Almost as accurate as launch monitors that cost ten times the price, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO is designed to allow you to get feedback on your game, or play sim golf at home.
“Our goal is to make accessible products for people who would otherwise have found launch monitors beyond their price point,” says Justin Bryant, Rapsodo’s Community Manager.
Bryant is discussing the MLM2PRO, a consumer launch monitor aimed at the golfer who wants feedback on their swing or wants to play simulator golf at home. The unit is the successor to Rapsodo’s original Mobile Launch Monitor, which was designed using radar technology and machine learning to bring pro-level data to golfers, providing information on distance, ball speed, and smash factor. The new MLM2PRO offers all of these insights, is compatible with iOS and Android devices and can now measure spin, and provide full simulation features like RapsodoRange, and more than 30,000 courses.
“The data you’ll get from this unit is amazing, but you can also store 10,000 videos of your swing that comes with all of those details,” says Bryant. “A lot of this was done with coaching in mind and it’ll enhance and improve the experience.”
Enhancements
Accuracy
Just how close is Rapsodo to units costing much, much more? Within two percent, says Bryant, meaning you can be within three yards on a 150 yard shot or five yards on a 250-yard drive. For most golfers that’s close enough to determine whether they are striking the ball the way they expected.
New Cameras
The MLM2PRO has two built-in cameras, a big step from the original version that used the camera in your phone. The wide-angle Shot Vision camera is used to record a swing video with shot trace on every shot. The 240-fps high speed shutter Impact Vision camera captures a series of photographs that are visualized in the MLM2PRO Mobile App as a short video-allowing players to view their impact on every swing. The unit then pairs with your phone to provide down-the-line footage and face-on videos. “This is video created with a 2K camera and impact vision with 240 frames per second,” says Bryant. “It provides a lot of data to the golfer.”
Callaway Connection
The MLM2PRO reports six measured metrics within 13 core areas, including descent angle, spin rate and spin axis. Measuring spin is possible indoors through the use of Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X Golf Balls and Rapsodo’s Optical Technology. Measuring spin on consumer units is a significant benefit to the MLM2PRO. However, you won’t get spin outdoors unless you’re using the Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X ball.
Is it for me?
During the pandemic, many golfers turned to training aids so they could work on their games in their own homes. The MLM2PRO takes that a step further, providing data and video of your swing that should allow you to work directly with an instructor to make improvements without ever heading to the driving range. Beyond that, you also get the ability to play simulator golf, a big factor for those Canadians stuck indoors for four to six months of the year. Finally, the MLM2PRO follows the original version, which came out in 2019 and is still widely in use. That means you’re buying technology that will have a significant lifespan.