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Labelled “the ultimate game-changer”, the GCQuad is a very high-end, professional-grade launch monitor that builds on the advanced camera technology of the Foresight Sports GC2.
The GCQuad is one of the most advanced, powerful launch monitors on the market, no question. At the time of writing, it’s the most expensive portable launch monitor in the GC line. It has also won the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award twice.
In this Foresight Sports GCQuad 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, golf simulation features, and how it stacks up against similarly priced products.
How does the GCQuad perform? How does it compare to launch monitors like the GC2, GC3 and FlightScope X3? Is it worth getting if you have the budget for it?
Here’s what I’m going to be covering in the review:
- What is the GCQuad launch monitor?
- Setting Up & Using The GCQuad
- Data Parameters & Accuracy
- Software & Simulation
- Performance Analysis
- Pricing
- Where To Buy The GCQuad
- Conclusion
Ready to try the GCQuad 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 GCQuad launch monitor?
As with Foresight Sports’ other GC launch monitors, the GCQuad precisely measures club and ball performance metrics through a combination of infrared object tracking and high-speed camera systems.
Unveiled in 2017, the GCQuad uses a quadrascopic camera system that is an upgrade from the stereoscopic camera system of the GC2.
Four high-speed cameras positioned at the four corners of the unit capture thousands of images per second and build a complete 3D model of the club and ball at impact, allowing for measurements that are direct and not calculated.
The GCQuad also has a beautiful, compact, ergonomic design that was created by an award-winning industrial design team.
Other features of the GCQuad are:
- a weather-resistant build
- an NIR LED lighting array that eliminates the need for flash replacement
- a large, clear, outdoor-viewable LCD display
- wifi and ethernet connectivity
- a built-in barometric altitude sensor
- a swappable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- a shock-mounted, die-cast aluminum frame
Of course, the GCQuad can do much more than just provide ball and club data measurements. It can also be hooked up to full golf simulation with Foresight Sports’ FSX software along with various third-party solutions like the world-class E6 CONNECT software, Awesome Golf, and more.
Plus, the GCQuad can be upgraded to provide full club head performance (Club Analysis) and detailed putting data (Essential Putting Analysis).
The GCQuad is designed to be easy to carry from the home to the driving range.
Setting Up & Using The GCQuad
Setup of the GCQuad is quite easy and straightforward, and this is one of the greatest strengths of the unit aside from its accuracy.
First, place the unit around 22 inches away from the hitting area, making sure the bottom of the device is level with the hitting surface.
From this position, the GCQuad will track ball and club data inside a zone that’s around 14″x16″ large depending on whether Club or Ball Tracking is enabled.
Note: The default target alignment of the GCQuad is perpendicular to the orientation of the unit. To change the alignment, lay down the included alignment stick in the hitting zone up to 10° from the default target line and allow the unit to recalibrate.
Next, press the power button on the top of the GCQuad to turn it on. The unit will conduct its start-up process for around 30 seconds and display a blinking green LED indicator once it’s ready to track.
At this point, you are pretty well ready to start hitting shots and viewing your data.
If you’re capturing club data, you’ll need to apply club markers to your clubface; you can use the included dispenser for this.
If you’re using the FSX 2020 or FSX Play software with the GCQuad, do the following:
- Download the FSX software from the Foresight Sports website and go through the installation wizard. As part of this, you must use the Simulator Configuration tool.
- Go into the FSX settings, go to Devices, and connect the GCQuad via Wi-Fi.
- Verify that the status for the device says “Connected”.
Note that the GCQuad needs to be revalidated every 45 days. This can be done by re-connecting the device within the FSX software or connecting it to the internet via Ethernet.
Additional Tips
- a kickstand at the bottom can be used to stabilize the GCQuad on uneven surfaces
- settings are automatically saved after exiting the screen
- you can switch to left-handed mode easily using the tracking key on the display
- four club markers are needed to capture additional club parameters
- fully discharge and recharge the battery at least once a month to keep it in good health
The user manual is very detailed and gives you all the information you need to use the GCQuad to its full potential. Check it out here.
