Best Golf Ball Tracking Devices

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Improving your game is much easier than it used to be. Mindlessly hitting balls or playing a few games with your friends won’t improve your golf skills very much. Luckily, artificial intelligence has drastically changed the way we golf and how we can improve our game.

Golfers can view all types of stats with golf GPS tracking devices and apps to pinpoint where their strengths and weaknesses are. Thanks to these devices and the sensors in your clubs, you’re able to track plenty of useful analytics about your performance.

Investing in golf tracking devices allows you to save time by practicing smarter and more efficiently. Although golf coaches are great for developing your game, they can’t give you tips every time you practice. Not to mention they’re quite expensive! Golf ball-tracking devices are the perfect solution to improve your game while saving time and money.

Rather than taking random tips from your friends, these affordable gadgets will improve your swing and performance. Continue reading to learn what golf ball tracking is, how it can help you, and the best golf ball tracking devices in the market. Let’s begin!

In a hurry? These are our top 6 picks:

Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors – Best Overall

Game Golf Live Tracking System – Most In-Depth Tracker

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor – Best For Feedback

Garmin Approach G80 – Best Practice Tool

Blast Motion Golf Swing Analyzer – Best For Swing Improvement

SkyCaddie SX500 – Best Battery Life

What is Golf Ball Tracking?

Golf ball tracking, also known as shot tracking, utilizes sensors that attach to the grips of your club to record every single shot on the golf course. After each round, you’ll upload the data onto an online dashboard or app. These apps will tell you top-level stats such as greens in regulation, fairway hits, putting metrics, and scrambling percentages.

Most people overestimate how far they are hitting their golf balls. The golf ball tracking system will tell you the distances for each hit. Depending on the system you choose, you may see in-depth advanced stats like strokes gained.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Golf Ball Tracking Devices?

One of the main advantages of using golf ball tracking devices is telling you where you hit the ball on your club and how far it went. In addition, AI technology will analyze your game and identify where your weak points are.

Some apps will display the shot dispersion by club so that golfers can gameplan for their next rounds. Even if you already have a golf coach, these devices can help you communicate the ailments in your game.

It’s important to note that there are some disadvantages to using these devices. For example, some apps will only show you the statistics of every shot. However, it’s up to you to piece the information together and develop your game plan to improve your game. In addition, you won’t be able to transfer data between multiple apps. That means you should be committed to using a single app and device.

Best Golf Ball Tracking Devices for Golf Game Improvement

After experimenting with dozens of golf ball tracking systems, we’ve come up with our top 5 devices to help improve your game

Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors – Best Overall

Arccos Golf Caddie Smart Sensors
  • Winner of four-straight Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Awards for “Best Game Analyzer, ” Arccos Caddie is golf’s first and only fully-automatic performance tracking system. It features 14 sensors, one for every club in your bag.
  • Access to the award winning Arccos Caddie app, golf’s Smartest Caddie.
  • Automatic shot tracking, hands-free fully automatic data capture.
  • A. I. Powered GPS Rangefinder, first-ever rangefinder that adjusts in real-time for wind (including gusts), elevation, temperature, humidity and altitude providing the most precise yardage in the game the Arccos Caddie Number.
  • Personalized Caddie Advice that leverages A. I. to provide you with your optimal strategy.
  • Smart Distance Club Averages, know how far to actually hit all your clubs so you select the right one for every shot.
  • Strokes Gained Analytics with personalized insights using A.I. to highlight strengths and weaknesses and guide your practice & equipment choices
  • Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors include the first year’s membership to the Arccos Caddie app

Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Whether you’re a beginner or a tournament pro, the Arccos Caddie can help lower your handicap and improve your game. Their smart sensors easily stick onto 14 of your clubs, and they can be switched to another club at any time. The sensors are then paired with your smartphone camera and app. Once installed, the GPS will track the distance of every shot.

In addition, this system includes a rangefinder that takes into account all conditions like slopes, wind, and elevation, so that you receive the most accurate data.

Once it’s gotten a feel for your clubs, it will give you recommendations on which club you should use based on how far you are away from the hole. You’ll also receive useful information such as where your misses commonly occur, how many greens and fairways you hit in regulation, how many putts it takes to complete every hole, and your average drive length.

