waddaplaya Apparel and Accessories

No argument - the best there is 

Pros

TRUE Linkswear Golf Shoes

The most comfortable golf shoes you can buy 

Pros

VICE Golf Pure Gloves

The softest glove I've worn 

I've tried nearly every golf glove there is and this one from Vice is up there as one of the best I've ever worn. I like cabretta leather gloves as I'm a feel player, but I find that I can wear through some brands very quickly. When I was in the UK, I bought a FootJoy cabrettaSof and the heel of the hand area wore through after one round. Not good at all. 

I got these Vice gloves to play with in Scotland and I was blown away. I was playing 36 holes a day, in varying temperatures and these gloves stood the test. I wore the yellow variant a lot, and the color stayed strong even after getting soaked - no yellow hands from the die. 

If you want a truly soft and high performance leather golf glove, these are the ones to get. 

Reasons to buy

Voice Caddie L6 Rangefinder

The one I keep coming back to

Pros

Cobra Ultralight Cart Bag

Still going strong after 5 years 

Pros

Cons

Swing Caddie SC4 Simulator and Launch Monitor

Astonishing features for the money

Pros

TRUE Linkswear All Day Knit 3 Golf shoes

Simply the most comfortable golf shoes for walking

Pros

Cons

ECCO Men's S-Three Gore-tex Golf shoes

Super versatile golf shoes for walking in all conditions

Pros

Cons

Nike Air Max 270 Golf shoes

Best for younger golfers who don't want a familiar style

Pros

Cons

FootJoy Men's FJ Flex XP Golf Shoes 

Best for FootJoy fans

Pros

Cons

Adidas mens Tech Response Spikeless golf shoes

Great walking golf shoes for the price

Pros

Cons

Skechers Men's Max Fairway 3 Arch Fit Spikeless Golf Shoe Sneaker

Great for golfers with foot issues who want to walk

Pros

Cons

The verdict: Best golf shoes for walking 2023

Without a doubt the best golf shoes for walking are the TRUE Linkswear All Day Knit 3 Golf shoes. Since I started wearing this shoe, I feel like I can walk 54 holes without thinking about it. They work on and off the course - most people wouldn't even realise I'm wearing a specialist golf shoe! I used to be a spiked golf shoe purist but these shoes have changed my mindset forever. Simply the most comfortable golf shoes you can get right now. 

We all love big drives and sticking hero shots into the green but nothing brings more confidence than rolling in the putts for the birdies and pars. Putting is what we do more than half our shots. You know what they say: the 1 footer counts as much as the 300 yard drive! 

The important question we need to ask is which type of putter is better for your game? We'll take a look at the difference between a blade and a mallet putter and which type of putter will help you hole more putts.

A blade-style putter is generally designed much thinner than a mallet putter. An old school traditional mallet putter was a semi-circle coming out of the back of the golf club. The mallet putters nowadays have so many shapes that you may think of a UFO when you see one.

The blade putter has not changed much and still looks the same as it did in earlier days of golf. Mallet putters are generally more forgiving because of how the weight is distributed and the alignment aids, while the blades provide more feel and control to golfers who do not focus as much time on mechanics in their stroke. 

Depending on your putting stroke - whether you have an arc or straight back and through stroke, one of these two putters may be better for you than the other.

What is a Mallet Putter?

A mallet putter is much larger in size than a blade. When the original mallet putters were created, they were semi-circular, The common characteristic of all mallet putters is that they extend beyond the back of the putter much further than a blade.

Modern mallet putters have changed shape and you can find designs that look like animal fangs, space ships, and even square shapes coming out the back of the putter. The mallet putter heads are growing larger and larger.

A common misconception is that the mallet putters are much heavier than the blade putters. Often the blade can be the same weight as the mallet putter, but the difference is in how that weight is distributed. For example and EVNRoll Tour Blade 1.2 is as heavy as a Spider from Taylormade.

The materials may be different where one is lighter material than the other but more is used, or the same materials may be used, but just made into a hollow body on the Spider. 

Golfers prefer the mallet putter because the MOI of the putter allows the ball to roll quicker without the skipping and jumping that comes from a blade. The weight of the putter comes from further back and it transfers into the ball, creating a 'roll' immediately off the face instead of a 'jump'. This helps with getting the ball started on line and pace control. 

Large mallet putters are best for golfers with a straight back and through stroke. The straight back and through strokes is important for this putter due to the way the head is balanced. If there is too much manipulation like on an arc stroke, putting is difficult. Golfers who prefer the mallet are more conscious of putting mechanics than the golfers who like a blade. 

The alignment lines on a mallet putter make it MUCH easier to line your putt up with confidence to start the ball on the correct line. This cannot be overstated. it is MUCH easier to line up with your eyes, ball and putter with a mallet putter. 

Pros - Mallet putter

• Forgiving faces with different material inserts
• Distance control is very consistent
• Alignment is infinitely easier especially on short putts
• There are so many designs of mallet heads
• Suits the straight back and through strokes 
• Mechanics-focused golfers will love the mallet
• On slow greens, the mallet gives more power with less "slap"

Cons - Mallet putter

• Some people find them difficult on fast greens with their stroke
• Not recommended for arc putting strokes
• Most mallets suit the fatter putter grips

What is a Blade Putter

A blade putter is a traditional golf putter design. The original blade putters were completely flat, and some could be used from both sides. Today’s blade putter is a little larger than this, but the clubhead does not extend nearly as far back as it does with the mallet head design.

The blade putter has long been thought of as the player’s putter. Many of the top professionals use a blade putter, and they say that it is because of the feel and control that you get with a blade. There is no question that a blade putter has a great feel, but the mallet seems to have come quite far in regards to feel.

If you happen to have an arc type putting stroke, you will enjoy the benefits of the blade putter. As you swing back, you can fan the putter face open a little and then release and close it as you make your way through impact. A blade putter (just like the mallet) can come with a solid milled face, or it can have a face insert put in to help add a level of feel and control.

The blade putters have a slight disadvantage when it comes to forgiveness and alignment. They are a bit harder to line up as the alignment line will only be about an inch long or so. This is much different than the length of the mallet putters currently on the market. However, if you have a solid putting stroke and you don’t need help with your alignment, the blade is a terrific choice.

Pros - Blade putters

• The light feeling in the hands and different MOI are good for quick greens
• For players with an arc stroke
• The heads are usually all metal and this provides great feedback and feel
• For people who play golf with feel and less concerned with mechanics

Cons - Blade putters

• Less forgiving than a mallet with straight back and through stroke
• More difficult to align to your target line
• Can feel too light for some people
• On slow greens, the putting stroke can start to feel like a 'slap'

FAQ - Blades vs Mallets

Now you know the differences between a blade and a mallet putter, let's take a look at some common queries.

Mallet Or Blade Putter For A Beginner?

If your beginner set comes with a blade putter, do not feel like you are off to a bad start. You will be able to use this putter and learn and adjust, however ideally; a mallet putter is easy for a golfer to learn the game.

How Does Your Putting Stroke Suit a Putter?

If you have an arc type putting stroke, it makes more sense to go with a blade style putter. You can fan open the clubface and then close it as you go through impact. Straight back and straight through strokes do better with the mallet design.

Is A Mallet Putter More Forgiving?

The only thing that makes a mallet putter more forgiving is its size. It has a much larger clubface and, therefore, a larger sweet spot. You do not have to be as precise to hit a great putt with a mallet putter.

Signs You Are Using The Wrong Type Of Putter

The most significant sign that your putter is not right for your game is that you are not making enough putts. Try to figure out why you are missing your putts, are they all coming up short are they all over the place? If you can narrow down which way you are missing, you may be able to figure out if it is related to the putter or related to your stroke and ability.

Should I Get A Putter Fitting?

If you are a great player, if you are outside of the standard height range of a conventional putter and if you are struggling with your putting stroke, you should very likely get a putter fitting. Putter fittings can be very helpful, but they are not necessary for every golfer. Finding a putter that feels good and performs is more important than fitting.

Best Mallet Putter 2023

Best Choice: Odyssey Stroke Lab Triple Track Putter

The Stroke Lab putters have taken putting and putting specifications to a whole new level. The Stroke Lab putters come with a unique shaft that is partially graphite and partially steel. This particular model also has the Triple Track alignment.

Interestingly Callaway also makes some golf balls with this Triple Track patter on them. If you combine this golf ball with the putter, you will have a much easier time making sure that your ball and stroke are on track. The Marxman is our favorite Triple Track design; it is very similar to the Odyssey 2 Ball Putter that did so well for Odyssey for many years. The Triple Track looks and performs even better than the original 2 Ball design.

Best Premium Mallet Putter: TaylorMade Golf Spider X Putter

If you enjoy watching professional golf, then you may have seen the number of professionals using the TaylorMade Spider X putter. The concept behind this large mallet design is that you will want the impact to be as stable as possible.

