what are RCT and RPT golf balls and do you need them

What is an RCT golf ball

RCT stands for Radar Capture Technology. An RCT ball is built slightly differently to optimize it for indoor spin capture. It eliminates the need for individual reflective stickers, which can affect accurate readings if damaged or misplaced. Instead, RCT balls use embedded reflective strips in the outer shell to measure readings more accurately in indoor simulators.

Do you need an RCT ball

The primary reason for using an RCT ball is to address the challenge of limited flight time when the ball strikes a net in indoor settings. RCT balls are specifically designed to enable more precise measurements during the initial moments of ball flight, which is crucial for accurate data collection in confined spaces.

While the effectiveness of RCT balls may vary depending on your specific indoor environment, they are particularly beneficial if you’re encountering issues with inaccurate data or missed shot readings when using your radar-based launch monitor indoors. In such cases, incorporating RCT balls into your practice routine could significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of your performance metrics.

It’s worth noting that Titleist have rigorously tested and validated their RCT golf balls for optimal performance with Launch Monitors in indoor settings. This compatibility ensures that you can leverage the full potential of both your launch monitor and the RCT ball technology. The following launch monitors have been officially validated to work seamlessly with RCT balls in indoor environments:

TrackMan 4
Garmin Approach R10
Full Swing KIT
FlightScope X3
FlightScope Mevo+
Rapsodo MLM

How does RCT work

The RCT ball features an innovative internal reflective marker that creates a significantly enhanced radar signature. This enlarged signature allows for more robust interaction with radar-based launch monitors, providing additional feedback to the sensor. The increased data enable the launch monitor to perform a more comprehensive analysis of the ball’s flight characteristics and spin dynamics. As a result, the launch monitor can generate a more precise and nuanced understanding of the ball’s behavior, leading to substantially improved accuracy in performance measurements.

This advanced technology is particularly beneficial in indoor settings where flight time is limited. The RCT ball’s enhanced feedback compensates for the restricted flight path, allowing the launch monitor to extrapolate more accurate data from the initial moments of ball flight. This capability is crucial for golfers seeking to fine-tune their performance metrics in confined practice environments.

Models of RCT Balls

Titleist Pro V1 RCT

The Titleist Pro V1 RCT golf ball connects the greatest combination of speed, spin, and feel in the game to your indoor, radar based launch monitor.

Titleist pro v1 X RCT

The Titleist Pro V1x RCT golf ball connects the high flight, high speed Pro V1x golf ball with enhanced spin into and around the green to your indoor, radar based launch monitor.

Titleist Pro v1 X left dash RCT

The Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash RCT golf ball connects the high flight, low spin customized performance of Pro V1x Left Dash to your indoor, radar based launch monitor.

Alternatives to RCT Balls

At present, there are no widely known alternatives to Titleist’s RCT ball models in the market. The technology used in these balls is proprietary and unique to Titleist. The closest substitute available to golfers is the use of metallic stickers on regular golf balls. However, this method comes with its own set of challenges. The stickers need to be applied precisely and consistently for accurate readings, and they tend to wear off or become damaged during play. This necessitates frequent replacement of the stickers, which can be time-consuming and potentially affect the consistency of measurements over extended practice sessions.

What is a RPT golf ball

Rapsodo Precision Technology (RPT) Golf Balls were developed specifically for the MLM2PRO Impact Vision camera. The camera recognizes the RPT print pattern and captures images at 240 fps for pro-level spin rate and spin axis measurements.

Alternatives to RPT Ball

Black Ball dots

The Rapsodo Ball Dots pack offers an excellent solution for obtaining spin data on your preferred golf ball brand and type when using the Rapsodo MLM2Pro. It allows you to gather precise spin metrics for your chosen golf balls without brand or type restrictions. Designed for use in home simulators or practice nets, these dots are both cost-effective and more affordable than the original equipment manufacturer’s equivalent.

Ball marking templates

Ball marking templates are available for 3D printing or purchase on Etsy, these templates, used with a Sharpie, produce the same effect as RPT balls.
These DIY options work well when hitting into a net but may require reapplication as the markings wear off.
When hitting into a screen instead of a net, be cautious—marker pen on balls can leave marks on the screen. In this case, investing in official RPT balls might be worthwhile.