My Optishot 2 experience

[ctonr]

I wanted Optishot to work, I really did. Under $200 for a full fledged golf simulator is perfect for those frugal like me. December, January, and February can be brutal for a golfer in Iowa. I read all the reviews, some good and some bad. Surely the complaints about crazy swing speeds and face angles can't be right...can they? Read on if you care or are thinking about a golf sim.

 

I bought the Optishot on sale for what I thought was a great price at $199 on ebay. Cheap right?

Then I bought the high quality hitting mat and a DLP HD projector with a big vinyl screen. All-in I have about $800 into this experiment. Really cheap I admit.

It all started off pretty well. Software installed, everything plugged in and ready...let's hit some balls! It worked ok at first. Irons were sorta close to realistic, woods were erratic on swing speed and face angle. So I get online to find out how to tune this thing. Ok...let's calibrate. I run through the calibration for the driver...corrupted. Try again...corrupted. WTF. After the 6th time it finally works. Hmmmm...this doesn't feel right. What can I find online. Okay, make sure there is no UV light in the area and only use LED or fluorescent lights. Got it, we now have compact fluorescent lights everywhere and all windows covered. No UV light in my basement! Let's try the Maui Plantation course...can't wait since there's snow on the ground and 10*. First tee, 78 MPH driver...huh? Ok, mulligan. 129MPH driver...huh? This isn't working so great, let's look online. So now I see that you should tape your woods with a white tape stripe over black matte tape. Ok, off the Amazon to get tape. Ordered white duct tape and some matte black gaffers tape. So I tape all my woods, first with a layer of matter black and then put a strip of the white tape towards the face of the club. This is going to make it all work perfectly right!! NO! I have to recalibrate the woods. Ok, let's do the recalibrate for the driver, 3w, and hybrid. F)(*U&...I have to run each 2-3 times because it says the recalibration is corrupt. Finally get thru all of this. It's time to play golf! First tee on Maui Plantation with driver, can't wait I'm so pumped. First swing 109mph and face angle 19* closed, hooked it off the planet. Hmmm, must be the new tape, let's try a mulligan. Second swing 78mph face angle 13* open, I can hit a 9 iron farther than that...WTF??!! I'm a 5HCP, I play a small fade with the driver and driver swing speed is ALWAYS 106-109MPH measured on several monitors. Fine, I'm a little disgusted but decided to keep playing to see what happens. Irons are all over the place speed and distance-wise. I try taping them up with white duct tape...not much improvement. On the Optishot I can hit a 7 iron as short as 110 yards or as long as 205 yards, with a swing that feels the EXACT SAME TO ME! The last straw came with a 225 yard hybrid shot. I put the ball right on the Optishot hitting turf and put a pretty good swing on it...73mph and 156yds. Ok, check the tape on the bottom of the hybrid, it looks fine. Try again with a mulligan, 79mph 165yds. My blood pressure is about 2300/890 by now. Take several mulligans while I mess with the light that sits over the hitting area. I tried pointing it right down at the hitting area, pointing it up a little, turn it around pointing backwards...I'm desperate at this point. ONE.LAST.SWING...I swear to god if this doesn't work I'm throwing this in the garbage. 75MPH, face angle 13.6 closed. I'm done. Overall I've spent at least 40 hours trying to get this thing to work. I'm so disgusted.

 

There are some good reviews of the Optishot online. I have no idea how these people got this thing to work. I'm a pretty intelligent guy, IT developer and overall tech nerd. This thing has me so frustrated.

 

;TLDR - Optishot simulator looks great on paper but in reality it's a HUGE PITA!

 

That's a wall of text, sorry about that. The story above covers about 25% of my frustrating time with this "simulator". If you want something that's a home version of Golden Tee, go for it! If you want something that's even somewhat accurate YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.

 

I fully expect several Optishot owners to post that I must be doing something wrong, their Optishot works PERFECTLY! Some people have a great experience with this...but not me! I'm absolutely bewildered by this thing.

[CSagan]

Good read... The blood pressure part was funny. Seems like it was a huge waste of time and money.

 

Golden tee machine would be a lot more fun.

[Chazb]

I don't have one but I can really understand the fustration with the optishot and the cold weather which is worse than usual this time of year.

[tyorke1]

i believe ottawagolf has a forum with Tons of info on the optishot. I use one that is a buddies, they work okay at times, there is alot of tinkering, some clubs work others wont. they are not a swing aid, to me they are a stretch and fun. dont change your swing based on optishot. Driver off the deck worked really well today. sometimes it will pick up the tee flying , they dont repond well to hitting up on the ball. have patience they are good

[BenHoganSlam1953]

I purchased one last Xmas just to keep my swing grooving. At first I was able to get it fairly accurate with my irons, but the company did an update last March that has totally killed any consistency for myself. I suspect it was to minimize cheating with their online seasons, but unfortunately it threw any realistic swing speeds out the window. I tried over the summer, but the issue remained. My Golf Sense is a lot more consistent and realistic for swing speeds.

