Over the past ten years, affordable launch monitor options have hit the shelves, catering to everyday golfers. The question asked is, are they accurate. To answer this question, I decided to test the Swing Caddie SC300 vs Trackman 4.
There is little debate over the effectiveness of launch monitors. Tour professionals and golf coaches swear by them and praise the insight it gives into our swings. However, as incredible as these devices may be. They tend to be out of the budget of the average golfer.
In this post. We will look at the features, benefits, and accuracy of the two devices. We intend to see if the more affordable product can hold its weight against the best.
Swing Caddie SC300 vs Trackman 4 Review
Swing Caddie SC300
Pros
- Affordable for the average golfer
- Compact and light to carry
- 12-hour battery life
- You can practice and get feedback even when you are not hitting a ball
- It is equipped with two modes to help you improve your distance control
Cons
- Measures limited data points
- Struggles with accuracy on long iron shots and drives
- You need to manually adjust the loft of your club on the launch monitor for more accurate results.
- Spin data is only displayed on the Swing Caddie SC300 app and not the device itself
- The device does not measure putting data
Swing Caddie’s SC300 is an affordable launch monitor that offers the average golfer sufficient insight into their game. The device succeeds the popular Swing Caddie SC200. Giving you more features than the previous Voice Caddie models.
The SC300 uses doppler radar technology to detect various data points concerning the impact of the clubhead with the ball. While the data on this device is not as in-depth as a more expensive launch monitor. It still provides enough detail for casual golfers.
So, let’s assess what the features of the launch monitor under $500 are.
Swing Caddie SC 300 Features and Benefits
Data
These are the data points that the SC 300 measures:
- Swing Speed
- Ball Speed
- Launch Angle
- Smash Factor
- Apex
- Carry Distance
- Total Distance
- Backspin RPM (you can only view this data on the
As you can see, the SC300 provides enough data to give you insight into your swing and ball striking. Coaches and professionals like Bryson DeChambeau would probably want more detail from their launch monitor. But, for the average golfer, this is all you need.
Voice Output
The voice output feature calls out your readings after every shot. It is convenient as you don’t have to check the screen and can instead set up for your next hit.
Swing Caddie SC300 App Android and IOS
Your SC300 device conveniently links up with the Swing Caddie SC300 app on android or ios. That enables you to view data in realtime, and store it from past shots, and compare your performance over time. It is a great way for you to improve your distance control and become more confident with all the clubs in your bag.
The SC300 app now also displays backspin rpm data. You won’t see this information on the launch monitor, but at least you have access to it through the app.
Range
The SC300 can measure pitches from 15 yards out up to 375 yards. That should cover every element of your golf game bar putting. Unless you are competing in the World Long Drive championship that is more than enough range.
Weight
I have seen many launch monitor companies claim that their product is light and easy to carry around. However, carrying anything over 4 pounds in my bag for 18 holes is not light to me. The Swing Caddie SC300 on the other hand is light and fits easily into any golf bag. It weighs 15.3 oz and is 6.5 x 4.5 x 1 inch in size.
Carry and Total Distance
The SC300 device does not display both your carry and total distance. If you want both of these measurements you can view that in the SC300 app. Make sure you set the launch monitor to deliver carry or total distance, depending on the information you are after.
Loft Angle
One of the downsides of the Swing Caddie SC300 is that you need to manually adjust the loft of the club you are hitting on the device. It’s not a train smash if you are on the range and smashing multiple shots with the same club. But, during a round, it becomes tedious to change the loft for every shot you hit.
Practice With No Golf Ball
The advanced doppler radar technology installed into the SC300 allows you to practice without hitting a ball. The radar bounces a microwave signal off the strike zone. Enabling it to give you data based on your club speed and the angles at which you connected with the ball.
For those of you. Who doesn’t have space at home for a full launch monitor studio setup? This could be a suitable alternative. You only need enough space to swing a golf club without destroying any of your household possessions.
Modes
Two modes are available in the Swing Caddie SC300 launch monitor, Practice and Target. In practice mode, you place the launch monitor 2-3 yards behind the hitting zone and start swinging. Target mode allows you to pick a target distance to aim at. This exercise is brilliant if you are working to improve your distance control.
Price
Launch monitors don’t have the best reputation when it comes to affordability, but the SC300 is a different kettle of fish. It will depend on where you are acquiring the launch monitor from. But, on average you can expect to pay around $500.
When you consider that some launch monitors will run you more than $20,000, the price of the SC300 becomes appealing. What is more impressive is how it held its weight against the Trackman 4.
Trackman 4 Launch Monitor
Pros
- Measures the clubhead’s precise point of impact with the ball
- Dual radar technology enhances the accuracy of the device.
