SkyTrak Launch Monitor Evaluate – The Finest Simulator In Golf?

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Should you’ve been looking out the marketplace for a golf launch monitor or simulator, you’ve virtually actually heard of the SkyTrak.

Launched in late 2014, the SkyTrak was the primary correct launch monitor to hit the market that price lower than $5,000 and was accessible to the typical golfer.

On this SkyTrak overview, I’ll take an in-depth have a look at the launch monitor. I’ll look not solely at how properly it measures ball and swing knowledge, but additionally at its usability and simulation capabilities.

How does the SkyTrak carry out? How does it examine to different launch screens which are in the marketplace right now? Is it value getting for those who’re searching for a top quality golf simulator?

Right here’s what I’m going to be masking within the overview:

Able to strive the SkyTrak proper now? Click on the button beneath or scroll all the way down to the underside of my overview to see my ultimate verdict!

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What’s SkyTrak?

Earlier than the SkyTrak was launched onto the market, there was a void within the private launch monitor and simulator area. The one out there simulator techniques on the time had prices that had been out of attain of most golfers.

The SkyTrak launch monitor was launched in November 2014 to fill this void, priced at $1,995. Since that point, it has been polished, enhanced, and augmented with the most recent and biggest simulation plans.

SkyTrak describes itself as “a private launch monitor that delivers immediate and real-time 3D shot evaluation and ball-flight knowledge“.

Along with measuring ball and membership knowledge, the SkyTrak is likely one of the few sub-$2000 launch screens that’s suitable with the most effective simulation software program together with E6 CONNECT and TGC 2019.

SkyTrak makes use of a photometric (camera-based) system. A high-speed digital camera takes photographs of the ball for just a few ft after impression, which is what permits the unit to supply measurements with a precision corresponding to rather more costly business techniques.

SkyTrak is actively marketed as an indoor launch monitor, and that is the place it must be used when doable. If indoor use just isn’t an possibility, it will probably work properly open air however must be stored out of direct daylight.

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Setting Up The SkyTrak

The SkyTrak comes with the unit itself, a USB cable, and a wall charger.

Word: Earlier than utilizing the SkyTrak, be certain that to cost it for at the very least six hours. For charging, use the wall charger or hold the unit linked to your PC.

The primary three steps it’s best to take when organising the SkyTrak are:

1. Obtain the SkyTrak app. Should you’re utilizing an iOS or Android gadget, get the app within the Apple App Store or Google Play store, respectively. Should you’re utilizing a PC, obtain the SkyTrak PC software program on skytrakgolf.com.
2. Register your SkyTrak. Launch the software program you downloaded in step 1 and observe the prompts to register the gadget. You’ll need to create a SkyTrak account, and that you must register inside 30 days of buy.
3. Pair the SkyTrak along with your gadget. By the software program software, use Wi-Fi, a house community or USB to register the gadget to your cellular gadget or PC.

As soon as the SkyTrak has been efficiently configured and paired along with your gadget, all three LED lights will flip inexperienced, and a pink laser dot can be projected onto the bottom.

Detailed setup directions are discovered within the SkyTrak consumer information, however there are just a few extra essential issues I need to cowl on this part.

Hitting Space

I strongly advocate hitting actual golf balls with the SkyTrak as an alternative of froth or plastic balls. For that, you’ll want a strong hitting mat and internet.

Whether or not you propose on hitting indoors or open air, take out your longest membership (driver) and guarantee that you’ve got sufficient clearance to make a full swing.

Then guarantee that you’ve got at the very least 10 ft of size and 10 ft of width in your area.

Positioning

The SkyTrak unit should be positioned parallel to your meant line of play. Which means that the facility button ought to face both in direction of the online or away from the online, relying in your handedness. I counsel utilizing alignment sticks to test this.

For right-handed golfers, the unit must be positioned on the correct facet, and vice versa for left-handed golfers.

Additionally be sure that the underside of the unit is stage with the hitting floor. The better the gap between the degrees, the extra inconsistent the measurements can be.

The golf ball you hit must be clear and white, and it ought to at all times be positioned on the projected pink dot.

