Optical vs. Radar Launch Monitors and Where Trackman iO Fits In
When building a home golf simulator, whether in a garage, basement, or a purpose-built Sim Shack, choosing the right launch monitor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Today’s market is dominated by two core technologies: optical (camera-based) and radar (Doppler-based) launch monitors. More recently, hybrid indoor-optimized systems have emerged, combining elements of both.
Brands like Foresight Sports, Trackman, Full Swing, Garmin, Rapsodo, Golfin IDRA, and others each approach the task differently. Understanding how these technologies work will help you choose the right system for your space, budget, and goals.
What Is an Optical (Camera-Based) Launch Monitor?
Optical launch monitors use high-speed cameras to capture the golf ball and club at the moment of impact. By analyzing thousands of frames per second, these systems measure ball speed, launch angle, spin, spin axis, club path, face angle, and strike location.
Popular optical launch monitors include:
Foresight GCQuad
Foresight GC3 / Bushnell Launch Pro
Foresight Falcon (ceiling-mounted)
Uneekor EYE XO2
Golfin IDRA II
These systems are especially popular for indoor golf simulators because they do not require long ball flight distances and perform extremely well in controlled lighting environments.
Why Optical Systems Excel Indoors
Minimal space requirements
Extremely accurate spin and impact data
Ideal for golf simulator sheds
Excellent integration with simulator software
The Foresight Falcon, in particular, is designed specifically for permanent indoor installations. Its ceiling-mounted, three-camera design delivers tour-level accuracy while keeping the hitting area completely clear—making it a popular choice for high-end home simulators and commercial facilities.
What Is a Radar (Doppler-Based) Launch Monitor?
Radar-based systems emit electromagnetic waves that track the ball throughout its flight. By measuring changes in the reflected signal, radar monitors calculate carry distance, total distance, peak height, and dispersion.
Popular radar launch monitors include:
Trackman 4
Full Swing KIT
Flightscope Mevo+
Garmin R10
Rapsodo MLM / MLM2PRO
Radar systems shine outdoors, where they can track the full ball flight without space constraints. Indoors, however, they often require significant depth to maintain accuracy.
Radar Strengths
True ball-flight tracking outdoors
Less sensitive to lighting conditions
Excellent carry and trajectory data
Radar Trade-Offs Indoors
Requires more room behind the golfer
Accuracy can suffer in compact spaces
Some systems rely more heavily on calculated (not directly measured) spin
limited club data
Hybrid Indoor-Optimized Systems: The Best of Both Worlds
As home simulators became more popular, manufacturers began developing systems optimized specifically for indoor use. The standout example is Trackman iO.
Trackman iO
Trackman iO is a ceiling-mounted, indoor-only launch monitor that blends radar, infrared, and high-speed camera technology. It delivers Trackman’s signature data quality without requiring long ball flight distances.
Combines radar and optical tracking
Built-in infrared lighting (no special room lighting needed)
Designed specifically for simulator environments
Excellent balance of realism, accuracy, and ease of installation
This hybrid approach makes Trackman iO one of the most popular premium options for dedicated simulator spaces like Sim Shacks.
Comparing Popular Launch Monitor Brands
Foresight Sports – Industry leader in optical systems (GCQuad, Falcon); exceptional indoor accuracy
Trackman – Radar heritage with indoor innovation (Trackman 4, Trackman iO)
Full Swing – Radar-based systems used by tour players; strong outdoor performance
Garmin – Affordable radar options (Garmin R10, R50) for casual home users
Rapsodo – Entry-level radar launch monitors focused on portability and value
Golfin IDRA II - a new entrant to golf sim technology, proven optical accuracy at a lower price point.
Each brand targets a different golfer—from tour-level practice to casual backyard setups.
Which Launch Monitor Is Best for a Sim Shack?
For purpose-built simulator sheds, the controlled environment strongly favors optical or hybrid systems.
Best Fits for Sim Shacks
Foresight Falcon or GCQuad - Maximum impact and spin accuracy
Trackman iO - Most realistic ball flight simulation indoors
Uneekor systems - Excellent value and flexibility
Golfin IDRA II - Excellent value and large hitting zone (32” wide)
Better for Outdoor Practice
Trackman 4
Full Swing
Garmin R10 / R50
Rapsodo
Final Takeaway
Optical launch monitors (Foresight Falcon, GCQuad, Golfin IDRA II) dominate indoor simulator accuracy
Radar launch monitors (Trackman 4, Full Swing, Garmin R10, Rapsodo) excel outdoors
Hybrid systems like Trackman iO bridge the gap, offering premium indoor performance
If you’re investing in a dedicated golf simulator space, pairing it with the right launch monitor, matched to the room’s size and purpose, makes all the difference.
At Sim Shacks, we design our sheds to work seamlessly with today’s most popular launch monitors, ensuring you get the best performance possible from whichever system you choose.
| Feature | Optical (Camera-Based) | Radar (Doppler) | Hybrid / Indoor-Optimized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Use | Indoor simulators | Outdoor practice and large bays | Indoor simulators |
| Typical Mounting | Floor or ceiling mount | Behind golfer (floor-mounted) | Ceiling-mounted |
| Space Required | Low | High | Low |
| Ball Flight Needed Indoors | Minimal | Significant | Minimal |
| Lighting Sensitivity | Moderate (controlled lighting preferred) | Low | Very low (built-in IR) |
| Ball Data Accuracy | Excellent | Excellent outdoors | Excellent |
| Club and Impact Data | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Strike Location Accuracy | Very high | Moderate (often inferred) | High |
| Full Flight Tracking Indoors | Simulated | True flight if space allows | Simulated using hybrid data |
| Ideal for Sim Shacks | Yes | Not ideal | Yes |
| Popular Examples | Foresight GCQuad, Foresight Falcon, Uneekor EYE XO / EYE XO2, GolfIn IDRA | Trackman 4, Full Swing, Garmin R10, Garmin R50, Rapsodo | Trackman iO |