R-Motion golf simulator and swing analyzer is a bang for a buck. Pricing under $300, the device is a valid option for a quick and fun way to enjoy golf when you can’t go into a golf course.
It measures ball speed, club speed, smash factor, swing path, distance, and the launch angle. However, R-Motion has been discontinued, so there’s no customer support. The simulator has a track record of giving Inconsistent readings for short chips and needs a hitting mat and impact net for better performance.
Even though Rapsodo, the manufacturer, doesn’t appear to sell this model any longer, several recommendations on various golfers’ online communities point to this R-Motion as one of the viable options for “accurate and affordable” performance.
The reviews on R-Motion are mixed. If you’re considering getting the R-Motion golf simulator, you need a compact, less complex, and affordable training device to help you improve your game.
The R-Motion golf simulator uses photometric technology, which measures swing and ball data and provides instant feedback on a range of clubhead and ball statistics. It measures clubhead and golf ball contact data with a high-speed camera while the device’s software calculates the ball trajectory and distance.
R-Motion Golf Simulator
$48
- R-Motion includes club-attached sensors to capture swing data, such as club speed, path, face angle, and impact conditions, providing insights for improvement.
- it delivers a lifelike virtual golf experience, allowing play on various courses from home.
- Simple attachment of sensors to golf clubs, software installation on a computer or device, and optional projector/screen connection make it user-friendly.
- Real-time feedback on swing metrics helps users analyze their shots and make necessary adjustments.
When I went to a set-up shop for the off-season, I realized Rapsodo discontinued the whole program of the R-Motion and not just the device itself – software that I needed to update.
People still use the dongle and 14 clips, and I brought it to an indoor practice facility last week, along with a Foresight tracking system. The two systems track different data points, so it is difficult to tell whether R-Motion was accurate or not.
However, the R-Motion was close for the most part, and the flight path was comparable. There were shots that the two provided very different numbers.
In the rest of this article, you will learn all you need to know about the Rapsodo R-Motion Golf Simulator and Swing Analyzer to help you determine if it’s worth your investment.
Rapsodo R-Motion Golf Simulator Specifications
Here’s a tabular list of some relevant specifications for the R-Motion Golf Simulator:
Key features
The Rapsodo R Motion golf simulator is a sensor you clip to your golf clubs to detect swings. You then sync the sensor with your phone or PC to obtain important swing data. Here are the key features of this club:
1. Swing analysis: The R-Motion system includes sensors that attach to your golf club and capture data about your swing, including club speed, path, face angle, and impact conditions. This data is then used to provide insights into your swing mechanics and helps you identify areas for improvement.
2. Realistic simulation: The system works with The Golf Club simulation software to provide a virtual golfing experience. It tracks your club’s movement and translates it into a simulated golf shot on a screen. This allows you to play rounds of golf on various virtual courses without leaving your home.
3. Ease of setup: It’s an easy-to-use option since the sensors attach to your club without requiring significant modifications or adjustments. The software is typically installed on a computer or other compatible device, and you might need to connect to a projector or screen for the virtual course display.
4. Accuracy: The R-Motion isn’t as advanced as some high-end golf simulators, but it offers reasonable accuracy in capturing swing data and translating it into virtual shots. The number of attachments you use, the sensor calibration, and the club type will also influence the accuracy.
5. Data feedback: The system typically provides real-time feedback on your swing data, allowing you to see the results of your shots, analyze your swing metrics, and make adjustments accordingly.
6. No golf mat or net: The Golf simulator does not come with an itstanglet or catch; you must purchase them separately. However, you can achieve a more immersive experience by hooking your laptop to a projector and ng into a net.
You should go with a short throw projector like this BenQ MW632ST WXGA short throw projector so that you can eliminate shadows.
Accessories
You get one standard tracker or sensor when you purchase the R-Motion golf simulator. The package also comes with the following accessories:
- Classic owner manual to put you through the setup steps
- Four durable clips are available as standard. (You can supplement t the sensor by buying spinster clips, which cost close to $100 more, so you don’t have to remove and install them for every one of your clubs.)
