So let's start this off by saying that I have done a bunch with this thing:
1) I took it to a TopTracer equipped driving range and compared distances in excellent outdoor conditions. Granted it was with some pretty mediocre yellow range balls, but the MLM2PRO picked them up without an issue.
2) I compared the MLM2PRO to the original Rapsodo MLM (my friend has one) and was compared them both while hitting against a net. It fared very well, as you would expect it would.
3) I played multiple simulated rounds with the included Awesome Golf and had a blast doing so. I have included some screenshots from an Awesome Gold range session, worked very well.
4) I have become pretty addicted to the Combine in the MLM2PRO app, it's very well conceived and executed.
==========
OVERALL:
==========
-= One thing is for certain with me, this thing is a TREMENDOUS VALUE! =-
--- There have been some quirks with it and I've had to work through them with a little bit of trial and error. But as a whole, the entire setup process was painless. The connectivity to Awesome Golf via Bluetooth was rock solid. The software features are robust and extensive... Overall, I have had a blast with this thing!
=================
PROS - WHAT I LOVED
==================
-= It just feels like a QUALITY PIECE OF TECH =-
--- From the way that the unit is packaged in its carrying case to its ingenious design and how the MLM2 clicks into the three-legged stand that has little notches in it to hold an iPad/Tablet -- it's all just very well constructed and smartly built.
-= The SOFTWARE has come a long way - The COMBINE is so well done =-
--- I was comparing it to the original MLM and you can just see how much the software suite has improved just over the last few years alone. The way the connections are established (both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity) as well as the manner in which it walks a new customer through the process -- it is both clear and detailed.
--- Connectivity issues can occur on Local WiFi (see commentary below) but throughout that issue the software alerts you and tells you when connection has been re-established. There is also a workaround for maintaining solid connectivity via Direct Wi-Fi until the Shared WiFi issue is remedied, see more below.
--- The Combine is a BLAST! (see video -- https://youtu.be/fwzEGynxEbQ) ... The more and more I used it over time I could see how the Combine could really help you hone your game. If there are certain clubs or distances that you struggle with then you can focus on those and continue to put the work in to improve.
==================================
THE SORDID DETAILS - A FEW STRUGGLES:
==================================
-= Limited Metric Count on iPhone =-
--- My primary gripe from the start was that on an iPhone it only shows 3 METRICS (I went with swing speed, carry distance and launch angle) and I really most definitely craving a few more. In my opinion this is totally fixable via a software update because when I dropped in an iPad on the MLM2PRO stand I got 6 METRICS and that was the perfect amount (see my video attached)
-= Connection Issues when on Shared WiFi =-
--- So yes, the connection issues ARE real and I was afflicted by these as well. Admittedly it was when I attempted to connect to my Local/Shared Wi-Fi and then have the MLM2PRO connect. It was pretty much hit or miss when I first started using it and, well, I was pretty concerned.
--- Then I started reading some MLM2PRO forums and Reddit and people mentioned that it's far more stable if you CONNECT DIRECTLY to your iPhone or iPad with the Direct Wi-Fi. This uses a "direct connection" between the two devices... WORKED LIKE A CHARM!
--- The downside to this though is that Awesome Golf and other apps which require a shared internet connectivity can then become a little tricky if your connected device doesn't have a data plan. Since that device is now using the Wi-Fi connection to "talk to the MLM2PRO".
--- So, in short, when I play Awesome Golf I use my phone (since it has unlimited data and a 5G connection) and then when I want to hone my stats/numbers I use the bigger iPad since it doesn't need the Internet to do so and I get my 6 metrics to track. Then when my iPad is disconnected and back on the Wi-Fi it syncs my results like a champ.
-= Amazing Customer Support =-
-- HELP IS COMING, PEOPLE... With all of that said, I did have a pleasant exchange with Rapsodo support at the outset and they are obviously well aware of the Shared/Local Wi-Fi issue and tell me that a fix is coming... it truthfully was an excellent customer support experience for me to work with them and they were just generally so helpful and very appreciative of my business.
-- To be honest, I'm confident that the Shared Wi-Fi connectivity issues will be fixed, it just doesn't feel like a hardware issue to me at all. I was a software developer by trade and given how rock-solid the direct connection experience has been this just FEELS like a tot