Personal launch monitors have been a hot topic recently, and the market for these devices keeps on expanding. What is exciting about this developing market is that a vast price range allows golfers to choose a practice companion that fits their budget. When I mention price ranges, I’m talking about units that cost as little as $200 to top-of-the-line, tour-quality machines that run for $20,000. Today, we are looking at the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor, which competes in that competitive sub $500 market.
PRGR offers a more budget-friendly entrance into the launch monitor space, and after spending some time with it, there are quite a few things that have impressed me, starting with the hardware. This launch monitor is compact, and for comparison’s sake, it’s smaller and lighter than my iPhone, which means it easily fits in my pocket. We get a larger screen for the updated 2021 model (HS-130A), making reading the data a bit easier. Below the screen are the only four buttons you will find, and each one gives a satisfying click when compressed.
Speaking of data, while it doesn’t offer spin, it does offer plenty to make this a worthy practice tool. After each shot, the device beeps to let you know it recorded the results. Once populated, the screen offers you Swing Speed, Ball Speed, Smash Factor, Carry Distance, and Total Distance. Note that you will have to hit the mode button to toggle between carry and total distance. All those data points can be pretty useful to someone just looking to dial in their basic yardages on the practice range or in the backyard when hitting into a net. We’ve seen similar devices to this one that registers club speed, but a ball needs to be hit for many of those to record swing speed. With the PRGR, that is not the case. Since this product launched in cooperation with SuperSpeed Golf, it makes sense that those going through that system, or just working on their swing speed a different way, would need something to record their speeds without hitting a ball. Even some of the big players in the launch monitor space have yet to offer a feature like that. Therefore, if you want to stand on the range and swing as hard as possible to see how many MPH your body can generate without fear of hitting a horrible shot, this would be a product for you.
Another thing to like about this launch monitor is that it is straightforward to set up and use. Set this behind the ball anywhere from 3.5 to 5 feet, and that’s it; get ready to have some fun. Some things are worth noting when setting up this launch monitor. Ideally, the area would be relatively flat when testing on a grass range, but when hitting off mats, you might feel the need to use a booster to make the monitor more even with the ball. The flatter the lie, the more consistent the data readouts will be, and the less time you will experience that shot that didn’t get captured.
As with any of these devices, the biggest question is about how accurate are the numbers. Well, during our testing side by side with a Foresight GC2, some data points came out entirely accurate. Before diving into that, it is good to understand that this unit captures data using Doppler radar, meaning that the yardages are estimates based on quick calculations. Furthermore, to get the most accurate yardages you can, it is essential to select the club you are swinging on the launch monitor itself. Of all the data presented here, easily the one that was the most consistent alongside a GC2 was the ball speed. The ball speed was usually within 2 MPH of the GC2 measurements, regardless of the driver, irons, or partial wedge shots. With the accuracy of the ball speed, the carry distance was impressively close on most swings. Where the numbers got a little funny was on poorly struck shots. Thin shots that came out low would produce numbers that would have noticeably more carry yardage. Outside of those anomalies, it was impressive to see just how much this pocket-sized launch monitor could keep up with a camera-based system, especially when considering the price difference.
This PRGR Launch Monitor offers a pleasant no-frills experience. There is no companion app, nor is there any built-in practice/target mode. Even without those extra features, this device is worth considering for the golfer who craves a better understanding of their swing speed, ball speed, and distances. Currently, the PRGR Launch Monitor is available for $229.99. Have you thought about adding a personal launch monitor to your practice sessions?
The Details
Price: $229.99
Measurements: Ball Speed, Club Speed, Smash Factor, Carry Distance, Total Distance.
Did you get a chance to compare it vs a GC2 indoors or another unit and if so, how did it fare?
Add in that it is smaller than your iPhone and it becomes super easy to bring to the range or even on the course!
Looks like another good personal monitor that won’t break the bank.
Does this allow for exporting of data to an excel or is the data viewable on an app post range session?
