see how you have progressed in your practice sessions with robust data.

Pros:

  • Much more affordable
  • Uses advanced photometric technology
  • Fun golf simulator
  • Great for entertaining guests
  • Can help improve your game
  • Allows you to set virtual wind speed and temperature

Cons:

  • The advanced app features require a subscription fee
  • Doesn’t work well outdoors
  • Doesn’t pick up some shots
  • Spin measurements seem inaccurate

Check Out More Reviews Of The Skytrak Here:

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The Key Features of the Trackman

The Trackman launch monitor and golf simulator has all the features of the SkyTrak and more. But first let’s talk about one of the most important distinguishing features of the Trackman. The Trackman uses dual radar trackers to gather data as opposed to cameras.

While there is a camera system in the Trackman (and options to add up to 6 additional ones) it is used for other purposes. Mainly, the Trackman uses its camera to record, analyze and compare your swing with that of tour pros.

Another big difference between the Trackman and the SkyTrak is that Trackman offers putt analysis. Putts are very hard to pick up for most monitors since they are softer shots that require much higher levels of radar or photometric sensitivity.

But the Trackman is able to track tempo, launch direction and other putting metrics.

You can use the Trackman with Android and iOS and you can also enter virtual competitions with other Trackman users for cash prizes.

Pros:

  • Provides advanced metrics
  • You can compare your swings with the pros
  • Offers branded Trackman content
  • Dual radar technology (tracks both the ball and your club)
  • Can be used outdoors
  • Immersive course simulations

Cons:

  • Hard to set up outside
  • Very expensive
  • Requires a lot of space
  • Virtual competitions can be laggy

Check Out Trakman Here:

Metrics

The Trackman offers a wealth of shot data including:

  • Face angle
  • Ball speed
  • Club path
  • Attack angle
  • Side spin
  • Side angle
  • Launch angle
  • Back spin
  • Descent
  • Smash factor
  • Roll
  • Flight path
  • Carry
  • Total distance
  • Impact location
  • Club path
  • Dynamic loft

The Skytrak gathers data which includes:

  • Clubhead speed
  • Roll
  • Carry
  • Descent angle
  • Offline deviation
  • Total distance
  • Smash factor
  • Flight path
  • Side angle
  • Side spin
  • Backspin
  • Ball speed
  • Launch angle

What Virtual Courses Can You Play

The Trackman allows you to play virtual rounds at both existing golf courses and fictional ones that their design team has come up with on their own. Some of the real courses you can play include:

  • Glen Abbey
  • Glen Oaks Club – Tournament Course
  • Montecito Club
  • Muirfield Village
  • Sea Islands Seaside
  • Sutton Bay
  • Albany Golf Club
  • Hillcrest Country Club
  • Olympic Golf Course
  • Much more

With Skytrak, you can play on virtually any golf course in the world. They offer separate packages up for purchase at the SkyGolf store. You can enter your zip code, or search by golf course name to purchase the corresponding package.

Performance

It’s all about accuracy with launch monitors, right? So which of these was more accurate? We have to say that the Trackman was nearly spot on with almost all our shots. Although some of the ball speed readouts with our long irons seemed a bit suspect, they were still accurate within a dozen or so RPM’s.

The Skytrak was also consistent with distance to within a few yards but it didn’t pick up some of our shots at all. And using the Skytrak outside was virtually impossible as the sun messed with the cameras too much.

We also liked that the Trackman was sensitive enough to provide data on putts which the SkyTrak was not. The simulation features of both systems were really fun and immersive so long as you had a projector screen set up.

Price Comparison

The price difference between these 2 systems is about $16,000. You can get the SkyTrak for about $2,000 and the Trackman for about $18,000

Notable Alternative

Optishot 2 Golf Simulator

The OptiShot may be more up your alley if you want a pure golf simulator. It comes preloaded with around 15 courses and more can be purchased. It does measure some metrics like face angle, clubhead speed, path and distance, but that’s about all.

Which One To Buy

If you are a tour player, instructor or fit for golf clubs, the Trackman may be worth the investment. It is definitely a system that is designed for professional needs – and the price tag reflects that.

If however, you are a casual player looking to lower your handicap or just have some fun around the house, the SkyTrak will be more your speed. Both are high quality systems but the SkyTrak does offer a comparable set of features to a system that is about 8 times its price.

In the end, it boils down to your needs. Take the aforementioned features and factors into consideration and check these launch monitors out!

Check Out More Reviews Of The Skytrak Here:

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