GolfBuddy Shot Mate vs Rapsodo MLM (original)
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and pricing
Specs updated
Why GolfBuddy Shot Mate is better
- Price: $20 cheaper (179.99 vs 199.98)
- 3-year cost: $320 cheaper over three years (179.99 vs 499.95)
- Built-in display: Built-in display (lcd_readout vs none)
Why Rapsodo MLM is better
- Spin measurement: Measured spin (with marked balls) (Measured spin (with marked balls) vs No spin data)
- Measured ball data: 4 of 9 ball metrics measured (vs 1) (4 vs 1)
Specs Comparison
GolfBuddy Shot Mate $180 vs Rapsodo MLM $200
| Specification | GolfBuddy Shot Mate $180 | Rapsodo MLM $200 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Price | $180 | $200 |
| Measurement | ||
| Tracking technology | Doppler radar | Radar + camera fusion |
| Radar type | Single Doppler | Single Doppler |
| Spin measurement | Not reported | Marked balls only |
| Marked balls | Not required | Titleist RCT balls |
| Accuracy tier | Entry-level | — |
| Data points per shot | — | 10 |
| Ball data | ||
| Ball speed | Measured | Measured |
| Launch angle | Not reported | Measured |
| Launch direction | Not reported | Measured |
| Spin rate | Not reported | Measured (marked ball) |
| Spin axis | Not reported | Not reported |
| Carry distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Total distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Apex height | Not reported | Calculated |
| Descent angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Offline distance | Not reported | Calculated |
| Club data | ||
| Club speed | Measured | Measured |
| Attack angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Club path | Not reported | Not reported |
| Face angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Face to path | — | Not reported |
| Dynamic loft | — | Not reported |
| Impact location | Not reported | Not reported |
| Smash factor | Calculated | Calculated |
| Club data unlock | Not available | Not available |
| Space & environment | ||
| Environment | Indoor + outdoor | Indoor + outdoor |
| Placement | Behind the ball | Behind the ball |
| Setback (ft) | 4.9 | 6 |
| Min ball flight (ft) | — | 8 |
| Lefty / righty | No repositioning | — |
| Installation | None (portable) | None (portable) |
| Sim software | ||
| Simulator capable | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| GSPro support | No | No |
| E6 Connect support | No | No |
| Awesome Golf support | No | No |
| TGC 2019 support | No | No |
| FSX Play support | No | No |
| First-party software | none | Rapsodo Virtual Range (in-app 3D shot visualization; practice only, no course play) |
| Subscription | ||
| Subscription (per year) | None | $100/yr |
| Works without subscription | Fully functional out of the box: all readings on the built-in auto-brightness display, 1,000-swing storage, golf and practice-swing modes. Marketed as 'subscription-free'; no app, no account, no phone pairing exists for this device. | Core metrics, swing replay with shot trace and storage of the last 100 swings work free (Plugged In Golf; rapsodo.com). 'MLM1 Premium Membership: $99.99/Year' adds 10,000-video cloud storage, unlimited shot storage, Shot Trace + Apex, slow-motion playback, Rapsodo Combine, Insights, R-Cloud and R-Speed. MLM1 and MLM2PRO memberships are separate, non-cross-compatible platforms (rapsodo.com membership blog). |
| Subscription trial | — | Premium Trial included with purchase (length not stated on the MLM1 page) |
| Connectivity & apps | ||
| Apps | None recorded | iOS |
| Watch app | None | — |
| Built-in display | LCD readout | None |
| Screen mirroring | None | — |
| Connectivity | None recorded | — |
| Offline mode | ✓ Yes | — |
| Physical & power | ||
| Weight (lb) | 0.29 | — |
| Dimensions (in) | 4.4 x 3.0 x 1.0 in | — |
| Battery life (hours) | 5 | — |
| Power source | Rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Alignment | Manual target line | — |
| In the box | USB Type-C charging cable, user guide, warranty card | MLM1 device, protective case, USB charging cable, quick start guide |
Buy the GolfBuddy Shot Mate
Buy the Rapsodo MLM (original)
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