Square Golf Launch Monitor Review: Shockingly Accurate & Affordable!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Square Golf Launch Monitor Overview: What Is It and How Does It Work?
2. Swing Stick
3. Built-in Simulator
4. Setup and Usability
5. Is Square Golf Launch Monitor Worth the Money?
6. Who Should Buy Square Golf Launch Monitor? The Ideal Customer Profile
7. Top Alternatives to Square Golf Launch Monitor: How They Compare
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Square Golf Launch Monitor
9. Conclusion
2. Swing Stick
3. Built-in Simulator
4. Setup and Usability
5. Is Square Golf Launch Monitor Worth the Money?
6. Who Should Buy Square Golf Launch Monitor? The Ideal Customer Profile
7. Top Alternatives to Square Golf Launch Monitor: How They Compare
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Square Golf Launch Monitor
9. Conclusion
Don't let price fool you—the Square Golf launch monitor punches above its weight. This affordable device boasts impressive accuracy, rivaling some of the more expensive options on the market.
This compact and affordable device brings the golf course indoors, offering accurate data and a surprisingly realistic simulator experience. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the Square Golf launch monitor's features, performance, and value to help you decide if it's the right fit for your golfing needs. We'll cover everything from setup and usability to accuracy and simulator compatibility, ending with a clear verdict and recommendations.
Verdict: The Square Golf launch monitor offers a compelling combination of accuracy, features, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for golfers seeking an indoor practice solution or simulator setup.
This compact and affordable device brings the golf course indoors, offering accurate data and a surprisingly realistic simulator experience. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the Square Golf launch monitor's features, performance, and value to help you decide if it's the right fit for your golfing needs. We'll cover everything from setup and usability to accuracy and simulator compatibility, ending with a clear verdict and recommendations.
Verdict: The Square Golf launch monitor offers a compelling combination of accuracy, features, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for golfers seeking an indoor practice solution or simulator setup.
Square Golf Launch Monitor Overview:
What Is It and How Does It Work?
The Square Golf launch monitor is a small, lightweight device that uses high-speed cameras to capture your swing data indoors. Weighing in at only 470g with the battery (350g without), it's lighter than a can of soda! This innovative launch monitor tracks ball and club metrics to provide insights into your swing and help you improve your game. It's designed for indoor use only.
Here's a quick look at the specs:
How it works:
One of the key advantages of the Square Golf launch monitor is its suitability for smaller spaces. Unlike radar-based launch monitors that require significant distance for indoor use, the Square Golf's camera-based technology allows it to be positioned close to the ball, making it ideal for those with limited room.
Here's a quick look at the specs:
- Technology: Photometric (camera-based)
- Measurements: Ball speed, launch direction, spin rate (with marked balls), carry distance, total distance, club path, attack angle (with shaft tape)
- Estimates: Face angle, dynamic loft, spin rate (with standard balls)
- Compatibility: GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor only
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Weight: 470g with battery, 350g without
- App Compatibility: PC, tablets, and smartphones; Apple's App Store, Google Play, and Windows
How it works:
- Place the Square Golf launch monitor on the floor, facing your hitting area.
- Position your ball within the designated hitting area.
- Pair the device with the Square Golf app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Take your shot! The launch monitor captures data and displays it in the app.
One of the key advantages of the Square Golf launch monitor is its suitability for smaller spaces. Unlike radar-based launch monitors that require significant distance for indoor use, the Square Golf's camera-based technology allows it to be positioned close to the ball, making it ideal for those with limited room.
Swing Stick
The Square Golf launch monitor comes with a unique accessory called the Swing Stick. This innovative tool allows you to practice swings in confined spaces where a full swing might not be possible. The Swing Stick attaches to the launch monitor and provides a shorter, more manageable swing length, making it perfect for those with limited space or those who want to practice indoors without a net.
I like the idea of this as an option when I don’t have a club or if I have a low ceiling, but it didn’t feel like a golf club to me. Might be a safe way to let the kids play on your simulator.
I like the idea of this as an option when I don’t have a club or if I have a low ceiling, but it didn’t feel like a golf club to me. Might be a safe way to let the kids play on your simulator.
Key Features and Benefits
The Square Golf launch monitor boasts several impressive features that make it a standout option in its price range:
Accurate Ball Data
Club Data Capture
Simulator Compatibility
- What it is: The device accurately measures key ball data points like ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate.
- How it works: High-speed cameras capture the ball's flight and provide precise measurements.
- Why it matters: Accurate ball data is crucial for understanding your swing, making improvements, and practicing with confidence.
