FlightScope X3 Launch Monitor Review – Unmatched Accuracy

Golfstead is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates.

The X3 is FlightScope’s most advanced launch monitor and the latest entry in a lineup that includes the X2, X2 Elite, and Xi Tour.

Unveiled in early 2017, it is designed to handle the most intense and demanding golf applications as part of practice sessions, golf lessons, and club fitting. It has been trusted by pro golfers such as Bryson DeChambeau to prepare for tournaments.

In this FlightScope X3 review, I’ll take an in-depth look at the launch monitor. I’ll look not only at how well it measures ball and swing data, but also at its usability and simulation capabilities.

How does the X3 perform? How does it compare to TrackMan 4, the GCQuad, and other professional launch monitors that are on the market today? Who is it best suited for?

Here’s what I’m going to be covering in the review:

• What is the X3?
• Setting Up The X3
• Parameters & Features
• Simulation Options
• Pricing & Plans
• Where To Buy The X3 Online
• Final Thoughts

Ready to try the X3 right now? Click the button below or scroll down to the bottom of my review to see my final verdict!

Note: In the majority of cases, launch monitors tested on Golfstead are acquired temporarily and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on personal experience and research. Although the author makes every effort to ensure proper setup of the device and do direct comparisons with other launch monitors when possible, there are many variables that can affect data readings and performance. Therefore, exact results with a particular launch monitor may differ from person to person.

---

What is the X3?

The X3 is an powerful, advanced launch monitor that tracks a raft of club and ball data parameters. It uses patented Fusion Tracking technology which combines 3D Doppler radar tracking with high-speed image processing.

It was specifically created for those who seek the best launch monitor technology on the market with the most detailed data and the most reliability and accuracy — this may include club fitters, teaching professionals, coaches, and Tour pros.

The X3 is also ideal for practice and self-assessment and integrates with a range of golf simulator software solutions.

In addition to the long game, the X3 also offers top-tier chipping and putting tracking. The Fusion Tracking combines the best of both worlds (radar and camera), and the lightweight panel-style design is highly portable.

The X3 also contains:

• direct distance measurement
• a multi-frequency radar
• a built-in boresight camera
• enhanced Wi-Fi that can connect unlimited listener apps

Many people believe that the X3 is currently the best radar-based launch monitor on the market. It’s a clear step up from the consumer-tier Mevo Plus, although the Mevo+ has recently closed the gap slightly by integrating Fusion Tracking in its hardware.

The X3 is usable both indoors and outdoors, but it requires a certain amount of space behind the golfer to work properly and this can be more difficult to achieve indoors.

---

Setting Up The X3

To begin the setup, first press the latch under the X3 unit to release the leg, and pull it down and outwards until it’s fully extended.

Place the unit on the ground and turn it on. During startup, the X3 will automatically adjust its tilt and roll angles based on the slope of the ground surface.

Next, choose your tee position and establish your target line. Position the X3 behind the tee location and line up its internal camera hole (on the left half of the front panel when looking at it head-on) with the target line.

Note: For normal golf shots, the X3 unit should be 9-14 feet from the tee position, and for short game shots (chips and putts), it should be 6-8 feet away.

You will need to choose the proper play mode. The available options are:

• Outdoor: driving range or golf course with unrestricted ball flight.
• Indoor: when the ball flight is between 13 and 120 feet.
• Short Indoor: when the ball flight is between 8 and 13 feet.
• Normalized: when the ball flight exceeds 120 feet but is restricted (e.g. a netted golf range).
• Short Game Putting: when hitting putts on a putting surface.
• Short Game Chipping: when hitting bump-and-run chips on a green.

Next, you need to align the X3 using the alignment feature on the FlightScope VX app. This app can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices.

In the alignment mode, rotate the X3 so that the center vertical line on the app overlaps both the ball and the target line.

In the settings of the software that you’re using, you will need to select your preferred units of measurement (metric or Imperial). You will also need to enter the exact distance between the X3’s face and the tee position, the height of the hitting surface above the ground, and the altitude (height above sea level) of your location.

Additional Info

• some power is initially stored in the X3’s internal lithium-ion battery. Before first use, it should be fully charged for 7-10 hours with the included power adapter.
• to check the battery level, briefly press the “On” button with the rear leg in the closed position and note the indicator.
• for optimal accuracy, you will need to mark your balls with metallic stickers (included) when using the X3 indoors. A single sticker should be used and it should face forward towards the target.
• keep the X3 unit away from water and heat.
• you can use a damp cloth to clean the unit.
• the unit will shut off automatically after its leg is clicked back into the closed position. Similarly, it will turn on automatically after the leg is fully extended.
• place the X3 on a reasonably level surface and ensure there are no obstructions between the unit and the ball.

