In this guide, I compare the SkyTrak vs FlightScope Golf Launch Monitors in full detail.
This comparison guide is for the original FlightScope Mevo, not the Mevo Plus. When you are done reading, you’ll know which launch monitor is right for you.
I’ll go over 30 different variables for each brand, including:
- How to buy the SkyTrak and FlightScope Mevo
- Data points captured by each piece of hardware
- How each monitor performs in outdoor and indoor spaces
- PGA professionals who are using each monitor
- How to play real golf courses on a golf simulator while using each monitor
Both of these devices are on our best golf launch monitors list, so you can expect good things!
If I missed any details to compare the SkyTrak vs. FlightScope Mevo, I want you to comment below so I can add them to this guide.
In a rush? Use the buttons below to head right to the store for each launch monitor, where you can buy each today.
What is the SkyTrak Launch Monitor?
The SkyTrak is a personal launch monitor that golfers can use to take their games to the next level. It delivers insight on the best action to take and offers real-time 3D shot analysis and ball flight data. With the SkyTrak launch monitor, you can play golf on your terms.
You can also play championship golf courses from the comfort of your home. SkyTrak lets you track multiple data points, including backspin, launch angle, ball speed, side spin, and carry distance.
Below, I’ll go over all the important details you should know about the SkyTrak, including its advanced features and how well it captures accurate measurements.
Click here to read our full SkyTrak review.
What is the FlightScope Mevo?
FlightScope is a leading manufacturer of 3D Phased Array Doppler ball tracking monitors. The tracking monitors manufactured by FlightScope can measure what the ball is doing. It can also measure ball speed and direction along the entire flight path.
The Mevo launch monitor is a portable tracking monitor designed to help you track and improve your golf swing. This launch monitor uses 3D Doppler radar technology to display performance data you can trust.
The FlightScope Mevo can be used both outdoors and indoors. It is designed as an introductory unit that can be purchased and used by even amateur golfers. The Mevo provides users with up to 8 parameters, including flight time, smash factor, and ball speed.
Click here to read our full FlightScope Mevo review.
How to Buy the SkyTrak Launch Monitor
Use the link below to buy your SkyTrak worldwide:
Best SkyTrak Golf Simulator Setup
The SkyTrak SIG12 Golf Simulator Setup is my favorite indoor golf simulator that pairs with the SkyTrak. What I love about this full-swing golf simulator package is that the projector sits on the floor in front. You don’t have any hassle of mounting a projector on the ceiling of your simulator space or worrying about your projector shadow blocking the image.
Click here to read about the best golf simulators for home.
How to Buy the FlightScope Mevo Launch Monitor
You can purchase the Mevo from the official website here or via Amazon below:
Best Mevo Golf Simulator Setup
The Net Return Home Series Golf Net is the best golf return net to pair with your base Mevo model. This golf net automatically returns the golf ball to you. This net can handle ball speeds of up to 225 miles per hour. It has an aluminum frame for maximum durability.
Click here to read about how to make your own DIY golf simulator.
Below are 30 different data point comparisons between the SkyTrak and FlightScope Mevo.
SkyTrak vs FlightScope Mevo Tracking Technology
SkyTrak Photometric Tracking
Tracking technology includes all the sensors a launch monitor uses to track ball and club data. SkyTrak uses photometric technology to track data. It works by capturing high-speed images before, during, and after an impact. SkyTrak measures data accurately since it can directly capture the perfect view of the ball and hitting area.
The SkyTrak sits on the ground, pointed right at the golf ball. It captures data at high speeds as you swing.
FlightScope Mevo Fusion Tracking
On the other hand, all products in the FlightScope lineup use the patented Fusion Tracking technology. This technology works by recording the motion of the ball and club face throughout the ball flight. Compared to photometric technology, Fusion Tracking technology requires more expansive space. It is set up behind you while you swing.
SkyTrak’s technology is superior for tracking but is also more expensive (more on that below)!
Winner: SkyTrak
SkyTrak vs FlightScope Mevo Data Points
SkyTrak Variables
The SkyTrak launch monitor measures a wide range of ball flight data, including:
- ball speed
- backspin
- side spin
- launch angle
- side angle
- club head speed
- smash factor (calculated)
The SkyTrak cannot directly measure club data for the duration of your swing, but it does an excellent job of understanding things based on the point of impact.
