Foresight SIM in a box -vs- piece it together?

[Grouchykona]

I’m just starting my research for a sim build to be completed sometime next year after home remodel - building an add-on room (loft) which will house my sim. 
 

So far, I think I’ve narrowed down my launch monitor to either a Foresight GCquad or Falcon. I’m planning on hiring a company to do the entire install and setup. Foresight offers a “Sim in a box” which pretty much includes all components. Is this a good route/value or would I be better off piecing everything separately after choosing a launch monitor?

 

I’m not really looking to “save money” but rather prioritizing a professional build with “high end” components (ie: projector, mats, computer, impact screen & enclosure etc…). 
 

With this in mind, would I be better off choosing individual parts or buy a “Sim in a box” and have it professionally installed?  Just not sure how “good” everything is in the “Sim in a box”. 

[iacas]

You're going to be way better off doing it yourself. You'll get the size, materials, etc. that you want versus the pre-packaged (and slightly lower quality) stuff from the "in-a-box" stuff.

 

This feels like a no-brainer to me.

[ajlacombe]

Having done the Sim in a box route, I can say the one thing you have with that route is something that will work and you have someone on the line to help you make it work

 

What you won't have is a customized solution for your space.  I had to modify my frame to get it to fit into my root because of the ceiling having multiple vault angles.  I got it done.  If you are willing to be the contractor, you can work with companies to get you the pieces that you need.  I got a new screen from Spectrum Golf, and you can browse Golf Simulator Forum for ideas

 

I would take your time and talk to a bunch of people and then you can make an informed choice.  If you have specific questions - reach out here and many can help you with ideas.  Once you have a simulator you just come across things that you have to solve or realize you do not have.  I would want to put a lot of time into designing the lighting and cameras.  having high frame rate cameras can help you visualize swings - seeing a swing helps a player to associate a feel with a visual image of what happened during the swing

 

Also make sure you have plenty of room - espescially if you want to swing both lefty and righty.

 

Good luck!

[Grouchykona]

9 hours ago, ajlacombe said:

Having done the Sim in a box route, I can say the one thing you have with that route is something that will work and you have someone on the line to help you make it work

 

What you won't have is a customized solution for your space.  I had to modify my frame to get it to fit into my root because of the ceiling having multiple vault angles.  I got it done.  If you are willing to be the contractor, you can work with companies to get you the pieces that you need.  I got a new screen from Spectrum Golf, and you can browse Golf Simulator Forum for ideas

 

I would take your time and talk to a bunch of people and then you can make an informed choice.  If you have specific questions - reach out here and many can help you with ideas.  Once you have a simulator you just come across things that you have to solve or realize you do not have.  I would want to put a lot of time into designing the lighting and cameras.  having high frame rate cameras can help you visualize swings - seeing a swing helps a player to associate a feel with a visual image of what happened during the swing

 

Also make sure you have plenty of room - espescially if you want to swing both lefty and righty.

 

Good luck!

This is really helpful, thank you!

 

I'm still at least 6-8 months out before my home remodel begins and starting my research now on the sim build. I’m hoping to find a good company that will get involved from the start of construction/room addition to optimize the new room with things you mentioned:  design, space, lighting, camera locations etc . . .

 

I definitely will be checking this forum (as I have been already) for ideas and suggestions. 

[Golfcrzy]

Contact Carl’s Place. They can help you and offer custom options. Great shop, sucks they stuck their logo on the products now but still good. 

[Grouchykona]

1 hour ago, Golfcrzy said:

Contact Carl’s Place. They can help you and offer custom options. Great shop, sucks they stuck their logo on the products now but still good. 

They seem to always pop up during my research. Thanks!

[Golfcrzy]

23 hours ago, Grouchykona said:

They seem to always pop up during my research. Thanks!

I bought my first enclosure and screen from them a few years ago and they provided high quality service and the enclosure was excellent - you can purchase with or without the rods (super easy and cheap to get plastic or metal tubing cut to size at HD or I have a little pipe cutter I used, too. Screen was terrific. 

[ENedo]

You'll be able to build or source a much better PC than you'll find in the Sim-In-A-Box which is huge if you're planning on running FSX Play (it may be the most resource heavy sim software out there). The included projector is mid-tier at best as well, regardless of what they say. 

 

[jtarble]

I did the sim in a box route as well - I’d highly recommend it.   I had a couple things on my priority list - but most important was a turn key system that worked. I didn’t want to have to worry about where the monitor/launch monitor was mounted etc. 

 

I had them come install it as well. They were great from the moment I confirmed the order - sent them dimensions of my room and what I wanted. At that point I had an electrician wire up an outlet (technically 2), HDMI and Cat5 cable to the ceiling. Foresight shared the drawings with the electrician and help get that all set up. 
 

All the components are high end and work well. It came with literally everything you need and I’ve continued to fine tune the setup as it’s been in my space a bit longer. If you value a truly turn key it’s definitely worth it. 

[Nickb333]

Costco has them on sale. No idea if it’s good deal or not. 
 

https://www.costco.com/.product.100532328.html?EMID=B2C_2024_1129_BlackFriday_2_USE&correlationId=610e24fb-78ce-4b6b-abc0-31b8cceb6a0d-0

 

[enfuego]

What computer specs and projector are in the sim in a box kit? Someone selling locally and the deal may just be good enough if the specs are half decent.