Further Suggestions

• I extremely advocate getting the official SkyTrak steel case. That is offered individually. It not solely protects the unit, however it additionally comes with adjustable pegs and a bubble stage that can assist you stage the unit completely along with your hitting floor.
• The SkyTrak produces finest outcomes indoors. If you wish to use it open air, you’ll must hold it out of direct daylight, however even then you might have accuracy points on a sunny, summer time day.
• If doable, place your ball in order that its brand/marking faces the SkyTrak. It will give the digital camera system a clearer level of reference to present you an correct spin studying.

For extra detailed setup directions, info, and suggestions, see the SkyTrak user guide.

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Parameters, Play Modes & Options

While you begin up the SkyTrak software program, you’ll be offered with as much as three totally different modes relying in your membership stage: Apply, Problem, and Recreation Enchancment.

You’ll be able to entry the settings from right here and set your dominant hand (left or proper) and models of measurement for distances and speeds.

You too can entry a leveling display the place the software program will let you know the present roll and tilt of your SkyTrak unit. These values must be stored underneath 5° for finest outcomes.

Apply Mode

The Apply Mode is the core function of the SkyTrak that can permit you to hit pictures on a digital driving vary.

Should you’re on the Fundamental membership stage, that is all you’ll have entry to. You’ll be capable of view your ball flight and knowledge from a single digital camera angle, however that’s about it.

When you’ve got the Recreation Enchancment package deal, you’ll have entry to much more options. From the vary display, you’ll be able to choose the precise membership you’re hitting, which can ultimately permit you to examine knowledge all all through the bag.

As well as, you’ll be able to view your shot historical past for every session. This presents all of the pictures for every membership hit with all their knowledge factors in addition to the averages for every membership hit.

Another apply vary options unlocked by the Recreation Enchancment package deal are:

• digital camera angle choice (down the road, observe the ball, and so on.)
• multi-coloured shot tracers for utilizing totally different golf equipment
• dispersion circles
• a goal randomizer
• capacity to regulate circumstances corresponding to wind, humidity, and turf firmness

After every shot, a tracer will simulate your ball flight. You’ll be able to view numerous knowledge factors together with whole distance, carry, ball pace, launch angle, and membership head pace.

Shot Optimizer

You may additionally be capable of entry a helpful function known as Shot Optimizer. It will show detailed knowledge about your shot, and it’ll examine every parameter with the optimum vary for that exact membership.

For instance, for those who hit an 8-iron, it could examine your launch angle, spin and descent angle to optimum ranges of round 16°-24°, 7200-8460 RPM, and 42°-47°, respectively. You’ll additionally be capable of view a trajectory graph of your shot that exhibits the apex.

The Shot Optimizer generally is a large assist in dialing in your golf equipment. For instance, it’s possible you’ll discover that your spin charge is decrease than optimum (that is widespread for amateurs), and in that case, you’ll be able to both change balls, make a swing adjustment, or strive one other iron.

Problem Mode

The Problem Mode is barely out there beginning with the Recreation Enchancment package deal.

It means that you can play the minigames Closest To The Pin, Goal Apply, and Lengthy Drive. Every minigame has single participant, multiplayer, and occasion choices, however you’ll be able to’t play with different golfers on-line from around the globe.

• Closest To The Pin: You’ve gotten 3-6 possibilities to get your shot as near the pin as doable. The closest shot turns into your finest rating.
• Goal Apply: Just like Closest To The Pin, you’ve 3-6 pictures to get as near the bullseye as doable. You’ll be able to specify any goal distance.
• Lengthy Drive: You’ve gotten 3-6 drives to hit so far as doable. You’ll be able to specify the vary width as properly. Your finest drives can be ranked.

This mode just isn’t solely an effective way to apply your driving and precision along with your irons, however it’s additionally a bit extra enjoyable than a easy driving vary session.

As in Apply Mode, every of your pictures will show the usual knowledge parameters together with distance and spin.

Recreation Enchancment

The Recreation Enchancment mode is barely out there with the Recreation Enchancment or Play & Enhance packages.

It accommodates the Bag Mapping, Expertise Evaluation and Wedge Matrix options.

Bag Mapping

This function means that you can get detailed details about the golf equipment in your bag, together with how far you hit them on common, their dispersions, and the way the efficiency of 1 membership pertains to the efficiency of different golf equipment.

