SkyTrak Plus (ST+) Launch Monitor Review – The Next Level

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The SkyTrak Plus (ST+) was unveiled in 2023 as an upgrade and modernization to the original SkyTrak, which is probably the most popular and successful launch monitor of all time.

The SkyTrak+ builds on the strengths of the SkyTrak and addresses its weaknesses. With a faster processor, dual Doppler radar capability, club data, upgraded software, and other improvements, it’s built to help you understand your game on a better level indoors or outdoors.

In this SkyTrak Plus review, I’ll take a comprehensive look at the launch monitor. I’ll look at how well it measures ball and swing data, its usability and shot visualization features, and its golf simulation capabilities.

How does the SkyTrak+ perform? How does it compare to the original model as well as other launch monitors like the Mevo Plus? Is it worth picking up if you’re looking for a quality golf launch monitor?

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

• What is the SkyTrak+?
• Setting Up The SkyTrak+
• Parameters & Accuracy
• Features
• Pricing & Plans
• Where To Buy The SkyTrak+ Online
• Final Thoughts

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 the SkyTrak+?

The original SkyTrak was unveiled in 2014 by Rapsodo, and while it has enjoyed tremendous success for nearly a decade, it was clearly becoming outdated and overshadowed by the latest and greatest golf tech.

Rapsodo understood that it was time to bring the SkyTrak into the current generation of launch monitor capability, hence the SkyTrak+. Wearing the tagline “the next evolution is a leap forward”, it brings major advancements to the core SkyTrak technology.

One of the biggest differences is that the ST+ puts much more emphasis on club data thanks to the addition of a dual Doppler radar system. This combines with an improved photometric camera system and machine-learning software to bring the ST+ to a new level of accuracy and comprehensive data measurement.

Other improvements made to the SkyTrak+ include:

• an improved on-board processor for less shot delay
• a roughly 40% larger hitting area
• no special balls or club stickers needed for club data
• enhanced and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
• USB-C connectivity for faster charging
• better outdoor performance
• additional courses in the software

The SkyTrak+ also provides a massively improved Shot Optimizer. You can now compare your numbers for each club to the best players in the world, compare your numbers to players of various skill levels, and get instructional tutorials from top PGA golf professional Nick Clearwater.

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Setting Up The SkyTrak+

The SkyTrak+ comes with the unit itself, USB and USB-C cables, and a wall charger.

The first thing you should do is register your ST+ unit to your account. If you haven’t already, create a new account on the SkyTrak website and register the device’s ESN (Electronic Serial Number) which is located under the barcode on the bottom of the unit.

Once this is done, you can go ahead and download and install the SkyTrak app for PC, iOS or Android. The .exe file for PC and macOS can be downloaded here, and the mobile versions can be retrieved from the Apple and Google Play stores.

Open the software and log in to your SkyTrak account. Then connect the ST+ to your PC or mobile device using either USB, direct or network methods — the USB method is recommended during the initial setup while memberships and licenses are being synced.

Once the ST+ has been successfully configured and paired with your device, all three lights at the top of the unit will turn green, and a red laser dot will be projected onto the ground in front of the unit.

Hitting Area

You can use the ST+ indoors or outdoors on the range. If you’re using it indoors, I strongly recommend a solid hitting mat along with either a net or a screen/enclosure setup with projector.

Take out your longest club (driver) and ensure that you have enough clearance to make a full swing.

Also try to make sure that your space is of the appropriate size which will be dictated by your setup. Indoors, you’ll generally need at least 9 feet of ceiling height, 10 feet of width, and 12 feet of depth.

Positioning

The ST+ unit must sit in front of you as you address your shot, with the front lens facing perpendicular to the target line. I suggest using alignment sticks to verify that the unit is properly aligned with the target.

For right-handed golfers, the unit should be placed on the right side (ahead of you when addressing the ball), and vice versa for left-handed golfers.

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. There is more room for error than the OG SkyTrak thanks to the 40% larger hitting area, but you still need to place the ball (or the base of a tee) on the dot.

In my experience, the ST+ sits a couple inches farther away from the hitting zone than the SkyTrak, which is nice because you don’t feel like it’s crowding your space.

Additional Info

• if you already have a membership with the original SkyTrak, you can migrate that over from within the SkyTrak Clubhouse on the website.
• to keep the ST+ constantly charged even when in use, you’ll need to use the included splitter cable, first plugging it into the unit, then the USB-C to the power adapter, then the USB-A to your PC.
• when you connect your SkyTrak to your device, you may be prompted to install a firmware update. It’s important to let this process play out for optimal functioning of the unit.
• the Lithium-polymer rechargeable battery of the ST+ can last up to five hours on a full charge depending on usage intensity.
• in order for the ST+ to provide the best spin readings, the logo marking on your golf ball should be facing towards the laser.

For full details on setting up and operating the SkyTrak+, I recommend consulting the SkyTrak+ Knowledge Base and Quick Start Guide.

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Parameters & Accuracy

Parameters

The SkyTrak+ measures the following ball data:

• ball speed
• launch angle
• carry distance
• total distance
• back spin
• side spin
• total spin
• side angle
• max height
• descent angle

Thanks to a new dual Doppler radar system, the SkyTrak+ is able to measure the following club data:

• clubhead speed
• club path
• face to path
• face to target

Accuracy

There are a few things I want to say when it comes to accuracy.

First, I was told by Rapsodo that tests have shown that the SkyTrak+ is around 40% more accurate than the original SkyTrak. Take from that what you will, but in my experience having used both units, the ST+ numbers do seem to be a little closer than the truth based on what I get with the EYE XO or GCQuad.

