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Which Launch Monitors Require Marked Balls or Clubs?Updated 2 months ago

Why Do Some Golf Simulators Require Marked Balls or Stickers?

Golf simulators rely on advanced launch monitors to track ball flight and club data with precision. However, the way these systems gather data varies, leading some to require marked balls, ball stickers, or club stickers. These markings enhance the accuracy of data collection, especially for tracking spin rates, launch angles, and club movement. Below, we’ll break down why these tools are needed and which launch monitors require them.

Why Use Marked Balls, Ball Stickers, or Club Stickers?

1. Improved Spin Measurement

Launch monitors using high-speed cameras often struggle to capture ball spin without visual reference points. Marked balls or reflective ball stickers help the system track rotation accurately, ensuring more precise spin rate and axis readings.

2. Enhanced Club Data Collection

Some systems use infrared or optical tracking to measure club movement. Club stickers (small reflective or patterned decals) provide additional reference points, helping the monitor distinguish the club’s orientation, loft, and impact location more reliably.

3. The Accuracy vs. Convenience Trade-Off

While some launch monitors can be more “hassle-free” because they do not require stickers or markings, the reality is that there's a trade-off. Systems that measure club and ball data directly with the help of these markings—rather than estimate or calculate it—do have a reputation for being more precise..

While some launch monitors do not require stickers, they often rely more on calculations rather than direct measurements, which can impact accuracy. Systems with fewer cameras or lower-resolution tracking may estimate certain data points rather than capturing them precisely. In contrast, launch monitors that require club stickers typically use multiple high-speed cameras to directly measure club and ball data, resulting in greater accuracy and consistency. The more data that is measured rather than calculated, the more reliable the feedback for improving your game. 

The importance of club stickers has become so recognized that golf club manufacturers are now incorporating **reflective paint fill** in drivers to enhance accuracy when used with launch monitors.

Launch Monitors & Their Marking Requirements

Here’s a breakdown of popular launch monitors and whether they require marked balls, ball stickers, or club stickers:

Launch Monitors That Require Marked Balls or Stickers

  • Square Golf Launch Monitor
    • Ball Requirements: Requires specially marked balls for spin and ball data.
    • Club Requirements: Club stickers needed for full club tracking.
  • Uneekor QED
    • Requires special marked balls for full ball tracking.
    • Club stickers needed for full club data.

Launch Monitors Where Marked Balls/Stickers Are Optional

Launch Monitors That Do Not Require Marked Balls or Stickers

  • TrackMan 4
    • No marked balls or stickers needed.
    • Uses radar tracking for ball and club data.
  • FlightScope Mevo+
    • Works without marked balls, but stickers can improve indoor performance.
  • Garmin Approach R10
    • Does not require marked balls or club stickers.
  • SkyTrak+
    • No marked balls or stickers needed.
    • Uses high-speed cameras for data capture.

When choosing a launch monitor, accuracy should be a top priority. If **club head stickers are a non-negotiable**, your options narrow significantly, as only high-end photometric systems like **Foresight GC3, Bushnell Launch Pro, and Uneekor** offer direct data measurement. If you choose a system that does not require stickers, **you are sacrificing accuracy.**

Need expert advice on selecting the best launch monitor? Visit The Indoor Golf Shop today!

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