After the preliminary setup the place you specify an meant hole (distance between golf equipment), the software program takes you thru a spread session the place you hit every membership.

On the finish of the mapping, you’ll be able to view detailed knowledge on precise gaps and dispersions. Gaps which are too massive or too small can be dropped at your consideration.

Bag Mapping provides you a really invaluable perception into your general sport. As an illustration, it will probably provide help to perceive whether or not you’re overestimating or underestimating your yardages, or you probably have massive gaps in your yardages that you can handle.

Expertise Evaluation

This function is just like Bag Mapping. It means that you can assess how properly you’re performing all through your bag via goal apply.

It does this by taking you thru a sequence of goal periods, every goal being a sure distance out and calling for a selected membership within the bag. For instance, you would possibly set a 9-iron session at 125 yds, 6-iron session at 165 yds, and 3-wood session at 225 yds.

Throughout and after the talents evaluation, you’ll be able to view detailed details about your pictures. Afterwards, you’ll be able to view your inexperienced accuracy and dynamic handicap for every membership.

The Expertise Evaluation is an effective way to isolate weaknesses in your bag so you’ll be able to enhance them.

Wedge Matrix

With the Wedge Matrix function, you choose 4 wedges (usually pitching wedge, hole wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge) and swing every membership at 4 totally different lengths: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full swing.

On the finish of the session, you’ll be capable of view the yardages for your whole wedges in “matrix” format. This serves two helpful functions:

1. You’ll perceive the standard yardage that your wedge will fly for every swing size. It will permit you to select the perfect membership and swing size for every scenario on the golf course.
2. You’ll be able to spot weaknesses, flaws, or undesirable ends in your wedge sport you can subsequently work on.

You too can view common totals, offline tendencies, and shot dispersions for every wedge.

Measured Parameters

What knowledge parameters does the SkyTrak measure? It measures 5 immediately:

• ball pace
• launch angle
• again spin
• facet spin
• facet angle

With this knowledge, the software program is ready to derive six extra measurements:

• carry & whole distance
• membership head pace
• roll
• flight path
• offline
• angle of descent

This seems to be loads of knowledge for many golfers.

Swing Catalyst Integration

Since 2019, SkyTrak has been suitable with Swing Catalyst, a video evaluation software program that has been praised by coaches around the globe in addition to PGA Tour execs together with Justin Rose, Matt Kuchar, and Ian Poulter.

Swing Catalyst means that you can arrange cameras (as much as 4 relying on the license) and seize your swing from a number of totally different angles. Excessive-speed seize is supported as much as 500 fps. With the captured video, you’ll be able to:

• draw on the picture with a variety of drawing instruments
• play again the swing frame-by-frame or in gradual movement
• overlay a number of swings or examine them side-by-side
• retailer and arrange your swings

Integration of Swing Catalyst with SkyTrak implies that all the knowledge obtained by the SkyTrak is on the market for viewing alongside the video clips. This consists of trajectory, ball flight, and all of the measured SkyTrak parameters. Primarily based in your swing knowledge, the software program will let what sort of shot you hit, whether or not it was a hook or slice.

As well as, you’ll be able to analyze the tempo and rhythm of your swing. Backswing and downswing instances are displayed, and your whole swing length is rated when it comes to being too quick, ultimate, or too gradual.

Not everybody will discover this software program essential for them, however it has a wealthy set of options that may permit you to perceive your swing on a brand new stage.

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Third-Celebration Simulation

The SkyTrak is formally suitable with seven third-party simulation options: E6 CONNECT, The Golf Membership 2019, WGT Golf, Inventive Golf 3D, Golfisimo, Health Golf, and ProTee Play.

Every of those softwares has its personal options, modes, and video games. Let’s undergo every of them:

E6 CONNECT

E6 CONNECT, out there for iOS and PC, is top-tier golf simulation software program recognized for its high quality and numerous vary of options. You get:

• a full driving vary and apply space
• full course play
• match play and on-line occasions
• an array of multiplayer codecs
• versatile gameplay settings (mulligans, wind, climate, and so on.)
• minigames together with Lengthy Drive and Closest To The Pin

A Fundamental subscription to E6 CONNECT offers entry to P2P gameplay and a library of content material that adjustments on a periodic foundation. With an Expanded Subscription to E6 CONNECT, you recover from 68 further programs to play (90+ whole) and entry to all content material that has ever been launched.

