GC2 or SkyTrak?

[p3eps]

Firstly - Hi folks! I've just signed up to the forum as I'm having a bit of a dilemma. I've got a double car garage and have been considering putting a golf simulator in for about 2 years now. Finally I've decided to go with it, but am unsure on which way to go.

I'm in Scotland, and have a friend who lives in Houston. He's coming home for Christmas in a couple of weeks - and I'd talked him into buying a GC2 for me and taking it home. The price I'd pay in the UK for a GC2 would be the equivalent of over $10000(US), so you can see why it'd benefit me for him to take one back from the US.

Whilst talking to a UK specialist about getting an impact screen etc, he mentioned the SkyTrak was just out and is similar to the CG2. I can see it came out on Friday, and is only $2000. From what I can see it is slightly less accurate, and currently only works on iPad. This isn't an issue as I have the required iPad... but I'm wanting to build a simulator setup. From reading here, I can see that SkyTrak will eventually support E6. The main factor for me is that SkyTrak is less than 1/3rd of the price of the GC2... however the GC2 is a proven piece of kit that everyone knows and loves. The SkyTrak is new and has no real life reviews yet. Perhaps a bit of a risk?

I was intending buying the GC2 with the Foresight Performance Software and the $995 upgrade to FSX - however I've had my eyes opened to ProTee! It's a good bit less money and offers 100+ courses instead of 1!

I have the money to buy the GC2... but if I could spend less then I'd rather keep some money for other things!

Perhaps someone can give me some advice as to what I should do? I need to make a decision soon, as whatever package I choose will have to be with my friend by the middle of December! Thanks...

[bubba22]

Just to correct you, the ProTee software will soon include TGC which has over 32000 courses. The Skytrak gas just launched. It has no simulation as of yet. Just a range software. My advice is get the GC2 if you want simulation right now. If you can wait, then hold off and see what happens in the new year. You have been waiting 2 years, what's another 3 months!

[p3eps]

Thanks for the reply Bubba...

My problem is that my friend is coming back to Scotland for Christmas. If I want him to take me back one of these LM's, I need to have it ordered and delivered to him within the next couple of weeks.

The SkyTrak is unlikely to be released in Europe for a long time, and the GC2 is massively more expensive over here in the UK. If I miss this opportunity of getting one taken over, it may be 6+ months until he comes back home again.

My wife and I are due to have our first child in March 2015. This means I'm unlikely to get the same time to get out and play golf. If I have a setup in my garage I can go play for an hour or two - rather than being gone for half a day for a 'real' round. Also, in 3 months times this nice bundle of cash I have assigned for a LM will probably be re-assigned to buying baby stuff

I'm not desperate for simulation now... but I am desperate for something to help improve my game! I'd quite happily use either the GC2 / SkyTrak with just the iPad app for 6 months to allow me to keep swinging in my garage when I can't get out on the course... but my goal is to eventually have simulation.

From reading the entire SkyTrak thread, I can see you've been heavily involved in the testing... and providing most of the information on that thread.
A couple of questions based on you being one of the few people out there who've used both...
If money wasn't an issue - which of the 2 would you pick?
If you were paying for it yourself - which of the 2 would you pick?
Is the GC2 significantly better than the SkyTrak? i.e. 3 times better?

[bubba22]

Thanks for the reply Bubba...

My problem is that my friend is coming back to Scotland for Christmas. If I want him to take me back one of these LM's, I need to have it ordered and delivered to him within the next couple of weeks.

The SkyTrak is unlikely to be released in Europe for a long time, and the GC2 is massively more expensive over here in the UK. If I miss this opportunity of getting one taken over, it may be 6+ months until he comes back home again.

My wife and I are due to have our first child in March 2015. This means I'm unlikely to get the same time to get out and play golf. If I have a setup in my garage I can go play for an hour or two - rather than being gone for half a day for a 'real' round. Also, in 3 months times this nice bundle of cash I have assigned for a LM will probably be re-assigned to buying baby stuff

I'm not desperate for simulation now... but I am desperate for something to help improve my game! I'd quite happily use either the GC2 / SkyTrak with just the iPad app for 6 months to allow me to keep swinging in my garage when I can't get out on the course... but my goal is to eventually have simulation.

From reading the entire SkyTrak thread, I can see you've been heavily involved in the testing... and providing most of the information on that thread.
A couple of questions based on you being one of the few people out there who've used both...
If money wasn't an issue - which of the 2 would you pick?
If you were paying for it yourself - which of the 2 would you pick?
Is the GC2 significantly better than the SkyTrak? i.e. 3 times better?

GC2
Skytrak
No

[wbond]

Just a thought. I have two friends who purchased gc2's and they both had to wait for over a month to 6 weeks to get them. So if you need it in a couple weeks you may have a hard time finding one, maybe not but you need to look asap. Keep in mind, i don't think skytrak has shipped any items either. At least i don't have a shipping notification for mine.

