Skytrak Plus Review 2025: Accuracy Testing And Feature Breakdown

Does the Skytrak Plus deserve the hype and popularity it gets in the launch monitor space?

Is it worth the upgrade from the original Skytrak?

We’ve been using the Skytrak Plus for nearly a year now. It has a lot of strengths but it’s not for everyone (we’ll unpack this in detail later). 

In this review, we’ll dive deep into:

• Is the Skytrak Plus worth it?

• Which subscription package is most suitable for your needs

• How to connect with leading simulation software to play famous courses

• How these features can improve your game

• The drawbacks of SkyTrak Plus and whether they’re dealbreakers

We also did some accuracy tests in our Golfible testing center. You can find all the raw data from these tests and our insights on the metrics in the accuracy section below.

FYI: This review has been updated for 2025 to include all the recent firmware updates and up-to-date pricing. To see our favourite launch monitors of 2025, read our in-depth buyer’s guide.

Let’s get into it.

What we like about the Skytrak Plus

Minimal Space Needed Indoors  

Space-wise, it’s a winner indoors. 

You don’t need a massive area to set it up, just around 8-10 feet in front of you and enough space to swing the golf club. We recommend a minimum total room depth of 12 feet but you will get by with 10 feet room depth. 

A minimum room width of 10 feet and room height of 9 feet is essential.

This makes SkyTrak Plus ideal for setups in a home, garage, or basement with limited space.

How does it compare to competitors?

Unlike a SkyTrak rival like the Mevo Plus, which requires 8 feet behind and 8 feet in front of the player, SkyTrak Plus doesn’t need nearly as much room.

With SkyTrak Plus, you can simply set up a few feet to the side of the golf ball, and you’re good to go.

Entering the big leagues with club data 

The new tech (called dual Doppler radar) means club data metrics like club path and face angle are now recorded for every shot. 

Now we’ve got data insight on each shot from a ball and club perspective.

This is a game-changer.

Data insights like this were once only available with pro-level monitors like Trackman.

Not anymore.

Now, you get tour-level data insights—for a fraction of the cost.

Quick Comparison:

• Trackman 4: $21,000+
• SkyTrak Plus: Around $3,000

Why does this matter?
Understanding these data points takes the guesswork out of your shot analysis.

What does this mean for you?
You can pinpoint exactly why a shot went off track.

And it gets better:

• Instantly identify weaknesses in your swing dynamics.
• Zone in on performance with specific clubs.
• Boost your practice results.

SkyTrak Plus also gives you club data right from the start— no subscription is needed.

Most competitors require a subscription to unlock these club data metrics.

Game-improving features like the Shot Optimizer

The Shot Optimizer is one of the standout features that explains why SkyTrak has been the most popular launch monitor for over 10 years.

SkyTrak has mastered the art of mixing fun with game improvement.

How does the Shot Optimizer work?

It uses a color-coded system that makes it easy to compare our shots against optimal launch conditions. This visual feedback helps us see exactly where we’re hitting the mark and where there’s room for improvement.

The colors – red, yellow, and green – give us instant feedback. 

• Green means your shot is right on target in the optimal range

• Yellow is telling you you’re close, but there’s still room to get better

• Red highlights areas that need improvement.

It’s like having a quick performance check after every shot.

What makes it so valuable?

These optimal ranges are based on mountains of data—launch angles, spin, descent angles—collected from millions of shots with every club in the bag.

The result?

Clear patterns. We noticed reds showing up with specific clubs, revealing where improvements are needed.

And for Clubfitters?

It’s a goldmine. Perfect for seeing how clients stack up across different brands and lofts.

Hassle-Free Set-Up Process

Thanks to its photometric system, the SkyTrak Plus is incredibly user-friendly.

Minimal Calibration Required

Simply position the device beside the ball, place the ball within the hitting zone using the helpful red dot, and you’re ready to go in minutes.

Why is this so convenient?

SkyTrak Plus compensates for up to 5 degrees of tilt, so you won’t need constant adjustments. Unlike some other launch monitors, there’s no need to keep adjusting the roll or tee position.

The result?

You can focus on your game instead of dealing with configurations.

Practice In The Sun 

Skytrak loyalists’ prayers were answered (kind of) in the model upgrade to Skytrak Plus.

We can now practice in direct sunlight.

Once you are properly aligned, hitting shots outdoors is pretty easy thanks to a 40% bigger hitting area than the original Skytrak. 

What does this mean?

No more fussing to find the exact spot! Just drop the ball near the red dot laser—it reads accurately every time.

More importantly, the accuracy in the sun is on point.