 

I'm going to try setting up mine again this Xmas and I'll let you know how it goes. Just a note, fluorescent lights still generate UVs, though lower than the sun.

 

For irons, I find MB clubs are the best and I put on black tape to have a consistent amount of reflective surface, especially important for wedges. Most people have issues with the putter and I have always found it works the best for myself - go figure.

[somaplr]

Optishot is a video game/toy

[creative10]

I got one last Christmas and it just collects dust in the basement! Had the same problem op had. I would hood and iron shut and snap hook the thing on purpose and the ball would go straight...lol. it wasn't even remotely worth using...it is a piece of s***.

[BreakingPar]

Optishot is a video game/toy

 

Yeah, but those are fun. This sounds like a pain in the butt!

 

So, maybe a video game for those who are into... never mind ಠ_ಠ

[dornstar]

I had one before building my SkyTrak simulator to work on my game. It took about 15 minutes to figure out that it wasn't going to work. It's a toy, nothing more.

 

My next option was a Vector Pro. You want your blood pressure to go up, try getting one of those to work. That was the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with.

[ctonr]

I had one before building my SkyTrak simulator to work on my game. It took about 15 minutes to figure out that it wasn't going to work. It's a toy, nothing more.

 

My next option was a Vector Pro. You want your blood pressure to go up, try getting one of those to work. That was the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with.

 

I read all the posts in that thread and promptly ordered a Skytrak. You should be on commission!

[dornstar]

I had one before building my SkyTrak simulator to work on my game. It took about 15 minutes to figure out that it wasn't going to work. It's a toy, nothing more.

 

My next option was a Vector Pro. You want your blood pressure to go up, try getting one of those to work. That was the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with.

 

I read all the posts in that thread and promptly ordered a Skytrak. You should be on commission!

LOL, it's an easy sell. For most of us, we don't have an extra $5-15k laying around the house (or a wife that would let you spend it), so the SkyTrak offers the best solution. Is it perfect? Nope, but it's as close as you can get on a budget.

 

 

In terms of launch monitors and their value for working to improve your game, I would rate them...

 

Trackman

Flightscope

.

.

GC2/HMT

.

.

.

.

GC2

.

SkyTrack

.

.

.

.

.

.

Vector Pro - if you can find a working unit

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

Optishot

[sethdavidsdad]

I had one before building my SkyTrak simulator to work on my game. It took about 15 minutes to figure out that it wasn't going to work. It's a toy, nothing more.

 

My next option was a Vector Pro. You want your blood pressure to go up, try getting one of those to work. That was the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with.

 

I read all the posts in that thread and promptly ordered a Skytrak. You should be on commission!

I got one last week, you wont be disappointed.

[4jag]

I've had one for 2 years, I've experienced some of the OPs issues but not even close to that degree of problems. It's fun for what it is - as chance to swing the sticks and get some feed back during the winter for a very reasonable price. Would love to upgrade to skytrak but I need my set-up to play from both sides.

[kits013]

I had one before building my SkyTrak simulator to work on my game. It took about 15 minutes to figure out that it wasn't going to work. It's a toy, nothing more.

 

My next option was a Vector Pro. You want your blood pressure to go up, try getting one of those to work. That was the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with.

 

I read all the posts in that thread and promptly ordered a Skytrak. You should be on commission!

LOL, it's an easy sell. For most of us, we don't have an extra $5-15k laying around the house (or a wife that would let you spend it), so the SkyTrak offers the best solution. Is it perfect? Nope, but it's as close as you can get on a budget.

 

 

In terms of launch monitors and their value for working to improve your game, I would rate them...

 

Trackman

Flightscope

.

.

GC2/HMT

.

.

.

.

GC2

.

SkyTrack

.

.

.

.

.

.

Vector Pro - if you can find a working unit

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

Optishot

 

Why would you rate trackman way above gc2+hmt?

In terms of accuracy, they are pretty much the same and hmt actually measure the club head. Coaches like mark crossfield and Peter F has chosen gc2 over trackman cause of hmt.

 

And I own a skytrak, which provide accurate datas if u dun hit fat shot or misaligned the unit , nan just dun think it's a toy.

[dornstar]

I had one before building my SkyTrak simulator to work on my game. It took about 15 minutes to figure out that it wasn't going to work. It's a toy, nothing more.

 

My next option was a Vector Pro. You want your blood pressure to go up, try getting one of those to work. That was the most frustrating thing I've ever dealt with.

 

I read all the posts in that thread and promptly ordered a Skytrak. You should be on commission!

LOL, it's an easy sell. For most of us, we don't have an extra $5-15k laying around the house (or a wife that would let you spend it), so the SkyTrak offers the best solution. Is it perfect? Nope, but it's as close as you can get on a budget.

 

 

 

Optishot

 

Why would you rate trackman way above gc2+hmt?

In terms of accuracy, they are pretty much the same and hmt actually measure the club head. Coaches like mark crossfield and Peter F has chosen gc2 over trackman cause of hmt.

