SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review (Original Model) – What Started It All?

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If you’ve been searching the market for a golf launch monitor or simulator, you’ve almost certainly heard of the SkyTrak.

Released in late 2014, the SkyTrak was the first accurate launch monitor to hit the market that cost less than $5,000 and was accessible to the average golfer.

In this SkyTrak 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 SkyTrak perform? How does it compare to other launch monitors that are on the market today? Is it worth getting if you’re looking for a quality golf simulator?

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

• What is SkyTrak?
• Setting Up The SkyTrak
• Parameters, Play Modes & Features
• Third-Party Simulation
• Pricing & Plans
• Where To Buy The SkyTrak Online
• Conclusion

Ready to try the SkyTrak 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.

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What is SkyTrak?

Before the SkyTrak was released onto the market, there was a void in the personal launch monitor and simulator space. The only available simulator systems at the time had costs that were out of reach of most golfers.

The SkyTrak launch monitor was released in November 2014 to fill this void, priced at $1,995. Since that time, it has been polished, enhanced, and augmented with the latest and greatest simulation plans.

SkyTrak describes itself as “a personal launch monitor that delivers instant and real-time 3D shot analysis and ball-flight data“.

In addition to measuring ball and club data, the SkyTrak is one of the few sub-$2000 launch monitors that is compatible with the best simulation software including E6 CONNECT and TGC 2019.

SkyTrak uses a photometric (camera-based) system. A high-speed camera takes images of the ball for a few feet after impact, which is what enables the unit to produce measurements with a precision comparable to much more expensive commercial systems.

SkyTrak is actively advertised as an indoor launch monitor, and this is where it should be used when possible. If indoor use is not an option, it can work well outdoors but needs to be kept out of direct sunlight.

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Setting Up The SkyTrak

The SkyTrak comes with the unit itself, a USB cable, and a wall charger.

Note: Before using the SkyTrak, make sure to charge it for at least six hours. For charging, use the wall charger or keep the unit connected to your PC.

The first three steps you should take when setting up the SkyTrak are:

1. Download the SkyTrak app. If you’re using an iOS or Android device, get the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play store, respectively. If you’re using a PC, download the SkyTrak PC software on skytrakgolf.com.
2. Register your SkyTrak. Launch the software you downloaded in step 1 and follow the prompts to register the device. You’ll have to create a SkyTrak account, and you need to register within 30 days of purchase.
3. Pair the SkyTrak with your device. Through the software application, use Wi-Fi, a home network or USB to register the device to your mobile device or PC.

Once the SkyTrak has been successfully configured and paired with your device, all three LED lights will turn green, and a red laser dot will be projected onto the ground.

Detailed setup instructions are found in the SkyTrak user guide, but there are a few more important things I want to cover in this section.

Hitting Area

I strongly recommend hitting real golf balls with the SkyTrak instead of foam or plastic balls. For that, you’ll need a solid hitting mat and net.

Whether you plan on hitting indoors or outdoors, take out your longest club (driver) and ensure that you have enough clearance to make a full swing.

Then ensure that you have at least 10 feet of length and 10 feet of width in your space.

Positioning

The SkyTrak unit must be placed parallel to your intended line of play. This means that the power button should face either towards the net or away from the net, depending on your handedness. I suggest using alignment sticks to check this.

For right-handed golfers, the unit should be placed on the right side, and vice versa for left-handed golfers.

Also ensure that the bottom of the unit is level with the hitting surface. The greater the distance between the levels, the more inconsistent the measurements will be.

The golf ball you hit should be clean and white, and it should always be placed on the projected red dot.

Additional Tips

• I highly recommend getting the official SkyTrak metal case. This is sold separately. It not only protects the unit, but it also comes with adjustable pegs and a bubble level to help you level the unit perfectly with your hitting surface.
• The SkyTrak produces best results indoors. If you want to use it outdoors, you’ll need to keep it out of direct sunlight, but even then you may have accuracy issues on a sunny, summer day.
• If possible, position your ball so that its logo/marking faces the SkyTrak. This will give the camera system a clearer point of reference to give you an accurate spin reading.

For more detailed setup instructions, information, and tips, see the SkyTrak user guide.

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Parameters, Play Modes & Features

With the exception of third-party software, all data and features related to the SkyTrak are accessed via the SkyTrak app for PC, Android or iOS.