The original SkyTrak struggled with direct sunlight interference, but no issues came up during our SkyTrak Plus testing.

Even the banged-up practice balls were getting picked up ok. 

Check out our testing data later in this review.

There is one big outdoor annoyance that we will touch on in the ‘Cons’ section though. 

What we don’t like about the Skytrak Plus

Can’t hit from the grass 

This is our outdoor annoyance…

The Skytrak Plus works only on a golf mat outdoors or from a golf tee.

We tried hitting directly from the grass and it messed with the readings. 

Skytrak also confirmed when asked that grass is a no-go…for now.

This rules out playing on the course with your Skytrak Plus.

One data point we would have liked to see

We were surprised the angle of attack wasn’t included in the Skytrak Plus given their competitor Mevo has it in their Pro Plus package. 

That would be one data metric we are missing.

BUT..Nick Clearwater (SVP of player development at Golftec/Skytrak) mentioned on a forum chat on golfwrx that Skytrak has not stopped club head display development and AoA is ‘on his radar’. 

This tells us there’s a good chance we could see this metric added in the future. 

Shot feedback delay 

Post-shot, there’s a slight delay before the ball flight shows up on screen.

It’s brief—around 2 seconds.

This is an improvement over the original SkyTrak, which had a 3-4 second delay from shot to display.

We actually like it; the short pause gives a moment to reflect on the shot before the data pops up.

But:

We’ve listed this in the Cons for those who find any delay annoying.

If you’re used to instant feedback, it’s something to keep in mind.

Tip:

If you’re using a net and TV setup (instead of a projector), you may prefer this delay. Instant feedback launch monitors often make you miss the start of the ball flight.

Our Video Review

Ease of Setup and Calibration

Just a heads-up before we get into setting up the Skytrak Plus – you’ve got to charge it for at least 6 hours before you start it for the first time. 

This initial charge is essential for optimal performance and longevity of the device. 

I know some of you might get excited and stop the charge after a few hours but from experience, we’d recommend following the instructions on this one. 

Then you can begin the initial software and connection set-up process.

How long does setup take?

From plugging in the device to hitting your first ball, it took us about 30 minutes.

But hey, that’s not just plugging in cables – we’re talking about installing the software and getting everything calibrated and aligned. 

It’s all to make sure it’s spot-on with its tracking right from the get-go.

Good news:

For subsequent setups, getting the Skytrak Plus ready for action is a breeze.

It takes a few minutes from power-up to practice time depending on how fast your PC/iPad powers up.

Downloading the Skytrak Plus software from their website was quick – took us less than 2 minutes to get it up and running on our PC.

And yes, it works with iOS (iPad or iPhone) too.

Once registered, pairing the SkyTrak app with the SkyTrak Plus Launch Monitor was straightforward:

1. Enter the SkyTrak ESN number from the bottom of the device.
2. Connect wirelessly using Direct Mode, where SkyTrak emits its own Wi-Fi.

Then, it was all about connecting wirelessly using Skytrak’s Direct Mode. Skytrak emits its own wifi with this mode.

We liked this direct-mode wireless connection option as you don’t need the internet to get started. Once you are logged in, all your shot data will be saved locally. 

This is really helpful if you are at the range and can’t get an internet connection.

Got wifi?

Switch to Network Mode for an internet connection. Once connected, all stored shot data from Direct Mode will sync to your account.

Network mode also means your iPad/PC and Skytrak Plus can use the internet while using the device – something you can’t do in Direct mode. 

One thing missing from the instruction manual – the network password to connect with Skytrak’s Direct mode. 

A strange oversight but we found it on the website. 

To save you time it’s skytrakplus. 

You can also use a wired connection with the provided USB cable if wireless gives you trouble.

After the first sync:

Once we synced the device with our computer the first time, it was smooth sailing.

SkyTrak Plus connected automatically every time after that—no hiccups.

Upgrading from the original SkyTrak?

Be aware that connecting SkyTrak Plus for the first time triggers an automatic firmware upgrade.

This upgrade will add a bit of time to your initial setup, as the device needs to reboot to complete the update.

Positioning and Hitting Area

First off, let’s bust a myth—you don’t have to place the golf ball exactly on the laser dot with SkyTrak.

The original SkyTrak model gave about a 1-inch leeway around the dot.

But the new SkyTrak Plus?

Even better—it allows for a 2 to 3-inch tolerance.

The previous model’s 1-inch tolerance was a common gripe among users, but SkyTrak Plus has stepped up with a hitting area that’s roughly 40% bigger.

Note: For a detailed breakdown of the differences between SkyTrak and SkyTrak Plus, check out our comparison.

