Are you looking for a launch monitor that can help improve your golf game? If so, you may be considering the Rapsodo MLM2PRO or MLM1. Both devices have pros and cons, but which is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll compare the Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs MLM1 to help you make an informed decision.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs MLM1: Key Takeaways
If you are in a rush, these are the key takeaways you should know about the Rapsodo MLM2PRO and MLM1 personal launch monitors:
- Accuracy: The Rapsodo MLM2PRO has an accuracy of +/- 1%, while the MLM1 has an accuracy of +/- 2%. This means that the MLM2PRO provides more precise data than the MLM1. There are anecdotal reviews of the MLM2Pro providing inaccurately short distances, but these launch issues seem to be resolved.
- Data Points: The MLM2PRO can measure up to 13 data points, while the MLM1 can measure up to 10 data points. This means that the MLM2PRO launch monitor data is more comprehensive than on the MLM1.
- Video Capture: The MLM2PRO has a built-in camera that captures video of your swing, while the MLM1 requires you to use your phone to capture your swing on video.
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How to Buy
Both launch monitors are also available worldwide on Amazon below.
What is a Launch Monitor?
Before diving into the comparison, let’s first discuss a launch monitor. A launch monitor is a device that measures various parameters of your golf swing, such as ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more.
By providing data about your swing, a launch monitor can help you identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your technique. You can bring your personal golf launch monitor either out to the driving range or golf course with you, or set one up at home with your own golf hitting mat and golf net.
Overview of Rapsodo MLM2PRO
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is the successor to the original Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM). The new MLM2PRO promises an enhanced golfing experience over its original design. It has two cameras (impact vision and shot vision cameras) and the doppler radar system for tracking launch data, ball flight, and swing.
With the dual-camera setup, one camera is dedicated to recording the swing video of every shot, while the other camera captures photographs at impact to help you visualize your strikes.
You no longer need to depend on your phone’s camera to provide instant video replay track or monitor data, as you did with the original MLM launch monitor.
Regardless of your golfing experience and abilities, using technology and having access to your launch or swing data is a great way to stay on top of your game, and that’s precisely what the MLM2Pro brings to the table. The data syncs back to the MLM app, which is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems.
Key Features of the MLM 2 Pro
The most interesting features about the MLM2PRO I think you’ll care about are:
- Impact vision and shot vision cameras for swing replay.
- Radar processing system for precision accuracy.
- Up to 13 measured metrics, including spin axis and spin rate.
- The ability to simulate over 30,000+ golf courses
- Full functionality indoors and outdoors
Pricing
The MLM2 Pro is available for $699.99. This price tag includes a year’s premium subscription to access the golf simulator and a sleeve of three Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X golf balls.
After one year, it costs $199 to continue your subscription.
Overview of Rapsodo MLM 1
The Rapsodo MLM 1 is the original mobile launch monitor. It uses the camera on a smartphone to capture launch and swing data in real-time and then crunches it to give you an understanding of the dynamics of every shot.
Unlike the MLM2PRO, where all the readings are done inside the device, you must pair your iPhone to the MLM1 to get real-time data of your swing and launch. All your swing videos are stored within the Rapsodo mobile app for slow-motion playback.
Rapsodo claims that the MLM1 has up to 2% accuracy distances of the Trackman. The company also upsells a premium subscription, giving you a wide range of additional features like access to online golf lessons, shot apex data, personalized insights, and unlimited video storage.
The MLM1 was the first and only launch monitor that pairs doppler radar technology with your iPhone or iPad camera for tracking. One cool thing I like is how Siri will call out your distance after each shot.
Key Features of the Rapsodo MLM
The most interesting MLM1 features I think you’ll care about are:
- Instant feedback about your golf swing
- Very portable
- Slow-motion video replay
- Displays GPS shot scatter of your shots
- Video storage up to 10K shots
Pricing
The original MLM launched for $500, but Rapsodo recently announced a deal killer, which brought down the retail price to $299.99.
Rapsodo will sell the original MLM launch monitor alongside the new MLM2PRO.
Comparison of Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs MLM1
Data Points
The new MLM2 Pro provides up to 13 metrics, including:
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Spin Rate (measured)
- Spin Axis (measured)
- Ball Speed (measured)
- Club Head Speed (measured)
- Smash Factor
- Launch Angle (measured)
- Launch Direction (measured)
- Apex
- Shot Type
- Descent Angle
- Side Carry
You must use the Rapsodo Precision Technology golf ball included in the package to get all the above metrics. You will not get spin numbers without the RPT ball.
On the other hand, the MLM1 can track up to 9 metrics, including:
- Carry distance
- Total distance
- Clubhead speed
- Ball speed
- Smash factor
- Launch angle
- Side Carry
- Apex
- Shot type
A summary of these data points in table format is below:
| Data Point | MLM2PRO Supported? | MLM1 Supported? |
|---|---|---|
| Carry Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Total Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Spin Rate | Yes | No |
| Spin Axis | Yes | No |
| Ball Speed | Yes | Yes |
| Club Head Speed | Yes | Yes |
| Smash Factor | Yes | Yes |
| Launch Angle | Yes | Yes |
| Launch Direction | Yes | No |
| Apex | Yes | Yes |
| Shot Type | Yes | Yes |
| Descent Angle | Yes | No |
| Side Carry | Yes | Yes |
Winner: MLM2PRO
Tracking Method
The MLM2PRO uses 2 x 240FPS cameras (impact vision and shot vision cameras) and Doppler radar for tracking. The shot vision camera records or tracks down the line swing. The impact vision camera measures a slow-motion view of your club path and contact point.
