At its best, a golf simulator is the ultimate getaway for a golfer. It’s a room to yourself where you can log in and escape to play the most beautiful courses in the world. The weather is always beautiful, the conditions adjustable to your liking, and the improvements to your game - endless. At its worst, a golf simulator is a dysfunctional mess of nets and cheap faulty equipment that shuts down without warning. Yikes.
The makers at TruGolf took note of the huge discrepancies between golf simulators on the market today and decided to take matters into their own hands. Whereas most golf simulators come as a single launch monitor device and leave the buyer to figure out the rest, the TruGolf team went a different route and created TruGolf simulator setups that are complete, all-inclusive, from top to bottom, with every piece working together seamlessly. In other words, golf simulation at its best.
Golf Simulator
While every simulator in the TruGolf Vista series is excellent, the Vista 8 Pro topped our list due to its complete package and budget-friendly price.
TOP 6 TRUGOLF SIMULATOR SETS
Within the TruGolf Vista series is the Vista 8, Vista 10, and Vista 12. Each of these three comes as either a Base or Pro version for a total of 6 possible simulators. I will review each of these individually below going from most to least recommended.
While including everything in one Tru Golf simulator bundle makes the price seem initially high, when you break it down part-by-part these golf simulators are actually incredibly budget friendly. This Tru Golf simulator reviews the various TruGolf home options available to golfers, as well as pros and cons to each.
1. TruGolf Vista 8 Pro Golf Simulator
Our Top Pick
KEY FEATURES
Although this is the second least expensive simulator option on our list, I still believe this simulator deserves the spot at number one.
The TruGolf Vista 8 Pro delivers the full simulation package with every feature you could ever ask for, all at a more-than-fair price point. Keep in mind, these packages are all-inclusive, you just need to provide the beer and clubs! So although the price might seem high at first, when you think of everything that is included, the math checks out. Just be sure to select “Pro” at checkout to ensure you get all components.
Required space: 15’W x 20’D x 10’H
2. TruGolf Vista 12 Pro Simulator
KEY FEATURES
As the most complete and upgraded simulator setup on our list today, the Vista 12 Pro is truly the all-inclusive golf simulator package of your dreams.
With this setup you can be certain to have the best of everything, yet still stay inside of a reasonable price range given the premium package you’ll receive. With the best computer, best projector, and best E6 Connect subscription on the list, this package is sure to be the best upgraded option for you. Just be sure to select “Pro” at checkout to ensure you get all components.
Required space: 15’W x 20’D x 10’H
3. TruGolf Vista 10 Pro Simulator
KEY FEATURES
The TruGolf Vista 10 is the best choice for golfers that want an excellent gaming PC but are not yet ready to commit to the 2 year expanded E6 Connect subscription. Instead you will get the 1 year basic E6 subscription which many believe to be plenty adequate. Just be sure to select “Pro” at checkout to ensure you get all components.
Required space: 15’W x 20’D x 10’H
4. TruGolf Vista 10 Base Unit
KEY FEATURES
You can’t go wrong with a TruGolf Vista 10 base unit. This unit is the most inexpensive on the list while still including a TruGolf computer, premium fairway turf, and touch screen monitor. The only thing missing will be the side nets and hardware upgrades of the Pro units, however, many golfers do not find these necessary, especially if your space does not have windows or other golf ball incompatible things.
Required space: 15’W x 20’D x 10’H
5. TruGolf Vista 8 Base Unit
KEY FEATURES
The TruGolf Vista 8 Base unit is the most budget-friendly simulator on our list today. This package does not include the TruGolf computer, monitor, or turf, making this setup perfect for a golfer who already has a quality laptop and doesn’t want to pay extra for non-essential accessories.
Don’t let the low price fool you, every component included with this TruGolf simulator is still of top quality and will bring you a perfectly functioning indoor simulator experience at home.
Required space: 15’W x 20’D x 10’H
6. TruGolf Vista 12 Base Unit
KEY FEATURES
The Vista 12 TruGolf simulator is my least favorite of the Vista series. This is because the sole difference between the Vista 12 Base and the Vista 10 Base is the footprint:
- TruGolf Vista 12 Base Unit footprint: 12’W x 14.9’D x 8.8’H
- TruGolf Vista 10 Base Unit footprint: 10’W x 15’D x 8’H
For me personally, since everything else is equal between the two units, the extra $3,000 is simply not worth a bigger screen.
Required space: 15’W x 20’D x 10’H
The TruGolf Simulator Brand
TruGolf was founded in 1983 and since that time has always been pushing the envelope to develop the most realistic golf simulations possible. When you think of indoor golf, think of Tru Golf.
What I respect the most about TruGolf is that they insist on making all hardware for their golf simulators in house. This means that the golf launch monitor connecting to the computer connecting to the projector are all made under the same roof. What this means is guaranteed seamless integration of all components.
Initially, you could only find a Tru Golf simulator in a commercial setting such as a golf bar, pro shop, or bowling alley. However, due to their immense popularity, the company decided to roll out a line of indoor golf simulators meant for individual use. They named this series of launch monitors The TruGolf Vista Series, which is what we will focus on today.
