To experience the best golf game yet, you must buy a golf simulator or build your own golf simulator that doesn’t hinder your experience in places where you are desiring it.
While some golfers seek enjoyment through accuracy, some are happy with better software support and a wide range of available courses. But to decide on your pain point, it’s only reasonable to judge your preference through the eyes of an expert.
Here, in this article, we present to you the features that you must consider before purchasing the next golf simulator.
Golf Simulator Launch Monitor
In order to improve your game, knowing about your ball and club data is critical. The golf simulator launch monitors generally assess your club velocity, ball trajectory, and ball velocity to determine the data related to your game.
In a golf simulator, the launch monitors play the most important role. In addition to enabling you to play, the best launch monitors are equipped with video recording, 3D trajectory view, E6 Connect, and The Golf Club Connect support.
In more advanced golf simulators, launch monitors, spin loft, spin axis, and lateral landing parameters are also calculated to provide you with more accurate results.
The optimum distance to set the launch monitor depends on the model, but as the monitor needs to track the ball, setting it to an 8 feet distance would give you the best results.
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Golf Simulator Software and Support
Golf launch monitors are only usable when they are paired with golf simulator software. Not every golf launch monitor supports every piece of software, but the best ones come equipped with software that is usable on all major OS like Android, Windows, and iOS.
Golf simulator software enables you to play on your favorite course, play with friends, and engage yourself in golf practices.
The Golf Connect is a golf simulator software that works only on Windows PC. But it’s one of the most prolific software for golf simulators because of its over 170,000 courses and multiplayer playability.
The Golf Connect lets you choose the world-famous golf courses like Pinehurst, Pebble Beach, and Torrey Pines. If you are building a golf simulator for home, this could be the best choice of software that is available.
E6 Golf Connect is supported through both iOS and PC. This golf simulator software offers only 90+ courses with a premium subscription, but trump’s other software with its realistic 4K courses mapped through LiDAR laser scanning technology.
The software supports up to 8 players in multiplayer modes and offers a lot more customization than other platforms.
Golf Simulator Enclosure
The screen and the enclosure play a predominant role in terms of real-life golf experience in simulators. While the most sought-after feature of golf enclosures is ball containing and minimum bounceback, the durability of the material also is critical.
When you spend more than $8000 for a pro-level golf simulator, asking for a durable enclosure shouldn’t be a long stretch.
The best golf simulator screens and enclosures are manufactured by Shop Indoor Golf. Their SIG8, SIG10, and SIG12 models are quite popular in the pro gaming domain. The thick screen, durable enclosure, and heavyweight setup ensure the user that their experience isn’t hampered and their money isn’t wasted.
The 100% screen coverage, up to 250 MPH withstanding capability, and 12 feet wide enclosure make the SG12 the most sought-after model in the golfing community.
If you have the budget to go for a premium enclosure, the SG12, only being marginally more expensive than the SGI10, offers a great experience.
Golf Simulator Accuracy
In a real physical golf course, you don’t need to have the support of technology to determine how far the ball will go.
But, with a DIY golf simulator, the accuracy of the calculations and 3D model rendering dictates the experience of the user. Without accurate imaging and calculation, you are left with a not-so-great experience.
The accuracy of golf simulators is determined by how many images it takes per second, the ability to detect parameters, and the calculation algorithm. The tracking analysis is refined by the sensors and cameras installed on a golf simulator.
GCQuad SIG12 and Trackman FlexCage golf simulators are the most accurate simulators. While the SIG12 employs a quad-camera setup to render a 3D model of the trajectory, Trackman uses radar tracking for the same.
Although both of them are considered gold standards of golf simulation, SGI12 performs a little better in indoor situations and costs a lot more than the latter.
Golf Simulator Dimensions
Before purchasing the best golf simulator, you must understand that not every setup fits every garage.
If you don’t have the space to house a huge golf simulator like a Trackman 4 or a SIG12 that requires at least 14 feet of open space for the display, it’s better to go for a smaller simulator like a SIG8 or SIG10.
Dimensions of the golf simulator contribute to your overall experience in more ways than you think.
A simulator with a 16:9 aspect ratio may need more space, but offers a much better experience than a 4:3 one. However, if you can work out the 4:3 ratio, a much larger setup can be accumulated in a more confined space.
Golf Simulator Ease of Setup
You have bought your golf simulator to have fun with your friends and families. However, if the setup is complicated and doesn’t come with clear instructions, the experience is hobbled.
Despite your best efforts, without technical and mechanical knowledge, a complex golf simulator may take the joy out of the game.
Disassembling and assembling is a recurring event. Especially if you prefer to take your golf simulator outdoors.
Since a complex setup may take more time to assemble and disassemble, the potential of it being ruined by rain or hailstorm is much higher than a simple one.
Golf Simulator Customer Support
Technical or mechanical issues may occur to your home golf simulator anytime. Being a setup that requires different gadgets and accessories to be assembled, the requirement for the best customer service is paramount.
When you pay for a device that costs a whopping $10K, expecting decent customer service is understandable. Always check for reviews before purchasing to understand how they respond and resolve the complaints.
Golf Simulator Pricing
You can get a golf simulator for $299 or you can climb to the top to get a premium one for more than $10K. Depending on your budget, a plethora of best golf simulators for home is available in the market.
Some inexpensive ones may lack in accuracy or the quality of display, but the joy of golfing isn’t sacrificed in most of them. Always consider your budget and scrutinize the models before jumping into making the purchase.
The Bottomline
Hopefully, you’ve understood the perks of having each feature at your disposal. The launch monitor is responsible for the accuracy of the shots whereas the software determines the environment that you want to play in.
The enclosure of golf simulators is important for the durability of the setup and the dimensions are important to understand if you can house the simulator in your estate.
Also, considering customer support and pricing is also important while choosing your favorite golf simulator.
