The golf simulators have become more and more popular over the years, especially during the pandemic when people were not allowed to go outside. The golfers want to practice; therefore, the indoor golf simulator is their best choice.
Years ago, the price of the golf simulator was very costly. With more and more golf simulator manufacturers devoted to the golf simulator business, the technology has improved while the cost has been greatly lowered.
This golf simulator buying guide gives golfers and those who are going to become golfers some tips on how to choose golf simulators and the requirements to set up an indoor golf studio. A set of golf simulators includes the detector, computer with simulation software, ball-supply machine (optional), computer cabinet (optional), projector, strike pad, anti-impact curtain, sound equipment (optional), and cables.
How much space do I need for the golf studio?
Usually, we suggest that the ceiling height be at least 3 meters (for Asia), because we need to use 35cm for the platform where the ball-supply machine and ball-return system will be embedded. If the ceiling isn’t high enough, 2.8 meters are acceptable as long as you don’t install the ball-supply machine and ball-return system, using the semi-automatic ball-supply machine and picking up the balls manually instead. Room width is at least 4 meters, and room depth (from the curtain) is at least 6 meters.
In order to give you a better swinging experience, the standard room size, which we suggest, is 7 meters in depth, 5 meters in width, and 3 meters in height. While room size for best effect is depth 9 meters, width 5.3 meters, height 3.2 meters.
For other markets, we suggest the ceiling height should be at least 3.6 meters if you want to keep the automatic ball-supply machine and ball-return system.
Detector
The detector, which we also call a high-speed camera, is to record the swing data, including the flight distance, LIR angle, hitting angle, ball speed, club speed, back spin, and side spin. The higher the budget you want to spend on the golf simulator, the more advanced the detector you’ll get and the more swinging data you’ll have. For some advanced versions, they have a play-back function and a camera to record your swing. After you swing, you can check the playback video, and this is to help you regulate your swing. The detector cost is around $2000, but we suggest buying it together with the simulation software to gain the perfect simulation experience.
Computer with simulation software
The software simulates the real stadiums, using 3D imaging technology to achieve the dynamic effects of weather factors, wind speed, clouds, water, and leaves. We can regulate these parameters as well as the slope gradient before we swing. And the software restores the world-famous stadiums in order to let the golfers experience the most real and satisfying swinging experience without flying miles to reach them.
The software and detector always come together since they must be well-matched, so usually we suggest buying from the same supplier. The cost ranges from $3500 to $4000.
Ball-supply machine
The device is embedded in the platform, working along with the ball-return system. When the ball is hit and goes back to the platform, because of the slop, the ball goes to the lowest place and goes into the channel we reserve for it, finally going back to the ball-supply machine. With this device, golfers don’t need to pick up the balls manually. And this device greatly increases our joy when we swing. For commercial usage, this device helps to decrease the possibility of losing balls. But please remember that it requires a reserve of around 35cm to install the platform if you need to apply the ball-supply machine and build the ball-return system.
If your ceiling isn’t high enough, we suggest using the semi-automatic ball-supply machine. It’s also a good choice; it can contain around 200 pieces.
Projector
The projector is based on your room condition, for example, the room size and light situation. The room height, width, and depth determine the curtain size since there is a proportional relationship with the projector position; therefore, the curtain size determines the projector setup position and the model we need, which affects the price. Also, the light situation affects the projector model we need. If the room is very bright even if you don’t turn on the light, then you need a projector with a higher lumen. For commercial usage and better effect, we usually use at least 4000 lumens.
Strike pad
Strike pads affect your swing experience directly, we suggest choosing a premium one because it’s durable. We usually use one with a 3cm thickness and a size of 1.5 x 1.5m.
Anti-impact curtain
We suggest using a double-layer, anti-impact, and sound-muffling one, so there isn’t much noise when you swing. And usually, the supplier can customize the size as per your needs and charge based on your size as well. The cost is around 190 USD for a 4 m x 3 m curtain.
Sound equipment
Sound equipment includes two units of sound speakers and one unit of power amplifier. This is optional, but if you want to gain the full immersive experience, most simulation software systems have background music and different voices or music produced after different strokes. Therefore, we suggest buying them, and they are not expensive.
Cables
The cables here mean all kinds of cables needed to install the golf simulator, including the USB cable, VGA cable, audio cable, etc., we suggest buying the premium ones. And the length needed is determined by your golf studio size.
Above is a golf simulator buying guide. The costs are varied based on different levels of needs, but you get what you pay for. I hope this article is useful for you.
Ysam sells the golf simulator imported from Korea, which can meet the professional and advanced needs of golfers at a very competitive price. Welcome to inquire.
I’m Cheryl, and it’s been my pleasure to share the case with you. We warmly invite you to join our partnership. If you are interested in the golf simulator review or buying the product, please do not hesitate to contact me.