[p3eps]

I spoke with SkyTrak's online support on Monday - who advised that if I bought a unit today, it would be delivered to Houston within 2-3 weeks.
I've been speaking with a GC2 distributor in the USA for a few weeks now, who have the units in stock. If I decide to go with one of them, it will be delivered a few days after purchase.

I'd rather have the GC2 because its a known unit which has been around for years and it very successful and good at what it does. I've used my Pro's one in the past, and it's well endorsed by many golf manufacturers and pros.
Obviously the sticking point is the price tag.
Having said that... if the UK simulator man hadn't mentioned SkyTrak to me on Monday, I would have just bought the GC2!

[Dax]

Check the Skytrak thread, I believe someone questioned if you can eve import the Skytrak into Europe at the moment. Not sure on the CG2, but might be another factor to consider.

[p3eps]

Check the Skytrak thread, I believe someone questioned if you can eve import the Skytrak into Europe at the moment. Not sure on the CG2, but might be another factor to consider.

I think the issue is that the SkyTrak has not been CE marked yet, so doesn't meet European safety regulations for it being sold over here. That prevents European distributers selling it until it is tested and meets these regulations. That doesn't stop an individual purchasing one in the US and taking it back to Europe.

I've already checked with Foresight, and the GC2 is compatible with 110V and 240V - all I would need to do is swap the power cable from a 2 pin to a UK 3 pin.

[skyeoh]

I spoke with SkyTrak's online support on Monday - who advised that if I bought a unit today, it would be delivered to Houston within 2-3 weeks.
I've been speaking with a GC2 distributor in the USA for a few weeks now, who have the units in stock. If I decide to go with one of them, it will be delivered a few days after purchase.

I'd rather have the GC2 because its a known unit which has been around for years and it very successful and good at what it does. I've used my Pro's one in the past, and it's well endorsed by many golf manufacturers and pros.
Obviously the sticking point is the price tag.
Having said that... if the UK simulator man hadn't mentioned SkyTrak to me on Monday, I would have just bought the GC2!

Interesting to note that they keep delaying the delivery ....... wonder why?
It isn't all that difficult to pack it and send it out to UPS unless they haven't gotten the stocks yet.
Black Friday and Christmas rush plus the winter/snow season will definitely have further impact on the delivery date
If I were you, go with the GC2. SkyTrak is losing it credibility..... and real quick down a slippery/icy slope.

[wbond]

Well, i wouldn't put much stock into responses from online support. They have been incorrect a few times already. I understand the price tag issue. There is a big difference in initial price. If you've got the funds and were initially going with the gc2 anyway, go with it. You won't be disappointed and you know exactly what you'll be getting.

I spoke with SkyTrak's online support on Monday - who advised that if I bought a unit today, it would be delivered to Houston within 2-3 weeks.

Obviously the sticking point is the price tag.
Having said that... if the UK simulator man hadn't mentioned SkyTrak to me on Monday, I would have just bought the GC2!

[p3eps]

The reason SkyTrak isn't shipping yet is that they don't have manuals for them. Apparently they have to ship with a user manual?

[skyeoh]

The reason SkyTrak isn't shipping yet is that they don't have manuals for them. Apparently they have to ship with a user manual?

Good excuse. They also committed in that site that shipping starts this Friday. We shall see....

[wbond]

I wouldn't call this post a commitment to ship.

"My understanding is that the ship date is now targeting this Friday."

[skyeoh]

I wouldn't call this post a commitment to ship.

"My understanding is that the ship date is now targeting this Friday."

We shall see if they plan to meet their "target" or miss it again.

[p3eps]

After thinking about this for the last couple of days, I've made up my mind that I'm going to go with the GC2. The cost is higher, but at least I know what I'm getting for my money. The uncertainty of SkyTrak has put me off.

My next dilemma is do I go with the Foresight software or ProTee?
I think the answer is going to be a unanimous ProTee from you guys after reading some of the posts on here. Is it simple enough to set up the GC2 with ProTee?

[skyeoh]

Good decision, they have yet shipped my order. I am not optimistic they have their act together and I am wondering if it is worth the wait.

[mthunt]

Very simple. A great way to go. The Foresight software is great but really pricy. The TGC is the cherry on top.

[Scottliv]

Hi p3eps

I also have the option of getting a GC2 through an American friend (I live in England).

I was worried about compatibility (software and power) , is this not a problem as far as you know?
Thanks

Scott

[p3eps]

Scott...

