The Quick Verdict
Get the Bushnell Launch Pro. The SkyTrak+ is discontinued — stock is drying up, and SkyTrak has already moved on to whatever comes next. Even if you find one at closeout pricing, you're buying into a product that won't see software updates and may have support gaps down the road. The Launch Pro costs $505 more at MSRP, but you get a product that's still being sold, supported, and updated — plus a built-in screen, a rechargeable battery, and camera-based tracking that nails spin indoors without special balls or stickers on the ball itself. If SkyTrak+ drops below $1,800 at closeout and you find one in-box, the value calculus changes. But as a primary pick? Launch Pro. Check price at Amazon →
What They Have in Common
Both are premium launch monitors designed for serious home sim setups. Both track the full suite — ball speed, spin, launch angle, carry, smash factor, club data. Both work indoors and outdoors, connect via Wi-Fi and USB-C, and support GSPro and E6 Connect. These are the tools for golfers who've already decided they want the real thing, not a budget approximation.
Where They Differ
Technology and Spin Accuracy
The Launch Pro uses three high-speed cameras — Bushnell calls it Triscopic photometric tracking. The SkyTrak+ pairs Doppler radar with photometric cameras, a fusion approach that's meant to get you the best of both technologies.
In practice, the meaningful difference is indoor spin reliability. Pure radar units often struggle with accurate spin data indoors because there's no real ball flight to measure. The SkyTrak+'s fusion approach helps here, and camera-only units like the Launch Pro tend to be even more reliable for indoor spin. Outdoors, both should deliver solid data. Neither requires special balls, which puts both ahead of several camera units that need RCT-coated or marked balls to function properly.
Club Data and Stickers
Here's a real cost people don't think about with the Launch Pro: you need reflective club stickers for club data — head speed, club path, face angle. The stickers aren't expensive, but they're a hassle, and they're not legal in tournament play. The SkyTrak+ tracks club data without stickers. If you're moving between the sim and actual rounds and don't want to peel stickers off your irons, that's a genuine quality-of-life point in favor of the SkyTrak+.
Subscription Models and Total Cost of Ownership
This is where it gets complicated.
Launch Pro subscriptions:
- Silver: $199/year (ball data, club data, 5 courses, FSX Play)
- Gold: $499/year (25 courses, GSPro, E6 Connect access)
- One-time club data unlock: $1,500 (steep, but some buyers prefer this to annual fees)
SkyTrak+: Course play requires a SkyTrak membership. The specific tier costs aren't in my spec data for the current SkyTrak lineup, so I won't guess — check SkyTrak's site directly. But factor it in.
At Gold tier for the Launch Pro, you're looking at $2,999 hardware + $499/year. Over three years, that's $4,497. Over five years, $5,495. If you only need Silver, it's $3,596 at three years. The one-time $1,500 club data unlock starts making financial sense somewhere around year 3 if you're comparing it to annual Silver fees.
Built-In Display and Standalone Use
The Launch Pro has a 3-inch touchscreen. Doesn't sound like much, but it matters at the range: you can see your ball data without connecting to a phone or tablet. The SkyTrak+ has no built-in display — you need a device connected. At an outdoor range without Wi-Fi, that means squinting at a phone in direct sun. At home in a dedicated bay, it doesn't matter. But the built-in screen gives the Launch Pro more flexibility.
Battery and Portability
The Launch Pro runs 5–7 hours on a built-in rechargeable battery. The SkyTrak+'s battery life isn't published anywhere in the spec data, which I'd guess means either it's wired or the battery runtime wasn't something SkyTrak wanted to put in writing. Worth verifying before you plan a range session around it.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Bushnell Launch Pro if:
- You want a launch monitor that's still in production and will receive software support for the foreseeable future
- You're building a permanent or semi-permanent sim room and want a built-in display for sessions without a TV or tablet connected
- You take your launch monitor to the range and want standalone ball data without setting up a phone connection
- You're okay putting stickers on your clubs for session-to-session use in a home bay
- You prefer knowing there's a clear upgrade path and manufacturer support behind the product
Hunt for the SkyTrak+ on closeout if:
- You've found one at $1,800 or under and understand you're buying end-of-life hardware
- The no-sticker club tracking matters to you — you move between the sim and actual play frequently
- You already have a tablet or screen setup in your bay and the lack of a built-in display is a non-issue
- You're comfortable with the possibility that software updates slow or stop
The Bottom Line
The SkyTrak+ is a capable launch monitor that deserved better than a quiet discontinuation — the fusion tracking is smart, and the no-sticker club data is genuinely nice. But "deserved better" doesn't make it the right buy today. Stock is limited, updates will slow down, and you're paying near-MSRP for a product the manufacturer has moved on from.
The Launch Pro is more expensive upfront, still in production, and well-supported. The subscription model is the real ongoing cost to budget for — Gold tier adds up — but at least you know what you're signing up for and the product will still be relevant in three years.