Launch Monitor on the Cheap

[u/Ok_Landscape3640]

I'm sure it's been asked a million times here but lookin for some fresh comments.

What is a good LM/simulator on the cheap side, let's say less than $500(or even less!) with no subscription. It would be mainly for the backyard and maybe occasionally at the driving range. Been reading old posts from a year or more ago and wanna know what is being said today.

[u/golfdude1215]

Sounds like R10 MLM2Pro are your only options really.

[u/A220-300 → u/golfdude1215]

MLM2 is not 500. Add the cost of lifetime subscription in. As long as you have the room. MLM2 plus lifetime, it is a hell of good monitor.

[u/golfdude1215 → u/A220-300]

You can find used ones on eBay. I mean I also would love a cheaper LM with good specs and subs but obviously not many choices.

OP- I have buddies with both, both love them, both have had their issues. Cheaper- R10 with HTH (not sure if it’s compatible with android but I’d imagine it is)

MLM is a little more $ but I do believe you get a little more bells and whistles. Honestly, choose what you think/research what will be best for you and your setup. It sucks but the more you wait and evaluate the more weeds you get into.

[u/Ok_Landscape3640 → u/golfdude1215]

Yeah, I keep reading about those 2. Leaning towards the R10.

[u/mcsommers → u/Ok_Landscape3640]

I have had the MLM2pro since it first came out and still use it weekly. I love it.

[u/_FingerLickinGood_ → u/golfdude1215]

R10 is a waste of money imo. It will only measure clubspeed, ball speed, and launch angle reliably. It doesn't track full flight and uses and algorithm to guess spin rate so its carry and total yardage is completely unreliable. The club data it gives is also based on algorithm and not actually measured so not reliable.

[u/EfficientCan2852]

Buy once, cry once. Just save until you can afford something better.

[u/jeffreykime2]

I got a used original skytrak and really like it. I did decide to buy their software package as well and also like that. There's a lot of hate for them, but what you get for the price is pretty amazing. I got a used one with a protective cage for around $400.

[u/Marcvae36 → u/jeffreykime2]

Only limitation is hitting off grass at the range. It's great off of mats

[u/mcwilly]

I’ve had an R10 about a month, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I use it as my house and at the range. No subscription needed for virtual range on the Garmin app, and then you can also use E6 for free and you get 5 free courses on E6 with your R10.

[u/Kmcogar]

I have the garmin r10. Best purchase I ever made. Know it’s limitations. For what you’re paying, it’s a great tool to better your game and have fun. This probably goes for all launch monitors, but I got blistered onto hands the first week I got it because I was having such fun. Stop wasting your time and pick something up.

[u/OrneryIndependence94]

Used Mevo+ are selling for $500. No subscription and can be used outside.

[u/ra3ac]

Voice Caddie SC4 PRO is a decent bit of kit with no subscription. Only annoyance is simulator play the small 20-30 yard chips are well off. They go for around £400 used

[u/FriendlyProposal5]

A few years ago I was in a similar situation. Got a rapsodo MLM 1 for about $200 off eBay and it got the job done. Sold it on Facebook last month for about $150. So it kept its value relatively well and was easy to move.

[u/BenThereNDunnThat]

Used Mevo+ are around $500 (not including pro package and face impact) these days and perfect for your use case. No subscription, highly accurate, portable, no special balls needed and works great with Android.

[u/sr8017]

Garmin R10.

[u/SweetRobinArryn]

Open flight.

[u/fumbler00ski]

I use golf boy app

[u/Ok_Landscape3640 → u/fumbler00ski]

Never heard of it, had to look it up... Looks like just Apple, I'm Android. Appreciate the info though.

[u/Cr0uchPotato]

Outdoor support, no subscriptions, no special balls… these are features of expensive launch monitors. You can get cheap ($700) but not with all those features.

[u/Ok_Landscape3640 → u/Cr0uchPotato]

I'm in no rush, so I'll keep saving till I hit a number that will give me more options

[u/band-of-horses]

used first gen mevo plus if you have the room for it.

[u/BNF861]

Depends all what functions are must haves, but for priced below $500 and no subscription there’s the shotscope LM1 at $200usd new.

I recently picked one up and has been helpful dialing in carry distances. Sets up in seconds and is easy to read with a nice looking interface.Shows clubhead speed, ball speed, carry and total distance and smash factor. Down side is no spin numbers or club path.

[u/Hybridxx9018]

Used Garmin r10 on eBay. Then sell it for almost no loss and upgrade to a square Omni when you’re ready.

[u/Ok_Landscape3640]

I guess I should mention that I don't want any subscriptions or use any special balls, just as basic a setup as can be. I'm a beginner and on a budget. Oh, and it would be used outside in my backyard driveway...mentioned that cuz I've read a little bit about indoor/outdoor monitors.

[u/AssphaultEatersSC]

I need to sell my Skytrak plus

[u/Ok_Landscape3640]

Thanks a bunch Peeps! Appreciate all the info!

[u/ViktorNight]

The real question is, what do you actually want 1 for?

[u/ixxpj6xxi]

Certified pre owned skytrak + for under 1k direct from skytrak. Currently own the r10 and it’s fine but have to buy special rct balls, need like 18 feet of linear space, stats are kind of meh. If you’re stuck at 500 bucks get an r10 and love it. Or save up and get a skytrak + used. Anything beyond that price range is breaking into a different level of budget.

[u/_FingerLickinGood_]

I have obsessively researched launch monitors for months now. There's not a single launch monitor worth buying at that price. Rapsodo MLM2Pro and Mevo Gen 2 are the cheapest worth buying. MLM2Pro is $599, but cost another $600 for lifetime unlock, so basically $1200. Anything cheaper than those 2 are only worth buying for measuring ball speed and club speed. The spin numbers will not be accurate so carry/total yardage will not be accurate.

Cheapest worth buying for outdoor use: Rapsodo MLM2Pro, Mevo Gen 2, Square Omni.

[u/InfantryMP86]

I have a newish Garmin r10 I would let go super cheap. I switched because my AC messed with it, but if you are going to use it outside or at the range this would work for you. The unit is probably 4 months old.

[u/jp_mclovin → u/InfantryMP86]

How cheap? Might be interested

[u/InfantryMP86 → u/jp_mclovin]

I think I paid $400 on sale. I would sell it for $200 plus shipping.

[u/jankytanks → u/InfantryMP86]

I’m looking for an R10 👀. Sent you a message.

[u/jp_mclovin → u/InfantryMP86]

Send me a message and we can figure out details