SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor Review: Still the Best Simulator in 2023?

Since the Skytrak golf launch monitor was launched in late 2014, it quickly became a popular option for players of different levels thanks to its high accuracy and great value.

SkyTrak has been highly rated across all the platforms for its products and software packages. Apart from the accuracy of the data it provides, it costs five to ten times less than what other professional simulator gear companies make.

In this article, our test team reviews Skytrak and its software features and capabilities. We will break things down for you in bite-sized pieces so that you can appreciate how wonderful SkyTrak is.

By the end, you will have plenty of knowledge about the ins and outs of the Skytrak launch monitor!

What's Skytrak?

SkyTrak is one of the most sought-after launch monitors in the market. Many golf simulator makers use it as the core of their SkayTrak-based packages. So, If you are thinking of playing on world-class golf courses without stepping outside your home, this is the exact thing that you must bring home.

At only 7 inches high and weighing less than 2 pounds, the SkyTrak launch monitor helps you get instant and real-time shot analysis on your golf ball flight at home, the practice range, or even the course,

more on that later...

The SkyTrak launch monitor/golf simulator will act like your teacher and your practice partner when you are learning to play.

Features

Let's have a look at what you can get from a Skytrak launch monitor!

Easy to Use Even for Complete Beginners:

SkyTrak monitors are extremely easy to use even if you are not tech-savvy. It takes only about two minutes for the monitor to connect once it is booted. The application is user-friendly, and its shot-tracer technology helps to display your swing numbers and ball flight legibly on the screen of your connected device.

Realistic Practice Range:

The virtual driving range ensures you do not waste precious time playing inconsequential shots. You get immediate feedback on the golf ball speed, launch angle [1], backspin, and side angle without wasting a single moment and without having to strain. The results are rendered in an astonishing 3D environment.

What's more? When using the device as a simulator, you can even simulate a real golf course by making adjustments to the wind, the humidity content, and the golf course's elevation!

The Challenge Mode:

Switch to the challenge mode and compete with your friends, family members, or other golfers using SkyTrak simulator devices. There are competitions like ‘target challenges' and ‘long drive' contests that will help you have interactive fun with friends, learn to swing the golf club correctly, challenge yourself (or others), and improve your game.

Family Fun:

SkyTrak family fun mode has tons of 3D experiences for everyone in the family. The creative golf 3D package has four golf, fitness golf, fitness only, and Protee play. You can get a full-body aerobic workout on all its fitness modes. The Protee play mode is the video game mode where you can battle zombies, play darts and even play soccer! There is a huge collection of other classic children's games too.

What’s In The Box?

The SkyTrak comes at a basic price of $1995. The launch monitor can also be purchased in a bundle with the metal protective case, costing around 150 dollars.

The device comes with a USB cable, a user manual, and the software included. Out of the box, you get free access to the Skytrak Companion App, which allows the monitor to be connected to your wireless device and provide all sorts of metrics and 3D renders of your shots.

You also have free access to the Skytrak Basic Software Plan, meaning you can enjoy the 3D Practice range with shot tracer, shot replay, and ball performance metrics. 

Apart from the hardware, which is a one-time investment, there are three possible software subscription plans that you need to know about:

• The basic Practice Range plan is included in the price of the device itself. The basic plan gives you all the basic access to the driving range application with strike replays and shot tracer.
• The Game improvement plan can be yours for as little as $99.95 annually / $299.95 for a three-year subscription. This option allows you to add many more game improvement features and access other programs, challenges, and progress tracking. If you go with this plan, you will get access to other simulation solutions such as E6 Connect or TGC2019, etc. (purchased separately), which makes it, in my opinion, a better plan than the Play & Improve! It’s also worth noting that the metal protective case is included if you go with this plan while buying your unit.
• The Play and improve plan is the pricier one that you can acquire for an annual sum of $200 ($599.85 for three years). It gives you, in addition to everything included in the game improvement plan, access to the World Golf tour simulator (WGT) [2] featuring some of the best golf courses in the world. You will have access to 11 courses fully playable on WGT (or 18 playable courses on the WGT closest-to-the-hole challenges - only available for IOS). 

If you plan to use the SkyTrak simulator indoors, you will want to purchase a hitting mat and net.

A metal casing for the safety of the device is a good idea if you have a small place dedicated to your simulation practice. The Laser cut official metal case from SkyTrak will save your investment from errant shots or club hits.

How Does the SkyTrak Compare to Other Simulators and Launch Monitors?

