Is the SkyTrak+ SwingBay Bundle the Right Home Bay for You?

The SkyTrak+ SwingBay bundle is a complete home bay built around the SkyTrak+ launch monitor. You get the launch monitor, a steel-framed enclosure with protective netting, a hitting mat, an impact screen, a short-throw 1080p projector and a first year of the Game Improvement software plan, all sold together through Rain or Shine Golf. Whether it is worth the money comes down to three questions: does your room clear the enclosure, are you willing to pay for software every year, and can your computer run the programs you want to use.

On paper the bundle makes a lot of sense. The SkyTrak+ pairs a high-speed camera with patented dual Doppler radar, a combination usually associated with pricier launch monitors, and the enclosure gives you a generous 12 by 16 by 9 foot internal space. The trade-offs are recurring software fees, a small shot delay that remains even though it is shorter than the original's, and listings that disagree on a few component details. Settle those before you pay.

Our short verdict: this is a strong value if your room clears the enclosure and you budget for the yearly plan. If it does not, the sections below show where to look instead.

How we put this together: we compared published manufacturer specs, retailer listings and owner reports. We don't accept free gear, and links may earn us a commission.

Where this bundle lands: the short version

The complete SkyTrak+ bay is listed at about $9,099 at time of writing. Another listing describes the same package as starting under $8,000. Prices vary by retailer and by which package you pick, so confirm the current figure with Rain or Shine Golf before you plan a budget around either number.

The main reason to look at this bundle is the tracking. The hybrid of a photometric camera and dual Doppler radar is what puts the SkyTrak+ above many entry-level units, and owner feedback on retail sites and forums tends to praise its accuracy and how realistic the ball flight looks. The 12 by 16 by 9 foot enclosure is roomy for a home bay, the frame is built for DIY assembly, and the launch monitor itself works outdoors, which the enclosure does not.

The weak spots are the ones you would expect. Software subscriptions are the biggest ongoing cost. A small shot delay is still there, just shorter than on the original SkyTrak. And some component specs are unclear in listings, which is why the sections below flag what to check before you order.

So the one-line verdict stays the same: strong value if your room clears the enclosure and you budget for the yearly plan.

Check the SwingBay bundle price ↗

Who it suits and who should look elsewhere

This bundle fits a particular kind of buyer. Run through the lists below and count how many boxes you can tick.

This bundle suits you if:

• You have a garage, basement or spare room with at least 12 feet of width, 16 feet of depth and 9 feet of height inside.
• You want full driver swings and solid ball and club data, not just a putting or chipping setup.
• You are comfortable with DIY assembly, or you have a helper and a free weekend.
• You can budget for a yearly software plan on top of the purchase price.

Look elsewhere if:

• Your ceiling is under 9 feet or your room is under 16 feet deep.
• You want course play included on day one with no add-on purchase. The SIG bundles include Play & Improve out of the box.
• You want zero subscriptions for the life of the system.
• You want a lag-free premium overhead system. The SkyTrak+ still shows a small shot delay.

If you are still weighing up which SkyTrak+ package fits your budget, our guide to every SkyTrak+ package compared lays the options side by side.

Every component in the box

Here is what the bundle includes, with the notes that matter when you check it against your space.

Component	Spec	Note
SkyTrak+ launch monitor	Camera plus dual Doppler radar, works with iOS, Android and PC	Compact, similar body size to the original SkyTrak
SwingBay enclosure	12' W x 16' D x 9' H internal, sold by Rain or Shine Golf	Protective netting on sides and back; side and top walls are optional extra containment
SwingTurf hitting mat	Listed under an "x5" model name	Upgradable to 4' x 9'; optional landing pad turf between tee and screen
Impact screen	Listed as 5' x 5', removable	Looks small for a 12-foot-wide bay, so confirm the size before you order
Projector	Short-throw 1080p HD with an adjustable, heavy-duty ceiling mount	SwingShield floor projector enclosure is an optional extra
Software	Basic Practice Range plus one year of Game Improvement	Other plans are priced separately; see the software table below
Computer kit	Optional computer simulation kit or gaming laptop	Optimized for TGC 2019

The netting does most of the containment work in the default setup, and the blacked-out side and top walls are said to make the projected image stand out. Those walls are an extra, so decide whether the look and the added containment are worth the cost.

The table has a few gaps you should close with the retailer. The mat model name reads as "x5" in the listing, and the impact screen is listed at 5 by 5 feet, which seems small for a bay that is 12 feet wide. If the screen really is that size, it will not cover the full width of the enclosure, so ask for the exact screen dimensions and the mat model before you commit.

The SkyTrak+ at the center

The launch monitor is the reason this bundle exists, so it helps to know what it does before you read the rest. For the full breakdown, see our full SkyTrak+ review. This section covers only the points that affect the bundle decision.