For full details on the proper setup, operation and care of the X3, consult the user manual.

---

Parameters & Features

Data Parameters

FlightScope claims that the X3 measures over 50 data parameters, and this is true in a sense, but it relies on separating the data points shared between full shots, chipping and putting.

The ball parameters are:

• ball speed
• carry distance
• roll distance
• total distance
• smash factor
• spin rate
• spin axis
• launch angle
• launch direction
• vertical descent
• lateral landing
• apex height
• flight time
• curve
• shot type
• shot dispersion
• skills distance to pin
• skills score

The club parameters are:

• club head speed
• club path
• face to path
• face to target
• angle of attack
• spin loft
• dynamic loft
• vertical swing plane
• horizontal swing plane
• club speed profile
• club acceleration profile
• low point

The putting & chipping parameters are:

• club head speed
• distance to pin
• roll distance
• skid distance
• total distance
• smash factor
• lateral position
• launch speed
• launch direction
• in-miss range
• putter path
• putter face to path
• putter face to target
• putter head speed

Then there’s that all-important question: just how accurate is the X3? As you might expect, extremely accurate.

Compared to TrackMan, which is considered to be the king of launch monitors, the readings are very, very close to each other.

However, one of the key differences between the two launch monitors is that the X3 takes measurements at the point of impact, while TrackMan takes measurements at the point of maximum compression of the golf ball. One consequence of that is that the club head speed reading will tend to be a touch higher on the X3.

The accuracy and overall performance of the X3 is practically unbeatable outdoors. Indoors, it’s still extremely good, but it probably gets edged out a bit by the photometric GCQuad.

In any event, you should consider the fact that the X3 has been used by PGA Tour pros like Bryson DeChambeau to inform their shots. That alone should tell you everything you need to know.

FlightScope Apps

FlightScope offers a number of companion apps and software that can be paired with the X3. They are:

FS VX App

This is the main FlightScope app (available for iOS and Android) that pairs with the X3 and the first one I recommend you use, especially since it contains sensor alignment and other important tools.

The VX app is described as “the most comprehensive teaching, fitting and training app for FlightScope tracking radars”. It displays all your measured data in real time along with a 3D trajectory view. It also allows you to access:

• Environmental Optimizer
• speed and acceleration profiles
• split-screen video analysis
• D-Plane data screens
• driver optimizer
• elliptical shot groupings
• custom shot comparison

The VX app has many more features that you can learn about on the app pages.

FS Skills App

FS Skills (Android or iOS) allows golfers to test their skills by hitting shots (20-260 yards) to a series of virtual targets.

Each shot is given a score based on the distance to the center of the target, and after all targets are presented, an overall session score is given.

Users have flexible customization control over various aspects of the targets, and a time limit can be added as well.

FS Video App

FS Video (iOS or Windows) is all about combining data with video. It features a fully customizable interface with:

• a variety of video and data screen combinations
• mental training and pressure shift
• drawing tools
• screencast with voiceover
• equipment selection
• FocusBand and BodiTrak integration
• custom lesson recording

If you purchase a subscription, you can also upload and store videos on MyFlightScope.com.

FS Short Game App

FS Short Game (iOS or Windows) allows you to take a deep dive into your chipping and putting performance for lessons or general game improvement. Features include:

• putting face and path tracking
• wedge data
• slider-controlled pin placement for practicing different lengths of putts

The app can display up to 13 data parameters, but you can drag and drop the ones you want to see onto the customizable interface.

Also displayed are speed graphs, putt trajectories, and putt groupings, with the option of displaying multiple camera swing recordings or other peripherals.

FlightScope PC Software

FlightScope’s PC software is designed for a wide variety of applications. Some of the things you can do on it are:

• side-by-side video analysis with drawing tools
• track your progress, results and rankings through MyFlightScope.com
• capture weight shift and center of pressure
• compare shot dispersions of different clubs
• compare average club performance stats
• compare the stats of different players
• compare ball performance
• get a full analysis of your chipping
• train your swing without hitting balls

The software has a fullscreen mode and a short indoor mode that only requires 16 feet of space. An Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of RAM are recommended.

MultiCam

With the X3, you can automatically record and sync video from multiple camera feeds.