When you start up the software, you’ll be presented with up to five different modes depending on your membership level: Course Play, PinSeeker, Practice, Game Evaluation, and Challenges.

You can access the settings from here and set your dominant hand (left or right) and units of measurement for distances and speeds.

You can also access a leveling screen where the software will tell you the current roll and tilt of your SkyTrak unit. These values should be kept under 5° for best results.

Course Play Mode

The Essential Plan and SkyTrak Course Play Pack are required to access course play within the software.

This section gives you access to 31 renderings of real-world courses, including world-renowned destinations like Quail Hollow, Innisbrook, and Pebble Beach. You can get the full list of courses here.

Once you select your course, you can:

• select the holes you want to play, full or custom
• adjust rules such as mulligans, concede score, pin positions and gimmes
• adjust weather conditions including wind speed, wind direction, and green speeds
• add up to four players

You get informative and helpful overhead maps of each hole during play, and after every shot, a selection of key data parameters are displayed such as ball speed, spin, and distance.

There are also some settings you can tinker with; you can adjust the camera offset to match any offset in your hitting zone, and you can adjust the graphics to boost performance.

PinSeeker Mode

The unique PinSeeker app runs closest-to-the-pin tournaments that reward participants with prizes. The types of tournaments in PinSeeker are currently:

• Free Tournaments: held multiple times every day, these allow you to practice your game stress-free and win swag or bragging rights
• Cash Tournaments: held multiple times a week, these have an entry fee and pay out cash prizes that are also matched and sent to charity
• Special Tournaments: have special rules and special prizes

The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Tournaments are open to not just SkyTrak users, but also anyone using a compatible simulator.

To use PinSeeker with the ST, you’ll need to install the app on your mobile device, create an account, and scan the QR code to connect the unit. You can then select a tournament and compete using the SkyTrak software.

PinSeeker is an interesting way to possibly recoup some of the cost of your ST unit and the associated subscription fees, depending on how good of a golfer you are!

Practice Mode

The Practice Mode is the core feature of the SkyTrak that will allow you to hit shots on a virtual driving range. Many different range environments are available. After each shot, a tracer will simulate your ball flight and the shot’s data will be displayed.

The practice range has gotten a facelift since its initial launch. It now shows a much more detailed set of data at the bottom, with an updated top-down colour map of the range area instead of the old black and white radar style. The map will generate heat maps based on where the shots land during your session.

For each data point shown, you can click on the question mark icon to bring up more information. A blurb will appear and a short clip will play of PGA pro Nick Clearwater talking about the importance of that data point and how it can help improve your game.

In addition, the optimal ranges for launch, backspin and descent angle have been brought from the Shot Optimizer section into the practice range overlay. This allows you to see how your data compares to the optimal range at a glance after every shot.

To unlock the full functionality of the practice range, you’ll need the Essential Membership for the SkyTrak.

Shot Optimizer

The Shot Optimizer window, now accessible on the main range screen, will display detailed data about your shot, and it will compare your launch angle, backspin and descent angle with the optimal range for that particular club.

For example, if you hit an 8-iron, it may compare your launch angle, spin and descent angle to optimal ranges of around 16°-24°, 7200-8460 RPM, and 42°-47°, respectively. You’ll also be able to view a trajectory graph of your shot that shows the apex.

The Shot Optimizer works according to a colour code, so:

• if you fall within the optimal range, the reading will be coloured green
• if you’re just outside the optimal range, the reading will be coloured yellow
• if you’re far outside the optimal range, the reading will be coloured red

The Shot Optimizer can be a big help in dialing in your clubs. For example, you may notice that your spin reading is consistently in the red (this is common for amateurs), and in that case, you can either change balls, make a swing adjustment, or try another iron model.

Optimal ranges for the above parameters are generated from a database of millions of shots hit by golfers of all skill levels.

Shot Score

Tying in to the Shot Optimizer feature is something known as Shot Score, new to the ST+. This number is generated after you hit 20 shots with any club and is a comparative score for your performance relative to other golfers.

Shot Score observes your tendencies and patterns when hitting a particular club and determines your expected distance for that club, which is then used to arrive at a score.

The concept of Shot Score can be confusing to many people, and indeed, it confused me initially. The best way to think of it is that it’s a prediction of what you might shoot in an 18-hole round of golf.

