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The SkyTrak Launch Monitor has been one of the most popular launch monitor and simulator systems since it burst onto the scene in 2014.
Part of the reason for this is the amount of marketing dollars that were put behind it. The main reason, though, is that it delivers accurate ball and swing data and performs comparably to commercial systems that cost $9000 or more, white costing just a fraction of the price.
If you already have a SkyTrak or are looking to get one, you might be wondering: what are some of the best studio packages that you can pair with it? This may include screens, nets, enclosures, hitting mats, landing turf, and projectors.
For that, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulators with SkyTrak.
These SkyTrak simulator setups cover a wide range of budgets. We have researched and/or tested all of them, and while some are less powerful than others, they all give a great golf simulator experience for the cost.
Our Top Picks For Golf Simulators With SkyTrak
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
- SkyTrak SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Practice Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Retractable Golf Simulator Package
1. SkyTrak SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
This full-screen SkyTrak simulator package, put together by The Indoor Golf Shop, offers one of the best balances between quality, affordability and performance that we’ve seen.
It’s ideal for those who want to spend four figures or less, who want the best value for the money, and who have enough space to accommodate a slightly larger setup.
With this simulator setup, you can count on being able to dial in your swing and take your game to the next level.
What Is Included
The SIG10 package consists of the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and a high-quality SIG10 simulator screen and enclosure (designed by The Indoor Golf Shop) that is handcrafted in the USA.
Also included are:
- your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′, 4’x10′ or full flooring)
- a 1080p short throw projector (model may change)
- a ceiling projector mount
- landing pad turf
- side barrier netting
One thing that sets this SkyTrak package apart from others is that it includes a subscription to the SkyTrak Play & Improve Plan. This is the highest level plan offered, and it allows you to play 12 world-class WGT (World Golf Tour) golf courses in addition to having all other SkyTrak software features.
The choices for hitting mat are the Fairway Series 5’x5′ (provides realistic feel), SIGPRO 4’x7′ (easy on the joints, allows level unit placement), and SIGPRO 4’x10′ (center hitting strip ideal for left/right hand switching).
You can also install SIG10 Simulator Flooring: a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. This is a powerful setup but is pretty expensive.
Room dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 18 ft deep are recommended. Get your longest club out (usually driver) and make a backswing to ensure you have enough clearance.
We love this simulator package because the studio is very well-made and has received stellar ratings.
For more details about what comes with the package and the setup steps you need to take, visit this page.
2. SkyTrak Practice Golf Simulator Package
Want to save with a SkyTrak setup that doesn’t use a screen or projector?
Look no further than the Practice package by Rain or Shine Golf, which allows you to save a substantial amount of money by hitting into a net. You can still view the simulation on a PC or mobile device.
This simulator package pairs the SkyTrak with either the Rukket Sports Premium or GoSports hitting net. The great thing about this is that it’s versatile and highly portable, so you can easily move your simulator setup indoors or outdoors, around the home, or to any other space as you please.
In our tests of this net, we found it to have outstanding performance and durability given its affordable price.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak Practice package features the SkyTrak Launch Monitor along with your choice of:
- GoSports Net: 7.5 ft x 7.5 ft, durable steel frame, automatic ball return, can handle shots up to 225 mph
- Rukket Sports Premium Net: 7 ft x 9 ft, easy assembly, more affordable, hanging hitting target included
Also included are:
- a protective case for the SkyTrak
- a choice of SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x4′ or 9’x4′)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- a gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
The included SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x4′) was designed by Rain or Shine Golf to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness. An upgrade to a larger 9’x4′ SwingTurf mat is available.
The minimum space requirements are 8.5 ft high x 8.5 ft wide x 10 ft deep. Setup is pretty easy, and you can contact support anytime if you need help.
The SkyTrak Practice package is very popular; people just love it, and it’s relatively affordable too. We think it’s a great choice for golfers that want to stick their toe into the world of golf simulation but don’t want to go all out just yet.
3. SkyTrak SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
This SkyTrak SwingBay simulator was put together by Rain or Shine Golf and can be considered their flagship product. It has been received very well by customers.
It’s similar to the SIG10 setup featured above, but the main difference is the unique SwingBay enclosure system.
When golfers look into full-priced golf simulators, many get overwhelmed with learning how everything works and how to set everything up. This simulator package was designed specifically for that.
What Is Included
The SwingBay package consists of the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and a high-quality SwingBay simulator screen and enclosure (designed by Rain or Shine Golf) that is easy to assemble.
Also included are:
- your choice of a SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x5′ or 4’x9′)
- a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- a SwingShield projector floor mount enclosure or ceiling mount (your choice)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- side barrier netting
- a gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
The package includes a 1-year subscription to the SkyTrak Game Improvement Plan, which is a major step up from the starter (free) plan.
