Foresight GC3 Launch Monitor Review

Last Updated – Feb 12, 2024

I have been using the Foresight GC3 launch monitor since June, 2022. A lot has changed since then, including the release of the Bushnell Launch Pro, software packages, and various levels of data available at purchase.

But, the device itself hasn’t changed. I’ve used it several times per week since I’ve had it. Mostly to work on my own game, there have been plenty of family/friends over as well to play courses like Pebble Beach, Carnoustie, or some random golf courses we’ve never heard of.

In this Foresight GC3 Review, I’m going to provide you with everything you’ll want to know about the device, including:

Accuracy
Overall User Experience
Comparisons to other launch monitors
How to make sense of all the different software packages
Tips on how you can get the most out of the Foresight GC3

I’ll cover all of the above, plus some additional details along the way from my personal experience with the GC3 launch monitor over the last 2 golf seasons.

I’ll also extend an open invitation – If you have any additional questions after reading this GC3 review, I’ll be happy to answer anything. Just send me an email at bigteesgolf@gmail.com. We can chat over email, or set up a time to talk on the phone.

GC3 Launch Monitor Review

If you are looking for a home golf simulator, you will not be disappointed with the GC3. The level of accuracy is incredible. The launch monitor itself is wonderful. The FSX Play software has some bugs that you should be aware of however.

GC3 Launch Monitor
Launch Monitor Setup
Accuracy
Data Features
Software Features
Price
Software Setup
Reliability
Ease of Use

TLDR

This article reviews the Foresight GC3 launch monitor, emphasizing its remarkable accuracy and versatility as both a personal launch monitor and a home golf simulator. It highlights the device’s high-quality construction, ease of setup, and the comprehensive software suite that enhances the golfing experience with realistic simulations and detailed performance data. Despite its high price, the GC3 is lauded for its value, offering advanced features and reliable performance that justify the investment for serious golfers.

4.1

How Do I Like the Foresight GC3 After 2 Seasons?

I have loved the GC3 since day 1, and still do. The device is great, but the software (FSX 2020, FSX Play, & FSX Pro) leaves a bit to be desired.

That being said, I’ve been using GSPro for about a year now, before it was “officially” compatible with Foresight, and the combination of the two provides an exceptional practice environment and simulator experience.

I purchased my GC3 before they started selling units with ball data only, so the one I have is fully unlocked (club data & ball data). I also had to purchase FSX Play as an add-on at that time. I am happy that it is included with the purchase of any GC3 now, its graphics are substantially better than FSX 2020.

Pros

High Accuracy: Renowned for its precision in measuring golf shots, mirroring on-course performance.
Versatile Software Options: Offers a variety of software packages, including FSX 2020, FSX Play, and third-party options like GSPro, catering to different user needs.
User Experience: Easy setup and use, both as a standalone device and as part of a home simulator setup.
Improvement and Fun: Effective for both serious practice and entertainment, helping to lower handicaps while providing enjoyment.
No Subscription Required: Unlike competitors, GC3 offers a no-subscription model for full feature access.
Comprehensive Data: Even without certain club data points, users can still glean meaningful insights to improve their game.

Cons

Price: High upfront cost, potentially a barrier for some users.
Limited Club Data in Base Model: Missing some club data points compared to higher-end models like the GCQuad.
Software Bugs and Lags: Some users may find FSX Play software to experience bugs and lags, although improvements have been made.

What Do You Care About Most? Price, Accuracy, Data…or…All of the Above?

If you’re researching the GC3, you’re probably well aware of its starting price point of $5,999. You’re also probably well aware of the fact that Foresight Sports produces some of the most accurate launch monitors on the planet.

So, let’s jump into launch monitor data first!

What Data Matters to You?

Chart displaying club data and ball data of both the GC3 and GCQuad Launch monitors

When I first purchased my GC3 launch monitor, I was very hung up on the 4 missing club data points that you’ll lose compared to the GCQuad.

But, I couldn’t justify paying an additional $9,000 for the GCQuad. After 2 seasons of using the GC3, I don’t regret it. Here’s why…

Loft/Lie Angle – You can get a pretty good idea of loft angle based on the trajectory of your ball. For Lie angle, you can get a good indicator with an impact board and/or based on observations of your ball flight and club path. With a neutral club path, a ball that draws too much may indicate a “toe up” lie angle while a fade/slice may indicate a “toe down” lie angle.

Face Angle – Simply observe the initial start line of your ball. If your ball “side angle” is 1 degree right, chances are really high that your face angle was close to that same position.

