In this guide, I compare the Trackman IO vs Trackman 4 in detail to help you understand which launch monitor is better for you. The Trackman 4 is one of the most popular launch monitors of all time, but the new Trackman IO offers better indoor tracking and has a really enticing pricepoint.
In short, anyone looking to build a golf simulator in their garage or basement should strongly consider the Trackman IO. It is better than the Trackman 4 in nearly every metric except for its portability.
Keep tracking to find out all of the details!
What is the Trackman IO?
The IO is a new launch monitor from Trackman. This device is like having your golf coach right in your living room. It’s a high-tech device uses cameras and radar to track your golf shots with incredible accuracy.
It’s perfect for beginners because it helps you understand exactly what’s happening when you hit the ball – like how fast your club is moving, or the angle at which the ball launches into the air.
Plus, it’s super easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of space so that you can practice your swing rain or shine, day or night. With the Trackman IO, improving your golf game has never been more fun or convenient.
The IO stands for Indoor Optimization, which tells you what Trackman’s focus is. The IO is perfect for your indoor game, playing virtual golf with the highest accuracy possible.
How Does the Trackman IO Compare to the Trackman 4?
The Trackman IO is a new and unique device compared to the Trackman 4. For golfers looking to put a golf simulator in their house, the IO has several obvious differences compared to the 4:
The Trackman IO is mounted overhead above your golf hitting mat.
You get feedback from your golf club swing much faster than on the Trackman 4.
The Trackman IO device is more flexible to low light conditions
I’ll go through all of these features below when I compare the Trackman IO vs Trackman 4 in detail!
Key Features in the Trackman IO
Here are some of the key features of the Trackman IO:
Advanced Tracking Technology
The Trackman IO utilizes state-of-the-art Optically Enhanced Radar Tracking (OERT) combined with a dual-camera system to capture every aspect of your golf swing accurately.
From club speed and ball speed to launch angle and spin rate, this technology provides comprehensive data for a thorough performance analysis. A full list of data that is captured on each swing includes:
Club Speed
Face Angle
Club Path
Face to Path
Impact Height
Impact Offset
Smash Factor
Dynamic Loft
Ball Speed
Launch Angle
Launch Direction
Spin Rate
Spin Axis
Hang Time
Height
Curve
Landing Angle
Carry
Compact and Versatile Design
The Trackman IO is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Thanks to its minimal footprint and flexible mounting options.
Whether you have limited space in your home or prefer practicing at the driving range, this compact device offers unparalleled convenience and portability.
User-Friendly Interface
This device is designed with simplicity in mind and features an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate.
With just a few taps, you can access detailed shot data, adjust settings, and even compete in virtual golf tournaments with friends.
Real-Time Feedback and Analysis
One of my favorite features of the Trackman IO is its ability to provide instant feedback on your performance. As soon as you hit a shot, you’ll receive data on club path, face angle, impact location, and more, allowing you to make immediate adjustments and track your progress.
Whether you want to work on your swing mechanics or fine-tune your shot trajectory, the Trackman IO empowers you to take your game to the next level.
What is the Trackman 4?
The Trackman 4 is the old launch monitor from Trackman. It’s a launch monitor that you can use to analyze and improve your game. The 4 combines advanced radar technology with high-speed cameras to provide precise measurements and detailed insights into every aspect of your golf swing.
From club speed and ball speed to launch angle and spin rate, the Trackman 4 captures a wealth of data to help you understand your performance better. It’s like having a virtual coach by your side, offering real-time feedback and actionable insights to help you refine your skills and reach your full potential on the course.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or a seasoned pro aiming for perfection, the Trackman 4 is an invaluable tool that you should have in your collections.
Key Features in the Trackman 4
Here are the key features in the Trackman 4:
Advanced Radar Tracking Technology
The Trackman 4 utilizes cutting-edge radar sensors to measure club and ball data accurately, providing precise insights into your swing dynamics. Its Optically Enhanced Radar Tracking (OERT) system captures data with unmatched accuracy, ensuring reliable performance analysis.
High-Speed Camera Integration
Equipped with high-speed cameras synchronized with radar tracking, the Trackman 4 offers unparalleled visibility into your swing mechanics.
From club path and face angle to impact location and spin rate, the cameras capture every detail, enabling comprehensive analysis of your technique.
Virtual Golf Simulation
With Trackman 4’s virtual golf simulation feature, you can play on some of the world’s most iconic golf courses from the comfort of your own home.
Real-Time Feedback and Analysis
With the Trackman 4’s real-time data analysis capabilities, you will receive instant feedback on your performance.