This upgrade also opens up the world of outdoor play because its new dual Doppler radar system can be used in outdoor settings. 

The original SkyTrak struggled with outdoor play because its camera system had trouble aligning with the ball in unpredictable lighting.

But here’s the real kicker:

Even under blazing sun, we just had to get the ball near the red dot—and SkyTrak Plus nailed it, picking up every shot with zero fuss.

Now if they provide an upgrade that lets us play on grass (instead of just a mat) outside…THEN we will be really happy.

Unlike competitors like Bushnell Launch Pro, which offers visual confirmation for ball placement, SkyTrak Plus doesn’t have this feature.

But honestly, we didn’t miss it much, given the wider tolerance for ball placement.

As we mentioned earlier, it won’t work on grass.

Outside you will need to keep it on the mat, unfortunately.

One final win:

No need for club stickers or special golf balls to get accurate readings. We like simplicity so this is a win. 

However, for the best spin results, some tips:

• Have the logo of the ball facing the Skytrak device. 

• Stick to high-quality white golf balls for optimal performance.

We learned the hard way – a mismatch in levels gave us some wacky readings at first. 

Leveling it out fixed everything right up.

User Interface

The basic user interface on PC/iOS/android is easy to navigate.

It gets you straight into the virtual driving range in ‘Practice Mode’, where we can see all our shots laid out clearly.  

The club data metrics and shot optimizer/shot score can be viewed by clicking the ’Shot Detail’ arrow in the bottom center of the screen. 

We would have preferred if you didn’t need to click this shot detail arrow and instead see all the data immediately but that’s a minor beef. 

For us, having used the original Skytrak, the extra club data in the Plus version is a major upgrade. 

It seriously ramps up the value of this launch monitor, giving us insights we didn’t have before. 

How does it compare?

Unlike SkyTrak Plus, competitors like Bushnell Launch Pro are missing some key club data metrics, such as face angle.

We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of the paid playing modes, like the Essential plan, later in this review. 

These features really expand what you can do with the Skytrak Plus. 

For now, let’s focus on what the user interface is like with the basic package. 

Club Graphic 

The great thing is you can see a graphic on the Skytrak Plus screen with a visual of the club impact to really get an idea of what happened with each shot instead of going just on ‘feel’. 

It’s insightful, visually representing our club path and showing both club path and face-to-target numbers. 

It’s useful for checking our swings and is especially helpful for beginners who aren’t always sure about the feel of a pushed shot, for example.

One suggestion:

I wish terms like ‘open’ or ‘inside’ were a bit larger on the screen.

That way, I could easily glance over to see if my club path and face to target were open or closed.

The writing is quite small, so I often found myself looking at the club path and face-to-target stats at the bottom of the screen instead. 

Heatmap 

On the Skytrak Plus, our previous shots are laid out on a heat map, also on the right of the screen. 

What’s really cool is how the heatmap smartly accounts for mishits and shanks:

It shows them as distinct dots instead of blending them into a massive heatmap like some other launch monitors do. 

This feature gives us a much clearer picture of our shot patterns.

Tutorial Videos

We liked the the interactive tutorial videos from coach, Nick Clearwater. It’s a nice surprise addition as they don’t appear in the original Skytrak. 

A godsend for beginners.

This is something we found missing in other models, and it helps in getting the most out of the Skytrak Plus. 

Leveling The Device 

And there’s this nifty little leveling guide under ‘device level’ in the bottom right of the home screen. 

It shows the current tilt and roll of the device. 

Just a heads-up:

If the device is off by more than 5 degrees in tilt or roll, it can mess with the accuracy of your readings. 

Alignment Mode (Device Level) 

There’s also an alignment mode on the Skytrak Plus, which you can toggle on to line up your target with the device.

You can find this button when you click on ‘Device Level’ which we mention in the previous section. 

User List 

You golf instructors can add your clients as users and analyze their game with their shot history and stats. It’s a great tool for personalized coaching.

Shot Feedback Delay 

SkyTrak has made some (slight) improvements to the shot responsiveness or feedback delay on the SkyTrak Plus.

Many users found the original SkyTrak’s response time frustrating, with a noticeable delay from hitting the ball to the screen reaction.

Now?

The response time is about 2 seconds, down from 3 seconds on the original model.

While it’s not instant like the FlightScope Mevo Plus, it’s a step in the right direction.

We actually like this slight delay; it gives a moment to reflect on the shot before the data appears.

This brief pause allows us to guess how we connected with the ball—whether the face was open or closed, for example—and then check if we were right when the shot or club data loads on the monitor.

