Do you remember when rangefinders first came out, and everyone needed one? Today it is just like that with the golf launch monitors. If you are ready to take your game to the next level, 2022 could be your year to capitalize on the best golf launch monitor on the market.
We have tested and researched the best golf launch monitors for 2022; there is sure to be an option on this list that will suit your needs. Whether you are going to use the launch monitor with a simulator or independently, take a look at our reviews of the best golf launch monitors for 2022.
Best Golf Launch Monitors
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
The Rapsodo Mobile launch monitor is the best overall golf launch monitor in 2022. This is a perfect option for any budget and can help players looking to improve their overall performance in both the long game and the short game.
The launch monitor that is the most well known on the market is the Trackman. Trackman has extremely high accuracy and great analysis of the information that a player needs to succeed. However, the accuracy of the Rapsodo is within 2% of the Trackman, and it comes at a fraction of the price.
With GPS Satellite view, instant feedback, and the ability to set up this launch monitor in less than 30 seconds, the Rapsodo mobile launch monitor quickly made its way to the top of our list. You can use this model both indoors and outdoors, and it is compatible with almost any mobile device.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real time video feedback
- Very user friendly
- Good range of stats offered, including dispersion trajectory, averages, and more
Cons
- Initial setup can take some people a bit of time
Garmin Approach G80
The Garmin Approach G80 is a golf launch monitor that is combined with a GPS unit. With the Garmin Approach G80, you can get distances to the pin as well as a recommendation as to what club would be the best suited for you.
With the Garmin Approach G80, there are more than 41,000 color golf course maps for you to explore. The Garmin will automatically find the golf course you are playing and help you determine what your yardages are. At the same time, the launch monitor will track club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, and even the estimated distance.
Once the G80 gets to know you as a player, it will start recommending clubs based on certain distances. Overall this model has a long battery life of up to 15 hours in GPS mode.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great combination of a portable launch monitor and GPS device
- Garmin is a strong name in the industry
- One of the best golf launch monitors for the money
Cons
- Accuracy is not quite as good as the Rapsodo
FlightScope Mevo
The FlightScope Mevo is a portable launch monitor known for accuracy and for a wide range of data points. With the Mevo, you can get information like carry distance, club head speed, smash factor, spin, and even flight time. The device will automatically capture data and video and let you practice and even save the clips that it takes of your swing.
One of our favorite features of the FlightScope Mevo is that you can record your videos and then compare them later. If you are curious if you are actually making progress, the Mevo is a great option to consider.
If you want to practice with a coach that does not live near you, you can easily send the videos from the FlightScope Mevo to them digitally. It is important to remember that you much have a mobile device to work alongside your Flightscope Mevo because the device itself will not display the videos or the yardages that you are hitting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and portable launch monitor
- Portable option can even keep in your golf bag
- It has a wide range of data points that it will collect
- Durable outer casing will hold up over time
Cons
- It won’t display your starts for a quick review of swing, it must pair with a phone
PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor HS-130A
The PRGR Black Pocket Launch Monitor is one of the most accurate golf launch monitors for the money. With the PRGR launch monitor, you get a straightforward machine that helps give customers the swing speed, ball speed, carry distance, total distance, and smash factor. The PRGR has been on the market for quite some time, and it can be used for a variety of sports and activities.
One of the great things about the PRGR is that it gives you the information right on the front of the Doppler radar technology device. This allows you to learn about your golf game without having to break out your mobile device just to retrieve the information.
You do not need Wi-Fi to work the PRGR, and from a usability standpoint, it is one of the easiest on the market.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can measure in both yards and meters
- The PRGR is one of the best golf launch monitors for the money
- Measures launch angle
- Good option for other sports in addition to golf
Cons
- Has no video capability
Swing Caddie SC300i
The Swing Caddie SC300i is a portable launch monitor with voice capabilities. This unit offers in-depth data and voice output so that you can keep on hitting without stopping to look at the electronic device. Sometimes golfers just want to practice without having to mess with their phone or their launch monitor. With the Swing Caddie SC300i in place, you can easily do this.
The accuracy on the SC300i is within 5 yards or so, which is about average for a launch monitor. This model comes with a hard case that allows you to store it properly between rounds. In addition, you won’t have to worry about charging the SC300i quite as much as it comes with a portable charger.
If you are a golfer who gets bored during practice sessions, the Swing Caddie SC300i offers video recording that even allows for swing tracing. This is a great way to be able to see how your swing compares to professionals and even your old motions. If you don’t find the FlightScope or Garmin to be a good brand for you, then the SC300i could be a great choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Voice technology to announce the club speed and other factors
- It can be used in a golf simulator setup
- Launch direction and vertical launch angle included
- Can take video
Cons
- It takes a little while to understand all shot data and video capability
FlightScope Mevo+
The FlightScope Mevo+ is a more advanced version of the Mevo launch monitors. With the Mevo+, golfers can get access to golf courses and even practice ranges that they can use with a golf simulator. In fact, this is one of the best golf launch monitor options for an at-home simulator setup. The FlightScope Mevo+ has very accurate data and readers more stats than the FlightScope Mevo.