Whether you’re practicing on the range or competing in a virtual tournament, you’ll have access to detailed metrics like club speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate, which allows you to fine-tune your game on the fly.
Trackman IO vs Trackman 4 Comparison
Mounting Location
Thanks to its compact design and minimal footprint, the Trackman IO offers greater flexibility in mounting options. It can be easily mounted on the ceiling or a drop-down pole, making it suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor setups.
On the other hand, the Trackman 4 requires a specific mounting location with sufficient space behind the hitting area for optimal performance. This may be a serious challenge if you have limited space in your home.
Winner: Trackman IO
Lighting Requirements
The Trackman IO comes with an infrared lighting system, eliminating the need for external lighting. This golf monitor allows you to practice in dimly lit environments or even pitch-black conditions, offering greater flexibility and convenience.
Unlike the Trackman IO, the Trackman 4 relies heavily on external lighting for accurate data capture. In other words, it requires well-lit surroundings for optimal performance. If you use this launch monitor, you must adjust your setup to ensure adequate lighting. This can be a limitation in some indoor environments.
Winner: Trackman IO
Tracking Speed
With its advanced tracking technology, the Trackman IO boasts a rapid reaction time of 0.7 seconds after the swing. You receive real-time feedback and analysis on your swing instantly, which I think enhances your overall experience.
While the Trackman 4 also offers impressive tracking speed, with data registering approximately 2.7 seconds after the swing, it may not provide as immediate feedback as the Trackman IO. However, both models offer reliable performance analysis to help you improve your game.
Winner: Trackman IO
Software
The Trackman IO features user-friendly software interfaces, making navigating and analyzing your data easy. It offers comprehensive shot metrics and customizable settings for a personalized practice experience.
Similarly, the Trackman 4 has intuitive software interfaces for data analysis and virtual golf simulation. You can access detailed shot data and compete in virtual tournaments, enhancing your training session.
Winner: Very Similar!
Portability
The Trackman IO is designed to be ceiling mounted in place and left alone. It requires less overall room space than the 4, but you can’t easily take it down and take it with you. It is made for indoor golf simulators mostly.
The Trackman 4 can be transferred and taken wherever you need it. It is setup behind you and you need to make sure that you have enough room to swing in your room.
You can take the Trackman 4 to the driving range and capture your shots there.
Winner: Trackman 4
Data Capture
The Trackman IO utilizes dual-camera systems and radar sensors for comprehensive club and ball tracking data. It provides detailed metrics such as club speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more, enabling you to precisely analyze your golf shots.
Similarly, the Trackman 4 employs advanced radar tracking technology synchronized with high-speed cameras to capture extensive data on swing dynamics and ball flight. It offers many metrics, including club path, face angle, impact location, and spin axis.
The dual camera system on the IO makes it a more precise launch monitor. Plus, I really like the quick response times before you get to see your club data and ball tracking information.
Winner: Trackman IO
Integration with Virtual Golf
The Trackman IO seamlessly integrates with golf simulator software, offering an immersive gaming experience. This provides a fun and engaging platform for practicing and competing in virtual tournaments.
Likewise, the Trackman 4 features virtual golf simulation capabilities, allowing you to play on virtual renditions of renowned golf courses. With customizable settings and multiplayer functionality, it offers you an authentic and enjoyable gaming experience.
Winner: Draw
Cost
Despite its newer features, the Trackman IO is actually far less than the Trackman 4 in price! The IO retails for $13,995, while. the Trackman 4 costs $21,495.
I would expect to see a steep price drop on the Trackman 4 because there is no way its portability is worth an extra 60% in price.
Winner: Trackman IO
Why I Like the Trackman IO Better
I prefer the Trackman IO because of its versatility and convenience. As someone with limited space for a golf setup, I find the IO’s compact design and flexible mounting options the perfect choice for my home.
The embedded infrared light system on the IO eliminates the need for extra lighting around the launch monitor, allowing me to practice in my dimly lit garage.
The real-time feedback the Trackman IO provides helps me fine-tune my swing and improve my game. This makes each practice session more productive and enjoyable. The Trackman IO is an invaluable tool in my quest to become a better golfer.
Conclusion
Comparing the Trackman IO vs Trackman 4 in detail, the IO emerges as a standout for its cutting-edge features tailored for modern golfers. The IO is indoor optimized and has better mounting, accuracy, and versatility for a home golf simulator setup.
My favorite feature in the Trackman IO is its instant feedback, allowing you to see your shot result quickly. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to understand the basics or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, the Trackman IO offers an unmatched golfing experience.
For those in pursuit of elevating their game with the latest technology, the Trackman IO is the clear winner.