We’ve found that this really helps improve our feel for the shots, a crucial skill on the golf course where you don’t have a launch monitor to rely on.

Shot Optimizer

We dove into our love for the Shot Optimizer feature in the ‘Pros’ section.  

Shot Score

Alongside the Shot Optimizer, there’s this new feature called Shot Score, something we didn’t see in the original Skytrak. 

It’s not something we’ve seen in other launch monitors. 

Here’s how it works:

• Hit 20 shots with any club to set an expected distance for that club. This expected distance then appears on the heatmap.
• After 20 shots, each new shot is compared to the expected distance, and a shot score is calculated.
• This score is a predicted total for 18 holes—the lower the score, the better your shot accuracy.
• It’s a powerful way to track consistency and pinpoint areas to tighten up your game.

Just a heads-up:

A misread can sometimes skew the stats slightly.

Data Metrics 

In its latest iteration, SkyTrak Plus addresses a key demand from users by adding club data readings, a feature absent in the original SkyTrak model.

Why is this important?

The integration of club data readings offers a complete insight into each shot. 

There’s no second-guessing why a shot went wayward once you see and understand these club data figures. 

What does this data do?

• It allows you to pinpoint weaknesses in your swing dynamics and specific clubs.
• Impactful training: With these insights, each session is more focused and productive

As mentioned earlier, we were surprised the angle of attack wasn’t included in the Skytrak Plus given their competitor Mevo has it in their Pro Plus package. 

Other data metrics missing are dynamic loft and low point. 

Skytrak Plus directly measures 15 launch data parameters split between ball and club data.  

Technology

Skytrak has stepped up its game with the Skytrak Plus by incorporating dual Doppler radar technology. 

This is a huge deal for us because now we get detailed club data readings – something we’ve been asking for and were missing in the original Skytrak model.

Unlike the original model, which used only a photometric camera system and was limited to indoor use, the SkyTrak Plus can be used outdoors on a mat.

Changing light conditions? Shadows on the range?

Not a problem.

What’s even cooler?

The Skytrak Plus doesn’t just ditch the old tech; it combines the new dual Doppler system with the original photometric camera. 

We get an upgrade without losing the classic features.

The next few paragraphs are a little techy so brace yourselves:

The dual Doppler radar is all about accuracy. 

Dual Doppler Radar:

• Sends out radio waves that bounce off golf clubs and balls.
• Returns precise data on each shot for accurate performance analysis.

Photometric Camera:

• Captures high-speed images of the ball to analyze spin characteristics.
• Provides essential insights into spin axis and spin rate—key data for understanding shot shape.

The best of both worlds:

With SkyTrak Plus, we’re getting cutting-edge technology combined with the classic features that made the original SkyTrak a bestseller

Battery Life

An improvement we noticed in the Skytrak Plus is its extended battery life.

Skytrak says it lasts up to 4.5 hours, compared to the original Skytrak’s 4-hour lifespan.

To put the battery claim to the test, on our third use, we ran SkyTrak Plus until it completely drained.

Battery Life Test Result:

• The rechargeable lithium-polymer battery lasted 4 hours and 10 minutes.
• This is slightly short of the 4.5-hour claim but close enough for practical use.

Cool Update:

SkyTrak Plus now features a USB-C charging/power port.

Why is this upgrade important?

• Better compatibility: USB-C aligns with universal connection standards, keeping the SkyTrak Plus future-ready.
• Faster charging: USB-C has a higher power delivery than micro USB, so you’ll get a quicker charge.

This upgrade ensures SkyTrak Plus will stay compatible with future tech advancements, making it a device that can adapt to evolving standards  

Skytrak Plus Accuracy Testing

Below you can see the results of our accuracy tests for the Skytrak Plus against the Trackman. Both in data table form and our own interpretations of the stats. 

You can find the full data table at the end of this Accuracy section or by clicking here.

Accuracy Testing Notes

• We use Trackman as our benchmark comparison launch monitor in these tests. While no launch monitor is perfectly accurate, Trackman stands out as the most consistent and suitable choice, despite its own limitations. Unlike SkyTrak, which uses a camera-based system, Trackman relies on radar-based measurement—meaning their methods differ.
  • During testing, some readings were affected by infrared interference, occasionally leading to no-read situations between both devices. Trackman is also known to encounter issues with indoor spin readings, so keep in mind that these comparisons aren’t flawless.
  • Please take this into account when reviewing the results.. 

• We compared the Skytrak Plus against the Trackman with 3 golf clubs, the driver, 7 iron, and a pitching wedge to see how it performs with different shot types. We got 2 golfers of different abilities (5 handicap golfer and 20 handicap golfer) to take 5 shots each to see how the launch monitor handles different swing speeds. We then got an average difference between the launch monitors from those 10 shots. 