Camera plus dual radar, explained

The SkyTrak+ uses a photometric high-speed camera and patented dual Doppler radar together. Because it reads the ball from the camera and the club and ball speed from radar, it needs no stickers or markings on the ball. The combination is a big part of why owners describe the data as believable.

The comparison usually drawn is with pricier units such as the GCQuad, FlightScope X3C and TrackMan 4, which also use hybrid tracking. That comparison is worth checking against current specs, since launch monitor lines change often. The hitting area is listed as about 40 percent larger than the original SkyTrak, in a body of similar size. Shot delay is still present, though shorter than the original's, so do not expect instant readouts.

On setup, the SkyTrak+ works with iOS, Android and PC. Owners report that account setup, app download and pairing go quickly. If you are weighing alternatives, the usual rivals at this level are the FlightScope Mevo+, the Uneekor EYE MINI and the Bushnell Launch Pro.

The numbers it reports

The SkyTrak+ reports a long list of metrics. The ones you will look at most are:

• Ball speed, clubhead speed and smash factor
• Launch angle, angle of descent and attack angle
• Backspin and sidespin
• Carry, run and total distance
• Club path, face to path and face to target
• Distance offline, side angle and max height

Carry is the number to use for gapping your clubs, because it tells you how far each club flies through the air before it lands. Club path and face data explain curve. If the face is open to the path, the ball curves right for a right-handed golfer, and if the face is closed to the path, it curves left. Watching those two numbers together is the fastest way to understand a slice or a hook, which is often more useful than the carry figure alone.

Room requirements, worked through

The room is where most buyers get this wrong, so work through the numbers before you order. The SwingBay internal space is 12 feet wide, 16 feet deep and 9 feet high, and the minimum recommended space is the same. More room is always better for safety, but the internal figure is the floor, not the ceiling.

The outer frame and netting add some thickness, so the external footprint is larger than the internal one. Check the exact external dimensions with the retailer, because the frame thickness changes how much space is left for walkways, storage and your computer desk.

Worked example: a 20 x 20 foot garage with a 9'6" ceiling

Start with the width. A 20-foot garage minus the 12-foot enclosure leaves 8 feet of width. That is enough for a walkway on one side and a narrow PC desk, but it is tight if you also want storage. Next, the depth. The same garage minus the 16-foot enclosure leaves 4 feet of depth. That is enough for a shelf or a compact desk against the back wall, but not much more.

Now the height. A 9'6" ceiling minus the 9-foot enclosure leaves 6 inches over the roof. Six inches is enough for the enclosure to fit, but it does not account for the frame and the projector mount if they sit at the top. Before you order, measure the clear height from the floor to the lowest ceiling obstruction, such as a beam, light fixture or garage door track.

Garages like this one can work well, but plan the walkway and storage first and fit the enclosure into what is left.

Worked example 2: a 12 x 15 foot spare room

A spare room that is 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep fails on depth by 1 foot. The enclosure needs 16 feet, so the room is short by exactly that amount. Width and height might pass, but the depth decides the outcome.

In a case like this, you have two choices. You can look at a different enclosure size, or you can consider a bay with a shallower footprint. The PerfectBay from Top Shelf Golf comes in a 5-foot-deep configuration behind the screen, which may fit a room the SwingBay cannot. It is worth measuring both options before you decide.

Other room checks

Taller golfers need more height. A 9-foot internal ceiling can be tight for a driver, especially for an upright swing. Our guide to ceiling height for a driver swing walks through how much clearance to plan for.

Outdoor use of the enclosure is possible if you plan for it, but the frame and netting need protection from weather. The launch monitor is portable, but the enclosure is built to stay in place.

Assembly day: what the build involves

The bundle is designed for DIY assembly, and the steps are straightforward once you have the space and a helper. Plan for a full day rather than a few hours, and keep the instructions on hand because the frame is the part that takes the longest.

1. Build the frame following the included instructions. The listings disagree on the frame material. One describes a powder-coated steel frame, while the assembly notes mention 1.5-inch aluminum framing joined with ball bungees. Confirm the material with Rain or Shine Golf before you buy, because it affects how you plan the build and how the frame is handled.
2. Attach the side netting and the impact screen with the included Velcro. Keep the netting taut, since loose netting can sag and affect the image.
3. Fit the projector ceiling mount and lay the hitting mat. If you are not comfortable working at height, hire a professional for the mount. A mount that is not level or secure is the one part of the build you do not want to rush.
4. Place the SkyTrak+ beside the hitting area, parallel to the target line. Our ball placement and positioning guide covers where the ball and the unit should sit relative to each other.
5. Connect the SkyTrak+ to Wi-Fi and install any firmware updates before you start hitting.
6. Calibrate the unit with alignment sticks through the menu. You will need to recalibrate any time the unit moves, so set it down where you plan to leave it.

