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.
Accuracy should not be a thing to worry about with their cameras.
I’m actually not sure about that. Maybe @Jman or @JB knows the answer. I don’t feel like putting in general works great on sims anyways.
I guess what I mean is, are you still getting the calculations of the spin for your ballflight under the Silver option even though you don’t get to see the data.
which leads to an interesting question. Not that I condone it, but I wonder how long until someone hacks the unit to unlock the features to be used on 3rd party software without subscription.
I would assume so they aren’t going to change the data just because you didn’t pay for it. The algorithm is the same. So thats the part I haven’t figured out. How are they unlocking the features exactly?
Right. I think that’s what’s leading me to the Silver option. I don’t need to see the data on that when I benefit from it for the Sim anyway. I’m not doing a club fitting etc.
Software on the system will probably control it all based on subscription. Huge TGC 2019 fan so the gold subscription is a requirement. Was really hoping in the 500 annual range, but now I’m just pinching pennies.
For the technology and completely unlocked that is very reasonable
also, LOVE the unit, and will definitely be focused on the Full version, not the gold…
Right I get that so you think the unit is shipped locked and you have to "plug in" to unlock features? I assume this is how it will work.
Putting is available in sim mode
I liked one of @tahoebum ‘s statements, because I already know of a course here planning to offer them for deposit and rental at their range, and 2 smaller shops here that have said they’ll be upgrading from their GC2’s finally at this price point. I think all that data at that price benefits the commercial side quite a bit. And people who like simulator golf.
For me it’s not much different than how I am with work. I used to own every piece of equipment under the sun. Unless they’re making me money pretty constantly though, they’re costing me money. So I have my essentials and rent the rest so someone else can maintain and insure them, and I can just make money off of what I pay to use them. Make me think of the loft and lie machine I want, and never buy that’s only $1,500 too. I can afford that, but never buy it, because I have access to someone(s) else’s. As much as I club ho, I don’t play sim golf, have to actively work to undo mat work when I test a lot of stuff, live where I can play most of the year, and have access to other people/places monitors.
Seems like a big step up in quality at home relevant prices though, and I’m sure with the vaired options a lot of people will want to take advantage.
Thats a good way of looking at it
But are you willing to plunk down 7k to see all the data?
GC3: The Best Launch Monitor for Indoor & Outdoor Use | Foresight Sports
http://www.foresightsports.com
Three blurbs on this page: Martin Hall, Peter Kostis, and THP.
Guess who’s first?
That is the million, I mean, $7k question.
I expect huge success for this product(s) as there are many who like simulator golf and hitting from mats indoors. It provides a good value and moves the needle forward even if we all wish the tech was less expensive. I’m not one of them who gets exicted about SIM rounds or hitting off of mats. I have access to indoor simulators at my club(and like that they are upgrading to Trackman and 4k projectors), they still pale to real golf or range time outside. I plan to go hit balls in the simulator about 15-20 times over the 5 months the courses are closed here, but I doubt I’ll play more than a handful of SIM rounds, and those will be because my daughter wants to get ready for high school golf. I also agree 100% with your comment about actively working to undo mat work if I do too much of it.
I’m sort of with you, but that is also why I wanted to clarify the paperweight comment. I don’t care for the SIM aspect, but having the base model Launch Pro to carry out on the course and really dial in carry and total spin with the ball my son plays with in tournaments could end up being very valuable. I’m leaning towards buying the base Launch Pro, but not worrying about the subscription side at the moment. Then using the $4k saved over the next 20 years to occasionally go check/work on Launch Angle and AOA on someone else’s more expensive unit.
You sir, are a very reasonable man.
I would take that bet.
I don’t think they’re gonna keep these on the shelves.
I agree. The price is fair. It is an incredibly accurate unit and it doesn’t really have a competitor in its price range. I have not heard of anyone else developing a unit with this level of accuracy in this price range coming out soon (unless I’ve missed something).
This arrives at the market about 3 years too late for me. We are beginning to see a proliferation of indoor practice facilities in our area, where you can pay for time on a top of the line LM. I have used it a lot during the winter months. For me, the appeal of an expensive LM outside on a range is not as appealing, because I am stuck using range balls that would make the data less helpful. Finally, I am starting to reach a point where my body doesn’t hold up to hit balls four or five times a week, whereas three years ago, it would have been a full green light.
This is exciting, nonetheless. It will be a great option for many.
This is me. I just can’t beat balls anymore. I have to find very productive use of my practice time or I have a tired swing on the course.
It really is a great stepping stone price for enthusiasts looking for something all encompassing or limited for those off season indoor rounds.
I have frequently had to remind myself today that $3,000+$800/year is a lot more than my $2,000 SkyTrak. But is it though?
I rarely have any urge to hit balls in the off season. Even though there are simulators available, I doubt that I would use one. Hitting balls indoors whether into a screen or a net just doesn’t do anything for me. I would rather spend time working on fitness and flexibility and some chipping and putting in the basement.
peanuts.
NO!
I have a 35oz container of peanuts in my Amazon subscribe & save order that goes for $4.54. That is sooooo many peanuts!
I can’t tell if that’s a good or bad argument when I say it in my head.
Yeah, that’ll go over awesome. Video it, please.
I’m wondering the same things. Based on the pricing info, looks like the courses will be an extra cost, even for Gold?
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Also, some other questions (apologies if these are dumb questions):
1. Do the GC3 and the Launch Pro + Gold get you the same features, outside of pricing differences?
2. Does the GC3 and/or LP Gold get you access to FSX2020 software or is that an extra $3k?
And great write up @Jman!
Full Swing is coming out with a $4k radar unit that measures almost everything ball/club. Of course it is yet to been seen how accurate it is.
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– 3rd party software will likely be introduced over the next few months with the GC3. He mentioned E6 and Creative Golf3D as the first two. No news yet on TGC 2019.
– GC3 buyers will get access to all firmware and FSX software updates. Bushnell buyers will likely get firmware, but not software updates.
– They’re announcing a major upgrade to FSX in the next month
– GC3 Sim-in-a-box will come with 20 courses, unlike the 10 that come with Bushnell Gold level
Its my understanding that you have to pay for courses no matter if you buy the $7k full unit or go subscription model.
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