• The normalization settings are the same between the Skytrak launch monitor and our benchmark launch monitor the Trackman, ie sea level, humidity, and temperature are the same. 

• We focus on some of the key data metrics below, for a full list of metrics check the data tables at the bottom of this section. 

• Both devices are level and calibrated. We measured so the base of the units were at the exact same height as the mat we hit from. The surface between the Trackman and golf ball was flat with no drop-offs or gaps. 

• Golf balls used: RCT balls indoors. Range balls outdoors with range ball normalization settings applied where possible.

• The golf ball logo was placed towards the Skytrak Plus for each shot.

• The golf club was changed on each launch monitor interface when we moved to another club. 

Accuracy Data Table Results With 7 Iron

Accuracy Data Table Results With Driver

Ball Flight Test Outdoors

We tested how the real ball flight matched up with the 3D ball flight by hitting balls on the range and visually checking if they aligned.

Our goal:
To see if a real draw shot, for example, would be reflected as a draw on the launch monitor.

Results:

• SkyTrak Plus consistently mirrored real ball flights for draws, pushes, and fades.
• Some variance appeared with high-spin, wayward wedge shots, where the 3D ball flight showed about 10 yards less than the actual shot. We attributed this to the older range balls we used, which have more wear and tend to curve less sharply.

Testing off-center shots:

We also hit intentionally wayward shots to test the launch monitor’s ability to recognize extreme off-center hits.

The outcome?

Shanks and their unfortunate flight paths registered on the launch monitor without issue, showing alignment with real shots.

Our verdict:

By the end of the session, we felt confident that the ball flight shown on the launch monitor closely matched our range experience in most cases, consistent with similar spin axis readings.

FYI: We used range balls with range ball normalization settings applied on both launch monitors.

Durability 

We’ve been using SkyTrak Plus for a while now, and so far, we haven’t noticed any durability issues.

We’re taking standard precautions, like keeping it away from extreme temperatures and moisture.

Optional Protection:

There’s an optional shank protective case available, although we didn’t opt for it this time.

• Made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Resists ball strikes up to 100 mph

For those who want added security, this case could be a good choice. 

If you are worried about damaging the Skytrak Plus with a terrible shot then the comfort of the protective shield will be the right call.

Price 

SkyTrak Plus Pricing (as of October 2024):

• Price Range: $2,495 to $2,995, depending on available discounts.
• In the Box: Includes the launch monitor, USB cables, and basic plan access to the SkyTrak app and virtual driving range.
• Financing Option: Available for easier payments.

Subscription Plans:

• Essential Plan – $130 per year
  • Adds features like Bag Mapping and Practice Randomizer which we review later.
  • Note: Simulation software is an extra cost.
• Course Play Subscription – $220 per year
  • Includes access to 30 virtual golf courses on Skytrak’s own software.
  • Requires an active Essential Plan, bringing the total to $350 per year to access SkyTrak’s virtual courses.
• E6 Software Pack – $120 per year
  • Provides access to 15 virtual golf courses on their external simulation software partner, E6.
  • Also requires an active Essential Plan, bringing the total to $250 per year for access.

Important: All subscription plans are non-refundable.

We discuss each subscription plan’s features in more detail in other sections.

Optional Add-ons:

That protective case will cost you $99.

Subscriptions Available

Basic Plan (Free)

The user interface features described above are all available with the basic free plan. 

With this plan, you get access to:

• The virtual driving range in Practice Mode
• A full range of data metrics, heatmap, and club graphic feature

Serious golfers or beginners looking to take their game to the next level will find the paid subscription plans more beneficial, as they offer advanced features for detailed practice and game improvement.

The Essential Plan, for example, includes advanced features for more detailed practice, which we explain in the following sections.

Essential Plan

For a $130 annual recurring membership with the Essential Plan, you get access to the following features:

Bag Mapping 

The bag mapping tool is a feature for any of you who don’t know your yardages or gaps between clubs. 

This feature guides you to take shots with every club in your bag and then provides:

• Average shot dispersion
• Average club gap
• Farthest gap between clubs

Why is this helpful?

Completing this task gives you confidence, knowing you have a club for every scenario.

Visual Insights:

A clear red line appears when club distances are too far apart or too close together based on averages, making it easy to identify club gap errors, like clubs with overlapping distances.

How does this improve your game?

Knowing your actual yardages removes guesswork on the course.

For us, the shot dispersion data was especially insightful, showing a wider dispersion with long irons.