E6 CONNECT is likely one of the finest and strongest golf simulator software program options in the marketplace proper now, so the truth that it’s built-in with the SkyTrak is an enormous plus.

Nevertheless, the software program is comparatively costly. It’s additionally value noting that the E6 integration has had issues since SkyTrak migrated over to GOLFTEC servers.

The Golf Membership 2019

The Golf Membership 2019 (PC solely) is a wonderful possibility for the SkyTrak as a result of it has a large course choice, loads of options, and nice graphics, lighting and sound results. It’s additionally comparatively reasonably priced.

Initially launched as a online game and later ported to simulators, TGC 2019 presents a collection of over 170,000 programs, lots of that are user-designed. With the software program, you’ll be able to:

• play on-line (with strangers, mates or household) and compete in dwell worldwide tournaments
• play rounds solo or play multiplayer regionally
• entry the TGC library of over 170,000 programs
• do vary, chipping or placing apply

Play codecs embrace stroke play, match play, stableford, 4 ball, skins, and alternate shot. TGC has a cool function that enables as much as 4 gamers in a multiplayer setting to hit their pictures on the similar time.

You too can design your personal course with just a few clicks. A particular editor means that you can customise every thing intimately from the theme to the terrain and structure. If that is one thing you suppose you can have enjoyable with, you can find yourself enjoying your personal custom-created course along with your SkyTrak.

WGT Golf

WGT (World Golf Tour) by TOPGOLF presents stroke play on well-known golf programs around the globe, closest-to-the-pin challenges, and a driving vary. It’s solely out there on iOS with the Play & Enhance plan.

Settings and customization aren’t as intensive as E6 CONNECT or TGC 2019. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to view numerous sorts of knowledge corresponding to inexperienced pace, wind energy & route, pin places, and ball knowledge corresponding to distance, pace, spin charge, launch, and different metrics that may be measured by your SkyTrak.

With WGT, you get entry to:

• full course play on 15 WGT golf programs
• the WGT closest-to-the-hole problem on 6 WGT golf programs

Notable programs embrace St. Andrews, Pebble Seashore, Erin Hills, Bethpage Black, and Olympic Membership. Graphics are very photo-realistic and course recreations are extremely correct to actual life.

WGT is sort of restricted so far as third-party software program goes, however the excellent news is it’s included in one of many SkyTrak plans at a low annual charge.

Inventive Golf 3D (with Golfisimo)

Inventive Golf 3D is a software program that’s centered not a lot on realism (though the graphics are good), however extra on family-friendly leisure.

The bottom model of Inventive Golf 3D accommodates 15 reproduced golf programs from around the globe. For an additional $500, you will get over 130 further programs to play.

This software program is much more reasonably priced than TGC 2019, and if you’d like, you’ll be able to “supercharge” it with the Golfisimo software program which provides a number of cute, entertaining video games for kids and non-golfers.

The modes of Inventive Golf 3D are:

• Apply: Apply on a driving vary or chip and putt on a course of your alternative.
• Course Play: Select the course, sport sort (stroke, match play, and so on.), variety of gamers, and play a full spherical of golf.
• Challenges: Take part in competitions regionally (with mates or household) together with closest-to-the-pin and lengthy drive.
• Mini Video games: Play fairy story golf (altered setting, bigger holes, and so on.), mini golf (placing), and demolition golf (hit home windows of previous buildings).
• On-line Recreation: Play a sport sort and course of your alternative with anybody on this planet. A Discord neighborhood is on the market to hitch.
• Tournaments: Be a part of tournaments listed on the match server and compete with gamers around the globe.

When you’ve got bought Golfisimo together with Inventive Golf 3D, there can be a devoted Golfisimo part on the primary menu. From there, you’ll be able to entry enjoyable video games like darts, barrels, bridges, demolition golf, battlefield, and grand slam.

For those who don’t want the premium expertise that E6 CONNECT presents, Inventive Golf 3D and Golfisimo could be glorious money-saving options.

