In the past, owning a golf launch monitor was simply out of reach for the average golfer. The technology was too sophisticated and, as a result, the prices were far too high for most. Thankfully, times have changed. Today’s launch monitors are available at a wide range of price points and their accuracy only continues to improve. Yet, as more golfers join the growing ranks of launch monitor owners, some myths have surfaced. If you’re considering buying one this year, here are four common launch monitor myths debunked.
Myth 1: All launch monitors are equally accurate
You know how much we love to test the accuracy of products. Accuracy should be your No. 1 consideration when purchasing a launch monitor. There is truly no point in owning one if it doesn’t provide accurate and actionable data to improve your game.
When we tested launch monitors in 2024, their accuracy ranged from less than a yard to nearly 20 yards. You’ll also find accuracy varies from indoors to outdoors.
To test accuracy, we compared launch monitors to the Foresight GC4 and Trackman, known for being the most accurate launch monitors in the game with very little margin of error.
Indoors
While many of these launch monitors across a range of prices can hold their own when it comes to carry distance and ball speed, spin rates are where they often fall short. More than half of the units tested showed average percentage differences greater than 15 compared to the GC4. Some, like the Golfzon Wave and SC4, were off by more than 30 percent. In contrast, the Bushnell Launch Pro, Garmin Approach R50 and Rapsodo MLM2Pro delivered some of the most accurate spin measurements.
Outdoors
The ball speed and carry distance numbers were relatively accurate when tested outdoors. We saw a 40-percent difference in accuracy from the TrackMan when testing the Mevo. The Mevo+ also had an 11-percent difference in accuracy for carry distance.
Transfer that to real data and, for example, it will look like you carry your 7-iron 166.5 yards instead of 150 yards. That’s a big difference. The Garmin R50 and the Bushnell Launch Pro were two of the most accurate outdoor launch monitors we tested.
Myth 2: Expensive launch monitors are always better
Here’s a myth that is fun to debunk for golfers on a budget. If you think you’ll have to spend $5,000-plus on a golf launch monitor, think again. Expensive launch monitors are NOT always better.
In our 2024 testing, we found the Bushnell Launch Pro to be one of the best overall launch monitors and certainly the best for outside use. It’s priced at $1,749.98.
If that’s still a little high, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO is under $1,000 and has video and simulation capability. Our best-value launch monitor is the SwingLogic SLX Hybrid Pro for $299.
To be fair, you won’t get the same accuracy (especially with spin rates) with the SwingLogic SLX Hybrid Pro as you will with the $5,000 Garmin Approach R50 but it gives you a starting point to gain some insight and awareness into your game.
Myth 3: Launch monitor data is all you need to improve your game.
Launch monitor data can give you quite a bit of insight into your game. You can then take this insight and focus on strengths and weaknesses but the data is typically insufficient to improve your game independently.
Some golfers who want to dive into swing diagnostics and advanced data may have luck but this isn’t a great use of time for the average golfer.
Use a launch monitor to help you gain accurate information about your game so, for example, you stop coming up short and leaving your approach in the water hazard. Use the data to see if you are spinning your wedges enough or spinning your driver too much.
However, to take this information and think you’ll be able to quit golf lessons and formal instruction forever is a myth. Launch monitors don’t replace golf instruction. They are tools to help you improve your game like any other golf technology on the market.
Myth 4: Launch monitors are only for pros
When you watch professional golfers on the driving range, it’s common to see them using a launch monitor. Certain models, like the TrackMan, even include challenges and practice routines the pros rely on.
But they’re the pros—so it’s different, right?
When launch monitors cost $20,000 or more, that argument might have made sense.
Now that you can pick up something like the Rapsodo MLM2PRO, launch monitors are no longer just for the best players in the game (with the biggest budgets). If you play enough golf, spend time on the range, and want a reliable way to keep tabs on your game through the off-season, consider investing in a launch monitor. They’re not just for the pros anymore.
Final thoughts
With these four launch monitor myths debunked, it’s time to find the perfect option for your golf game. Take a look at our 2024 Launch Monitor testing, where we analyzed things like accuracy, value and features. We also compared indoor and outdoor data so you can find the right tool to work for you.
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