GOLF SIMULATOR BUYER’S GUIDE (2026 EDITION)

Investing in a golf simulator is a significant decision. Whether you are building a professional-grade home studio or a commercial facility, understanding the synergy between Launch Monitors, Enclosures, and Software is key.

This guide breaks down the world-class brands we carry at Elevated Golf Simulators to help you build the perfect setup.

1. THE BRAINS: SELECTING YOUR LAUNCH MONITOR

The launch monitor is the most critical component. We categorize our brands into two primary technologies: Photometric (Camera) and Doppler (Radar).

Photometric (High-Speed Cameras)

Best for: Indoor setups, tight spaces, and putting accuracy.

• Foresight Sports: The gold standard in accuracy. The GC3 and GCQuad are used by PGA Tour pros because they measure the ball at the precise moment of impact. If you want "tour-level" data, Foresight is the answer.

• Uneekor: The leader in overhead technology. Systems like the EYE XO or EYE XO2 are mounted to the ceiling. This keeps the floor clear (great for families) and allows for seamless transition between left and right-handed players without moving the unit.

• ProTee United: Their VX system is a powerhouse in overhead ceiling-mounted tech, offering high-speed photography at a competitive price point with no marked-ball requirements.

• Rapsodo: Specifically, the MLM2PRO. This is the best "bang-for-your-buck" entry-level unit. It uses dual cameras and radar to provide pro-level data on a hobbyist's budget.

Doppler & Hybrid Tech

• Ernest Sports: Known for their ES Tour Plus. This system combines Doppler radar with high-speed cameras (Hybrid Tech) to ensure you get accurate distance (radar) and accurate spin (camera) in one unit.

2. THE CAGE: ENCLOSURES & NETS

You need a safe, high-quality environment to contain your shots and display your 4K graphics.

• Carl’s Place: The industry leader in DIY and custom enclosures. Whether you need a standard C-Series or a custom-sized enclosure to fit a specific nook in your basement, Carl's Place impact screens are famous for their durability and low "bounce-back."

• Shop Indoor Golf (SIG): We carry the SIG8, SIG10, and SIG12 enclosures. These are premium, "all-in-one" boxes that look professional and are designed to be extremely easy to assemble.

• SimSpace: Perfect for those looking for sleek, modern enclosure designs that emphasize high-contrast impact screens and safety padding.

• The Net Return: If you don't have space for a full projector/screen setup, the Pro Series V2 is the only net in the world that automatically returns the ball to your feet. It is virtually indestructible.

3. THE ECOSYSTEM: COMPONENT SPECIALISTS

To round out the experience, we partner with specialists who handle the "structure" and "feel" of the simulator.

• Envisage: Known for high-quality finishing touches and structural components that make a simulator feel like a built-in part of the home rather than a temporary tent.

• GolfIn: A premium provider of integrated simulator furniture and structures. If you want your simulator to look like a high-end luxury lounge, GolfIn's aesthetics are unmatched.

4. THE POWERHOUSE: COMPUTERS & TOUCH INTERFACE

A simulator is only as fast as the computer running it. To avoid "lag" (where the ball hits the screen but the video takes a second to react), we carry specialized hardware designed for high-performance graphics.

• SurfThing: These are the industry leaders in purpose-built golf simulator PCs. Unlike a standard "gaming laptop" from a big-box store, SurfThing computers are optimized specifically for software like GSPro, FSX Play, and Uneekor View. They feature high-end NVIDIA graphics cards and are built to handle the dusty, temperature-variable environments of garages and basements.

• TouchGuru: The ultimate way to control your sim. Instead of fumbling with a mouse and keyboard on the floor, TouchGuru provides high-definition, industrial-grade touch monitors. These allow you to change clubs, adjust wind settings, or aim your target with a quick tap—giving your setup the "Commercial Lounge" feel.

5. HOW TO CHOOSE BASED ON YOUR GOALS

The "No-Hassle" Family Setup

• Recommendation: Uneekor EYE XO + Shop Indoor Golf SIG12 Enclosure.

• Why: The overhead mounting means kids won't trip over wires or kick the launch monitor, and the SIG12 provides a massive, safe hitting area for all skill levels.

The "Data Junkie" / Competitive Player

• Recommendation: Foresight GC3/GCQuad + Carl’s Place Pro Enclosure.

• Why: You get the most accurate club-head data in the world. Being floor-based, you can also take the Foresight unit to the outdoor range to work on your game in the sun.

The "Budget-Friendly" Starter

• Recommendation: Rapsodo MLM2PRO + The Net Return Pro Series V2.

• Why: You can use your iPad as the screen. You get high-end data and a world-class net for a fraction of the cost of a full "big-screen" build.

6. SPACE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

• Minimum Height: 9 ft (10 ft is better).

• Minimum Width: 10 ft (12 ft+ for centred hitting).

• Minimum Depth: 12 ft (For camera systems) to 18 ft (For radar systems).

7. WHY BUY FROM ELEVATED GOLF SIMULATORS?

As a Canadian company (Pinnacle Elevation Ventures Inc.) serving the USA & Canada, we bridge the gap between premium tech and local reliability.

• Expert Support: We know every one of these brands inside and out.

• Curated Selection: We don't carry everything—we only carry what works.

• Free Shipping: We handle the logistics so you can focus on your swing.