- Software is included in the “lite” version. It has 15 virtual golf courses and a driving range. You can download it for free.
- You can access the app from your Google Play Store.
How To Use R-Motion Golf Simulator: Step-by-Step Guide
It’s super easy to work with the R-Motion, but most cases where it gives wrong data are traced to improper installation in the first place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Unboxing and Initial Setup
Unbox the R-Motion Golf Simulator package and identify the sensor, the clip, the charging cable, and the manual. Then, Charge the sensor using the provided charging cable. It has to be a fully charged sensor before using it.
Step 2: Installing the App
Now, you must install the compatible app on your device (smartphone, tablet, or computer). You can find the app on app stores or the R-Motion website. Download and install the app that corresponds to your device’s operating system.
Step 3: Mounting the Sensor
Attach the clip to your golf club (preferably the club you’ll be hitting the most shots with).
Slide the R-Motion sensor into the clip securely. Ensure it’s positioned so that the camera faces you as you hold the club, as this will determine the accuracy of your shots.
Step 4: Connecting the Sensor
Turn on your R-Motion sensor by pressing the power button. Open the installed app on your device and use the app’s instructions to establish a Bluetooth connection between the sensor and your device.
Step 5: Calibrating the System
Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to calibrate the sensor. You’ll need to set up a few parameters like club selection, lengths, and ball position.
Step 6: Starting a Session
Once calibrated, you’re ready to start a golf session. Choose a golf course or range to play on using the app. The app will display available options. Select the club you’ll use from the app’s menu for the shot.
Step 7: Taking Shots
Position the ball on a hitting mat and address the ball as you would on an actual golf course. Make your swing, aiming to hit the ball cleanly and squarely.
The sensor will track your swing and ball data, and the app will display the shot’s outcome, including distance and direction.
After each shot, the app will provide data about your image, including distance, ball speed, launch angle, and more. You can use shot analysis to identify areas for improvement in your swing and gameplay.
I particularly love how GolfAllYear demonstrated the setup process in the video below.
Pros And Cons
The R-Motion is a discontinued product, so there’s no support for it. However, if you’re lucky enough to get this on the market, here are a few pros and cons that I noticed while testing this simulator and swing analyzer that you should keep in mind:
What I like about the R-motion Golf simulator
- Good graphics
- Easy-to-use lightweight sensor clips
- Gaming features such as 15 courses, a driving range, and a multiplayer option
- Easy to put together
- It’s not expensive. It has an auto rewind feature to monitor your ball flight closely.
- Compatible with any golf club, including your own
What I like about the R-motion Golf simulator
- There have been growing reviews on how connecting to the dongle is challenging.
- It doesn’t come with a hitting mat and impact net
- Inconsistent in reading short chips
- No official product support
- It doesn’t work with the Mac operating system
The Price
You won’t find the R-Motion kit listed or available on the official Rapsodo website because it’s discontinued. I have linked to it on Amazon a number of times here, but it’s hit and miss if it’s in stock.
However, the golf simulator retails for around $300 through Amazon, Walmart, and other online shopping platforms. You could even get a more affordable deal at Ebay.
However, the standard purchase comes with the sensor, four club attachments, and a “Lite” version of The Golf Club game with fifteen courses and a driving range.
You’ll spend an extra $90 to purchase ten more attachments, which you can use on your other golf clubs.
Wrapping up
With a single golf simulator kit, you can obtain club data, including club path, swing speed, and club face angle, and b, all data such as shot distance, side spin, back spin, ball speed, and launch angle. It’s a bang for a buck.
However, based on the entertainment factor, ease of use, and ability to improve the user’s game, I will choose a better alternative, like the eOptishot 2, over the R-Motion.
Indeed, Raposodo R Motion will give you robust shot data, but it reads inaccurately sometimes, and it’s a discontinued product.
If you must buy a Rapsodo compact and budget-friendly simulator, I recommend the brand’s latest Mobile LaunchMonitor instead, which uses more effective radar technology.