After contact, the SkyTrak takes the data captured, and it can calculate several other variables for you:
- carry distance
- roll
- total distance
- angle of descent
- distance off center
- apex height
- hangtime
When connected to simulator software such as WGT Golf or E6 Connect, your entire ball flight is displayed nicely on the screen.
FlightScope Mevo Variables
The Mevo provides users with 8 data points on each swing, including:
- ball speed
- spin rate
- vertical launch
- club speed
- smash factor
- carrying distance
- apex height
- flight time
Because it captures more of your golf swing club path before and after impact, the Mevo can use these variables to calculate an accurate flight path.
Data points and price are the two most important variables on a launch monitor, and both of these portable launch monitors capture accurate data.
Further down below, we’ll show off the price for each.
Winner: Draw
Installation Setup
How to Install the SkyTrak
SkyTrak is very easy to install and deploy. It comes with a user manual that eases the setup process. When you first get the SkyTrak, you need to charge your launch monitor, download the accompanying app, and register your device.
How to Install the FlightScope Mevo
The FlightScope monitors are more involved than SkyTrak to set up. The installation requires you to play with distances, angles, and settings to get everything right. Plus, the configuration changes depending on what model you buy.
For the Mevo, you should allow about 7 feet from the sensor to your ball.
Once you have everything set up, you enter these settings into the app that syncs with your hardware to calibrate it correctly.
Winner: SkyTrak
Setup / Placement
Where to Place the SkyTrak
The SkyTrak sits nicely beside you on the ground, pointed towards your golf ball. Since it uses photometric technology, it can capture your swing, impact, and ball response off of every swing.
Where to Place the FlightScope Mevo
The Mevo uses radar tracking technology to capture radar images of your swing and ball impact. Because it needs a broader view of everything, you must place the FlightScope behind you while you swing. This is not ideal for a garage golf setup, so you’ll want a little extra room around you.
For most users, the SkyTrak will be easier to place in your space.
Winner: SkyTrak
Space Requirements
How Much Space Does the SkyTrak Need?
The listed space requirement for SkyTrak launch monitor is 12ft (3.65m) long x 10ft (3.05m) wide x 8.5 ft (2.6m) high.
However, the space you need is only enough to freely swing a golf club in your garage or man cave. Since the SkyTrak sits right beside you, it doesn’t require any additional space behind or in front of you.
Neat, huh?
If you can freely swing your club, you have enough room for the SkyTrak.
How Much Space Does the FlightScope Mevo Need?
The FlightScope Mevo requires space behind you to watch your swing, AND you need to have a bit of room for your golf shot flight to be tracked by the doppler.
The launch monitor should sit between 4 and 7 feet behind you. This is enough space to view your entire swing in real-time.
You need to have at least 8 feet of ball flight so that the Mevo can track
The Mevo requires at least 8 feet of ball flight into a hitting net or projector screen and between 4 and 7 feet behind the impact.
Winner: SkyTrak
Launch Monitor Accuracy
How Accurate is the SkyTrak?
The SkyTrak launch monitor can accurately read each ball flight data for indoor use. The Software has received minor updates since its release in 2014 but has largely been untouched.
Sky Golf, the parent company, has released the following error margins for each of the major variables:
- Ball Speed: 0 – 200mph +/- 1mph
- Launch Angle: 0 – 55° +/- 1°
- Side Angle: 0 – 20° +/- 2°
- Back Spin: 0 – 12,000rpm +/- 250rpm
- Side Spin: 0 – 4,000rpm +/- 250rpm
The readings can be less accurate if the sunlight interferes with the camera’s operation during outdoor practices.
How Accurate is the FlightScope Mevo?
The FlightScope Mevo records ball flight data as soon as you hit each golf ball. Data is synchronized and then sent to your phone, where you can see the results.
Sunlight doesn’t interfere with Mevo technology at all. Outdoors at practice ranges are preferred since the device tracks your shots from the back and likes a full view of the swing, contact, and launch.
Inside, fluorescent lighting, fans, and other moving parts can interfere with the signal.