With a TruGolf simulator everything is included. So although initially the price is certainly higher (about $12k vs $2k), you have to keep in mind that the Tru Golf includes everything. And the instruction manual for the TruGolf is for putting together everything. So piece-for-piece the cost difference is minimal, but the lack of headache is huge!
THE Product TruGolf is Known to Manufacture
The most famous individual product TruGolf is known for, aside from their golf simulators, is its E6 Connect golf simulation software.
If you don’t know what E6 Connect is, I want to wholeheartedly welcome you to the world of golf simulation. E6 Connect is considered by many in the golfing community to be the most true-to-life and highest-quality golf simulation software on the market.
Elon Musk once said it’s only a matter of time before video games are “indistinguishable from reality.” In the world of golf simulation, I’d put my money on the E6 Connect to be the first one to get us there (also, wouldn’t that be great??).
E6 Connect uses 4K graphics and offers endless golf courses, peer-to-peer play in real time, online events, mini games, and driving ranges for golfers to dive right into.
But the E6 isn’t the only product TruGolf is the manufacturer of. They also produce simulator replacement bulb parts, Trubalance Mobile, replacement hitting mats, replacement microphones, and rubber golf tees for indoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is included with a TruGolf Simulator?
The line of TruGolf Simulator sets that is meant for golfers to use at home is called the “Vista Series.” Anything beyond that is commercial grade and not a focus of these TruGolf simulator reviews.
As I’ve mentioned before, a TruGolf simulator is an all-inclusive package. Every simulator in the Vista series comes with the following:
Projector
E6 Connect subscription
Computer - TruGolf Level 1 or 2*
Touch Screen Monitor*
Tracking technology - TruTrak2
Turf*
Enclosure
Warranty
*not included with Vista 8 Basic
The Vista Pro series includes all of the above with upgrades, plus these three additional features:
Audio*
Side nets
Frame storage duffel
*not included with Vista 8 Pro
Let’s look at some of these features in a little more detail:
E6 Connect Software
A TruGolf simulator in the Vista series includes a Basic 1 year E6 Connect subscription. The exception to this is the TruGolf Vista 12 Pro which offers a 2 year expanded E6 Connect subscription, but we will discuss that more below.
The E6 Connect is considered by many to be the best golf simulation in the industry. The state-of-the-art software is 4K compatible and boasts high usability. What gets a lot of golfers excited is the cross-platform virtual golf competitions available for those who are interested and customizable features for full in-game control.
But really you should see the software as a comprehensive tool to teach, train, play, and compete, all in one.
In addition to the standard professional tools and most realistic course play available, the basic 1 year subscription includes:
- 27 courses
- 17 practice areas
- Player profiles
- Modes of play: Stroke, Scramble, Best Ball, Stableford
- Flexible game play settings: Mulligans, Gimmies, 18 Pin Positions per Green, Terrain Penalty, Wind, Elevation, Stimp Rating
- Visual Assists: Pin Indicator, Ball Indicator, Terrain Grid, Putting Line, Ball Size, Shot Tracers
Tracking Technology - TruTrack2
The hardware used by TruGolf to measure your swing and golf ball data is called the TruTrack2 System. The unique feature of this hardware is that it is found within the hitting mat. Whereas a SkyTrak launch monitor is set on the ground next to you, the TruTrack2 is already perfectly configured within the mat and it collects data as you swing your club over it.
The TruTrack2 is composed of three rows of ten optical sensors. That means 30 sensors in total to pick up ultra accurate readings of the following:
- Face Angle
- Launch angle
- Smash factor
- Clubhead speed
Additional ball flight characteristics are picked up using patented sonic triangulation positioning technologies.
One of the greatest parts about TruTrak2 and it’s analysis of your swing and golf ball data is that it is also extremely accurate with putting. For those of you with a little more experience with golf simulators, you know that golf simulators tend to be great when hitting a ball off a tee or other high swing speed shots, however, with putting and short game the accuracy tends to decline. A TruGolf simulator, on the other hand, is capable of measuring putts inside of ten feet. This will allow you to have a full golf simulation experience, tee to pin, all from the comfort of your own home.
Computer - TruGolf Level 2
The Vista packages come with either the TruGolf Level 2 or TruGolf Level 1 computer, depending on which package you buy. A TruGolf computer is basically a gaming-level PC with E6 Connect software preinstalled.
The Tru Golf team knew that their TruTrak tracking technology needed a computer that could handle it’s data, and also a computer with enough power to be able to seamlessly display all of the incredible 4K graphics from the E6 Connect software. So they took matters into their own hands and made their own computer in house!
The TruGolf Level 1 computer has the following specs:
- Intel Core i3 3.9Ghz
- 8GB RAM
- 500 GB Solid State Drive
- NVIDIA GTX 1050
Whereas the TruGolf Level 2 computer has the following specs:
- Intel Core i7 3.5 Ghz
- 8GB RAM
- 500 GB Solid State Drive
- NVIDIA GTX 1060
The rest of the included hardware is a 21” touchscreen monitor (for easy E6 software navigation) and an HD projector.
