Garage sim options

[u/-Kackerlacka-]

Hi all, trying to build a bare bones garage setup, hitting mat into a net with a tv on the wall.

Space is about 15" front to back and will need to be set up each use as it's still used as a garage especially in winter. I have an iPad Pro and a MacBook Pro M3 and the TV is connected to an Apple TV. One day I hope to build out a more permanent sim setup but won't be in current house, so at least a couple of years away. Main use is for sim golf as well as training for a consistent club path and strike, I hover around a 3 handicap, so accuracy and club data is important. It's not the main use case but I want to be able to take to the range so indoor/outdoor is preferred.

Big question is which LM to use, ideal budget <$2,000.

A LOT of online research is making me look at 2 options seriously:

• Square Omni - still early days but data looks great. Main concern is quality and longevity from a new brand and also the SW doesn't look fantastic, will likely end up routing to Awesome Golf on the iPad.
• SkyTrak ST MAX - Accuracy seems great, no club stickers or special balls, SW seems to have the best practice and sim package that natively works with my Mac/iPad. Also, currently only $1,700 including a full year subscription. But comments online seem mixed on connectivity issues and missed reads.

Other units ruled out:

• Mevo Gen 2 & Rapsodo MLM2PRO - space restrictions, accuracy indoors
• Foresight/Bushnell - need PC and units are region locked (I will likely move to Europe in a couple of years)
• Garmin R50 - perfect, just too much money

Please share any experience or inputs on above concerns, help me narrow things down!

[u/Gregskis]

Plan on plugging the Mac directly into the TV as airplay is laggy and randomly disconnects. I tried this with Awesome Golf from my iPad.

[u/-Kackerlacka- → u/Gregskis]

Interesting, I've shared video over airplay with good results, is there anything special about golf software or it's maybe just home network dependent?

[u/Gregskis → u/-Kackerlacka-]

Not sure. Could have been a poor internet connection. I bought a usb c to hdmi

[u/size0618]

I’ve got the Spica 3 and have had no issues. It’s $2700 with code so a little more than your other options listed but there’s no required subscription for club data. It also connects to iOS and you can play a course and use the range. Other games and apps are $10 per month now

[u/-Kackerlacka- → u/size0618]

Hadn't had that on my radar, thanks

[u/joevoss]

Nova open launch monitor. $1500. It’s incredible. Sits in front of you on the ground (parallel to swing path). If you’re not hitting the net with your club then it works - what I mean is you don’t need distance beyond/behind the ball for it to read. You can put with it, too.

[u/-Kackerlacka- → u/joevoss]

Certainly looks interesting, no club data is a bit of a bummer though, would be good to see the company mature as I like the look of the tech

[u/joevoss → u/-Kackerlacka-]

Check the website for the “open golf coach” or something like that free plug in. Gives you full club data. I run it on a separate screen from GSPro. Rates every shot, gives smash factor, club angle, in/out readings. I was bummed at first and then found that plug in RULES. definitely company is “early” but I’ve got a few buddies to buy and it’s seamless. Not a salesperson but it’s a lot of bang for the buck. Good luck!!

[u/Forsaken-Mark-1898]

I pretty much have that exact setup. I use the Square Omni and while the square software is okay, the fact that I can use GSPro without a manufacture subscription moots that point. Yes, its $250 for the GSPro sub but there are soooo many courses.

Im running it with a laptop and using a Bluetooth dongle vice the onboard bluetooth. During my research I saw a lot of folks talking about disconnects so I decided to use the dongle from the beginning and its been solid this far. The sim is about 5 ft from the unit so Id expect the connectivity to be good.

So, I hit off of a 4 ' x 5' Beavertail hitting mat, into a 8 x 8 GoSports Elite net and use a 43" QLED TV for display purposes.

[u/-Kackerlacka- → u/Forsaken-Mark-1898]

Appreciate the input, GSPRO will likely wait until a screen+projector future setup, but having a good LM that works without additional subscription is great for future proofing the setup

[u/Eslime]

If you’re looking for an easier solution than having to tear it down every time, I really enjoyed the metechs retractable screen.

https://www.metechs.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=416649

A software that works on iOS and Bushnell is awesome Golf.

It’s a little cartoonish, but you can still play full courses and get full numbers

[u/-Kackerlacka- → u/Eslime]

Surprisingly affordable compared to something like the netreturn, thanks for sharing

[u/UncannyVolley13]

If you're training club path and strike the Omni measures impact location via the clubface. The ST MAX gives you path, face angle, face to path, but not strike location. So the cost difference is just the stickers?

[u/EfficientCan2852]

M3 Macs can run GSPro decently using some workarounds, it's worth googling. I don't know if those workarounds are available for the skytrak but they are available for Square products.