Impact Location – Although not super convenient, you can simply use foot powder spray anytime you’d like to get impact location info. Plus, once you’ve practiced enough with it, you’ll get to know your impact location pretty well with just how the shot felt.

Closure Rate – Honestly, I’m not sure any of us amateur golfers are actually good enough for this one to matter. It may be a good indicator to diagnose issues in your swing, but there are plenty of other data points available to help you find the root cause of pretty much any issue.

GC3 Launch Monitor WITHOUT Club Data

The Foresight Sports GC3 without club data is $5,999. You’ll save $1,000 by giving up club head speed, smash factor, club path, and angle of attack. Just how much will you miss not having these data points?

FSX software snapshot showing club data on a 326 yard drive.
Snapshot of a drive where I started to “figure it out”. This was my longest drive at the time, but not anymore.

Club head speed can be estimated from the ball data factors. Emphasis on ESTIMATED…this doesn’t account for environmental conditions, and let’s face it, are you really going to do the math on each shot?

I have found club head speed to be particularly useful as I’ve worked to increase my swing speed, develop a consistent swing for each club, and correlate the level of effort on how a swing felt vs actual data. Looking at swing speed numbers after each hit gives me a quick reality check on how fast I swung vs how it felt. You’ll get to know your “108”, “110”, and “112” MPH driver swings.

Smash Factor is a simple math formula – Ball Speed divided by Clubhead Speed. Without clubhead speed, this one is impossible for you to calculate on your own. Again, unless you’re going to do all of the math after each shot.

I look at smash factor after every driver shot. I don’t look at it after most iron shots. It’s just a quick indicator to tell you how well you struck the ball. Yes, you can certainly “feel” the difference between a great shot and a bad shot, but a lot of those “in-between” shots, you’d be surprised at how very different smash factor is on some of those.

Club path is perhaps one of the most important pieces of “club data” the foresight GC3 can give you. At least in my opinion. This one would be pretty hard to estimate on your own without taking video of each shot, then reviewing.

When I installed the home simulator I had a problem slicing. No surprise, I had an out-to-in swing. Because of the feedback I’ve gotten from my GC3 it has allowed me to completely transform that to a slightly in-to-out path without the slice. I look at club path after nearly every shot, whether it’s irons or off the tee.

Angle of Attack is another one that’s pretty difficult to estimate on your own. Although I don’t pay nearly as much attention to angle of attack, it’s still a good indicator when you’re specifically trying to diagnose something.

I tend to look at angle of attack sporadically. Maybe I’m not getting much trajectory with my driver, or I’m trying to figure out why my spin numbers are too high . Maybe I’m hitting my irons a little thin or fat. But, I could honestly do without it, but I’m very happy I have it. It certainly helps when troubleshooting problem areas.

Here is a full list of launch monitor data and definitions

How Accurate is the Foresight Sports GC3?

It’s no accident Foresight Sports is one of the most trusted names at the highest levels of golf. I have messed around with some low-end launch monitors in the past, I’ll just say, they sucked! Foresight Sports has it’s own rep but was acquired, now owned by Bushnell Golf, another one of the most trusted names in golf tech.

But, if you really aren’t sold on the fact that so many PGA tour professionals use Foresight launch monitors…here’s what I’ve done.

By doing the work in the simulator to dial in my intermediate distances (50|60|70|80|90|100… yards), I have gotten very comfortable knowing exactly what each of those feels like. I built that level of comfort in the simulator on the GC3. I can hit a 50 yard shot and as soon as it leaves the club, I can tell you within a couple of yards how far it is going. Again, all of that is based on hitting in the sim. But what I’ve found is – I am nailing those distances on the course!
I also did a very limited test where I setup 50 yards to the pin (checked with rangefinder) and started hitting balls. The GC3 screen would tell me how far the ball carried and rolled out, it was shocking how accurate it was.
I am also seeing distances with my driver that are absolutely consistent with results I am seeing on the course. I have gotten very familiar with how my 108 mph swing speed drive feels. The distance I see in the sim from that shot is incredibly consistent with what I see on the course.

Price Considerations

We know the Foresight GC3 and the Bushnell Launch Pro are the exact same hardware, the only reason to choose one over the other is initial price and subscriptions.

Club Data Options

GC3 – $6,999. Always unlocked, no annual subscription.
BLP – $3,499.99. Requires $499 annual subscription.

