Indoor vs outdoor launch monitor: what changes

Radar and camera: the core difference

Doppler radar units measure the ball as it flies away. Placed behind the ball, they need to see enough flight to calculate speed, launch and in many cases spin. Outdoors that is easy. Indoors, with a net or screen a few metres away, the radar sees only a short part of the flight, so it needs enough distance between the ball and the net to get a clean reading.

Camera or photometric units sit beside the ball and take images at and just after impact. They do not need long flight, which is why they suit simulator bays. They do need even lighting and a clear view of the ball. Some combine cameras and radar. Our how launch monitors work explainer goes into more depth.

Indoors: space, nets and lighting

Indoors, room depth matters most for radar units, which usually sit some distance behind the ball. Check the maker's guidance for the gap behind the ball and the distance to the net. Ceiling height matters for every monitor, because you need to swing a driver freely. Read how much space a golf simulator needs before buying.

Camera units are less fussy about depth but more fussy about lighting. Strong lights shining straight at the camera, or very dim rooms, can cause missed shots. Some require marked balls for spin. If a unit keeps missing shots indoors, our launch monitor not picking up shots guide covers the usual causes.

Outdoors: ball flight, sun and wind

On a range, radar comes into its own because it can watch more of the flight. Camera units still read impact well, but very bright low sun behind the ball can affect some models, and grass mats or real turf can change where you can place the unit. Wind does not affect what is measured at launch, but it does affect where the ball lands, so carry numbers from the monitor may differ from what you see.

Range balls are another factor. They are often built to fly shorter and can be scuffed, which affects both radar and camera readings. Use your own balls where allowed, or treat range ball distances with care.

Four monitors compared

The table below uses listing facts only. Check the maker's set-up guide for exact distances and conditions.

Which suits your practice?

If you will mostly hit on a range or practice ground, a radar unit is a natural fit and portable models with a built-in screen are handy. If you are building a garage bay, a camera or hybrid unit makes better use of limited depth and tends to suit simulator software. If you want both, a hybrid such as the MLM2PRO is designed for that, with the trade-offs of each method.

Our best launch monitors for a home simulator and best golf launch monitors guides compare current units.

• Mostly outdoors: radar, ideally with a built-in screen.
• Mostly indoors in a short room: camera or hybrid.
• Both: hybrid, set up carefully for each place.
• Short of space: check the maker's distances before you buy.

Getting the same numbers in both places

Even with the right unit, readings can shift between the garage and the range. Keep set-up consistent: level the monitor, align it to the target line, and use the same type of ball. Indoors, check that the net or screen is far enough away for the unit to read the shot. Outdoors, place the monitor on firm, level ground and watch for anything moving in its field of view, such as a flag or another golfer.

It helps to hit a few shots with one club in each place and compare ball speed and launch angle, which are the most directly measured numbers. If those match, differences in carry are more likely to be from conditions than from the monitor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a radar launch monitor indoors? Yes, if the room is deep enough for the unit behind the ball and the net is far enough away for a reading. Check the maker's minimum distances.

Are camera launch monitors better indoors? They usually need less depth, which helps in garages. They need even lighting and sometimes marked balls.

Why are my outdoor numbers different from indoor ones? Ball type, conditions and set-up all change readings. Ball speed and launch should be close; carry can differ.