Category: Portable Launch Monitor Reviews

The ES12 was Ernest Sports' introduction to the portable launch monitor market, and it remains the entry-level product within their line. The ES12 immediately provides ball speed and calculated shot distance (carry or total) and pairs via Bluetooth with your mobile device to allow for analysis and tracking additional information. As with it's big brother the ES14, the ES12 uses doppler radar to measure ball speed, and requires the player to select the correct club prior to the shot in order for the device to provide accurate calculation of shot distances. Read on for more details about the Ernest Sports ES12 Golf Launch Monitor. Retail price: $199.99 (down from $249 at introduction) Amazon.com: Check price now

Announced in August 2014 at the Wyndham Championship is the SkyTrak, the first launch monitor from SportTrak. The photometric (aka camera-based) SkyGolf SkyTrak captures ball speed (not clubhead speed), launch angle (sweet!), backspin, side spin, and side angle, and from this data provides immediate feedback on where, how, and the distance the ball traveled, displaying as a 3D visualization on your paired mobile wireless device. The pitch from SkyTrak is a portable ease-to-use device that is consumer-friendly, offers a wide breadth of data, 3D visual analysis…all at an affordable price. Sounds good to us! Read more details about the SkyGolf SkyTrak. Retail price: $1,999 - $2,095, depending on included package (game improvement or package range package) Available directly from SkyGolf: Check price now

Voice Caddie introduced voice-guided GPS rangefinders in 2010, and since that time has expanded into tools for putting analysis, green slope measurement and our focus here, their new portable launch monitor, the Swing Caddie SC100. The SC100 is a self-contained unit with large LCD that doesn't require a separate mobile device or laptop to use, and comes with a remote control for navigation. Its doppler radar provides ball and swing speed, as well as calculation of smash factor and carry distance. It's incredibly small and light, and at a attractive price point, this will be a portable launch monitor to watch. Read on for more details about the Swing Caddie SC100. Retail price: $269.99 Amazon.com: Check price now

2014 brought Ernest Sports' latest portable launch monitor, the ES14. The ES14 uses doppler radar to instantly measure club speed and ball speed, and then from this information calculates smash factor, launch angle, spin rates and distance. The ES14 pairs via Bluetooth to your mobile device to provide additional swing data as well as tracking information over time. Selling points include the ease of setup and portability. Unlike most launch monitors, the ES14 is placed in front of your ball position and to the side, so if you are prone to the shanks, think twice before purchasing! Read more details about the Ernest Sports ES14 Golf Launch Monitor. Retail price: $549.99 Amazon.com: Check price now