With advances in technology many golfers are looking at ways to practice their game year round. This doesn’t mean that people aren’t heading out to the driving range or the golf course but it certainly is advantageous to be able to practice from home whenever you want and no matter what the weather is.
In this Optishot vs SkyTrak review we will compare the differences between the Optishot 2 and the more premium option which is the SkyTrak Simulator. We will discuss how each of the golf simulator systems work and go into detail about what the features and benefits are of each golf simulator system.
By the end of this guide you will know the pros and cons of each option so that you can make a decision on which simulator is right for you and your individual circumstances.
Optishot 2 Vs SkyTrak: Quick Summary
The Optishot 2 system is a great starter home golf simulator that comes at a budget price but with less features than the SkyTrak. The SkyTrak system is more comprehensive and gives you access to more data around your game whereas the Optishot 2 is great to get started or play with friends.
Optishot 2 Golf In A Box Overview
For those who are looking to try out golf simulators for the first time, the Optishot 2 offers an extremely affordable entry level option. Even though it is quite basic compared with other setups, it comes bundled with a highly durable and high-quality turf mat that lets you practice regardless of the season. This device uses a laser system that measures your shots very accurately and provides valuable information such as distance, accuracy, and club head speed.
As with many other golf simulator options, it also allows you to play all of the holes from a range of popular courses. This is great whether you are looking to play a round by yourself or looking to invite friends over for a round of golf simulation without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Optishot 2 is ideal for somebody looking for an introduction to home golf simulators. It may also be an option that is well suited to you if you are a parent, buying for a child since it is both quick and easy to setup and also extremely affordable compared with alternatives.
View our full Optishot review here
The below video showcases the Optishot 2 Golf in a box in action:
Optishot Pros
Affordability
The Optishot 2 is one of the cheapest golf simulator packages on the market. Although golf simulators still come with a cost, especially if you are on a budget it is the best option for entry level. In addition to that, it can also provide a money saving by requiring less need to go to driving ranges or to play a game of golf.
Easy setup and installation process
The system is remarkably simple to setup. You take the box out and put it in an appropriate room, plug it in, and follow the instructions to get going. As we have said earlier this system really is built to be user friendly with beginners in mind.
Optishot 2 Cons
Less realistic
After playing on a more sophisticated piece of equipment, it becomes quite apparent that the Optishot is lacking many of the features and functions that would be considered standard across the board for high-end golf simulators. This feature may not be a deterrent for beginners, however people who regularly play will want to get a more realistic experience, so it is preferable to go for a more expensive option.
SkyTrak Golf Simulator Overview
Simply put the SkyTrak Simulator is a higher end golf simulator than the Optishot 2. An important feature of the SkyTrak simulator is the advanced launch monitor technology integrated into the entire golf simulator. Additionally,when buying the full system you can also purchase the system with a digital projector which is able to project an 18 hole course with great definition and sharpness to give a real life golf simulation experience.
Compared to Optishot 2 the Skytrak allows you to play more courses, with more detail and accuracy than the Optishot 2. If detailed in game statistics are important to you then you will likely be more interested in choosing this system as the extra cost will be worth it to you. Some examples of enhanced shot accuracy tracking are around the tracking of club head speed, ball speed, launch angle as well as the ability to simulate greens speed through variable speeds of projected roll. This ball data is imperative for many golfers looking to improve their game.
With a range of modes ranging from practice to playing real golf courses both in single player and multiplayer (including online play) the SkyTrak offers a range of options for those looking to practice alone or play with friends.
View our full SkyTrak review here
The below video showcases the SkyTrak in action:
SkyTrak Pros
Better stats and data tracking
It is built with a myriad of infrared sensors which collect information on the path traveled by the club head, the amount of loft of your golf club, impact angle, ball speed, driver distance and more. In addition to seeing more information about your game, you can track a number of stats that you cannot with the Optishot 2. This is a huge benefit for serious amateur golfers who are interested in ball data to know the ins and outs of their swing so that they can focus on game improvement and improve their scores faster.
