Our last blog in our Trackman series answers the question everyone asks when they find out with have two different launch monitors?
“Which one is better, Trackman or Quad?”
Before we attempt to answer this question, let’s dive into the technology behind launch monitors.
How do launch monitors track?
There are two main methods of tracking club and ball data currently, optical (cameras) and radar technologies.
For those of you that read the evolution of trackman blog (click here if you have not!), you will know Trackman is a doppler radar system. Doppler radar involves firing a radar signal at an object, reflecting backwards and being redetected by the unit. When multiple radar waves are fired and bounced back, the gap between each wave can be used to calculate metrics such as speed, just like a policeman holding a speed camera.
What makes Trackman unique from its competition is they not only invented this technology for golf, but they are the only company to use two radars in one unit with Trackman4 (dual radar). One radar is used to track the club, the other is used to track the ball. Having two radars means more accuracy across a wider range of shots, from putting to driving. Another unique aspect of Trackman 4 is it uses a camera to enhance its radar tracking. This is used predominantly in strike location.
Trackman has put a good case forward, so let us see what the competition has to offer!
Optical based systems rely on tracking the club and ball through 3D motion capture. As the club comes into the impact area, cameras start taking pictures at seriously high frame rates. If we know the time taken between each picture, we can track the club and ball in 3D, meaning we can get very accurate data. This is the same technology which is used in filming to create accurate life-like animations and in research lab environments to track human movement.
blah blah blah Lewis… which one is better?
The simplest answer is it depends on what data you are most focused on. If you are looking for pure ball flight data such as carry, total, apex (height) then trackman is the more favoured unit. It is dual radar system tracks ball until it stops rolling, so we can get the most accurate data. However, because the unit sits behind the ball, trying to piece together accurate club data is more difficult.
If you are after pure club delivery data such as lie angle, face angle, dynamic loft, then the gold standard of tracking movement would be optical and therefore GC Quad. Because of its optical system, Quad only sees the ball for about 2 feet after impact, meaning it is making an educated guess on ball flight data.
Therefore, we favour Trackman for club fitting and GC-Quad for coaching. In fitting, we care more about your ball data and in a coaching session, we care more about your club delivery.
If you would like to know more, please get in touch with our team, in which most are both GC-Quad and Trackman certified.