As with other packages from Rain or Shine Golf, you can choose between the SwingTurf 5’x4′ or 9’x’4′ hitting mat. These mats are easy on the joints.
Minimum room dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 16 ft deep are required.
Customers love how quick and easy the installation is (you don’t need to be tech-savvy) and are very pleased with Rain or Shine Golf’s customer support.
For more details about what comes with the package, available add-ons, reviews and shipping considerations, visit this page.
4. SkyTrak PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
This simulator package allows you to experience a screen enclosure setup for under $5000 if you opt out of using a projector.
Put together by Top Shelf Golf, a reputable online vendor for golf equipment, it pairs the SkyTrak with the triple-layer PerfectBay enclosure, which is made in the USA.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak PerfectBay Simulator consists of the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and, in the base package:
- a basic driving range software plan
- a PerfectBay Golf Simulator Enclosure
- side netting
- The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat
The PerfectBay enclosure, made in the USA, is five feet deep and has a durable, triple-layer impact screen. The screen does not sag, is designed for 4:3 projection, dampens noise, and is meant to withstand ball speeds up to an impressive 250 mph.
There are many optional upgrades available with this package:
- You can choose a larger PerfectBay PLUS or wider PerfectBay WIDE enclosure.
- You can purchase an upgraded SkyTrak software plan.
- You can replace the Pro Turf mat with a Fiberbuilt hitting mat.
- You can choose an Optoma projector.
- You can add a projector floor mount enclosure or ceiling mount.
Because there is so much room to upgrade, golfers can find the optimal setup that works for them and that meets their budget. Minimum space dimensions of 12 ft wide x 9 ft high x 16 ft deep are required.
Top Shelf Golf has a proven track record with many happy customers. They provide a ton of detail about every aspect of this simulator here.
5. SkyTrak SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
Do you need your simulator studio to take up a smaller footprint? Then take a look at the SkyTrak SIG8 simulator package, put together by The Indoor Golf Shop.
The SIG8 package is basically the same as the SIG10 package, with two main differences: the enclosure is just over 8 feet wide (as opposed to 10 feet), and the 4’x10′ hitting mat option is removed because of this reduced width.
This comes out to be almost 7% less expensive than the SIG10. For most people, the enclosure is plenty big enough to get an excellent SkyTrak simulator experience.
What Is Included
The SIG8 package consists of the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and a premium SIG8 simulator screen and enclosure (designed by The Indoor Golf Shop) that is made in the USA.
Also included are:
- a golf simulator projector
- landing pad turf
- 5’x5′, 4’x7′, or full flooring hitting mat (your choice)
- a ceiling projector mount
- side barrier netting
- SkyTrak metal protective case
The optional SIG8 Simulator Flooring is a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. This is a powerful setup designed specifically for the SIG8 enclosure, but it’s quite expensive.
Like the SIG10, it comes with the SkyTrak Play & Improve Plan for WGT play. Space dimensions of 9 ft high x 10 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended.
Customers love this smaller setup, but many feel the hitting mat options that come with the package could be better.
6. SkyTrak Retractable Golf Simulator Package
This simulator package pairs the SkyTrak with a state-of-the-art HomeCourse retractable screen enclosure. It was put together by Rain or Shine Golf, one of our recommended golf simulator equipment dealers.
So many people love this retractable screen because with the click of a button, you can easily repurpose a room (such as a garage or basement) or return it to its original form as needed.
On top of the big convenience factor, the SkyTrak Retractable Package comes with everything you need to improve your game and have a blast with friends and family, whatever the weather conditions are outside.
If you place a lot of importance on being able to repurpose your simulator room, you should seriously consider this simulator package.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak Retractable Simulator Package includes:
- a SkyTrak Launch Monitor with protective case
- SkyTrak Game Improvement Software (upgrade from base)
- a HomeCourse ProScreen 180 Retractable Screen
- HomeCourse Ceiling & Wall Mount Kits
- a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x4′ or 9’x4′)
- ceiling or floor projector mount (your choice)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
The new and improved HomeCourse ProScreen 180 features side walls made of ballistic material. The Pro Arms can be optionally extended to create an ultra-wide 16:9 projectable area.
The screen can be mounted to the wall or ceiling with the included kits. If possible, we recommend a wall mount if the ceiling is higher than nine feet.
The retractable screen is wireless. The motor runs on a chargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for months at a time, and the motor can be controlled with an included wireless remote.
Minimum room dimensions of 9 ft high x 11 ft wide x 12 ft deep are required.
Customers love the fast shipping and how painless setting up and taking down the simulator is. It is commonly used in garages, but also in other rooms in the home.