Here is how SkyTrak simulators perform vis-à-vis other well-known and loved brands on the market today.

Accuracy

The fact that SkyTrak has been on the market for a long time gives credibility to the brand. The results are excellent when the ball flight mode is doubly tested with measured distances by robots and human testers.

The golf simulation package provides realistic depictions that are closest to the real-world results.

SkyTrak offers detailed data on the ball only. So while Trackman and Foresight Sports are giving you many other details and ball data, one must keep in mind that they are manufactured with the professional golfer in mind.

Related: How Accurate Are Golf Simulators?

Along with the ball data, Foresight Sports and Uneekor QED give out plenty of information such as swing, angle of attack, the club's path, etc., which could practically be useful only for a trainer or a club-fitter. To anyone else trying to improve their game, it would all amount to over-information that could overwhelm and disturb their peace of mind.

As a result, we can confidently say that Skytrak gives you the data that you really need with an outstanding degree of accuracy. As a matter of fact, some tests [3] were carried out comparing the accuracy of Skytrak to that of the Trackman 4.

The tests showed that the results of the Skytrak were within 2% of those of the Trackman.

Bearing in mind that there is around an 80%+ price difference between the two units, I’d say that Skytrak did a very good job against one of the leading and most accurate and technologically advanced units in the industry; at this result, I would personally consider it instead of Trackman. 

Build Material

SkyTrak calls itself an inexpensive commercial-grade launch monitor with a software package geared completely towards the recreational golf player. Foresight Sports is an equally loved brand, but Foresight models that have been recently launched have much more advanced metrics. They are, therefore, much bigger (and pricier) than the SkyTrak.

Some other well-known simulator brands such as Trackman, HD Golf, and Uneekor also have state-of-the-art optics and a very high industrial strength both on the inside and outside. But customers that have tested all the above brands say that SkyTrak is lightweight and therefore very portable.

Cost

SkyTrak has the most cost-effective golf standalone launch monitor that you can even use to build your custom setup indoors. Its price at around $2,000 may look like a big investment to some, but it pales compared to other brands such as Foresight Sports, Trackman, and FlightScope.

The latter may give out a wealth of information on the game, but they are also much pricier because they are made for professionals. For instance, the Foresight Sports GC Quad is pegged at around  $14,000 (including the FSX2020), and Trackman, which is the costlier of all of them, will entail a basic investment of about $20,000.

While you can opt to build a simulator for less than $1000 or look at cheaper alternatives like the OptiShot 2, the SkyTrak golf simulator is well known for its premium-grade accuracy, ease of use, and durability for an affordable price.

The SkyTrak launch monitor and its original metal casing (and the game improvement plan) will cost you about $2224, making it the best quality-price ratio and the most prudent buy.

What Data Does the SkyTrak Launch Monitor Measure?

The SkyTrak Launch Monitor efficiently measures the ball speed along with its spin rates (both back and side spin). It also tracks the side and launch angles. These parameters are then used to calculate approximations of other data, such as:

• The ball's carry distance - How long the ball travels in the air.
• Offline - closely related to the launch direction of the ball. A zero launch direction means that the ball is perfectly lined with the target at launch.
• Roll & total distances
• Flight path
• Club head speed
• Angle of Descent - The angle at which the ball approaches the ground after a flight.
• Flight Path (rendered in 3D)

If you want to learn more about how golf simulators work, feel free to read this article.

The SkyTrak Golf Simulator App Review

Your SkyTrak device is capable of many things, and it depends majorly on the type of plan you choose (details discussed above). Here are the detailed features that the SkyTrak Golf Simulator App offers.

Great For Practicing Your Game

The basic Practice Range Game Mode gives you a larger driving range. The simple layout and easy controls, along with a big display, help you make sense of the data quickly. It helps you monitor results and gives out data on your ball speed, launch angle, side angle, and backspin.

Adjusting Wind Speed, Humidity, and Elevation

With the included simulation software (Play & Improve, WGT Golf), you get the chance to increase or decrease the wind speed, humidity, and elevation of the ground to emulate some of the most favorite real-life golf courses worldwide.

It is also possible for you to add various other simulation software to your existing SkyTrak software, like the Golf Club (TGC 2019), WGT Golf, E6 Connect, Creative Golf 3D, and Jack Nicklaus's Perfect Golf, and Fitness Golf!

E6 Connect (Purchased separately - requires the Game Improvement plan) is considered by many to be the best simulation option to pair with a Skytrak system as it offers stunning graphics, realism, and a plethora of features and challenges.