Expect the frame and the projector mount to take most of the time. The netting and screen are quick once the frame is square.

Software plans and what they cost each year

The software is the running cost that most buyers underestimate, so this is the section to read twice. Prices below are at time of writing and may have changed, so check the current plans before you budget.

Plan or program	What it adds	Price per year (approx.)
Basic Practice Range	3D range and shot data	Included with any SkyTrak
Game Improvement	More practice features and challenges; required for third-party sim software	About $99 a year; first year free with SwingBay
Play & Improve	Course play with 15 courses through WGT	About $199.99 a year
Third-party sims	The Golf Club 2019 (150,000+ course library), E6 Connect, GSPro, Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf, Creative Golf 3D, ProTee Play	Each priced separately

The Basic Practice Range comes with any SkyTrak, so you will always have a working practice setup. Game Improvement is the plan that matters most in practice, because it is required for third-party sim software. The first year is free with the SwingBay, which means your first real cost comes in year two.

Play & Improve is the plan for course play. It adds 15 courses through WGT, which runs on iOS only and needs an iPad Air or better. If you plan to play courses regularly, budget for it from the start rather than treating it as a later upgrade.

The third-party sims are where the choice gets wide. The Golf Club 2019 has a library of 150,000+ courses, but confirm that it is still sold as a new purchase, since availability may have changed. GSPro is listed as working with the SkyTrak+, though some listings describe it as not officially supported. Verify the current status before you rely on it. E6 Connect, Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf, Creative Golf 3D and ProTee Play are each priced on their own.

To connect third-party software, use the instructions on SkyTrak's official site rather than a workaround, which avoids most compatibility problems. Our software integration guide walks through connecting GSPro, E6 and WGT to the SkyTrak+ step by step.

PC specs for the software you will actually run

The computer is a second purchase that many buyers forget to budget for. The table below lists the minimum specs for each program, and the right move is to buy for the most demanding one you plan to run.

Program	Minimum listed	Note
SkyTrak app	Windows 7, 8 or 10 (10 recommended); Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or better; 2 GB RAM	The listing looks outdated, so confirm with SkyTrak
E6 Connect	Intel i5; 8 GB RAM; NVIDIA GTX 1070 or better (DirectX 11 GPU); 25 GB free disk; Windows 10; stable internet	Requires Windows 10
The Golf Club 2019	64-bit Windows 7, 8 or 10; Intel Core i5-760 2.8 GHz or better; 4 GB RAM; NVIDIA GTX 670 or equivalent; 30 GB disk; DirectX 11 sound card; stable internet	Confirm it is still sold new

The SkyTrak app spec is the least demanding, but it is also the one most likely to be out of date. The E6 Connect and The Golf Club 2019 specs are the ones that will shape your purchase. E6 Connect needs a graphics card at the GTX 1070 level, and The Golf Club 2019 needs at least 4 GB of RAM and a 30 GB disk. A machine that meets the SkyTrak app spec will not necessarily run either sim well, so check the heavier program first.

If you plan to use WGT on an iPad, the computer requirement drops away for course play, but you will still need a PC for E6 Connect and The Golf Club 2019. Our PC requirements guide for golf simulators explains how to choose a computer for the sim you pick, and if you run into lag, the SkyTrak freezing and performance fix covers the most common causes.

Three-year cost of ownership

The purchase price is only part of the bill. Here is what the bundle costs over three years, using the list prices at time of writing.

Scenario A: practice only. You buy the bundle at about $9,099, which includes the free first year of Game Improvement. You then pay for Game Improvement in years two and three.

• Bundle: $9,099
• Game Improvement, years 2 and 3: $99 x 2 = $198
• Total: about $9,297, before any PC or third-party software

Scenario B: course play every year. You buy the same bundle and then pay for Play & Improve each year for three years.

• Bundle: $9,099
• Play & Improve, 3 years: $199.99 x 3 = $599.97
• Total: about $9,699

The figure assumes you buy Play & Improve in year one too. Confirm whether it stacks with the free first year of Game Improvement, since that changes the year-one total.

Both scenarios leave out some costs you should add. A PC or gaming laptop may be needed if you do not already have one. Third-party sim licenses are priced separately. A mat upgrade to 4 by 9 feet and a landing pad turf add to the setup. Listings mention financing from as low as 0 percent, but confirm the terms before you assume them. Our guide to financing a simulator covers the questions to ask.

All figures are list prices at time of writing, so confirm them before you buy.

