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SkyTrak ST MAX vs Bushnell Launch Pro
Two of the most popular side-placed camera launch monitors for home sims. Both sit beside the ball — no ceiling mount, almost no space behind the ball — so both work in low, tight rooms. (The ST MAX is the successor to the discontinued SkyTrak+.) Here's how they differ.
| SkyTrak ST MAX | Bushnell Launch Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Tech | Hybrid camera + dual radar | Photometric (triscopic cameras, GC3-based) |
| Reputation | Best all-round value; huge home following (succeeds SkyTrak+) | Pro-grade accuracy; tour-data lineage |
| Software | Native SkyTrak software; official E6/GSPro dropped for new buyers (community connector remains) | Ball data free; tiered subscription (Gold unlocks GSPro/E6) |
| Placement | Side-placed camera — beside the ball, no ceiling mount | Side-placed camera — beside the ball, no ceiling mount |
| Low/tight-room friendly | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Indicative price | ~$2,995 | ~$2,499 (hardware) |
Prices change and subscriptions affect total cost — always confirm current pricing on the retailer's page.
Choose SkyTrak ST MAX if…
You want the best balance of price, accuracy and a friendly home experience. The successor to the SkyTrak+, it pairs a hybrid camera with dual radar and a big home following. One caveat: SkyTrak dropped official E6/GSPro support for new buyers, so you're on native SkyTrak software (a community connector still bridges to third-party sims).
Choose Bushnell Launch Pro if…
Accuracy is your top priority and you want an open path to third-party sim software. The hardware is ~$2,499 with the same triscopic cameras as the Foresight GC3, and ball data is free — but plan for a subscription if you want more (Silver ~$199/yr, Gold ~$499/yr, with Gold required for GSPro or E6).
Either way — size the room first
Both are side-placed camera units, so ceiling height isn't a dealbreaker — but your screen size, projector and stance still depend on your exact room. Run your numbers:
Open the room-fit calculator →
FAQ
- Is SkyTrak ST MAX or Bushnell Launch Pro better for a home simulator?
- The SkyTrak ST MAX (the successor to the discontinued SkyTrak+) is the best all-round value with native SkyTrak software; Bushnell Launch Pro offers pro-grade photometric accuracy at similar hardware cost. Both are side-placed camera units that sit beside the ball, so both suit low, tight rooms.
- Do SkyTrak ST MAX and Bushnell Launch Pro work in a low-ceiling room?
- Yes - both are side-placed camera units that sit beside the ball, with no ceiling mount and almost no space needed behind the ball, so ceiling height is not a dealbreaker. Your screen size, projector and stance still depend on the room.
- Do these launch monitors need a subscription?
- Bushnell Launch Pro gives ball data free, then charges for higher tiers (Silver ~$199/yr, Gold ~$499/yr, with Gold needed for 3rd-party sim software like GSPro or E6). The SkyTrak ST MAX uses native SkyTrak software and dropped official E6/GSPro support for new buyers, though a community connector remains. Factor that into total cost.
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Room size & dimensions · Best low-ceiling simulators · Ceiling height · Room-fit calculator