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The Uneekor EYE MINI was just one of many hot new launch monitor releases for the 2023 season, making its debut at the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida.
A highly anticipated launch monitor, the EYE MINI is designed to pack the proven and successful EYE XO engine into a sleek and portable design that can be used on-the-go, indoors or outdoors.
In this Uneekor EYE MINI 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 EYE MINI perform? How does it compare to Uneekor’s ceiling-mounted offerings as well as other portable launch monitors like the GC3? 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 Uneekor EYE MINI?
- Setting Up The EYE MINI
- Parameters & Accuracy
- Features
- Third-Party Simulation
- Pricing
- Where To Buy The EYE MINI Online
- Final Thoughts
Ready to try the EYE MINI 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 EYE MINI?
Uneekor’s ceiling-mounted launch monitors, the QED and EYE XO, have been critically acclaimed as two of the top launch monitors on the market since their releases in 2019 and 2020.
These launch monitors had one major limitation, however: they could only be used indoors as part of a fixed golf simulator setup. Naturally, there was a desire and a need to be able to utilize Uneekor’s successful camera technology in a portable floor unit that could be used indoors or outdoors.
This led to the development of the EYE MINI, Uneekor’s first portable launch monitor.
The EYE MINI utilizes a similar tracking system to the EYE XO, with two high-speed infrared cameras that can operate in low-light conditions and record at thousands of frames per second.
These cameras measure an array of ball and club data parameters, and they pave the way for Uneekor’s Club Optix technology which allows you to view slow-motion closeups of the club impacting the ball. Unlike the overhead view you get with the QED and EYE XO, with the EYE MINI, you get an entirely new Optix angle from the front.
The EYE MINI also features an E Ink onboard display which shows six ball parameters and four club parameters after every shot. This special display resembles ink on printer paper and produces minimal glare, has low power consumption, and is easy on the eyes.
In addition to measuring ball and club data, the EYE MINI is compatible with the best simulation software on the market including GSPro, E6 CONNECT, and TGC 2019. It also comes with in-house software called View which offers a 3D driving range and various performance analysis features.
Setting Up The EYE MINI
Setting up the EYE MINI is easy, although I would have appreciated more detail and better organization in the setup instructions that Uneekor provided.
Connections
The first thing you should do is plug the EYE MINI into an outlet and make sure the battery is fully charged. The battery level can be checked in the Status menu on the display. Then, do the following:
- Download the Uneekor Launcher software on your PC using the download link provided by Uneekor.
- Create a myUneekor account.
- In the Uneekor Launcher, go to Devices, select Ethernet in the drop-down menu, and hit Select.
Next, go to Settings on the EYE MINI display and set the Ethernet to Static. Connect the included Ethernet cable from the back of the EYE MINI to your PC. In the Uneekor Launcher, go to Devices and hit Connect.
You can alternatively connect the Ethernet cable to the LAN port on a router or network switch instead of a PC. In this case, the Ethernet setting on the EYE MINI display should be set to Dynamic.
If you want to use the View app on an iPad or iPhone, go to Menu on the EYE MINI display and scan the QR code with the camera of your mobile device. Join the EYE MINI network, and then download the View app for iOS.
Positioning
The hitting zone (‘Ready Zone’) of the EYE MINI is 12″ wide x 8″ long. The unit should:
- be placed approximately 15.75 inches away from the ball
- be placed on a level surface that is not tilted
- be facing perpendicular to the target line within 10 degrees either way
- be level with the hitting surface; for example, if the ball sits on a hitting mat, the bottom of the EYE MINI should be at the same level as the mat
Once the positioning is taken care of, you’ll need to align the EYE MINI.
Go to the Alignment mode on the display and align two golf balls 10-20 inches apart on the target line. Once you see a check mark on top of each of the two balls, hit Apply. The EYE MINI is now aligned and ready to take shots.
Additional Notes
- the EYE MINI comes with a removeable rubber boot that can be used to cover the USB, Ethernet and power ports on the back of the unit when taking it out to the range
- the battery life of the EYE MINI is 5-6 hours
- the EYE MINI should be kept out of environments with high levels of humidity, smoke or dust
- the EYE MINI license will need to be re-validated every 90 days by connecting the device to the internet
- you should not use any power adapter with the EYE MINI other than the one supplied with the device
- the EYE MINI can connect to Wi-Fi to download system updates and revalidate the license
- club stickers (included) must be applied to your clubs in order to get club data from the EYE MINI
Note that the Uneekor Launcher is now the convenient all-in-one hub for everything related to Uneekor launch monitors including the EYE MINI. From the launcher you can access the View software, connect to third party solutions, and manage all devices including accessories.