The X shaped clubhead and forgiving sweet spot give this putter incredible feel but a ton of consistency. When you combine this mallet putter with a standard straight back straight through stroke, you can turn into quite the putting machine.

Spider X is also available in lots of different color combinations and customizations.

Best Value Mallet Putter: Cleveland Golf 2135 Satin Cero Oversized Grip Putter

The Cleveland Golf 2135 Satin Cero is like a traditional mallet putter that has become an overachiever. You will notice that this putter has a large semi-circle type design. We love that the bottom of this putter is very flat to the ground; it helps it feel less bulky and makes for effortless alignment as well.

The Cleveland golf putters are always offered at a great value, and you can usually find them in several different lengths as well. Choosing a putter that is the correct length will make a big difference in your game.

Best Blade Putter 2023

Best Choice Odyssey Works 2020 Putters

Odyssey has been one of the top putter names for many years. They make quality products that are known by both professionals and amateurs. The O Works series has been out for a few years, but it keeps getting updates that are quite impressive.

We love the all-new micro hinge face insert on this club. Odyssey has been known for its soft feeling face inserts, and this one is just as impressive as years past. The all-black design on the Works putters makes them very easy to see and align as well. This is a model that will earn a spot in your bag for quite some time.

Best Premium Blade Putter: Evnroll ER2B MidBlade Putter 2020

The Evnroll putters are going to be quite premium as far as pricing is concerned, but they also have a great feel. Evnroll is all about making sure that your putting stroke stays consistent and that you can repeat your stroke over and over again.

When purchasing an Evnroll putter, make sure that you get something that fits you from a length and lie angle standpoint as well. This particular model is a mid-blade design so that it will be a little bigger than a traditional blade, but some golfers are having an easier time with distance control using this putter.

Best Value Blade Putter: Cleveland Huntington Beach #1

Cleveland makes a wide range of excellent short game products. Another great thing about the Cleveland putters is that they are always very reasonably priced. If you have been thinking about putting a blade putter into your bag, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money, Cleveland makes a great choice.

Huntington Beach is made from a soft 304 stainless steel. Unlike a lot of other golf putters on the market, this is milled from one single piece of steel. Some golfers claim this gives them a much more solid feel when using the putter. If you don’t like the #1 style Huntington Beach, there are plenty of others you can choose from.

Conclusion

You could analyze and debate blade verse mallet putters all-day, and you will probably never come up with a clear winner. Blade putters are great for individual golfers, and the mallet putter is perfect for others. The key is to find the putter that works best for your game. Pay attention to feel, look, and the type of putting stroke you have if you want to choose a great putter.

The 5 wood and the 7 wood can be key clubs in your golf bag for both tee shots and approach shots. They are both much easier to hit than the traditional 15 degree 3-wood that a lot of golfers own.

It can be confusing to understand what the differences since the pros rarely play 5 and 7 woods but let's take a look at 5 wood vs 7 wood so you know what the benefits are of both and which fairway wood you could have in the bag.

You might even take both!

5 Wood vs 7 Wood in Detail

5 Wood vs 7 Wood Loft

A 5-wood has 18 degrees of loft while a 7-wood has 21 degrees of loft.

Both the 5 wood and the 7 wood are easier to hit and get airborne than any 3 wood. With a loft of 18 to 21 degrees, the 5 wood and 7 wood are much easier to hit off the turf than a 15 degree fairway wood.

A five wood is very easy to hit from both the tee and the ground but a 7 wood will be just slightly easier. The higher loft on the 7 wood means it flies higher and lands softer than a 5 wood. This higher loft will increase spin and can help to keep the ball on target more than in a 5 wood. 

The 5 wood at 18 degrees, corresponds to a 2 iron loft. The 7 wood corresponds with a modern 3 iron or 4 iron. It is much easier to hit both the 5 wood and the 7 wood instead of a long iron like a 3 or 4 iron.

I think the 5 wood is a good choice for golfers that struggle off the tee especially on shorter par 4s. The 5 wood is also a good choice if you find yourself in the 180 to 200 yard range to the green a lot on your golf course. They are very accurate and land softly to hold greens. 

If you have a lot of shots in the 170 to 190 yard range, the 7 wood can be a tool to help you hit those greens easier than with a long iron. You can see that both the 5 wood and 7 wood can help you to reach par 4's and also hit accurate tee shots on short par 4s. 

5 Wood vs 7 Wood Shaft Length

The shorter a club, the easier it is to control and hit in the correct direction.

The main reason that the 7 wood is easier to hit in the direction you want over the 5 wood is that it is half to 1 inch shorter than the 5 wood. 

5 Wood Distance vs 7 Wood

The loft is lower in the 5 wood and the shaft is also longer. That means the 5 wood is certain to go longer than the 7 wood with the same strike.

The difference in distance will usually be between 10 and 15 yards. If you swing a bit faster, you might find the gap widen to 20 yards between the 5 and 7 wood. 

Top 3 Reasons to carry a 5 wood

• Easier to hit off the tee
• May have a yardage advantage
• May be more versatile for punch shots and longer tee shots

Why You Choose a 7 Wood

Slower swingers should try a 7 wood first. The lower the loft of a club, the more difficult it is to get it airborne. That's just one of the realities of golf. A 7 wood will suit a slower swinger more than the 5 wood. 

Top 3 Reasons to carry a 7 wood

• Is shorter and has additional loft for more control and soft landing
• May be better out of the rough due to gliding through the tall blades
• May be more precise because of shorter shaft and higher loft

The 7 wood is easy to launch high and hit greens with. A long iron just cannot compare to the ease of a 7 wood. The 7 wood is a great way to replace long irons or hybrids if you do not like them.

This club will help you hit higher and longer shots than a long iron, especially if you are a slower swing speed player.

If you have trouble getting the ball in the air, the 7 wood is for you!

What is Best for Beginners?

Both the 5 wood and the 7 wood are perfect for beginners. I would advice a beginner skip the 3 wood altogether and start with a 7 wood. You can add a 5 wood later in your journey to increase distance. 

What is the Best for Mid Handicappers?

Mid handicappers should also scrap the 3 wood, replacing it with a 5 wood and adding a 7 wood as well. Most mid handicappers cannot control a 3 or 4 iron nearly as well as a 7 wood. 

Any mid handicapper who struggles with a hook when they hit a hybrid, should replace their 3 hybrid with a 7 wood immediately.  The 5 wood will give them an excellent replacement for driver on some holes on the golf course. Both the 5 wood and the 7 wood should be in every mid handicappers bag.

Which is Easier to Hit?

Comparing the 5 wood and the 7 wood to a 3 wood, they are both much easier to hit than the 3 wood. But of course with a shorter shaft and higher loft, the 7 wood is easier to hit than the 5 wood. 

Conclusion

For low handicappers, I would say pick one or the other whichever is best for your bag.

For mid handicappers, get both the 5 and 7 wood.

For high handicappers, start with the 7 wood, and add the 5 wood if you find you like the 7 wood. If you do not like the 7 wood, you can try a 5 wood or replace them with hybrids. 

If you are a golfer that cannot hit hybrids or long irons well, you might make room for both clubs in your bag. 

Usually golfers talk about how far they hit their tee shot, or their 7 iron but very rarely do we talk about wedge distances.

On my channel, I can't stop talking about the importance of the game inside 125 yards. This is very often wedge range for golfers and the scoring zone to reduce your handicap. 

It's very important to know how far each wedge goes. It's also important to have excellent distance control with the pitching wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge so you hit the ball close to the hole. 

So how far should you hit your wedges? Different wedges have different degree lofts and the distances for average male and female golfers are between these distance ranges:

• Sand wedge 65 to 80 yards
• Gap wedge 80 to 110 yards
• Pitching wedge 90 to 120 yards

It does not matter if you fall into the average above or not. The important part is:

You must KNOW your carry distance with each wedge factually accurate! We cannot use our ego distance for wedges. It's about precision, not power.

Controlling the distance of each wedge is the key once you know your normal distance that you hit the ball 8 out of 10 times. When you know how far you hit them, you can then control the distance so you are never in doubt approaching flags.

The wedge game is the key to scoring in golf. As a mid or higher handicapper, and even a lower handicap, the wedges will not miraculously bring you more birdies. The wedge game reduces the big numbers on your scorecards to more controllable bogeys and double bogeys instead of triples or more. 

Which Wedges Should I Carry?

A modern pitching wedge has 48 degrees of loft while a sand wedge has a loft of 56 degrees. It's perfectly acceptable to use only these two wedges. After some time and experience, you might notice a distance gap between the two clubs that needs to be filled with a gap wedge.

I recommend that if you have 1 year of experience under your belt in golf that you have 3 wedges – a pitching wedge, a gap wedge and a sand wedge. You can have 4-6 degrees of loft difference between each wedge. 

If your pitching wedge is 48 degrees, you can use a gap wedge of between 50 or 52 degrees of loft and a sand wedge with 56 or 58 degrees. Your preference will make the choice for you.

