Find a Golf Launch Monitor for less than $500 – and practice over the winter

I love and hate the game of golf 😁

A typical round of golf for me is losing 2 sleeves, triple putts on a par 3, and 1 good drive – and the promise to myself to practice more.

This one good drive keeps me going and wanting to do it over and over again. Doesn’t it sound stupid?

YES – but the feeling when you drive the ball “perfectly” down the fairway and your foursome applauding you is what keeps you going…

How do you practice effectively and not pay a fortune for lessons?

If you ask 5 people, you will get 5 different answers and options – that’s the game of golf.

Maybe you are one of the lucky golfers living near a TopGolf and you can practice your game in a high-tech and social environment.
Don’t forget to bring your own clubs though, also limit yourself to beverages, or else the practice session easily turns into a feast.

Or you have the luxury of having enough space for an indoor golf simulator and you can practice your game in your cozy environment and out of sight.
There are affordable solutions out there, but features and setup differ quite a lot. I highly recommend doing your research thoroughly. This link might help you – “review the 10 best indoor golf simulators for home“

I personally recommend using a golf launch monitor – I used 2 different models and if you live in the north this is a great way to practice at home for the upcoming winter season.

Currently, to my knowledge, there are 3 different types of launch monitors within the < $500 range and they all have their Pros and Cons.

1. Standalone devices: No other device is needed (for ex: the SC300 from Swing Caddie)
2. Hybrid devices: An attachment plus a supported iPhone (for ex: the MLM from Rapsodo)
3. Software/Apps: Your smartphone camera

If you have pocket money there are more expensive name brands out there:

1. Skytrack ($1,995)
2. Foresight GC2 ($3,166)

---

Below is a current list of golf launch monitors on eBay.com to give you a variety of options to choose from.

Rapsodo MLM (mobile launch monitor)

Turn Your iPhone into a Golf Launch Monitor. The Rapsodo Golf Mobile Launch Monitor uses the power of your iOS device to give you the precise, data-driven feedback you need to make your practice sessions more effective. Improve your golf swing with Rapsodo’s golf swing training tool. Get a clearer, more trackable understanding of your shot strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Discover how the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor can take your game to the next level with its golf swing analyzer capabilities. Ground-Breaking Features From shot tracking to club gapping, the Rapsodo MLM is the only golf launch monitor that provides instant feedback with video replay, an active shot tracer, and data overlay. Get industry-validated, pro-level launch data on distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, and launch direction.

RAPSODO PRODUCT FEATURES

• Accuracy Matters Rapsodo understands the importance of data accuracy when it comes to improving your golf game. They continuously put the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor to the test to ensure we are providing you with accurate and reliable launch data.
• MyGolfSpy recently put the leading personal golf launch monitors to the test by utilizing a thorough and independent testing process.
• The Rapsodo MLM was rated #1 based on accuracy, #1 in features, and rated the best personal launch monitor in both 2020 and 2021!
• TRUSTED BY PROS AND COACHES – The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is the official launch monitor of Golf Digest and is trusted by top teaching pros and industry experts because of its accuracy and groundbreaking features.
• Rapsodo MLM: Pro-level launch data in the palm of your hand. 

Swing Caddie – SC300i

The Swing Caddie SC300i is a standalone and app-assisted portable golf launch monitor designed to help golfers visualize their swings. It provides instant visual feedback and stores stats for each club. The remote control makes it effortless to use. Swing Caddie is ideal for both practice and play and creates a fresh new experience for golfers of all levels. Standalone device, Instant feedback via LCD display Carry Distance Swing Speed Ball Speed Smash Factor Stats for each club Average stats Shot count and time display. Compact size and weight

Features: 

*Carry / Total Distance

*Swing Speed

*Ball Speed

*Launch Angle

*Apex

*Smash Factor

*Spin Rate via App

*Daily & Overall stats for each club

*Easy use with remote control

---