All golfers are searching for improvement on their swing, yet few can do this on their own. To appreciate the swing dynamics, you have to be able to access the data, and there is no better way to do this than by making use of a launch monitor.
In this Flightscope Mevo review, we take you through the features and benefits of this device that has helped many players.
A Brief History
Flightscope was founded in 1989 by Henri Johnson to track projectiles for the defense industry. Ever since then the Mevo made an impression on numerous ball sports and other sports that consist of moving projectiles such as baseball, golf, tennis, and even bowling.
The number of golfers that have indicated curiosity in the launch monitor space has grown appreciably since the launch of budget-friendly devices.
FlightscopeMevo is a pocket-sized 3D Doppler radar launch monitor for indoor and outdoor use and will benefit golfers in their quest for game improvement. Although it is slight in dimensions it comes with oodles of features and can compare with some of the more high-priced devices offered on the market today.
The device appears striking with a white body with red rubber edges. Swing measurement data is fed back to you in real-time thus enabling you to examine your swing data and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
MEVO Stands For:
- Measure your numbers – Provides real-time feedback of performance data
- Evaluate your game – Enables you to save, upload and share recorded swing data
- Visualize your improvement – Provides feedback on the recorded video clips and overlays the data
- Optimize your performance – Records video clips and store it for future analysis
There are 3 modes available on the Mevo
- Indoor
- Outdoor
- Chipping
The chipping mode pertains to shots under 50 yards and it will be renamed to Pitching in future versions of the app.
Dimensions
The FlightscopeMevo is amazingly small and measures in at 3.55 inches X 2.76 inches X 1.18 inches while it weighs in at less than ½ pound. The size and weight make it convenient and it will fit in your pocket allowing you to take it out on the golf course.
Connectivity
There is a USB cable to recharge the battery and the device links effortlessly via Bluetooth to the MEVO app that is hosted on your smartphone.
Setup
Setting up the Mevo is an uncomplicated process as you place the device on the ground. There is a kickstand that folds out and you place it roughly 4 feet behind your ball on the target line. Make sure that your phone is close enough to have an uninterrupted signal and stays connected via Bluetooth.
For the best results, the use of the video option is highly advised.
Flightscope recommends that you stick small metallic dots (stickers) to your ball for improved accuracy in the measurement of backspin. This pertains to all 3 the modes offered.
These stickers are available from Flightscope, but it could be unrealistic when using range balls while practicing at the driving range. The use of the stickers in an indoor environment will add value and increase the accuracy of the feedback.
Settings
When setting up the Mevo you can adjust the setting for chipping, indoor and outdoor shots such as the distance to the tee, altitude, and feedback to be displayed on the screen. Mevo furthermore provides audible feedback of a selection of measurements upon the conclusion of every shot.
There are many other features built into the app that can be altered to match your requirements.
How The Flightscope Mevo Works
As experienced with most of the compact launch monitors there is a smaller window accessible to the device hence the projected launch height of the ball needs to be set up on the device. To accomplish this on the Mevo you have to decide on the club that you are going to use.
Once you have chosen your club on the app Mevo will pick up the movements of the club and commence with the recording automatically and thus free your hands up to concentrate on your swing.
When recording your swing in video mode, Mevo will record your full swing from the start right through to the completion. This will be initiated as soon as it detects the movement of the club until the clubhead stops moving.
Analysis
Through the use of basic editing tools, you can mark key positions in your swing that you intend to dissect.
Upon completion of a set of shots, the analysis of the data is straightforward. The data is collected in the app and you can view the feedback on your smartphone. This can be done for a specific shot or for a review of the collection of shots you have just completed.
The 5 main categories that are used most often are ball speed, clubhead speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance.
As indicated earlier MEVO’s radar is dependent on the metallic dots for accurate spin rate detection. Although it will provide feedback on the spin rate without the dots, it will not be accurate enough for your analysis.
Battery
It is possible to get as many as 3 range sessions out of a single charge however it would be advisable to charge it after every session. There is a battery indicator that will show you how much battery life is still available.
Measurements
The data provided by the Mevo will be more than sufficient for the majority of golfers. It is not suitable for golf club fitting and more advanced golfers that require more detailed clubhead information such as club path, face to path, and angle of attack. The Mevo+ will provide more information and may be more suitable for advanced golfers.
Mevo gives you the following feedback
- Carry distance
- Clubhead speed
- Smash factor
- Apex height
- Ball speed
- Spin rate
- Vertical launch angle
The Mevo App
The Mevo app can integrate into FocusBand, a brainwave sensing system used to train the brain into a calmer state this improving your performance.
