Mevo+ vs. Trackman 4
Thinking about shelling out for a fancy golf launch monitor because you’re tired of blaming your slice on “bad range balls”? Same. I recently caved (justified it as “self-investment”—my wife did not agree) and picked up the Mevo+. I’ve also spent unhealthy amounts of time with the Trackman 4, which is about as common at my local muni as a clean cart. Here’s my brutally honest take on both, packed with more opinions than swing thoughts on the first tee.
The Basics (AKA, Yes, Both Are Smarter Than Us)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what you need to know if you’re new to this game. A launch monitor is the secret sauce behind those mouth-watering ball-flight traces you see on YouTube. They track data like ball speed, spin, launch angle, and more, so you can pretend you’re working on your game instead of just avoiding house chores.
Mevo+
Price Tag: Not so small, but definitely south of a Trackman mortgage.
Size: Pocketable (‘pocketable’ if you wear cargo shorts, anyway).
Setup: Does require some old-school leveling and manual labor.
Data Tracking: Gets most of the numbers right, most of the time…unless you’re the type who tops it three times in a row. Then all bets are off.
Trackman 4
Price Tag: If you have to ask, you can’t afford it (unless you’re skipping rent this month).
Size: Looks like a suspiciously thin orange paver stone.
Setup: Place it down, push a button, watch it judge you silently.
Data Tracking: NASA would probably be jealous.
What I Liked About the Mevo+ (And Yes, There’s Genuine Joy Here)
Value: At its current price point, it’s more than fair. Is it cheap? No. Is it good value? For what it offers (and when you compare your options), absolutely. Plus, it won’t force you to choose between owning a launch monitor and buying protein powder next month.
Portability: Easy to toss in your bag and sneak onto the range when no one’s looking. Good luck doing that with the Trackman unless you want everybody asking, “Who’s the tour pro?”
App Integration: Stats for days, people. I can check my numbers while hiding from my responsibilities in the clubhouse bathroom.
Enough Data for Most of Us: Ball speed, carry, spin, club path. Unless you’re running a golf laboratory or actually trying to qualify for the U.S. Open, it covers the bases.
Mevo+ Grievances (Because Perfection is Reserved for Augusta Greens and Golden Retrievers)
Manual Leveling: Nothing tests your patience quite like squatting behind the unit, fiddling until it’s “just right” and then realizing you still shanked your wedge.
Occasional Missed Shots: Sometimes, it stares at you blankly and decides your last shot never happened. Honestly, relatable—but annoying when you’re trying to dial in a 7-iron.
Learning Curve: The first session feels like you’re launching a Mars rover. Expect to spend some quality time with YouTube “how-to” videos. Pro tip from me to you: read the manual. Seriously.
Trackman 4 Praises (and a Tiny Bit of Eye-Watering Regret)
If price wasn’t a thing (and if I owned a second kidney just for pawning), I’d say Trackman 4 is the gold standard. It’s dead simple to use, picks up everything—even my hosel rockets—and dishes out data with surgical precision.
No-Fuss Setup: Plop it down, power up, and go.
Crazy Reliable: I don’t just get my numbers; I get my ego checked in real time.
Tour-Level Data: Perfect if you think you’re just one split-degree from the Corn Ferry Tour.
But Here’s The Rub: Is it THAT much better for the average hack, weekend golfer, or “stats are fun” enthusiast? Honestly? If you’ve already paid for your kid’s college, sure. Otherwise, the Mevo+ will do just fine (and you can still afford the chili dog at the turn).
The Verdict (TL;DR for the Cart-Return Crowd)
Mevo+ gets you 80% of the way there for a fraction of the cash. You’ll do a bit more setup, and sometimes its sensors take a nap during your “best drives.” But it’s small, versatile, and friendly to those of us who’d rather spend extra cash on emergency sleeve refills.
Trackman 4 is the king, but unless you’re a teaching pro or an aspiring tour player, it’s probably overkill. (Though, if you have one and need a regular weekday practice buddy, DM me.)
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best launch monitor is the one you’ll actually use without swearing off golf forever before your third session. The Mevo+ isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty damn close for the price and convenience. And if it frustrates you? Welcome to golf. That means you’re doing it right.
If you’re on the fence, try one out at a range or simulator if you can. Or just go big and buy the Mevo+, because at the very least, you’ll have one more reason to blame your game on the tech instead of your swing.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go level my launch monitor and blame my slice on solar flares.