As mentioned above, you only need to know your carry distances - it does not matter the distance or the wedge. It must make sense for YOUR game If you know that information, you have power in your game to score well.

If you are an average hobby golfer trying to break 80, 90 or 100, we must understand that we just won't hit that many greens. So using the distances above as a guide, you can create a distance range for yourself. 

• 100 breakers will hit 1-2 greens in regulation
• 90 breakers will hit 2-4 greens in regulation
• 80 breakers will hit 4-8 greens in regulation
• par breakers will hit 8-12 greens in regulation

By default, we are scrambling with our wedges. The average golfer trying to break 80-90 will miss upward of 10 greens per round - well over 50%. This is normal and is nothing to be ashamed of. But the fact is that the wedge game will be where the score is decided between in the 80s or in the 90s.

Wedge Distance Chart

How Far Should You Hit a 56 degree Wedge?

Check the chart above for your full swing distances based on your skill level. 

How Far Should a 60 Degree Wedge Go?

Check the chart above for your full swing distances based on your skill level. 

Why Should I Have Many Wedges?

The main reason to have a 3 wedges is so that you can hit the ball a specific distance when you really need it. When you have confidence in the distance you can hit the ball with a certain wedge, you will feel committed and hit the ball closer to the cup for an easier par or bogey save. 

Inside the wedge range, confidence is most important to avoid the dreaded fat shot or thin shot. Having the correct wedge for the task will reduce your stress and lower your score. 

How to Measure How Far You Hit Your Wedges

We cannot use guesses or estimates and there is no need to. 

There are three easy ways to learn your wedge distances:

1. Go to a Trackman bay at a driving range or indoors. You can hit balls and the Trackman will collect the information for you and give you a great spread of data and an average number. 
2. Go to a field and hit your wedges. Try to see how much they are bouncing. You can leave a golf ball bag where you were hitting the balls and shoot a rangefinder back to the bag from where the ball were landing on your shots. This is a very accurate way to know.
3. You can check this out o the course. When you play a social or casual round, hit 3-4 balls to the green with your selected wedge. Shoot the distance to the pin. hit the appropriate wedge and then over the entire round, notice how far short or how far long you were in relation to the pin. This is also a very accurate way to gauge your wedge distance. To make this even more accurate, use a GPS watch to track the distance from where you hit it to where it landed.

The key is to remember DO NOT use the AVERAGE number. Use the number that comes up most often. So if the most common number for your PW is 110 and 113 and 115, then you know your wedge distance range is 110 to 115 yards. If you have a few outliers like 126 and 98, you should ignore those. 

You have to remember to be brutally honest and do not lie to yourself. Use the club that works, not the club that impresses other people. 

How to Hit the Partial Shots

It never matters how many wedges you have in the bag, you always seem to have those in between shots. 

What do you do if you have 95 yards but your gap wedge goes 90 and your pitching wedge goes 100-105?

Here is the key:

Look at the green. 

Where is the pin?

How many yards of green do you have from the pin to the front edge?

How many yards of green do you have from the pin to the back edge?

In the example above, you can hit the ball up to 115 yards without missing the green. In this instance you should hit the pitching wedge because your distance range is 100-105. That means at the most you will have a 30 foot putt but you will be on the green even with a poor strike. Ignore the flag!

If you hit a 90 yard gap wedge, it can also work if the front of the green is flat and there is no hazard or chance of spinning down a hill. I would err on the side of caution and ignore the flag and get the ball to the middle of the green.

This is an easy solution. 

Final Thoughts

You don't need to compare your distance to others. The key is to KNOW your own game so you can use your exact distances and shots to keep your score down with great wedge play.

Inside 125 yards is the vital part of golf and hitting the green 6 or 7 times out of 10 is a great achievement because even the pros only hit 70% of the greens from this distance. Keep your wedge game strong!

Urethane golf balls perform much better than surlyn, but they are expensive. So when Kirkland Signature golf balls came out, so many golfers had access to a great urethane golf ball performance, for the same price as cheaper surlyn balls. 

The Kirklands Signatures are quality balls sold at Costco, with great endurance, and perform similarly to much higher priced golf balls.

After playing them for a while, many people are asking — who makes Kirkland golf balls actually?

I took a deeper look and found something very interesting. It would be easy to assume that Kirkland golf balls are manufactured by Costco themselves, but this is not the case.

The Manufacturer of Kirkland Golf Balls

Most Kirkland products are subcontracted to third parties which is no surprise because golf ball technology and research would cost way too much to create a new ball from scratch. 

Kirkland Golf balls are manufactured by Qingdao SM Parker, which is a large company in China. 

Some people also report that Nassau Golf produce Kirkland the golf balls in Korea. I have actually played Nassau golf balls and they are high quality.  But it would appear the truth is that Qingdao manufactures Kirkland Sigs. The company is heavily involved in sports equipment manufacturing. They focus mainly on golf equipment, and Kirkland golf balls are their headline product.

Kirkland Performance+

The 3 piece golf ball is by far the most popular golf ball by Kirkland. It is officially known as Kirkland Performance+.

The pricing is way less than its competitors.

I played Pebble Beach with a Kirkland Signature golf ball. I am not joking, and I shot 74 on the first attempt. Check out the video below.

Costco is a budget wholesaler, so a pack of Kirkland golf balls costs much less than most manufactuers. Urethane golf balls are expensive and will range anywhere from $2 to $4 per golf ball, so at around a buck per ball, the Kirkland Signature is hard to beat on price. 

It is a low launch and high spin golf ball with 338 dimples. 

Review of Costco Golf Balls

Kirkland 3 piece golf balls or Kirkland Performance+ golf balls are always compared to the Titleist Pro-V1x, because it is the most used urethane ball on tour. This would be a mistake since this is a budget golf ball. That aside, the ball has no issues and for the average player, spending so little on a nice golf ball can enhance their enjoyment.

The Kirkland and Pro V1x are similar in a few ways. Check out Kirkland balls here

According to 'studies', the Kirkland golf balls are slightly shorter at higher swing speed at around 10 yards. I did not experience this in my time in the USA. I found the Kirkland equally as long.

They have a higher spin rate compared to the Titleist balls according to the studies, but I found the golf ball actually spins less than a Pro V1x on my shots. The Kirkland sits down near it's pitchmark rather than ripping back like a ProV1x does. My swing speed is a little faster than average.

But golfers with slightly slower speed will get more stop and drop with the Kirklands. Kirkland 3 piece golf balls could be a good choice for you if you find the ball bounding on after an approach to the green.

When I think of the people I played with in the USA, I think the Kirkland 3 piece golf balls are best for literally any level of golfer. Beginners to mid-level golfers who don't want to lose $4 golf balls will love the performance. And even as a low handicap, I loved these golf balls and would game them every round if I could get them in Asia. 

It's a low stress golf ball with great performance perfect for practice rounds, casual rounds and if you don't buy into the hype, it is a ball you can use iwth confidence in competitions. 

Kirkland 4 Piece Golf Ball

Kirkland launched a 4 piece golf ball in 2016.

Costco suggests that the 4 piece golf balls were of equal or higher quality than the golf balls on the market.

Acushnet Holdings who produce Titleist golf balls, filed a lawsuit against the Kirkland 4 piece golf balls. There were 10 patent violations in the case.

The 4 piece golf balls stoped being produced after the case was settled out of court.

Thereafter, in 2019, Costco announced a brand new 4-piece golf ball. It was sold at the same price, but quality seemed to be much worse this time. Golfers flooded the internet with pictures of cracking golf balls with damaged covers and tons of bad reviews. 

After this negative coverage and terrible reviews, Costco took the 4 piece golf balls off the market completely and offered easy returns to limit the damage. 

Does Costco Sell Golf Clubs?

Costco launched a line of golf clubs due to the high demand for budget golf equipment in light of the excellent reception of the 3 piece golf ball. 

Costco sell the Kirkland 3 piece wedge club which people do enjoy. The quality is good.

Costco also has a putter which gets rave reviews. 

Who Manufactures Kirkland Golf Clubs?

Qingdao SM Parker is only involved in the golf ball production. The golf clubs by Costco, are made by the Southern California Design company who are known for their quality and attention to detail.

Costco also sells box sets of Callaway golf clubs.

FAQs

Are Costco Golf Balls the Same as Titleist?

Titleist is the leader in golf balls with all the coverage on Tour. The Kirkland golf balls are still budget golf balls and so can only be compared at surface level. 

Kirkland and Pro V1 have similar materials and endurance but the level of performance will always be lower in a budget golf ball. Does that apply to 95% of amateur golfers? No. Most golfers will not notice a difference between a Kirkland and a Pro V1. A scratch down to plus handicapper and professionals will notice a difference.

The Kirkland is a cheaper urethane covered golf ball with excellent performance, and can slot into my bag any time any day. 

What Golf Ball Is Comparable to Kirkland?

If I had to compare these golf balls to another brand, I would compare it to the Pro V1 and the Chrome Soft X. The compression of the Kirkland is higher than the general budget golf ball. 