You can get information about your spin loft, angle of attack, vertical launch angle, shot shape total distance, roll, and more. In fact, most golfers will find that the information given by the FlightScope Mevo+ will be more than they need to succeed.
The FlightScope Mevo+ makes practice fun and engaging and can encourage you to work on your game. Although this is a bigger investment than other launch monitors on our list, it is something that you are going to have plenty of use for.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the best launch monitors for golf simulators
- It has lots of data points that it reads
- Very accurate ball speed and club path measurements
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
Swing Caddie SC200 Plus
As you have likely seen, there are a few brands that stand out as the best overall golf launch monitor brands on the market. The Swing Caddie name is well known in the industry and one of the simplest to use portable golf launch monitors. The Swing Caddie SC200 will allow for a voice distance output that helps players know how far they have hit the ball without looking at the monitor.
The Swing Caddie SC200 Plus can measure carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor. This won’t be your best golf launch monitor if you need information about your spin rate. In addition, this would not be the right technology to use with golf simulation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable launch monitor that keeps things simple
- Voice distance output
- Can measure practice swing speed in addition to shot swing speed
Cons
- It does not have as many data parameters as other golf launch monitors
Buyers Guide: How To Chose a Golf Launch Monitor
Now that you have some of the best golf launch monitors 2022 has to offer, you may be wondering which one of these will be the right fit for your needs. There are many great things about all of these launch monitors, but there are some crucial features that you must be sure of before you invest.
Use of Launch Monitor
Some golfers want a launch monitor to be used as part of their golf simulation setup in their homes. Other players are looking for portable launch monitors that they can bring on and off the course with them. Some launch monitors work best when they are stationary, and others work best when they are portable.
Indoor Outdoor
Some golf launch monitors will work both indoors and outdoors, but others work only outdoors. If you think you will use your rangefinder outside in the off-season and then bring it indoors with you for the winter, make sure that you get a launch monitor that works indoors and outdoors. Even if these are a little more expensive, it could save you from having to buy more than one unit.
Data Parameters
The ball flight data that a golf launch monitor gives you are essentially the device’s most important feature. Some of these will provide you with distance, ball speed, and smash factor; others will simply give you the distance. If you plan to make significant changes in your game, look for a more advanced model that also measures the spin you get with your golf shots.
Cost
There is good news and bad news about the cost of a portable golf launch monitor. The good news is that these devices have dropped in price considerably in the last few years. Finding an affordable golf launch monitor is easier than it ever has been.
The downside is that to get accurate golf launch monitors, you still need to invest several hundred dollars. Unless you are putting the right amount of money in, the accuracy of your rangefinder may make it very difficult to use.
Brand
As you likely saw from our list of the best launch monitors in 2022, there are a few brands that stand out from others. FlightScope, Rapsodo, and Swing Caddie are three of the most popular. Ensure that you get a reputable launch monitor to be comfortable with the information and shot data that this unit will give you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about launch monitors. Since this is a relatively new golf technology, it’s essential to make sure you fully understand what you are getting yourself involved in before making your purchase.
Are golf launch monitors worth it?
Golf launch monitors are worth the money you pay. The great thing about golf launch monitors is that you won’t need a high-end system or even a golf professional to see the changes you need to make in your game. Launch monitors are easy to use, and as long as you have a smartphone, you should easily be able to set up your launch monitor.
Are a golf simulator and a golf launch monitor the same thing?
A golf simulator and a golf launch monitor are not the same things. To get a golf simulator to function correctly, you will need a golf launch monitor. However, you can use a golf launch monitor independently without having an entire simulator system.
Will golf launch monitors work with a net?
Many golf launch monitors will work with a net. Anything that says it is good with a golf simulator like the FlightScope Mevo+ will work quite well with a net. Keep this in mind if you plan on using your launch monitor in both indoor and outdoor settings.
The Best Golf Launch Monitor Is . . .
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
The best overall golf launch monitor is the Rapsodo Portable Golf Launch Monitor. This model is a perfect mix of functionality and value. With the Rapsodo, you can hit shots, and record video and data on your phone. This information is great for golfers to change their golf game and become better players.
With the Rapsodo Portable Golf Launch Monitor, golfers can look back and compare the progress that they have made through the years. If you care about your ability to hit great shots, the Rapsodo Portable Golf Launch Monitor is the way to go. For more golf reviews check out PG Golf Links.
