With the rise of portable launch monitors, there have been a wide variety of excellent products made available to golfers across the globe.
Despite the fact that they all have the same purpose, each of them has the potential to be completely different from the rest. From their price range, to the accuracy they offer; there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a golf launch monitor.
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Comparison Table:
Introducing the FlightScope Mevo and Rapsodo MLM
Two of the most well known pieces of tech for this on the market right now are the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor and the FlightScope Mevo.
With plenty of great metrics, from driving range to spin data, they’re ideal for anyone who wants to improve their golf game.
While the two devices are similar in many ways, there are some differences between them that you might want to consider before buying. Even if it comes down to personal preference, it’s always a good idea to get your facts straight when looking for the best golf launch monitor around.
FlightScope Mevo Vs Rapsodo MLM – The quick answer
When you compare two of the best devices on the market, it can often be hard to choose one as the best. Both of these products are popular for their ability to create precise data and affordability, although there are certainly a few differences that set them apart.
Some may not be too keen on how much the Rapsodo MLM relies on their smart phone to function, whereas those who enjoy practicing indoors might find the Mevo’s radar-based system to be less than ideal. Additionally, Android users probably won’t have much of a problem choosing, since the Rapsodo mobile Launch Monitor is only compatible with Apple products.
So, what’s the number one choice? It really depends. For some, the Rapsodo MLM will be the ideal launch monitor, thanks to the many advantages it has to offer like indoor and outdoor usability and more. However, longer battery life and compatibility with a broader range of devices are two factors that make the FlightScope Mevo equally appealing (and therefore, for some people, the better option).
FlightScope Mevo Vs Rapsodo MLM – Product Overviews
FlightScope Mevo
Popular for being a small and compact device that offers surprisingly accurate data, the FlightScope Mevo certainly deserves its popularity. Efficient for both indoor and outdoor use, the device provides a variety of different metrics; from vertical launch angle, to ball speed.
The FlightScope app is great too, adding a little more functionality to the already great device. Popular among both amateur and experienced golfers, it’s certainly a product that you can’t overlook. All in all, if you want a reliable golf launch monitor for a great price, this is a good choice.
- Highly accurate on drivers and shorter shots
- Great battery life
- Instant feedback via the speech function
- Several other great features on the FlightScope app, making it a bit easier to get the info you need
- The device doesn’t have a display screen
- Many of its features rely on the phone application, which can drain your mobile’s battery
- It’s not always quite as precise in indoor settings and when hitting into a net
Rapsodo MLM
Another small and easily portable product, the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor can easily fit in your golf bag and provide you with instant feedback on your shot with useful data. One thing that sets this gadget apart from the rest is how it connects to your mobile device.
While many portable launch monitors can connect to a phone, the Rapsodo app is essential to the functionality of the device. It does, however, allow it to use the phone’s camera and record video whilst using it’s radar simultaneously, a bonus that not many other devices have achieved.
- Most find it easy set up and use overall
- It’s small and portable
- A variety of phone features make the Rapsodo MLM even more efficient
- Especially good for those who want to test their performance with different clubs
- You need the MLM app on your phone to be able to use your launch monitor
- It’s only compatible with certain iOS devices (for now, at least)
- It has a short battery life
Now that these short product reviews are out the way, let’s look at the best two devices on the market today and determine which one comes out on top.
Comparison Between FlightScope Mevo Vs Rapsodo MLM
Size
Gone are the days where golf launch monitors are big boxes. With the introduction of portable golf simulators that can provide a high level of precision, the market for these pieces of tech has certainly grown.
As two of the most popular portable golf launch monitors available, it shouldn’t come as much surprise that both of these products are quite compact. When compared against each other, there really isn’t much to note. Overall, this can be a bonus for pretty much anyone looking for a decent launch monitor without having to worry about making space for it.
Accuracy
Another thing that the two best launch monitors on the market will need to be successful is precise data – and for the most part, you’ll find that both of these perform well. In this regard, they’re almost on an equal playing field (although not quite equal, due to the fact that the Mevo is less efficient when using a net).
Metrics
The FlightScope Mevo gives ball flight data on a variety of metrics, such as ball speed, smash factor, carry distance and much more. Likewise, the Rapsodo also provides similar launch data (although has the added bonus of video recordings of your swings). Overall, they both offer the same data and are equally great choices.
Affordability
Finally, and arguably one of the most important factors for most buyers, is the fact that both of these devices are available for the same price – and it’s a low one at that.
The advantage of getting a high quality gadget for a great cost is something that anyone would be drawn to, which is one of the key reasons why so many people gravitate towards the FlightScope Mevo and MLM models in the first place.
