Radar vs camera Golf Simulator Technology: What’s the Difference?

If you are in the market for a golf simulator or launch monitor, you will quickly become familiar with Radar-based launch monitors and Camera-based launch monitors. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between the two technologies.

How do Radar-based golf simulators work?

We’ll start with radar-based systems, which is formally called “Doppler Radar”. This technology works by emitting radar signals from the sensor, these signals bounce off the golf ball and the return signals are analysed by the sensor to see the change in signals bouncing off the golf ball over time. This data is measured to calculate multiple data points (ball’s speed, launch angle, Launch direction, spin rate, etc).

How do Photo-based golf simulators work?

Camera based systems, or more formally, “photometric” systems work by taking hundreds of photos per second using high-speed cameras that are fed through various computer vision algorithms to calculate multiple data points (ball’s speed, launch angle, Launch direction, spin rate, etc).

How do they calculate distance

These measured data points (ball’s speed, launch angle, Launch direction, spin, etc) are then used to calculate all sorts of additional data points (Carry Distance, Total distance, Peak Hight, Smash Factor etc). These additional data points can be adjusted to factor in enviomental conditions (weather, altitude, humidy, ground conditions etc).

Which is easier to use?

In general, a radar-based system will be easier to use and setup. While it is important to place a radar system the correct distance behind the ball, there is not much more to setup. However some of the lower priced launch monitors need balls with RCT technology in them or metalic stickers applied to the ball.
With photometric systems, there is often a lengthier calibration process, which may include ensuring appropriate lighting on the ball and placing the launch monitor in the perfect spot next to the ball.

examples of radar and photometric launch monitors

Radar Golf Simulators

Flightscope Mevo
Flightscope Mevo Plus
Flightscope
Trackman
Garmin R10

Photometric Golf Simulators

SkyTrak
Uneekor EYE MINI
Foresight GC3
Foresight GCQuad

Which Launch monitor to choose

there are many reasons to pick one launch monitor over another. Ultimalty its down to what your specific use case is and the features you want vs what you can afford. check out our top picks for launch monitors