Indoor Winner: SkyTrak
Outdoor Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Release Dates
SkyTrak Release Date
The SkyTrak came out in November 2014. It was initially marketed for commercial use but has shifted to consumers as the popularity of golf launch monitors has increased over time.
FlightScope Mevo Release Date
The FlightScope Mevo came out in April 2020. The company has regularly released updates to its Software since its release, taking advantage of the increased popularity of golf during the pandemic.
Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Simulator Software Support
SkyTrak Simulator Support
SkyTrak supports a wide range of golf simulation programs, including:
- The Golf Club 2019
- E6 Connect
- Creative Golf 3D
- World Golf Tour (on iOS)
- Fitness Golf
- Protee Play
Each of these simulators has its pros and cons. The Golf Club is popular for its high volume: you can play over 150,000 courses and participate in online tournaments. The E6 Software has lower selection, but they are all professionally created and designed.
FlightScope Mevo Simulator Support
Unfortunately, the base version of the Mevo does not support any golf simulator software. To make the device an affordable price, FlightScope focused its time on providing the most accurate readings possible.
The Mevo is perfect for people who want to measure and improve their real-life golf swing but don’t care about playing simulated courses.
Winner: SkyTrak
SkyTrak vs FlightScope Mevo Price
How Much Does the SkyTrak Cost?
The SkyTrak launch monitor costs $1,995 for the unit. For this price, you receive the launch monitor and everything required to power it up and start tracking your swing.
SkyTrak Annual Subscription Cost
The SkyTrak launch monitor has annual recurring costs for the golf simulation software. The three plans available are Basic, Game Improvement, and Play and Improve.
Basic Plan
The basic plan comes included with the launch monitor. You get a practice driving range that shows your golf ball’s flight path when you hit balls with the simulator.
Game Improvement Plan
For $100 per year extra cost, you unlock all tracking features in the SkyTrak app, including:
- Multi-color shot tracers
- Long drive competition
- Closest-to-the-pin game
- Session history
- Target practice game
- Environmental controls
- Multiple camera angles
- Club compare analytics
- Players skills assessment
- Cloud storage
- Support for The Golf Club Game, TruGolf, Creative Golf 3D, and Fitness Golf
Play and Improve Plan
For $200 per year, you get full integration with the World Golf Tour (WGT) game.
I recommend the Game Improvement plan for your extra features and analytics. Support for the base TGC game is okay, but you might want to pay for a TGC2019 or E6 Connect license since those are the most popular software options.
How Much Does the FlightScope Mevo Cost?
The Mevo costs $499 for the launch monitor.
FlightScope Mevo Recurring Costs
There are no recurring or additional costs for the Mevo. Once you buy the hardware, you get the analytics and stats advertised.
Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Battery Life
How Long Does the SkyTrak Battery Last?
SkyTrak has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can serve you up to 5 hours on a single charge.
How Long Does the FlightScope Mevo Battery Last?
For Mevo, the built-in battery can serve you up to 10 hours.
You can plug in a portable power bank and extend the life of either monitor, though they are each sufficient. It is more impressive that the Mevo can pack 10 hours into its compact size.
Winner: Mevo
Club Requirements
What Clubs Can You Use With the SkyTrak?
You can use any real golf clubs with the SkyTrak. Your club is measured at impact with the ball, and the SkyTrak calculates your club shape, angle, speed, and angle of attack. It uses your club data to calculate your shot shape and translate it into the Software.
What Clubs Can You Use With the Mevo?
Like the SkyTrak, the Mevo supports all of your real-life clubs. You need a larger space behind you for the Mevo to calculate everything correctly. When set up right, the device captures your entire swing.
Technically, you could use fake golf clubs, but it would probably adjust the club and ball speed and throw off your calculations. Your best bet is to buy a good hitting mat that won’t damage your golf clubs, such as the GoSports premium mat below.
Winner: Draw
Ball Requirements
What Golf Balls Work With the SkyTrak?
Standard golf balls work great on the SkyTrak, and you don’t need any stickers or metallic stickers. The tracking does work a little better if you have a logo on your ball, though. The photometric launch monitor uses the contrast from the logo to track movement, speed profile, and spin axis.
Sky Golf recommends that you don’t have any white tees or white walls in your immediate area if possible, but the overall impact should be low.
