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.
LP provides total spin in all subscription models, it does not break it down between side/back spin in basic or silver.
I don’t know. The silver package is tempting. Is backspin, club path and AoA really worth another $400/mo for the gold?? It would take what 10 years to get to the full price of 7k based on $400/yr. You’d think by then something will have come out that is less expensive but who knows..
That’s kind of where it gets into the weeds though, right? I don’t need spin and etc if i am just playing sim golf… But for me, it’s all about keeping myself in a spin wheelhouse (my recent visit to the THP Tech Studio all but validated that for me).. and if I am putting money down on a unit like this, I am definitely doing it to improve my path/AoA/spin.
If people just want a unit for the sim experience, I think the shell of the unit is brilliant.
It’s in the article
Yes. I just reread the chart. Still not sure where I sit on it. Not as bummed as I was a few minutes ago lol.
spin is really the only thing I would care about. I don’t need to get crazy club head data. I just want to know what the ball is doing. I can to a certain extent figure it out from there on my own. Ball starts right and moves right. In to our path with an open face. I don’t really need to know percentages..
Same.
Yeah, but there’s something super helpful about marginal improvements as you try to improve. it’s absolutely overthinking it – of course
Cal needs one.
Just hedging for the inevitable college scholarship.. At this point we’d basically be saving money, not spending it.
I’m debating between the two, but I am much more interested now that pricing is out. Likely will be in the market for one in the spring, depending on whether we move or not might impact which one and exactly when.
The 5 extra course tempt me most between silver and gold
I think it’s pretty telling as individuals what we’d want the unit for – which is pretty cool that there’s a custom package for those not ‘chasing’ or even ‘following’ numbers.
Here’s the thing. Does spin REALLY matter that much to you on any club other than driver? While its easy to say I don’t care and don’t need it, I don’t know if I’d be ok with not having that info after spending that much dough. Its a tough decision if you are in the market. That being said I assume if you go silver and don’t love it you can always change your mind and switch to gold.
If I had one of these at home my analytical brain would absolutely be in full overthinking mode. I’m not sure at my age if my body could hold up to me obsessing over my numbers coming from the GC3. I could see 500+ balls in a session, lol. For now, my 16’x6’ putting green is enough.
Totally agree with this.
spin is important to me on all shots. The three things I would want if i were to dive into a launch monitor are launch angle ball speed and back spin. Side spin numbers are less important as long as the curve is accurate.
haha, man – there would be a secondary computer setup in my build so I could pump out YouTube instruction to a 70 inch monitor, just to really ruin everything I’ve got going for myself lmao
I do think however those wanting a little more than the Skytrak or Mevo+ have a great option, but at this point the price is a little out of reach for me.
On every shot every time? Thats cool. Personally I don’t care that much but like @Canadan said its kind of cool that there are options for how individuals will be able to use this device. When you look at it that way, it really makes a ton of sense.
I agree. I guess I’m not quite sure what I was expecting to be included in each package. I think I was hoping it was mainly just simulation differences. Device can measure what it can measure. Pay more $$ per year for the ability to play sim golf with isn’t what I’d want the unit for.
I mean. If I am on a launch monitor I want it every time. Otherwise why not just go to the range? Or just hit balls into a net with no launch monitor?
I could see using the gold for self fitting golf balls and dialing in driver and even my irons, but once that is done, then it would be nice to drop down to the silver package so I could play sim and practice. With that said, it would be great to have monthly or even hourly pricing on the gold package rather than yearly. Still – very tempting unit at 3k.
Sim golf, honestly.
I’ve played a LOT of sim golf rounds, and I actually wouldn’t mind hiding some of the things (like spin) while playing. It definitely didn’t improve my experience, and I think a lot of people are looking for a highly reliable unit FOR sim golf, not just improvement (if at all).
yep. I guess that is the one other reason.
Don’t overlook switching balls to dial in spin. I’ve been trying for years to knock off a couple hundred RPM’s off my driver with different head/shaft combos and the solution this year that instantly took care of it was a different ball. It happened by accident after finding a Bridgestone ball on my home course and putting it in play.
I don’t need that for sim golf, are you planning on fitting yourself? Haha.
Why not just go to the range? WINTER. Also, hitting balls into a net with nothing is literally the most boring thing I have ever done. I don’t think even just the monitor would suffice in this case, I need to see something.
@JB, @Jman, @Canadan do any of you guys have experience with the 2D range? Is it essentially the side graphic on the range we typically see?
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Do you get information like peak height, angle of descent?
I can confirm this haha. It’s nice to keep loose. Not great if you want to actually work on stuff. No feedback or visualization on what your ball is actually doing.
fitting and general swing work mostly. Sim golf would be awesome to. But with out numbers to improve, it’s a really expensive video game in my mind.
an awesome one though
I am not saying I would need to overanalyze every shot. But, I would also need some spin readings if I am practicing. If I am just trying to hit the ball straight every time probably not as important. But, practicing different shots I would want to know exactly what the ball is doing.
Yesterday I would have said that I’d still go with GC Hawk for my future home setup (my son and many friends are lefty), but $10k CAD makes this something you think about.
There’s no way I’d buy this product and forego the spin numbers, so it would be Gold for me if I used the sub model.
The biggest thing is that for indoor use, there is no competitor that can touch Foresight’s accuracy. I wouldn’t say this is early adopters. I personally think this is one step of pricing and advancements improving. A guy can wait forever expecting something better or cheaper to come out. Not saying there won’t be. But, if that’s what you’re waiting for, you may be waiting for a long time.
I may not have stated my question correctly. I see the subscription prices, as well as the prices for Standard and Premium courses. I was just curious if you had to pay $400 for Silver, plus an additional $125 or whatever the price was for Standard/Premium courses. And are those courses in addition to the 5 that comes with it? That information may not be known yet, or I may also be over thinking this.
The unit does work as a standalone model with numbers on the LCD just like the GCQuad.
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Based on the tests we did at HQ it was very accurate compared to GCquad. Its still a Foresight product so you know the quality is there.
Think that is the way I’d be leaning. Definitely a possibility for me next year once we build our 3rd stall. You’d benefit from that too haha.
I’m looking to create a full home simulator soon and have been eying the Uneekor EyeXO. Both the Bushnell and the Foresight options are much more appealing cost-wise, as long as capability and accuracy is on par. I think the accuracy part shouldn’t a concern. In terms of capability though…
– Will these units be able to accurately track putting and short game shots? I don’t necessarily need the putting studio data. Just want it to track putting relatively accurately
– Will we be able to use TGC 2019 with either of these units?
Thanks!
So, how much do the club stickers cost?
I don’t think that’s going to be possible. You’re not gonna get SC or Rapsodo prices with Foresight accuracy.
Mevo tried and that didn’t go so well.