You’ll need to use the Bushnell Launch Pro with full subscription for 7 years before you reach the one-time price of the GC3. But, that assumes Bushnell keeps subscription pricing where it is. They’ve already made some changes after initial release, and this will continue to be a gamble.

I like the idea of saving some money up front and having the ability to cancel my annual subscription if I need a break from it for a while. But I also love not having to deal with a subscription.

Ball Data Only Options

GC3 – $5,999. Always unlocked for ball data only, access to FSX Play and other compatible software add ons. Ability to upgrade for club data at any time.
BLP – $1,999. No access to FSX Play or other software such as GSpro without $499 annual subscription

Which Model Do You Choose?

The only reason I see to purchase the Foresight GC3 over the Bushnell Launch Pro is to not have to deal with the annual subscription. I love the fact that I have a unit that is fully unlocked, no restrictions, no annual fee. But that’s just me…

I also believe the extra $1,000 for the club data with the GC3 is well worth it. After having mine for two seasons now, I cannot see a scenario where I would have gone with either of the ball data only options.

If you’re okay with the annual subscription and feel confident they won’t raise prices, and also confident that you’ll upgrade, trade-in, or get rid of the device within 7 years, taking the BLP option is your best bet from a strictly financial perspective.

Software Options for the Foresight GC3

FSX 2020 Software – This is the “original” software from Foresight Sports. It allows you to play real courses, practice on the range or play games and challenges. Although it is an “all-in-one” software, the graphics are significantly less quality than FSX Play or GSPro.

FSX Play Software – When I purchased my GC3, FSX play was an add-on. I paid about $750 for it at the time, it now comes as part of the regular software bundle when purchasing a GC3. FSX Play allows you do do all of the things FSX 2020 does, but the graphics are significantly better and more life-like.

FSX Pro Software – FSX Pro is a great option if you plan to take your GC3 to the range or the golf course. It allows you to view data on your smartphone or tablet. It’s also a great option for golf coaches who would like to capture data for their students.

FSX Live – Not “software” per se. FSX Live is an account that maintains record of all your purchases and activations. It is also a way to keep track of all your shots, both practice sessions and on-course play. But only if you’re logged into your FSX Live account when you play/practice.

GSPro – This is my favorite, by far! It is a 3rd-party add-on that costs $250 per year. It is 100% optional, but in my experience it outperforms FSX Play and offers substantially more courses for an extremely low price. With FSX Play, you can usually buy 3 courses for $150. When you buy GSPro, you get access to over 500 courses, and they continue adding new ones every week it seems. I use GSPro almost exclusively, it’s where I do my practice sessions and course play.

Awesome Golf – Another 3rd-party simulator software add on, but completely free to those who purchase a GC3. This one is best for fun games. Maybe you have kids who need something fun to get them interested in the game, this is a great option.

Pinseeker – This is another 3rd-party software. It was recently added to FSX Play, you can download the Pinseeker app on your smartphone and compete with users across the globe in closest to the pin battles for real money, or choose from their free competitions to earn points and bragging rights.

I did a review on GSPro because I thought it was the best simulator software, by far! FSX Play is great, but it’s just a bit slower and offers substantially fewer golf courses. If you want the ultimate golf simulation experience, GSPro is your best bet.

User Experience With The Foresight GC3

There are multiple ways to use the GC3 launch monitor. You can use it as a stand-alone device out on the range, on a simulated range with one of the various software options, or as a full blown golf simulation where you’re playing Broken Tree golf course, Willow Crest golf club, Pebble Beach etc…

The GC3 stands at 1 foot tall, and 5″ x 6″ depth and width. It has a 7″ x 10″ hitting area which starts about 16″ in front of the device, and about 3 inches behind the cameras.

Tech Specs & Setup

The Foresight Sports GC3 comes with a triscopic high-speed camera system, which is a fancy way of saying it has “3 cameras”. It is somewhat compact, 6″ x 5″ x 12″ and weighs only 5lbs. It has a lithium ion battery which lasts approximately 8 hours. USB C, WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The GC3 also comes with a barometric sensor, allowing the device to detect atmospheric conditions, which makes it accurate no matter where you are.

Setting up the device is very straight forward, simply plug it into your PC and download FSX 2020, FSX Play, or any of the other compatible software add ons. Open your software and you will login to your FSX Live account, from there, the device will connect and possibly go through a quick firmware update.

Install your purchased courses through the interface, and that’s it. Foresight has drastically improved the software setup experience over the last couple of years, so things have gotten much easier and they provide continuous updates.