I cannot compare the Kirkland to an Inesis Tour 900 or a Taylormade Tour Response. Those ball feel soft and squishy and I notice distance losses. The Kirkland does not experience as big of a distance loss and it feels firm so I would go with a Pro V1 and Chrome Soft X as it's equivalent.

The Bottom Line

Kirkland make an excellent 3 piece golf ball. Kirkland are ever expanding into more facets of the golf game and with the quality being as good as it is, we can expect even more advancements. They are some of the best golf balls for mid handicappers. 

If you’re in the market for a golf launch monitor or golf simulator, you know the name SkyTrak.

SkyTrak was put on sale in 2014 for the first time, and was one of the first really accurate launch monitor on the market for less than $5,000 making it somewhat affordable to a lot of golfers.

In my SkyTrak review, I'll take a deeper look at this golf launch monitor. I'll show you how to set yours up, exactly what's in our setup and how it is used, plus how it measures ball and swing data, and show you the capabilities of the unit.

How does the SkyTrak perform? How does it compare to other launch monitors that are on the market today? Is it worth getting if you’re looking for a quality golf simulator?

SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review

SkyTrak Initial Setup

The Skytrak is very easy to set up. Keep in mind, this is for new models. If you do purchase a used model, you may need to contact SkyTrak as it would have been registered with someone else. A new model will be an easy setup. 

1. You create an account online, use that account to sign into your unit, then use the WiFi in your home to access the Skytrak from any device. I regularly use an iPad or my laptop PC depending on what I’m doing (simulator or just practicing on the range).
2. As far as physically setting it up in the bay at home, the most important considerations were leveling the unit and keeping it even with the mat. My Skytrak has a hard protective case with leveling feet so that part was easy. Getting it aligned and leveled is the most important factor to achieve proper accuracy of the SkyTrak, but it is not difficult.
3. It is also important that you have a brightly lit room. My garage has big LED lights on the ceiling as I installed those for working on my cars and motorcycles at night years ago and they work great for the Skytrak. It’s very bright in there.
4. It's very important to line your Skytrak up correctly and while it takes a little bit of fiddling, once you have it, keep it there so it doesn't miss shots or mistake shots. This is very important.
5. White shoes with the white balls gets lost by Skytrak sometimes and won't register from my observations. White pants can sometimes be an issue so wear darker colors contrasting the white golf ball all the time. The SkyTrak likes if you have more markings on the balls, like putting lines or logos or customized printed golf balls. 

Setting up the SkyTrak Simulator 

These are the most bare bone essential things you MUST have in order for the SkyTrak to work.

1. SkyTrak unit and I suggest the protective case as it has adjustable legs and a level on it to make sure the unit is level (utmost importance).
2. Hitting net or screen - the SkyTrak will track real golf balls not foam balls so you need to stop the golf balls with a solid net or hitting screen.
3. Hitting mat - you need a hitting mat because of all the balls you will hit. A high quality hitting mat will last a long time.
4. A computer or Apple product to run the software on the Skytrak. You will plug the SkyTrak into the computer which will display your statistics nd data. This is essential because there is no other way to see the results of the shots.
5. A screen to see the results. This is either the computer screen, TV or Apple product.

Optional Extras: You can upgrade your setup with a hitting screen which will return balls to you. This screen can then be used to project the images from an overhead short-throw projector. By doing this, you can create an immersive experience - notice the pictures below between Jim and Phil. Jim has a very barebones setup while Phil has an immersive experience. 

The biggest difference in setup between fully immersive or bare bones is your needs. Do you want to have fun and enjoy the simulator experience or do you want to train and understand your numbers only? If you want only numbers and improvement then you can go barebones. if you want a video game like experience with something interactive, you can go all out with a projector and 16:9 screen. 

SkyTrak Home Setup Examples

Below are a couple of examples from Phil and Jim which explains their setup with pictures.

Jim's SkyTrak Minimal Setup

Jim Pecoraro, who is a Golf Sidekick subscriber sent in his setup and SkyTrak review to help us learn more. 

Jim: I needed something that was accurate indoors in my garage. I need practice features like driving range and club gapping; as well as statistics I was interested in, namely accurate spin numbers, ball speed and launch angle. 

1. I have the PowerNet - The nicer nets are 10x the price so that’s a consideration.
2. I have the Quattro mat - I did tons of research on mats. There are many out there but this is the best IMO. It’s very durable  because it's designed for outside use and I have hit thousands of balls and there is literally no wear. It is heavy and will last a lifetime. It is also relatively soft to hit off of and is easy on my joints.
3. I use my laptop PC plugged into a TV to “project” the golf courses and practice range.

I did NOT need club head data or putting. Those needs drove me past the “entry level,” doppler based units like SwingCaddie, Mevo+, Rapsodo, etc. 

In my experience and doing research, it seems doppler based units are not accurate indoors and don’t typically offer robust features like those I was interested in.

Even Trackman 4’s can have trouble in indoor settings without enough space to operate. So I knew I needed a camera-based unit. The second main factor was budget - at the time of my needs, the SkyTrak was the most affordable camera-based unit at roughly $2,000 USD and I would have considered purchasing one at that price if I hadn’t gotten it for free from my friend.

In recent years, several companies have come out with more “affordable” camera-based units. The Bushnell/Foresight GC3 ($3,000+) and Full Swing Kit to name a few. The biggest differentiator for those units is the addition of club head data (face, angle-of-attack, path, etc.) but those features come at significant extra cost, often thousands of dollars.

Skytrak was a nice middle ground that gets 90% of the practice features for 20% of the cost. Overall I love the set up I have. It could be better if I wanted to spend more money on a projector and impact screen, but I have limited time to set that up and this is great for my needs.

Phil's SkyTrak Setup - Immersive Experience

Phil Stoops is a big Skytrak fan and subscriber to Golf Sidekick and also reviewed the SkyTrak after years of usage. Below is his setup.

I have the Skytrak and my home sim setup which is around $8,000 to complete, consists of:

1. SkyTrak
2. Return net with the Ball Impact Screen
3. Hitting Turf
4. Optoma EH200ST Full 3D 1080p 3000 Lumen DLP Short Throw Projector 
5. TV monitor
6. Laptop mounted off to the side to run the SkyTrak software

IMPORTANT: Phil says "I like the E6 driving range and games but I can't hit my driver because my ceiling is too low. You need at least 10 feet of space" - that's important to keep in mind.

Jason P's Home SkyTrak Setup - Luxury

1. SkyTrak + Case
2. Projector: Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw
3. Premium Impact Screen
4. Turf Surround
5. Synlawn Precision Putt Pro hitting insert: Free sample from Synlawn, but only about $6/sq. ft
6. Basic Dell desktop PC dedicated to just running ST and E6: ~$500 w/ upgraded NVidia GPU

Software:

- SkyTrak Game Improvement Package: $99/year

- E6 Connect Basic Subscription Package: $300/year

Pros

Cons

My Top Tips to Get More out of SkyTrak

• The best tip I can give is to put it in a place that is easy for you to regularly use. If you have to drag out all your gear every time you want to practice (within reason), you won’t use it. Especially for those who don’t have thousands of dollars to spend or time to build a true permanent sim.
• Use alignment sticks to make sure you are hitting the ball to where Skytrak wants you to aim. The unit prefers a shot direction into the net so it will pick up the correct information and be accurate. Sometimes the mat slips or you just forget where to hit. Use alignment sticks.
• The SkyTrak does not lie so use the distances to understand your carry for each club and make better decisions out on the golf course. It's a powerful tool for simulation but also for understanding your game. 
• Use the balls you play with too. Don't use cheap balls. Learn by using what you play with on course. 
• Don't wear anything white at all when using the SkyTrak. It will confuse the machine because the golf balls are also white. 
• Chris says "Wish I bought a 16x9 screen. My Homecourse screen is roll up projector style and although it's convenient it's 4:3  and the 16x9 is more realistic/immersive especially playing courses." So if you are looking for a great experience, try not to skimp and go for the effect you really want. 

Frequently Asked Questions - SkyTrak

How does a SkyTrak launch monitor work?

The SkyTrak launch monitor tracks your shots using cameras. On impact, the launch monitor will take super high-speed images. The images are quickly fed back to SkyTrak’s software, which then works out datasets which includes everything from clubhead speed to back spin and carry distance.

What Does Skytrak Measure?

Ball speed, launch angle, backspin, side spin and side angle are directly measured, and other data points such as carry and total distance are estimated.

• Post shot ball speed and launch angle
• Total distance
• Carry, roll and offline distance
• Side and back spin
• Side angle
• Flightpath and angle of descent
• Clubhead speed

You can budget at least $2,000 for a high quality launch monitor like a SkyTrak launch monitor. For an extra $1,500 (total: $3,500) you can skip the hassle, and get a full SkyTrak golf simulator setup like this one.

Skytrak Accuracy - Is it accurate?