I would say a handful. But it was the most consistent shot type that I was noticing something was off if that makes sense. But that calculation really was off on distance, everything else was more in line.
It was actually pretty impressive how close it was on ball speed nearly every swing.
nope, no app which is something missing vs some of the competition. This is just very basic, set it down, hammer out some swings. You can scroll back through and see the shot results after.
I’m actually ok with that…I mean for some the data afterwards is just that data. Give me numbers why I’m on the range & im ok.
I believe it is supposed to read the super speed sticks as well. But let me double check on that.
I do have some side by sides with gc2 with some driver, iron, wedge swings. Was tested at an open range as well as with a hitting net. Nothing indoors yet.
and I think that’s the market. Simple, let me get an idea what’s going on without costing as much as a new driver.
I really do think for the tech savvy, that is what is missing. With that said, some people prefer the Ron Popeil set it and forget it and see how it turns out idea and for a simple range device to hammer down your distances, the app might be overkill anyway.
The golf nerd is going to want an app and spin readings. Personally I can do without those on this guy. What would be nice is some sort of practice mode, esp with the swing speed readings. Really show how you can dial down a shot or even add a little extra to it.
I think that is a really good idea. Even without the app, using the screen. Not sure where that sends it price wise, but you might be getting closer to the Voice Caddie SC300i
How much space does it need/did you have when hitting into a net?
I would say my net setup is normally in that 4-6 foot range. Close enough where full wedge shots don’t entertain the thought of going over into my neighbors yard.
this may be just the item i need to complete my home “range”. I do think I’d prefer the ability to store data and move it to an app. And maybe (big maybe) ability to collect additional data. But not sure if that’s nice to have or really important? (Mostly rhetorical question)!
Really nice review Dean, and I agree with all of this. A practice mode would be nice to just take all the back and forth out of it.
As far as a spin thing, I’m probably in a solo boat on this one but I find myself caring less and less about it? I’m not a player with rip back spin, more hop and stop. So for that, I’m not concerned about controlling it. I’m not high spin off the driver, I’m too high launch with the driver. Now if a machine just said hey, do this instead to fix that like @GolferGal’s workout machine? That would be an amazing piece of equipment and Dean do you want to patent this idea with me really quickly
Nope, just gives you the club selection by #. Off the top of my head I believe it’s up to a 9 wood, 6 hybrid, then the norm irons, GW, SW, LW.
Yeah I’m not really concerned with spin all that much either. And I feel like we need brighter minds than ours for that project.
I like that it has a big screen that you can see easily. I am one of those old guys with reading glasses so it is good to be able to have a screen with big numbers on it.
We.. We know people right? Maybe?
I just ordered the Stack System and a PRGR to read swing speeds indoors with no ball. I’m still waiting for delivery of the Stack System and just got the PRGR two days ago. I’ve only used it indoors without a ball or net and it picks up swinging a club or a Super Speed stick easily and as far as I can tell, accurately. I’m taking it with we to the indoor Trackman simulator tomorrow to get a better idea of how accurate it is but from reading your review, I expect it to be damn good for a $230 unit.
I’ll look forward to your comparison to Trackman. I would think if you are doing speed training, which is sounds like you are, this would be a pretty good option.
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yeah super compact. I wanted to make sure that was mentioned.
It is quite small – I put it in my bag and take it everywhere the clubs go. This is mine with the Visio tripod
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it is nice having a spot on the back where you can mount it.
That looks like the perfect tripod for the unit!
have you been doing SuperSpeed?
Not yet. Plan on starting at some point before next season begins.
Let me know. If you want, you can borrow this.
Thanks.
Here is a link to the manual:
https://www.jsint.com/files//98d5e643-7d78-444d-b6a6-ad6500853696/HS130A_Manual.pdf
The only device that I can think of that is not behind the ball is the Garmin G80 (set up to the side like GCQuad)
This will get the job done if you want to track your data
(disclosure: I do have an affiliation with this product)