SkyTrak Plus vs SkyTrak ST Max: Full Comparison for 2026

SkyTrak has two premium launch monitors at similar price points: the SkyTrak+ and the newer ST Max. They use fundamentally different tracking technologies, making them suited for different use cases.

The SkyTrak+ uses high-speed camera-based photometric tracking. It photographs the ball at impact and in the early flight phase, then calculates full ball flight from that data. This approach is highly accurate for indoor simulators where the ball hits a screen and the full flight cannot be observed. The system is quiet, has no radar emissions, and works well in any lighting condition.

The ST Max uses Doppler radar tracking, similar to the technology in the Garmin R10 and Bushnell Launch Pro. Radar tracks the full ball flight as it travels through the air, giving direct measurement of parameters that camera systems must calculate indirectly: shot shape (draw/fade curvature), carry vs. roll distance, and the full apex and descent angle.

For a standard home simulator setup (10-20 feet from hitting mat to screen), the SkyTrak+ is the better choice. Camera-based systems work well within the space constraints typical of home setups. The ST Max needs more depth to track reliably. If your hitting area is shorter than 15 feet, the ST Max will not perform optimally.

Both units connect to the SkyTrak app and work with E6 Connect, World Golf Tour, and TGC 2019 simulation software. Software compatibility is not a differentiating factor.

For outdoor driving range practice, off-course warm-up, or portable use between home and the course, the ST Max is the stronger performer. Radar does not require the unit to be positioned very close to the ball, giving more flexibility in setup. The full ball flight tracking provides more useful data for outdoor sessions where you can see the ball land.

For serious club fitting work, the ST Max's radar tracking and fuller data set (including direct measurement of smash factor, dynamic loft, and attack angle) make it the more appropriate tool. PGA professionals use it as a portable fitter's unit.

Both units are similarly priced in the $2,500-3,000 range. Factor the software subscription into your total cost of ownership: SkyTrak+ subscription plans range from $99/year to $199/year, and the ST Max has similar requirements.

Buy the SkyTrak+ if: you have a dedicated home simulator with a screen and enclosure, your hitting space is under 20 feet deep, and simulation golf is your primary use case. Buy the ST Max if: you plan to use the unit both indoors and at the driving range, you want to track full ball flights outdoors, or you are doing club fitting work that benefits from radar's direct measurement capabilities.