SkyTrak is going to offer the best on-screen shot analysis and accuracy (up to 98% as accurate as Trackman) for the money.

The SkyTrak is accurate. The carry distance especially is spot on. The shot shapes are almost always accurate as well. There are however, a few exceptions:

Occasionally, a driver shot will clearly be off on carry distance. Usually it’s a bit low. I am unsure why but this is the nature of indoor hitting with a fastr swing speed and happens with most units. 

99% of the time the shot shape is consistent with my feel, but sometimes shanks and tops often look weird on the display. Again, not a huge problem because I’m not concerned with what a shank would do on the course! 

SkyTrak Distance Issues?

Sometimes your mat can shift and your SkyTrak can have distance issues. It's always advisable to screw the mat down or secure it in a way that it will not slide. 

You can reset the unit also and make sure the firmware that is running is the latest edition. 

You can reset your Skytrak. You need a small paper clip. On the bottom of the Skytrak you see a tiny hole in the bottom of the middle screw hole. Push the paper clip and hold for 10 seconds. The Skytrak should be turned on when doing this. You should see the lights flashing and it will reset it. Now try again. 

Skytrak Software - What's available?

I did lots of research between WGT for Skytrak ($100 per year), E6 Basic ($300 per year), and The Golf Club 2019 ($1000+).

Overall, I think E6 is a nice middle-ground value. It doesn’t have as many courses (15) compared to The Golf Club 2019 (50K+) but has all the features you would want and the graphics and overall package are great.

WGT is more of a toy and not as sophisticated with graphics and camera angles as E6. It’s not perfect but for someone who plays indoors for 4-5 months a year, it’s a good solution.

I bought the “Basic” level plan for E6 through the Skytrak website. I wish it had more courses, but for the money it seems like good value.

Make sure your laptop has the processing power to run the software to avoid lag and to keep up with the software. You want to have a great experience so never skimp on the specs of your technology.

Skytrak Vs Trackman

The main difference here is the Skytrak is a photometric launch monitor while the Trackman uses Doppler radar (much more accurate).

The second huge difference is the price of the Trackman is 10 times that f the SkyTrak.

When I compare the two golf simulator units, the spin rate and the launch angles were similar.

The Trackman offers many more features but the Skytrak is consistent and accurate enough and for the price is good value.

Skytrak Best features

The features on the Skytrak that I use the most are listed here in order from most to least used. These are on the Skytrak software itself, not E6:

Distance randomizer 

By far the most-used feature. When you are in the driving range, you can set a green (big, medium, small size greens) at random distances within a set range. I like to do 40 to 140 yards so I can practice my wedge game. Every time I practice I finish my practice by seeing how many greens in a row I can hit from that range. Most I’ve ever gotten is 22! It has totally transformed my distance control inside wedge distance. I also use this feature for other distance sets but most often use it for wedges.

Fairway finder

You can set easy, medium, and large fairway widths and practice “hitting fairways” with different clubs. They also do doglegs.

General driving range

This is the basic driving range but I use it a lot. I use it before a round of golf to see how far some standard clubs (6i, 7w) are carrying so I can adjust for the round that day. Stuff like that. Skytrak has many other features that I used a few times but rarely use any more. They include a bag mapping feature (I prefer to use the driving range), a wedge matrix (same thing although this one is pretty cool), a long drive contest (never used this).

Equipment improvement

Most of the following were done using just the driving range feature, but are things that are only really possible when you have access to a home simulator / launch monitor as they take too long or would cost too much to pay for a fitting each time

Club choice 

I am not a trained club fitter, but have gotten quite good at knowing my delivery characteristics and what types of launch numbers work well for me. An example is the decision between using a 2iron (Srixon Z u85) or a 7wood. I noticed you have made the switch as well. For me, it came down to the 2iron being a great club off the tee but very one-dimensional. Couldn’t hit it off the deck, out of the rough, or basically anywhere else. I was looking for something that flew roughly as far but spun more and launched higher. After testing both on the monitor, I knew I had found my new go-to club! See the picture below to compare the numbers.

Driver Fiddling

I was interested in what the adjustability on my Driver (Callaway Epic Max LS) would do to the ball flight. I tinkered mainly with loft settings and found it actually made quite the difference! See below. It was interesting to me that the loft settings (8°, 9° and 10°) did not really affect carry distance but had a big impact on dispersion. The 8° setting was by far the most accurate so it’s what I’ve gone with and I haven’t looked back!

Wedge Launch Angle

I have always struggled to hit full wedge shots. I tend to “flip” at the bottom and present too much loft so the ball just goes super high and not much distance. You can see from my numbers above that I have some speed, so I should be able to control wedges to score well. Well, I found after hitting my wedges a lot on the Skytrak that my launch angles were all way too high (35-40° depending on club). So, I worked to reduce the launch angle through trial and error as I find “YouTube” swing tips to be a tough go. You can see through the numbers that I have been able to fix this problem, or at least get better and it’s made a huge difference to my game.

None of these things would be what I call “typical” use of the machine for most players. But if you get into that sort of thing, having a launch monitor in a home-simulator-style setting is an absolute game changer for equipment and swing-related improvement.

Final Thoughts

Overall, depending on your budget I think the SkyTrak is just as good as any other launch monitor in the mid price range.

Decide between if you want to have the Skytrak for improvement in your game only or if you want it for hitting balls in the winter or in your free time, or finally, if you want a full sim experience. This will guide your buying decision regarding the full setup. I would personally love a ful all out setup over the barebones because I don't like working on my game, just having fun with friends. 

Of course, the Trackman and similar models more upscale launch monitors that will provide even more detail for pro level golf, but is that worth $20-$30k vs a couple thousand dollars? I think the data with SkyTrak is solid and it provides us with a total midrange solid practice set up to learn and more importantly enjoy hitting some golf balls while having some fun.

by Jim Pecoraro, Chris B and Phil Stoops (all Playas)

Launch monitor or home golf simulator reviews online are often written by people who know nothing about the product or how it works. Not this one. This review is thanks to three great subscribers of the Golf Sidekick Youtube channel.

We have three guys who all warn the same thing: You need more space than what FlightScope advertises.

Avid reviewers David, Eric and Brandon provide us with deep actual user insights in this FlightScope Mevo Plus review so you can decide if the Mevo+ meets your requirements and how it stacks up against other launch monitors. We'll take a look at how it works, how it's set up, whether the Mevo+ is accurate and how it compares to Skytrak and Trackman. We'll also look at some of the Mevo Plus problems and how to solve them.

First Impressions of the FlightScope Mevo Plus

Your purchase comes with:

1. FlightScope Mevo Plus unit
2. Power cord
3. Adjustment tool
4. Metallic dots for golf balls
5. Very well constructed carry case.

Eric mentions that the unit is very durable. It’s much harder material than similar priced products. Eric loves his Mevo Plus and says the company is great with updating the software and firmware. 

David felt the initial feeling when you look at the unit, is that you feel intimidation because it's a beautiful and high end piece of machinery but it's very easy to set up as long as you have enough space.

The following issue is easily fixed with enough space but Brandon adds something important: "My first impressions were not good. They advertise (still do) minimum space requirements that do not allow enough room to get accurate reads and I had maybe 6inches more room than the min. I had many issues with distance accuracy with faster ball speeds. It was really accurate when hitting shorter clubs (7i and down) but when I hit 5i or longer I could not hit any shot over 210yds. My driver carry is/was over 250yds."

FlightScope Mevo Plus Key Features

Multiple in-depth data points make the Mevo+ an attractive option for indoor simulation. Below is the list of every data point you can accurately capture.

A big benefit of using the FlightScope unit is that the company continues to update and upgrade the software so you always have improvements to the experience. This is a a big factor to consider so you have a long term usage of your hard earned money.

Mevo+ Data Parameters

Full Swing: Ball speed, club speed, smash factor, carry distance, launch angle, spin rate, apex height, flight time, angle of attack, spin loft, launch direction, spin axis, roll distance, total distance, lateral landing, shot dispersion, shot type

Chipping: Ball speed, club speed, smash factor, carry distance, launch angle, spin rate, height, flight time, angle of attack, spin loft, launch direction, spin axis, roll distance, total distance, lateral landing, shot dispersion

Putting: Launch speed, total distance, ball direction

Mevo vs Mevo Plus

Mevo vs Mevo Plus Similarities

• Both units can be used indoors and outdoors. 
• Both of the units has no subscription fees and can be used for free. 
• The Mevo and Mevo Plus are portable and not heavy.

Mevo vs Mevo Plus Differences

• The Mevo requires 4 to 7 feet of space behind the ball while the Mevo plus requires 8-9 feet minimum behind the ball. 
• Data numbers are more accurate with the Mevo Plus and rival some of the big name expensive units.
• The Mevo Plus is good for simulator use while the Mevo cannot be used with simulator software.
• Battery life is longer int he Mevo because the Mevo Plus has many more features and simulation mode.
• The Mevo Plus requires metallic stickers on the balls to read spin rates.

