Introducing FlightScope Tracer: Does It Work and What Is the Hidden Mevo Plus Alignment Advantage?
Our golf writer Marc got to rub golf nerd elbows with the folks at FlightScope during the PGA Show. And he's sharing some extra-delicious details on a cool, new feature we think most golfers are going to love!
PlayBetter got a sneak peek at FlightScope's new shot tracer technology at the 2024 PGA Show.
And while we’re still awaiting word as to when this software enhancement will be available to FlightScope Mevo Plus users, we can confirm that the wait will be well worth it.
As the name implies, this new feature will allow users to see a trace of their ball flight during video replay of their golf swings. Just like what you see when you watch professional golf on TV.
Before this new upgrade, you could either see a video replay of your swing and shot or an animated trace of your ball flight. You couldn’t get both of those things at the same time. So it was either watch an animated version of your ball flight or watch the real in-person footage but without the ability to track where the ball was flying. Now, you’ve got the best of both worlds.
Pretty cool, right?
But it gets even better.
FlightScope added data overlaid on top of the tracer line. So now, all on one screen, you can see a video replay of your swing, see a trace of the ball flight, and see your ball speed, height, and carry distance as you watch the ball fly through the air.
It’s pretty next level to be able to watch a perfect trace of your ball flight and, without having to move your eyes off of that tracer line, see information about your shot.
And of course, after each shot, you’ll be able to review much more than just the three tracer overlaid data metrics. The Mevo Plus includes more data points than any golf launch monitor in its price range. Right out of the box with the Mevo+, you get:
- Ball speed
- Club head speed
- Smash factor
- Carry distance
- Total distance
- Launch angle
- Spin rate
- Spin loft
- Apex height
- Flight time
- Angle of attack
- Launch direction
- Spin axis
- Roll distance
- Lateral landing
- Shot dispersion
- Shot type
Then, for a one-time cost of $1,000 (or included as part of the 2024 Mevo+ Limited Edition), you can get the Pro Package, which adds on:
- Face to path
- Face to target
- Dynamic loft
- Club path
- Vertical swing plane
- Horizontal swing plane
- Low point
- Vertical descent angle
- Curve
- Club speed profile
- Club acceleration profile
FlightScope has continuously upgraded the Mevo+ since its 2020 release. But for all of those great enhancements and upgrades, this FlightScope Tracer feature has to be among the best.
But there’s a hidden advantage that nobody seems to be talking about that makes it even more exciting. The new shot tracer function also makes it easier to align the Mevo Plus. That may sound confusing, so let us explain.
How Does FlightScope Tracer Improve Mevo+ Alignment?
If there’s a downside to the FlightScope Tracer function it's that you have to employ an external camera. That means that you’ll need to use either a phone or tablet to capture video in addition to the device you’re already using to run the FlightScope app. And of course it means that you’ll need some sort of stand in order to correctly position the camera.
And while that may sound like a pain, it’s most definitely worth it to go through this extra step.
One benefit, of course, is the ability to get the awesome shot tracer feature. But there’s a sneaky additional advantage to setting up your session this way.
See, in order for the shot tracer function to work accurately, the Mevo+ and camera need to be aligned perfectly. So, FlightScope has built a camera-based alignment tool to achieve that perfect, pinpoint setup. By using the camera you’ll record your shots with and the FlightScope app, you scan the hitting surface and the app shows you exactly where to place both the ball and the Mevo+.
If you’ve used a Mevo Plus before or if you’ve researched the product, you likely know that one of the only common pain points Mevo users sometimes complain about is that this launch monitor requires a more precise setup than some competing products. Most users have reported that they’re fine with going through the finicky setup process because the Mevo+, when dialed in, produces such reliably accurate results.
Well now, by using the alignment tool required for the shot tracer feature, users can more quickly and easily achieve the perfect Mevo+ setup. It’s a brilliant added bonus to what was already a fantastic feature. So long, that is, as you’re willing to use an additional phone or tablet for setup and video.
How Much Does FlightScope Tracer Cost?
The good news keeps getting better. For all of that cool shot tracer functionality with the data overlay and added bonus of precise golf launch monitor alignment, you’ll have to pay… nothing! That’s right: This is a free upgrade for all Mevo+ users. Once released, it will simply be a download available in the FlightScope app.
As of now, FlightScope hasn’t committed to a release date for the new shot tracer feature, saying only that it’s coming sometime in 2024.
We were lucky enough to get to try it for ourselves at the PGA Show. And we know you’re going to love it! So stay tuned to PlayBetter.com for announcements of this exciting new feature’s release date.
And if you were already considering a FlightScope Mevo Plus or 2024 Mevo Plus Limited Edition, consider this one more great reason to buy.
About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen
Marc Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.