You can use Shot Score as a general gauge of how your skill level is progressing. As you become a better ballstriker, you’ll find that your Shot Score will decrease over time.

Challenges Mode

The Challenges Mode is only available with the Essential Plan.

It allows you to play the minigames Closest To The Pin, Target Practice, and Long Drive. Each minigame has single player, multiplayer, and event options, but you can’t play with other golfers online from around the world.

• Closest To The Pin: You have 3-6 chances to get your shot as close to the pin as possible. The closest shot becomes your best score.
• Target Practice: Similar to Closest To The Pin, you have 3-6 shots to get as close to the bullseye as possible. You can specify any target distance.
• Long Drive: You have 3-6 drives to hit as far as possible. You can specify the range width as well. Your best drives will be ranked.

This mode is not only a great way to practice your driving and precision with your irons, but it’s also a bit more fun than a simple driving range session.

Each of your shots will display the standard data parameters including distance and spin.

Game Evaluation Mode

The Game Evaluation mode is only available with the Essential Plan.

It contains the Bag Mapping, Skills Assessment and Wedge Matrix features.

Bag Mapping

This feature allows you to get detailed information about the clubs in your bag, including how far you hit them on average, their dispersions, and how the performance of one club relates to the performance of other clubs.

After the initial setup where you specify an intended gap (distance between clubs), the software takes you through a range session where you hit each club.

At the end of the mapping, you can view detailed data on actual gaps and dispersions. Gaps that are too large or too small will be brought to your attention.

Bag Mapping gives you a very valuable insight into your overall game. For instance, it can help you understand whether you’re overestimating or underestimating your yardages, or if you have large gaps in your yardages that you could address.

Skills Assessment

This feature is similar to Bag Mapping. It allows you to assess how well you’re performing throughout your bag through target practice.

It does this by taking you through a series of target sessions, each target being a certain distance out and calling for a specific club in the bag. For example, you might set a 9-iron session at 125 yds, 6-iron session at 165 yds, and 3-wood session at 225 yds.

During and after the skills assessment, you can view detailed information about your shots. Afterwards, you can view your green accuracy and dynamic handicap for each club.

The Skills Assessment is a great way to isolate weaknesses in your bag so you can improve them.

Wedge Matrix

With the Wedge Matrix feature, you select four wedges (normally pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge) and swing each club at four different lengths: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full swing.

At the end of the session, you’ll be able to view the yardages for all of your wedges in “matrix” format. This serves two useful purposes:

1. You will understand the typical yardage that your wedge will fly for each swing length. This will allow you to choose the ideal club and swing length for each situation on the golf course.
2. You can spot weaknesses, flaws, or undesirable results in your wedge game that you can subsequently work on.

You can also view average totals, offline tendencies, and shot dispersions for each wedge.

Measured Parameters

What data parameters does the SkyTrak measure? It measures five directly:

• ball speed
• launch angle
• back spin
• side spin
• side angle

With this data, the software is able to derive six more measurements:

• carry & total distance
• club head speed
• roll
• flight path
• offline
• angle of descent

This data is sufficient for golf simulation. For club data measurements, you’ll need to upgrade to the SkyTrak Plus.

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Third-Party Simulation

The SkyTrak is officially compatible with four third-party simulation solutions: E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf, and ProTee Play.

Each of these softwares has its own features, modes, and games. Let’s go through each of them:

E6 CONNECT

E6 CONNECT, available for iOS and PC, is top-tier golf simulation software known for its quality and diverse range of features. You get:

• 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

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.

E6 CONNECT is relatively expensive. It’s worth noting that the E6 integration has had problems since SkyTrak migrated over to GOLFTEC servers.

The Golf Club 2019

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

Originally released as a video game and later ported to simulators, 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 SkyTrak.

Creative Golf (with Golfisimo)

Creative Golf is a software that is focused not so much on realism (although the graphics are good), but more on family-friendly entertainment.

The base version of Creative Golf contains 15 reproduced golf courses from around the world. For an extra purchase, you can get over 140 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).
• Online Game: Play a game type and course of your choice with anyone in the world. A Discord community is available to join.
• 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.

ProTee Play

ProTee Play is a software that is similar in many ways to Creative Golf and Golfisimo.