What Golf Balls Work With the FlightScope Mevo?
You can also use actual golf balls with the Mevo. However, one disadvantage is that radar launch monitors have trouble reading ball spin. Since the Mevo is set up further behind you, it doesn’t have an up-close view of the spin during the vertical launch angle.
For this reason, FlightScope recommends attaching metallic stickers to your ball, especially during indoor use. It even includes some stickers in the package when you buy it. The solution isn’t too inconvenient, but it is still a little extra effort.
Winner: SkyTrak
Left Handed Play
Does the SkyTrak Support Left-Handed Golfers?
The SkyTrak can easily track golf shots from a left-handed person (right too). However, problems arise if you have a left-handed and right-handed golfer playing a round together while using the SkyTrak. Since it is fixed and pointed at your golf ball from a side angle, it only works in one direction at a time.
To play multiplayer with two different-handed players, you must move and realign the SkyTrak after every shot.
Does the FlightScope Mevo Support Left-Handed Golfers?
Because the Mevo is a radar-based golf launch monitor, it is set up behind you while you swing. It can easily capture swings from left-handed and right-handed players, and you don’t have to move the unit if you want to hit balls with your friends.
Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Portability
SkyTrak Specifications
The SkyTrak is 5.75 inches long by 6.75 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. It is a similar size to an iPad with the width of a Harry Potter book. It weighs 1.7 pounds. The SkyTrak is small enough to throw in your vehicle if you need to take it to the range but too big to fit into most golf bag pouches.
Mevo Specifications
The Mevo is 2.75 inches long by 3.5 inches tall and 1.2 inches wide. It is similar to the size of a pack of gum. It weighs 7 ounces. Overall, it is sim[ply impressive how small the footprint of this affordable launch monitor is. It is small enough to fit into most golf bags, making it easy to take out on the go.
Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Connection
How Does SkyTrak Connect to Your Phone?
SkyTrak offers three different ways to connect to your phone or computer:
- Direct connection via USB
- Wi-Fi
- Personal HotSpot
In or around your house, Wi-Fi is the easiest way to connect to the device. When you connect your phone and the monitor to your network, the two send data back and forth.
If you are out at the course, you can turn on SkyTrak’s hotspot mode and connect to it directly. It works best if your phone is sitting right beside the monitor.
How Does the Mevo Connect To Your Phone?
The FlightScope Mevo also has its own Wi-Fi signal that you can connect to it with your phone. Mevo also has a cool feature where it will record your swing and overlay your actual flight stats onto it. Because of this, you’ll probably always have your Mevo sitting beside your phone, who is taking the video.
Winner: Draw
Short Game (Wedges, Pitching, and Chipping)
How Accurate is the SkyTrak on Short Shots?
On shorter shots where you take a slower swing speed, it can be challenging for a monitor to capture your spin loft accurately, smash factor, and the speed of the ball at impact. SkyTrak does a generally efficient job measuring distance and spin rates of your short game wedge and iron shots.
In addition, the Software also has a few short game features to help you practice. You can set up different obstacles on the driving range and practice your distance. The Wedge Matrix feature allows you to calculate your distance at a quarter, half, three-quarter, and full swing shots.
How Accurate is the Mevo on Short Shots?
The Mevo can do okay on short shots, but the accuracy isn’t quite the same. One good Mevo tip is that you should move up the monitor a foot or two for shorter wedge shots to help it accurately capture your swing and contact.
If you had the Mevo Plus, it has new Fusion Tracking technology which improves short game accuracy. The base Mevo is worth trying out for yourself to see.
Winner: SkyTrak
Putting
How Accurate is Putting on the SkyTrak?
Photometric monitors do an excellent job tracking putts, so the SkyTrak measures putting speed and angle well. However, putting is never a core focus of a golf simulator, so the benefit is small.
How Accurate is Putting on the FlightScope Mevo?
The Mevo cannot read putts with as high of accuracy since the launch monitor is placed behind you 7 feet while you swing. However, the newest firmware upgrade does an okay job tracking speed and distance.
Make sure that you have your metallic silver dots installed on your golf ball before you do any putting practice. FlightScope also recommends having a completely flat surface between the ball to screen for accurate tracking.
