Uneekor QED vs SkyTrak

The QED launch monitor by Uneekor is a hot new launch monitor system that has garnered a lot of interest in the market recently. It comes in at a mid-level price point but boasts many of the features seen on higher priced systems. Features such as it's slow-motion footage of impact really make this unit stand out. In this article, we'll compare the QED to SkyTrak. SkyTrak has developed a household name in the personal launch monitor market and has consistently been one of the most popular choices for at-home personal launch monitors. We'll walk you through exactly how these two systems compare in all the important categories. Let's get started!

Both launch monitors use photometric technology. In simple terms, these systems use extremely high-speed cameras to capture images of each shot. These images are then used to calculate the result of the shot. We have used SkyTrak extensively here at the Rain or Shine Golf office and have always found it very accurate. From the early testing of QED, it also seems to be extremely accurate. It also spits out the shot data a second or two faster which is a nice plus.

The QED separates itself from SkyTrak by providing an additional camera that captures real-time video of your swing through impact. This footage is then displayed in slow-motion after each shot. Being able to see video of your swing path and club through impact is a very unique feature not found on many launch monitor systems. We found it a very helpful tool for verifying your results and getting a more detailed look at what actually happened during your shot. It's often easy to get lost in all the data a launch monitor provides. So the video is a nice alternative for seeing what's going on in your swing. It's also a great tool for analyzing your putting stroke!

The other key difference in technology is simply how you set up the system. We'll get into this more in the feature section but for now, know that the QED is mounted above the hitting area on the ceiling, whereas SkyTrak is placed in front of you on your mat. If you are interested in learning more about launch monitor technology check out How Do Launch Monitors Work from Golf Practice Guides.

Data

Both systems provide very similar ball data metrics. Things such as carry and total distance, ball speed, spin, flight path, etc. Where the QED edges out SkyTrak is in the club data category. Most launch monitors that are on the lower price tier sacrifice in-depth club data. And SkyTrak is no different. With QED, you get useful club data metrics such as club path and face angle. This type of data appeals to the more advanced golfer that wants deeper analysis of their game. The additional club data tells the complete picture of each shot and makes it easier to pinpoint exactly what is going wrong in your swing.

For QED, upgrading to the 2nd level software option (called 'Refine') will get you course-play on 5 courses, an on-course practice mode, additional driving ranges, short game training, and challenge mode - which is a game that you can play against yourself or others that consists of hitting shots at a bullseye target. The 3rd level is called 'Succeed', and gives you access to 20 courses instead of 5. 

For SkyTrak, the second level is called the 'Game Improvement Plan' and gives you access to a ton of great features that contribute to SkyTrak's popularity. These features include everything from closest-to-pin and long drive contests to game improvement features like Bag Mapping (helping to dial in your distances) and Wedge Matrix (helping you practice half-shots with wedges). We've dedicated a whole article to SkyTrak's Game Improvement Features if you are interested in seeing exactly how these work. But they are fantastic tools that can help golfers of all skill levels improve. 

Most importantly, the Game Improvement Plan gives you access to supported integrations for a handful of great golf simulation software such as E6, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf 3D, and Fitness Golf. It is also important to note that while Uneekor has their own simulation software, the QED is also compatible with E6 and The Golf Club 2019.

The 3rd level of SkyTrak's software plan is called Play and Improve. It gives you supported integration with the golf simulation software WGT (World Golf Tour). For a long time, WGT was the only simulation software that was supported on iOS. So Apple users needed this option. However, now E6 Connect also supports play on iOS.

Indoor/Outdoor Performance

Both units perform well indoors. And for the Uneekor QED, it can only perform indoors. Technically, QED can be used outside, but it isn't portable so you won't be able to casually take it to the driving range for a session.

SkyTrak is very portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, in our experience, SkyTrak doesn't perform as well outside as it does inside. Especially on bright sunny days, SkyTrak has a hard time capturing and reading the shot. But even so, the portability of SkyTrak is a plus. It's small and lightweight and can be easily stored in a golf bag. And although it has a tougher time reading shots outdoors, it still can be used outdoors. And you can get creative with ways to block light and help SkyTrak read your shot.

PC vs. iOS Compatability

Currently the Uneekor QED is only supported on PC. SkyTrak supports use on iOS and PC. 

Shot Delay

A small difference we have noticed initially between these two units relates to the time it takes to register a swing. Otherwise known as shot delay. With SkyTrak, it takes 2-3 seconds after impact for your shot to register in the app. With QED, the data populates nearly instantly. While this shouldn't be a deal breaker for those interested in SkyTrak, it is nice to have such instant feedback with the QED. This difference will be more notable in course-play when an immediate shot display creates a more realistic golfing experience.