Data Parameters & Accuracy
The GCQuad actually measures the same set of data parameters as the GC2 equipped with the HMT. Let’s start with ball data:
- ball speed
- carry distance
- spin
- side spin
- horizontal & vertical launch angle
With the club data add-on, the GCQuad will also measure various club parameters depending on whether one or four club markers are used:
- club head speed
- smash factor
- club path
- angle of attack
- face angle
- face to path
- closure rate
- clubface impact location
- lie & loft at impact
There’s something the GCQuad can do that both the GC2+HMT and GC3 cannot: offer detailed putting data. With the putting add-on, the GCQuad can measure:
- putter speed
- putter path
- smash factor
- angle of attack
- spin-tilt axis
- impact location
- ball velocity
- horizontal launch direction
- vertical launch angle
- sidespin
- backspin
- total spin
- impact face angle
- impact lie
There’s still that all-important question: just how accurate is the GCQuad? The answer is 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, the radar tracking of TrackMan tends to be a touch more reliable outdoors compared to the photometric camera technology of the GCQuad.
Conversely, the GCQuad definitely has the edge indoors. It never missed a shot during my tests, but one thing I will say is this: if you have a really high swing speed with the driver, you may run into some issues with carry distance readings.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the GCQuad (and the GC2, for that matter) can rarely overreport distance on shots with low spin and high launch. It goes to show you that no launch monitor can give spot-on measurements 100% of the time, although the GCQuad certainly comes closer than anything else.
The GCQuad also, predictably, has superior data reliability to mid-range launch monitors like the Mevo+. That’s obviously not to say that the Mevo+ is a bad launch monitor — it does put up a good fight, usually staying within 5% of the GCQuad’s readings.
In any event, you should consider how many pro golfers have relied on the GCQuad to inform their shots: Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Tommy Fleetwood, and Kevin Na are just some of them. In fact, the GCQuad has been one of the primary launch monitors used in the world’s biggest golf events including major championships.
Software & Simulation
With the GCQuad, you currently have access to Foresight Sports’ suite of core software platforms and apps which consist of FSX 2020, FSX Play, FSX Pro, Foresight Fairgrounds, and the Foresight App.
In addition, with a valid FSX license, you can integrate various third-party solutions. These are E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Awesome Golf, Creative Golf, and Swing Catalyst.
FSX 2020
FSX 2020 is Foresight Sports’ in-house software solution for their GC line of commercial launch monitors,
Their initial release was FSX 2018, but they have since come out with an updated 2020 version of the software. Users of the 2018 version can upgrade at no additional cost.
FSX 2020 is a complete software solution that provides practice ranges, full course play, game modes, skills challenges, and opportunities for you to compete with other players around the world. You can also view real-time data for practice or club fitting.
Many standard courses are reproduced, as well as world-famous courses that include The Old Course @ St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Carnoustie, and Doral Blue Monster.
FSX 2020 has three main modes:
- Play: play golf courses of your choosing with up to four players. Available game types include stroke play, scramble, and match play.
- Compete: participate in a series of increasingly difficult skills challenges that include long drive, closest-to-the-pin, and Glass Break. Share and compare your results with other players online.
- Improve: get complete ball and clubhead performance data in real time. This mode is for serious practice and club fitting.
FSX 2020 is excellent software when it comes to function and features, but the graphics are surpassed by other simulator software like FSX Play and GSPro.
All things considered, I do think that FSX 2020 is overpriced, and moreover, an FSX 2020 license is required to get any kind of golf simulation with the GCQuad.
FSX Play
FSX Play, which is Foresight Sports’ other in-house offering, builds off of FSX 2020 and is designed to provide an ultra-realistic golf simulation experience.
FSX Play is powered by the Unity graphics engine and uses High Definition Render Pipeline Technology (HDRP). It’s marked by an updated UI, 3D grass and foliage, rich textures, atmospheric gliding, enhanced lighting, and more.
FSX Play has three main modes:
- Courses: play golf courses of your choosing (such as Torrey Pines South) with complete customization control.
- Practice: hit balls on exclusive, unique driving ranges such as in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- Games: play long drive, closest-to-the-pin, skills challenges, tournaments, and leagues.
Another thing that sets FSX Play apart is its minimalistic UI layout that displays important information without distraction.
FSX Play has been updated many times since its release, and the Foresight team is continuing to work on rolling out new games and updates. They are also working on making all FSX 2020 courses playable in the software, so stay tuned. At the moment, it includes 25 free courses.
FSX Play supports up to 5K resolution. I definitely recommend giving it a try because it offers you a new and fresh experience that is different from FSX 2020.
Foresight Apps
The other “lesser” applications usable with the GCQuad are:
- FSX Pro: a dedicated performance insight platform for PC or iPad. It’s often used by coaches and club fitters but home users can also benefit from it. You can view the full gamut of club and ball data in a 3D range environment that simulates your ball flight.
- Foresight Fairgrounds: a fairgrounds and carnival app that provides fun minigames like Balloon Pop, Putt Skee, Shooting Gallery, Darts, and Splash Wall.
