Saturday, January 24, 2015

FlightScope


Unlike the camera based GC2, the FlightScope Xi and X2 Elite Launch Monitors use 3D Doppler Radar to track your club path through the hitting zone, as well as ball flight from impact to landing. The system captures 26 data points including launch angles (vertical and horizontal), spin axis, spin rate, apex height, distance to a selected target, flight time, and carry and roll distances. Since the golf ball is being tracked through its entire flight, information such as carry and roll distances are measured, not calculated. Radar based systems claim the carry distance statistic is accurate down to 1 foot.

FlightScope displays ball and club data for an entire series of swings.

FlightScope displayed club face angle and swing path through the impact zone
However, these launch monitors can be difficult to use indoors. The FlightScope must be placed at least 8 feet behind the player, and requires a minimum 13ft of ball flight to provide readings. Additionally, since the golf ball is no longer being tracked through its entire flight, distance data will be calculated using launch angle, ball speed, and spin rates, just like a camera based launch monitor. It is also unable to track chip shots below 13ft, or putts of any kind.
This severely limits the effectiveness of FlightScope when used with simulator software. The E6 virtual driving range is usable with a FlightScope, but the experience of playing a simulated golf course is diminished.
It can also be overwhelming for beginners due to the amount of information presented. We actually ran into a local Head Professional at the FlightScope booth who complained that he was unable to understand a variety of the measurements, and how they interacted with ball flight and the golf swing.

FlightScope virtual driving range displayed on a T.V.
FlightScope models range from a basic Xi+ at $5,000, to the fitting model the X2 Elite at $12,000. The X2 Elite comes with access to myflightscope.com, a web app which connects players and teachers to their practice sessions when using the radar. Shot data is available for players to save, review, and share. They can compare practice sessions, fitting clubs, and track statistics throughout the season.
FlightScope also offers a variety of training sessions throughout the country to allow the Golf Professional to become "FlightScope Certified". 

Overall the FlightScope is a great launch monitor at a reasonable cost. The ability to track both the ball and the club and provide 26 data points can be an important tool for players and teachers who understand how to analyze and utilize the data. 

The FlightScope Launch Monitor at the PGA Show indoor range.

http://flightscope.com/

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