Key Differences Between Them
Reliability on your mobile phone
While both of these devices have a handy mobile app, one of the main differences between the Rapsodo and FlightScope devices is that the MLM needs your smart phone to work, where the Mevo doesn’t.
The fact that it can also drain a lot of a phone’s battery can also be a downside too, especially if you want to be able to use both of them for longer during your practice sessions. When compared against each other, the Mevo wins this one.
Availability
Another issue that comes from being so heavily reliant on a mobile device is that the Rapsodo MLM is also limited to Apple products. They’re only useable on newer iOS devices, so even if you have an older iPad or iPhone, it may not even work. Because of this, it’s simply not a viable choice for golfers using Android devices, which is quite a big deal.
Battery life
Again, the need to connect the device to your phone can be a pain. But when you also consider the fact that the Rapsodo MLM tends to run down faster than the FlightScope Mevo while also draining your phone battery, it’s a no brainer which one is better in terms of longevity of use, especially since the Mevo is known for having a longer run-time.
Functionality of the app
On the plus side, the application from Rapsodo MLM does offer several features that you might want to consider.
Using both radar and camera technology, GPS satellites and offering video playback of your swings (alongside onscreen data and information on shot dispersion), there are quite a few bonuses that make Rapsodo MLM app a little more interesting than the Mevo (even if the FlightScope Mevo app does have a lot to offer in its own right).
Usability indoors
With the more recent NET Mode addition to the Rapsodo MLM app, it did get a huge one-up over the Mevo – it’s far more functional indoors and offers higher efficiency when swinging into a net. Not everyone’s able to go out to a golf course or range to practice, and if you’ve got an indoor setup, it’s certainly nice to know that you can use your golf launch monitor in whatever setting you’re in.
A couple of alternatives to consider
It can always be a good idea to have a broad range of options, and with this in mind, we thought it would be worth taking a closer look into some of the other popular launch monitors that you could look into. Here’s a quick rundown of two excellent alternatives; the Garmin Approach G90, and the Swing Caddie SC300:
Garmin Approach G80
For a bit of a lower price, you may want to consider purchasing the Garmin Approach G80. There are several features that make this particular product worth checking out, such as warmup mode from when you’re on the range, tempo training, PlaysLike Distance and a number of other handy advantages to make your practice sessions easier and more productive.
Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300
Another great option that you might want to look into is the Swing Caddie SC300. Available for a similar price as the others mentioned in this review, this machine uses a Doppler radar system to provide precise data on a variety of metrics; from ball speed and launch angle, to apex (max height). With other features like speech feedback, it’s an overall great choice that most golfers would be pleased with.
FAQs
How accurate is the Rapsodo launch monitor?
While it may not always be 100% in all of its measurements, you’ll often find that this gadget is excellent for at least providing you with an estimate of how you’re swinging and how you hit the golf ball, which could be great for your progress as a golfer.
As a comparison, the brand claims to be close to the efficiency of the TrackMan; although available for a lower price. It’s definitely a good choice, especially for amateur players who want an efficient and affordable tool to help them improve their golf game.
Does FlightScope Mevo have shot tracer?
Unfortunately, the Mevo doesn’t have a built-in camera, and therefore, no shot tracer capabilities. This is due to the fact that it’s a radar-based system, rather than a photometric launch monitor. There is a lot that this gadget can do for you, but this particular feature isn’t one of them.
What can I learn from a golf launch monitor?
Both the Rapsodo MLM and FlightScope Mevo are excellent products that can provide you with information on several metrics, which can be used to help you hone your skills. Data on shot direction, trajectory, spin rate, smash factor, carry distance, ball speed and so much more can all be essential to those hoping to be a better golfer.
Does the FlightScope Mevo show ball flight?
There are plenty of metrics that you can get with the Mevo monitor, with one of the main ones being its ability to measure ball flight. Its Doppler radar system is a key reason why it’s so efficient at seeing the ball travel, and why it tends to be less accurate when hitting into a net.
How does the Rapsodo MLM use your phone’s GPS?
Using the mobile application, you can get a bird’s eye view of the golf range or course you’re playing at. This feature allows you to see where each of your shots have landed – which can be especially useful for those who are just doing a practice session.
Final thoughts
After taking all the different factors into consideration, it’s plain to see that both of these gadgets do a lot of things right. Excellent pricing, accurate data, interesting features, etc. are all essential components to an appealing golf launch monitor.
While the choice between the FlightScope Mevo Vs Rapsodo MLM mostly comes down to personal preference, there are definitely a few factors that you can use to help you make your decision (such as device compatibility or efficiency in both indoor and outdoor areas).
Overall, there’s a good chance that you’ll be happy with whichever one you pick, just make sure you choose wisely to get the most suitable one for your needs.