Winner: SkyTrak
Indoor Use
Does the SkyTrak Work Well Indoors?
The photometric technology found in the SkyTrak has excellent indoor accuracy. It is set up close to your golf ball and takes high-speed pictures at the point of impact. Since the entire view is up close and personal, the SkyTrak doesn’t have much that can affect its performance.
Does the FlightScope Mevo Work Well Indoors?
The FlightScope Mevo performs well indoors in terms of accuracy as long as you don’t have any fluorescent lighting or rotating objects such as fans or air conditioners around you. The only disadvantage to the Mevo, which uses doppler radar, is that you need extra space behind you to place the Mevo on a flat surface. This can be trouble if you only have a narrow garage bay or man cave to play in.
As long as you have the space for the Mevo, the tracking accuracy indoors should be consistent between the two.
Winner: SkyTrak because it fits more playing areas
Outdoor Use (Driving Range)
Does the SkyTrak Work Well Outdoors?
SkyTrak generally does well outside, but you want to ensure that you don’t have direct sunlight on the camera. This can impede or even damage the device.
As well, SkyTrak still recommends that you use a hitting mat outdoors. A grass divot can impede the camera and mess up shot tracking.
Does the FlightScope Mevo Work Well Outdoors?
The Mevo works very well outdoors, and the doppler radar technology has a little drawback. You usually have more space outdoors to set up the monitor behind you, so that’s not a problem.
The other advantage to using the Mevo outdoors is that it can track the entire flight of the ball (up to 100 yards away). Having no net maximizes the readings and accuracy of the Mevo.
Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Shot Delay
Shot delay is the time it takes for your swing to register in the companion app or simulation Software after you swing. It depends on how long each launch monitor takes to crunch numbers and render your shot flight.
How Long is the Delay on the SkyTrak?
During my testing, it would take about two seconds from the impact before my shot would display on the projector screen in front of me. This delay was pretty natural overall. The ball flight would show up right as I finished my backswing and looked at the projector.
How Long is the Delay on the Mevo?
The Mevo also takes between one and two seconds after the impact before the readings display on the app. The Mevo app sends an audible ding when your shot is tracked and data is available to view.
Overall, the shot delay can be affected by the power of your computer or phone. So, the delay may vary for you. Because SkyTrak has full simulation integration, the wait is a little longer overall.
Winner: FlightScope Mevo
Missed Shots
How to Prevent Missed Shots on the SkyTrak
The SkyTrak should not have missed shots if your room has optimal conditions. Here are some tips on how to prevent missed shots:
- Place your golf ball directly in front of the camera sensor on the red dot that the SkyTrak emits. This will ensure a center reading on each swing.
- Make sure your golf ball has a logo on it that is a darker color. The SkyTrak uses this difference in color to calculate spin most accurately.
- Make sure you have bright lights and non-white walls and areas around your monitor.
- Avoid using white tees
- Keep your Software and firmware up to date
How to Prevent Missed Shots on the Mevo
Again, if you have optimal conditions, the Mevo shouldn’t miss any of your shots. One nice thing is that the Mevo will emit an audible ding after each swing.
To prevent missed shots on the Mevo:
- Make sure that you setup the Mevo Plus correctly, with enough space behind and in front of the ball.
- Add your metallic stickers to improve spin accuracy
- Check out and set up your calibration settings in the app
- Keep your software and firmware up to date
Durability
Can You Damage the SkyTrak?
For the most part, there should be no way you damage the SkyTrak during everyday use. The monitor comes in a durable frame that can be taken from your home to the course.
However, the proximity of the SkyTrak to your golf ball when you hit it COULD lead to some issues. You could contact the monitor with your club or the golf ball if you take a poor swing. A full-speed swing could break the SkyTrak frame and destroy the unit.
Can You Damage the FlightScope Mevo?
Since the Mevo sits behind you while you swing by 7 feet or more, there is very little chance that you will be able to damage it. An unlucky ricochet could contact the Mevo, but the chances are slim.
If you are concerned, you can buy this protective case for the Mevo, which also makes it easy to align and tilt your monitor how you need.
