Foresight Sports GC3 Vs. Skytrak Launch Monitors

GC3 offers comprehensive club and ball data with a built-in camera for video analysis. On the other hand, Skytrak is more affordable and portable, making it ideal for home use. Both provide accurate data and support various simulator software. If budget isn’t an issue and you value video analysis, go for GC3. Otherwise, Skytrak is a solid choice for most golfers.

For some time now, many people have considered Foresight the industry standard for indoor golf simulation. Still, we all know Skytrak, for the money, offers an excellent level of accuracy for someone on a budget. I’ve always wanted to compare my old Skytrak to my new GC3 side-by-side, tracking the same ball and getting data for the same shot, to check the level of accuracy and any other significant differences between the two units.

My biggest realization is that Skytrak is a great first device for simulators. After I’d owned one for a while, I realized its limitations and decided to upgrade. So my first perception when judging between these two models is that once you play on a GC2/GC3, you will never want to return.

It’s a flex to have accurate ball data displayed in your face immediately after the shot, especially during training. I also do not like the Skytrak short game chipping since it only plays bump and run.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I will walk you through, step by step, the relevant factors of comparison, and we’ll see how the Skytrak and GC3 measure up in these salient areas.

Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison:

The Design 

The Skytrak uses high-speed cameras and advanced photometric technology to capture images of the golf ball at impact and analyze its flight characteristics.

When you hit the ball, the Skytrak’s cameras capture images of the ball at impact and track its flight. The software then processes the data to provide launch data and shot analysis.

But in addition to ball tracking, the GC3 can also track your clubhead movement during the swing, providing valuable data about club path, face angle, and angle of attack.

The GC3 incorporates dual radar tracking to measure club and ball data accurately. This technology precisely captures critical metrics such as ball speed, spin rates, and launch angles.

The Foresight GC3 uses high-speed cameras to capture images of the golf ball at impact and during its flight. These cameras work together to provide accurate data and trajectory analysis.

The Launch Data Parameters

For Skytrak, you get essential launch data parameters like ball speed, launch angle, backspin, side spin, carry distance, total distance, and more. These metrics help you understand your swing and make data-driven improvements.

On the other hand, Foresight GC3 provides a wealth of data parameters, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rates (backspin and sidespin), carry distance, total distance, shot dispersion, and smash factor.

Data Accuracy

For the data accuracy measurement, I set both units up next to each other. I’ve been able to track wedge shots, seven irons, and drivers using the FSX Play Range and Sky Track Range for collecting the date data for the GC3 and Skytrak LM, respectively.

Here’s a summary of the results:

You can see that both launch monitors measured closely similar ball speed and vertical launch angle data parameters.

However, things begin to get a little interesting when you look at the differences in the side angle downward, where I get unbelievably wrong data for a pitching wedge on the Skytrak.

The results from my comparison convinced me that Skytrak can track shots very accurately, but it is likely to pick up one in ten photos incorrectly.

If you’re just playing a sim or you’re a beginner golfer who is not overly fussy about the accuracy of the data, the Skytrak will do a fantastic job at the price point.

Compatibility

The Skytrak can be connected to devices like PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones through a wireless connection or a cable, depending on the model. This is similar to the compatibility of the GC3.

The Skytrak comes with simulation software that enables you to play virtual rounds on famous golf courses and practice on various driving ranges.

The GC3 combines with 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.

Price 

Skytrak Launch Monitor costs as little as $1,995 with a primary practice plan. If you want a game improvement plan, metal case, and launch monitor, it will cost you $2,224.

On the other hand, the Foresight Sports GC3 costs $7,500. The best part is that it comes with FSX 2020 Golf Sim software, which means no subscription is required once you purchase this unit.

So Which is better for me?

GC3 appears to be a superior unit, but the less costly Skytrak is still an imposing, entirely accurate piece of LM equipment.

If you currently use the Skytrak and you’ve been mulling an upgrade to one of these medium-tier Foresight options for a while now, it would mean that you’re not satisfied with the Skytrak’s ability to provide reliable data.

In my opinion, the Skytrak is excellent if you’re purely playing Sims. But if you’re about to buy a launch monitor for practice purposes, the GC3 is a worthwhile upgrade.

The added club data and more accurate physics make all the difference.

Parting thoughts 

The primary reason why I decided to upgrade from my Skytrak to Foresight monitors is that Skytrak gave me a few misreads. With seven irons, the backspin would often register super low and could carry yards more than normal. Unbelivalier erroneous. 

Unfortunately, Skytrak rarely rolls out software updates, and some users have complained about no spin decay and low driver ball speed bugs.

But for the price, the Skytrak is a pretty great device. You are sure to get value out of it. On the brighter side, the lag time helps you keep your eye on the ball, especially at the moment of impact.

But if you’re particular about consistent accuracy and close monitoring of your shot performances, the GC3 is the way to go. If you even have the budget to splurge, I recommend the GCQuad, Foresight’s flagship launch monitor.