The FlightScope Video and MultiCam apps enable you to combine video and data on one screen with a fully customizable interface. Capabilities include ball/club tracing, speed/acceleration profiles, trajectory, drawing tools, and screencast with voiceover.

Wedge D-Plane Data

First, what is the D-Plane? It is the plane formed by the three-dimensional club head direction and club face orientation, representing the correlation between the movement of the club’s center of gravity (CG) and the blade at impact.

If you don’t understand this, that’s okay. Just know that the wedge D-Plane data the X3 offers gives you detailed insight into your wedge play, providing a 3D visual of the angle of attack, face angles, club path, and dynamic loft.

At the end of the day, the level of accuracy and consistency in the X3’s D-Plane data will help you become a more consistent ball-striker.

Environmental Optimizer

This powerful feature helps you understand how environmental conditions affect your shots. You can modify the following weather and climate variables:

• altitude
• wind speed
• humidity
• air temperature
• wind direction
• relative landing height

You can then observe the impact on the data. This is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with various weather conditions from one comfortable location.

Also coming soon to the X3 are data margins. This feature allows you to set minimum and maximum values for any data parameter in the app so that you can hone your consistency.

---

Simulation Options

In addition to all the compatible FlightScope apps, the X3 launch monitor officially supports golf simulation with E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf (with Golfisimo), Awesome Golf, and GSPro.

Let’s go over each option briefly:

E6 CONNECT

E6 CONNECT is top-tier golf simulation software known for its quality and diverse range of features.

The purchase of an X3 comes with a trimmed version of E6 CONNECT for iOS. This software package includes five golf courses, seventeen practice ranges, and a darts minigame.

Beyond this, you can purchase the full version of E6 CONNECT for PC. This will give you access to the full gamut of features including:

• a full driving range and practice area
• full course play
• tournament play and online events
• an array of multiplayer formats
• flexible gameplay settings (mulligans, wind, weather, etc.)
• minigames including Long Drive and Closest To The Pin

With an Expanded Subscription to E6 CONNECT, you get over 68 additional courses to play (90+ total).

E6 CONNECT is one of the best and most powerful golf simulator software solutions on the market right now. However, the software is expensive compared to other options.

The Golf Club 2019

The Golf Club 2019 (PC only) is an excellent option for the X3 because it has a massive course selection, plenty of features, and great graphics and lighting. It’s also relatively affordable.

TGC 2019 offers a selection of over 170,000 courses, many of which are user-designed. With the software, you can:

• play online (with strangers, friends or family) and compete in live worldwide tournaments
• play rounds solo or play multiplayer locally
• access the TGC library of over 170,000 courses
• do range, chipping or putting practice

Play formats include stroke play, match play, stableford, four ball, skins, and alternate shot. TGC has a cool feature that allows up to four players in a multiplayer setting to hit their shots at the same time.

You can also design your own course with a few clicks. A special editor allows you to customize everything in detail from the theme to the terrain and layout. If this is something you think you could have fun with, you could end up playing your own custom-created course with your X3.

Creative Golf (with Golfisimo)

Creative Golf is a software that is focused more on family-friendly entertainment rather than realism.

The base version of Creative Golf contains 15 reproduced golf courses from around the world. For an extra $500, you can get over 130 additional courses to play.

This software is even more affordable than TGC 2019, and if you want, you can “supercharge” it with the Golfisimo software which adds a host of cute, entertaining games for children and non-golfers.

The modes of Creative Golf are:

• Practice: Practice on a driving range or chip and putt on a course of your choice.
• Course Play: Choose the course, game type (stroke, match play, etc.), number of players, and play a full round of golf.
• Challenges: Participate in competitions locally (with friends or family) including closest-to-the-pin and long drive.
• Mini Games: Play fairy tale golf (altered environment, larger holes, etc.), mini golf (putting), and demolition golf (hit windows of old buildings).
• Tournaments: Join tournaments listed on the tournament server and compete with players around the world.

If you have purchased Golfisimo along with Creative Golf, there will be a dedicated Golfisimo section on the main menu. From there, you can access fun games like darts, barrels, bridges, demolition golf, battlefield, and grand slam.

For people that don’t need the premium experience that E6 CONNECT offers, Creative Golf and Golfisimo can be excellent money-saving alternatives.

Awesome Golf

Awesome Golf is a software that has a distinct cartoon art style and is heavily focused on fun and entertainment with friends, family and children. It’s also more affordable than any of the other simulation software solutions for the X3.

