The Foresight Sports GC3 is getting known as a solid golf launch monitor, especially if you want great accuracy but don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s basically the same hardware as the Bushnell Launch Pro, but this one’s from Foresight Sports, so you get all their software.
When you open the GC3, it feels like you got something the pros use. The box is sturdy, it looks cool, and the handle on top makes it easy to carry around. It’s not tiny, but it’s portable enough for both indoors and outdoors. You can tell it’s made for serious golf practice.
Setting up the GC3 was easy, which was surprising since the Launch Pro was a pain. Turn it on, connect to WiFi, scan the QR code, and you’re set. It finds your network right away and works with the Foresight software. You can even use a USB cable if you want.
The best part about the GC3 is how accurate it is. It gives you real numbers for things like ball speed, launch angle, spin, and distance. The spin data is measured directly, not just guessed like on cheaper systems.
The GC3 also has a screen built-in. It’s really helpful for practice. You put down a ball, see the Ready signal, and swing. In a couple of seconds, you see your data. It’s right there without needing to use apps or other screens. You don’t get that with cheaper systems.
It’s not perfect though. Sometimes, after showing your shot data, it goes back to the hitting zone screen too fast before you can really see your numbers. It can be annoying if you’re trying to check your swing. And if you didn’t pay for the club data, you’ll just see a bunch of blank numbers. You can turn it off in settings, but it’s still worth noting.
Okay, let’s talk about the software. With the GC3, you get FSX Pro, FSX 2020, and FSX Play, and a lifetime subscription to Awesome Golf. FSX Play looks amazing, like you’re actually on the course. Whether you’re hitting drives at Pebble Beach or doing challenges on Foresight Fairgrounds, it feels high-end. But to use the GC3 as a simulator, you need a good computer.
Comparing the GC3 to the Launch Pro is tough. The hardware is basically the same. The difference is how you pay. The GC3 costs $5,999 for ball data or $7,499 for both ball and club data. That’s it. No ongoing payments. The Launch Pro wants you to pay every year if you want everything.
The GC3 is close to the GCQuad, which is thought of as the best launch monitor. The GC3’s measurements for ball speed, carry distance, spin, and everything else are very similar to the GCQuad, which costs way more. It doesn’t give you data like loft/lie, face angle, or impact location, but most golfers don’t really need those numbers.
Using the GC3 as a simulator is great. FSX Play is awesome and the courses look fantastic, but you have to buy courses if you want more, and they’re not cheap. Paying $150 per course is a lot, but if you want to play famous courses like Pebble Beach or St. Andrews when you can’t get out on the course, it might be worth it.
One thing the GC3 doesn’t have is mobile simulator access. If you want to use something like e6 Connect on your iPad, you’re out of luck. But the PC works great, and it feels like it’s made for people who want the best.
So, should you get the GC3 or save and get the Launch Pro? If you don’t like subscriptions, the GC3 is the way to go. It sucks to spend a lot of money on something and then have to keep paying for it. But if you don’t have a ton of cash and you’re ok with paying yearly, the Launch Pro is worth looking at.
One more thing: if you plan to use other software like GSPro, you need the Gold Package with the Launch Pro. That’s another $499 a year on top of the GSPro subscription, which makes the GC3 seem like a better deal in the end.
Basically, the Foresight Sports GC3 is as close to a pro launch monitor as you can get without spending a ton. It’s great for golfers who want accurate data, a good simulator, and a simple setup. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it for what you get.