And so we wake up to hear a new SkyTrak device is in the works and with very little information to go along with that. But none of that matters. Folks are jazzed and rumors and wish lists abound about what some are calling ST+. We’re not sure what to call it at this time. SkyTrak 2 or maybe SkyTrak+?
My recommendation is to get on the SkyTrak Golf insider access list to find out more about the product before the masses.
Here is the latest SkyTrak Launch Teaser.
What we do know?
- Updated Software and Access to New Courses
- Trade-In Program for Those Who Own a Current SkyTrak
- Ramped Up Customer Support Team
Golftec acquired SkyTrak several months ago. The thought process with some is that they would incorporate SkyTrak into their hitting bays and possibly improve upon the software, app, or website which gives golfers ongoing data as to their ball striking, distance, etc… while using SkyTrak. Some folks were scouring the internet looking for patents and were sure that a new device was in the works.
There have been some glitches along the way. I lost the ability to download csv files of the day’s practice whether using my phone or laptop. But I think most of us realize the transition over to Golftec might come with some minor issues. Most of us are ok with that so long as these issues are being addressed.
Well, that is about it and of course a few questions start to come in… in no particular order.
Will the new Skytrak model work with GSPRO?
Many in online forums are saying they will not look at the new SkyTrak+ model if it does not support or work with GSPRO.
I personally have not yet (key word) tried GSPRO and have been happy with TGC2019. My intention is/was to renew my current SkyTrak plan in July and work magic with being able to configure GSPRO (through a forum on Discord) to work with SkyTrak.
What will be the cost of the new SkyTrak+ unit?
Folks are throwing around numbers about what they would be willing to pay for the new SkyTrak unit although truth be told it is like saying what you would be willing to pay for the latest model year automobile without knowing any of the features. What it all comes down to is features/benefits for the golfer and how they differ from the current SkyTrak model.
The current SkyTrak model is camera based and many users purchased this unit based on wants, needs, money, and even limitations in their golf simulator setup. I for one hit in a shed and there is a limited amount of space behind the hitting area. Yes, the Mevo+ could be an option but I would be right on the edge on whether it would work or not. So camera based units such as SkyTrak does not run into the same space limitations. We don’t have to put stickers on golf balls, etc… Yes there are drawbacks that you hear from time to time with SkyTrak. ie don’t wear white shoes and certain golf balls (ie a TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe that I game) may not work well.
How is the trade-in program going to work?
Will the trade-in program work only in the U.S. or will it apply to other countries? What about users who literally just purchased a SkyTrak in the last couple of weeks or months? Again, will the current SkyTrak model be supported? How much money will be given for the trade-in?
Will the new Skytrak+ model offer clubhead data?
I along with many other users are asking this question. Will the SkyTrak+ offer clubhead data? Ball data is great but for instance, when we consistently see side spin at a certain number or lacking backspin, we would like to see club data which gives us more of an understanding of why this is happening. That would be a definite bonus. Possibly a combination of camera and radar? Not sure how that would work.
Will we see less of a ball delay?
We’ve gotten used to the 2 second or so ball delay. Some don’t mind because it gives you time to look up at the impact screen or TV before seeing the shot. But other launch monitors have a negligible delay.
Can I get this to work with both left and right handed golfers?
The current SkyTrak model requires you to either move the unit or even straddle so that it works for both left handed and right anded golfers at the same time. Some folks move to an overhead launch monitor because of this. Will the new SkyTrak+ be placed alongside the ball like the current setup or will it be down the line, which in theory should allow for both left handed and right handed golfers to use SkyTrak at the same time?
What’s in it for you?
Truly. The buying public isn’t stupid. Oftentimes we hear that a company knew of a problem, worked to solve that problem, so the consumer flocks to their product. So besides change, what is the benefit? Is it to offer lessons through the new SkyTrak product, have a monthly subscription to online lessons, etc….? How does it benefit the consumer and how does it benefit the company? Will the ST+ continue to have a rabid (that is a good thing) fanbase or will this move cause folks to seek out alternatives?
Will the current Skytrak model be sunset?
I didn’t know about this terminology (sunset) until the last handful of years. To put it bluntly, it means we aren’t going to support the product any more. Most oftetimes this happens with software as a company moves to a newer version. So the question arises, will Golftec continue to support the current SkyTrak model that most of us know and love, will it be left as-is, or will it be sunset with no future support offered? For example, I own a Rapsodo R-Motion. Was happy with using the unit which attaches to the golf club. Rapsodo stopped support and I ran into an issue. The little unit became a paperweight.
My Thoughts
I can’t say I was taken by surprise about the announcement of a new SkyTrak+ model. It seemed to be the logical step for Golftec and truth be told, I believe SkyTrak has been around since late 2014. About time for an upgrade. I’m ok with change if it makes sense. We’ve seen new launch monitors enter the market in varying forms over the past few years. Each seems to have their own niche in what they are able to provide and at a certain price point. I am happy with my current SkyTrak and use it in my golf cave on a sometimes daily, consistent basis. Along with using the SkyTrak app/software, I thoroughly enjoy being able to play golf courses using TGC2019 and having the option of setting up SkyTrak to be used with E6, WGT, GSPRO, etc…
And so today. I’ve had it in my head that it would be nice to see clubhead data. I’ve only done a slight bit of research with the thought of maybe moving over to a different unit sometime next year. But… either Bitcoin has to have incredible gains or I may need to win the lottery. It is always nice to have the ability to see more data if it allows the individual to improve their golf game. So if Golftec is reading this, I would be more than happy to give a test run of the new SkyTrak product and am looking forward to hearing more in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned.