Mevo Cameras

Yes, Mevo+ has a built-in camera for sensor alignment and video capture. In the Awesome Golf coaching session the camera automatically records your swing. So we use it there to look at our swings. The new version of app allows you to have multiple cameras which really will help you if you have some swing changes to make.

FlightScope Mevo Plus Indoor Space Requirement

All 3 of our reviewers all said the same VERY IMPORTANT thing. 

You MUST have at least 18 feet of indoor space - 9 feet behind and 9 feet in front of the ball. 

All three reviewers agreed that at high ball speed, or with longer clubs, the date was less accurate. With only 16 feet of space, 5 iron is the longest club you could hit and get reliable information. 

Optimal Space Requirements for Mevo Plus 

For optimal results, you should have 9 feet between the sensor and the ball and ideally, you should have 13 feet of ball flight for a total of 22 feet especially if you intend to hit long irons through driver.

If you want to hit driver with the Mevo+ you need a minimum 10 feet high ceilings. Eric confirms that his ceilings are only 8 feet so he can hit up to 6 iron. This is vital information so that you are not disappointed. The width of the room should be enough to contain your swing, which will be unique to you, but 14 feet is enough. 

What if you don't have 18 feet? Mevo Plus Driver Issues

Any less space than the minimum 18 feet and your Mevo plus will not provide accurate information particularly using a driver or with higher swing speeds. Your driver distances could be out by up to 40 yards.

Eric confirms that he tried the Mevo+ from 5, 6, and 7 feet behind his golf ball and it did not perform as well. Brandon actually did not have enough space and had to remodel the room despite having the exact minimum 16 feet that FlightScope recommends. He firmly recommends 18 feet minimum.

The FlightScope Mevo+ works well as a Simulator

Yes you can use the Mevo+ as a golf simulator. There are some limitations but overall, it's a reliable indoor simulator with many options for software and golf course options. The flight dynamics form the tee and fairway work very well and accurately.

E6 Connect, Awesome Golf, The Golf Club 2019 and GSPro simulation & training software are the most popular software to use in simulation. You can send the images to a computer, iPad Pro, iPad Pro and TV combo or to a computer and projector combo onto a hitting screen. 

Awesome Golf

Awesome Golf is better for range practice and  swing work. David says 'I also play their courses because they have different tees and I’m not hitting a driver so I hit from shorter tees. I practiced the way of the playa when I played. When I was 220-185 our I hit an approach that got me to 100 yards.' I’m looking closely at GSPro for simulator work. I need a gaming PC for this and don’t have. Putting for me was a challenge, so I had set to autoputt.

GSPro

GSPro is the most popular among all of us and the three reviewers all agree that GSPro is the best for simulation. You do need a gaming PC for this though. 

E6 Connect

E6 Connect comes with the Mevo+ for free and there are 5 free courses to play already on the unit.

The courses included on the unit are:

• Stone Canyon
• Sanctuary
• Wade Hampton
• Aviara
• The Belfry

These are free and you can upgrade your subscription to include many more golf courses. You will need either a high power PC for gaming or newer Apple device for this to work as intended and that means having the Apple Watch 5 or the iPhone 8 or later. It is some of the best software around though.

Limitations of the Mevo+ as a Simulator

The limitations are minor and are by no means deal breakers at all.

• Some short chips are difficult to get it to read.
• Everything is a flat lie, so your scores are in no way reflective in real life.
• The flight dynamics off the tee and fairway work well.
• If you’re in the rough, sand, and other playing areas, you're still hitting off the flat mat. 
• The putting feature is basically useless. Putting cannot be replicated indoors. You can however set putting to autoputt. No one should really be buying a simulator for putting!

Top Secret Tips for Optimal Mevo+ Experience

• Mevo+ uses your WiFi connection to communicate, so if you want connect to the internet to play games you need to find a way to establish ANOTHER WiFi connection. Brandon: I went the route of getting an adapter that I could plug into an iPad that allowed me to hardwire into the internet.
• It helps if you turn on the Mevo+ in the right connection so you can change weather conditions. I was using it in winter and if FS Golf connects to WiFi first it will take the temperature in your area. I did not want a 5 degree temperature. To do it correctly you connect you unit to your iPad first and then connect to open FS Golf.

How accurate is the Mevo Plus?

We tested the Mevo Plus vs the GC Quad. Keep in mind the Mevo Plus is about 15% of the price of the GC Quad! The Mevo Plus an accurate machine.

FlightScope App can suit your needs

The FlightScope app is perfect for taking the unit to the range and it now has a swing speed session option. It keeps and displays all data in many different arrangements. FS Golf also keeps data on each session.

David adds that "I really like the app. I thinks it's accurate and you can also set parameters you want to work on. It even has a chipping area for indoor. I used this to get my chipping to improve. I have distances for each club with a 10 and 20 yard carry."

Eric thinks "this app works well for my needs. It has four parts; Full swing, Chipping, Putting, and Swing Training. I only use the full swing because the other three seem less valuable to me.  Also, its fun to play the five free courses provided with the E6 Connect app. No membership required!"

Mevo+ Indoors

As long as the unit has enough space to pick up the ball indoors, it is very accurate and can help you with your shot distance estimation and function as a fun and accurate simulator. Here is a chart showing the comparison over 5 shots between the GC Quad and the Mevo+.

The FlightScope Mevo+ is within less than 3 yards of a machine 6 times its price. The difference in readings between this $2,000 unit and a $15,000 machine is minimal. It is a Doppler unit so excessive metal, lighting, or ceiling fans can mess of the readings but more on that below.

Metallic Stickers or Titleist RCT for Indoors

Metallic stickers are needed in an indoor environment in order for the Mevo to accurately measure ball spin. 

A great tip from Brandon is that you can use Titleist RCT Pro V1 golf balls which are made to be picked up by radar. RCT stands for Radio Capture Technology and it's a game changer so you can have great quality reliable golf balls indoors while you play your favorite course. 

How the Mevo Plus Works

You should take care to cover reflective surfaces and avoid excessive lighting to get optimal use of your unit.

According to the FlightScope website: 

"Mevo+ is a low power Doppler radar using phased antenna array technology to detect and track golf ball launch and flight.

It measures the speed of the ball, as well as the position of the ball as it progresses along its flight path. 

Sophisticated mathematical estimators are used to track the ball even under adverse conditions, using the physics of ball flight to overcome random noise and fading conditions experienced in the real world. 

The phased array technology also picks up tiny variations in the Doppler signals caused by the spinning motion of the ball, enabling direct measurement of the ball spin rate."

The Mevo Plus requires either metallic stickers or the Titleist Pro V1 RCT golf balls to detect the balls indoors. 

FlightScope Mevo+ Outdoors

Eric and David report that the Mevo Plus works flawlessly outside on the driving range and is highly accurate. There's even a setting to account for using limited flight range balls. You just set up the unit behind you and select the 'outdoor' setting and start hitting. 

You do not need the silver dots outdoors. You need them for indoor use only. 

"As far as I am concerned, outdoors, there is no difference between the Trackman and the Mevo+ because they are both doppler technology - the Trackman is just bigger and more expensive" is what Eric tells me and after experimenting with the two units, I find this is true. The difference is minimal and who knows which is actually the more 'accurate' one? 

Eric also suggest that if you’re only planning on using this outdoors then this is where this unit shines. Photo units like in Skytrak are affected by excessive sunlight. This Mevo Plus unit doesn’t have that issue because it’s Doppler based. 

Because there is unlimited space to track the ball, the data is actually more accurate than indoors. You have unlimited space so you can definitely put the unit the recommended 8-9 feet behind the golf ball. Just be sure no one stands on it! 

FlightScope Mevo Plus Battery Life

Brandon says "Playing on the range (away from a power source) I can spend about 2hrs before it starts getting low." 

How to Set Up a Mevo+ to Use as a Simulator

The Mevo+ is a bit more involved than the Skytrak. You will need to play around with angles, distances and settings until you get the thing dialed. This is part of the fun though.  is a must. Your environment that you will be using the unit in is unique so while the setups below can help you get an idea of how to set up your unit, you MUST optimize it yourself.

That is a very simple process as the unit is easy to manoeuvre. As mentioned multiple times, just be sure to have enough space behind and in front of the ball. 

• Mevo+ uses your WiFi connection to communicate, so if you want connect to the internet to play games you need to find a way to establish another WiFi connection. I went the route of getting an adaper that I could plug into my IPAD that allowed me to hardwire into the internet
• It helps if you turn on the Mevo+ in the right connection so you can change weather conditions. I was using in winter and if FS Golf connects to WiFi first it will take the temperature in your area. I did not want a 5 degree temperature. To do it correctly you connect you unit to your IPAD first and then open FS Gol

Example Mevo Plus Setups

Mevo Plus Man Cave Setup - Brandon

Brandon chose to create the ultimate Mevo plus setup in his home where he can watch the ball on screen like he is on a golf course. This will require some computing power and a projector to send the picture onto the screen.