- Ball type selection: You can select the type of ball you are hitting in the app, which adjusts the data accordingly. This feature allows for more accurate readings when using premium or distance balls.
Club Data Capture
- What it is: Measures club path and attack angle (with shaft tape).
- How it works: Cameras track the club's movement through impact.
- Why it matters: Provides insights into your swing plane and clubface impact.
Simulator Compatibility
- What it is: Works seamlessly with popular golf simulator software like GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf.
- How it works: Connects wirelessly to your computer or device running the simulator software.
- Why it matters: Unlocks a realistic indoor golf experience with access to numerous courses and practice modes.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The Square Golf launch monitor offers a significantly more affordable way to play GSPro compared to other launch monitors that require expensive subscriptions for third-party software compatibility.
Built-in Simulator
Putting Analysis
No Subscription Fees
Responsiveness
Community Feedback
- What it is: Includes 10 simulated courses and a driving range within the Square Golf app.
- How it works: Access the simulator directly within the app.
- Why it matters: Provides a convenient and affordable way to play virtual golf without needing additional software.
- Credits: To play the simulated courses, you'll need to use credits. Each hole costs one credit, and you receive 1,000 credits with your purchase (enough for 55 rounds). Additional credits can be purchased for a nominal fee, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy simulated golf.
- Game Modes: Currently, the simulator only offers stroke play.
- Graphics Quality: While the graphics on the simulator courses are good, they are not 4k.
Putting Analysis
- What it is: Accurately measures putting metrics like speed, direction, and distance.
- How it works: Cameras track the ball's movement on the putting surface.
- Why it matters: Helps you improve your putting stroke and green reading.
- Accuracy: The Square Golf launch monitor offers exceptional putting analysis compared to other simulators.
- Concede Distance: The putting concede distance is 4ft.
No Subscription Fees
- What it is: Access all launch monitor features without recurring subscription costs.
- Why it matters: Provides long-term value and avoids ongoing expenses.
Responsiveness
- What it is: The device provides almost instantaneous feedback after each shot.
- Why it matters: The lack of delay between your swing and the data appearing in the app enhances the practice experience and makes it feel more realistic.
- Competitor Comparison: This responsiveness is a significant advantage over other devices like SkyTrak, which can have a noticeable delay.
Community Feedback
- What it is: The Square Golf community is actively providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Why it matters: This engagement suggests that the company is committed to ongoing development and improvement of the device and its software.
Setup and Usability
Setting up the Square Golf launch monitor was a breeze. I downloaded the app from the app store and followed the directions. I did have to do a firmware update at the start but that only took a few minutes. Honestly, the hardest thing about the setup was taking the plastic off the grip of the swing stick.
The app guided me through the process with clear instructions and a helpful tutorial. Connecting to my iPad via Bluetooth was quick and easy. However, I did find it a bit challenging to align the unit using the alignment stick.
Using the device is straightforward. I simply place it on the floor, position my ball within the hitting area, and take my shot. The data appears almost instantly in the app, with minimal delay. I appreciate the app's clean design and easy navigation.
There's a slight learning curve with accurately positioning the ball within the hitting area, but after a few swings, I got the hang of it.
Accuracy
To assess the accuracy of the Square Golf launch monitor, I compared it to what I know about my yardages. I’ve spent a lot of time on the trackman at my club and have a card of all my carry distances. The Square was within a few yards when I changed the settings to “Premium Ball”.
On the fun side I invited a friend over and he said “I know it is accurate as that hook is a very familiar shot to what I normally hit.”
Square Golf Launch Monitor Pros and Cons: The Complete BreakdownPros:
Cons:
The app guided me through the process with clear instructions and a helpful tutorial. Connecting to my iPad via Bluetooth was quick and easy. However, I did find it a bit challenging to align the unit using the alignment stick.
Using the device is straightforward. I simply place it on the floor, position my ball within the hitting area, and take my shot. The data appears almost instantly in the app, with minimal delay. I appreciate the app's clean design and easy navigation.
There's a slight learning curve with accurately positioning the ball within the hitting area, but after a few swings, I got the hang of it.
Accuracy
To assess the accuracy of the Square Golf launch monitor, I compared it to what I know about my yardages. I’ve spent a lot of time on the trackman at my club and have a card of all my carry distances. The Square was within a few yards when I changed the settings to “Premium Ball”.
On the fun side I invited a friend over and he said “I know it is accurate as that hook is a very familiar shot to what I normally hit.”