GC3 Launch Monitor as a Stand-Alone Device

With the touch screen display, and the ability to quickly align your device with the alignment stick, the GC3 is really convenient to use at the range or on the course while practicing.

It’s certainly not small enough to just toss in your golf bag, but it has a nice carry handle on the top and only takes seconds to setup.

The touch screen display allows you to see your shot data conveniently, but connecting to FSX Pro while on the go offers a much better experience.

GC3 Launch Monitor as Part of a Simulator

More than likely, if you’re spending this amount of money on a launch monitor, you’re going to use it in the ultimate golfer’s paradise, a home simulator.

I have gotten the most out of my GC3 launch monitor by using it on the “virtual range” and playing on a virtual golf course. Although virtual, it provides a true to life simulation experience.

Obviously you cant feel the breeze, smell the grass, or truly hit out of the rough, but the combination of the GC3 and performance simulation software from FSX Play or GSPro, you can get very close. For example, lets say your ball is in the rough. You’d normally lose some distance and spin on a real course.

The GC3 will detect your actual shot data, then the software will compensate based on the conditions. Perhaps you’re hitting out of the rough, the game will automatically reduce spin and distance. Or there is a 10mph wind, the game takes that into account and affects your ball flight accordingly.

You certainly get some “breaks” in a simulator, there’s no such thing as a bad lie. On the edge of a pond where you’d have to stand in the water in real life? That hitting mat is pretty comfortable!

But, you also lose some ability to “see the course”…say you have a 15 yard chip shot around the green. On a real golf course you can assess everything. It’s much more difficult to see it in a simulator. I think these two sort of offset each other a bit.

Then there’s putting. Although the GC3 isn’t designed to help golfers with putting, I’ve found it to be significantly more accurate than I would have expected.

Issues With The Foresight GC3

Over the two seasons I’ve had my GC3 launch monitor, I’ve only experienced issues a couple of times, but they were easy to correct.

Shoes – This one wasn’t so simple to diagnose, but once you are aware of it, you’ll be good to go. During a few range sessions while working on my wedge game from 50 – 75 yards, I kept getting no reading from my GC3. It would just miss the shot altogether. I first though my ball was being hit too high. But I ultimately found that it was my tennis shoes. I was wearing running shoes that had a reflective sole, and when standing somewhat close to the ball, it interfered. When I wear my golf shoes, I never experience this issue, so it is a simply solution.

Software – I am not a big fan of the FSX Play software. I think it lags and I’ve found quite a few bugs over the last 2 seasons. I was seemingly a regular at submitting bug reports to Foresight in the early days. Once I switched to GSPro, it has been a great experience. I will give Foresight kudos however, they’ve come a long way and have improved FSX Play significantly over the last year.

Gaming PC Required?

If you are going to run FSX Play or FSX 2020, a gaming PC is absolutely required. But, if you are just planning to run GSPro, you can get away with a lower end PC that has a decent graphics card. You don’t need to get into the “gaming” category.

That being said, the better your PC, the better the overall experience. I am running a Dell G15 with an i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. It has 16GB of RAM. My graphics card is the minimum recommended from Foresight to run FSX Play.

Here is the exact model at Amazon. https://amzn.to/3SuCxHy

How You Can Get The Most Out of Your Foresight GC3

Are you looking at the GC3 launch monitor to help you improve? Are you simply looking at it to have some fun through the winter with your buddies? Perhaps a combination of the two…

Over the last two seasons I’ve found that striking a balance between practice and fun is critical. When I spend too much time working through range sessions, it can get boring and burn me out a bit. So mixing in a round at one of my favorite courses, or doing one of the long drive or closest to the pin competitions seems to help keep me motivated. Playing rounds on the Simulator Golf Tour also helps.

I can play 18 holes, by myself, in about 55 – 60 minutes. And that’s “taking my time”…

Aside from making sure I’m mixing in some “fun” with the device, I’ve done a ton of work to improve my game. I’ve gone from a 16 handicap down to a 7.7, and am pretty confident I am going to drop a couple more strokes during the 2024 season.

Dialing in Your Wedges

The most significant improvement I’ve made is from 110 yards and in. Very early in my journey I put together a wedge matrix, figuring out my carry and total distances with each wedge in my bag from “clock” positions in my swing.

I would then practice hitting 30, 50, 75, and 100 yard shots. I’d spend an hour or so, maybe hitting 30 – 50 balls at each distance, then I’d spend some time hitting random distances from 110 and in. As I’ve improved, I now spend more time hitting at the 10 yard increments (20, 30, 40, 50….).