Health Golf

The distinctive concept behind Health Golf (PC solely) is that it’s important to bodily get to your shot earlier than you’ll be able to hit the subsequent one.

By attaching a sensor to your shoe (if you wish to stroll or run between pictures) or your stationary bike (if you wish to bike between pictures), Health Golf means that you can get the train that may usually include enjoying an actual course with no cart.

On the time of writing, there are 161 totally different programs you’ll be able to play; 98 of them are primarily based on world-famous programs.

You don’t need to do cardio for those who don’t need to, although. The three sport modes are Golf Solely, Health Golf, and Health Solely, that are self-explanatory. In Health Solely mode, you stroll, run or bike on any course with out enjoying any golf; this may be good for those who simply need to examine the structure of a course.

For golfers who need to get an cardio exercise along with enjoying on their golf simulator, Health Golf is a terrific (and enjoyable) possibility.

ProTee Play

ProTee Play is a software program that’s comparable in some ways to Inventive Golf 3D and Golfisimo.

Whereas it presents a driving vary and typical modes like lengthy drive and closest to the pin, its essential draw is its massive collection of enjoyable, unconventional, kid-friendly video games. These embrace:

• Lonely Desert Vary: apply your swing within the desert and keep away from hitting wild camels.
• Zombie Golf: kill zombies to remain alive.
• Pub Darts: hit a dartboard as near the middle as doable.
• Demolition Vary: hit targets for factors and set information on leaderboards.
• Soccer Golf Children: beat the goalkeeper and rating as many objectives as doable.

At the least 20 totally different video games can be found for play. Further video games could be bought at additional price.

What’s nice about ProTee Play is that not solely does it assist resolutions as much as 4K UHD, however it’s performed via your internet browser within the cloud. The software program has been designed to work properly with interactive touchscreens and digital shows.

As an additional layer of enjoyable and engagement, you’ll be able to monitor your efficiency on on-line leaderboards and compete with different gamers from around the globe.

ProTee Play generally is a implausible alternative for customers searching for enjoyable, kid-friendly minigames at a price that’s even lower than Golfisimo.

We speak extra about third-party simulation plans for the SkyTrak right here.

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Pricing & Plans

The core SkyTrak unit prices $1,995 USD. An official protecting steel case designed for the SkyTrak prices $149.95. Financing is on the market.

Three plans can be found with the SkyTrak. First, it comes with the Fundamental Apply Vary Plan at no additional price. This lets you simulate your ball flight on a digital 3D vary. The Fundamental Plan comes with:

• shot tracer
• ball efficiency knowledge (parameters listed above)
• first-person digital camera view
• shot replay

If all you need to do is see your swing knowledge on the vary and don’t care about minigames or course play, the Fundamental package deal ought to suffice.

Recreation Enchancment Plan

The Recreation Enchancment Plan is on the market as an improve to the fundamental SkyTrak plan. It prices $99.95 per yr.

If bought concurrently the SkyTrak unit together with the protecting case, the full involves $2,244.90.

The SkyTrak Recreation Enchancment Plan provides you entry to every thing within the Fundamental Plan plus many further options, challenges, and video games. This consists of:

• entry to an array of third-party simulator software program options
• lengthy drive, closest to the pin and goal apply challenges (particulars within the sport modes part)
• abilities evaluation, bag mapping and wedge matrix options
• {custom} settings together with humidity, turf circumstances, and wind
• digital camera views
• session historical past
• progress monitoring, charts and graphs for every membership within the bag

If you need extra than simply with the ability to apply on a spread from one digital camera perspective, you then’ll must improve to the Recreation Enchancment Plan.

Play & Enhance Plan

The SkyTrak Play & Enhance Plan is on the market as an improve (and substitute) to the Recreation Enchancment Plan. It prices $199.95 per yr.

If bought concurrently the SkyTrak unit together with the protecting case, the full involves $2,344.90.

The Play & Enhance provides you entry to every thing within the Recreation Enchancment Plan plus full integration with World Golf Tour (WGT).

