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SkyTrak review (ST MAX / the discontinued +)
If one launch monitor is the "safe default" for a home simulator, it's been the SkyTrak. Here's what you get, where it shines, and the costs to plan for.
Last updated: June 2026 · See our methodology. Price indicative - confirm on the retailer's page.
What it is
SkyTrak is a photometric + radar (dual) launch monitor that sits beside the ball - a side-placed camera unit, not an overhead or behind-the-ball device. The dual approach improves the trickier numbers (club data, spin) over the original SkyTrak, while keeping the friendly price that made the brand popular. The current unit is the ST MAX (~$2,995), which replaced the discontinued SkyTrak+ in late 2025; the two share the same side-placed, low-ceiling-friendly design.
Strengths
- Balanced accuracy: reliable, repeatable numbers for the home-room price bracket.
- Software: solid first-party simulation and course choice via the SkyTrak app and TGC. Caveat: SkyTrak dropped official third-party connections (E6, GSPro) for new customers - existing "+" owners keep theirs and a community connector exists, but the once-wide-open ecosystem is narrower now.
- Low-ceiling friendly: side-placed beside the ball, no overhead mount, minimal depth.
- Resale & community: a massive home user base means support and second-hand value (and plenty of used "+" units about).
Watch-outs
- Subscriptions: the best features and course libraries are paid - include that in the total.
- Narrower software for new buyers: official E6/GSPro support is gone for new customers, so check the current SkyTrak/TGC library covers the courses you want before buying.
- Not tour-lab precise: for the last few percent of accuracy, Foresight/Bushnell photometric units lead (at a higher price).
- A low ceiling still limits your swing: the device sits beside the ball and needs no headroom, but a side-placed monitor doesn't create swing room - measure your own swing clearance.
- Needs a little ball-to-screen room like any setup; check your depth.
Space it needs
As a side-placed unit it sits beside the ball with no ceiling mount and minimal depth, so the device itself sidesteps ceiling limits - which is why it's a staple of garage and basement builds. Just remember a low ceiling still caps your swing: the monitor doesn't create swing room, so you need enough headroom to swing safely. You also need sensible width and ball-to-screen depth - confirm with the room-fit calculator.
Who it's for
The default recommendation for most home builders who want accuracy, course choice and an easy life - these days that means the ST MAX, since the + is no longer sold new. On a tighter budget, the Garmin R10 is the value entry; for maximum accuracy, compare the Bushnell Launch Pro. Want the +? Buy it used and check the seller's connections transfer.
FAQ
- Is the SkyTrak+ still available?
- No, it was discontinued in late 2025 and replaced by the SkyTrak ST MAX (~$2,995). Buy the ST MAX new; the + is now a second-hand option.
- Is the SkyTrak ST MAX worth it?
- For most home sims, yes: ~$2,995 for photometric + radar accuracy and a side-placed, low-ceiling-friendly design. Caveat: official E6/GSPro support is gone for new buyers.
- Does the SkyTrak work in a low-ceiling room?
- The device does - side-placed beside the ball, no ceiling mount. But a low ceiling still limits your swing; a side-placed monitor doesn't create swing room. Common in 8–9 ft builds if you can swing safely.
- Does the SkyTrak need a subscription?
- Basic use works out of the box; the best features and course libraries are paid. Note official third-party platforms (E6, GSPro) are no longer offered to new customers. Budget for it.
Related
Best launch monitors · SkyTrak+ vs Launch Pro · Garmin R10 review · Room-fit calculator