Es Tour Plus Launch Monitor: Worth the Hype?
Swinging at a golf ball in my backyard, I used to rely on sheer guesswork. That little ping sound, the feel of the clubface connecting—it was all I had. Then came the era of the launch monitor, promising to demystify every swing nuance. Frankly, I jumped on the bandwagon early, dropping a decent chunk of change on what turned out to be glorified glorified paperweights. My first foray involved a device that claimed to measure everything but gave me numbers that felt more like lottery results than actual data. The es tour plus launch monitor is the latest contender, and let me tell you, after my fourth attempt at finding a reliable personal launch monitor, I approached this one with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Nobody wants to waste money on tech that promises the moon and delivers a stray pebble, especially when you’re trying to shave strokes off your game. I’ve seen more shiny gadgets than a magpie at a jewelry convention, and most of them are just that—shiny.
So, does the es tour plus launch monitor actually deliver on its promises, or is it just another expensive paperweight destined for the garage sale pile?
Why I Almost Gave Up on Launch Monitors (then Found This One)
Honestly, before the es tour plus launch monitor, I was about ready to chuck the whole idea of personal launch monitors out the window. My personal failure story? That would be the ‘LaunchMaster 5000’ I bought back in 2019. Cost me nearly $400. The marketing spiel claimed it would give me ball speed, club head speed, smash factor – the works. What I got was wildly inconsistent readings. One swing would say I hit it 250 yards, the next, 190, with what felt like identical contact. It was more frustrating than helpful, and I ended up using it maybe three times before it gathered dust. It felt like I was trying to tune a grand piano with a rubber mallet; the effort was immense, the results laughable.
The biggest insult? When I tried to get support, they pointed me to a forum where a handful of guys argued about firmware updates. Useless. This experience left me deeply wary of anything that wasn’t from a top-tier brand with a proven track record, and even then, the price tags were astronomical. I spent around $300 testing two other budget options after that, each with its own set of infuriating quirks, before even considering the es tour plus launch monitor.
The sheer unpredictability made practice sessions feel like a gamble. Was I actually improving, or was the device just having a good day? It was impossible to tell. This is where personal launch monitors often fail the average golfer – they introduce more variables than they solve.
Looking Past the Marketing Hype: What the Es Tour Plus Actually Does
Everyone and their dog online is raving about the sheer accuracy of the es tour plus launch monitor. And yeah, it’s good. But here’s my contrarian take: It’s not just *accurate*, it’s *consistently* accurate in a way that makes practice genuinely productive. Most launch monitors, especially cheaper ones, might give you a good reading *sometimes*. This one gives you a good reading *almost every time*, and that’s the difference between making real progress and just spinning your wheels. It’s like the difference between a mechanic who can fix your car once in a while versus one who can keep it running like new, day in and day out. (See Also: Is Dual 32 Inch Monitor Too Big )
What’s under the hood? It uses Doppler radar, which is a different approach than some optical systems. For me, this means it performs better outdoors, where sunlight can mess with optical sensors. I’ve used it on cloudy days, bright sunny days, and even with the sun directly behind me, and it’s held up. The numbers I’m seeing for ball speed and carry distance feel right, aligning with what I’d expect from my club head speed. It’s not just a number; it’s a number that correlates with what I feel and see. The data spit out includes ball speed, club head speed, carry distance, total distance, spin rate, and launch angle. That’s the core stuff you need, and it’s presented cleanly on the device screen and through the app.
I’ve found the carry distance to be particularly spot-on, which is my biggest pain point when practicing. Knowing precisely how far my 7-iron is flying, not just guessing based on where it lands, is gold. It’s like having a coach who never gets tired, always telling you the unvarnished truth about your swing. The es tour plus launch monitor doesn’t sugarcoat it.
Is It Perfect? No. Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s talk about what they *don’t* always shout about. The app interface, while functional, isn’t the most beautifully designed thing I’ve ever seen. It feels a bit utilitarian, like it was built for performance over aesthetics. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t exactly inspire joy. I’ve also noticed that indoors, with poor lighting or if I’m trying to hit wedges close to the unit, I can sometimes get a slightly less reliable reading compared to outdoors. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of. You’ll want at least 15-20 feet of clear space for full shots to get the best results.
The battery life is decent, usually lasting me through two or three 90-minute practice sessions before I need to plug it in. It charges via USB-C, which is convenient. The unit itself feels solid, not like cheap plastic that’s going to crack if you look at it funny. It’s got a satisfying heft to it. Setup takes about 30 seconds once you’ve paired it with your phone. You just place it behind the ball, hit, and check your numbers.
