Launch monitors are becoming more and more prevalent across various aspects of the golf industry today. They are most commonly used for custom club fittings, coaching and training at home as they can collect ball and/or club head data to help golfer’s compare clubs, improve their game, and even have some fun through simulator experiences. But what are the best launch monitors on the market in 2020? We’ve picked out a range of the best launch monitors on the market to suit all budgets, ranging from £299 to £1,995.

The Best Launch Monitors to Improve Your Game:

1.  Swing Caddie Launch Monitor SC200 Plus Edition

You've likely heard of Swing Caddie before, as it is one of the most affordable launch monitor brands on the market today. This launch monitor has been mightily popular since its release, mostly due to the fact it calculates swing data and gives you information straight away, providing in-depth feedback right on the screen – or even repeating it out loud back to you (no app needed).

The Swing Caddie SC200 Plus measures carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor to help you understand various aspects of your game, and highlights areas you can improve. It also has three modes: Practice, Target and Random, giving golfers varied options when practicing your golf skills.

One of the most revolutionary features on this device is its new ‘Swing Speed Mode’, which allows you to measure your swing data by taking swings without even hitting a ball. This means that golfers can easily practice at home, in the garden or park (or just about anywhere with enough room to swing) – a game-changing feature.

Highlights:

• 3 modes: Practice, Target and Random
• Loft angle selector
• Accurate readings
• Voice output
• Remote control
• Range: 30-320
• New ‘Swing Speed Mode’ means you can get swing speed data without going to a course or range
• Affordable

Price: From £299.95

2. Swing Caddie SC300 Portable Launch Monitor

The Swing Caddie SC300 measures carry and total distance, smash factor, club speed and ball speed as standard, as well as launch angle and apex data too. This highly rated device uses the latest Doppler Radar technology and calibrates atmospheric pressure sensors for the ultimate precision. Its outstanding tech can compete with most professional monitors for a fraction of the price!

This Swing Caddie launch monitor clearly shows your data on-screen, or it can read your data aloud to you after each swing, depending on your preference. Alternatively, golfers can connect the device to your mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth, offering the chance to track data in real-time and monitor progress.

Highlights:

• Doppler Radar Technology
• Voice output
• Instant feedback via LCD display
• Adjustable loft angles
• Can connect to your phone
• Range: 10-370 yards
• Affordable

Price: From £449.00

3. Garmin Approach G80 with a Built-In Launch Monitor

The Garmin Approach G80 doesn’t only measure distances on the course, it can also be used to help improve your game whilst you are practicing. The G80 is like no other as the device comes with over 41,000 pre-loaded courses onto the device, allowing previews of the course whilst playing and the ability to zoom into the green to get a more accurate distance for the location you want. If you want to find a precise distance to any point on a particular hole, simply touch the screen, and the device will state whether it is a bunker, water, or front of the green.

This Garmin training accessory also has a built-in launch monitor mode, which enables golfers to find out their clubhead speed, ball speed, swing distance and estimated distance. The device also calculates swing tempo to help golfers identify whether they are swinging the club at the best pace for optimum results. The device has four practice/game modes that help you to improve your swing, which you can play with other friends and compete for extra fun and competition.

With each purchase of the G80 launch monitor, you have free access to the Garmin golf app. Once connected, any results and data can be posted onto the app.

Highlights:

• 4 game modes – including playing with friends
• Digital scorecard
• Course previews available – over 41,000 pre-loaded courses (automatically updated)
• Distances to front/middle/back of the green
• Touch target distance display
• Connect to the Garmin golf app via Bluetooth

Price: £389.00

4. SkyTrak Launch Monitor

SkyTrak launch monitors aren’t cheap, but for their simplicity, accuracy and technology they are highly affordable, and deemed one of the best for practicing golf from the comfort of your own home.

SkyTrak is a photometric launch monitor, which means that instead of tracking the ball’s flight, it takes images just after impact to calculate the ball’s speed, launch, backspin, sidespin and side angle. This, in turn, helps to predict peak height, carry and total distance, landing point and clubhead speed.

Just like other launch monitors, you can connect the device to your mobile phone, tablet or computer using the built-in Wi-Fi system. By pairing the monitor to your device, it gives a clear picture of each swing (making it easy to digest), as well as all data measurements, helping golfers to compare different clubs and review their performance in detail. If you connect the device to a computer, you can also use it to play thousands of the world’s best courses from top simulator providers from the comfort of your own home – perfect for days when it’s too cold or wet to make it to the golf course.

It’s worth noting that this launch monitor is not cheap by any means, but for its accuracy, ease of use, versatility and impressive simulator options, it is great value for money. To access the Game Improvement feature, it will cost an additional £89.95 per year, and you get basic WGT access too. The Play and Improve feature also requires a subscription of £179.95 per year, which gives access to the full WGT Golf functionality on SkyTrak – but let’s be real, you can’t put a price on fun and improving your game!

Highlights:

• Simple to set up and read
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Practice features available
• Can be used indoors
• Connects to your phone, tablet or computer using the built-in Wi-Fi system

Price: £1,995 (Finance options are often available)

Check out our range of launch monitors in stock today on Golfsupport. If you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert team – we’re more than happy to assist you in your search for the best launch monitor.

Feature image credit: Juan Enrique del Barrio / Shutterstock