 

And I own a skytrak, which provide accurate datas if u dun hit fat shot or misaligned the unit , nan just dun think it's a toy.

Trackman has club data as well.

 

I would choose it because Trackman is a radar based system while GC2 is camera based and radar systems are better across the board. They're better at reading spin and seeing the ball's full flight (outside of course) vs a camera system that only sees a small window of it's flight and then makes calculations based on what it saw during the few feet of its flight. Trackman also has things like an integrated camera. Most people don't necessarily "choose" GC2 over Trackman. They usually get a GC2 because it's half the cost. Trackman's essentially the gold standard of launch monitors.

[tyorke1]

people are looking for something they are not, it's not a training or teaching aid. Use it for a good stretch, get some swing work in, get you pitching coordination down, and have fun. the accuracy is only fair at best but again it's 300bucks.

[hidrake]

I had the Optishot for almost six months and found the same issues. I once told me I drove the ball over 500 yards. Not even remotely accurate. On top of that, I didn’t know until after using it for a few months that you should have your feet level with the top of the sensor pad.

 

By the time I figured that out it was too late, I’d messed up my swing. Took me until the middle of the following summer to get it back. The height difference can really take a toll on your swing.

 

I’ve read a lot of forums where Optishot users love their system, and I’m not sure if it’s more for casual golfers, or people just wanting something to play golf on, but for game improvement I’d suggest to anyone to pass on this system and get a Skytrak.

 

I was able to see a side by side comparison between Trackman and Skytrak and was pretty surprised. Skytrak claims that it’s 98% accurate compared to Trackman and I’d say that’s probably true, 95-98%. Of course with Skytrak you’re not getting any kind of club data.

 

Skytrak has given me what I was hoping with the Optishot, and that is game improvement. It won’t make you a scratch golfer by any means, but I’ve shaved off a few HCP, now hit consistently in the high 80’s.

 

I went with the Game Improvement package and tacked on TGC software simulation so my buddies and I can play a course on the weekend while having some beers. Overall Skytrak has met my expectations. (Game Improvement goes for $2244, based on my price when I bought, from shopindoorgolf.com)

 

There is one thing about it that drove me crazy about it at first and that is that there is about a 5 second delay from when the ball is hit to when it shows up on the screen. I hated it at first, but I turned it in to a positive and now I finally keep my dang head down through the whole swing.

 

[Kevlar10]

I’ve had Optishot for over two years. I’ve never really had issues like the OP. One, I have the sensor setup below the hitting mat bu about a 1/4 in. Two, I don’t hit with a ball, I use a piece of rubber tube in the hole as a target and to get a feel for contact. I also use it work on my swing during the winter. It is just a game but the feedback for me is pretty accurate for contact and face angle. I agree that the negative is that it can’t show how thin or fat your shots are but if you’re too high or low, it doesn’t pickup your swing or you hit the sensor. Swing speed on my system is also pretty accurate and consistent as I swing about 110-115 which is confirmed on other monitors and simulators I’ve tried. I have over 40 courses and I have tournaments and rounds with my friends. For $200, I can’t complain.

[GungHoGolf]

> @hidrake said:

> I had the Optishot for almost six months and found the same issues. I once told me I drove the ball over 500 yards. Not even remotely accurate. On top of that, I didn’t know until after using it for a few months that you should have your feet level with the top of the sensor pad.

>

> By the time I figured that out it was too late, I’d messed up my swing. Took me until the middle of the following summer to get it back. The height difference can really take a toll on your swing.

>

> I’ve read a lot of forums where Optishot users love their system, and I’m not sure if it’s more for casual golfers, or people just wanting something to play golf on, but for game improvement I’d suggest to anyone to pass on this system and get a Skytrak.

>

> I was able to see a side by side comparison between Trackman and Skytrak and was pretty surprised. Skytrak claims that it’s 98% accurate compared to Trackman and I’d say that’s probably true, 95-98%. Of course with Skytrak you’re not getting any kind of club data.

>

> Skytrak has given me what I was hoping with the Optishot, and that is game improvement. It won’t make you a scratch golfer by any means, but I’ve shaved off a few HCP, now hit consistently in the high 80’s.

>

> I went with the Game Improvement package and tacked on TGC software simulation so my buddies and I can play a course on the weekend while having some beers. Overall Skytrak has met my expectations. (Game Improvement goes for $2244, based on my price when I bought, from shopindoorgolf.com)

>

> There is one thing about it that drove me crazy about it at first and that is that there is about a 5 second delay from when the ball is hit to when it shows up on the screen. I hated it at first, but I turned it in to a positive and now I finally keep my dang head down through the whole swing.

>

 

FYI, that shot delay should drop to about 2 seconds if you’re running SkyTrak on the latest high-end iOS devices or a fast gaming PC.

 

 

[gticlay]

If any of you want to take yours out of the garbage, I'll pay shipping. I really want to try one out.