Compared to the truly high-end units that cost thousands, the es tour plus launch monitor is in a different universe. But compared to the $100-200 gadgets that promise the world and deliver headaches? It’s a massive leap up. I’d say about seven out of ten golfers I’ve talked to who have tried the cheaper options end up regretting it and looking for something more reliable, which is where this unit shines. It hits that sweet spot of performance and price. For me, the ability to dial in my distances and understand my swing better makes the investment feel justified. The peace of mind from knowing the numbers are actually reliable is worth more than I can say.
| Feature | es tour plus launch monitor | Competitor A (Budget) | Competitor B (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Speed Accuracy | Excellent | Poor | Exceptional |
| Carry Distance Tracking | Very Good | Inconsistent | Exceptional |
| Spin Rate Measurement | Good | N/A | Very Good |
| App User Experience | Functional | Clunky | Slick |
| Outdoor Performance | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Indoor Performance | Good | Poor | Very Good |
| Price Point | Mid-Range ($500-600 range) | Budget ($100-200 range) | High-End ($1500+) |
| Verdict |
Solid value for serious amateurs. Offers reliable data without the astronomical price tag. Great for dialing in yardages. (See Also: Is Dji Spark Compatible With Crystalsky Monitor ) |
Avoid. More frustrating than helpful. Save your money for lessons. |
The Pro’s Choice. Unmatched accuracy and features, but overkill for most. |
The key takeaway here is that you get what you pay for, but the es tour plus launch monitor offers a very compelling middle ground. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s certainly not the most expensive, but it delivers a level of performance that makes you feel like you’re getting a much better deal than you actually are. It’s the kind of device that stops you from making those expensive mistakes of buying the wrong club because you *thought* you hit your 7-iron 170 yards when you were actually only carrying it 160.
What About Club Head Speed?
Yes, the es tour plus launch monitor provides club head speed measurements. This is a vital piece of data for understanding your swing dynamics and how it translates to ball speed and distance. It’s measured accurately and correlates well with other data points.
Can I Use It for Indoor Practice?
While it performs best outdoors, the es tour plus launch monitor can be used for indoor practice. For optimal results, ensure you have adequate lighting and at least 15-20 feet of space for the ball to travel. Avoid hitting very short shots or wedges directly at the unit indoors, as this can sometimes lead to less consistent readings compared to full swings with longer clubs.
How Is the Battery Life?
The battery life is generally good. You can expect to get several hours of use on a single charge, which usually translates to two to three decent practice sessions before needing to recharge via its USB-C port. (See Also: Is Edge Cts 2 Monitor Calif Compliant )
Does It Connect to a Smartphone App?
Absolutely. The es tour plus launch monitor pairs with a smartphone app via Bluetooth. The app displays your shot data, tracks your progress over time, and allows you to review your sessions. While the app’s design is functional rather than flashy, it provides all the necessary information you need to analyze your game.
Getting Your Data When You Need It
One thing I appreciated during my testing phase, which involved no less than six different sessions over three weekends, was the immediate feedback. As soon as you swing, the numbers pop up on the device screen within seconds. Then, they sync to the app shortly after. This quick turnaround means you’re not waiting around, losing your rhythm. You can make a swing, see the result, make a slight adjustment, and swing again. This iterative process is the bedrock of improvement, and the es tour plus launch monitor facilitates it well.
The unit itself is small enough to fit in most golf bags without being a burden. It’s about the size of a small smartphone, and it comes with a protective case. The build quality feels robust, capable of handling the occasional bump or scrape that comes with being carted around. It’s not delicate; it’s built for the golf course, or at least the driving range. For those who are serious about their game but don’t have the budget for the top-tier professional units, this device presents a very attractive proposition. You get the kind of data that can actually inform your practice and make you a better player, without breaking the bank.
Verdict
After wrestling with my own expectations and a few questionable devices, the es tour plus launch monitor has earned a spot in my bag. It’s not perfect, and the app could use a cosmetic facelift, but the core functionality—providing reliable, actionable data—is there. For anyone looking to genuinely understand their game and stop guessing distances, this is a serious contender.
It’s the kind of tool that makes you feel like you’re not just hitting balls, but you’re actually *practicing* with purpose. The numbers it provides are honest, even when they’re not what you want to see. That honesty is what helps you improve.
If you’ve been burned by other launch monitors or are hesitant to spend thousands on professional-grade equipment, give the es tour plus launch monitor a serious look. It might just be the piece of technology that finally helps you dial in your game, one accurate shot at a time.
Recommended For You