- Data can easily be viewed from your smartphone or tablet
- Detailed data analysis for professional golfers and coaches
Cons
- There are a few seconds delay in the software displaying shot data
- The device needs to be calibrated to detect targets in an outdoor environment
- Expensive and unaffordable for most average golfers
- The launch monitor is bigger and heavier than the Swing Caddie SC300
- You need ample space for the indoor set up to measure your shot data accurately.
The Trackman 4 launch monitor is a premium product that is aimed at professional golfers and coaches. There are 700 professional golfers worldwide who use the Trackman 4 during practice due to the in-depth analysis it gives them into their club and ball data.
The dual radar system in the Trackman enables it to pick up data from the clubhead and the ball at impact. The variety of data points that the device can measure enables it to provide millimetric accuracy.
Trackman 4 Features and Benefits
Data
The Trackman 4’s dual radar technology enables the launch monitor to analyze more data points than most of its competitor products.
Here is a list of the shot data calculated by the Trackman.
Ball Data
- Ball speed
- Carry
- Launch angle
- Smash factor
- Spin rate
Club Data
- Club path
- Face angle
- Dynamic loft
- Attack angle
As you can see, the Trackman analyzes significantly more data than the Swing Caddie SC300. I see the benefit of gaining more insight into your shots, as it is the best way to route out the smaller issues that are causing the bigger problems.
Think of it as your business. You use in-depth analysis tools to help you make better-informed decisions in the office. Why not use it to help your golf game? Based on the high functionality of the Trackman 4, it is a device best suited to the tour pros and golf coaches.
Dual Radar System
The Trackman 4 is fitted with dual radar technology to enhance the device’s ability to gather data on the impact of your strikes. One radar focuses on the actions of the clubhead before, during, and after impact. While the second radar is dedicated to acquiring details on your golf ball at impact.
This setup has enabled Trackman to produce one of the most accurate devices found on the launch monitor market today.
Indoor/Outdoor Setup
If you intend to use your Trackman launch monitor outdoors. You are going to need to configure it to detect your target area. The device needs to adjust to the angle of the turf and your ball in relation to the target. Only then can you start hitting away.
Using the Trackman in an indoor environment requires ample space. The launch monitor needs to sit a distance of 8 to 12 feet behind the striking zone to enable both radars to get to work. Furthermore, your hitting mat should be spaced approximately 13 feet from the impact screen to allow for sufficient launch.
Weight
The Trackman 4 is by no means heavy, but it can be a fair amount of weight to lug around 18 holes. It weighs in at 6.2 pounds, which is substantially heavier than the Swing Caddie SC300.
Price
The Trackman is a premium launch monitor device and requires a significant budget for the individual golfer. As we can see from its features, this is a product that provides significant detail and is incredibly accurate. That accuracy and level of detail will cost you over $20,000. Of course, it will depend on the features that you opt for but prepare your wallets.
As a result of the price of the Trackman. It makes the most sense for a coach or professional looking to invest in top of the range technology.
Swing Caddie SC300 vs Trackman – Benefits
These two launch monitors could not be more different in terms of their functions and who they were designed for. It is evident that the Trackman analyzes far more data than the Swing Caddie SC300. We may think that more is better. But, the detail of information provided by the Trackman may confuse the average golfer.
If you are a golf coach or a professional, then the Trackman will benefit to you. That is because a coach or professional is looking to extract as much detail about their game as possible.
The Swing Caddies SC300 does provide far less insight into your shots, but I found that it gave the average golfer everything you need on the course, on the range, and at home.
I also found it useful that the Swing Caddie does not require a ball to be hit, to provide you with shot data. That is a major benefit to the busy professional who does not have the time to get to the range on weekdays.
Verdict
The features category goes to the Trackman, given the level of detail it offers us regarding our swings.
Swing Caddie SC300 vs Trackman – Data, and Accuracy
As I mentioned, the Trackman gathers far more data and insight into your shots than the Swing Caddie SC300. However, in terms of the data that both devices analyze. Let us see how the accuracy compares. As is the norm for my tests, I hit five drives, five-seven irons, and five sand wedge shots to see what the readings averaged.
Ball Speed
Swing Caddie SC300 Ball Speed Data
- Driver – 158 mph
- 7-iron – 124 mph
- Sand Wedge – 88.4 mph
I found the Swing Caddie SC300 to be off the mark with the driver to mid-iron in hand. While the ball speed readings were not significantly off my normal speeds, it was inaccurate compared to the Trackman.
With a driver, I usually generate around 162 mph of ball speed. However, the SC300 calculated my average as 158 mph. Then with my 7-iron, the launch monitor gave me an average of 124 mph, which is only 3 mph slower than what the Trackman was reading.
I felt that the Swing Caddie SC300 was more accurate on shorter iron and wedge shots. That is likely a result of a slower swing speed with those clubs.