All the readings are done inside the device, meaning you don’t need to dock your smartphone on the launch monitor.
On the other hand, the MLM1 supports two tracking methods; the radar system and your phone camera. You have to dock your iPhone on the monitor for it to track your launch characteristics.
The radar system and your phone’s camera work together to give you accurate data points.
Sometimes, the MLM1 shot tracer malfunctions in low-light conditions. This issue is due to inconsistencies in your phone’s camera and how it communicates with the launch monitor. The MLM2PRO provides a more professional level accuracy.
Winner: MLM2PRO
Tracking Accuracy
The MLM2PRO offers up to 99% accuracy with the RPT balls in indoor and outdoor settings. The RPT balls deliver an exciting indoor golfing experience by providing spin measurements up to 1% of the accuracy of premium golf launch monitors like the Trackman or Full Swing system.
The accuracy of the MLM1 Rapsodo launch monitor is unparalleled, scoring above 90% in outdoor course practice settings. This monitor can accurately detect your golf ball’s landing point by 1½-yards.
MLM2PRO Inaccurate Distances
Around its release date, several users posted reviews online around its release date, commenting that the MLM2PRO launch monitor provided distances 15-20 yards shorter than real life. While Rapsodo has never addressed these issues, several updates to its firmware have been released to address the problem.
In all of the time I have tested out the MLM2PRO monitor, I have never experienced the same issues. I consider these issues to be fixed and good now, so don’t worry!
WINNER: MLM2PRO
Compatibility
The MLM2PRO is compatible with iOS and Android devices, while the MLM1 only supports iOS devices. Not being Android-compatible is one of the biggest drawbacks on the original MLM1.
Winner: MLM2PRO
Play Mode
With the MLM2PRO, all play modes are available both indoors and outdoors. The device also features Rapsodo built-in simulation plus third-party integration with E6 Connect and Awesome Golf.
On the other hand, the MLM1 has limited indoor functionality, and there’s no simulation included. The device is only for tracking your swing.
WINNER: MLM2PRO
Premium Subscription
The MLM2PRO offers a free membership subscription for the first year. For subsequent years, the subscription costs $199.99 per year.
The premium subscription lets you activate extra features like spin and spin axis with RPT balls, Rapsodo courses simulation, Rapsodo range, impact vision, and swing vision.
On the other hand, the MLM1 premium subscription costs $99.99 per year and offers features like session insights, Rapsodo performance combined, slow motion, instant video replay, and could data storage (10,000 videos).
In short, the extra cost for the MLM2PRO subscription is for those who plan to use it in your own outdoor golf simulator or garage golf simulator.
WINNER: DRAW
Price
The MLM2PRO personal golf launch monitor costs $700, $400 more than the original MLM1. You’ll have to decide whether the extra features I reviewed above are worth the extra cost.
One caveat about the original MLM1 is that it requires an Apple iPhone. If you are an Android user, the new Pro model is the only one you should consider.
WINNER: MLM1 (Maybe)
Rapsodo Launch Monitor Alternatives
If you are looking for other golf monitors to check out, here are the top alternatives:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO and MLM1 are both excellent options for golfers who want to improve their game. However, there are significant differences to consider between the two launch monitors.
Firstly, the MLM2PRO has superior accuracy to the MLM1, providing more precise data with a margin of error of only +/- 1%. The MLM2PRO can measure up to 13 data points, while the MLM1 can only measure up to 10.
The MLM2PRO also has a built-in camera that captures video of your swing, while the MLM1 requires you to use your iPhone to capture your swing on video. The dual-camera setup in the MLM2PRO provides a more comprehensive view of your swing and helps visualize your strikes better.
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However, the MLM1 is still an excellent choice for golfers prioritizing portability and a lower price point. The MLM1 is accurate enough for most people and can track up to 10 data points.
With accurate data and comprehensive swing analysis, you’ll be able to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your technique. Buy your own golf launch monitor, today and take the first step toward improving your golf game!
Frequently Asked Questions When Comparing the Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs MLM1 (FAQs)
What extra data points does the MLM2PRO measure compared to the MLM1?
The MLM2PRO measures spin rate, spin axis, launch direction, and descent angle, all of which the MLM1 does not.
How much more does the MLM2PRO cost compared to the MLM1?
The MLM2PRO costs $700, which is $400 more than the original MLM1 is priced at.
What is the battery length of the Rapsodo MLM2PRO vs MLM1?
The MLM2PRO lasts for four hours of battery life, while the MLM1 lasts for eight hours on a full charge.
How much space is needed for the Rapsodo MLM2PRO or MLM1?
Each launch monitor must site between 6.5 and 8.5 feet behind the golf ball, which should be about 7 feet in front of any golf hitting net or impact screen.
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API