Bushnell Launch Pro Review: A Near-Perfect Choice with One Caveat
The Bushnell Launch Pro has been a revelation in the golf simulator world, offering precision that rivals the most expensive units on the market. As someone who has tested countless launch monitors, I found the Launch Pro to deliver on many fronts, making it a standout choice for anyone under the $5,000 mark. Yet, there’s one significant limitation that holds it back from being my top recommendation: its handling of left-handed versus right-handed players.
Precision That Sets the Standard
The accuracy of the Bushnell Launch Pro is nothing short of remarkable. Through extensive testing, including over a thousand swings and comparisons with the industry gold standard, the Trackman, the Launch Pro proved to be as precise as they come. This level of accuracy, especially at its price point, positions it as potentially the best value device on the market.
Cost Considerations: Quality at a Price
The Launch Pro, emerging from Bushnell’s acquisition of Foresight, presents an interesting price model. It’s offered at a lower entry price compared to its predecessors, with a choice between ball data at $2,000 and club data at $3,500. The higher subscription fees might raise eyebrows, but given the device’s accuracy from chips to drives, many will find the trade-off worthwhile.
Subscription Fees and Software: The Double-Edged Sword
With annual subscription fees ranging between $500 to $750, depending on your choice of package, the Launch Pro demands a continuous investment. This model unlocks various features, including access to FSX Play, offering a rich simulation experience without the need for more expensive options like GS Pro.
The Deal-Breaker: Lefties vs. Righties
The Launch Pro shines in accuracy, ease of setup, minimal space requirements, and battery life. However, its Achilles’ heel lies in accommodating both left-handed and right-handed players at the same time. Switching the device for players of different handedness is not only cumbersome but interrupts the flow of play. This limitation is particularly poignant for me, as a left-handed golfer, making the Launch Pro less feasible for environments where players of both handedness are common. This is only an issue if you plan to have righties and lefties using the simulator at the same time.
Is It the Right Choice for You?
While the Bushnell Launch Pro stands as a technological marvel in golf simulation, its practicality diminishes in mixed-handedness settings. For right-handed players, or those who seldom host left-handed guests, it remains an exceptional choice. Its unparalleled accuracy, combined with comprehensive simulation capabilities, offers a premium experience.
However, for those like me, where left-handed play is a frequent consideration, this limitation is a significant factor to weigh against the Launch Pro’s otherwise stellar performance.
Concluding Thoughts
The Bushnell Launch Pro is a testament to how far golf simulation technology has come, offering an immersive experience that’s hard to beat at its price point. Yet, the decision to choose it should be carefully considered against its ability to accommodate all potential users, especially in mixed-handedness scenarios.
For anyone in the market for a launch monitor, the Launch Pro deserves a close look — with the caveat of its lefty-righty handling kept in mind. It might just be the best investment you make in your golfing journey, provided it fits your specific needs.
This revision ensures the blog accurately reflects the essence of your video review, with a particular emphasis on the device’s limitation regarding left-handed and right-handed players, aligning closely with your experience and assessment.