If you were to walk down a driving range at any tour event these days, you’re likely to see a large number of players practicing or warming up with a launch monitor by their side.
The fact that you can get instant, extremely accurate data on every single one of your shots has proven to be an excellent tool for golfers to use when looking to improve their game.
For amateur golfers these launch monitors are far too expensive to really be considered, but what if I told you that you could buy one for less than £220?
The Tech
The PRGR Portable Launch Monitor is available from the team at SuperSpeed Golf in the UK, Europe and The US. They are perhaps best known for their training system which provides golfers with ‘speed sticks’ of different weights in an effort to build up club head speeds.
These two products are an ideal combination as it will allow golfers to track the improvements in their clubhead speed as they complete the training programme – and this is because the PRGR is one of the only launch monitors on the market to provide readings on club speed without you having to actually hit a ball.
It’s perfect for speed training as it means you can do it in your garage, back garden or anywhere else that you have room to swing a golf club, without needing to go to a driving range or buying a net to hit your ball into.
The PRGR is Doppler Radar-based in the same vein as a Trackman or Flightscope, rather than using cameras on the likes of the Foresight GC Quad or SkyTrak.
It provides Swing Speed, Ball Speed, Carry Distance, Total Distance and Smash Factor for each club, and allows you to select the club you’re hitting to ensure greater accuracy in the results.
New features for the 2021 model also include:
- Extended higher resolution display
- Higher quality processor
- Ability to toggle modes of measurement – metric/imperial
- Higher quality, dual, and faster Doppler radar sensor
- New scientific launch algorithms for increased precision and consistency
- Improved ability to read high lofted wedges
- Keeps a recent history of up to 500 shots
PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Review
Looks and Setup
The device is so easy to set up and get ready for use the first time. Just stick your batteries in, turn the device on and you’re ready to go. The buttons below the screen allow you to switch between the menus, change the club that you are hitting and cycle through all of your previous shots.
It’s also pretty handy that you can actually choose a number of different sports too if you want this to be a multifunctional product, with capability for baseball and football.
After starting the device up, simply place it around 4-6 feet directly behind the ball and you’re good to go. It’s really lightweight and compact, roughly the same size of the smartphone with a slightly bulkier back, and this makes it so easy to transport.
Performance
When I’ve tested products like these in the past they’ve often struggled with not picking up shots or showing complete misreads which don’t match up with the shot you’ve hit, but I was blown away by how consistent the device seemed to be.
The device captured 99% of all of the shots I hit during testing over a few different days, and this includes hitting on a golf course, bays on a driving range and into a net.
Within a second of hitting your shot, the device emits a small beep and your numbers are shown on the screen. You can switch between carry distance or total yardage, and the numbers are easy to view in a variety of different lights.
It’s just so easy to use and, to be honest, the majority of amateurs probably don’t need too much more detail than they’re getting here. Once you start trying to dissect your own club path and dynamic loft at impact, things can start to get a little messy so it’s best to leave that technical stuff to your Pro when you go for a lesson.
For things like working on club head speed, or getting some yardages for your wedges though, it’s perfect.
Drawbacks
No spin rates or launch angles available which would be ideal for really dissecting your numbers during a testing or if you’re working on something specific at the range etc.
Like with all portable launch monitors such as the PRGR – the device is guessing the carry and total numbers based upon your ball speed and smash factor, and at £220 it will never be as accurate as a Trackman or Foresight GC launch monitor.
Having said that, nearly every shot gave exactly the type of numbers I was expecting to see when I factor in my own numbers (which I already know) and the quality of strike or ball flight.
PRGR Portable Launch Monitor Verdict
Obviously it doesn’t provide the same extensive detail as the likes of a Trackman or Foresight launch monitor but for a budget portable option, it’s as good as anything we’ve ever tested.
This kind of device is ideal for getting an idea of your yardages at the driving range, working on building up your club head speed, or just having a bit of fun on the golf course with your mates and seeing who produces the best numbers.
If I was being really picky I would love to be able to see launch angle and spin rates as I think then the PRGR would cover all bases, but this is much harder to predict for a device like this so I’d rather they didn’t bother if it’s not going to be accurate.
If you’re looking to take your golf training to the next level without breaking the bank, I’d highly recommend the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor.
Would I Use It?
Absolutely.
Pros
Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Incredibly easy to transport
Picks up clubhead speed and yardages very easily
Fantastic value for money
The best budget option for a portable launch monitor
Cons
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