My can't see software being an issue, as you're just going to install it on a computer. I don't think a UK computer works any different to a US one.
The GC2 has an internal battery, so has a charger that plugs into it. The charger can be used with 110V or 240V. Obviously it'll be supplied with a 2 pin lead, but I assume the lead in the charger will be removable to allow you to swap between countries. When I spoke with Foresight UK they said they could send me a UK and US lead.

The only other sticking point is that you have to have a US registered card and address to be able to buy one of these in the US. Normally I order stuff off Amazon.com etc, pay for it, and have it delivered to my friend to take back for me. On this occasion he will have to order it himself with his money. Luckily he is a very good friend and is happy to pay out the £4024 for me and get it back later!

[Scottliv]

Thanks p3eps

I think I'll do the same then. My choice will be the protee and TGC.

Have you priced up the total cost of all that in £?

Appreciate the help

[p3eps]

The only thing I've priced so far is the GC2 (and shipping to Houston) which is £4024 - although moves a little bit depending on the exchange rate!
The software is bought directly from ProTee and I think was a little under £1000 last time I looked. The guy who is doing my projection net / side curtains keeps advising me to wait for SkyTrak as it'll cost less than 1/3rd of the price and eventually work with E6 - which in his opinion is miles better than ProTee / TGC.

[Scottliv]

Ok thanks

I think your last comment about E6 will get a big response from people here (a lot of protee/TGC fans from what I have read). I can't really comment, I have used E6, SportsCoach and GC2 but not enough for a real conclusion (I liked them all TBH)

The only problem with waiting is your mate might be coming home next christmas before skytrack release any sim software.

I can afford to wait a little longer as I see these guys every other month so I will.

Let us know what you decide

Scott

[p3eps]

People on here generally don't rate E6 from what I read. The guy is telling me that version 1.6 is going to be amazing!

My friend is back a few times a year, so I'm not too fussed. I feel like I'd rather have the GC2 just because of it's reputation, and I kind of want it now. It's a proven unit, but the SkyTrak is new and unknown. I bought a projector today, and am ordering my screen next week once my sample arrives.
I'd love to have it all working before New Year.

[Scottliv]

I think if I was as far forward as you I'd go with the GC2.

I still have to get my garage extension built (awaiting quotes) so it gives me breathing space.

I have played the GC2 a few times and think you will not be dissapointed. As you already know the course prices are ridiculous but protee etc soften the blow.

[p3eps]

I've used GC2 with my pro before, but only with an iPad app.
Never seen it connected to a projector / sim.
I'm 90% sold on GC2... so unless there are some miracle SkyTrak reviews in the next week, that's the route I'll be going down.

[Smudge_si]

Hi p3eps , I'm in the UK too and in the process of building a garage for my sim ( Prob gc2) , just wondering where you where getting your screen sample from ? I can't seem to find much in the UK.

Cheers

[Dax]

I can't see how the current ver of e6 is better than TGC? Hopefully the person who commented has beta tested 1.6 as well as TGC as from what I've seen TGC looks very good.

[p3eps]

You're right Smudge... There is hardly anything available in the UK for golf simulators.
I've been speaking with Steve at golftechsystems who has quoted me for a net etc.
I sent him a drawing of what I'm trying to do, along with sizes and a couple of photos of my garage. After a couple of phone calls and emails, he gave me a pretty decent quote.
I want to be able to use my garage for keeping cars in when I go on holiday / bad weather - so my sim has to be easily removable.
I'm getting a screen on the back wall (which is fixed) and side curtains that slide back against the wall when not in use. Close the curtains and lift the tee mat, and the cars can come in!
I'm ready to go with it, but I'm getting a sample of the materials used before committing.

Dax - the guy commenting on the E6 is saying its better because E6 is used by most of the main simulators and launch monitors - and is actual simulation software. Now that TGC has joined with ProTee, it may end up with consoles playing against simulators... and end up very 'arcade like'.
He also thinks ProTee graphics are very average and the new E6 1.6 is much better graphically.

[bubba22]

I think you are misinformed about ProTee, TGC and E6. TGC will not allow sim vs consoles. The sim version of TGC is a true simulator software. I have Proteeplay (Red Chain), TGC and E6 softwares and by far TGC is the best. We will see how E6 1.6 looks once released. Don't really just on this guy commenting. Research and read the forums and ask lots of questions. By the way there are many posts on portable garage setups even with sensor systems like ProTee. They take 5 min to setup and takedown.

[goatbarn]

p3eps, I'd agree with him that the Protee graphics are, in my opinion, even below average. Especially when you look outside of the golf simulator software world. We've really have to trick ourselves into believing this is the best it gets (Red Chain, E6, Optishot...etc.) They are all wayyy behind the rest of the 3D graphics world.

Maybe after we see what TGC is going to cost for non-Protee systems can we compare. Because at the current cost of E6 software and courses, it would really have to be quite an upgrade for E6 1.6 to beat out TGC. I just don't see it.