Quick picks from our radar guide: Garmin Approach R10 • Rapsodo MLM2PRO • Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor • PRGR HS 130-A (speed only)
Launch monitors are measurement tools—not magic
They’re best at trends. If you’re trying to answer “Is this change helping?” a good portable launch monitor is incredible. If you’re trying to replicate a tour-level fitting bay with zero compromises, you’ll get frustrated.
For the top portable options and full device list, see: Golf launch monitors in our radar guide.
Radar vs camera systems: what’s the difference?
Radar-based monitors track the ball (and sometimes the club) via Doppler radar. They’re great for speed and flight tracking—especially with enough space.
Camera-based monitors use high-speed images (sometimes with your phone camera) to estimate launch conditions and flight. They can be excellent indoors, but lighting and ball markings can matter.
- Radar strengths: ball speed, consistent trends, portability.
- Camera strengths: visual feedback, indoor usability, detailed impact visuals (depending on system).
Spin, launch angle, and “estimated” data
Some metrics are directly measured, others are calculated. That doesn’t make them useless—but it’s important to know which ones are rock solid.
- Most reliable: club speed (for speed monitors), ball speed, launch direction (when aligned well).
- Often estimated: spin rate and carry distance depending on device + environment.
- Best practice: focus on trends and consistency, not one “perfect” number.
Getting accurate data indoors
- Give the device enough space (follow the manufacturer’s recommended distances).
- Use consistent balls and lighting.
- Align carefully to your target line.
- Repeat suspicious readings instead of trusting a single outlier.
Indoors, the biggest cause of bad data is rushed setup. A 60-second alignment routine can save hours of confusion.
What we recommend tracking first
- Ball speed (contact quality).
- Launch angle (trajectory window).
- Carry distance (as a trend, not an absolute).
- Dispersion (tightness improves scoring).
If you want a fast decision, start with our quick picks on the main guide: best by category.
