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The GCHawk is a really high-end, professional-grade launch monitor. Branded with the tagline “Welcome to freedom”, it makes use of identical monitoring know-how because the GCQuad, however, is designed to be mounted overhead for hands-off expertise.
There’s no query that the GCHawk is likely one of the most superior, highly effective launch screens available on the market. At the time of writing, it’s the costliest providing in Foresight Sports activities’ skilled launch monitor lineup.
On this Foresight Sports activities GCHawk assessment, I’ll take an in-depth look at the launch monitor. I’ll look not solely at how properly it measures ball and swing information, but additionally on the comfort issue of the overhead mounting, the usability, the multi-sport functionality, and the way it stacks up towards different equally priced merchandise.
How does the GCHawk carry out? How does it evaluate different launch screens just like the GCQuad? Is it value getting when you have the finances for it?
Right here’s what I’m going to be protecting within the assessment:
Able to attempt the GCHawk proper now? Click on the button under or scroll all the way down to the underside of my assessment to see my ultimate verdict!
What’s the GCHawk launch monitor?
Foresight Sports Activities launched the GCHawk in 2019. One of the best ways to think about it’s as a GCQuad launch monitor that’s mounted overhead.
Just like the GCQuad, the GCHawk exactly measures membership and ball efficiency metrics by way of a mixture of infrared object monitoring and a high-speed quadrascopic digital camera system.
The GCHawk takes the type of a bar, much like the Uneekor QED and EYE XO. 4 high-speed cameras — two close to the center and two at every finish of the unit — seize hundreds of pictures per second and construct an entire 3D mannequin of the membership and ball at effect, permitting for measurements which can be direct and never calculated.
The GCHawk is designed to suit seamlessly into residential or business environments. It will probably simply be built-in with golf simulator enclosures or dwelling theatres, or it may be mounted over a completely coated indoor-outdoor driving vary.
As a ceiling-mounted system, left and proper hand-switching is seamless with the GCHawk. No repositioning is required for various gamers.
Different options of the GCHawk are:
- a wi-fi on/off distant management
- WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB connectivity
- a built-in barometric sensor
- a shock-mounted, die-cast aluminum body
After all, the GCHawk will also be hooked as much as golf simulation by way of Foresight Sports activities’ FSX software program suite.
The GCHawk can be utilized for extra than simply golf. It additionally has multi-sport performance with dynamic monitoring and particular efficiency algorithms. Particularly, it may well ship true-to-life soccer gameplay. We’ll contact you on this in a later part, but it surely received to be our principal focus of the assessment.
What about add-ons and optionals? Along with the usual FSX software program license, the GCHawk might be upgraded to offer full membership information with the membership information add-on, and the Talent Drill license is required for soccer play.
Setting Up & Utilizing The GCHawk
Set up of the GCHawk is sort of concerned; it must be securely mounted to the ceiling and cables have to be run alongside the wall to a close-by pc.
Foresight Sports activities strongly recommend that the setup of the GCHawk be carried out by a number of licensed contractors, signing the mounting. It is because errors can result in injury to the unit or injury to your property, and this isn’t coated by the GCHawk’s guarantee.
An exception to that is in the event you get Foresight Sports activities’ “Sim-In-A-Field” Albatross package, which is designed for self-installation. This package deal, nonetheless, is way more costly than the price of the GCHawk itself.
On this assessment, we’ll present a tough overview of the setup course of, however for the complete particulars, you need to seek the advice of Foresight Sports activities’ GCHawk guide.
First, let’s speak in regard to the structure. Ideally, the GCHawk bar needs to be mounted around ten ft from the bottom (vertical distance), not less than seven ft (horizontal) from the simulator display screen, and 4 ft (horizontal) from the hitting space. On this excellent structure, the hitting space is around eleven ft from the display screen. See under for an illustration (not essentially to scale):
These numbers aren’t strict necessities, however, you need to attempt to get as near them as potential in your setup. The GCHawk can alternatively be mounted in a coated space outdoors as an indoor-outdoor driving vary.