Mevo Plus and Hitting Screen

1. Monitor to tee and 10ft from tee to screen
2. Indoor golf screen (10x10)
3. Gaming CPU Computer
4. Hitting mat
5. Custom platform I built myself
6. I also bought the Titleist Pro V1 RCT balls

These allow you to not have to worry about the metallic stickers and works great!

Mevo Plus Barn Setup - Eric

Eric uses a hitting mat and basic net with a FlightScope Mevo Plus. This is a simple set up that will not require intense Gaming CPU for the simulator projector. You use the iPad Pro.

If you would like the full projector experience, you will need a high spec CPU gaming computer and a projector onto a specifically designed hitting screen. 

Mevo with iPad Pro and TV Setup

1. iPad Pro 
2. HDMI lightning adapter for iPad 
3. HDMI cable
4. 50 inch TV
5. Hitting net

You can use an iPad like in this picture to send the information from the Mevo Plus to the iPad. You need an adaptor  and then plug the iPad into a larger television, like you see in the golf fitting stores. 

Mevo+ with iPad Pro E6 Connect and Awesome Golf Setup - David

1. iPad Pro
2. E6 Connect and Awesome Golf for simulator and games
3. Hitting mat
4. Sporina net

David says about his hitting net, "I’m changing the Sporina because if I want to putt the Sporina net has a floor on it so I can’t putt far enough."

Bob's Perfect Mevo Plus Simulator Build

Bob put about $9,000 into this setup but tells me you could do this for a lot less. He just enjoyed the process. 

He highly recommends more than the 9.5 feet he has to the ceilings. 10 feet or higher is the best for the simulator to allow for a driver to not hit the ceiling. 

Bob: I’m a lefty so the Mevo + made sense because it sits in behind the tee rather than to one side. I needed 8ft for radar to the tee and at least 9ft tee to screen

How to make a perfect Mevo+ Setup

• Flightscope Mevo+
• E6 software
• GSPro software
• Forward Design fixed dock for Mevo +
• Homecourse Pro 180 retractable golf screen
• Optima EH412ST projector
• PCMD projector ceiling mount
• Gigabyte G5 gaming laptop
• LED Pinspot stage light
• Acoustic foam 2.5” egg crate tiles
• Moneyputt putting turf with CCE hitting strip
• Black patio curtain on right
• White Amazon golf net on left

Projector - $500 up to $4k for high end 4k picture.  Mine is a $1k short throw ceiling mount capable of 4:3 aspect ratio.  The garage size dictated a 4:3 picture. I’m very happy with the picture.

Screen - Retractable screen is wireless with a remote and is rechargeable. Rolls out in about 30 seconds. Pricy at $2,200.  I could have gone on Amazon and got a manual retractable roller (kind of the ones for window blinds) and bought a much cheaper screen and did it DYI.

Computer - Gaming Windows laptop for $1,100.  A desktop pc would have better graphics.  With Mevo +, you can display on an Ipad Pro however some third party software only works with either Windows or IOS.

Hitting strips or mat - Get the best you can afford. Read the comments about some strips causing elbow pains and plan accordingly.

Basic Software - with Mevo + you get FlightScope FS software. It has about 27 golf courses with partner E6 and multiple practice ranges. You get all the data points you need. iOS and PC.

Third party software - Subjective and pricing is highly variable from outright purchase to annual subscriptions. I chose E6 and GSPro. GSPro has over 100 courses created by volunteer programmers. Courses are reproductions of actual courses. E6 and GSPro are under $300 annual subscription for each. I will drop E6 and keep GSPro when it comes time to renew. 

What I would redo - You can build a basic sim for under $4k easily.  Buy a Mevo +, hit into a good quality net, use the supplied software (FS) and project on an iPad Pro. Go even cheaper with used equipment. 

Experience - Playing a course with friends is great fun.  A foursome is my limit, strictly due to garage space for chairs.  There are online tournaments available and some software is family oriented with lots of fun games for young golfers.

FAQs

What Are Some FlightScope Mevo Plus Problems?

There are only a few problems we experienced with the Mevo Plus, some of them preventable from reading this review and some you can rectify with FlightScope.

Cons

1. The minimum recommended space required is not 16 feet but rather 18 feet or more with the ideal being about 22 feet. 8-9 feet behind the ball will be optimal.
2. If you put the Mevo Plus 7, 6 or 5 feet from the golf ball, it will not be able to pick up the higher speed clubs and drivers, miscalculating the distance by up to 40 yards. Make sure you use enough distance.
3. Sometimes the unit has trouble picking up slower speed shots like chips but you can contact FlightScope who have great customer service.'
4. The doppler radar tech can be problematic if there are reflective surfaces in your room you will use and also if the lighting is not correct. Dim artificial light is better indoors.
5. You might find the unit has a tough time reading putts. I prefer to use it on autoputt, but if you do experience some trouble, FlightScope is very helpful if there are any issues in your satisfaction.

Mevo Plus iPad Requirements

For Apple iPad and iPhone, you need to have iOS 13 or later. Bluetooth LE 4.0 - supports UART/Serial Port Emulation service with RX and TX characteristics.

Mevo+  works with any iPad made after 2017.

All FlightScope Mevo+ data measurements will forever be available for free with no subscription fee Myflightscope.com is the online cloud where you can view, keep, and review every practice session. You can store three videos per month with no charge. If you want to store more videos in a month, more storage can be bought for a fee.

Final Thoughts

Overall the Mevo Plus seems like a great deal for only $2000 but the thing that will define your experience will be your setup. If you're on a budget, do you want to hit into a net or into a screen?

If you choose a net, are you going to look at your iPad or a large TV screen? What is important to you? Do you want it to look really fancy in your mancave or do you just want it pure and simple as a training aid and way to keep up to date in the winter?

Playing into a screen will require more setup costs and more intricate planning. But it definitely will look very pretty.

In the end, identify WHY you want one, and then adjust your expectations accordingly. Two things are for sure though with the Mevo plus: It's ACCURATE and YOU NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH SPACE! 

Get that 18-23 feet ready!

Congratulations on finding the most complete golf distance chart article on the internet.

Do you know how far your clubs travel? How do you compare to others? Its always good to understand that age, gender and skillset are the biggest differentiators. 

I did so much research on this article to bring you the most up to date information to help you quickly skim the tables and charts about golf distances. The charts are showing us golf club yardages and I go into more detail around age, gender and ability.  

Let's get you up to speed on golf club distance so you can learn where you an improve and where you might be ahead of the pack!

Golf Club Distance Charts: Key Factors

My golf distance charts show the the key elements that influence how far you can hit each golf club: 

1. Swing speed
2. Ball speed
3. Smash factor
4. Quality and optimization of equipment

Swing speed

Swing speed is the most important factor in determining the distance of the ball. Ball speed and smash factor both depend on swing speed. 

While the swing speed is important, it is not the only element. The quality of strike and correct technique is a big differentiating factor. A pro golfer swinging at the same speed as an amateur gets wildly different distance numbers. 

Average swing speed by age chart

What is Smash Factor?

Smash Factor is ball speed divided by club speed. The number calculated gives a ratio to show how much energy is moved from the club head to the golf ball at impact. Low Swing factor numbers mean less energy is transferred, while higher Smash factor numbers means a more efficient movement of energy from the face to the golf ball.

The goal for excellent ball striking with the driver is a factor of 1.5.

For example: ball speed 150 mph with a swing speed of 100 mph, your Smash Factor  is 1.5.

Other smaller contributory factors also have an effect on distance:

The ball speed 

Ball speed will be affected by the type of golf ball you use as well as your quality of strike. A strike out the center of the club face, with the correct technique will go much further than the same golfer hitting the toe or toward the heel. You can measure ball speed on launch monitors like the Mevo Plus or camera operated simulators like the SkyTrak.

Equipment affects distance

The pros on tour have optimized equipment to their specific technique and skill level as well as body shape. The same swing speed in a PGA Tour pro will send the ball much further than an amateur golfer of higher handicap but similar swing speed.

The reason is of course, technique, but if you were to use the same technique, the pro would still win, because every aspect of their golf club has been designed around THEM. That is why a fitting can help to optimize your strengths for more distance.

Skill level affects distance

There are young, sporty beginner and even mid handicap golfers who might read this article or that you may know who think they are capable of smashing a driver as far as a pro or scratch golfer. The myth is that they CAN but if it is not staying in play or being used to an advantage, then it does not count. 

Key to the chart: Skill levels in golf. I created these categories from the article on how the handicap works and article I wrote. 

Beginner Golfer: New to the game - first 6-12 months.

Average Golfer: 15-24 handicap.

Good Golfer: 6-14 handicap.

Excellent Golfer: Below 6 handicap.

Here are the in-depth golf club distance charts curated by male, female and senior golfers.

