For a game that has a reputation for being quiet and gentle, golf does have a violent side. That violence comes out when the club slams into the back of the ball - sometimes at more than 100 miles per hour - and sends the ball soaring off into the distance. The collision between club and ball is a powerful one, but it happens so fast that it’s hard to even see with the naked eye.
To accurately measure how the ball is being struck - or, how it is being launched - a device called a launch monitor has been developed. Launch monitors are now regularly used in golf by professionals and amateurs alike. Let’s take a bit of time to dive into the world of launch monitors to figure out what they are and why they are worth your time and attention.
What is a Golf Launch Monitor?
A launch monitor is a specialized device that measures various aspects of your golf swing and ball flight. You might think of it as a coach, only it’s able to capture data that no human coach would ever be able to collect alone.
Many different pieces of data can be picked up with the help of a launch monitor. Clubhead speed is one core number that will be tracked by every launch monitor, along with stats such as launch angle, ball speed, and spin rate.
How Does a Golf Launch Monitor Work?
There is a lot of advanced technology packed into a launch monitor that enables it to capture the data that it is able to collect. To be able to track the club head and ball as they move through the violent collision at impact is not an easy feat, but modern tech has made it possible to do just that.
Two different types of technology are commonly used to capture data with a launch monitor. One is radar-based technology that tracks the ball as it moves through the air after impact. These types of monitors are excellent for figuring out how far the ball is going to fly through the air, among other things.
Other launch monitors will use a camera-based system. In this case, high-speed cameras track the ball at impact and shortly after it leaves the club. This is the ideal solution for an indoor golf simulator setup where the ball is only going to fly a few feet before crashing into a net. Some advanced systems employ a hybrid approach where both radar and camera technology will be used to produce extremely accurate, reliable data.
What Makes a Good Launch Monitor?
A good launch monitor is one that is able to consistently capture accurate data that the golfer can use to analyze and improve their swing. Fortunately, there are many such devices on the market today, so you might need to dig a little deeper to figure out what features you want are specifically important to use.
For example, some launch monitors are more portable than others. If you purchase a portable golf launch monitor like our SC4 Pro, you’ll be able to take it with you wherever you go, always having a virtual golf coach ready to set up and get to work. Beyond portability, you want to have a system that is easy to use and approachable for the average golfer.
Why Would You Use a Launch Monitor?
Some golfers seem to think that they aren’t really good enough to use a launch monitor. Isn’t that kind of thing just for the pros or scratch golfers? Not at all - launch monitors have something to offer everyone.
Perhaps the best reason to use a launch monitor is to get accurate, unbiased information about your swing. What kind of spin are you putting on the ball at impact? How hard are you hitting the ball? There are a million questions that can be answered, and with those answers, you can start to seek improvements.
It’s also possible to use a launch monitor to help you pick out the right equipment. For example, if you are trying to choose between two drivers, you don’t have to leave it up to “feel” to make your choice. Hit some shots with both of them in front of a launch monitor and see what the numbers say. With good data in hand, you won’t be relying on guesswork to determine which club deserves a place in your bag.
Three Reasons to Choose the SC4 Pro
Check It Out Now!At VoiceCaddie, we believe in the power of launch monitors so much that we developed one that is within reach of every golfer. Our SC4 Pro offers an approachable price point, yet it is packed with features and promises excellent performance. If you are considering purchasing your own launch monitor unit, these three reasons should point you in our direction.
- Easily portable. You probably want to be able to use your new launch monitor wherever you happen to be swinging, and the SC4 Pro makes that a breeze.
- Three modes. When using the SC4 Pro, you can pick from Swing Speed Mode, Target Mode, and Practice Mode based on what you want to accomplish during that session.
- Distance voice output. You don’t even have to look at the screen to learn how far you hit the last shot - just listen for the voice to read out the distance after the shot is struck.
Ready to take your golf game in a high-tech direction? The SC4 Pro is the perfect partner for this new adventure. Learn more about this product from VoiceCaddie today and open up a whole new world of possibilities for your game.
