SkyTrak Plus Review

I’ll own it. I was that guy. I thought launch monitors were nothing more than high-tech paperweights for golfers with more money than swing speed. After spending three months with the SkyTrak Plus, testing it against everything from my trusty Trackman sessions to actual on-course results, I've completely altered my tune. This thing has fundamentally modified how I practice at home, and honestly, I'm a little embarrassed it took me this long to see the light.

When I unboxed the SkyTrak Plus, my initial thought was "this is smaller than I expected." At just 1.7 pounds and about the size of a thick hardcover book, it looks almost underwhelming sitting next to the behemoth that is my friend's GCQuad setup. The matte black finish with subtle orange accents gives it a professional look without being flashy (which my wife appreciated when I set it up in the garage). But here's what really caught my attention: no special balls, no stickers on my clubs, no calibration dance. Just set it down, connect to WiFi, and start hitting. After years of dealing with finicky launch monitors at different facilities, this simplicity felt almost suspicious.

Let me explain why the dual Doppler radar system is such a big deal, because I didn't fully appreciate it until I saw it in action. Most launch monitors in this price range use either camera-only systems (which struggle with spin rates) or single radar setups (which can miss subtle face angles). The SkyTrak Plus uses two Doppler radars working in tandem, one focused on the club, one on the ball, and combines that data with an improved photometric camera system. What does this mean for you? It means when you hit that butter fade with your 7-iron, the monitor captures not just that you hit a fade, but exactly why. Club path of 2 degrees out-to-in, face angle 1 degree open to path, resulting in 800 RPM of side spin.

I tested this accuracy obsessively, comparing readings to my coach's Trackman data from our last session. Ball speeds matched within 1-2 mph consistently, launch angles were spot-on, and spin rates, the Achilles heel of most consumer monitors, were surprisingly close (within 300 RPM on most shots). The only time I noticed significant variations was on extreme mishits, but let's be honest, if you're skulling it across the garage, exact spin rates are the least of your concerns.

The 40% larger hitting zone compared to the original SkyTrak is noticeable, too. With the old model, I'd occasionally have to reposition balls because I'd set up slightly off-center. Now, as long as you're in the general vicinity (about a 2x2-inch square), you're good to go. This might sound minor, but when you're grinding through 100 balls in a session, not having to constantly adjust is a blessing.

Here's where I was most skeptical: "proprietary machine-learning software" sounds like something a marketing team came up with after too many espressos. But after using it for three months, I'm convinced there's real substance here. The system gets noticeably better at reading your shots over time, especially if you tend to hit certain shot shapes repeatedly. In my initial week, I'd occasionally get a "no read" on my low punch shots (I practice these constantly for windy conditions). By week three, it was picking them up every single time.

The onboard processor is the unsung hero here. Shot data appears on screen in under two seconds, fast enough that you can maintain your rhythm during practice. Compare this to my buddy's older SkyTrak that sometimes took 4-5 seconds (doesn't sound like much until you're waiting for every single shot). This speed makes a huge difference when you're working on tempo or trying to groove a feeling. You hit, you see the result, you adjust, you hit again. No waiting, no losing your train of thought.

What really impressed me was how it handles partial shots. Chips, pitches, even little bump-and-runs, it captures them all accurately. I spent an entire session just hitting 30-50 yard wedges, comparing the carry distances to what I know from years of practice. The SkyTrak Plus nailed it, showing carry distances within a yard or two of my expected results.

Four hours of battery life might not sound impressive until you realize that's four hours of continuous use. I've never actually drained it completely in a single session (and I've had some marathon practice days). The USB-C charging is clutch too, same cable as my phone, my iPad, and pretty much everything else made in the last three years. No proprietary charging brick to lose or forget.

The 5GHz WiFi support is a significant advancement if you've ever dealt with connectivity issues on older monitors. My garage is basically a dead zone for 2.4GHz signals (too much interference from everyone's smart home devices), but the 5GHz connection stays rock solid. Shot data syncs to the app instantly, no dropouts, no "connection lost" messages in the middle of a session. You can also run it in direct mode if your WiFi is sketchy, basically turning the device into its own hotspot.

Setting up was surprisingly simple. Download the app, connect to WiFi, enter the activation code, and done. No network configuration, no port forwarding, none of that IT nightmare stuff. It just works, which is exactly what you want when you're keen to start swinging.

The SkyTrak Plus tracks everything you'd expect: ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, carry distance, and total distance. But it's how it presents this data that makes the difference. The shot optimizer feature has become my favorite practice tool. Pick a target distance, hit shots, and it scores each one based on accuracy. Simple concept, but incredibly addictive. I've turned boring block practice into a challenge, competing against myself to improve my average score for each club.

Shot shape visualization helps you understand your tendencies in a way that range sessions never could. After a month of data, I uncovered my "straight" 6-iron actually has a consistent 3-yard fade. Not enough to see with the naked eye, but enough to matter when you're trying to hit it close. The face-to-path relationship data is gold for understanding why you hit certain shots. That push-fade you keep hitting? Now you know it's because your face is 2 degrees open to your 3-degree in-to-out path.

The progress tracking through charts and graphs in the SkyTrak 360 app might seem like overkill, but it's incredibly motivating. Seeing your average driver carry increase by 8 yards over two months, or watching your dispersion pattern tighten up with your wedges, this tangible proof of improvement keeps you coming back. My 7-iron dispersion has tightened by 30% since I started using the shot scoring feature regularly. That's not feel, that's not perception, that's measurable improvement.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: you need a subscription to access the full potential. The basic package gets you driving range mode and basic shot data, which honestly might be enough for some. But the real magic happens when you spring for the Game Improvement package or go all-in with the Play & Improve tier. Access to courses, skills challenges, and online competitions, it changes practice from a chore into something you actually look forward to.

I've been using it with E6 Connect and GSPro (both require additional purchases), and the integration is seamless. Playing Pebble Beach in my garage on a rainy Tuesday? Priceless. The accuracy is good enough that my course management decisions translate to real golf. I've actually improved my course strategy by playing virtual rounds and experimenting with different approaches to holes. The SkyTrak Plus also works with The Golf Club 2019, which offers over 150,000 courses and lets you design your own dream track. For those looking to maximize their setup, pairing it with high-quality hitting mats and proper lighting enhances the overall simulation experience significantly.

Absolutely, while the SkyTrak Plus is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Accuracy rivals units costing twice as much

• No special equipment needed – just set up and swing

• Battery powered with excellent life for true portability

Cons: 

• Subscription costs add up if you want full functionality.

• Initial investment is significant (around $2,995)

• Requires decent space to be useful (minimum 8-10 feet of ball flight)

The SkyTrak Plus isn't cheap, but it's not trying to be. At just under $3,000, you're making a serious investment in your game. If you're someone who already spends $200+ monthly on range balls and is serious about improvement, this pays for itself within a year. For the casual golfer who hits balls twice a month? Probably overkill. But if you're like me, obsessed with getting better, limited by weather or daylight, and tired of guessing whether your practice is actually helping, the SkyTrak Plus is a significant advancement. It's the best balance of accuracy, usability, and features I've found in a consumer launch monitor, and it's completely modified how I practice.