- Foresight App: see and interact with your shot data via Android or iOS.
E6 CONNECT
E6 CONNECT requires an FSX 2020 software license to use. However, the software is delivered with additional web features including being able to track every shot under a given profile, sorting shot history, and tracking every shot taken inside the software.
You get the full gamut of features with the E6 CONNECT integration, including:
- a full driving range and practice area
- 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
A Basic subscription to E6 CONNECT provides access to P2P gameplay and a library of content that changes on a periodic basis. With an Expanded Subscription to E6 CONNECT, you get over 68 additional courses to play (90+ total) and access to all content that has ever been released.
Keep in mind that with GC launch monitors, E6 CONNECT is going to be very expensive to access — and E6 CONNECT is quite expensive as it is.
This is because, on top of paying for the software, you also need an FSX 2020 license which costs $3000. Financing is available, however, which will help with the affordability aspect.
GSPro
The GSPro software, which requires an FSX 2020 software license to use, 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 450 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.
Awesome Golf
The Awesome Golf software has cartoon-like graphics is heavily focused on fun and entertainment with friends, family and children.
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 challenges.
- Shootouts: kid-friendly minigames including Super Splash and Boat Blast.
- Virtual Golf: full course play at four fictional courses in different environments.
Awesome Golf is packed with fun simulation features that will keep you busy for hours on end.
For Foresight Sports devices like the GCQuad, a lifetime membership to Awesome Golf is included and is otherwise offered as a one-time purchase. It’s available for PC and iOS and is very affordable compared to other third-party options.
Creative Golf
This is a great alternative for those that can’t handle the price of E6 CONNECT and want a one-time purchase. To be more exact, it’s just 48% of the cost, although it does also require an FSX 2020 software license.
The base version of Creative Golf contains 15 reproduced golf courses from around the world. For an extra $600, you can get over 130 additional courses to play.
The Practice section is divided into the following modes:
- Driving Range: get the detailed data you need to improve your game; suitable for single-player practice
- Team Training: suitable for a small group of players and a trainer; allows comparisons, dispersions and average values
- Club Fitting: try out different clubs, and based on the observed data values including distance and dispersion, the software evaluates the best club for you to use
- Chip & Putt: choose a flag position, circle and cross, and train your short shots and putts around a practice green
- Practice On Course: practice shots from absolutely any position on the golf course
- Putting: play putting games on various greens
You can also compete in a global series of tournaments and rank amongst players around the world.
Another package available that is part of the Creative Golf program is Golfisimo.
This software is the least expensive of them all (under $1000) and differentiates itself by focusing on a family-friendly, fun-for-everyone experience.
Golfisimo is built for entertainment, offering games for every age and skill level. Game modes include legos, underwater golf, target golf, darts, and demolition golf.
For people that don’t need the realistic experience that E6 CONNECT offers, Creative Golf and Golfisimo can be excellent money-saving alternatives.
Swing Catalyst
Swing Catalyst is a video analysis software that has been praised by coaches around the world as well as pro golfers such as Justin Rose, Matt Kuchar, and Ian Poulter.
With the available LITE version, you can set up a separate camera and:
- play back the swing frame-by-frame or in slow motion
- draw on the playback with a wide range of drawing tools
- overlay multiple swings or compare them side-by-side
- store and organize your swings
Integration of Swing Catalyst with the GCQuad means that all the information obtained by the GCQuad is available for viewing alongside the video clips.
Not everyone will find this software necessary for them, but it can allow you to understand your swing on a new level.
Performance Analysis
There’s data parameters and there’s simulation, but what about actually drilling down into your numbers?
Fortunately, the FSX 2020 software offers very powerful performance analysis features so that you can understand your game on a deeper level.
Let’s take a brief look at what this looks like, using the practice range as an example.
Once you hit your shot, the software will automatically trace the ball’s trajectory, and you’ll receive the whole set of data metrics (measured by the GCQuad) immediately after.
You can then go to the Data Analysis screen in the menu bar. The first thing you’ll see is something like this:
If you’ve recorded video of your swing with the camera of your choice, you’ll see it here. You can view the current data values and average data values for the most relevant metrics along the top, as well as analyze video of your swing with markers, playback speed control, etcetera.
From the top most menu bar, you can also access detailed ball data, club data, and view & compare data for each shot in tabular form.
On the ball data screen, you can immediately view your shot trajectories and dispersions. But the club data screen is perhaps the most impressive, as you can see in the image below:
Be aware that you will need the Club Analysis add-on to access this particular section.
You can also save your data onto a PDF, print your data, compare your data, and export your data.
