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The original SkyTrak Launch Monitor has been one of the most popular launch monitor and simulator systems since it came onto the scene in 2014.
Part of the reason for this is surely the amount of marketing put behind it. The main reason, though, is that it delivers accurate ball and swing data and performs comparably to top-dollar professional systems while costing just a fraction of the price.
And now, we have the new SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor which is even faster, more accurate, and measures more data, all while staying in that accessible price range of just a few thousand dollars.
If you already have a SkyTrak or 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.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time.
Our Top Picks For Golf Simulators With SkyTrak
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
- SkyTrak Plus SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Plus PlayBetter SimStudio Package
- SkyTrak Practice Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Plus PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Plus SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Plus Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
1. SkyTrak Plus SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
Featuring the next generation of the SkyTrak, the SkyTrak Plus (ST+) launch monitor, we think this simulator provides a fantastic balance between affordability, power, quality and performance, which is why we’re ranking it in the top spot.
This package is ideal for those who want to spend four figures or less, want outstanding value for money, and have enough space to accommodate a slightly larger setup.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak+ 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′)
- 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 15 world-class WGT (World Golf Tour) and 15 E6 CONNECT 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).
Another unique aspect of this package is the ability to include SIG10 Simulator Flooring: a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. This is a powerful option but is pretty expensive.
Room dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 16 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 Plus PlayBetter SimStudio Package
This all-inclusive simulator package by respected golf vendor PlayBetter manages to offer a blackout enclosure and screen, hitting mat, landing turf and projector with the SkyTrak Plus for just a hair over $7000.
Even better, you can get as large an enclosure that will fit your space and not have to pay a penny extra. That’s a huge part of what makes this particular SkyTrak simulator so attractive.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak+ PlayBetter SimStudio Package includes:
- a SkyTrak+ launch monitor
- a PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay
- an Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- a 30-day trial to the Game Improvement software
The SimStudio consists of a noise-dampening impact screen, full enclosure with blackout walls, 5’x5′ hitting mat, and landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface. We’re impressed with the quality of all of the components, and notably, the screen has very little bounceback.
The SkyTrak+ system makes a number of improvements over the original SkyTrak including the addition of club data, a faster processor, greatly improved outdoor performance, and additional courses in the software. Best of all, no club or ball stickers are needed to measure any data points!
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.
You can enjoy golf simulation with the ST+ through not only the in-house software plans, but also third-party solutions E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, Creative Golf, WGT Golf, Fitness Golf, and ProTee Play.
Your space for this setup will need to fit whatever size enclosure you choose, and you’ll need to be able to make a swing with your longest club.
3. SkyTrak Practice Golf Simulator Package
Despite the release of the beastly new SkyTrak+, the original SkyTrak is still a very attractive launch monitor because it’s more affordable and the ball data it measures is all you need for an optimal simulator experience.
To that end, this SkyTrak package is perfect for those who have a medium budget and prefer a money-saving net setup that takes up less space than a screen & enclosure.
This simulator package pairs the SkyTrak with either the RS Tour or GoSports ELITE hitting net, each of which have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a very portable setup that can be moved around as needed.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak Practice package features the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and Game Improvement Plan along with your choice of the:
- GoSports ELITE Net: 7.5 ft x 7.5 ft, durable steel frame, automatic ball return, can handle shots up to 225 mph
- RS Tour Golf 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 SkyTrak software is pretty much the same for the original model, and the third-party integrations are the same as well.
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.
We have found the GoSports ELITE net in particular to have outstanding performance and durability.
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 very 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.
4. SkyTrak Plus PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
This SkyTrak simulator package allows you to experience a screen/enclosure setup for under $6000 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 Plus 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
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 easily 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 Plus SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
This SkyTrak Plus SwingBay Simulator is offered by Rain or Shine Golf and 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 pairs the SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor with 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.
The SwingBay enclosure has dimensions of 8′ H x 4’2″ D x 10’5″ W. Made of a 1.5″ extruded aluminum frame, ballistics-grade woven polyester impact screen, and ripstop blackout walls, it offers plenty of room to work on your game.
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 and provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway-like feel and forgiveness.
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.
6. 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.
7. SkyTrak Plus Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
This simulator package pairs the SkyTrak Plus with a state-of-the-art HomeCourse retractable screen enclosure. It was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop, 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+ Flex Space 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 Plus Flex Space Simulator Package comes with:
- SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor with protective case
- SkyTrak Play & Improve software (upgrade from base)
- HomeCourse ProScreen 180 with ceiling mount kit
- short throw golf simulator projector
- SIGPRO landing turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- your choice of hitting mat (4’x7′, 4’x10′ or 5’x5′)
- projector floor mount enclosure
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 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.
The screen can be mounted to the ceiling or wall (wall mount kit sold separately). If your ceiling is higher than nine feet, we recommend wall mounting.
Room dimensions of 8.5 ft high x 12 ft wide x 12 ft deep are recommended.
Customers love the straightforward installation and how painless 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 and SkyTrak+ are floor units that sit 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 and ST+ have plenty of software options available to you. In fact, they are some 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) and access to E6 CONNECT courses.
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, 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 and SkyTrak+ launch monitors can give 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.
We recommend going for the much newer SkyTrak Plus if you have the budget for it. It’s $1000 more expensive than the original model but offers a number of improvements and enhancements that make the cost difference worth it.
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.
