The Foresight Sports GCQuad is often labeled as the pinnacle of launch monitors. Its professional-grade accuracy and comprehensive data tracking make it a popular choice among serious golfers, coaches, and even tour pros.
With four ultra-high-speed cameras and an ergonomic design, it builds upon the technology that made its predecessor, the GC2, a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
This review will cover everything you need to know about the GCQuad, including its setup, features, data accuracy, and how it compares to other top-tier launch monitors.
GCQuad Overview
The GCQuad uses a cutting-edge quadrascopic camera system, offering incredibly precise tracking of both ball and club data. Unlike radar-based systems, which can sometimes struggle indoors, the GCQuad excels in smaller spaces, making it an excellent option for home setups as well as outdoor ranges.
One of the standout features is its direct measurement of data, meaning it doesn’t rely on calculations or assumptions. Every aspect of the ball and club is measured in real-time, ensuring unrivaled accuracy.
- Price: Starting at $15,999
- Software: FSX 2020, FSX Play, and third-party options like E6 CONNECT
- Technology: Quadrascopic cameras for detailed data capture
First Impressions
Unboxing the GCQuad, it’s clear this device was designed with durability and portability in mind. Its compact, weather-resistant build makes it easy to transport from your home setup to the driving range. The integrated LCD display is visible in bright sunlight, and the unit is equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for easy integration with FSX software.
The initial setup is simple. Place the GCQuad about 22 inches away from the hitting area, ensuring the bottom of the device is level with the hitting surface. The device automatically tracks shots within a 14″x16″ zone—perfect for both club and ball data analysis.
Setup and Ease of Use
The GCQuad is designed to be user-friendly, whether you’re setting it up at home or taking it outdoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Unboxing: Inside, you’ll find the GCQuad, power cables, a USB cable, and optional markers for capturing club data.
- Positioning: Place the GCQuad around 22 inches from the hitting area and turn it on. The device’s setup process takes about 30 seconds, with a green LED indicating when it’s ready to track.
- Software Setup: Download the FSX software (2020 or Play) on your PC or mobile device. Connect the GCQuad via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and ensure it’s linked to your account.
With its built-in barometric sensor, the GCQuad even adjusts for altitude, making sure your data is accurate no matter where you are.
Key Features of the GCQuad
The GCQuad offers a range of advanced features that set it apart from other launch monitors, including:
1. Unmatched Accuracy
The quadrascopic camera system is one of the most advanced on the market, capturing thousands of images per second to build a 3D model of both club and ball at impact. Key metrics measured include:
- Ball Speed
- Launch Angle
- Spin Rates
- Club Path
- Face Angle
For golfers who demand pinpoint precision, the GCQuad delivers unmatched accuracy across all data points.
2. Advanced Club Data Metrics
When equipped with the Club Analysis add-on, the GCQuad measures even more detailed club data, including:
- Clubhead Speed
- Smash Factor
- Angle of Attack
- Club Path
- Face to Path
This feature is critical for those who want a full picture of their swing and wish to fine-tune specific aspects of their game.
3. FSX 2020 and FSX Play Software
The GCQuad comes bundled with FSX 2020, a comprehensive software solution that offers:
- Full course play on world-famous courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach
- Practice modes with real-time ball and club data
- Skills challenges and competitive game modes
For a more immersive experience, you can upgrade to FSX Play, which enhances the visual quality with 5K resolution and a more realistic interface.
Data Parameters & Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, the GCQuad sets the bar high by delivering precise data for both ball and club performance. The device captures detailed metrics in real time using its quadrascopic camera system, and it’s designed to provide the same data set as the GC2 equipped with the HMT add-on, but with even more advanced features.
Ball Data
The GCQuad captures essential ball data points including:
- Ball speed
- Carry distance
- Spin rates (backspin, sidespin)
- Horizontal and vertical launch angles
This level of precision ensures that every aspect of your shot is recorded with minimal error, allowing you to understand how the ball reacts at impact.
Club Data
For users who invest in the Club Data add-on, the GCQuad goes further by tracking detailed club metrics such as:
- Clubhead speed
- Smash factor (energy transfer efficiency)
- Club path (inside-out, outside-in, or straight)
- Angle of attack
- Face angle (whether the clubface is open, closed, or square at impact)
- Face to path
- Closure rate
- Clubface impact location
- Lie and loft at impact
This data gives a comprehensive breakdown of your swing mechanics, providing invaluable insights for golfers looking to fine-tune their performance. The ability to track club path and impact location is especially useful for diagnosing swing issues and making targeted improvements.