Second, when you compare the SkyTrak+ data to data from a top launch monitor like the FlightScope X3, you should find that the discrepancy is no more than 5% or so. For example, if the X3 is showing a clubhead speed of 78 mph, the ST+ might give a reading of 74-77.

It’s worth noting that it’s difficult to do a direct comparison with the ST+ and another camera-based unit like the GCQuad because both sit in front of you at address. On the other hand, it’s easy to do a direct comparison with a radar-based unit like the Mevo+ or X3.

With the ST+, I find that ball speed tends to be the most accurate, followed by launch angle. Club data tends to be a little less accurate, but it’s still outstanding for a unit at this price point.

Club data seems to be a little more accurate with short irons and wedges. Spin readings are also excellent, usually differing from the X3 by no more than about 100-150 RPMs.

What I’m particularly impressed by is not just the accuracy, but also how reliably the ST+ is able to measure spin and club data without any stickers or special balls required. Even the best units require club markings or stickers, so this is a tremendous feat on Rapsodo’s part.

Outdoor Performance

I also want to comment on using the SkyTrak+ outdoors, as the original SkyTrak was notorious for performing poorly in direct sunlight.

I’m happy to say that outdoor performance has improved significantly with the ST+. Even on a bright, sunny day, with glare on the ball and/or clubface, the ST+ seems to read shots just fine.

You’re obviously going to have the best results in shade or when it’s cloudy out. In such cases, the ST+ is practically just as reliable as any radar launch monitor out there.

In direct sunlight, the ST+ is still very reliable. Tests have indicated only a couple times in a 30-minute hitting session where it failed to pick up the shot, and I assume that can be attributed to the bright light interfering with the visual the camera needs. But it does a very impressive job nonetheless.

It’s also important to note that in order to get these kinds of good results outdoors, you need to be hitting off a mat. Hitting off grass is a no-no because the blades of grass, dirt, and other debris can interfere with the laser and photometric tracking.

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Features

All data and features related to the SkyTrak Plus 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 ST+ 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.

As of early April 2025, users can choose to use Course Play powered by Trackman or Foresight Sports. The brand you choose to power the software will provide access to its vast course library, allowing SkyTrak to add more courses to the software in a much easier and more efficient way.

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
• recreate specific shots and practice hitting them over and over
• choose stroke play or match play modes
• enable lie penalties
• adjust altitude

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 other 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 ST+ 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 full set of club and ball data points will be displayed.

This practice range has gotten a facelift since the days of the original SkyTrak. It now shows a much more detailed set of data at the bottom, including smash factor and the new club data that the ST+ can now measure.

The range now shows 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.

Underneath that, you can see a visual of the position of the club at impact with club path and face to target indicated.

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.

Shot Optimizer

The Shot Optimizer window 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 a 7-iron, it may compare your launch angle, spin and descent angle to optimal ranges of around 16°-23°, 5800-6800 RPM, and 32°-35°, 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 via 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.

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Pricing & Plans

The base SkyTrak Plus launch monitor costs $2495. This includes the unit, power brick and cables. Financing is available.

An official protective shield designed for the SkyTrak+ costs $99.99.

In addition, two software plans are available:

Basic Plan

The ST+ comes bundled with the Basic Practice Range Plan at no extra cost. As implied in the name, this gives you access to the SkyTrak Practice Range with data points and a shot tracer.

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:

• a connector to the Course Play software
• 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.

SkyTrak’s Course Play software, which provides access to at least 31 golf courses from around the world, costs $220/year.

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Where To Buy The SkyTrak+ Online

There are many places where you can buy the SkyTrak+. If you’re looking online, the best places I recommend are:

• PlayBetter
• The Indoor Golf Shop
• Rain or Shine Golf
• Top Shelf Golf

You can choose any of these sellers based on your preferences. They all have excellent support teams that will help you with any questions or concerns you may have, and most of them allow you to add on a software plan with one click.

If you’re interested in the ST+, I highly recommend grabbing it as soon as it’s available because it’s constantly going out of stock due to high demand.

Another thing that’s worth considering is a good net and hitting mat setup. You can even take it to the next level and have a full simulator impact screen & enclosure, with your PC or mobile device connected to a projector. One of the best studios available that uses the ST+ is the SkyTrak+ SIG10.

The buttons below all open in new tabs, so go ahead and click on all of them to compare.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the SkyTrak ST+ continues what the original SkyTrak started, namely providing launch monitor performance similar to the top systems on the market, while making the improvements and additions necessary to bring it into the next generation of launch monitor capability.

You really couldn’t have asked for much more. Compared to the SkyTrak, the ST+ is faster, stronger, more robust, more accurate, measures club data, and offers a refined software experience.

What is perhaps most impressive is that in contrast to even the top launch monitors on the market like the GCQuad and X3, the ST+ doesn’t require club stickers or specially marked balls to measure any data. Simply put your ball on the laser dot, preferably with the ball’s logo facing the laser, and start hitting.

In terms of negatives:

• the shot delay is better but still noticeable, although waiting a second or two to see the ball flight really isn’t a big deal.
• I do find the new Shot Score feature to be a little confusing and just a tad gimmicky, and I would have liked to see more information about how your data compares to other golfers, particularly top pros.
• for SkyTrak to remove all official third-party software integrations is kind of a big deal, as practically all launch monitors these days have at least one. Some won’t like having no choice in that regard, but the in-house solutions are excellent and should be sufficient for the vast majority of users.

As a camera, radar, and optical system all rolled into one, the ST+ delivers tremendous value for just a few thousand dollars. And remember that it’s now viable not just indoors, but on the range as well thanks to the significantly improved outdoor performance.

Just as the original SkyTrak dominated the launch monitor and golf simulator scene for almost a decade, I predict that the SkyTrak+ will be one of the dominant launch monitor offerings for years to come.

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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.