The GCquad launch monitor is Foresight’s flagship product and an upgraded version of the GC3. The significant difference between these two models is that the GCquad offers more club data than the GC3, such as loft and lie, face angle, impact location, closure rate, and putting data, which the GC3 does not.
So you finally have space that you can use for a simulator. You’ve probably been drawn to the reputation of Foresight launch monitors. It means you are eyeing either of their starter models, the GC3 or the Quad. Many colleagues I’ve helped pick a launch monitor are usually more concerned with budget and performance than anything else.
So I’ve prepared this article to place both models side-by-side to help you decide which is worth your investment.
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The Major Differences GC3 And GCQuad
You can observe the first significant difference in the names of these models. The GC3 is triscopic, which means it has a 3-camera system, while the GCQuad is quadrascopic, or a 4-camera system. But here are other key features that set both models apart:
| GC3 | GCQUAD | |
| Camera | Triscopic Camera | Quadrascopic Camera |
| Hitting Zone | 7″ x 10″ | 18″ x 14″ |
| Bluetooth | Not available | Available |
| Battery Life | 5-7 hours (Fixed lithium-ion) | 6–8 hours (Interchangeable Lithium) |
| DDisplay | Display Type Standard Transflective LCD with Touch Screen | Premium Reflective Memory Display (suitable for outdoor use) |
| Ball Speed | 150 mph | |
| Carry Distance | 260 yards | 269 yards |
| Launch Angle | 12° | 13.6° |
| Putting analysis | Not available | Available |
| Product Weight | 5 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Price | $7,500 | $11,000 |
Using The GC3 Golf Launch Monitor
The GC3 is a sweet spot for golfers with budgets that want lower-tiered Launch Pro plans and are not too far from the GCQuad’s performance.
The GC3 measures launch angle, side angle, ball speed, total spin, carry, sidepin, and spin axis. But for the club data, it measures speed, smash factor, club path, and angle of attack.
However, the GC3 has a 7″ x 10″ hitting zone. Also, the FSX software packages compatible with the GC3 allow for an outstanding indoor experience.
Using the GCquad Gold Launch Monitor
I have seen many golf pros warming up with the GCquad launch monitor, which speaks so much about how Foresight has invented this model with performance in mind.
The GCquad has won the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award twice. It provides all the ball and club performance data in one unit.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Unlike the GC3, the GCQuad provides putting analysis. If you’re particular about tracking your putting progress, this is a significant distinction.
I know many golfers may disagree with me on this, but the GCQuad appears to have a more compact and ergonomic design, so it defeats the GC3 in portability. It also has a built-in barometric altitude sensor for precise down-range values.
Software
There’s no massive gap in how the software performs in both units. The GC3 and GCquad complement the FSX performance and gaming suite. I like this because it lets you enjoy hundreds of world-class courses, skill-building games, and global competitions.
Remember that the FSX 2020 and FSX Play require a game-optimized PC, while the FSX Pro works with a PC or iPad.
Pros and cons
In all fairness, GC3 comes more than a decade after the launch of GC2. When I compared the performance of the GC3 with its previous model, the difference was significant.
However, the true-to-life simulation experience of Foresight GC3 takes extra gear with the GCquad, which comes at a higher price point.
Still, these two models are not immune to a few drawbacks I noticed when testing each.
| GC3 Launch Monitor | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Real-time shot analysis | Limited indoor use without additional equipment |
| Multiple club and ball compatibilities | It may require frequent calibrations. |
| Portable and easy to set up. | Limited data analysis compared to the GCQuad |
| Accurate data tracking | No putting analysis. |
| GCQuad Launch Monitor | |
| PROS | CONS |
| Real-time shot analysis | It’s expensive |
| Works perfectly well for both indoors and outdoors. | It’s bulkier compared to the GC3 and GC2. |
| Bigger Hitting Area than GC3. | |
| Accurate data tracking | |
| Great for Simulator Use | |
| Tracks Club Data | |
Price
The Foresight Sports GC3 Price costs $7,500, while the GCQuad costs $14,500. You may be lucky to find used units selling much cheaper, but the retail price is generally expensive.
Considering options like the Flightscope Mevo Plus, which offers similar value to the GCquad for just $2,199, it makes sense to conclude that the GCquad is expensive. However, it’s worth the investment.
If you need a launch monitor under $1,000, models like the Rapsdo MLM 2 Pro and Swing Caddie SC4 are better options.
GC3 vs. GCQuad: Which Should You Buy?
When many people attempt to compare the GC3 and GCQuad, it is often based on whether the extra club data points provided in the GCQuad are worth the additional $4,000 cost.
So only you can decide if the extra club data points are worth it for your use case. I test a lot of gear in my situation, so I like to see the full impact as I try driver shafts.
So the extra club data offered by the GCQuad is valuable to someone in my situation. Also, if you’re working through a dynamic loft problem, you need the GCQuad offerings.
If you have the budget, I recommend the GCquad, especially if you want to change your swing to improve.
