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Golf launch monitors and simulators have become increasingly popular in recent times as technological advances have ensured that the capabilities of such devices are incredibly accurate.
One of the leading launch monitors in the business is SkyTrak, which is trusted by amateur and professional golfers alike.
But what can you expect from a SkyTrak simulator? How much do they cost? And do you need to sign up for a paid plan to access the software? Let’s take a closer look.
What are SkyTrak Simulators?
SkyTrak is one of the most popular simulators in golf. The device itself is actually a photometric launch monitor, and the various SkyTrak accessories contribute to an all-in-one golf simulator.
It’s fair to describe the SkyTrak monitor as a mid-range option, and it does a great job of bridging the gap between the budget and high-end golf simulators that are currently available on the market.
Utilizing high-speed cameras and sophisticated algorithms, SkyTrak provides an exceptional golf simulator experience, making it the perfect device for home or commercial use.
So, if you’re thinking about investing in a golf simulator this year, read on to find out if SkyTrak is the right option for your golf game or business.
What are the Current Models in the SkyTrak Range?
When it comes to buying options, each package within the SkyTrak range consists of the same launch monitor. The difference between the package tends to be the plans that you can sign up for.
Specifically, you can opt for the SkyTrak game improvement package or the tee-off package, which offers different levels of access as well as slightly different features.*
One thing to be mindful of when you buy a SkyTrak monitor is that you need to pay for a subscription to get the most out of the software, as we explain a little later in this SkyTrak Review.
This is what influences your access to the various features associated with SkyTrak.
So, in this respect, SkyTrak is unique in that each of the plans comes with the same monitor, but the range of features that you can access depends on the software option that you subscribe to.
How Much Do SkyTrak Simulators Cost?
As mentioned, SkyTrak monitors are reasonably priced in comparison to other launch monitors, and you can see the current pricing structure in the table below:
| Package | Price |
| SkyTrak + 30 day trial of game improvement | $1,995.00 |
| SkyTrak Launch Monitor + game improvement package | $2,249.90 |
| SkyTrak Launch Monitor + tee off package | $2,349.90 |
| SkyTrak launch monitor (Certified pre-owned) | $1,695.00 |
| SkyTrak launch monitor (Certified pre-owned) + game improvement | $1,944.90 |
| SkyTrak launch monitor (Certified pre-owned) + play and improve | $2,044.90 |
If you buy the SkyTrak monitor on its own, you can use the free, basic software if you like, but you only get access to the practice range. To use the simulator to its full potential, you need to sign up for one of the following paid plans**:
| Plan | Price |
| Game improvement | 1 year = $99.95 3 years = $299.85 |
| Play and improve | 1 year = $199.95 3 years = $599.85 |
Finally, if you would like to extend the SkyTrak warranty to provide yourself with additional peace of mind, you can upgrade to an extended warranty at the time of purchase for $99.95.
Are SkyTrak Simulators Worth it?
Given the price point, SkyTrak simulators are undoubtedly worth it. It won’t surprise you to hear that golf simulators and launch monitors are super expensive, given the technology and advanced features that are used in their production.
At less than $3,000, the SkyTrak launch monitor offers exceptional value for money and can be an excellent addition to your home golf setup.
Of course, to transform a space at home into your very own simulator, you will need to invest in the various accessories to accompany the launch monitor, which will add to the cost.
But SkyTrak has earned an excellent reputation for its accuracy and the amount of data that it is able to process, as the high-speed cameras provide excellent readings for all of the metrics that you’re keen to track, including ball and clubhead speed.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a cost-effective launch monitor to use at home or on the practice ground, SkyTrak is an option that you can’t afford to ignore.
What About SkyTrak Golf Courses?
There are more than 100 golf courses available with the SkyTrak simulator, ensuring that you can mix things up when you set up your golf simulator. Unlike other simulators, there aren’t any world-class golf courses available via the SkyTrak simulator.
For instance, you won’t be able to tee it up at St Andrews or Bethpage Black. Rather, you have the opportunity to play golf courses like The Oxfordshire and Black Stork, which are still real courses, just with a lower profile!
In addition to the selection of real courses that you can play, SkyTrak provides access to several ‘entertainment and practice’ courses on which you can complete challenges and enjoy the lighter side of the game.
The plan that you sign up for dictates the access that you have to the various golf courses, and you can also pay a one-off fee of $99.95 to buy one of the additional golf course packs, offering you the opportunity to broaden your golfing horizons.
Does SkyTrak Have Free Software?
When you buy a SkyTrak launch monitor, you can access the free, basic software that accompanies the device. However, the basic plan only consists of the practice driving range, meaning that you need to upgrade to one of the paid plans to get the most out of the software.
The two paid plans available with SkyTrak are the game improvement and play and improve plans, both of which unlock all of the features you need to enjoy the launch monitor to the max.
The main difference between the game improvement and play and improve plans is that the latter offers unlimited integration with World Golf Tour, which is an advantage to some players.
So, if you’re planning to invest in a SkyTrak launch monitor this season, bear in mind that you will also need to fork out for an annual subscription to get the most out of the device or limit yourself to the practice range if you want to stick to the free plan.
SkyTrak Simulators for Sale? (Anywhere Cheaper?)
When it comes to buying a SkyTrak, the best place to buy the launch monitor is from the company directly via its online store. You can buy new and certified used SkyTrak monitors, which both come with warranties.
Alternatively, as SkyTrak has been around for a while now, there are lots of used options out there for you to buy, which is a good option if you don’t want to pay the full price or high price associated with new and certified used SkyTrak products, respectively.***
You can buy a used SkyTrak on 2nd Swing Golf, as well as other online retailers, including Rain or Shine Golf and Shop Indoor Golf.
Each retailer has SkyTrak monitors available at great prices, saving you money when buying a launch monitor.
It’s also possible to find SkyTrak monitors for sale on eBay and Craigslist, but you need to be careful when purchasing a used monitor on such a marketplace, and it’s typically better to buy from a trusted retailer with a warranty attached.
Comparing SkyTrak vs. Optishot
SkyTrak and Optishot are both viable options if you’re looking for a golf launch monitor, but it’s important to be aware that they have some notable differences that affect their performance.
The main difference is that OptiShot is only capable of measuring your club path via an infrared sensor.
In contrast, SkyTrak utilizes a photometric system to measure ball data and other metrics, making it more accurate.
As a result, Optishot is cheaper than SkyTrak, but you can’t rely on the figures in the same way that you can use the metrics provided by SkyTrak for game improvement.
The bottom line here is that both SkyTrak and Optishot work well, but the fact that SkyTrak provides more accurate readings makes it the better option for most golfers.
Conclusion
When it comes to golf launch monitors, SkyTrak is one of the best in the business.
It’s also well-priced, and there are lots of used options available online if you don’t want to spend your money on a brand-new device.
Provided that you’re happy to sign up for one of the paid plans, you can install a SkyTrak launch monitor at home and enjoy an incredible golf simulator experience, enabling you to improve your golf game in so many different ways.
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