The Golf Club 2019 (Game Improvement Plan required- software bought separately)  is another great software that includes online tournaments, events, multiplayer, and a course designer. The software includes around 150,000 virtual courses and a player-rating system; so you can choose the best courses to play!

WGT Golf comes with the Game Improvement plan, which contains stroke play, a practice mode, and closest-to-the-pin challenges. It is only available for IOS.

The rest of the available software is more targeted toward entertainment and fun for the whole family; these include Creative Golf 3D, Perfect Golf, Fitness Golf, Protee Play, and Golfisimo. 

These software solutions are all compatible with SkyTrak and will require an additional subscription plan to fully benefit from the features they provide.

Great Camera Angles

Starting with the Game Improvement Pan and above, SkyTrak offers 5 different camera angles to deliver the video results as live shots and 3D replays.

Great Challenges for Friends and Family

The app offers a “closest to the pin” contest to challenge golf partners. Watch how you can transform a drab get-together into an excellent golf party. Include gifts and prizes and watch the fun grow. The software offers several single as well as multiplayer challenges.

If you choose one of the two payable software plans, you will be able to enjoy a plethora of challenges, including Target Practice, Skills Assessments, Longest Drive Competition, Closest to the Pin Contests, etc.

There Is Something for Everyone

The best part about the application is that the challenges can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. For instance, you could want a target distance challenge, and someone else may wish to have the number of shots challenge.

Some of the challenges are:

• Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge
• Long Drive Competition
• Target Practice

SkyTrak Skills Assessment

This feature allows the players to set the number of clubs they want to use to hit the target. Setting it up takes only a few minutes, and at the end of the assessment, the software gives out a detailed evaluation of the shot's accuracy, dispersion, and dynamic handicap. This feature helps you spot your strengths and weaknesses over time.

Improve your game with this informative video (2 minutes 37 seconds) from Rain or Shine Golf about SkyTrak's Skills Assessment.

SkyTrak Bag Mapping

Bag Mapping is a feature that measures the shape, carrying distance, tendency, and gapping between clubs and maps out a comprehensive report. This detailed report on your shots will give you a clear understanding of where you need to improve in your game and if you need to purchase a new club soon.

In a nutshell, this feature gives you an idea of the best club configuration to keep in your bag! 

Swing Catalyst

For $49.50 a month (or $499 a year), you can get the Swing Catalyst plan integrated into your Skytrak software. Note that The Swing Catalyst plan requires the Game Improvement Plan to be activated.  

The Swing Catalyst allows you to use up to two external live cameras (such as the Dragon USB) to analyze your swings and shots. This means you will have your own golf studio at home. 

Here's an introductory video (2 minutes 10 seconds) from Swing Catalyst showing their video analysis software in golf.

Shot Optimizer

This is an interesting feature of the Skytrak software. It can display shot data about your shots, and compare your own data to optimal settings for the clubs you use. In other words, the feature gives you the optimal parameters that can be achieved using a specific club. This helps you set reasonable goals to achieve using every single club.

As an amateur, you may notice that your spin rates are lower than expected (by comparing them to the optimal data ranges provided by the software. In that case, you may try to work on your swing, posture, change balls, or even use another club to achieve the desired goal. This feature will definitely help you improve by setting specific goals to achieve with every single club.

We have this demonstration and review video (14 minutes 14 seconds) of SkyTrak's Golf Shot Optimizer.

Wedge Matrix

This feature, available starting from the Game Improvement Plan, allows you to select four wedges (lob, sand, gap, and pitching wedges) to swing four times at different lengths (between ¼ of a swing to a full swing).

In the end, you will be able to see the yardages of each wedge in the form of a matrix. The goal is to see the average total distances, shot dispersions, and offline tendencies of every single wedge. You can also see weaknesses in your wedge play to work on them and have an idea of how long every wedge will fly depending on the length of your swing. 

In the end, you will exactly know the perfect wedge to use in every single situation you face on the golf course.

What Will You Need to Build Your Setup With SkyTrak Golf Simulator?

SkyTrak is user-friendly and extremely easy to set up. If you are setting up the launch monitor for the first time, you may want to check out the box's contents, read the user manual, and set up a guide to understand the SkyTrak unit and help connect it to your iPad/or PC.

