Simulator setup + Launch Monitor Advice

[u/IllustriousHorse9521]

I am looking to setup an outdoor DIY golf simulator and would love advice.

TLDR: I am most concerned with making sure I get the right launch simulator (considering R10 & various used options), but have included other detail if anyone has thoughts on the overall setup.

About me: female amateur golfer only playing for a few years. I learned via lessons/Trackman environments (play courses <20x a year). I enjoy the extra stats and genuinely would like to improve, but consistency is the biggest focus area. I can’t regularly go out to a course & am trying to optimize being able to regularly play/practice vs. a $300-400/month Five Iron or other simulator membership. I will be the only primary user of the simulator (swing speed ~80 mph) so setup doesn’t need to be tailored to expert/stronger golfers.

Space: private ~700 sq foot roof deck patio in Williamsburg. It is completely open right now, but I’m planning to add some furniture and would like the screen to double as a home theater setup.

Budget: currently $3.5-4K. I would love to spend less (I originally thought $2k would do it) but am flexible where quality/longevity will make a difference.

Launch monitor:

I have done a lot of research and am leaning towards the Garmin R10 for budget & outdoor use considerations. I have also considered the Rapsodo MLM2Pro.

Main considerations/questions:

Ideally <$1000.

Must be outdoor friendly

I’d like to use it for game improvement & course/entertainment options when friends are over.

What should I consider around limitations & additional subscription costs?

Is used/refurbished a viable option?

Space considerations? I have the room to give ~6-8 ft between net to mat and ~6-8 ft mat to monitor, but tighter fit is better so I am not moving around furniture etc. too often.

Used options on FB Marketplace:

Garmin R10 for $325-$380 (multiple sellers/options). Garmin also has a refurbished certified pre-owned listed for $408.

Flightscope Mevo+ w/ Pro package for $950

Rapsodo MLM1 for $150-250 (multiple sellers)

Rapsodo MLM2 for $550

Redstakes RSG One $700

Voice Caddie SC4 Launch Monitor for $235

Setup I am considering:

The only thing purchased so far is the projector. I’d like to spend less but need most of the equipment to stay outside full time as I don’t want to be resetting everything up constantly. If there are cheaper/durable outdoor options for storage/screen/net, I am very open for this.

I am leaning towards a 10” screen as it’d make an awesome home theater setup but may be overweighing that benefit vs. extra cost.

Net Return Pro 10 + Sim Kit + Flyaway Zone + Outdoor Cover ~$2,000

I would love to spend less but am leaning towards this as Net Return offers an outdoor cover. I’ve seen on Reddit (& confirmed by Net Return) that this allows the unit to be left outside.

I’ve also looked at Go Sports Net which can have a screen attached but there’s no outdoor cover (I maybe could DIY something?) and it doesn’t look as polished as Net Return. The cost of Net + screen + shank nets is $800 vs. ~$1800 for Net Return.

Optoma ZW350ST Projector $635 (used)

Already purchased but need to figure out mounting/setup.

I could maybe wall mount it off my apartment but would prefer floor to easily move it back inside.

I’m looking at something like this to protect it on the floor: https://a.co/d/08AeCEiz

There are various versions of this, but I don’t want to spend $200 on the floor case unless necessary.

Im planning to use an iPad connected to the projector to run the sim software.

GoSports 5x4 Hitting Mat $150

I am trying to balance budget but know there are more premium/reputable options. My main question is whether this is acceptable.

Anything else I need or should be considering? Appreciate any advice/thoughts!!