Pros
  • Rangefinders adjust for conditions such as wind, temperature, elevation, altitude, and humidity.
  • Personalized caddie advice uses AI technology to give you advice on the best strategy.
  • It comes with automatic shot tracking and hands-free operation.
  • The product includes a year of membership for the Arccos app.
  • The mobile app is detailed and easy to navigate.
Cons
  • The app, especially with the GPS mode turned on, can suck up a lot of your phone battery.

Game Golf Live Tracking System – Most In-Depth Tracker

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Game Golf is a comprehensive system that will help you identify the weakness in your game, track your shots, and allow you to interact with other golfers. There are two primary components to this tracking system. First, a tracker easily clips onto your belt buckle with a built-in GPS and internal battery, which automatically connects to the Bluetooth from your phone.

The second component of the system is the tags that are installed on the grips. These tags provide an identity to each club in your bag, and once the tags touch the tracker, it will have a GPS location of that particular club. Once paired with the tag, the trackers keep track of a variety of data such as distance of various putts, rough and fairway percentages, and club distances.

You can see the cumulative overview of your stats or the average distance of each club as well. This system even displays your approach tendencies.

Pros
  • It provides real-time shot tracking as soon as you hit the ball.
  • The system offers an excellent variety and in-depth stats such as strokes gained.
  • Club designation for the tags allows for easy setup.
  • SMART tips feature provides tips for practice sessions to improve areas of your game.
  • Sort data by club, distance, round, and lie to monitor trends and progress over time.
Cons
  • Must remember to tag each shot to ensure the system is recording.

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor – Best for Feedback

Sale
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf Indoor and Outdoor Use with GPS Satellite View and Professional Level Accuracy, iPhone & iPad Only,Black/Red
  • Game and industry changing Mobile Launch Monitor
  • NEW Compatible with Titleist RCT golf balls for spin measurement
  • Immediate swing replay with shot trace technology turns your iPhone and iPad into a golf swing camera
  • 10 core metrics including carry distance, total distance, side carry, club speed, ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, and smash factor
  • NEW R-Speed swing platform to record and serve as your golf swing speed trainer
  • This golf training equipment is compatible with The Stack System, SuperSpeed Speed Sticks, and Rypstick. iOS compatible only. iPhone or iPad required
  • The only device to pair iOS camera with radar processing for precise measurement
  • Structured practice sessions with the Rapsodo Combines - 24 total shots - 2 approach targets - 1 driver target
  • The ultimate golf swing training aid
  • Great golf gift

Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor bolsters some of the most impressive features out there. Certainly, one of its best features is the video capture capability. Simply sync the club to your phone’s camera through the app, and it will record the club you’re hitting. This removes the need to tag all of your clubs or touch the sensors.

The Rapsodo launch monitor will capture videos of you hitting shots and show you shot-tracer overlay graphics on the screen. In addition, it’ll even display key metrics like launch angle, ball speed, and carry distance.

We’re also very impressed by the graphics and ease of use. Inside the shot library, you’ll find a grid format with an overhead dispersion graph. This system differs from others because you can replay your shots and see footage of your swings along with the scores and stats next to it. As a result, we believe this system gives you the best feedback compared to other golf trackers out there.

Pros
  • It takes less than a minute to set up.
  • The GPS satellite view lets you see precisely where your shots land.
  • Stat history will show you averages, trajectory, dispersion, and standard deviation.
  • Tracking works in an indoor or outdoor environment.
  • Provides video feedback so you can visually see the cause and effect.
Cons
  • Quite expensive compared to other systems.

Garmin Approach G80 – Best Practice Tool

Sale
Garmin Approach G80, All-in-One Premium GPS Golf Handheld with Integrated Launch Monitor, 3.5" Touchscreen, Black/White
  • Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
  • Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance
  • Preloaded with more than 41, 000 detailed color golf course maps worldwide
  • Practice and game modes allow you to test your skills and work to improve your game
  • Rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours with GPS; Club head speed accuracy: +/- 5 mph

Last update on 2024-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Garmin Approach G80 has a very accurate and robust GPS feature. During your practice sessions, it will display key metrics such as ball speed, clubhead speed, smash factor, estimated carry distance and roll, and swing tempo.

From our research, we found the Garmin Approach G80 to be an excellent tool for practice sessions. Users can set the device into practice mode. You won’t have to tell it which clubs you’re using. It will simply begin tracking. You can set targets, and after hitting the balls, the device will provide scores on how well you performed based on accuracy.

