When it comes to launch monitors and possibly consumer facing models at that, few things in the space have been as anticipated as this launch. The teasers have set the stage for a lot of buzz and with that a lot of questions. Today we hope to answer all of them for you.
This is a dual launch for two separate products. The Foresight GC3 and the Bushnell Launch Pro. Before we get to the technical side of things, it is important to note that these two devices are identical from a hardware standpoint. They do however, function quite differently from a cost perspective.
Before getting to the structure of purchase, let’s go over what it does and to do that, we dropped the new Foresight GC3 into the THP Tech Studio for a full test.
Similar in fashion to the GCQuad we use for all of our equipment testing in the studio, the GC3 uses multiple cameras (in this case 3) and features the same level of accuracy that are considered by many to the be the gold standard in measurement. Why? Well a lot of reasons, but the most glaring being that cameras capture more ball and club data such as spin axis rather than use algorithms to derive what is taking place.
The unlocked GC3 does much of what the slightly larger and more expensive GCQuad does but there are some small differences. Face angle and impact location stand out as well as a much larger hitting area being 18×14 rather than 7×10 for the new GC3, but what Foresight has been able to cram into this, makes this the launch monitor that many golfers have been waiting for.
This is the part of the story where we explain the dual launch part of this. Foresight is launching the GC3, which is what we featured in the video above. Bushnell is releasing the Launch Pro, which is the exact same device from a hardware stand point, but it comes with a much different pricing structure.
The Foresight GC3 comes fully unlocked and ready to go for the price of $7,000. The Bushnell Launch Pro comes with the same hardware, but requires one of their subscription services for the cost of $3,000. We will expand on those packages below, but their costs are
Basic: $99 Per Year (1st Year Free)
Silver: $399 Per Year
Gold: $799 Per Year
How do these breakdown with what is unlocked with each package? This chart should help, but the gist of it is, Silver is needed to put golf courses on the device and Gold is going to be necessary if you want Spin Data.
The pricing proposition really comes down to what you are going to be using the device for. Fun simulation with a few friends, the Silver Package might work out pretty well for your needs. Looking for an accurate launch monitor that will offer full spin readings? Gold is the only way to achieve that. Which definitely brings the question of the best way to purchase this device? Unlocked with no ongoing fees or unlockable with yearly costs going forward?
Regardless of which way you fall on the pricing spectrum, know you are going to receive one of the most versatile units available. Seamlessly going from indoors to out without the need for much setup. Literally put it down, turn it on and off you go.
The GC3 and Launch Pro will be available for purchase beginning October 4th. International customers, stay tuned because the GC3 with subscription based model will be coming in 2022.
We will have a lot more coming soon on the Foresight GC3 and Bushnell Launch Pro as our testing continues with the device. If you have questions, ask them below.
3k would be a dream if fully loaded though
GC2 came out a bit over 10 years ago and this is considered by some to be the replacement.
Could you use one GC unit for 10 years though? Do they really last that long? If so I would think it would be a nobrainer to get the full 7k package if you can afford it because at silver that’s the same end price and at gold you would be paying thousands more.
I think 5 years of use would equal out in gold to be the same price so if you intended to keep it longer pay the full 7k now and if not then you the subscription model may be best.
Could you? Sure. Maybe a battery swap which is inexpensive generally speaking in the middle, but they do last.
With that said, I have no idea what the future holds and how quickly they move from here, but if I was a betting man, I would say minimum of 5 years before GC3 is replaced and that wouldn’t render this one obsolete. I don’t think brand could go into subscription model with less than that in mind to hit the break even point.
if I had the coin (not even close ?) I’d probably do LP with Gold subscription assuming 100% identical as the upfront extra cost with the GC3 would take roughly 6-7 years to pay back and my guess before that time next age technology will be out.
I really like the 7X10 area required, that will sell some units. Very sleek device and certainly more attainable for smaller business (bar, company rec area, teaching professional, golf club, etc.) where the GC4 was just too many $$$. For home use, if you have space and the extra couple of thousand for all the peripherals i.e. mat, screen, projector, etc. it would be really nice.