There is also an automated synchronization of your data with the myFlightScope.com cloud service. Your data and all recordings will remain in the app for analysis on your mobile device.
You can download a CSV file from myFlightScope.com cloud service for analysis without having to be online.
Indoors
The indoor mode is aimed at shots that will travel less than 40 yards in a hitting cage.
For accurate results when using the launch monitor indoors the use of photometric launch monitors is preferred as they take measurements when the golf ball and the clubhead make contact the ball at impact.
FlightscopeMevo makes use of the Doppler radar technology to measure ball flight thus requiring upwards of 12-15 feet for the unit to take accurate measurements. Flightscope recommends that you have 4-7 feet behind the ball, and 8 feet in front of the ball for optimal readings.
Outdoors
The outdoor mode is aimed at shots where the ball flight will not be interrupted by a wall or net.
The additional space available in an outdoor setting will enable the Mevo to produce more accurate information than in a small indoor setting as the launch monitor will be able to track the ball for a long distance after impact.
The use of driving range balls will not provide you with fully accurate feedback as they differ from the premium balls that most golfers use. The data provided will be fairly good and you will be able to make a comparison between the shots that you have hit with a specific club.
Chipping / Pitching
The chipping mode is aimed at shots that will travel 20 yards or less through the air.
Pros:
- Accurate readings both indoors and outdoors
- Saves your data
- Compact and lightweight
- Adapts to all phone sizes
- Attaches to all types of golf bags
- Works on all ground surfaces
- Can produce a video for analysis
- Affordable
Cons:
- Less accurate than more expensive launch monitors
- Inconsistent readings when not using the metallic dots
Flightscope Mevo Alternatives
1. Skytrak
SkyTrak is a photometric launch monitor using high-speed cameras to accurately calculate ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate instantaneously upon impact between the clubface and ball. Ball flight, angle of descent, carry distance, roll, total distance, and offline deviation are all calculated based on information gathered by the cameras.
It can provide the feedback in audible form after every shot and the images on your mobile device.
The monitor is simple to set up on a flat piece of ground and easy to use. Unlike the Mevo that requires a metallic sticker on the ball, SkyTrak requires you to place your ball on the red dot provided by SkyTrak and swing through the ball.
SkyTrak weighs 1.7 pounds and the battery will last for up to 5 hours.
A feature that makes SkyTrak attractive is that it can double up as a golf simulator and thus it can be used indoors and outdoors. There are quite a few software options available on the rather inexpensive subscription. The software is only compatible with a PC and an iPad. The software includes game improvement games.
Read our SkyTrak launch monitor review
2. Voice Caddie SC200
The Voice Caddie SC200 utilizes Doppler radar like the FlightscopeMevo and remarkably similar in size as both compare well in size to an iPhone 6.
Feedback via an audible output is provided after every swing providing you with sufficient information and you don’t have to go to the device to see the feedback.
You can get feedback on possible distances even from practice swings therefor you do not need to place the ball to get the precise feedback.
Unlike most of the competitors in this category, the Swing Caddie SC200 does not require any external device such as a mobile phone to connect with to provide the feedback. The data is stored on the device and can be accessed using a remote control.
It provides feedback on clubhead speed, total distance, carry, ball speed, and smash factor.
The Target or Random modes enable you to assess your accuracy for a single club or randomly for different clubs promoting a fun exercise while on the driving range.
3. Rapsodo MLM
The Rapsodo R-Motion attaches to the shaft of your club and measures club information such as clubhead speed, face angle, and club path. It lacks in collecting ball related data like ball speed, launch angle, spin, or quality of contact causing a loss in the accuracy of the data recorded.
It is not only a swing analyzer but can double up as a simulator that has access to 15 virtual courses as part of the package.
The battery will last for approximately 4 hours and is rechargeable via a USB interface.
Great value for money when used for fun and enjoyment while still receiving valuable feedback.
Final Thoughts
Reading this piece, you have to keep your expectations realistic. The Mevo is a launch monitor aimed at the mass market and not at the commercial market. You will not find all the features on this launch monitor that is available on the commercial, and much more expensive launch monitors.
The Mevo provides you with reasonably accurate data that will enable you to enhance your golf swing to a certain level.
You will get valuable data related to the ball flight and spin rate, but little data related to what occurs in the impact zone.
The app works well, and the data can be extremely useful for analysis of your swing. The data is stored on the app which means that it always available to you should you want to review your swing, even on those dreary winter days when you are stuck in the house.
It is particularly useful that you can use the Mevo indoors should you have enough space available and outdoors.
Although the Mevo struggles to compete with the commercial launch monitors it is great value for money it is worthwhile if you want to improve your swing on a budget.
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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.
