There’s not much difference between the Bushnell Launch Pro and the GC3 launch monitors. The only factor that sets both devices apart is the pricing model, which confuses many buyers.
I’m fortunate to own these two launch monitors, so I’ve created this article to break down the offerings of each of them.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Bushnell Launch Pro and the GC3 Launch Monitor look the same in appearance. Only one is branded as “Foresight Sports,” while the other is branded as “Bushnell Golf/Foresight Sports.”
- In terms of performance, both devices perform the same. These launch monitors are built on the same technology and provide the same set of data and features.
- Both devices are celebrated as among the best launch monitor/simulator products on the market, so you can’t go wrong by choosing any of them.
- The only difference between both is the pricing model. The GC3 gives you the shooting match right out of the box, while the Bushnell Launch Pro lets you buy just the features that interest you.
- Foresight GC3 will set you back $7,000 with access to all functionality out of the box. The Bushnell Launch Pro retails at $3,500 with access to basic functions. You need to pay $199, $249, $499, or $699 per year for advanced features, depending on the software package.
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You can see that the Bushnell Launch Pro and Foresight GC3 share a lot of similarities. But I will still detail the specific features of both devices.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bushnell Launch Pro |
| Buy Now |
 | Foresight GC3 |
| Buy Now |
Bushnell Launches Pro Pricing Model and Offerings
When you buy the Bushnell Launch Pro, which retails for $3,499, you get the following ball data metrics out of the box:
- Launch Angle
- Side Angle
- Ball Speed
- Total Spin
- Back Spin
- Side Spin
- Spin Axis
- Carry Distance
Meanwhile, you can’t store the readout on the LCD to review later. The data displayed for each shot is limited to that shot.
You will need to pay $249 annually now to enjoy additional ball and clubhead information such as:
- Club Path (needs a club sticker)
- Angle of Attack
- Barometer Adjustment
- Clubhead Speed (needs club sticker)
- Smash Factor (needs club sticker)
- Total Distance (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
- Offline Distance (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
- Descent Angle (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
- Peak Height (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
Note: Buying a new Bushnell Launch Pro monitor instantly gives you access to the Basic software subscription, where the above-listed metrics are enjoyed for one year of usage. So, if you want to continue using the above metrics after one year of free use, you pay $249 annually.
To use the Bushnell Launch Pro as a simulator, you need to subscribe to either the Silver or Gold software package. While both premium packages include everything in the Basic plan, the Silver package, for $499 per year, gives you five simulated golf courses and allows for up to four players.
On the other hand, the Gold package costs $699 per year and comes with ten courses and eight players.
ForeSight GC3 Pricing Model and Offerings
After buying the Foresight GC3 launch monitor for $7,000, you enjoy everything the Bushnell Pro can do without an annual software package. So it’s a one-time purchase, which explains why it’s more expensive at the initial purchase than the Bushnell Launch Pro.
If you can afford it, it’s a pretty good deal, right?
The issue is that, as much as the price point is a steal, not everyone would need all those metrics. So, paying $7,000 is hard to justify. Even if you need all the metrics, the golf technology trend keeps evolving, and innovation can hit the market that would outlive the offerings of the GC3.
In such a scenario, people with the Launch Pro are at an advantage because the innovation can be integrated into their launch monitors through subscriptions.
Bushnell Launch Pro vs. GC3: Updates
A recent update on the Foresight Sports GC3 and Bushnell Launch Pro Updates devices allows users to access the GC3 Ball Enabled—a configuration of the GC3 launch monitor with ball data only—now available in this exclusive website bundle.
It includes FSX Play, FSX 2020, FSX Pro, and 25 golf courses.
I like how the golf simulator videos in the video below explain the necessary details of this upgrade, including the latest pricing, software changes, integration, Peer 2 Peer Beta, and more:
So which should you go for?
The best device to opt for between the Bushnell Launch Pro and GC3 depends on your budget and what you need a launch monitor for.
There are not many things to discuss on the side of performance, accuracy, and appearance. Both devices are identical, if not equal. The main concern is the pricing model and ensuring you’re getting enough value for your money.
If you don’t want all the robust features of an advanced launch monitor that the Foresight GC3 offers at a one-time price, there’s no need to splurge. All you need is Launch Pro with a basic subscription.
Even with the price of the GC3, you can afford a Launch Pro plus 15 years of Basic Software (remember, the first year is free).
Even when you’re going for the Launch Pro silver plan, the price of the GC3 can afford you seven years of subscription. And if you bought the Gold subscription with a Launch Pro, it would take five years before you spent what you would on a GC3.
However, if you hate subscriptions, the Foresight GC3 is the right option for you. You make a one-time purchase, have access to all the data you need and don’t need, and forget about paying annual bills.
After all, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