Golf Club Distance Charts: Average For Male Golfers By Skill Level

The numbers are estimates and you can see in the beginner section that 2 iron to 4 iron is not a very impressive number. I would suggest that even a 2 iron and 3 iron in the Average column is ambitious. These are very difficult clubs to hit and often go very low distance due to technique and swing speed issues. Most beginner and high handicappers should avoid these clubs for a long time.

From 'Good Golfer' onward, the 2 iron down to 5 iron should improve as confidence and technique improves, thus bringing on more swing speed. 

Golf Club Distance Charts: Average For Lady Golfers By Skill Level

On average, ladies will hit it shorter than men. The advanced category may be a shorter distance than the advanced category in the mens. But when comparing similar distance in the good to average category in the men, the accuracy of the ladies is much higher than the men. 

Golf Club Distance Charts: Average For Seniors and Pro Golfer Comparison

Golf Club Distance Chart by Swing Speed

As an amateur golfer, you can gain access to rented Trackman bays where you can hit all your clubs and actually get a print out, or soft file of your swing speed and many other data points. You can even use a Voice Caddie SC300 to do it privately at the range. 

Swing speed does determine the golf club distances and we'll take a look in the charts below.

NOTE: The swing speed use at the top of each column is driver swing speed. We use this as a general gauge to estimate the distance of each club thereafter. 

150 mph is the top range and only long drive competitors will be swinging toward this range. The average swing speed on the PGA Tour (the best golfers in the world) is around 114 mph. 

Driver Swing Speed Chart by Golf Skill Level

Confidence and skill make a big difference when hitting the driver efficiently and out the sweet spot. 

Golf Club Distance Charts Other Important Factors

Loft

Every club has a different loft and more loft goes less distance, while less loft goes longer distance in combination with longer golf shafts.

Driver usually goes furthest while the lob wedge around 60 degrees goes the shortest.

The golf clubs of today go a lot further since the manufacturers started creating cavity back golf clubs in combination with lower lofts for the same clubs. 

Every club is between 2 and 5 degrees lower in loft in current day, which automatically increases distance by up to 15 yards per iron. Driver lofts cannot get much lower as people will not be able to hit them. In order to hit a driver with a loft below 9 degrees, your swing speed needs to be incredibly fast. 

The club heads are bigger for all golf clubs in modern times with much larger sweet spots. With the addition of lighter shafts in both the irons and the woods, the ball speeds and swing speeds are higher as well. 

Golf Club Distance Charts of PGA Tour Golfers

Why are modern golfers longer than prior generations?

Physical fitness

Most pros are in the gym every day currently while in prior generations like Palmer and Nicklaus, the guys were regular people who even used to enjoy a smoke and a drink on the course. 

Bryson Dechambeau is an example of someone who has beefed up in order to hit it further and it makes a big difference. Tiger Woods was one of the first modern day pros to begin working in the gym. His huge transformation to a big, strong guy inspired a whole new generation of golfer. 

Lofts of pro clubs

Lofts have changed how far the ball goes. Tiger Woods is only behind the modern guys in this chart because he uses 3-4 degrees more loft on every single club. He cares about precision and less about distance because he has plenty of power

Golf Ball

The golf ball when Tiger Woods first hit the tour and even more so when Nicklaus was in his prime, was much shorter than today's Pro V1 and equivalents. The balata golf ball is significantly shorter than the current urethane covered solid core golf balls they use today on the Tour. 

What Do These Golf Club Distance Charts Mean?

You can compare how you shape up against the average golfer, the senior golfer, the pro golfer and the advanced golfer. 

The key though is to understand YOUR own game and your distances so you can more effectively plan your game and piece together a good golf score. When you fully understand and accept your distances that you hit the golf ball, you will score better.

For the pros and the advanced players, the distance they hit each club is not a matter of ego. It's a matter of 'which club gets the job done?' and they use that.

You can too, whichever distance you hit it. Just be totally honest with yourself and leave the ego behind.

Do you hate wearing a watch? I do. 

They make my wrist itch, the metal bands irritate me, the synthetic ones don’t breathe, and the cloth bands just get soaked with sweat. The last thing you need on a humid afternoon in the middle of summer is something else to provide another uncomfortable distraction out on the course.

Thank the golf gods for the Shot Scope H4. The designers at Shot Scope decided to throw all of the technology in their V3 series watch into a handheld device that provides a treasure chest crammed with usable statistics for game development as well as GPS data for the course. 

Full Review of the Shot Scope H4 in Detail

In the Shot Scope H4 box

When you first open the Shot Scope H4, you’ll find

• a USB charger - it’s specifically made for the H4 so you’ll want to keep track of this and not lose it. I have the V3 watch as well and the cable is entirely different. 
• a magnetic belt clip - provides a very secure magnetic connection if you prefer to wear it that way 
• the GPS unit itself which is small
• 16 screw-in 'club tags' - there are 16 because everyone's bag is different so there are some extras

Difference between Shot Scope H4 and Arccos

The prime differences in the tags for the H4 vs the Arccos is that the Shot Scope tags don’t use a battery, so you don’t have to worry about the sensors going dead after a couple of years.

The H4 is also a unit you need to tap onto the butt of the club where the sensor is. The unit D-ring fits through a slot on the belt clip if you opt to carry the unit clipped onto your bag so it's easy. 

I was also considering the Game Golf Live as well as the Arccos system. The Shot Scope H4 provides all the information and data tracking with comparisons WITHOUT subscription fees and that tipped the scales in favor of the H4. 

How the H4 Club Tags work

To get the clubs ready, just screw the tags into the grips of the corresponding clubs - you do not need to sync anything yet. 

Then download and start the mobile app, power on the H4, and the app will walk you through a simple pairing process via Bluetooth. The setup takes a couple minutes and then it will update the Firmware which takes about 3-4 minutes and you're ready to rock. 

Once at the course turn the unit on, acquire the GPS signal, and you’re off to the first tee. 

How to Use the Tags for SuperStroke Grips

The tag will not screw into a SuperStroke putter grip but that is no biggie. You just need to cut the screw off the bottom of the sensor. It's plastic so it's easy even with a pocket knife. Then you glue the sensor onto the top of your putter grip. Good to go.

How does the Shot Scope H4 work on the course?

On the course it’s a very accurate GPS unit with suggested layups, distances to hazards, front, middle, back, etc.

Unlike the V3 watch the H4 handheld does not automatically detect your swing. The H4 relies on the golfer to “tag” the club before each shot to register position. You hole the sensor to the H4 and it instantly vibrates to signal that it has the club. You can see the name of the club on the screen of the H4 after tagging. 

This may seem like a hassle, but as I read reviews of various watch based systems missing shots, I came to like the idea of having to tag it myself. I have worked it into my pre-shot routine and tagging the club serves as a trigger that I’ve moved into the “action zone”. So far I’ve logged two rounds and not a missed shot, which made post round editing in app or on PC a breeze.

What if you don't tag a shot?

Edit from Matt: I missed a few shots on the golf course because the process is so new to me. It made me worried that it would destroy the data. But you can edit the shots afterward on the app on your phone. You can click and drag the location and name the club you used. Just remember where you were and what club you used!

The trigger of moving into the 'action zone' of the shot has helped to get me more focused on my shot and is a mental game side-benefit I did not expect!

H4 Pin Collect

The H4 Pin Collect shows up when you reach the green. This is an important feature but if you forget to do it or don't know how to do it, like I did on the first round with the H4, you can edit it on the app.

The important part is to input how many putts you took and then stand at the hole and use the Pin Collect feature to tell the unit where the pin is on the green. This helps to make the putting stats more accurate for your record keeping. If you don't do this, it will have a hard time keeping accurate data for your game. 

Pros

Cons

What data can the H4 give a golfer?

Now we get to the fun stuff… the data. The H4 gives you three different distances for your clubs;

Longest, Average, and P-Avg (Playing Average).

The first two are self explanatory, but the playing average removes outliers from tops, duffs, scoops, thinned shots, etc. This gives valuable real life distances that mean more to me than LM numbers. There is also Strokes Gained data for a quick comparison of your game to your handicap peers that is in an easily understood “at a glance” reference, or it can be as deep a dive as you like.

All in all I don’t think you could get more bang for the buck out of a shot tracker. While it may not have an A.I. caddy like it’s competition, it’s a more than capable unit for game development and it’s lack of subscription fees and lifetime updates to the firmware make it a great choice for the value minded golfer.

How big is the H4 Shot Scope?

The little device is similar to the size of a golf ball and flat enough to not bother you on your belt, in your pocket or hanging from your bag. 

Final Thoughts

If you don't like a watch, the Shot Scope H4 is a nice device to use for the exact same functions. But check out my review on the Pro LX as well because you can use it as a combination with the Rangefinder to have a super distance measuring device. The H4 clips onto the Pro LX!

The data that it tracks is useful to help you keep track of what you're hitting your clubs, how you're playing and how to improve. 

You get the sensors, you get the distance measurements and the stats to analyze your game at a great price - what's not to like? If you're interested in a launch monitor, check out the Mevo plus review and the Skytrak review.