Our short-term solution was to aim more conservatively to stay on the fairway, reducing the risk of going out of bounds.

Quick Insight:

Choose 5 shots per club in the setup section of Bag Mapping. We found that more than 5 shots tired us out on the last few clubs and disrupted our average

Wedge Matrix

The Wedge Matrix feature will help you fine-tune your wedge play, offering data on carry distances and shot dispersion. 

You can zero in on actual distances for 1/2 swing and 3/4 shots with each wedge.

Pro Tip:

We exported and printed our wedge matrix data for on-course reference—a tip we’d highly recommend.

Combining this with the practice randomizer elevated our practice sessions to a new level.l. 

Practice Randomizer 

We would recommend the Practice Randomizer feature if you want to improve your on-course decision-making skills. 

By selecting ‘Practice Area’ and then ‘Greens’, you can set your yardage anywhere from 10 to 350 yards and choose the green’s difficulty level.

Each shot presents a surprise in yardage and green shape, mimicking real course scenarios.

Why is this beneficial?

We found it makes practice sessions feel more relevant to actual play.

The result was an improved green-hit rate on the course.

Player Skills Assessment 

Skills assessment will let you see how accurate you are with each club during a series of target sessions. 

It’s a bit like having a coach, helping us understand our strengths and weaknesses with each club. 

How does it work?

We set up targets for specific yardages and clubs, receiving valuable feedback on:

• Dynamic handicap
• Shot dispersion
• Green accuracy

We like this tool as you can: 

• pinpoint the areas you need work on, e.g. our driver’s dynamic handicap being way higher than our irons was an eye-opener, guiding us on where to focus our practice.

• It helps strategy on the course as you now know what clubs are less reliable on the golf course 

• You can set goals for specific clubs. 

Note: What is Dynamic handicap?

Dynamic handicap assesses your skill with each club, providing a club-specific handicap.

For example, you might have a handicap of 5 with your sand wedge but a handicap of 25 with your driver—showing that the driver may need extra attention.

Other Essential Plan Features

Not having shot history data was an annoyance with the basic plan so we’re glad this is included with the Essential plan.

With the Essential Plan, we also get access to three challenge modes: 

• Target Practice
• Closest to the Pin
• Long Drive Competition

These mini-games, common in other launch monitors, are excellent for refining accuracy over customizable distances.

Integration With Simulators 

Another perk of the Essential Plan is unlocking access to external golf simulators. 

You can connect to a range of simulators like Trugolf E6 and The Golf Club (TGC) 2019, among others in the Essential plan. 

To access virtual courses, an additional subscription is required for the simulator software.

Options for Simulation Software Access:

• Course Play Pack:
  • Offers access to SkyTrak’s in-app virtual golf course simulator
  • Costs $220 per year
• E6 Software Pack:
  • Unlocks 15 virtual golf courses and 8 challenges on Trugolf E6
  • Costs $120 per year

For a more detailed breakdown, see the Course Play and E6 Software sections below..

Golf Simulators Integration Available 

• E6 Golf Connect
• The Golf Club 2019
• Creative Golf 3D
• Fitness Golf
• WGT By TopGolf

Mini Games Simulators and Add-ons 

• Golfisimo by Creative Golf
• Protee Play

Simulator Software Integration 

Course Play Standard 

After many comments in the simulator forums over the years, Skytrak finally gave in and created their own virtual golf course software called Course Play.

For $220 per year, you can now play virtual courses directly on Skytrak Plus’ platform without needing to connect to a third party. 

Some of the benefits we’ve noticed from Skytrak Plus creating their own in-house simulator software

• Better synchronization between the data captured by the Skytrak Plus launch monitor and the virtual environment

• The unified user interface for the simulator and consistent controls means far quicker setup times and more practice time

• No compatibility issues as third-party software is removed

• The virtual course software is continuously updated and improved directly by SkyTrak which means you are not waiting for third-party simulators to update.

Course Selection:

SkyTrak Course Play includes 30 virtual courses with purchase. Rather than offering only fictional courses, SkyTrak has integrated world-class golf courses like:

• Pebble Beach
• Quail Hollow
• Le Golf National (Paris)

Graphically, we found Course Play to render courses like Pebble Beach more immersively than E6 or WGT by Topgolf.

Realistic Ball Physics:

The ball physics in Course Play feel true to life, especially when interacting with different surfaces like sand or rough. This realism adds to the overall immersive experience, standing out compared to E6. 

Total Cost:

The combined cost for SkyTrak’s in-house simulator courses is $350 per year:

• $130 for Essential Plan
• $220 for Course Play

Latest Update:

Course Play is now available on both PC and iOS, giving iPad users more flexibility to enjoy their simulator sessions anywhere.