More durable
The SkyTrak is built to a higher quality than the Optishot 2. The Optishot 2 is made with budget in mind whereas the SkyTrak is built with higher quality materials that are more durable. When making a decision on these two golf simulators it is important to consider the long term value that you will get from choosing either the SkyTrak or the Optishot 2 as that may impact your overall choice.
SkyTrak Cons
Price
Despite the fact that the SkyTrak is a higher-end golf simulator than the Optishot, it still costs less than the majority of high-end choices. However, for its price point it is still a significant investment for most golfers so should be considered a mid range product for the regular golfer.
Longer setup process
While they advertise that it takes about 15-20 minutes to set up the system, we have heard stories from users that the setup can often take a lot longer than anticipated and it is certainly more complicated than the simple golf in a box system that you get with the Optishot 2. Additionally, it is more likely that you will need more space for this simulator setup.
Optishot 2 vs SkyTrak: The Differences
Price: The Optishot 2 golf in a box system is much cheaper than the SkyTrak.
Graphics: The graphics on the SkyTrak are much better than on Optishot 2.
Accuracy: If you are looking for in depth data points about your game as well as more accurate tracking then you will want to go with the SkyTrak system.
Game Modes: Both systems come with a range of game modes that enable to to either practice your swing or just play for fun.
Setup: Both systems can be relatively simple to setup but overall you can’t go wrong with the Optishot 2 Golf in a box here.
Alternatives
These two options aren’t the only two options on the market. Below we cover some alternatives so that you get a full understanding of what options exist in the marketplace.
Alternative #1: Rapsodo Golf Launch Monitor
The Rapsodo golf launch monitor product can also be considered a top-tier option since it is considered to be one of the leading golf simulators available on the market. Not only does it provide accurate tracking and data than the above products but it is also portable which makes it a great solution for people who are looking to get game data when they are at the driving range or out on the golf course.
Finally, as far as the cost goes the Rapsodo launch monitor system is quite a bit more expensive than the OptiShot system (read Optishot vs Rapsodo here), but it is much more cost-effective than the SkyTrak launch monitor system.
Alternative #2: Flightscope Mevo
Comparing SkyTrak vs Optishot 2 isn’t the only option as the Flightscope Mevo launch monitor is another choice which is able to track your swing and also analyze your impact location and position. Like many of the alternatives it does this by using high-speed cameras to track the golf ball in flight. Users are then able to use this portable device and use the ball data collected from the Flightscope Mevo software for analysis and game improvement. The basic Mevo product sits somewhere between the Optishot 2 and the SkyTrak. Whereas the Mevo Plus gives a more premium feel and is more of a direct competitor to the Skytrak. We compare the two here.
View full Flightscope Mevo review
In Summary: Which is better out of the SkyTrak vs Optishot 2
To conclude our comparison of the Skytrak Vs Optishot 2 to us it comes down to personal preference as both have varying simulator costs and product specifications. The Optishot 2 is a budget choice which still has accuracy and features that are above average for its price point. However, despite this it is not built as well as the SkyTrak and won’t offer comprehensive accuracy and ball data for those really looking to use a simulator as a game improvement tool. However it is unbeatable at its price point, and still offers some of the best features that you would expect from other more expensive simulators. Despite being lower quality and cheaper it should be durable enough to last you a long time.
Alternatively, the Skytrak is built better and has more features than the Optishot 2, but the downside to this is that it costs a bit more. However, If you are looking for a higher quality golf simulator with advanced features and a permanent home or garage setup then this could be the best choice. It is also worth noting that a major drawback of these two choices is the fact that they are home based systems and they won’t provide the flexibility that you would find with a solution such as the Rapsodo or Flightscope Mevo.
It all comes down to personal preference which you choose out of the two options but if you are looking for a budget simulator for the home then these two options are sure to be at the top of your list.
