The Quick Verdict
Get the BenQ AH700ST 1080P Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector (Ace). BenQ lists identical numbers for both projectors on throw ratio, image size from a set distance, screen shapes, brightness, input lag and golf mode. The AH700ST lists at $2,299 and the AK700ST at $2,899, a $600 gap at list. That $600 buys a 3840x2160 resolution spec, which BenQ produces by pixel-shift, and a rotation adjustment on the keystone. The AK700ST is worth it if you specifically need one of those two. Otherwise the AH700ST gives you the same bay setup for less. Check price at The Indoor Golf Shop →
What They Have in Common
Both projectors share a 0.69–0.83:1 throw ratio, 1.2x optical zoom and no lens shift. Each lists 4,000 lumens and 33.4 ms of input lag at 1080p 60Hz, and BenQ names a golf mode on both. Each is natively 16:9, with 4:3 and 1:1 among the stated modes. Both use laser light rated at 20,000 hours, under the same warranty: "3 years parts and labor from purchase date (original retail purchaser), US."
Where They Differ
Throw and image size: dead even
Image width is the throw distance divided by the throw ratio. Both projectors use the same 0.69–0.83:1 zoom lens, so each one puts up an image 12.0 ft to 14.5 ft wide from 10 ft back. Working the other way, either one needs to sit 6.9 ft–8.3 ft from the screen to make a 10 ft wide image. Both are short throw by the numbers, so neither needs a deeper room than the other.
A throw ratio under 1 means the image comes out wider than the distance the lens sits from the screen. That's the whole appeal for a hitting bay. Neither projector has lens shift, so the 1.2x zoom is your only optical mounting slack. It's what lets the lens sit anywhere in that 6.9 ft–8.3 ft band and still land the same 10 ft width. Before buying, measure from where the lens will actually sit to the screen surface, and check that distance against these figures.
Resolution: what the $600 actually buys
The AH700ST is 1920x1080, a straight 1080p projector. The AK700ST lists 3840x2160, which BenQ says is 4K UHD by pixel-shift. I haven't seen either one running, so I can't tell you what that difference looks like on an impact screen. Note that BenQ quotes the 33.4 ms lag figure at 1080p 60Hz for both. Call it a hunch, but on the spec sheet this is the AK700ST's one real argument. Whether a resolution spec is worth $600 at list is the entire decision here.
Keystone, weight and the small print
The AH700ST's keystone is listed as 2D, vertical ±30 degrees and horizontal ±30 degrees. The AK700ST's is 3D, adding rotation ±30 degrees to the same vertical and horizontal ranges. Rotation isn't in the AH700ST's listed keystone. If the mount can't end up square to the screen, that line is worth reading twice.
Everything else is close to a rounding error:
- Weight: the AH700ST is 7.28 lbs and the AK700ST is 7.48 lbs, so the AH700ST is 0.2 lbs lighter.
- Dimensions: 11.95 x 4.43 x 9.23 in for the AH700ST and 11.94 x 4.43 x 9.23 in for the AK700ST.
- Release year: BenQ lists the AH700ST as 2024 and the AK700ST as 2025.
It seems like none of that moves the needle without the resolution and rotation differences behind it.
Who Should Buy Which
Get the BenQ AH700ST if:
- You want the same throw, brightness figure, input lag and golf mode BenQ lists for the AK700ST, at $2,299 list instead of $2,899.
- Your impact screen is 4:3 or square. Both shapes are among its stated modes, same as the AK700ST.
- Your mount can face the screen squarely, so vertical and horizontal keystone of ±30 degrees covers your corrections.
- You'd rather put the $600 gap at list toward another part of the bay.
Get the BenQ AK700ST if:
- A 3840x2160 resolution spec, produced by pixel-shift, is a requirement for your build and the $600 gap at list doesn't bother you.
- The projector may have to sit rotated relative to the screen, and you want the listed rotation ±30 degrees adjustment on top of vertical and horizontal.
- You want the 3D keystone listing in general and every other spec matching the AH700ST is fine by you.
The Bottom Line
These two are the same projector for sim-fit purposes. They share the throw ratio, 1.2x zoom, image width from 10 ft back, 4:3 and 1:1 modes, 4,000 lumens, 33.4 ms of lag, golf mode, laser rating and warranty. The AK700ST asks $600 more at list for a pixel-shift 4K UHD spec and rotation keystone. If I had to bet, most bays get set up square to the screen and never miss either one. Measure your lens-to-screen distance against the 6.9 ft–8.3 ft figure, and keep the $600.