SkyTrak+ vs Bushnell Launch Pro
By GolfSimulatorSource Editorial Team | Updated:
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The SkyTrak+ CPO ($1,495) and Bushnell Launch Pro ($2,499) are the two most-compared side-of-ball launch monitors in the sub-$3,000 category. They share a photometric core, side placement, and no need for metallic dot stickers. Where they diverge is decisive: SkyTrak+ natively supports E6 Connect (the BLP's most-complained-about absence), while BLP delivers higher accuracy data backed by Foresight Sports hardware and comes with a built-in LCD screen. The $1,004 price gap is significant, but so is the E6 exclusion.
Key Differences
- 1SkyTrak+ natively supports E6 Connect on Windows and iOS. Bushnell Launch Pro does NOT support E6 Connect — this is the BLP's most-discussed limitation and the primary reason E6-committed buyers choose SkyTrak+.
- 2Bushnell Launch Pro uses the same photometric technology as the Foresight GC3 — three IR cameras with accuracy benchmarked within ±1 MPH ball speed, 1–2% carry of TrackMan. SkyTrak+ camera+radar hybrid is accurate but BLP's photometric-only approach has a slight accuracy edge for ball spin and club data.
- 3BLP has a built-in 3"×2" transflective LCD touchscreen showing ball data without any connected device. SkyTrak+ requires an iPad or PC for every shot — no built-in display at all.
- 4SkyTrak+ is CPO only ($1,495 sale / $2,495 MSRP) with a 6-month warranty. BLP is sold new at $2,499 with a 1-year warranty. At current CPO pricing, SkyTrak+ is $1,004 cheaper than BLP new.
- 5BLP is US-only (region lock, requires US internet every 45 days). SkyTrak+ has no region lock — available in UK, Canada, and internationally where BLP cannot ship.
Quick Picks
Best E6 Connect support
SkyTrak+SkyTrak+ native E6 on Windows and iOS. BLP does NOT support E6 — this is the most common reason buyers choose SkyTrak+ over BLP.
Best accuracy (ball data)
Bushnell Launch ProBLP uses Foresight GC3 photometric technology benchmarked within ±1 MPH ball speed vs TrackMan. SkyTrak+ camera+radar is accurate but BLP has a slight photometric data edge.
Best built-in display
Bushnell Launch ProBLP has a built-in LCD screen — ball data at a glance without any paired device. SkyTrak+ has no display; requires iPad or PC for every single shot.
Best international availability
SkyTrak+SkyTrak+ works worldwide with no region lock. BLP is US-only and requires US internet every 45 days — unavailable in UK, Canada, or outside the US.
Best hardware price (current)
SkyTrak+SkyTrak+ CPO at $1,495 (sale) vs BLP $2,499 new — $1,004 less. At MSRP CPO ($2,495), they're essentially the same price.
Best warranty
Bushnell Launch ProBLP: 1-year manufacturer warranty. SkyTrak+: 6 months or 25,000 shots CPO. BLP warranty is meaningfully better on a new purchase.
Best GSPro without club stickers
Bushnell Launch ProBoth require no club stickers — photometric/radar reads club data directly. BLP Gold GSPro integration ($499/yr) passes more complete club data. SkyTrak+ unofficial connector + standard GSPro ($250/yr) is functional but less complete.