This has translated beautifully on the course. When I step up to hit a 50 yard shot for example, I instantly know whether I’ve hit is long, short, or perfect as soon as the ball leaves my club. It’s because I’ve had enough time getting feedback from the GC3.

Years ago, I would try to leave myself with a full shot in…putting myself at about 110 yards. Now I’m very comfortable with any distance!

Getting to Know Your True Distances

You’ll hear it all the time – amateur golfers overestimate club distances, a lot! We come up short far too much…well, if you put the time into getting to know your true distances with each club, you won’t have that problem!

One of the features I really like in FSX 2020, is “know your numbers”. You can select which clubs you’d like to hit, then the tool walks you through a handful of shots with each. The number of shots you’ll take depends on your level of consistency.

Once you’ve completed the session, the tool provides you with a nice report showing you distances for each club and the gaps between clubs.

Foresight GC3 "know your numbers" report, iron gapping session for bigteesgolf

Tracking Result & Continuous Improvement

I periodically put myself through “dispersion tests” at various distances, then use the “export” feature to send a full report of my shot data for safe keeping and comparison later.

I typically use 50 shots at a fixed distance. I’ll normally do 50 yards, 75 yards, 100 yards, and 150 yards fro these, but not all on the same day. Basically, I’m just looking for my dispersion to continuously improve over time. I’ve certainly had some ups and downs with these, and it helps me determine where to focus my efforts.

I also do this with my driver periodically, working to see if I can keep more in the fairway, checking to see how much my distance has improved, or observing ball flight trends over time.

Comparing the GC3 Launch Monitor to Others

There are a couple of launch monitors on the market that are similarly priced and/or offer similar capabilities of the Foresight GC3. Here is a table for quick comparisons.

GC3
(Ball & Club)
Protee VXFull Swing KITUneekor QEDSkytrak+
Price$6,999$6,500$4,999$7,000$2,995
Mount/Setup1.5′ from GolferOverhead10′ behind Overhead1.5′ from Golfer
Launch AngleYesYesYesYesYes
Side AngleYesYesYesYesYes
Ball SpeedYesYesYesYesYes
Total SpinYesYesYesYesYes
Carry YesYesYesYesYes
Side Spin/AxisYesYesYesYesYes
Club SpeedYesYesYesYesYes
Smash FactorYesYesYesYesYes
Club PathYesYesYesYesYes
Angle of AttackYesYesYesNoNo
Loft/Lie AngleNoYesNoNoNo
Face AngleNoYesYesYesYes
Impact LocationNoYesNoNoNo
Closure RateNoYesNoNoNo
Included SoftwareFSX 2020, FSX Play, Awesome Golf, Pinseeker, FSX ProThe Golf Club 2019Full Swing App, E6 Connect Perpetual PackageQED IgniteSubscription Required
Add-on Software CompatibilityGSPro, E6 Connect, Creative Golf 3DGSPro, E6 Connect, Creative Golf 3DE6 Connect Full, Full Swing Kit StudioGSPro, QED Refine, QED Refine+E6 Connect, WGT by Topgolf, The Golf Club 2019. 
More DetailsMore DetailsMore DetailsMore DetailsMore Details

FAQs

Best Places to Buy a GC3

If you are looking to purchase the GC3 and install a home simulator, bundling the unit with the other components necessary for a full simulator is probably your best option.

Bundling as a Simulator

Indoor Golf Shop

Free Shipping
No Hassle Returns
Financing Available
Large Inventory & Diverse Selection

Rain or Shine Golf

Free Shipping
No Hassle Returns
Financing Available
Large Inventory & Diverse Selection

Buying as a Standalone

PGA Tour Superstore

Fast Shipping
No Hassle Returns
Some Financing Options Available
Large Inventory

Play Better

Free 2-Day Shipping
No Hassle Returns
Financing Available
Some Bundling Options Available

Final Thoughts

I have gotten a lot of great use out of my Foresight GC3 over the last two seasons. I love that FSX Play now comes as part of the package, but I think GSPro is a much better overall simulation experience offering significantly more golf courses.

If I had to choose between the GC3 and Bushnell Launch Pro, it would really depend on my appetite for an annual subscription. I’m happy that I have the fully unlocked GC3, but I can see how some will prefer a lower up-front cost.

If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer anything. Hit me up in the comments, or shoot me an email at bigteesgolf@gmail.com.

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