Trackman Ball Speed Readings
- Driver – 162.1 mph
- 7-iron – 127 mph
- Sand Wedge – 88.5 mph
As I expected. The readings from the Trackman 4 were on a par with my previous ball speed averages.
Launch Angle
Swing Caddies SC300 Launch Angle
- Driver – 13.5 degrees
- 7-iron – 17.8 degrees
- Sand Wedge – 32 degrees
I found my drives and mid-irons to launch nearly one degree higher than what I received from the Trackman 4. Wedge shots revealed almost two degrees more of launch with the SC300 launch monitor.
Trackman 4 Launch Angle
- Driver – 12.7 degrees
- 7-iron – 18.8 degrees
- Sand Wedge – 30.3 degrees
As was the case with ball speed, the Trackman delivered launch angle readings that I would expect, from my driver through to my wedge shots.
Backspin RPM
Swing Caddies SC300 Backspin RPM
- Driver – 2900 rpm
- 7-iron – 5100 rpm
- 56 Degree Wedge – 10,800 rpm
While I was happy with the backspin rpm reading on my sand wedge strikes. I questioned the backspin readings on my drives. I received a measurement of 400 rpm of backspin more off of my drives than I usually do. While 400 rpm may not be much. It will still impact the accuracy of the rest of the readings. My 7-iron backspin was almost 1000 rpm less than the Trackman 4 reading.
I thought that low spin would result in a long 7-iron shot, but in fact, it came up nearly 8 yards short of the Trackman measurement.
Trackman Backspin RPM
- Driver – 2510 rpm
- 7-iron – 6100 rpm
- 56 Degree Wedge – 10,900 rpm
The trend of accurate readings from the Trackman continues with backspin. These figures are what I would expect in terms of backspin rpm throughout the bag.
Carry Distance
Swing Caddie SC300 Carry Distance
- Driver – 272 yards
- 7-iron – 179 yards
- Sand Wedge – 99 yards
The SC300 measured my average driving carry distance at 272 yards. That is roughly 13-15 yards shorter than my average carry. 7-iron strikes were also reading 7 yards less in carry than my average. While sand wedge shots were on the money.
Trackman Carry Distance
- Driver – 285 yards
- 7-iron – 178 yards
- Sand Wedge – 98 yards
Once more, the readings from the Trackman 4 are what I would expect to see on an average day when it comes to carry.
Total Distance
Swing Caddies SC300 Total Distance
- Driver – 291 yards
- 7-iron – 184 yards
- Sand Wedge – 99 yards
The total distance measurements with the driver came up nearly 14 yards less than my previous averages. While my 7-iron has a total distance average of 184 yards, which is 4 yards off my normal results. My sand wedge shots reflected the total distance I would expect to see with the 56 degrees in hand.
Trackman Total Distance
- Driver – 304 yards
- 7-iron – 188 yards
- Sand Wedge – 98 yards
I was suitably impressed with the accuracy of the Trackman from driver through to sand wedge. The total distance measurements are what I would expect on a normal day.
Verdict
The Swing Caddie SC300 was clearly not as accurate when compared to the Trackman 4. However, for the price of SC300, I would say it exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy. I was expecting wildly different readings but at the end of the day, I have seen worse.
Overall if we are judging purely based on the accuracy of the data, this round goes to the Trackman 4.
Swing Caddie SC300 vs Trackman – Price
The Trackman 4 is significantly more expensive than the Swing Caddie SC300. While the Trackman delivers more data points and detail on your shots, the Swing Caddie SC300, provides the average golfer with all the information they need.
Since Golfspan is a blog dedicated to helping the average golfer improve their game. We need to find golf equipment that is suited to these golfers. I do not feel that a $20,000 plus launch monitor is justifiable for the average player, even if it is more advanced.
It is for this very reason that the Swing Caddie SC300 wins the price round.
Final Thoughts
It is evident that the Swing Caddies SC300 and Trackman were made for completely different markets. While the Trackman is a high-tech piece of equipment suited to coaches, it fetches a high price tag beyond the budget of the individual.
Although the SC300 provided fewer data points and had challenges with the accuracy at times. I still believe it is a better option for the average golfer than the Trackman 4. Therefore, in the test of the Swing Caddie SC300 vs Trackman. It is the SC300 that wins overall.
If you are looking for an affordable launch monitor that gives you a basic insight into your golf game. You can check out the Swing Caddie SC300 here.
Related Articles
- The 5 Best Golf Launch Monitors on The Market
- Trackman Review; Is This $20k Launch Monitor Worth Investing In?
- SC300 Swing Caddie Review; Thinking Of Buying? Read This First
Nick Lomas is the founder of GolfSpan, an avid golfer, not quite a pro but has over 15-years of experience playing and coaching golfers from all over the world. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience then it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game.