For more information on the EYE MINI unit, its setup, how to apply the club stickers, and more, consult the user manual. If you need help during any part of the setup process, you can reach out to support@uneekor.com.
Parameters & Accuracy
Parameters
The EYE MINI can measure 11 total data parameters. The ball data is:
- ball speed
- carry distance
- back spin
- side spin
- launch angle
- side angle
- side distance
After applying club stickers, the following club data is measured:
- clubhead speed
- angle of attack
- smash factor
- club path
In addition, through the View software for PC or iOS, the following parameters are calculated:
- angle of descent
- apex (peak height)
- distance to apex
- flight time
- run
Accuracy
Just how accurate is the EYE MINI?
Let me first say that I was able to test the unit on its own without any direct comparison to something like the EYE XO or Foresight Sports GC3 — in fact, comparing it with the GC3 shot for shot is very difficult because the infrared in each unit interferes with each other.
However, I have used the QED and EYE XO enough to where I know what my numbers should be with those systems. It is generally accepted that the accuracy of the EYE XO is very close to the GCQuad which is considered one of the most accurate launch monitors on the market.
I am pleased to say that with the EYE MINI, my numbers are pretty much exactly what I would expect from the EYE XO. This is not surprising considering that the EYE MINI uses the same tracking engine, but it’s also a relief for me because the EYE MINI basically half the cost of the EYE XO.
As for the GC3, even though direct shot comparisons are not really feasible, my experience is that data readings are within a couple percent of each other. I really struggle to find a noticeable difference in accuracy between the two.
The bottom line is that the accuracy of the EYE MINI is comparable to the top launch monitors on the market, so you’re getting serious performance here.
Features
Display
The E Ink display of the EYE MINI launch monitor is not a touchscreen. Instead, it’s controlled with six rubber buttons which are shown in the diagram below:
After powering on the unit, it will begin searching for a golf ball in the hitting zone. The tabs at the bottom of the screen are:
- Data: displays the club and ball data for each shot; this view can be customized through numerous settings
- Putting: increases the sensitivity of the cameras; this should be turned on when putting
- Align: goes into align mode for calibrating the EYE MINI to the target
- Menu: accesses target alignment, settings, battery Life, Wi-Fi and Ethernet status, software updates, and details about your EYE MINI unit
This display is backlit, and I find it easy to read outdoors which is great.
View/Refine/Refine+ Software
View is the base software that comes with the EYE MINI. In addition to a PC version, it’s now also available for iOS so that golfers can use it on the go when they take their unit outdoors.
When you first start up the View software, you’ll be prompted to select a club. The main interface looks like this:
Some of the different tabs you can access on the top (or on the left for PC) include:
- Front: view your shot trajectories in a simulated environment with data measurements underneath.
- Side-Top: see the positions and shapes of your shots from the top and side.
- Group: get an overhead look of where your shots ended up with their dispersion patterns.
- Club: view all your club data in visual form with slow-motion video of the club impacting the ball and the impact location on the club face.
- Shot: get a breakdown of the session, displaying the measured data for each shot in tabular form.
Let’s take a closer look at the Club tab:
Here, you get an up-close visual of how your clubface was oriented at impact, informed by data parameters like club path, launch angle, and spin. This is similar to what you get with the QED and EYE XO.
What is unique to the EYE MINI, however, is the Club Optix slow-motion view of the club impacting the ball (on the right in above image). The QED and EYE XO have these, but those are from a top-down perspective; the EYE MINI’s side view gives you a whole new insight into how your ball impacts your clubface.
One of the biggest benefits of this particular Optix perspective is that you can easily see if you hit your shot fat by catching the turf before the ball.
The Refine software upgrade introduces a whole new set of features, namely course play. Here’s an example driving range in Refine:
There are five courses, multiplayer with up to six players, three driving ranges, a short game training mode, challenges, an on-course practice mode, and various practice modules.
After each shot in Refine, you can bring up the full gamut of measured data parameters along with the slow-motion Optix view.