Definitely something I could never convince my wife into but those more fortunate, have at it.
GC3 will include ball and club data access out-of-the-box, including FSX performance and entertainment software and 10-course bundle, for $6,995.
I would say so for me. Shelling out the full $7k is a bit tough.
Shelling out $3800 and then investing the other $3200 seems more reasonable. Then the $800 yearly subscription could be perhaps recouped in creative planning with friends (sim rounds etc.).
Ultimately this is going to be a great launch monitor and feel a lot of people will get it. But the have to have subscription for the basic irks me for whatever reason.
But also wondering if newer software/updates etc. would be more readily available through the subscription model….?
In other words, once you go all in on the GC3, are you locked out from future software updates etc.?
I know that if you cancel a sub, you’ll lose what you’ve downloaded as far as course wise. I’m assuming yeah if you can your sub, you don’t even have basic anymore so you will have a lovely paperweight.
Yeah, that’s pretty gross when you put it that way.
Interesting!
If it’s like their other units, no, you’re not at all locked out from updates.
This is me as well, it’s a one stop shop.
That said, I get the gold and why people would be interested…but the other two packages make little sense to me personally. But, I do use a monitor different and more than most would.
Great hat and shirt @Jman
Based on the things I saw, yes, it is. That said, I don’t know if there is potentially a fee to unlock that or anything.
Do you know what 3rd party software will be available? Any and all or just a select few?
Nope, that is undisclosed at this time.
To me it all depends on what you are going to use it for. Where you live you can play year round, why do you need a sim?
Is it though? I wouldn’t consider 7k "affordable"
Uhh, night golf. Hurricane party golf. Inclement weather golf. Aeration week golf.
Affordable in relation to a GC quad or Trackman.
For something that works, and is accurate, I think so. People wanting true accuracy in a 1000-2000 is a pipe dream. Compared to where the Quad is, hell, compared to to where the GC2 with HMT was, this price all in is impressive.
But I also believe not everyone needs or would benefit from owning a LM.
That is true. I’m thinking what people really want is a personal launch monitor that is accurate for about 1/4 of that price, maybe half. I’m not sure its possible. That being said I’d love to have one of these beauties if I had room for a full sim like HQ. I just don’t see myself taking it all over the place like Bryson
To play golf in the evenings, on weekends when you can’t get out from fam, to play golf with the kids and friends that come over. Possibilities of year round use are endless.
Fair. like I said it all depends on what you want and how you plan to use it
It’s kind of a great question, because the benchmark for me NOT getting a launch monitor for ‘garage’ and range use was pretty simple… I’m not a 10k+ kind of guy. This pricepoint really starts to blur the lines between what I am willing to pay, and how much I’m really going to use it.
It’s…. problematic.
Agree completely.
I also still can’t wrap my head around the PML market. People want top accuracy, but want something that is going to cost less than 2k. That’s just not going to happen right now. This gives a good option to get your foot in the correct door, and pick what you need if you want that 3k device. Although shelling out the 7k if you can afford that is something that will probably pay off in the long run it you truly believe this is going to be something you will use for years to come
It does I agree. Is the full 7k model or subscription model in your future?
I have confidence in one thing: If I get one, it will definitely not be the subscription based unit.
same. But i am most likely to probably not getting one. Haha
Man, I feel like I was waiting for different news. Like basic subscription giving you at least somewhat complete ball data. Super bummed. $7k is way outside my wheelhouse and I wouldn’t pay $3k for a device that doesn’t give me spin.
I was so hyped for this thing. Not frustrated with them I’m not doubting the quality or value they provide at those prices. I was just desperately hoping this thing would fall at least close to my budget. Winter can be a real downer.
Great write up and I will check out the video when I get a chance. No doubt it will be great.
Additions on houses are pretty cheap… at least that’s what I keep telling my wife… ????