When it comes to affordable golf simulators, the SkyTrak Plus has become a go-to choice for golfers who want to elevate their practice sessions at home.
Known for its accuracy, user-friendly design, and versatility, SkyTrak+ takes another leap forward with its 5.0 software update, which includes the long-anticipated Course Play feature.
This review covers everything you need to know about the SkyTrak Plus—from setup and usability to detailed features, performance, and comparisons with competitors.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
When you unbox the SkyTrak Plus, the high-quality experience starts right away. It features a sleek design with easy-to-read indicators for power, WiFi, and device status. While it lacks the rugged build of competitors like the Bushnell Launch Pro, the SkyTrak Plus is compact and ideal for indoor use.
The box includes:
- SkyTrak+ launch monitor
- USB-C cables for PC connectivity and charging
- QuickStart Guide
- Nylon pouch for cable storage
Despite being lightweight, the SkyTrak Plus feels sturdy and is designed for durability, though it is optimized for indoor settings.
Setting Up SkyTrak Plus: Seamless for All Platforms
One of the best aspects of the SkyTrak Plus is its multi-platform compatibility—whether you use iOS, Android, or PC. Setup is straightforward, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
Steps for Setup:
- Create a SkyTrak account.
- Download the SkyTrak software for mobile or PC.
- Bind your e6 Connect account (optional for simulator use).
- Install the latest firmware.
- Pair the device via USB-C or WiFi.
The entire process takes around an hour. While USB-C is more stable for PC users, the WiFi connection works well, though users with iPads without cellular data may need to toggle between SkyTrak’s WiFi and their home network.
Key Features: What Makes SkyTrak+ Stand Out?
1. Camera-Based Accuracy
The SkyTrak Plus uses a high-speed camera instead of traditional Doppler radar, offering more accurate readings in smaller indoor spaces. This is ideal for home setups where space may be limited.
2. Dual Doppler Radar
The inclusion of Dual Doppler Radar technology adds the ability to track club data—like clubhead speed and club path—in addition to ball data. This feature puts SkyTrak+ in the same league as more expensive options like the GCQuad.
3. Game Improvement Features
To maximize your experience, subscribing to the Game Improvement package ($129.99/year) unlocks valuable features such as:
- Bag Mapping
- Skills Assessment
- Wedge Matrix
The Wedge Matrix mode helps fine-tune your short game by tracking multiple wedge swings (full, ¾, half, and quarter swings) and providing data to improve performance.
4. Shot Optimizer
The Shot Optimizer feature helps analyze your shots and identify areas for improvement, displaying the optimal ranges of launch angle, spin, and descent angle for different clubs.
Course Play: The Game-Changer in the 5.0 Software Update
With the 5.0 software update, SkyTrak Plus now offers built-in Course Play—a highly requested feature. For an additional $220/year (on top of the Game Improvement package), you can access 30 famous golf courses, including Pebble Beach.
The Course Play feature is exclusive to PC for now, though you can still access e6 Connect on mobile. With smooth gameplay and high-quality graphics, the new Course Play feature enhances the overall simulation experience.
Performance: How Accurate Is the SkyTrak+?
Accuracy is critical for any launch monitor, and the SkyTrak Plus performs impressively, holding its own against top-tier devices like the Trackman and GCQuad. It measures data points such as:
- Ball speed
- Club speed
- Launch angle
- Spin rate
- Carry distance
In particular, GolfTec now uses the SkyTrak Plus for club fittings, underscoring its reliability. However, one drawback is the slightly inflated side carry distances compared to Trackman, which can affect performance in simulated rounds.
SkyTrak Plus vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
- SkyTrak Plus vs. Mevo Plus: The SkyTrak Plus outperforms Mevo Plus in setup simplicity, and its camera-based system is more adaptable to indoor use. However, the Mevo Plus offers more detailed metrics for putting, which the SkyTrak lacks.
- SkyTrak Plus vs. Bushnell Launch Pro: While the Bushnell Launch Pro boasts superior build quality and durability, the SkyTrak Plus wins in terms of software and ease of use. Plus, with lower subscription costs, SkyTrak+ offers a better overall value for the price.
Subscription Costs: Is SkyTrak+ Worth the Price?
Priced at $2,995, the SkyTrak Plus sits comfortably in the mid-range for golf simulators. Here’s a breakdown of subscription options:
- Basic Plan (Free): Access to the practice range with essential metrics.
- Game Improvement Plan ($129.99/year): Includes Bag Mapping, Skills Assessment, and Wedge Matrix.
- Play and Improve Plan ($249.99/year): Adds e6 Connect and more simulation features.
- Course Play Plan ($220/year): Grants access to 30 iconic courses, including Pebble Beach.
Despite these additional costs, the SkyTrak Plus offers better long-term value than competitors like the Bushnell Launch Pro, which charges $499/year for full access.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent accuracy for indoor setups.
- User-friendly software with regular updates.
- Competitive pricing for subscriptions.
- Easy setup and multi-platform compatibility (iOS, Android, PC).
- Accurate tracking using Dual Doppler Radar and Photometric Camera System.
Cons:
- Limited outdoor use (grass).
- Lacks advanced putting metrics.
Final Thoughts: Is SkyTrak+ the Best Golf Simulator for You?
The SkyTrak Plus is a top contender for golfers who want an accurate, easy-to-use, and versatile golf simulator for home use.
The 5.0 software update and Course Play feature further enhance the user experience, making it an all-in-one solution for practice, game improvement, and simulation play.
For its price, the SkyTrak Plus offers a well-rounded package that rivals more expensive models like the GCQuad and Bushnell Launch Pro, especially for indoor use. While it may not be ideal for outdoor practice or putting, it’s one of the best simulators available under $3,000 in 2024.