One of the unique aspects of this tracker is its virtual round feature. Users can load up to any golf course around the world and begin swinging. Based on your swing, the device will simulate where you land given the course and its simulated conditions.

Pros
  • Rechargeable batteries can last up to 15 hours even while using GPS.
  • Offers practice and game modes for you to sharpen your skills.
  • The PlaysLike distance feature shares the precise distance to your target adjusted for slopes.
  • It provides training feedback on a range such as tempo, ball speed, and clubhead speed.
  • Garmin app lets you save your data to view your progress and compete with other golfers.
Cons
  • There are many other cheaper options if you’re just looking for GPS functionality.

Blast Motion Golf Swing Analyzer – Best For Swing Improvement

Blast Golf - Swing and Stroke Analyzer (Sensor) I Captures Putting, Full Swing, Short Game Bunker Modes, Air Mode, Slo-Mo Video Capture, App Enabled (iOS Android Compatible)
  • LOWER YOUR SCORES: Blast Golf works from tee to green and by focusing on your short game, you'll lower your scores fast! The Blast sensor provides real-time feedback that's sent automatically to the Blast golf smart phone app.
  • ADVANCED SHORT GAME INSIGHTS: The Blast Golf app provides advanced insights to help build a consistent tempo, stay on path, control your speed & distance, & more,providing videos with tips and drills from coaches, pro players, and industry experts.
  • TRAIN ANYWHERE, ANYWHERE: No ball, no problem! Use Air Swings mode to train anywhere, anytime and improve your skills year-round, regardless of weather, location, or skillset.
  • VISUALIZE YOUR SWING: Use the Blast Golf app and smart phone to capture video of your putting or full-swing session and the Blast app will auto-clip the video to provide highlights of each swing or stroke, with metrics overlaid, for easy review.
  • THE BLAST ADVANTAGE: Blast Golf is the top swing & stroke improvement solution, trusted by more pros, colleges, & more at every level. The Blast sensor is highly accurate, easy to use, & provides real-time feedback to help lower your scores.

Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Blast Motion is a simple sensor device that attaches to your club to capture the motion data of your swing. Once paired with the app, you’ll receive instant feedback about your golf swing. Rather than using guesswork, you can use the feedback and data to practice more effectively.

For example, after each hit, you’ll be able to see key stats such as impact stroke speed, forward and backstroke rotation, rotation and loft change, and lie change. Along with the capability to capture video of your swings, it’s easy to make great strides in your swing. For example, it can help your putts by focusing on getting the rotation change and tempo correct so that the clubface isn’t too closed or open during impact.

With the video recording, you can view your swing frame-by-frame in slow motion to see every little detail. Seeing the data next to the video lets you receive great feedback on how you can improve.

Pros
  • Able to record a video of your swing, and it replays in slow motion with metrics overlaid.
  • The blast swing analyzer can easily attach to the end of any club.
  • The analyzer offers plenty of detailed stats and analytics.
  • Very affordable price.
  • It helps you dial in your tempo, club angle, and swing speed.
Cons
  • The app could improve its UX design.

SkyCaddie SX500 – Best Battery Life

SkyCaddie SX500, Handheld Golf GPS, Black
  • Golf’s largest & most brilliant high definition 5” touch screen
  • Preloaded with over 35, 000 of sky Golf's ground-verified, error-corrected maps for unmatched accuracy. Battery - Hi-capacity rechargeable Li-Polymer battery. 12-14 hours continuous use
  • Halve with integrated targets. Simply double tap or pinch & zoom to reveal up to 40 geo-referenced targets per hole for critical distances to hazards, carries & layups
  • Dynamic halve rotates the fairway and orients the green from your current position and angle of Attach as you move from the tee to the green
  • Cut the cord Wi-Fi connectivity to streamline updates, register & course downloads on demand. No need to connect to a computer
  • Included components: micro usb cable, wall charger

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The SkyCaddie SX500 is a GPS rangefinder with a large LCD screen and a very long battery life. Knowing the details of the golf course gives you a competitive advantage and lets you know where you should aim and what to look out for.

Having the SX500 is like owning a detailed caddie book. This device has clear graphics of the entire course. You can toggle and zoom in through any angle of the holes, greens, or fairways.