When you’ve labored out the structure, begin by operating the Ethernet cable out of your pc alongside the wall to the ceiling location the place the GCHawk might be mounted.
Subsequently, set up the ceiling mount utilizing ceiling joists, rafters, screws, and sliding plates. Sliding plates that can be connected to the GCHawk might be inserted into the ceiling mount.
The subsequent step is to attach the facility provide, and this may be achieved in certainly one of three configurations. The ceiling mount will have to be put in earlier than the facility provide connection might be accomplished.
As soon as the facility wire and information line are inserted into the right ports, use the included Wi-Fi distance to activate the GCHawk. The unit will show a yellow LED mild after which a blue mild as soon as the bootup is completed.
The GCHawk must be calibrated earlier than the first use. To do that, make sure the GCHawk is correctly related to your pc with web entry, and observe these steps:
- Obtain the GCHawk Calibration App on your PC.
- Launch the app and set up the GCHawk Setup App.
- Launch the GCHawk Setup App and observe the directions to map the world with the calibration wand.
As soon as calibration is full, restart the GCHawk.
Further Notes
- there’s a method to calibrate the GCHawk without web entry, but it surely’s pretty difficult and never really helpful
- the ceiling space in the place the GCHawk is mounted needs to be sturdy and never susceptible to shocks or vibrations
- screws for securing the GCHawk to the ceiling will not be included in the setup package deal
- there are left and proper hitting zones
- the wi-fi distance comes preinstalled with a DC 12V Kind A23 battery
Past following the official GCHawk information (hyperlink above), in the event you’re struggling or are apprehensive about putting in and organizing the GCHawk yourself, we strongly suggest getting outdoors assist.
Information Parameters & Accuracy
Because the GCHawk is basically a ceiling-mounted CGQuad, it measures the identical set of information parameters because the GCQuad, besides in a single respect: the GCHawk doesn’t provide detailed placing information (superior placing evaluation) just like the GCQuad does, though it reads putts simply as properly.
Let’s begin with ball information:
- ball pace
- carry distance
- horizontal & vertical launch angle
- spin
- facet spin
With the membership information add-on, the GCHawk may even measure numerous membership parameters relying on whether or not one or 4 membership markers are used:
- membership head pace
- smash issue
- membership path
- angle of assault
- face angle
- closure price
- clubface affect location
- lie & loft at the effect
What about accuracy? As you’d anticipate, the GCHawk is simply as correct because the GCQuad and I talk about that extra in my GCQuad assessment. It delivers the most effective accuracy within the enterprise and has just about the identical traits of information measurement.
With that stated, I consider that the GCHawk has a little bit of an edge when it comes to reliability. It is because it stays in a hard and fast place overhead, minimizing alternatives so that you can make alignment or calibration errors after the preliminary setup. At a similar time, the GCHawk shouldn’t be moveable, so it’s not as versatile because the GCQuad.
Simulation Software program
The GCHawk is actually designed with a concentration on devoted golf simulation in a hitting bay, particularly since there is no such thing as an information show on the unit itself. This makes good software program choices all of the extra important in contrast with the moveable GC2, GC3, and GCQuad items.
Fortuitously, the GCHawk is appropriate with Foresight Sports activities’ whole software program suite. This contains:
- Golf: FSX 2020, FSX Play, E6 CONNECT, Artistic Golf 3D
- Multi-Sport: Talent Drill (soccer)
Let’s go over each of them:
1. FSX 2020
FSX 2020 is Foresight Sports activities’ in-house software program resolution for his or her GC line of economic launch screens.
Their preliminary launch was FSX 2018, however, they’ve since come out with an up-to-date 2020 model of the software program. Customers of the 2018 model can improve at no extra price.