Square Golf Launch Monitor Pros and Cons: The Complete BreakdownPros:
- Accurate ball data
- Captures club data (with shaft tape)
- Compatible with popular simulator software
- Built-in simulator with 10 courses
- Putting analysis
- No subscription fees
- Affordable
- Swing Stick for confined spaces
Cons:
- Club data can be inconsistent
- Limited data points (no club head speed or smash factor)
- No shot data saving
- Software can feel basic
- Simulator credits required for in-app courses
- Issues with shot data export function, specifically the inaccurate "Offline (yd)" column.
Is Square Golf Launch Monitor Worth the Money?
Value Analysis
Priced at $699.99, the Square Golf launch monitor offers excellent value for its features. It's significantly more affordable than higher-end launch monitors like the Foresight GC3 with GSPro, which costs $3,800 upfront and requires a $500 annual subscription for the device and a $250 annual license for GSPro. The Square Golf, on the other hand, provides comparable accuracy for ball data and is compatible with GSPro without any additional subscription fees. The inclusion of a built-in simulator and putting analysis further enhances its value proposition.
Priced at $699.99, the Square Golf launch monitor offers excellent value for its features. It's significantly more affordable than higher-end launch monitors like the Foresight GC3 with GSPro, which costs $3,800 upfront and requires a $500 annual subscription for the device and a $250 annual license for GSPro. The Square Golf, on the other hand, provides comparable accuracy for ball data and is compatible with GSPro without any additional subscription fees. The inclusion of a built-in simulator and putting analysis further enhances its value proposition.
Who Should Buy Square Golf Launch Monitor?
The Ideal Customer Profile
This launch monitor is perfect for:
It might not be the best fit for:
- Golfers seeking an affordable indoor practice solution.
- Those with limited space who want to enjoy a simulator experience.
- Players who prioritize accurate ball data and basic club data.
- Golfers who want to improve their putting stroke.
It might not be the best fit for:
- Golfers who require highly accurate club data.
- Those who want to save and analyze shot data in detail.
- Players who primarily play outdoors.
Top Alternatives to Square Golf Launch Monitor:
How They Compare
Launch Monitor | Price | Ball Data | Club Data | Simulator Compatibility | Putting Analysis | Subscription Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Golf Launch Monitor | $699 | Ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, total distance | Club path, attack angle | GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf | Yes | No |
Rapsodo MLM2Pro | $799 | Ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, total distance | Club speed, face angle, attack angle | Rapsodo app, E6 Connect | Yes | No |
Flightscope Mevo+ | $2,000 | Ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, total distance, club head speed, smash factor | Club path, face angle, attack angle | Flightscope app, E6 Connect | No | $200/year |
Swing Caddie SC4 | $399 | Ball speed, launch angle, smash factor, carry distance | N/A | N/A | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions About
Square Golf Launch Monitor
- Can I use the Square Golf launch monitor outdoors? No, it's designed for indoor use only.
- What simulator software is it compatible with? GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf.
- Does it require a subscription? No, all launch monitor features are accessible without a subscription.
- Can I use it with a hitting net? Yes, it works perfectly with a net or hitting mat.
- What is the hitting area size? Approximately 6″ X 6″.
Conclusion
The Square Golf launch monitor is a fantastic option for golfers seeking an accurate, affordable, and user-friendly indoor golf solution. Its strengths lie in its ball data accuracy, simulator compatibility, and unique features like putting analysis and a built-in simulator. While it has some limitations, such as inconsistent club data and the need for simulator credits, its overall value proposition is hard to beat.
Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Who should consider the Square Golf launch monitor?
Who might want to look elsewhere?
If you're looking to improve your game indoors without breaking the bank, the Square Golf launch monitor is definitely worth considering.
Get 10% off using the coupon code YARDSTICK10
Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Accurate ball data
- Captures club data (with shaft tape)
- Compatible with popular simulator software
- Built-in simulator with 10 courses
- Putting analysis
- No subscription fees
- Affordable
- Swing Stick for confined spaces
Cons:
- Club data can be inconsistent
- Limited data points (no club head speed or smash factor)
- No shot data saving
- Software can feel basic
- Simulator credits required for in-app courses
- Issues with shot data export function, specifically the inaccurate "Offline (yd)" column
Who should consider the Square Golf launch monitor?
- Golfers on a budget who want accurate ball data and a realistic simulator experience.
- Those with limited space who need a compact and portable solution.
- Golfers who want to improve their putting stroke with detailed analysis.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- Golfers who demand highly accurate club data and advanced swing metrics.
- Those who want to save and analyze shot data in detail for in-depth performance tracking.
- Players who primarily play outdoors and need a launch monitor that can be used on the course.
If you're looking to improve your game indoors without breaking the bank, the Square Golf launch monitor is definitely worth considering.
Get 10% off using the coupon code YARDSTICK10