The Quick Verdict
Get the Optoma GT2400HDR. It lists at $1,599, which is $400 under the BenQ at list, and Optoma publishes 16.7 ms of input lag at 1080p 60Hz against BenQ's 33.4 ms. It's also the lighter of the two. The exception is a square impact screen. BenQ lists 1:1 among the shapes the BenQ AH500ST 1080P Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector can fill, and 1:1 isn't among the modes Optoma lists for the GT2400HDR. BenQ also names a golf picture mode, rates its laser life and publishes a warranty term. Optoma doesn't publish any of those three for this model. Check price at The Indoor Golf Shop →
What They Have in Common
Each is a 1920x1080 laser projector with a native 16:9 shape. Neither has lens shift, and each has a single fixed throw ratio: 0.499:1 on the BenQ and 0.496:1 on the Optoma. Both makers list 4:3 among the selectable shapes. On paper, they mount in the same place.
Where They Differ
Throw and image size
Image width is the throw distance divided by the throw ratio. From 10 ft back, the BenQ throws an image 20.0 ft wide (10 ft ÷ 0.499), and the Optoma throws one 20.2 ft wide (10 ft ÷ 0.496). Flip it around for a 10 ft wide image, and both sit 5.0 ft from the screen.
A 0.5 throw ratio is the difference between hanging the projector over the hitting area and hanging it behind you. Neither lens zooms, so the mounting position is the only thing that sets the image size. Measure the distance from where the lens will sit to the screen, and work from these figures. For the remaining slack, the BenQ lists keystone of ±30 degrees vertical and horizontal, and the Optoma lists ±15° on each axis. Optoma also gives a native offset of 116% +/-5%.
Screen shapes
BenQ states 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 and 1:1 modes. Optoma states 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10. On a 4:3 screen, both makers say they cover it. On a square screen, BenQ says it does, and 1:1 simply isn't among the modes Optoma lists. That isn't the same as Optoma saying it can't do it, but BenQ is the one with the stated mode.
Lag and golf mode
Optoma publishes 16.7 ms at 1080p 60Hz, and BenQ publishes 33.4 ms. That's a 16.7 ms gap in Optoma's favour. BenQ names a golf picture mode on the AH500ST. Optoma doesn't say whether the GT2400HDR has one, so I won't score that either way.
Brightness
BenQ lists 4,000 lumens without stating a standard. Optoma lists 4,200 lumens to ISO 21118. Those two figures aren't measured the same way, so I'm not calling either one brighter.
The rest of the sheet
BenQ rates the laser at 20,000 hours. Optoma doesn't publish a life figure. BenQ's warranty reads "3 years parts and labor from purchase date (original retail purchaser), US." Optoma publishes no warranty term for this model. The BenQ weighs 11.2 lbs and measures 12.60 x 5.14 x 10.04 in. The Optoma weighs 6.61 lbs and measures 10.79 W x 4.49 H x 8.50 D, which makes it 4.59 lbs lighter. Release years are 2024 for the BenQ and 2026 for the Optoma.
Who Should Buy Which
Get the Optoma GT2400HDR if:
- Your impact screen is 16:9, 16:10 or 4:3, all of which Optoma states.
- A lower published input lag matters to you: 16.7 ms against 33.4 ms.
- You want the lower list price, $1,599 against $1,999.
- You're ceiling-mounting and want the lighter unit at 6.61 lbs.
Get the BenQ AH500ST 1080P Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector if:
- Your screen is square. BenQ states a 1:1 mode, and it isn't among Optoma's listed modes.
- You want a maker-named golf picture mode on the spec sheet.
- The mount can't sit square to the screen, and you want the wider stated keystone range of ±30 degrees on both axes.
- A published warranty term and a rated laser life matter to you. BenQ lists 3 years and 20,000 hours, and Optoma publishes neither for this model.
The Bottom Line
The two lenses are close enough on throw that mounting doesn't separate them. Each needs 5.0 ft for a 10 ft wide image, because width is throw distance divided by throw ratio. What does separate them is $400 at list and 16.7 ms of published input lag, both in the Optoma's favour. The BenQ earns its place on a square screen, or when the golf mode, warranty and laser-life figures need to be on paper. If I had to bet on what most bays need, it's the cheaper, lower-lag one.