FSX 2020 is an entire software program resolution that gives the following ranges, full course play, recreation modes, abilities challenges, and alternatives so that you can compete with different gamers worldwide. You can even view real-time information for following or membership becoming.
Many customary programs are reproduced, in addition to world-famous programs that embrace The Outdated Course @ St. Andrews, Pebble Seashore, Spyglass Hill, Merion, Carnoustie, and Doral Blue Monster.
FSX 2020 has three principal modes:
- Play: play golf programs of your selection with as many as 4 gamers. Out there recreation varieties embrace stroke play, scramble, and match play.
- Compete: take part in a collection of more and more troublesome abilities challenges that embrace lengthy drive, closest-to-the-pin, and Glass Break. Share and evaluate your outcomes with different gamers online.
- Enhance: get the full ball and clubhead efficiency information in actual time. This mode is for critical follow and membership becoming.
FSX 2020 is a great software program in relation to performance and options, however, the graphics are surpassed by different simulator software programs like E6 CONNECT and FSX Play.
All issues thought about, I do suppose that FSX 2020 is overpriced. An FSX 2020 license is required to get any form of golf simulation with the GCHawk.
2. FSX Play
FSX Play, which is Foresight Sports activities’ different in-house providing, builds off of FSX 2020 and is designed to offer ultra-realistic golf simulation expertise.
FSX Play is powered by the Unity graphics engine and makes use of Excessive Definition Render Pipeline Expertise (HDRP). It’s marked by an up-to-date UI, 3D grass and foliage, wealthy textures, atmospheric gliding, enhanced lighting, and extra.
FSX Play has three principal modes:
- Programs: play golf programs of your selection (resembling Torrey Pines South) with full customization management.
- Observe: Hit balls on unique, distinctive driving ranges resembling in entrance of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- Video games: play lengthy drive, closest-to-the-pin, abilities challenges, tournaments, and leagues.
One other factor that units FSX Play aside is its minimalistic UI structure that shows necessary data without distraction.
FSX Play has been up to date on many occasions since its launch, and the Foresight crew is continuing to work on rolling out new video games and updates. They’re additionally engaged in making all FSX 2020 programs playable within the software program, so keep tuned.
FSX Play helps as much as 5K decisions. I undoubtedly suggest giving it an attempt as a result it provides you a brand new and contemporary expertise that’s totally different from FSX 2020.
3. E6 CONNECT
E6 CONNECT is a current integration that requires an FSX 2020 software program license to make use of. Nevertheless, the software program is delivered with extra net options together with the ability to observe each shot beneath a given profile and sort the shot historical past.
You get the complete gamut of options with the E6 CONNECT integration, together with:
- a full driving vary and follow space
- match play and online occasions
- an array of multiplayer codecs
- versatile gameplay settings (wind, climate, inexperienced pace, and so forth.)
- minigames together with Lengthy Drive and Closest To The Pin
A Fundamental subscription to E6 CONNECT gives entry to P2P gameplay and a library of content material that adjusts on a periodic foundation. With an Expanded Subscription to E6 CONNECT, you recover from 68 extra 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 available on the market proper now, so the truth that Foresight Sports activities were capable of carrying it into its ecosystem is terrific.
Understand that with GC launch screens, E6 CONNECT goes to be very costly to enter — and E6 CONNECT is sort of costly as it’s.
It is because, on high of paying for the software program, you additionally want an FSX license which prices $3000. Financing is obtainable, nonetheless, which can assist in the affordability entrance.
4. Artistic Golf 3D
That is one other pretty current integration and is a superb difference for these that may deal with the value of E6 CONNECT. To be extra precise, it’s simply 48% of the associated fee, though it does additionally require an FSX 2020 software program license.
The bottom model of Artistic Golf 3D accommodates 15 reproduced golf programs from worldwide. For an additional $500, you recover from 130 extra programs to play.
The modes of Artistic Golf 3D are:
- Observe: Observe on a driving vary or chip and putt on a course of your selection.