Detailed Putting Data
One area where the GCQuad truly shines is in its ability to capture putting data, something that its predecessors like the GC2+HMT or even the GC3 can’t fully match. With the putting add-on, the GCQuad measures key putting metrics such as:
- Putter speed
- Putter path
- Smash factor
- Angle of attack
- Spin-tilt axis
- Impact location
- Ball velocity
- Horizontal launch direction
- Vertical launch angle
- Sidespin
- Backspin
- Total spin
- Impact face angle
- Impact lie
This puts the GCQuad in a league of its own for golfers who are serious about improving their short game. Whether you’re working on face control or aiming for a consistent stroke, the GCQuad provides you with the metrics you need to take your putting to the next level.
GCQuad Software & Simulation Options
The GCQuad isn’t just a data tracking powerhouse — it also unlocks a complete golf simulation experience. With access to FSX 2020 and FSX Play, as well as a range of third-party software options, the GCQuad offers an immersive virtual golfing environment that goes beyond practice.
FSX 2020
The FSX 2020 software is Foresight Sports’ flagship program, offering a robust mix of features for practice, competition, and course play. It includes access to iconic golf courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach while delivering real-time shot data and analysis. Whether you’re working on your swing or playing a full round, FSX 2020 makes it easy to improve with detailed ball and club metrics.
FSX Play
For those who want a more visually immersive experience, FSX Play takes things to the next level with enhanced graphics powered by the Unity engine. With high-definition rendering, 3D grass, and lifelike environments, this software offers the most realistic simulation experience possible. FSX Play also features an updated interface that is clean and easy to navigate, making it ideal for both practice and full-course play.
E6 CONNECT
As a leading third-party software option, E6 CONNECT integrates seamlessly with the GCQuad to provide an extensive selection of golf courses, driving ranges, and multiplayer features. With over 90 courses available, along with customizable settings like wind and weather, E6 CONNECT gives golfers a high degree of flexibility in their practice and game play.
Creative Golf 3D
For golfers who enjoy both serious practice and casual fun, Creative Golf 3D offers a balance of realistic course play and engaging mini-games. You can hone your skills on well-known golf courses or participate in entertaining challenges like target practice or team competitions. Additionally, Creative Golf 3D is an affordable option compared to other premium software, making it a great choice for those who want variety without breaking the bank.
Awesome Golf
Awesome Golf delivers a fun and interactive golfing experience, perfect for golfers who enjoy friendly competitions or family-oriented games. With modes like long drive contests and splash-target practice, Awesome Golf combines detailed shot data with lighthearted gameplay. It’s an excellent option for players who want to mix game improvement with enjoyment, providing a fun yet informative approach to virtual golf.
Swing Catalyst
For golfers focused on improving their swing mechanics, Swing Catalyst offers advanced video analysis tools that integrate seamlessly with the GCQuad. By capturing your swing in high-definition video and combining it with real-time data from the GCQuad, you can review every aspect of your movement frame-by-frame. This is especially helpful for serious golfers and coaches who want to dig deep into swing mechanics to identify areas of improvement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unrivaled accuracy with quadrascopic camera technology
- Tracks both ball and club data
- Portable and easy to set up indoors or outdoors
- Compatible with FSX 2020, FSX Play, and third-party software like E6 CONNECT
- Exceptional putting data with the optional add-on
Cons:
- High price point, starting at $11,000
- Club data and putting analysis require additional add-ons
Final Thoughts: Is the GCQuad Worth It?
The GCQuad is without a doubt one of the best launch monitors available for serious golfers, coaches, and golf academies. Its unmatched accuracy, advanced features, and portability make it a top choice for those who need professional-grade data to improve their game.
With its ability to track both ball and club data, offer precise putting analysis, and provide access to top-tier simulation software, the GCQuad is built for golfers who are committed to enhancing their performance. While the price may be steep, its reliability and depth of data make it a worthwhile investment for those who want the best tool available for understanding their game.
If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, the GCQuad is well worth the investment.