Head-to-Head Specs
Hardware & Specs
| SkyTrak+ | Bushnell Launch Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,495 (CPO/preowned via SkyTrak direct) — new units no longer available from SkyTrak✓ | $2,499.99 |
| Technology | Hybrid (Photometric camera + Dual Doppler Radar) | Photometric (3 IR cameras) |
| Category | Premium ($2K–$3K) | Premium ($2K–$5K) |
| Best For | E6 Connect users — the only sub-$3K camera/hybrid unit with E6 support | Serious home simulator — accuracy-first golfers |
| Space Required | Side of ball, 10+ ft depth, 9 ft ceiling | 2 ft to side of ball, 9 ft ceiling |
| Our Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5✓ |
Software Compatibility
| SkyTrak+ | Bushnell Launch Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| E6 Connect | Compatible✓ | Not supported |
| SkyTrak Native (Course Play) | Native✓ | Not supported |
| GSPro | Compatible(tie) | Compatible |
| TGC 2019 | Compatible✓ | Not supported |
| WGT by Topgolf | Compatible✓ | Not supported |
| Ball-only (no app) | Not supported | Native✓ |
| FSX Play | Not supported | Native✓ |
| FSX Pro | Not supported | Native✓ |
| Awesome Golf | Not supported(tie) | Not supported |
Key Specs
| SkyTrak+ | Bushnell Launch Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Ball speed | Yes (camera) ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Launch angle (V) | Yes (camera) ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Launch angle (H) | Yes (camera) ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Spin rate (total) | Yes (camera) ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Back spin | Yes (camera) ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Side spin | Yes (camera) ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Club head speed | Yes (radar) ✓(tie) | Subscription required ✓ |
| Club path | Yes (radar + ML) ✓(tie) | Subscription required ✓ |
| Face angle | Yes (radar + ML) ✓✓ | Inferred only ✗ |
| Carry distance | Yes ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Total distance | Yes ✓(tie) | Yes ✓ |
| Smash factor | Yes ✓(tie) | Subscription required ✓ |
| Attack angle | Not measured ✗ | Subscription required ✓✓ |
| Impact location | Not measured ✗(tie) | Not measured ✗ |
| Dynamic loft | Not measured ✗(tie) | Not measured ✗ |
| Dimensions | 7" × 8" × 2.75" | 5" × 6" × 12" (127 × 152 × 305 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 5 lbs (2.27 kg) |
| Battery life | ~4.5 hours | 5–7 hours (Launch Pro); LPi: no battery |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz), Direct Mode, USB-C | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only), Ethernet, USB-C |
| Display | None — requires iPad or PC | 3" × 2" transflective LCD touchscreen |
| Placement | Side of ball (same as BLP) | Side of ball (not behind) |
| Outdoor use | Yes — improved over original SkyTrak | Yes, but struggles in direct sunlight |
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
| SkyTrak+ | Bushnell Launch Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware (current pricing) | $1,495 (CPO sale)✓ | $2,499 (new) |
| Base subscription | Essential $99.99/yr✓ | Silver $199/yr or Gold $499/yr |
| GSPro access | Essential + unofficial connector + GSPro ~$250/yr✓ | Gold ($499/yr) + GSPro ~$250/yr = $749/yr |
| E6 Connect | Essential + E6 subscription ($300–600/yr)✓ | NOT COMPATIBLE |
| 5-year total (Essential/Silver + GSPro) | $1,495 + $500 + $1,250 = $3,245✓ | $2,499 + $1,245 (Silver) + $1,250 = $4,994 |
Who Should Buy Which?
E6 Connect is your primary or planned simulator platform
SkyTrak+
This is the single most important verdict for most buyers in this comparison. SkyTrak+ natively supports E6 on Windows and iOS. BLP does not support E6 — full stop. If you have E6 courses, an E6 subscription, or E6 is your preferred ecosystem, the BLP will not work. SkyTrak+ CPO at $1,495 vs BLP $2,499 is an easy decision when E6 is the requirement.
GSPro is your primary simulator and accuracy matters most
Bushnell Launch Pro
BLP + GSPro Gold ($499/yr) delivers Foresight GC3-level accuracy with full club data in GSPro. BLP ball speed benchmarks within ±1 MPH of TrackMan; spin and carry are within 1–2%. SkyTrak+ GSPro via unofficial connector ($250/yr) works but passes less complete club data. For the most accurate GSPro sim experience, BLP is the better instrument.
You live outside the United States
SkyTrak+
BLP is region-locked to the US and requires a US internet connection every 45 days. For buyers in the UK, Canada, or anywhere outside the US, BLP is simply not an option. SkyTrak+ has zero region restriction and is widely sold internationally.
You want ball data visible without any connected device
Bushnell Launch Pro
BLP has a built-in 3"×2" transflective LCD touchscreen. You can stand in your simulator bay with no phone, tablet, or PC running and immediately see ball speed, carry, spin, and launch angle after every shot. SkyTrak+ has no display — you absolutely need an iPad or PC running to see any data. For setups without a dedicated screen, BLP's built-in display is a genuine convenience advantage.
Budget is the deciding factor (under $1,500 for hardware)
SkyTrak+
SkyTrak+ CPO at $1,495 is $1,004 below BLP's $2,499. At current sale pricing, SkyTrak+ is the most capable side-of-ball camera+radar hybrid under $2,000. E6 native support, no club stickers, and side-of-ball convenience — all at $1,004 below BLP. Note the SkyTrak+ Essential subscription adds $99.99/yr, but the hardware savings at current CPO pricing are substantial.
