If you've ever wondered how to improve your game with precision, the Launch Monitor Golf are tools that have revolutionized the way we analyze and perfect our swing.
What is a launch monitor (golf radar)?
It's a device that analyzes various aspects of your swing and ball flight, providing data such as clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and distance. This information allows you to better understand your performance and identify areas for improvement.
How do they work?
There are mainly two technologies used in these devices:
- Doppler radar: It emits radio waves that bounce off the moving ball, allowing parameters such as the speed and trajectory of the ball to be measured.
- Optical Systems (Cameras): They use high-speed cameras to capture images of the impact and the early stages of the ball's flight, analyzing aspects such as spin and launch angle.
Benefits of using the launch monitor
- Instant Feedback: You get real-time data on every shot, making it easy to make immediate adjustments to your technique.
- Detailed Analysis: Allows you to break down every aspect of your swing, from club speed to ball spin, giving you a deep understanding of your performance.
- Practice AnywhereMany instructors are portable, allowing you to practice both indoors and outdoors, adapting to your needs and schedule.
- Improved AccuracyBy identifying and correcting specific flaws in your swing, you can increase the consistency and accuracy of your shots.
Comparison of 5 Launch Monitor (Mid-range/affordable golf radar)
I've rounded up the 5 most popular and affordable models on the market right now: Garmin Approach R10, FlightScope Mevo, Rapsodo MLM, Voice Caddie SC300i and PRGR HS-130AAll of them are geared toward the amateur player who wants reliable data without having to sell a kidney like with TrackMan or GCQuad.
| Model | Precision | Portability | Ease of Use | Battery | Mobile App | Approximate Price (USD) | The best | Worst |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin R10 | Good, although somewhat limited in spin | Very good (light) | Very simple, plug & play | 10 hours | Very complete (sim mode) | 600€ | Simulator + complete data in app | Requires space and good light |
| FlightScope Mevo | Accurate in speed and distance | Excellent (fits in the palm of your hand) | Easy but somewhat technical app | 4-5 hours | Correct, allows videos | 350€ | Portability + video analysis | It doesn't measure spin if you don't use reflective tapes |
| Rapsodo MLM | Very good with light and good background | Very good | Requires iPhone/iPad | According to mobile | Top (video + tracer) | 320€ | Spectacular app with real-time tracer | iOS only, does not measure spin |
| Voice Caddie SC300i | Fairly accurate (best outdoors) | Something bigger | Very easy, no complications | 10-12 hours | Basic, but useful | 375€ | You don't need a mobile phone, data on screen | Little app, no video |
| PRGR HS-130A | Solid for swing speed, estimated carry | The most compact | Super simple, no app | +20 hours (batteries) | Does not have | 235€ | Price + extreme ease | No app or detailed data |
🔧 What data do these monitors offer?
Before I show you the table with the data, let me briefly define each thing:
Swing Speed
It's simply how fast you swing the club when you hit it. Imagine how much "push" you put into your swing with your arms and body.
Ball Speed
It's the speed at which the ball "takes off" just after hitting it. Basically, how fast the ball flies from the point of impact.
Carry
It refers to the distance the ball travels in the air before hitting the ground. That is, how far it "flies" without bouncing.
Total
It is the final distance the ball reaches, adding up what it flew in the air and what it rolled on the grass after falling.
Smash Factor
It's a way of measuring how "efficient" your shot was. If your swing is powerful and you use your power well, your smash factor increases.
Spin
It's the spin the ball has as it travels. It can cause the ball to slow, curve, or bounce in different ways depending on the direction and amount of spin.
The video's topic is whether the device has a screen where you can see your shots or not, and the Simulator aspect is that the Garmin has a golf simulator mode. So, now that you know what the values correspond to, I'll tell you the extent of each one:
| Model | Swing Speed | Ball Speed | Carry | Total | Smash Factor | Spin | Video | Simulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin R10 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅* | ✅ | ✅ (Garmin + E6 sim mode) |
| Mevo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅* | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rapsodo MLM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| SC300i | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| PRGR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
*Note: Mevo and Garmin can calculate spin, but the Accuracy is improved with reflective tape or under ideal conditions.
Your golf swing recorded in slow motion. Do you have it?
🎥 Rapsodo MLM
- ✅ Yes, and it is spectacular.
- Use the camera on your iPhone or iPad to record your swing and overlay the data in real time, including TopTracer-type ball tracing.
- You can watch replays, pause, rewind… all directly from the app.
- ❗ Only works with devices iOS (no Android, for now).
🎥 FlightScope Mevo
- ✅ Yeah.
- The app allows you to record your swing with your phone while displaying data on the screen. You can also overlay metrics like speed and carry.
- It doesn't include a flight tracer (unless you use external software), but you can analyze it in detail with slow motion.
- Works with iOS and Android.
🎥 Garmin R10
- ✅ Yeah.
- You can record your swings from the app Garmin Golf and match it with data from each shot. Very useful if you're comparing different swing types.
- Has simulator mode also, but the video itself is captured with your mobile phone.
💬 The moment to choose (if you need advice)
- 🎯 Looking for something serious without spending €2,000? Garmin R10 or Mevo. Especially if you train at home and want consistent data and a simulator.
- 🎥 Do you love watching your swing on video with tracer and data? Rapsodo. A great app, although limited on Android.
- 🎮 Don't you want to complicate your life? Voice Caddie SC300i. Small screen, wireless, and basic data without relying on your phone.
- 💸 Are you on a tight budget but want to know your swing speed? PRGR. Surprisingly reliable for the price.