For more details about what comes with the simulator, how exactly to set it up, and more, visit this page.
Buying Guide
Investing in a quality SkyTrak simulator is a big step.
Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect the experience and match it with what your goals and requirements are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when figuring out which SkyTrak simulator will be best for you:
1. Size
Size is obviously a critically important factor in golf simulators. You need to have a clear understanding of the space available to contain your SkyTrak setup.
Measure the width, length and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements of every simulator you look at.
In general, full golf simulator setups will need about 9 feet of height, 12 feet of width, and 16 feet of depth, but there are more compact options. Nets will tend to take up the least amount of space.
In this guide, we have tried to include SkyTrak simulator setups over a range of sizes, from small to large.
The good news is that because the SkyTrak is a floor unit that sits in front of the golfer, you typically don’t need much extra depth behind the hitting mat. This is in contrast to a radar-based launch monitor like the Mevo+ which sits 8 feet behind the hitting zone.
2. Portability
Depending on your circumstances, you may appreciate a portable unit that you can move around to different areas. In this case, it’s a good idea to consider is how easy it will be to pack up and transport your golf simulator setup.
Do you plan to have a dedicated space where the simulator will always be located? Do you want to use your simulator outdoors?
Maybe you travel periodically and want to be able to take your simulator with you. Maybe you just want to pack it away during certain times of the year, like the summer when you can get out to the golf course.
What’s nice about the SkyTrak is that unlike fixed sensor and camera systems, you can move the launch monitor unit around whenever you want. This alone makes golf simulators with SkyTrak quite portable.
If portability would be particularly useful for you, look at packages like the Retractable or Practice featured above. Portable golf simulators tend to be very affordable as well.
3. Net Vs. Screen
There are generally two options with SkyTrak simulators:
- You can project your shots onto a life-size screen.
- You can hit into a net, but still be able to view your shot data and see the ball flight on your connected computer or tablet.
All of the simulators reviewed on this page use a screen and projector with the exception of the Practice package.
Screen and projector setups are quite a bit more expensive, but they give you a full-size experience with direct-to-screen output, so you don’t have to look at your device after every shot. This is a big deal for many people.
If the full golf simulator experience is important to you and you want to feel like you’re playing a real-life simulation, then you should invest in a screen and projector setup.
On the other hand, if you’re satisfied with seeing your shot data and ball flight on your PC or tablet, then you should go with a net.
4. Software
You should also consider what kinds of things you want to do, games you want to play, and activities you want to take part in on your golf simulator.
Fortunately, the SkyTrak has plenty of software options available to you. In fact, it’s one of the most software-compatible launch monitors on the market.
First, you have the three membership levels:
- Basic Plan: contains a practice driving range.
- Game-Improvement Plan: contains minigames, numeric display, and many other advanced features.
- Play & Improve Plan: contains all features of other plans plus full integration with WGT (World Golf Tour).
Just about all SkyTrak golf simulator packages out there come with, at minimum, one year of subscription to the Game Improvement Plan. Some of the simulators we reviewed above come with a subscription to the Play & Improve Plan.
On top of this, SkyTrak has partnered with several software providers to offer the best third-party solutions. Currently, they are E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, WGT Golf, Creative Golf 3D, Fitness Golf, ProTee Play, and Golfisimo.
What software features do you see yourself using most often? Do you just want to practice on the range, play world-class courses, or both?
Depending on which software appeals to you most, there are plenty of ways you can go. We consider E6 CONNECT to be the most powerful, feature-rich software option at this time, but TGC 2019 has by far the biggest course selection.
We go into more detail about SkyTrak software in this article.
5. Budget
Of course, your budget is very important when shopping for a golf simulator. Not everyone can afford simulator packages that cost $10,000; fortunately, most SkyTrak simulator packages cost less than this.
With that said, it’s important to realize that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get, both in terms of equipment and software.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality SkyTrak simulators over a wide range of budgets. But the great thing is that you don’t have to drop the full cost of a simulator at once.
Our recommended golf simulator source here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for your golf simulator over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
The SkyTrak Launch Monitor gives a decent standalone experience if you use plastic or foam balls, but you get a much better experience when you hit real balls into a net or impact screen.
There are plenty of SkyTrak golf simulator setups out there, any of which can be a huge boon to your golf toolkit. Finding one that is suitable for your needs and wants is certainly possible with some research.
Each of the simulator options reviewed above offer exceptional value for the cost. We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.
While it’s likely that no SkyTrak simulator setup will tick every one of your boxes, some will come pretty close to doing so.
We highly recommend reading consumer and professional reviews of golf simulators to acquire useful insights as to how they actually perform. This will help you a lot in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. What SkyTrak simulator do you want to build? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