You want the best short game and chipping accuracy
Bushnell Launch Pro
BLP's photometric system is specifically praised for short game accuracy — chipping, pitching, and putting data are a known BLP strength per community reports. The camera-only approach handles slow club speeds and short shots reliably. SkyTrak+'s hybrid system also handles short game, but BLP's photometric-only approach is historically stronger for chip and pitch shot data quality.
You want the most complete hardware warranty for a new purchase
Bushnell Launch Pro
BLP offers a 1-year manufacturer warranty on a new $2,499 device. SkyTrak+ CPO comes with 6 months or 25,000 shots (whichever first). No extended warranty is available for SkyTrak+ CPO. For buyers who prioritize warranty protection, BLP's 1-year coverage is more robust.
Bottom Line
This comparison is decided by one question: do you use or plan to use E6 Connect? If yes, buy the SkyTrak+ CPO ($1,495) — it's $1,004 cheaper than the BLP, natively supports E6, and delivers side-of-ball convenience with no club stickers required. If no, the BLP ($2,499) offers slightly better photometric accuracy, a built-in LCD screen, better warranty, and cleaner GSPro Gold integration — at a $1,004 premium. Both avoid the room-depth constraints of behind-ball radar units. Non-US buyers have no choice: the BLP's US-only restriction eliminates it entirely for international golfers. For SkyTrak+ connectivity issues (documented): use USB-C connection to a PC for GSPro, and close the SkyTrak app before launching any third-party software.
Read the Full Reviews
For deeper specs, owner reception, and use-case detail on either product, our independent reviews go further than this side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the Bushnell Launch Pro support E6 Connect?
The BLP uses Foresight Sports hardware and software, which is separate from E6 Connect's ecosystem. Foresight has FSX Play and FSX Pro as their native simulation platforms. E6 Connect is a separate company (TruGolf). Foresight has not built E6 integration into the BLP platform, and there is no indication this will change. The SkyTrak+ (SkyTrak brand) chose to build native E6 support, which is the primary reason E6 users choose SkyTrak+ over BLP despite BLP's accuracy advantage.
Is SkyTrak+ accuracy good enough vs the Bushnell Launch Pro?
For recreational home simulation, yes. SkyTrak+ ball data (speed, spin, launch angle) is directly measured by the photometric camera and is reliable. BLP's accuracy (within ±1 MPH ball speed, 1–2% carry of TrackMan) is slightly higher. The practical difference in simulator ball flight is noticeable primarily for single-digit handicappers who are fitting for performance rather than enjoying simulator rounds. For anyone above a 10-handicap, SkyTrak+ accuracy is more than sufficient.
Does the SkyTrak+ have connectivity issues I should know about?
Yes — documented in long-term owner reviews. Wi-Fi connectivity drops, requiring occasional 30-minute troubleshooting sessions, are the most-reported issue. The fix is reliable: use a USB-C cable connection to your PC instead of Wi-Fi for GSPro. Also, you must close the SkyTrak+ app before launching E6, GSPro, or TGC 2019. For BLP, the main connectivity issue is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only — special characters in your network SSID can cause connection failures.
Can I use the SkyTrak+ in the UK or Canada?
Yes. SkyTrak+ has no region lock and is sold through authorized retailers in the UK, Canada, and internationally. The Bushnell Launch Pro is US-only — it requires a US internet connection every 45 days and is not officially sold or supported outside the United States. For international buyers, SkyTrak+ is the only option between these two.
Which is better for GSPro — SkyTrak+ or BLP?
BLP with Gold subscription ($499/yr) delivers more complete club data in GSPro — path, face angle, attack angle all flow through the Gold-tier API. SkyTrak+ uses the unofficial OpenSkyPlus connector with standard GSPro ($250/yr) — functional, but fewer club data parameters are passed compared to BLP Gold. For pure GSPro experience quality, BLP Gold is better. For cost, SkyTrak+ saves approximately $250/yr on software plus the $1,000 hardware savings.
Which launch monitor has the better hitting zone for off-center strikes?
BLP has a 7"×10" hitting zone per community reports — significantly larger than SkyTrak+'s 4.5"×4.5". A larger hitting zone means the unit reliably reads shots hit toward the toe or heel, which is common for recreational golfers. SkyTrak+'s smaller zone can miss heavily off-center shots. For beginners whose contact is inconsistent, BLP's larger capture zone is a practical advantage.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our analysis. Our methodology
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