What They Have in Common
Both are camera-based launch monitors aimed at serious sim golfers. Neither has a built-in display — you're running everything through an app or PC. Neither requires special balls. Both track the core data set: ball speed, carry distance, launch angle, spin rate, spin axis, smash factor, and club speed.
Where They Differ
Technology approach
The LPi uses triscopic cameras — three high-speed photometric cameras — positioned beside the ball. This is a pure camera setup, which means it's excellent at capturing spin data and ball flight from the moment of impact. The downside: it's indoor-only. You can't take it to the driving range or use it outside.
The SkyTrak+ combines dual Doppler radar with photometric cameras, which is a fusion approach. In theory, you get the radar's ability to track the full ball flight alongside the cameras' accuracy at impact. The SkyTrak+ also works outdoors, which is a real advantage if your practice setup isn't purely a dedicated sim room.
What you're actually paying
The LPi is $1,499.99, but that's not the full number. Every tier of data requires a subscription — Silver at $199/year or Gold at $499/year. There's no free tier at all. Over three years, you're looking at $2,096 at Silver or $2,996 at Gold. Over five years: $2,894 or $3,994.
The SkyTrak+ launched at $2,495, but course play requires a SkyTrak membership. The input data doesn't specify current membership pricing, so I won't guess at the number — check SkyTrak's site directly. The bigger issue is that it's discontinued, which raises real questions about long-term software support and firmware updates.
Sim software access
The SkyTrak+ connects to E6 Connect and GSPro, which are two of the most popular sim platforms among home golfers. If you're already paying for GSPro, that's a meaningful plus — the SkyTrak+ slides right in.
The LPi uses FSX Play, Bushnell's own platform. It's a capable sim platform, but it's a closed ecosystem compared to SkyTrak's third-party support. If you're attached to E6 or GSPro, the LPi doesn't get you there.
Club stickers
The LPi requires club face stickers for club data — path, face angle, that kind of information. Stickers aren't legal in tournament play, and they add a minor ongoing cost and maintenance step. The SkyTrak+ doesn't require any stickers. If you play competitive amateur golf and use your sim for serious practice, that distinction matters.
Indoor vs outdoor
This is a hard difference. The LPi is indoor-only. Full stop. If you want to take your launch monitor to a driving range, or if you ever practice outside, the LPi can't go with you. The SkyTrak+ can — though the discontinued status is a real caveat on recommending it for long-term outdoor use.
Connectivity
The LPi connects via Ethernet or USB-C, which means it's designed to live in one spot — wired into your sim setup. The SkyTrak+ uses Wi-Fi and USB-C, giving it more flexibility for different setups.
Who Should Buy Which
Bushnell LPi
- You're building a dedicated indoor sim room and it's never moving — Ethernet makes sense, outdoor capability doesn't matter.
- You're comfortable with the FSX Play ecosystem, or you're flexible on sim software.
- You don't mind dealing with club face stickers and won't be taking this to any competitive rounds.
- You want a camera-based system with serious spin accuracy without paying $2,495 upfront.
SkyTrak+ (if you can find it at a real closeout discount)
- You're willing to use a discontinued product and accept the risk that software support may wind down eventually.
- You need outdoor capability — the LPi is simply not an option for you.
- You're already invested in E6 Connect or GSPro and don't want to switch platforms.
- You want a no-sticker, no-special-ball setup that works in more than one location.
The Bottom Line
The SkyTrak+ being discontinued is the elephant in the room. If you find it at a steep enough discount — call it $500 or more off — the math might work out, especially if you need outdoor capability or GSPro compatibility. But buying a discontinued product at or near full MSRP, hoping the software ecosystem stays healthy, is a real gamble. The LPi costs less upfront, has subscription costs that add up over time, locks you indoors, and lives in Bushnell's own software world. Neither is a slam dunk. If you're building a permanent indoor sim room and the FSX Play ecosystem doesn't bother you, the LPi is the more sensible buy in 2024 and beyond.
Get the Bushnell LPi.
See Also