How it stacks up against SIG and PerfectBay bundles

The SwingBay is not the only way to buy a SkyTrak+ bay. The SIG and PerfectBay bundles use the same launch monitor, so the differences come down to the enclosure, the screen and the software that is included.

Bundle	Retailer	Enclosure size	Software included	Who it suits
SkyTrak+ SwingBay	Rain or Shine Golf	12' W x 16' D x 9' H	Basic Practice Range plus one year of Game Improvement	Garage or basement owners with the full 12 x 16 x 9 foot space
SkyTrak+ SIG8, SIG10, SIG12	Shop Indoor Golf	Three sizes (SIG8, SIG10, SIG12)	Play & Improve included, with 15 WGT courses on iOS plus 15 E6 Connect courses	Buyers who want course play from day one and will pay more
SkyTrak+ PerfectBay	Top Shelf Golf	10.5' W x 8' H x 5' D, Plus 12' W x 9' H x 5' D, Wide 13.5' W x 8' H x 5' D	Confirm with the retailer	Rooms that are only about 5 feet deep behind the screen

The SIG bundles cost more, but they include Play & Improve out of the box, so you start with course play and do not pay extra for it in year one. They also come with a quality mat and an optional SIG flooring upgrade. If course play is the main reason you are buying, the SIG bundles often make the total cost easier to compare. Our reviews of the SIG8 bundle and SIG12 bundle cover the sizes in more depth.

The PerfectBay is the choice for shallow rooms. Its 4

impact screen fills the full screen area edge to edge, and its black enclosure keeps the image clean. Most of its parts can be upgraded, which gives you room to improve the setup over time. Its sizes are a good fit for rooms that are short on depth, although the software included with it is not listed in the same way as the SIG bundles, so ask the retailer what comes in the box.

Compare SkyTrak+ SIG bundles ↗

Taking the SkyTrak+ outside

The launch monitor is portable, even though the enclosure stays where it is. That makes the SkyTrak+ useful beyond the bay, but it also means outdoor use needs planning.

Outdoors you need a net or a screen behind the ball so you are not hitting into open space. Connect a tablet or laptop nearby to read the data, since the launch monitor needs a device to show the numbers. The same unit also works on a driving range or on a course, which gives you real ball flight in real conditions to go with your indoor sessions.

Weather is the main limit. Sun, wind and rain all affect both the enclosure and the setup, so check the conditions before you set up outside. Our guide to using the SkyTrak outdoors covers sun, wind and rain in more detail.

Pre-order checklist

Before you check out, work through this list. Each item is a question that has caused problems for buyers who skipped it.

• Measure the room against 12' x 16' x 9' internal space, then add the frame thickness and the clearance for walkways and storage.
• Confirm the current bundle price and exactly what is included, including the screen size and the mat model.
• Decide between Game Improvement only and Play & Improve, and choose the third-party sim you plan to run.
• Check your computer against the most demanding program on your list.
• Decide between the ceiling projector mount and the SwingShield floor enclosure.
• Ask about financing and delivery, since the SwingBay bundle is sold only through Rain or Shine Golf.
• Confirm the frame material with the retailer, since the listings disagree.

Questions to answer before you check out

These are the questions that come up most often before people buy. Each answer is short, and the sections above have the detail behind it.

Is a 9-foot enclosure roof tall enough for a 6'4"golfer with a driver?

The SwingBay internal height is 9 feet, so a 6-foot-4 golfer with an upright swing may find it tight with a driver. Do a slow practice swing in the space you plan to use before you buy, and check our ceiling height guide for how much clearance a driver swing needs. The published specs do not give a clearance figure for each golfer height, so treat that question as a measurement task for your own room.

Does the bundle run GSPro?

Some listings say GSPro works with the SkyTrak+ even though it is not officially supported. That status may have changed, so confirm it with SkyTrak before you buy. Third-party software needs the Game Improvement plan, which is free for the first year with the SwingBay.

What still works if I let the yearly SkyTrak plan lapse?

The Basic Practice Range plan is included with any SkyTrak and keeps the virtual range and shot data. Game Improvement, at about $99 a year, is needed for third-party sims, and Play & Improve, at about $199.99 a year, gives you WGT course play. Plans change, so check current prices before you rely on these figures.

Can I run it from an iPad instead of a PC?

The SkyTrak+ works with iOS, Android and PC, so the launch monitor is not tied to a computer. WGT course play is iOS only and needs an iPad Air or better. E6 Connect and The Golf Club 2019 run on Windows PCs with the specs listed in the PC section, and GSPro is a PC program.

Can the enclosure move to another room later?

The modular frame is built for DIY assembly with ball bungees and Velcro, so it can be taken down and rebuilt. Recalibrate the SkyTrak+ after any move, using the alignment sticks in the menu. Measure the new room against the 12 x 16 x 9 foot internal space before you start.