Why I Chose the ProTee VX Launch Monitor
“Choosing the right launch monitor is a deeply personal choice. Every golfer has distinct needs, and each space has its own unique characteristics.”
Tom Murray
President and Founder of SimCaddy
As a passionate golfer who plays regularly, I’m always exploring ways to improve my game. Living in Canada, I take full advantage of the golf season outdoors, but when winter rolls around, I rely on my indoor golf simulator to keep my skills sharp. Over the years, I’ve realized that a reliable, feature-rich launch monitor is crucial for a rewarding golf simulator experience.
My journey with golf simulators began almost a decade ago when I purchased the CX Surround ceiling-mounted launch monitor from GSA Golf. Although it was cutting-edge at the time, it had some limitations in reliability and support. I later transitioned to a portable, floor-based unit, which had its own mix of strengths and quirks. However, it wasn’t until I discovered the ProTee VX that I finally felt my setup was complete.
I first discovered the ProTee VX at the 2022 PGA Show, where its straightforward design, user-friendliness, and robust features immediately stood out to me. At the time, many launch monitors required cumbersome setups—whether it was using specially marked golf balls, attaching club stickers, or precisely placing the ball on an infrared dot—all of which detracted from the natural flow of the game. The ProTee VX, however, offered a streamlined experience without the need for these extras. Despite being in its beta phase, I was confident enough to purchase it as soon as it became available later that year. Now, after more than a year of consistent use, I’m happy with my purchase decision and haven’t looked back.
Here’s why I ultimately chose the ProTee VX for my golf simulator:
Instantaneous Feedback
The VX’s lightning-fast shot registration is one of its standout features. Over the years, I’ve experienced delays between striking the ball and seeing the shot register, even with high-end systems. The VX eliminates this issue, providing instant feedback for a seamless and realistic experience.
Advanced Photometric Technology
The VX utilizes state-of-the-art photometric camera technology to capture ball movement at thousands of frames per second. Within the industry, it’s generally accepted that while radar-based systems perform exceptionally well outdoors, photometric technology offers greater reliability indoors—where the VX is specifically designed to operate.
Accuracy
The ProTee VX is known for delivering highly accurate club and ball data, making it ideal for golfers who prioritize precision. While some comparisons with other launch monitors may show slight variations, these differences are often too small to be meaningful for the average golfer. What's important is ProTee United's commitment to refining their product through regular firmware updates. This continuous improvement ensures that the system remains reliable and accurate, giving golfers confidence that they are using a product that evolves with the latest advancements in technology.
Ambidextrous Convenience
The VX accommodates both left- and right-handed golfers without any adjustments. This was a significant upgrade for my family, as switching between left- and right-handed play my previous floor-based monitor required repositioning the unit for each shot. The VX’s ceiling-mounted design eliminates this hassle, making it far more user-friendly.
No Special Equipment Required
The VX doesn’t need any specially marked golf ball or club stickers, allowing you to play naturally using the same golf ball you use during outdoor play. Its advanced photometric technology ensures accuracy without these extras, enhancing the overall experience.
Excellent User Experience
The VX offers a large strike zone, with a maximum size of 65cm x 55cm (25" x 21"), giving ample space for your swings. Equipped with artificial intelligence, the VX lights up and gives a voice-activated “Ready” signal when a ball enters the strike zone, letting you know it’s time to take your shot.
Easy Installation and Calibration
Designed as a ceiling-mounted, plug-and-play solution, the VX is perfect for those who value simplicity. While professional installation for this type of investment is recommended, the process is straightforward, and calibration takes just seconds, allowing you to spend more time playing and less time troubleshooting.
Flexibility and Compatibility
The VX is a one-time purchase that integrates seamlessly with popular third-party software like GS Pro, E6, and TGC2019. You’re not locked into a single ecosystem, giving you the freedom to choose the software that best fits your needs.
Comprehensive Features
The VX includes ProTee Labs, a driving range software with video replay for precise swing analysis. It provides extensive ball and club data while maintaining a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for both seasoned golfers and newcomers. While the software already offers impressive features, there’s still potential for growth, and regular updates from ProTee United continue to enhance the overall experience.
Outstanding Technical Support
ProTee United offers excellent technical support, with a built-in ticketing system within the software for instant issue reporting. My experience with their support team has been consistently positive, with quick responses and effective resolutions.
Value for money
After evaluating launch monitors across various price points, I can confidently say the VX offers exceptional value and was worth the upgrade from my previous system. It delivers features comparable to units that cost two or three times as much, making it a wise investment.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right launch monitor is a deeply personal choice. Every golfer has distinct needs, and each space has its own unique characteristics. Fortunately, today’s market offers a wide range of options to suit various preferences. Based on my experience, there’s no such thing as a “bad” launch monitor on the market—each one has its own unique features and performance, aligned with its price point. For me, the VX checked all the boxes that were important to me.
The ProTee VX launch monitor truly stands out as the perfect engine for building a high-performance golf simulator. Its combination of exceptional performance, versatility, and value meets all my needs, and I’m confident it will do the same for other golfers looking to elevate their indoor game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to golf simulators, the VX offers a high-quality experience that’s hard to beat.
Tip: Protect Your Investment
Golf simulator launch monitors are a significant investment. While the VX provides incredible value, it’s essential to protect it. Given the sensitive nature of the technology, I strongly recommend investing in a protective cover for the VX. I’ve seen damage to ceiling-mounted units, it happens, so safeguarding your investment is crucial.
Additionally, as another wise precaution, I recommend using a surge protector to protect all of your golf simulator electronics.