The SX500 also has a rugged design so that you can drop it, and it won’t get damaged. And perhaps its best feature is its battery life. Most trackers only last about one or two rounds. The SX500 lasts up to 15 hours, and the batteries can be easily recharged.

Pros
  • It offers a shot tracker to see the clubs used, the distance of every shot, and the location.
  • The device tracks the score and every hit for each round broken down by greens and fairway
  • IntelliPath technology provides distances to any target or important attributes on the course like hazards, end of the fairway, and more.
  • Bellevue lets you zoom in and view the entire course so you can scope it out before each round
  • The 5-inch screen lets you see details of the course easily
Cons
  • It doesn’t provide tips on how to improve your swing

What to Look for in Golf Ball Tracking Devices (Buyers Guide)

Understanding what you’re looking for when buying golf tracking devices can help you choose the one that suits your preferences. Here are things you should know before making a decision.

Ease of Use

Whether it’s a rangefinder, launch monitor, golf GPS, or golf swing analyzer, you should preferably find something easy to use. Ideally, they should have an easy-to-read and navigate interface. Many systems contain graph charts and allow you to sort by categories or time. These devices should be helpful rather than cause confusion.

Technology

Most people forget to check that the courses in the system are listed. Always check to see whether the course in the device is one that you play on. Technology to look for is real-time GPS tracking, score tracker, AI-built suggestions for game improvement, video recording capabilities to break down your golf swing.

Durability and Warranty

Many of these devices vary in price. The launch monitors and swing analyzers tend to be more expensive than the golf GPS tracking products. Make sure to keep these devices in storage cases. Many manufacturers offer a 1 to 2-year warranty so that if anything goes wrong, you have something to fall back on.

Usefulness

When buying any game improvement device, you want to make sure you’re going to be using it for a long time. It shouldn’t be something that simply gathers dust in the basement. Make sure you read the features, reviews, and videos the manufacturer puts out so that you’re sure that these devices will be useful to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a golf GPS, rangefinder, and a golf swing analyzer?

A golf GPS or rangefinder is designed to calculate the distance for your target for various locations on the course so that you can devise a strategy for each hole. In contrast, a golf swing analyzer helps you measure and improve your golf swing. Some systems have both functions built-in.

What’s the difference between a golf swing analyzer and a launch monitor?

Although the launch monitor and golf swing monitors both improve your swing, there is a key difference. Launch monitors sit on top of your golf ball while golf swing analyzers attach to your club. Both devices display similar stats such as swing speed, ball speed, and other metrics.

What is the best golf ball tracking device?

In terms of just tracking distances, we like the Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors system. You’ll be able to track distances no matter the conditions of the course accurately. Also, you can fix your game with its in-depth data. It will show you tendencies and averages, such as where you commonly miss shots.

Are golf swing analyzers accurate?

Swing analyzers are incredibly accurate. They utilize radar technology attached to your equipment to take measurements of your motion while swinging. It can track various data categories such as ball flight time, shot height, ball speed, clubhead speed, carry distance, launch angle, and spin rate. Swing analyzers can help you with everything from getting a proper fitting for your clubs to correcting your swing issues.

Do I need a swing analyzer?

It’s undeniable that swing analyzers provide a lot of in-depth feedback on your golf swing. These swing analyzers will track every shot and provide key metrics like distance, speeds, and angles. In addition, the app will likely tell you the strengths and weaknesses of your game. For example, you may be hitting a lot of long strokes. However, you may continuously miss fairways, which is costing you strokes. Or you may think that you have an excellent iron game, but the stats show that your wedges could use some work.

Shot trackers are great for in-game adjustments because you will know how far to hit each club rather than guessing. This allows you to improve your score without changing your swing significantly.

Wrapping Up

There are so many golf tracking devices in the market that it can be difficult to choose the best one. First, determine your budget and what you need the most. Some people simply want to track the distances and improve their scores. Others want to bring the device into their practice sessions and improve their golf swings. We hope you found our review of the best golf ball tracking devices to be insightful.

Best Golf Ball Tracking Devices | Our Top 6 Picks

Looking for the best golf ball tracking devices but don't know where to start? We compared some of the top brands and ranked our top 6 picks. Check them out!

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Editor's Rating:
4.9