This is the kind of deep dive that you will only get with tracking systems on the level of the GCQuad. Nothing is left out, and you get access to every data point you’ll ever want.
Pricing
The base price of the GCQuad launch monitor is $11,000. This purchase allows you to only view your numbers on the LCD display.
However, it is normally sold bundled with the FSX software suite consisting of FSX 2020 ($3000) and FSX Play ($500), bringing the total to $14,500. Upgrades from previous versions of FSX will cost less or nothing at all.
Additional golf courses (premium or standard) can be purchased for FSX at around $95-$900 each.
There are two add-ons available with the GCQuad: Club Analysis and Essential Putting Analysis, which cost an extra $4000 and $2500 respectively.
Examples of third-party software prices include:
- E6 CONNECT: $2500 plus a $300/year or $600/year subscription
- Creative Golf: $1200
- Awesome Golf: $350
- GSPro: $250/year
- Swing Catalyst: $150/year
There are many combinations of software, add-ons and extras that can be purchased with the GCQuad. Here are some examples:
| GCQuad, FSX Suite | GCQuad, FSX Suite, Putting | GCQuad, FSX Suite, Club Data | GCQuad, FSX Suite, Both Add-ons, E6 CONNECT | |
| Total Cost | $14,500 | $17,000 | $18,500 | $23,500+ |
For most people, it will be sufficient to get the club data add-on and FSX software at a total cost of $18,500, although club data isn’t necessary to enjoy golf simulation. Some golfers may opt to get the putting add-on instead of practicing on a real-life putting green.
To be honest, I don’t see a reason to buy any of the third-party integrations, as Awesome Golf is already included and the software available to you generally has all the features that you’ll ever need.
But if you want the ability to play different simulator software or you want a feature that FSX and Awesome Golf don’t have, it’s something to consider. For what it’s worth, GSPro is fantastic and could be very much worth it.
Note that Foresight Sports may occasionally run limited-time specials that reduce the price of add-ons or software, so keep an eye out for that.
Where To Buy The GCQuad
If you’re looking online, the best places (aside from the FS site) I would recommend to buy the GCQuad are The Indoor Golf Shop, Rain or Shine Golf and Top Shelf Golf. The FSX software is included with these offers, and you can select any desired add-ons as well.
You can choose any of these vendors based on your preferences. All have fantastic support teams that go out of their way to make sure you’re set up properly.
If you’re looking for a discount on a used GCQuad, you may be able to find a good deal on eBay.
When it comes to the various software integrations like FSX Play, GSPro, Creative Golf and E6 CONNECT, you should buy them through the official Foresight Sports store.
Another thing that’s worth considering if you plan to use the GCQuad indoors is a full golf simulator setup with screen, enclosure and projector. This will really allow you to get the best experience with the software.
Conclusion
The Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor remains one of the industry leaders when it comes to reliable ball & club data metrics. As long as you set up the unit properly, the accuracy is bang on for the most part. You get absolutely everything you need to understand your game at a granular level.
For this reason, the GCQuad can be used for absolutely any application, from putting practice to club fitting and coaching. It has also been used by some of the world’s best players to hone their tournament game including Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Rory McIlroy.
Having said that, it’s important to keep in mind that the GCQuad is a machine, and no machine is perfect regardless of how expensive it is. Once in a blue moon, you may get a messed up carry reading, especially at very high clubhead speeds of 125 mph or greater.
The GCQuad has a unique look that contrasts with the “panel-style” designs of comparable launch monitors like the FlightScope X3 and TrackMan 4, so it’ll certainly turn heads on the course and make your friends jealous.
The GCQuad also integrates with powerful simulation software. Foresight Sports is continually updating and expanding their FSX software and adding new third-party integrations.
This, however, comes at a steep price. If you purchase both the putting and club data add-ons, you’ll spend over $20,000.
I just don’t like the fact that they lock extra functionality behind such a massive paywall. With the GC2 (now discontinued), this was better justified because you were buying an entirely separate hardware unit with the HMT, but that’s not the case here.
If the price tags associated with the GCQuad are too much for you, I definitely recommend looking at their new GC3 launch monitor which was designed to deliver nearly the same accuracy and reliability but at a much more economical cost.
But if you have a $20,000+ budget and you’re looking for the most accurate portable camera-based launch monitor, definitely go for it. It really is the Rolls-Royce of launch monitors. It’s worth noting that most people who get the GCQuad absolutely do not regret their purchase.
Thanks for reading my Foresight Sports GCQuad review. Are you interested in the GCQuad? Have you tried it already? What’s your experience? Tell us about it in the comments below.
