How far does the ball have to travel to get a reading?

Doppler radar launch monitors track the golf ball by measuring its movement through the air. For the device to capture reliable data, the ball must travel a minimum distance after impact.

Minimum Ball Flight Distance

For most Doppler-based launch monitors:

• Basic metrics (such as clubhead speed and ball speed) can be measured with very short ball flight.

• Carry distance, smash factor, and more detailed metrics require the ball to travel at least 8–12 feet (2.5–4 metres).

This allows the radar to collect enough data points to calculate accurate results.

Recommended Distance for Best Accuracy

While readings may be captured with shorter ball flight, accuracy improves as the ball travels farther.

• Minimum recommended distance: 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m)

• Ideal distance: 12–20 ft (3.5–6 m) or more

Longer ball flight gives the radar more time to track the ball, resulting in more consistent and reliable measurements.