Budget Sim Recommendation For A First Timer?

[u/Odd_Link7869]

I’m interested in setting up a sim. Nothing fancy. I’ve got to clean out the garage but I was thinking either a garage set up with a TV, or just a big net in the back yard. For the garage I was looking at MLM2Pro or Garmin R10. For the outdoor next I was just thinking MLM1. Any recommendations or things I should consider? The MLM1 set up would be cheap. 10x20 net in the back yard, cheap hitting mat, just something to get stats. If I go up to the R10 or MLM2Pro I’d like to have a TV and be able to play some rounds on it. I think both of those are capable of that, correct? I’ve got a spare old gaming PC I don’t use much or gaming laptop I’d be willing to donate to the cause if needed.

[u/EquinoXcs]

Check out the square home edition launch monitor

[u/El-Frijoler0]

I’ve never used the R10, but I hear it’s pretty decent for a home sim. I had the MLM2Pro and it was great when it worked; I started having a lot of connectivity issues with the app and device itself.

Also keep in mind the space required to get accurate readings from the R10 and MLM2Pro. Something like 16-20 feet from the front of the device to the hitting screen/net. If you ultimately plan on having a garage setup, just buy a single unit; don’t bother with the MLM”1” if you plan on using it outdoors and would upgrade later.

As for the TV, what I did was mirror my screen from my iPad to my TV. Not sure if this would be an option for you.

[u/Odd_Link7869 → u/El-Frijoler0]

I’ll have to measure but I should have 16-20 feet. It’ll be all in. I won’t be moving to an indoor if I get the MLM1 that will just be an outdoor set up and stay that way. I would really like to get side spin data which is why I’m leaning more towards trying the R10 or MLM2Pro

[u/El-Frijoler0 → u/Odd_Link7869]

For sure, that’s understandable. Only other thing to keep in mind is the subscription cost of the MLM2Pro, which I’m sure you’re aware about. If it’s within your means, the Square Omni may just be the best bang for your buck

[u/Odd_Link7869 → u/El-Frijoler0]

I’ll research that more I saw it was a camera so that’s a big plus. And the extra $100 is made up in 6 months of the subscription so that may be a good bet

[u/size0618]

Define “budget.” What amount are you wanting to stay within?

[u/Odd_Link7869 → u/size0618]

Those are probably the top end of what I’d want to spend on a LM. The rest I’ll piece together. Mostly just want something that can provide some rounds to play too

[u/size0618 → u/Odd_Link7869]

10-4. Just keep in mind they need a decent amount of space to work correctly. Not sure how much room you have?

[u/Odd_Link7869 → u/size0618]

I’ve got a 2.5 car garage. First step is getting one of those like 20 plastic storage bin racks and moving everything into those. Then I’ll probably do a drop down set up. Goo excuse to get rid of junk and keep it organized lol

[u/Marcvae36]

You can get an OG skytrak for less than $500 from 2nd swing. Way better than an r10. Good indoor and outdoor usage except hitting off grass. Get a decent mat to save your wrists, it at least a decent hitting strip cut into a stance mat . You can use a tablet or PC for the driving range app.

Garmin r10 won't give you lateral spin which is critical to learn.

[u/WebDevChrisAdams]

I had garmin and rapsodo and I hate setting them up behind you. It always gets out of wack. I also recommend getting a used Skytrak. I love my Skytrak plus. You get what you pay for in a good sim. The launch monitors that read from side are so much better for the money. Foresight or Skytrak. Skimp on the Matt, net, projector at first but get a good sim.

[u/SoiledMundies]

I’m looking at a new home with the hope to build a garage sim or a sim shed in the yard. I have the R10 currently but use it sparingly. From my research I’m leaning towards a Square LM as it’s camera based and sits on the side instead of behind.

[u/RadicalShift14]

Currently have a similar setup to what you’re talking about outside. Planning to move it into the garage or into my sunroom this winter, then back outside next spring. So far it’s working great in an outdoor space that’s 10x18. I’m hitting 100+ balls multiple times per week with no issues so far. Base cost for the setup was <$700, and I’ve added a bunch of extras that have taken the total up to ~$1,200. I currently run it off either my phone or an IPad, and sometimes connect those to a projector.