This WGT integration is barely out there for iOS. It provides you entry to:

• the WGT closest-to-the-hole problem on 6 WGT golf programs
• full course play on 15 WGT golf programs

The Play & Enhance Plan is a pretty plan as a result of it means that you can expertise full course play with out paying extra for third-party software program like E6 CONNECT or TGC 2019.

The WGT integration just isn’t practically as highly effective as these softwares, however it may very well be a wonderful possibility for people who simply need some easy course & problem play on a handful of high quality programs along with what the Recreation Enchancment Plan already presents.

Third-Celebration Simulation

As you in all probability know by now, SkyTrak has partnered with a number of software program suppliers to convey the most effective golf simulator software program to the SkyTrak.

An summary of every of those softwares was given within the above part. Their present costs (topic to alter, reductions or promotions) are given within the desk beneath:

Software program	Value
E6 CONNECT	$300/yr (Fundamental) or $600/yr (Expanded) or $2500 one time
The Golf Membership 2019	$479/yr or $895 one time
WGT Golf	$199.95/yr
Inventive Golf 3D	$300/yr or $700 one time
Golfisimo	$200/yr or $500 one time
Health Golf	$199.95
ProTee Play	$149/yr or $399 one time

Every software program possibility has its personal enchantment. As you’ll be able to see, the pricing choices for every range significantly.

Swing Catalyst Plan

Integration of the Swing Catalyst video evaluation software program is available in Fundamental or Professional packages.

The Fundamental plan prices $49/month or $490/yr. The Professional plan prices $99/month or $990/yr.

With the Fundamental plan, you get the flexibility to run two dwell cameras and get software program updates & assist. The Professional plan provides you every thing from the Fundamental plan plus allowance for working two further dwell cameras and sensor plate integration.

Particular cameras could be bought to make use of with Swing Catalyst such because the Dragon USB and Blackfly GigE 04.

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The place To Purchase The SkyTrak On-line

Should you’re trying on-line, the most effective locations I’d advocate to purchase the SkyTrak are The Indoor Golf Store, Rain or Shine Golf, and Top Shelf Golf.

Every of those distributors means that you can improve to the Recreation Enchancment or Play & Enhance plans with a few clicks (apart from High Shelf Golf, which doesn’t have the choice for the Play & Enhance plan for some cause).

You’ll be able to select any of those distributors primarily based in your preferences. All have implausible assist groups that can exit of their solution to be sure to’re arrange correctly.

Should you’re searching for a reduction on a used unit, you could possibly discover a whole lot on eBay.

Third-party software program for the SkyTrak must be bought by way of the official SkyTrak retailer.

One other factor to contemplate is a simulation studio. There are lots of SkyTrak studios out there that embrace a internet, display, enclosure, and projector; top-of-the-line is the SkyTrak SIG10.

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Conclusion

The SkyTrak stays top-of-the-line launch screens in the marketplace. For less than a pair thousand {dollars}, you get accuracy corresponding to business techniques that price $10,000 or extra and entry to a ton of options for dialing in your sport.

The SkyTrak has good software program compatibility. It’s not formally suitable with a few of the newer softwares like GSPro and Superior Golf, however there are unofficial integrations on the market you can make the most of.

By way of negatives, the most important concern with the SkyTrak at this stage is that it’s an previous system that has not acquired a lot in the best way of latest options and updates for a very long time.

There are just a few different issues to bear in mind. First, there’s a noticeable shot delay (the time between the impression of your ball on the display and the shot simulation) you can’t do a lot about.

Secondly, most of the issues folks expertise associated to accuracy stem from an improper setup. Earlier than you play, it’s essential to just remember to accurately calibrate the “heart” because the SkyTrak sees it. When you try this, the shot reproductions must be fairly properly on the cash.

Thirdly, it’s best to keep away from utilizing the SkyTrak open air if doable. It could work, however there are higher choices for out of doors launch screens such because the Mevo Plus.

For as little as $200 per yr for the Play & Enhance Plan, you’ll be able to play a full 18-hole spherical of golf (and see your detailed shot knowledge) with out having to get out to the course. Ultimately, it’ll prevent some huge cash and go a good distance in direction of enhancing your sport.

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Thanks for studying my SkyTrak overview. Are you curious about the SkyTrak? Have you ever tried it already? What’s your expertise? Inform us about it within the feedback beneath.