E6 Connect

The E6 Software Pack, priced at $120 per year, unlocks limited access to golf simulation software with SkyTrak Plus.

What’s Included:

• 15 Golf Courses and 8 Challenges on Trugolf E6 Connect (iOS and PC)
  • Note: Only stroke play is available for these courses.

And that’s it.

There are no other feature upgrades with the E6 Software Pack.

What about E6 Connect’s full library?

E6 Connect offers a massive library of 100 golf courses. But with this pack, you’re only getting access to 15 of them.

What makes these 15 courses special?

These aren’t just any courses; they include iconic locations like:

• Torrey Pines
• The Belfry
• Bandon Dunes

Comparison to Competitors:

E6 has similar limited-course deals with other launch monitors, but SkyTrak Plus offers more course access than competitors like FlightScope Mevo Plus, which only includes 12 courses.

Just a heads-up, though: FlightScope Mevo Plus throws in these E6 courses without an additional subscription, so that’s something to chew on.

GS PRO

Of course, we have to mention GS Pro—even though there’s no “official” support for this simulation software from SkyTrak.

Curious about how to get it?

There’s a workaround, which we’ll share here.

Who should skip this section?

If you’re using only iOS and don’t plan on getting a computer, you can skip this. GS Pro is not supported on iOS; it only works on PC—specifically, a gaming PC, which can be more expensive than an average laptop.

Why is GS Pro so popular?

GS Pro is one of the top simulation software options on the market and a favorite among simulator enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Benefits of GS Pro:

• 4K Realism: The gameplay realism is on another level compared to other simulation options.
• Superior Ball Physics: The ball’s bounce on the ground feels far more lifelike.
• Frequent Updates: GS Pro is constantly updated, while other competitors rarely push out changes.

But it’s not perfect.

One limitation to note: if you try to chip less than 10 yards around the green, expect a fair number of no-read shots.

Cost:

GS Pro will set you back $250 per year in subscription fees. The upside? You won’t need the SkyTrak subscriptions if you choose GS Pro. 

Portability 

The Skytrak Plus is a bit too bulky to fit into most golf bags.

Compared to the original model, it’s shorter but wider. This might seem like a minor change, but it affects how portable the device is.

A curved handle like the one on the Bushnell launch pro would have been a nice addition but the Skytrak Plus only weighs 2.7 lbs so carrying without a handle isn’t much of a hassle.

Putting

In Practice Mode, SkyTrak Plus doesn’t include a dedicated putting feature, indicating that putting isn’t a primary focus.

Can you putt with SkyTrak Plus?

Yes, you can putt within SkyTrak’s Course Play simulation software and with simulation partners like E6.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth putting training experience with SkyTrak Plus, it won’t meet that need.

Our preference?

For serious putting practice, we recommend putting mats over simulators. But if putting is a big priority for you, it may be best to explore other options 

Brand Reputation 

The original Skytrak launch monitor was launched in 2014 and is the best-selling consumer launch monitor on the market so its a brand that’s built a quality reputation over the the past decade. 

Skytrak was bought by Golftec, the golf improvement brand, in 2022 so we don’t know yet how this change will impact their operations or reliability in the long term.

It’s something we’re keeping an eye on.

Customer Support and Warranty 

Our experience with SkyTrak’s customer support was mixed.

Live Chat: Hit-or-miss. One technical query went unanswered, and another took 5 days for a response. Like many businesses, phone support often proves more reliable, especially for technical questions. 

Phone Support: Generally positive, with a short 5-minute wait time. The representatives were knowledgeable and patient.

Product Replacement Experience

Our first SkyTrak Plus arrived with a faulty right-handed laser, so we had to return it for a replacement. Not the best start. However, the replacement process was as smooth as we could have hoped for—we received the new unit within 10 days.

Return Policy and Warranty

• 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee: You can return the SkyTrak Plus within the first 30 days and receive a full refund.
• Warranty: SkyTrak Plus includes 6 months of protection against defects, with an option to purchase an additional 6-month warranty upgrade within the first 30 days after purchase.

Important Note:

To be covered under warranty for physical damage, make sure to use the SkyTrak Plus protective shield to safeguard the launch monitor from impact with golf balls or clubs.

