When golfers talk about launch monitors, TrackMan 4 is often the first name mentioned—and for good reason. It's the gold standard seen across the PGA Tour, trusted by the world’s best players, coaches, and fitters. But what about for the rest of us?
Enter SkyTrak+, a mid-tier launch monitor that’s completely redefined what's possible under $2,500. With newly integrated club data, Doppler-enhanced tracking, and in-app course play powered by TrackMan visuals, the SkyTrak+ isn’t trying to be TrackMan—but it’s certainly borrowing some of its brilliance.
Price and Positioning - Can a $2K Launch Monitor Compete?
SkyTrak+: Typically retails for $2,495, positioning it as one of the most powerful options in the consumer launch monitor space. It’s ideal for home golfers who want a pro-style training and simulation setup without pro-style pricing.
TrackMan 4: Starts north of $20k, with additional costs for software, features, and updates. It's designed for tour pros, elite instructors, academies, and facilities that need flawless accuracy and full radar tracking in any environment.
Verdict: If you’re measuring value by price-to-performance, SkyTrak+ is in a league of its own. But TrackMan 4’s price tag reflects a level of detail, speed, and real-time feedback unmatched in the industry.
Tracking Technology
SkyTrak+: Uses a combination of dual Doppler radar and high-speed cameras, offering hybrid tracking for both ball and club data. The added Doppler system (compared to the original SkyTrak) improves spin axis and club measurements dramatically.
TrackMan 4: Runs on a dual-Doppler radar system with an integrated optical camera. One radar captures the full ball flight outdoors (all the way to landing), while the second focuses on club movement before, during, and after impact.
Verdict: SkyTrak+ brings tour-level tech down to a consumer-friendly price—but TrackMan still owns the crown for absolute precision, especially outdoors.
Club and Ball Data: Surprisingly Close
SkyTrak+: Now includes both club and ball data:
- Ball: Ball speed, launch angle, backspin, side spin, side angle, carry distance.
- Club: Clubhead speed, smash factor, club path, face angle, face-to-path, angle of attack.
TrackMan 4: Offers:
- Ball: Includes the full array—spin loft, spin axis, apex, landing angle, and more.
- Club: Full 3D tracking of the club—including impact location, dynamic loft, and more advanced metrics used by professional instructors and fitters.
Verdict: For a home user, SkyTrak+ offers all the essential data points without locking them behind a paywall. TrackMan still delivers unmatched depth and real-time accuracy, but SkyTrak+ closes more of that gap than you’d expect at this price.
Software Experience: TrackMan Visuals in Both
SkyTrak+: Offers access to in-app course play with TrackMan-powered graphics, giving users a visual experience remarkably close to the pro setup.
TrackMan 4: Runs on its own proprietary software that includes stunning course visuals, advanced practice modes, and unique tools like TrackMan Combine and performance reports trusted by coaches and fitters globally.
Verdict: While TrackMan’s software suite is richer in features, SkyTrak+ is surprisingly immersive—and far more accessible for everyday golfers.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
SkyTrak+: Optimized for indoor use, with a short-range tracking zone and fast spin readings ideal for home sim setups. Outdoor use is possible, but conditions like glare or ambient light can reduce performance.
TrackMan 4: Excels both indoors and outdoors, tracking full flight over hundreds of yards without the need for hitting into a net. It’s widely seen on practice tees from the PGA Tour to high-end academies.
Verdict: TrackMan is still the outdoor king, but SkyTrak+ dominates the home sim market thanks to its compact footprint, affordable pricepoint, and accurate indoor readouts.
Portability and Setup
SkyTrak+: Lightweight, portable, and quick to set up. It connects via Wi-Fi or USB-C and can be used with iOS, Android, or PC. The compact footprint makes it ideal for simulator enclosures.
TrackMan 4: While portable in theory, is bulkier and requires more setup time and calibration, especially outdoors. It’s best suited for dedicated practice spaces or commercial settings.
Verdict: SkyTrak+ wins on flexibility and ease of use. TrackMan’s portability is functional, but not frictionless.
Subscription and Software Costs
SkyTrak+: Includes basic features out of the box, but its most robust experiences (course play, game modes, and third-party software) require an annual subscription starting around $129–$249/year depending on package.
TrackMan 4: Includes most core features in its base price, but additional course libraries, access to the infamous Trackman Combine, or updates may come with ongoing costs or bundled licensing.
Verdict: Both systems have recurring software investments, but SkyTrak+ is more transparent and budget-friendly over time.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose What?
Choose SkyTrak+ if:
- You’re building a home simulator setup.
- You want club and ball data without paying $20K+.
- You value TrackMan-like visuals but don’t need full radar.
- You want flexibility across software platforms.
Choose TrackMan 4 if:
- You need industry-leading accuracy indoors and outdoors.
- You’re a coach, fitter, or tour-level player.
- You want to track full ball flight and pinpoint club metrics.
- Budget is less of a concern than precision and versatility.
Bottom Line:
SkyTrak+ delivers a powerful, portable, and visually stunning experience at a fraction of the cost. But TrackMan 4 is TrackMan 4—there’s a reason you see it on every Tour range. It’s not just a launch monitor; it’s the gold standard of golf performance tracking.
Whether you want to train like the pros—or with the pros—this comparison should help guide your decision.
