SkyTrak (original) vs SkyTrak ST MAX
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and pricing
Specs updated
The SkyTrak (original) compared here is the original — the SkyTrak+ has succeeded it.
SkyTrak (original)
SkyTrak
Which should you buy?
Bottom line: the SkyTrak ST MAX is the better buy for most people, unless you need outdoor range use.
SkyTrak ST MAX at Amazon· $1,695
Prefer the SkyTrak? Where to buy ↓
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First-generation SkyTrak owners weighing the jump to the current ST MAX.
Buy the SkyTrak if…
- You also want to use it outdoors at the range (the SkyTrak ST MAX is indoor-only)
Buy the SkyTrak ST MAX if…
- You want club head data at all — the SkyTrak doesn't offer it
Verdict generated from the recorded spec differences shown in the table below — when a spec is missing for either product, it is left out rather than guessed.
Specs Comparison
SkyTrak vs SkyTrak ST MAX $1,695
| Specification | SkyTrak | SkyTrak ST MAX $1,695 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Price | — | $1,695 |
| Measurement | ||
| Tracking technology | Photometric (camera) | Radar + camera fusion |
| Radar type | None | Dual Doppler |
| Spin measurement | Optical (any ball) | Optical (any ball) |
| Marked balls | Not required | Not required |
| Accuracy tier | Simulator-grade | Simulator-grade |
| Ball data | ||
| Ball speed | Measured | Measured |
| Launch angle | Measured | Measured |
| Launch direction | Measured | Measured |
| Spin rate | Measured | Measured |
| Spin axis | Measured | Measured |
| Carry distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Total distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Apex height | Calculated | Calculated |
| Descent angle | Calculated | Calculated |
| Offline distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Club data | ||
| Club speed | Calculated | Measured |
| Attack angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Club path | Not reported | Measured |
| Face angle | Not reported | Measured |
| Face to path | Not reported | — |
| Dynamic loft | Not reported | Not reported |
| Impact location | Not reported | Not reported |
| Smash factor | Calculated | Calculated |
| Club data unlock | Not available | Included |
| Space & environment | ||
| Environment | Indoor + outdoor | Indoor only |
| Placement | Beside the ball | Beside the ball |
| Min room depth (ft) | — | 12 |
| Min room width (ft) | — | 12 |
| Ceiling height (ft) | — | 9 |
| Hitting zone | — | ~4 x 4 in (ball placement zone, skytrakgolf.com) |
| Lefty / righty | Repositioning required | Repositioning required |
| Installation | None (portable) | None (portable) |
| Sim software | ||
| Simulator capable | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| GSPro support | No | No |
| E6 Connect support | Dropped (legacy users only) | No |
| TGC 2019 support | Dropped (legacy users only) | No |
| FSX Play support | No | No |
| First-party software | SkyTrak app practice range and course play (legacy Game Improvement / Play & Improve packages) | SkyTrak Course Play (Foresight and Trackman licensed course packs inside the SkyTrak app; 95+ courses on Elite) |
| Included sim content | Historical third-party lineup (MyGolfSimulator): The Golf Club 2019, E6 Connect, Creative Golf 3D, World Golf Tour (iOS), Fitness Golf, ProTee Play. Current state 2026: TGC2019's retail listing says 'Not compatible with SkyTrak or SkyTrak+', SkyTrak family third-party support (E6, GSPro) was dropped for new customers in 2025-26 with existing connections grandfathered (Breaking Eighty), and GSPro was never officially supported ('I don't believe you can use Skytrak with the GS Pro software program' - MyGolfSimulator; GSPro's FAQ names SkyTrak as unsupported). Whether legacy Creative Golf 3D/ProTee connections still function is unverified. | Shop Indoor Golf: 'The ST MAX only integrates with SkyTrak Golf Simulator Software!' SkyTrak officially dropped third-party support (GSPro, E6 Connect) for new customers in 2025-26; existing SkyTrak+ owners were grandfathered, but a new ST MAX buyer gets first-party software only (Breaking Eighty). GSPro's official supported list carries no SkyTrak model and its FAQ names SkyTrak as unsupported. TGC2019 retail listing: 'Not compatible with SkyTrak or SkyTrak+'. FSX Play is Foresight-hardware-only; the Core: Foresight membership licenses Foresight COURSES inside SkyTrak's own software, not FSX. 14-day trial of Sweetens Cove course play included; End of Summer Sale bundled 1 year of Core membership free. |
| Subscription | ||
| Subscription (per year) | From $100/yr | $600/yr |
| Works without subscription | Basic practice range with full shot data works without a plan; course play and game-improvement features historically required a paid package (the author 'pays just under $100 a year for the Game Improvement Package' - MyGolfSimulator). | Free Basic plan: SkyTrak Driving Range with ball and club data, Sim Club membership and PinSeeker access ('You can use SKYTRAK at a minimal level without a membership' - skytrakgolf.com FAQ). Course play and the improvement suites require a paid tier. |
| Subscription trial | — | 14-day trial access to play Sweetens Cove plus improvement features; End of Summer Sale included 1 year free Core (Foresight) membership |
| Connectivity & apps | ||
| Apps | iOS, Windows | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Watch app | — | None |
| Built-in display | — | None |
| Connectivity | WiFi | WiFi, USB-C |
| Physical & power | ||
| Weight (lb) | — | 1.7 |
| Dimensions (in) | — | 6.875 H x 5.75 W x 2.5 D in |
| Battery life (hours) | 5 | 4 |
| Power source | Rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery |
| Charging port | — | USB-C |
| Alignment | — | Manual target line |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty (months) | 6 | 6 |
SkyTrak (original) availability
Buy the SkyTrak ST MAX
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SkyTrak (original) vs SkyTrak ST MAX: FAQs
Which is newer: the SkyTrak (original) or the SkyTrak ST MAX?
The SkyTrak ST MAX is newer, released in 2025, versus 2014 for the SkyTrak (original).
Does the SkyTrak (original) or the SkyTrak ST MAX need a subscription?
Both do: the SkyTrak (original) and the SkyTrak ST MAX ($600/yr for full features) each need a subscription for full function.
What is the main difference between the SkyTrak (original) and the SkyTrak ST MAX?
Based on recorded specs, the SkyTrak (original) leads on environment (Works indoors and outdoors) while the SkyTrak ST MAX leads on measured club data (3 of 5 club metrics measured (vs 0)).