Winner: Mevo
Warranty
SkyTrak
Each SkyTrak monitor comes with a 6-month or 25,000 shot limited consumer warranty (whichever occurs first). This warranty covers any defects in material and quality and starts on the day you purchase it.
For an extra $99, you can extend this warranty for 1-year or 50,000 shots.
FlightScope Mevo
The Mevo comes with a standard 12-month warranty. Again, this warranty covers any defects in material and quality and starts on the day you purchase it.
Winner: Mevo
Availability
Can You Buy the SkyTrak Launch Monitor?
Supply chain issues and the increased popularity of golf have made the SkyTrak challenging to buy at certain times. However, the availability of the unit is generally favorable. The SkyTrak was released over eight years ago and can be purchased via Amazon below.
Can You Buy the FlightScope Mevo Launch Monitor?
The FlightScope Mevo has had positive availability since it was released in 2020. You can purchase the Mevo from the official website here or via Amazon below:
Winner: Draw
Resale Value
Supply chain issues that started during the COVID-19 pandemic have sometimes made it hard to buy new launch monitors. For this reason, the resale value of both launch monitors has been great.
You can buy a used SkyTrak for about $1,500, slightly less than the cost of the new one. You may or may not be able to transfer over the simulation licensing from wherever you buy it.
A used Mevo is about $400 or $100 off the price of a new unit. FlightScope does tend to offer deals on the device, so you might be able to get a new unit for the same price.
Winner: Draw
PGA Pro Usage
Which PGA Pros Use the SkyTrak?
At this time, I don’t know any PGA players who use the SkyTrak as their launch monitor, though some probably do. The world’s top players use monitors like the Trackman or ForeSight, which are much more expensive.
However, many commercial golf businesses use this monitor to help you out when trying out new clubs. My local Golf Town used the SkyTrak efficiently to track my swing and help me pick out a new golf driver.
Which PGA Pros Use the FlightScope Mevo?
No PGA professionals are using the base Mevo model currently. Professional golfers can afford a more expensive monitor, and the Mevo is marketed toward amateur golfers.
FlightScope has had Bryson DeChambeau, and Bubba Watson advertises the Mevo before.
Winner: Draw
Company Reputation
SkyTrak Reputation
Skyhawke Technologies is the parent company of Sky Golf, which developed the SkyTrak monitor. Skyhawke is a private company that specializes in golf accessories.
They are the maker of SkyCaddie, the official rangefinder of the PGA tour. The company has gathered millions of data points on all of the most famous golf courses in the world. The SkyTrak launch monitor has been available since 2014, and the company has a very high reputation.
Check out the SkyCaddie below:
FlightScope Reputation
FlightScope is a global technology company that uses 3D doppler tracking to monitor balls in golf, tennis, baseball, cricket, and more. The defense industry initially used its technology throughout the 90s, but the company is most successful for its use in sports.
The base Mevo model came out in 2020 as a way for amateur golfers and consumers to use their technology.
Winner: Draw
Advertising
Want to see how each brand advertises its golf launch monitor? Check out the commercials below.
Demo Videos
Want to view even more information? Here are some of the top videos showcasing each launch monitor:
Top Reasons to Buy the SkyTrak Launch Monitor
- Less overall space is required.
- The photometric system offers high overall accuracy.
- Accurate chipping and putting.
- Access to all of the biggest simulation software.
Drawbacks
- A recurring annual subscription is required to access all features.
- A left-handed and right-handed person can’t play at the same time.
Top Reasons to Buy the FlightScope Mevo Launch Monitor
- A lot cheaper to buy!
- High outdoor accuracy.
- Better launch angle tracking.
- A better warranty.
Drawbacks
- It does not work with any golf simulation software
- Reflective stickers are necessary for complete spin accuracy.
Conclusion
Overall, the SkyTrak vs FlightScope Mevo is much closer than you think, even though the price difference is quite significant. The Mevo has surprising accuracy with its doppler technology. The only thing that would make it better is the ability to play with golf simulation software.
The SkyTrak is a commercial system but at a consumer price point. It offers highly accurate readings and an easy installation. If playing simulator golf is critical for you, a complete simulator package built around the SkyTrak is a good investment.
The links to buy are once again below! If you purchase either of these launch monitors, comment below and let us know which one you purchased.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API