Comparison With Competitors

Vs Mevo Plus

Mevo Plus is probably Skytrak’s most direct rival. Here’s a summary of areas where they compete:

Space Considerations

• Limited on space? Go with SkyTrak Plus. It doesn’t need space behind the golf ball, making it ideal for tight setups, like in a garage.
• Have more room? Mevo Plus requires about 8 feet behind the ball. If you have the space, it’s a great choice—especially if you have a mix of left- and right-handed golfers.
  • Unlike SkyTrak Plus, you won’t need to reposition Mevo Plus each time a different-handed golfer steps up.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

• For outdoor play, Mevo Plus is far superior to SkyTrak Plus. If you plan to use your launch monitor primarily outdoors, Mevo Plus is the better choice in this price range.

Data and Subscription Models

• SkyTrak Plus relies on annual subscription fees for data access.
• Mevo Plus offers one-time payments for add-ons to access their full data package.

To explore a full comparison of SkyTrak Plus and Mevo Plus features, check out our review.

You can also dive into our complete analysis of Mevo Plus, which shows accuracy and performance results.

The Skytrak Plus Is For You If:

• You plan to play mainly indoors
  • SkyTrak Plus excels as an indoor launch monitor. Its high-speed cameras deliver accurate ball data indoors, needing only limited ball flight to capture key metrics.
  • In contrast, radar-based launch monitors like Mevo Plus may struggle with short ball flights indoors, especially when it comes to gathering enough data for spin characteristics.
    
    
• You have limited indoor space or potential indoor interference
  • The optical camera-based system requires less space than radar units, making it ideal for smaller setups.
  • If your indoor space has appliances like ceiling fans that might interfere with radar systems, SkyTrak Plus is unaffected and remains a reliable choice.
    
    
• You want club data included with the initial purchase
  • Unlike many competitors, SkyTrak Plus includes club data like club path and face angle without extra fees.
  • Competitors often charge additional fees or require annual subscriptions to access this data, while SkyTrak Plus makes all club and ball data available from the start.
    
    
• You’re a beginner or an improver golfer investing in your first launch monitor
  • SkyTrak Plus offers an easy setup and quick play process every time, making it perfect for first-time users who don’t want to worry about technical configurations.
  • It’s packed with game improvement tools (e.g., bag mapping, skills assessment, wedge matrix), plus driving range games to help higher-handicap golfers improve.
  • Visual cues in red, green, and yellow help you assess each shot’s effectiveness. SkyTrak makes the learning curve informative and user-friendly so beginners can engage with the data confidently.
    
    
• You’re a budget-conscious golfer
  • While not the cheapest option, SkyTrak Plus is competitively priced within the launch monitor market, offering a strong balance of cost, features, and performance.
  • We think the subscription options are also reasonably priced, unlocking valuable simulation access and features.
  • You get high-quality simulation without the high costs associated with professional-level units like GCQuad or Trackman.

The Skytrak Plus Is Not For You If:

• You have a mix of left- and right-handed golfers
  • If your household includes both left- and right-handed golfers, consider a radar-based launch monitor like the Mevo Plus that sits behind the player.
  • The SkyTrak Plus is positioned to the side and needs to be moved every time a different-handed player steps up, which can quickly become a hassle.

• You want to see impact location
  • Some competitors, like Mevo Plus, allow you to see where on the clubface the ball made contact—a feature that’s missing on SkyTrak Plus.
  • Impact location is a key metric for understanding how consistently you’re hitting the center of the clubface and is often used in club fittings.
  • However, many golfers make do by using spray to mark where the ball contacts the club.

• You plan to use it on the golf course
  • SkyTrak Plus does not provide reliable readings when placed on grass, making it unsuitable for taking out on the course or to a grass driving range.
  • For on-the-course play, the Bushnell Launch Pro is a better choice, as it’s specifically designed for accurate readings on the golf course.

Should You Buy The Skytrak Plus?

In its price range, SkyTrak Plus is as close to the full package as you’ll find.

Here’s what you get:

• Fast and convenient setup for quick play sessions
• Access to virtual course simulators and training tools within the same user interface
• A sleek, intuitive design that makes practice more immersive and fun
• Game improvement tools specifically designed to build confidence, with real-time feedback and detailed analytics to show exactly how and where you’re improving
• Accurate ball and club data verified through testing
• An evolving product with regular software updates to enhance the launch monitor’s features over time

Before the release of the in-app virtual simulator Course Play, we might have hesitated to call it the “full package.” With this addition, though, it’s hard to look beyond SkyTrak Plus as our top recommendation under $3k.

That said, it’s not perfect.

• For very casual golfers who don’t plan to use a launch monitor often: look elsewhere.
• For very serious golfers wanting detailed reports, a wide range of data points, and grass-focused training: look elsewhere.

For the vast majority of us looking for an under $4k launch monitor that balances fun and game improvement, SkyTrak Plus is the ideal choice.