I picked up the PRGR launch monitor a few months ago, nearly 100% to do swing speed training with the stack system. Since I have a GC3 launch monitor, it seemed obvious to compare the numbers between the two to see just how accurate the PRGR is and provide a comprehensive review for anyone looking at the PRGR launch monitor.
The newest PRGR (HS-130A) portable launch monitor provides club speed, ball speed, smash factor, and total distance. A couple of these numbers are very accurate, while carry and total distance is a guess based on some math that does not include important data points. It doesn’t include them because it does not have the capability to capture them.
It’s not all bad though, I’ll give you a full breakdown of the pros and cons, and explain where the PRGR excels and comes up short.
What is the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor
The PRGR Personal Launch Monitor is a battery-operated device designed for athletes seeking real-time performance data. It utilizes Doppler Radar technology to provide measurements on swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, and the distance achieved with each club, both in terms of carry and total distance.
The PRGR provides data for both right and left-handed players and has an automatic shutoff feature to conserve battery life.
The device retains data from the most recent 500 swings and measurements, allowing for performance tracking over time.
In addition to golf, the PRGR Pocket Launch Monitor is applicable to several other sports, capable of capturing metrics such as baseball pitch and bat speeds, tennis serve speeds, and the velocities of soccer kicks and hockey pucks.
It is a compact device, measuring only 3.03″L x 1.69″W x 5.63″H and weighing less than 5 ounces. It takes 4 AAA batteries.
My Experience With the PRGR – Performance & Accuracy
When it comes to personal launch monitors at this price point, the PRGR is an exceptional device in my opinion. The measurements of club head speed, ball speed, and smash factor are extremely accurate.
When I first started using the PRGR, I immediately noticed that I was getting numbers that I am accustomed to with my Foresight GC3. Why is this important? Well, the GC3 is considered to be one of the most accurate launch monitors on the market.
So, I put the two head-to-head and recorded data from 10 shots on 3 different clubs, for a total of 30 shots. I used driver, 7-Iron, and wedge. Then I took the averages and have displayed them here for you.
You’ll notice that the PRGR and GC3 were only 1 MPH different for all clubs across both club speed and ball speed. Every single shot I took, without fail, had 1 mph difference. So I would absolutely say the PRGR is accurate.
PRGR Launch Monitor Performance Issues
I noticed two issues when testing the PRGR launch monitor.
Poor Alignment – When the device was not aligned on the club path, readings were lower.
Distance calculations – Distances can be way off because it cannot consider all factors.
Poor Alignment
Poor alignment is more of a user-issue, not a problem with the PRGR. When you do not align the PRGR along your club path, the numbers tend to be lower by 10% or more. The simple solution – just double check that it is aligned close to your club path.
Good Alignment!
Bad Alignment = ~10% data error
Distance Calculations
🛑 Don’t let other reviews on the internet fool you, distance measurements from the PRGR launch monitor are NOT always accurate.
To get accurate carry distance readings, higher-end launch monitors use “Ball Speed, Launch Angle and Total Spin Rate combined with environmental factors like altitude, temperature and wind” – PEAK.
Unfortunately, the PRGR cannot detect launch angle, spin rates, or environmental factors. This leaves it to calculate carry distance based on ball speed and possibly a formula including smash factor.
The big problem with this – a lot of spin will drastically reduce distance. A poor launch angle will also effect distance. Based on my observations, the PRGR makes a guess on distance and it assumes your launch angle and spin rates are optimal.
If you hit it well, you’ve got nothing to worry about and the distance will be relatively accurate. But without calculations on those other factors, its just a guess.
Here is a drive I recorded on the 3rd tee at my local course. Unfortunately, my drive was into the wind and only went about 270 yards, much shorter than the 303 reading from the PRGR.
Bottom line – Understand that distances given by the PRGR are going to assume optimal conditions for launch angle, spin rate, and environmental factors. If you hit the ball well and the flight looks normal, it is pretty accurate.
Best Uses for the PRGR Launch Monitor
⛳️ Club Distance Calibration: By providing accurate distance measurements for each club, golfers can better understand how far they hit with each one. This knowledge is crucial for shot selection and club choice during actual gameplay.
⛳️ Versatile Training Environments: Given its portability and simplicity, the PRGR Launch Monitor can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile tool for various training scenarios.
⛳️ Performance Tracking: With its capability to store data from the last 500 swings, golfers can track their progress over time, identifying areas of improvement and consistency.
⛳️ Swing Speed Training: With accurate swing speed data, golfers working to increase their swing speed can use the PRGR to track their progress.
👉 Related – If you are interested in swing speed training, check out my review on The Stack System.
Where to Buy The PRGR
If you plan to purchase a swing speed training aid, like The Stack System or SuperSpeed Sticks, it is best to purchase them together. Both offer a pretty decent discount on the PRGR when you bundle.
But if you’re simply looking for the PRGR itself, Check it out on Amazon.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
The PRGR launch monitor is a compact and versatile tool that excels at accurately measuring swing and ball speeds. However, it sometimes falls short in estimating distances, as it does not account for certain play variables. Still, with its easy use, portability, and real-time performance data, the PRGR is a valuable asset for golfers.
When compared to the higher-end Foresight GC3, the analysis demonstrates the PRGR’s reliability. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for serious golfers wanting immediate feedback to improve their game. Recognizing its strengths and limitations will allow users to maximize its potential.
For those considering the PRGR specifically for speed training, it is clearly an excellent option.