Awesome Golf has four main modes:

• Range: informative practice sessions and an in-depth analysis of every shot.
• Challenges: closest to the pin, long drive, target golf, and skills challenge.
• Shootouts: kid-friendly minigames including Super Splash and Boat Blast.
• Virtual Golf: full course play at fictional courses Spring Park Hills and Island Beach.

The software also comes with a community app that allows you to register yourself as a user, get access to in-depth stats from your sessions, and participate in leaderboards for challenges & shootouts.

Awesome Golf doesn’t recreate real-life courses but it’s packed with fun simulation features that will keep you busy for hours on end. The software is currently available for PC and iOS, and licenses are multi-platform.

GSPro

FlightScope compatibility with GSPro is brand new. The software is designed to be ultra-realistic with advanced ball physics and 4K graphics.

What makes GSPro unique is its integration with the Open Platform Course Designer (OPCD), which allows anyone, regardless of skillset, to create courses that can be played by members of the GSPro community.

In addition, GSPro integrates with Simulator Golf Tour (SGT), a service that allows players to participate in virtual golf tours with weekly tournaments. You can even compete in the PGA Tour schedule.

Aside from the large community that is constantly building new courses (well over 100 are currently available) and playing in tournaments, GSPro offers:

• lifelike 4K graphics built with the Unity engine
• an OpenAPI interface
• a driving range and on-course practice
• full course play (with flyovers)

In my view, GSPro isn’t as suitable for tech-challenged golfers as other software, although you can keep yourself very busy with the practice and local play modes without getting involved in the community stuff.

---

Pricing & Plans

The FlightScope X3 launch monitor costs $14,995. This includes the radar unit, metallic stickers, a backpack, an AC adapter, an Ethernet cable, a USB cable, and a trimmed iOS version of E6 CONNECT.

Here are the current prices (subject to change) associated with the software options that are compatible with the X3:

• E6 CONNECT: $300/year (basic) or $600/year (expanded) or $2500 one time
• The Golf Club 2019: $950
• Creative Golf & Golfisimo: $700 for CG, $500 for Golfisimo, $500 for Course Library
• Awesome Golf: $199.99 one time plus $9.99/month or $349.99 one time
• GSPro: $250/year or $550+$250/year for the Lifetime add-on

Software may offer various add-ons such as premium courses for E6 CONNECT, which would come at additional cost.

Generally speaking, I recommend golfers grab TGC 2019 with the X3 (and with most other launch monitors that support it) because of the huge course selection and the fact that you get all features for a one-time payment of less than $1000 — you can do so here.

---

Where To Buy The X3 Online

I recommend buying the X3 from The Indoor Golf Shop. They have an excellent support team that will practically bend over backwards to make sure you’re set up properly.

The Indoor Golf Shop sells permanent E6 CONNECT licenses and TGC 2019, and they also offer easy financing options that allow you to pay for the launch monitor over the course of a year or longer.

Creative Golf, Awesome Golf and GSPro can be purchased from their respective websites.

If you’re looking for a discount on a used X3, you may be able to find a good deal on eBay.

Another thing that you should consider if you plan to use the X3 indoors is a full golf simulator setup with screen, enclosure and projector. This will really allow you to get the best experience with the launch monitor.

---

Final Thoughts

The FlightScope X3 launch monitor truly does it all. It blends camera and radar-based tracking and measures all the parameters you could ever want. It is extremely accurate. It allows you to factor weather conditions into measurements. It’s compatible with a raft of apps and golf simulation softwares.

This means that you can use it for just about any purpose, whether you want to get pinpoint-accurate data while hitting balls on the range, play indoors in a golf simulator, or carry out club fitting or coaching sessions.

I think that in most cases, the X3 is a better choice than TrackMan 4. Not only is the X3 just as good (and in some cases better), but with TrackMan 4, you’re paying a premium for the brand name and you also have to pay an extra $6000 just to be able to use it outdoors.

In fact, the X3 is personally my first choice if I want to use most powerful radar-based launch monitor on the market.

Having said that, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The first is that if you’re using the X3 indoors, you’ll need to apply metallic stickers to your ball in order to get accurate spin measurements. The second is that a good amount of space is needed in front and behind the hitting zone, so factor that in when setting up an indoor space.

If the cost of the X3 is just too much for you and financing is not an option, I suggest looking at the Mevo Plus. The Mevo+ was recently updated with Fusion Tracking and is now available with a Pro Package that measures a slew of additional parameters.

---

Thanks for reading my FlightScope X3 review. Are you interested in the X3? Have you tried it already? What’s your experience? Tell us about it in the comment section below.