Touch Screen Monitor
The Monitor that comes with all of the Vista packages (except the TruGolf 8 Basic) is a 21” touch screen monitor.
Think of the monitor as being what a remote control is to TV. You will need the monitor to make your course selections and navigate the E6 Connect software. Although you will also have a projector projecting the images on your impact screen, you want to be sure to have a monitor to be able to easily make changes to any of your game settings.
Projector
The projector included in the Tru Golf simulator packages is an HD 720p. The only exception is the TruGolf Vista 12 Pro which uses an HD 1080p projector. Both of these projectors provide crisp, high definition images that are bright and vivid. The number indicates how many pixels are displayed across the screen.
The TruGolf simulator projector uses a short throw laser and provides a guaranteed 10,000 lifetime hours. The price of the simulator setup includes custom projector housing.
Premium Fairway Turf
Every TruGolf simulator comes with a premium fairway turf, with the only exception being the TruGolf Vista 8 Base which does not include turf. The premium fairway is set close to your impact screen to catch golf balls as the bounce off. Keep in mind that every TruGolf simulator will have a hitting mat with the TruTrak 2 technology embedded inside as discussed above. I find this to be easiest to understand by looking at a picture of the full setup:
Enclosure
Every Tru Golf simulator in the Vista series includes a portable enclosure. This enclosure is a lightweight aluminum frame to make it easy to set up and take down the setup if you so choose, although I highly recommend you only buy these setups if you can keep them in a permanent spot. This is NOT the type of golf simulator you can pull out on a whim to hit golf balls in your living room!
With this type of enclosure, the golfer hits balls into the unit, you are not located inside the enclosure. If you order any of the “Pro” simulators in the Vista series, a frame storage duffel bag and side nets will be included in the price.
Warranty
Every TruGolf simulator comes with a 1 year warranty. This warranty basically covers all hardware and accessories you purchase against any defects in materials and workmanship when used as you should normally use them.
Basically, if you’re using your TruGolf simulator the way you should be and there’s something wrong, TruGolf will replace, at no charge, anything that is defective.
Audio - Portable Speaker
If you order either the Vista 10 Pro or Vista 12 Pro, a portable speaker will be included. This is a Bluetooth speaker, meaning you can use a wireless connection to pair up any device to either play tunes while you golf or listen to the audio of the golf course you’re playing.
How much is a TruGolf Simulator?
A TruGolf Simulator is sold as a complete setup whereas other golf “simulators” are simply the hardware used to measure golf ball data, leaving the buyer to figure out the rest. Because of this, the cost seems initially high - between $10,000 and $23,000 depending on which unit you purchase. However, when you take into consideration the fact that this includes your impact screen, projector, launch monitor, computer, touchscreen, software, and so on, the price is actually more than reasonable. Not only is everything built to function together seamlessly, a Tru Golf simulator also saves golfers the headache of trying to piecemeal a golf simulator setup together.
How do I decide which TruGolf Vista Simulator to buy?
If you want a TruGolf Simulator for your home and you aren’t a millionaire, you will certainly want one from the Vista Series. There are 6 to choose from, which can initially feel like a lot. The good news is that each setup (except the most basic of the 6 - the Vista 8 Basic) is complete and has everything you need to have a blast playing some indoor golf from top to bottom.
From there, just realize that some of the Vistas are geared toward keeping cost down while others are for a more premium experience. I highly recommend you check out this chart for a side-by-side comparison of the 6. I also dive into more detail of each of them above, however, our top pick is the TruGolf Vista 8 Pro.
What are the best alternatives to the TruGolf Simulator?
SkyTrak
There are a lot of great reasons to buy a SkyTrak launch monitor or other golf simulator around the $2k price point (you can read my Skytrak review here). However, with the purchase of a SkyTrak you are only getting the launch monitor and it is up to you to figure out the rest (net, hitting mat, screen, etc). This can be quite a headache, especially when you go through the hassle of ordering individual components and then get home to find out they aren’t compatible.
Mevo Plus
Flight Scope Mevo Plus is also a great alternative if you're on a budget. You don't have to pay tens of thousands to have incredible data accuracy on every shot. You can click here to read our full review of Flightscope Mevo Plus.
You can check out our article on the best golf simulators on the market today for more great alternatives.
Can I choose my preferred golf course?
Of course. You can choose the golf course that you wanted. For example, with the TruGolf simulator in the Vista series, the basic 1-year subscription usually includes 27 courses. Depending on your purchase, you can also add some additional courses sometimes.
Verdict
If you want a complete golf simulator setup in your house, I believe that a TruGolf simulator from the Vista series is the best comprehensive setup on the market. While the price might initially seem high, if you’re looking for a semi-permanent to permanent golf simulator setup, you will be hard pressed to find a cheaper option of similar quality. Not to mention the headache of buying each component individually and ensuring all parts are compatible.
When you buy a TruGolf simulator, the instruction manual will take you from start to finish and in a matter of hours you’ll be golfing the best indoor simulation golf available today.