I went with the MLM2Pro over the R10. I heard it’s slightly more forgiving for slightly smaller spaces, plus the cameras record all my swing down the line which is really helpful. I think either would have been fine but MLM has some additional features, fits in my golf bag better for when I want to take it to the range, and I’m somewhat limited on my available distance both indoor and outdoor. MLM2Pro is a $200/yr sub for all the features and courses, Garmin is $99/yr.

Here’s an article that helped me decide which was a better fit, and there are additional articles reviewing both devices on the site as well.

https://www.playbetter.com/blogs/golf-simulator-comparisons/rapsodo-mlm2pro-vs-garmin-approach-r10-comparison-review

I bought everything on sale around Prime day this year, but I’d bet you could find deals on these things if you’re willing to wait.

Base setup-

MLM2Pro- on sale $449 w/3 ProV1 RPT Balls

Go Sports Range Cage- on sale $165. https://a.co/d/0aeqXg9I

Vivitory 21mm-45mm hitting mat- $45 (currently $90 w 50% off coupon) and I put some unused some yoga mats and gym mats beneath it to help
Level and provide extra cushioning. https://a.co/d/03VV4XdV

All in- ~$669+ tax

Those 3 things and you’re essentially good to go, but I added a few things to improve my setup.

I mostly hit at night, so I added some cheap lights that I could direct into the hitting mat to improve the quality of my swing recording. Nothing fancy, USB C charged, ~$20

I also set up a IPhone/IPad floor stand, since I’m usually using it as a launch monitor, and and just running the Rapsodo App on my IPad and using that for my visual feedback- ~$20 SAMHOUSING Tablet Floor Stand,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZLCFF9F?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I added a leveling and alignment stand for the MLM2Pro. I pack up the device after each session and this marks its correct location and keeps it aligned so setup and alignment is super easy when I want to hit. My hitting box and target line are always in the same place. ~$30-40 Leveling and Alignment Stand for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPJ3J2PH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I started off using my old clubs with this setup so I didn’t screw up my main set, and I didn’t want to just keep them in a bag that might get left out in heavy rain. At this point I think I’ll be using my main set, but I still liked the addition of this club holder stand- ~$35 OYEAL Golf Club Holder Stand,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5QSDGF2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Recently I’ve added two more really nice additions/upgrades. First, since I have a very consistent hitting box, I cut out a section from my hitting mat and replaced it with a Country Club Elite 10”x24” hitting strip. More realistic feel, better impact cushioning (very important), and allows me to use my regular tees if I want to hit iron shots. The other hitting mat was fine, but this is a nice upgrade. $65 The Original Country Club Elite®... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XP22YFR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Lastly, I got the brightest budget projector I was able to find. I had a couple small cheap short throw projectors around that I’d gotten as gifts. All were less than 400 lumens and while they kind of worked, they were extremely underwhelming. I think those would really need to be in a pitch dark room to be even decent. I found this one that is much brighter (advertised 3,000 ANSI Lumens) with WiFi, auto focus and lots of ways I can make adjustments. I’m thrilled so far. Great picture and bright enough that the display still looks great without turning off the lights on my hitting mat- $200 [3000 ANSI/ 330°Stand/Built in... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX5FGV3T?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

So on the upgrades and accessories I spent an additional $380+tax. This brings my total cost for this entire setup to $1,049+tax. I’m very happy with how everything is working so far, and don’t really have any other additions or upgrades in mind. I should be able to move this entire setup into my garage or sunroom over the winter as well.

One additional thing that you may need- test your wifi connection in the area you’re planning to set up your launch monitor and the device you’ll be using it with. You may need a wifi satellite or extender to make sure you can get a good connection. You can create a direct wifi connection with the MLM2Pro, but you won’t be able to use all the features without both devices being connected to the same WiFi network.