While it offers a driving range and typical modes like long drive and closest to the pin, its main draw is its large selection of fun, unconventional, kid-friendly games. These include:

• Lonely Desert Range: practice your swing in the desert and avoid hitting wild camels.
• Zombie Golf: kill zombies to stay alive.
• Pub Darts: hit a dartboard as close to the center as possible.
• Demolition Range: hit targets for points and set records on leaderboards.
• Soccer Golf Kids: beat the goalkeeper and score as many goals as possible.
• Aircraft Carrier Range: try to stay out of the water and avoid hitting fighter jets overhead.

At least 20 different games are available for play. Additional games can be purchased at extra cost.

What’s great about ProTee Play is that not only does it support resolutions up to 4K UHD, but it’s played through your web browser in the cloud. The software has been designed to work well with interactive touchscreens and digital displays.

As an extra layer of fun and engagement, you can track your performance on online leaderboards and compete with other players from around the world.

ProTee Play can be a fantastic choice for users looking for fun, kid-friendly minigames at a cost that’s even less than Golfisimo.

We talk more about third-party simulation plans for the SkyTrak here.

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Pricing & Plans

The core SkyTrak unit costs $1,995 USD. An official protective metal case designed for the SkyTrak costs $149.99. Financing is available.

In addition, two software plans are available:

Basic Plan

The SkyTrak comes bundled with the Basic Practice Range Plan at no extra cost. This gives you access to the SkyTrak Practice Range with:

• shot tracer
• ball performance data (parameters listed above)
• first-person camera view
• shot replay

If all you want to do is see your shot data and ball flight and don’t care about minigames or course play, the Basic package should suffice.

Essential Plan

The Essential Plan costs $129.95/year. It gives you access to everything in the Basic Plan plus many additional features, challenges, and games. This includes:

• access to third-party software solutions
• long drive, closest to the pin and target practice challenges
• skills assessment, bag mapping and wedge matrix features
• custom settings including humidity, turf conditions, and wind
• camera views
• session history
• progress tracking, charts and graphs for each club in the bag

If you want more than just being able to practice on a range from one camera perspective, then you’ll need to upgrade to the Essential Plan.

Third-Party Simulation

SkyTrak has partnered with several software providers to bring the best golf simulator software to their launch monitor systems.

An overview of each of these software was given in the above section. Their current prices (subject to change, discounts or promotions) are given in the table below:

Software	Price
E6 CONNECT	$300/yr (Basic) or $600/yr (Expanded)
The Golf Club 2019	$479/yr
Creative Golf	$300/yr ($200/yr for Course Library)
Golfisimo	$200/yr
ProTee Play	$149/yr

Each software option has its own appeal. As you can see, the pricing options for each vary considerably.

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Where To Buy The SkyTrak Online

If you’re looking online, the best place I would recommend to buy the original SkyTrak is Top Shelf Golf.

You can upgrade to the Essential Plan and/or certain third-party software solutions with one click; otherwise, third-party software for the SkyTrak should be purchased via the official SkyTrak store.

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

Another thing to consider is a simulator studio. One of the best SkyTrak studios available that includes a net, impact screen, enclosure, and projector is the ST PerfectBay.

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Conclusion

Although the original SkyTrak is over a decade old, it remains an excellent choice of launch monitor for those who have a budget of only a few thousand dollars. You get accuracy resembling that of commercial systems that cost $10,000 or more and access to a ton of features for dialing in your game.

The SkyTrak has good software compatibility. It’s not officially compatible with some of the newer softwares like GSPro and Awesome Golf, but there are unofficial integrations out there that you can take advantage of.

There are a few things to keep in mind. First, there’s a noticeable shot delay (the time between the impact of your ball on the screen and the shot simulation) that you can’t do much about.

Secondly, many of the problems people experience related to accuracy stem from an improper setup. Before you play, it’s important to make sure that you correctly calibrate the “center” as the SkyTrak sees it. Once you do that, the shot reproductions should be pretty well on the money.

Thirdly, you should avoid using the SkyTrak outdoors if possible. It can work, but there are better options for outdoor launch monitors such as the Mevo Plus.

If you’re looking for a more powerful version of the SkyTrak that measures club data and has great outdoor performance, you should check out the SkyTrak Plus.

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