Simulators. How accurate are they really?

golfer07840 · February 4, 2018

So this yr I am pretty much replacing the entire bag. Needless to say I have some testing I need to do.

However, living in NJ, which for the most part this winter has been like living on Mars, I have to do a lot of testing on simulators at the Golf Galaxy (I know for some here they are the evil Galactic Empire), or the PGA Superstore.

So, that brings me to the subject line. How much can I trust the numbers on one of these things?

Dave

Edited for typo (I hate them)

trumb1mj1 · February 4, 2018

My PGA SuperStore has GC2 simulators which are among the most accurate I've tested on (Trackman, SkyTrak, Flightscope). PGASS GC2 bays can be rented too. I might go in there with your current gamer set for a 30-60 minute practive session one weekend to get a feel for the sim and see your baseline numbers. Then schedule a fitting for the next weekend--fittings are free at PGASS.

BirdieBob · February 4, 2018

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1582768-are-launch-monitors-good-for-the-game/page__p__16687810__hl__+simulator?do=findComment&comment=16687810

dmbrill719 · February 4, 2018

If they have Trackman, Flightscope or Foresite, I'd feel pretty good about it. These places usually have bays that have simulators and then bays that have launch monitors like I listed. I'd trust the launch monitors, but not the simulators. A lot can depend on who does the fitting as well. I believe these places you can schedule a fitting. I would do that as opposed to just walking in one day. That way, you'll get some time with one of their actual fitters. Big Box does get a bit of a bad rap, some of it is deserved. But Galaxy and Superstore are in totally different categories than Dick's. As long as you're on a good launch monitor with a competent fitter then you should be in good hands.

golfer07840 · February 4, 2018

My PGA SuperStore has GC2 simulators which are among the most accurate I've tested on (Trackman, SkyTrak, Flightscope). PGASS GC2 bays can be rented too. I might go in there with your current gamer set for a 30-60 minute practive session one weekend to get a feel for the sim and see your baseline numbers. Then schedule a fitting for the next weekend--fittings are free at PGASS.

Thanks. I may very well start doing that once I'm back from the weekend away next week.

Tzoid · February 4, 2018

The Golf Galaxy stores in MD have old GC2 systems and the simulators are pretty crappy so they would be my last place to go for a serious fitting. There are no PGA Super Store near me but 2nd Swing just opened a very nice location in Newark Delaware that has fantastic Trackman hitting bays and the staff will allow you to try everything in the store without any pressure. I guess it depends what Exit off the NJ Turnpike you live off of it may be a nice road trip to head to Newark Delaware :)

golfer07840 · February 4, 2018

The Golf Galaxy stores in MD have old GC2 systems and the simulators are pretty crappy so they would be my last place to go for a serious fitting. There are no PGA Super Store near me but 2nd Swing just opened a very nice location in Newark Delaware that has fantastic Trackman hitting bays and the staff will allow you to try everything in the store without any pressure. I guess it depends what Exit off the NJ Turnpike you live off of it may be a nice road trip to head to Newark Delaware :)

Haha. Love that little state you're in. However I'm in NW NJ, and about 50 miles west of the turnpike. So I have no idea what my exit would be

brkuck · February 4, 2018

The tried and true method is the launch monitor. Simulators are great for getting swings in, but they aren't as accurate as a LM. If yuo had to go to one near you, go to PGASS. The ones at GG are always old and they usually have manipulated the settings a little bit (although Iam sure most do, we used to at GG). But take them for what they are unless you can get into a real LM. The baseline numbers with your current gamers versus something new will get you answers, even if the numbers arent 100% accurate.

Z1ggy16 · February 4, 2018

So this yr I am pretty much replacing the entire bag. Needless to say I have some testing I need to do.

However, living in NJ, which for the most part this winter has been like living on Mars, I have to do a lot of testing on simulators at the Golf Galaxy (I know for some here they are the evil Galactic Empire), or the PGA Superstore.

So, that brings me to the subject line. How much can I trust the numbers on one of these things?

Dave

Edited for typo (I hate them)

I'm in NJ, too and it's not that bad depending where you live. I am very lucky that I work near an indoor range that has trackman. I joined the club so for $35 an hour, I can go hit balls on trackman and get fairly accurate output.

The sims at GG and PGATSS are garbage and can't be relied on, but at least you're hitting a golf ball.

PS if you're near the Clark NJ area and want to get in on the cheap trackman rates, PM me.

dmeeksDC · February 4, 2018

The Golf Galaxy stores in MD have old GC2 systems and the simulators are pretty crappy so they would be my last place to go for a serious fitting. There are no PGA Super Store near me but 2nd Swing just opened a very nice location in Newark Delaware that has fantastic Trackman hitting bays and the staff will allow you to try everything in the store without any pressure. I guess it depends what Exit off the NJ Turnpike you live off of it may be a nice road trip to head to Newark Delaware :)

This is good info. Thanks! I am 1:45 south of Delaware line and am through there regularly. Great old school Italian restaurant off 95 in Newark as well. La Casa Pasta. We can all meet, blow a bunch of money on new clubs and then stuff our faces. Perfect day.

Tzoid · February 4, 2018

The Golf Galaxy stores in MD have old GC2 systems and the simulators are pretty crappy so they would be my last place to go for a serious fitting. There are no PGA Super Store near me but 2nd Swing just opened a very nice location in Newark Delaware that has fantastic Trackman hitting bays and the staff will allow you to try everything in the store without any pressure. I guess it depends what Exit off the NJ Turnpike you live off of it may be a nice road trip to head to Newark Delaware :)
Haha. Love that little state you're in. However I'm in NW NJ, and about 50 miles west of the turnpike. So I have no idea what my exit would be

I'm actually in the "Peoples Republic of Maryland" :swoon: ..... The NJ Turnpike comment was a poke at ya... :) I'm about 50 miles from that 2nd swing store

so it's not a bad drive .

golfer07840 · February 4, 2018

So this yr I am pretty much replacing the entire bag. Needless to say I have some testing I need to do.

However, living in NJ, which for the most part this winter has been like living on Mars, I have to do a lot of testing on simulators at the Golf Galaxy (I know for some here they are the evil Galactic Empire), or the PGA Superstore.

So, that brings me to the subject line. How much can I trust the numbers on one of these things?

Dave

Edited for typo (I hate them)
I'm in NJ, too and it's not that bad depending where you live. I am very lucky that I work near an indoor range that has trackman. I joined the club so for $35 an hour, I can go hit balls on trackman and get fairly accurate output.

The sims at GG and PGATSS are garbage and can't be relied on, but at least you're hitting a golf ball.

PS if you're near the Clark NJ area and want to get in on the cheap trackman rates, PM me.

My wife works in Berkeley Heights, I'm familiar with your area.

Something to consider. Thanks!

towncryer · February 4, 2018

I always want customers to bring a few of their clubs when they are looking to get fit. Even if the sim isn't perfect (and ours far from perfect), you can still see what you are gaining/losing between clubs. If you hit two different 7 irons identically on a simulator, you're probably going to hit them identically outside as well.

golfer07840 · February 4, 2018

I always want customers to bring a few of their clubs when they are looking to get fit. Even if the sim isn't perfect (and ours far from perfect), you can still see what you are gaining/losing between clubs. If you hit two different 7 irons identically on a simulator, you're probably going to hit them identically outside as well.

Now THAT makes total sense to me.