Check Also: The 10 Best SkyTrak-Based Golf Simulator Packages

Here is what you will need to set up your SkyTrak:

• SkyTrak Launch Monitor
• USB charging cable
• Wall Charger
• Software activation of your choice (like the WGT Golf Access software card or any of the software options mentioned earlier)

One major component you will need to build your Skytrak-based package is the screen and enclosure, and there are many excellent options to choose from depending on your budget and available space. You can check out a big number of available enclosures here or here.

You will also need a hitting mat. Sometimes, you get a hitting golf mat with your enclosure; otherwise, we suggest choosing one from Shop Indoor Golf.

Next, you will need a golf simulator projector. The best fit for a golf simulator is a short-throw or ultra-short-throw projector. We have a dedicated review of the best projectors for your golf simulator to help you out. Depending on how you want to mount the projector, you can use a floor mount enclosure or a ceiling mount.

You May Also Like: How To Build Your DIY Golf Simulator Detailed Guide

So far, you are ready to have your own golf simulator package with everything you need to play indoor virtual golf. There are other accessories that you may add, such as a golf ball container, extra cameras to use with the Swing Catalyst software, a laptop or Ipad stand, etc.

Are you considering starting a golf simulator business with a SkyTrak launch monitor? This article can help you out.

How to Setup Your SkyTrak Device?

1. Charge your SkyTrak

Connect the Micro-USB charging cable and charge the device for 6 hours before you start using it for the first time.

2. Download SkyTrak App to the simulator device

For Apple devices, you can download them for free from the Apple App Store. All iPad models manufactured later than 2014 are compatible with the simulator. Android users must download their free SkyTrak Companion app from the Google Play Store. Android users with octa-core or dual quad-core processors will be compatible. PC users may want to download their SkyTrak app, and it will be compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10 with a minimum of 2 GB of RAM.

Also, you can download your simulation software; note that 3rd party software solutions require your Game Improvement Plan to be activated before using them - the additional software also requires additional purchase and activation (Via Skytrak) to be fully functional.

3. Register your SkyTrak simulator

The device comes with an auto membership for 30 days. The trial is an excellent way to access basic driving range and practice sessions. You will need to register your SkyTrak account with a username and a password at the end of one month. You must have good connectivity to register the account.

4. Pair the SkyTrak with your device

IPad users can pair the app with their iPad via a direct wifi connection or a home network connection. Similarly, PC users can connect to the internet via direct Wifi, through a USB cable, or on the home network.

5. Connect your SkyTrak to your device (IPad or PC)

If you are using a PC to run the software, you can either pair it with the Skytrak via USB cable, through a Direct WIFI connection (by searching the wifi networks on your PC and connecting to “Skytrak”), or by connecting both devices to the same home network and pairing them.

If you are using an Ipad, you can use your home network connection to which both devices are connected and then pair them, or by pairing the IPad with the Skytrak WIFI signal.

6. Connect your Skytrak to the projector (or TV)  to display the simulation

For PC users, the process is relatively easy; just connect your PC to the projector’s HDMI cable (provided) and you’re all set.

Using an IPad requires the use of the included lightning to HDMI adapter to connect the IPad display to your projector. If you have an AirPlay-capable device, like the Apple TV, then you can go to your IPad settings and activate AirPlay. The display of your IPad will be automatically transferred to your supported device.

7. Decide where to keep the ball and hit!

The final step is ball placement to get the most accurate data out of your Skytrak. The monitor must be at the same level as the hitting surface (parallel to the target). The ball must be placed exactly where the red laser light is pointing. For optimal results, make sure the logo on the golf ball is pointing directly to the camera on the Skytrak launch monitor. 

Here is a good video (5 minutes 27 seconds) from the YouTube channel of Handicap Golf showing you how to set up and align your SkyTrak golf simulator:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have any questions about the Skytrak launch monitor, you will certainly find the answer to your query below, as we will be dealing with the most commonly asked questions related to Skytrak!

Final Thoughts

The Skytrak launch monitor is an amazing product that offers a plethora of features and options to help you improve your game. It is comparable to other pricier units in terms of quality and accuracy for a fragment of the price. It also offers different software plans so that you will find the best one for you. 

In this article, we did our best to provide everything you need to know about the Skytrak launch monitor and its tracking and simulation capabilities. It is a relatively affordable unit that provides much more than what you pay for, and that’s why it is one of (if not the) most popular launch monitors available for purchase today.

Pair your Skytrak with a simulator package and you will get yourself a complete simulation system that will surely keep you busy for a long time to come. The various supported simulation options are a great addition, as everyone will be able to opt for the plan that they prefer or afford.

If you still have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send us an e-mail. We will get back to you and assist you as soon as and the best we can!