The Refine+ upgrade (formerly Succeed) adds 15 additional non-US golf courses based in Asia.
You can also benefit from Swing Optix which allows for multi-angle video capture with slow-motion playback and drawing tools. Additional cameras are sold separately; you can purchase Uneekor’s special Swing Optix cameras or use third-party solutions.
Third-Party Simulation
Currently, the EYE MINI launch monitor officially supports third-party golf simulation with E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, 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. With the EYE MINI, you can purchase the full PC version and get:
- 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.
The Golf Club 2019
The Golf Club 2019 (PC only) is best known for its massive course selection. More than that, it has plenty of features, and the fact that is was originally a video game ported to simulators means it has great graphics, sound and lighting.
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.
GSPro
In most golfing communities today, the general consensus is that GSPro is the best third-party software to use for golf simulators.
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.
Pricing
The base price of the EYE MINI launch monitor is $4500. This includes a power cable, Ethernet cable, tweezers, and carrying case with strap, along with:
- View software for PC
- View iPad app
- a three-month trial to the Pro Package
The EYE MINI is being sold in the following packages:
- Player Package ($4500): 1 profile and 15 sessions per profile
- Pro Package ($4500+$199/yr): 5 profiles, 100 sessions per profile, 500 Power U reports, 3rd party connectivity
- Champion Package ($4500+$399/yr): 50 profiles, 500 sessions per profile, 1000 Power U reports, 3rd party connectivity, Refine+ software
- Legend Package ($4500+$1999): same as Champion package
Upgrades to the Refine and Refine+ software cost an extra $1000 and $2000, respectively.
Here are the current prices (subject to change) associated with the third-party software options that are compatible with the EYE MINI:
- E6 CONNECT: $300/year (basic) or $600/year (expanded) or $2500 one time
- The Golf Club 2019: $950
- 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.
What I Recommend
In most cases, I do not recommend the Champion Package. If you unlock third party connectivity with the Pro Package, that’s generally going to be more than sufficient for your software needs.
On the other hand, the Legend Package is viable because you’re unlocking the full functionality (and the Refine+ software) for a one-time fee. This would mean you don’t have to pay an annual subscription to use the EYE MINI unless it’s required from a third-party provider that you’re using.
One case where the Champion Package could be a good option is if you don’t foresee yourself using the EYE MINI for more than five years, which would keep the accumulated cost below that of the Legend Package.
Where To Buy The EYE MINI Online
If you’re looking online, the best places I would recommend to buy the Uneekor EYE MINI are The Indoor Golf Shop, Rain or Shine Golf, and Top Shelf Golf.
Each allow you to upgrade to the Refine and Refine+ software with a couple of clicks, and you can get most of the third-party software from them also.
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.
Another thing that’s worth considering if you plan to use the EYE MINI indoors is a good net and hitting mat setup. You can even take it to the next level and have a full simulator screen & enclosure, with your iPad or PC connected to a projector.
The buttons below all open in new tabs, so go ahead and click on all of them to compare.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Uneekor EYE MINI is an extremely strong launch monitor offering and a viable competitor to the Foresight Sports GC3.
The accuracy is pretty much just as good as the EYE XO and GC3, but in the case of the EYE MINI, you’re only paying $4500.
Many people don’t like the fact that you need a subscription to enable third-party connectivity, unlike the GC3 which comes with the FSX software suite no-strings-attached. However, given the quality of the EYE MINI, the parameters measured, the Optix slow-motion view, and the excellent third-party compatibility, I still think it’s at a pretty terrific cost value.
It’s worth noting that for a $1999 one-time payment, you can permanently enable third-party connectivity and Refine+, essentially giving you an “unlocked” EYE MINI equipped with full-fledged simulation software. This brings the cost to $6499 which is still cheaper than the other launch monitors mentioned.
When it comes to a portable floor unit that is a step up from the SkyTrak and Mevo+, I think the EYE MINI is pretty difficult to pass up.
The major cost savings of the EYE MINI also give you a lot of leeway to create an awesome golf simulator setup with an enclosure, impact screen, projector, hitting mat, and more.
Thanks for reading my Uneekor EYE MINI review. Are you interested in the EYE MINI? Have you tried it already? What’s your experience? Tell us about it in the comments below.