- Course Play: Select the course, recreation sort (stroke, match play, and so forth.), variety of gamers, and play a full spherical of golf.
- Challenges: Take part in competitions domestically (with associates or household) together with closest-to-the-pin and lengthy drive.
- Mini Video games: Play fairy story golf (altered atmosphere, bigger holes, and so forth.), mini golf (placing), and demolition golf (hit home windows of outdated buildings).
- On-line Sport: Play a recreation sort and course of your selection with anybody on this planet. A Discord neighborhood is obtainable to hitch.
- Tournaments: Be part of tournaments listed on the match server and compete with gamers worldwide.
One other package deal out there that’s part of the Artistic Golf 3D program is Golfisimo.
The Golfisimo software program is the least costly of all of them (beneath $1000) and differentiates itself by its family-friendly, fun-for-everyone options.
Golfisimo is constructed for leisure, providing video games for each age and talent degree. Sport modes embrace legos, underwater golf, goal golf, darts, and demolition golf.
For those that don’t want the realism that E6 CONNECT provides, Artistic Golf 3D and Golfisimo might be glorious money-saving options.
5. Talent Drill (Soccer)
Foresight Sports Activities at present provides one multi-sport software program resolution referred to as Talent Drill.
Talent Drill is a reasonably priced and pretty easy soccer coaching software that delivers sensible soccer gameplay. At the time of writing, it has 5 recreation modes:
- Penalty Kicks: rating factors by hitting targets within the 4 corners of the purpose.
- Passing: rating factors by passing or chipping a soccer ball into rings or buckets on the sector.
- Free Kicks: rating factors by curving the soccer ball around blockades into targets.
- Nook Kicks: rating factors by taking part in nook kicks to the blue gamers.
- Mixed: play although all different recreation modes in a single session.
You may add gamers from throughout the recreation menu and likewise do issues like modify ball measurement.
Included with Talent Drill is the Foresight Fairgrounds software program, which has options for enjoyable minigames like:
- Balloon Pop: burst as many balloons in the entrance of you as you may.
- Putt Skee: put the ball into certainly one of three inclined scoring zones.
- Capturing Gallery: Hit the transferring targets.
- Darts: shoot as near the middle of the large dart board as potential.
- Splash Wall: shoot color bombs to refill shapes.
The aesthetics and graphics of Talent Drill are excellent. The software program is cheaper in comparison with the golf simulation choices.
I believe you might have enjoyable with Talent Drill even in the event you’re a golfer. When you’re within the temper to play one thing totally differently, all you want is a soccer ball and a Talent Drill license.
Multi-Sport Functionality
Due to the GCHawk’s true-to-life efficiency algorithms and dynamic monitoring, a variety of multi-sport experiences are potential past simply golf. This isn’t potential with different launch screens within the GC line.
For now, there may be solely soccer simulation. I mentioned the Talent Drill soccer software program above, which is required to play soccer on the GCHawk, however what about efficiency information? The next soccer parameters might be measured:
- ball pace
- carry distance
- again, facet and whole spin
- horizontal and vertical launch angle
- spin tilt axis
Gamers may view high and side-view shot dispersions. They’ll construct a file of their efficiency and reserve it to their FSX Dwell account.
Get a really feel for the way it works in this video:
I discover the GCHawk’s soccer simulation very helpful for bettering soccer abilities off the sector. You may deal with it like every other state of affairs: have a look at the goal on the display screen a few seconds earlier than you shoot, after which maintain your eyes on the ball for the time being of effect.
Foresight additionally provides a soccer ball that’s licensed for Talent Drill on their retailer. You solely need to pay delivery for it if you are going to buy it with the Talent Drill software program.
As for different sports activities, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see what new multi-sport software program Foresight comes out with sooner or later. In my opinion, it’s not attractive sufficient simply to supply soccer and nothing else. Soccer or tennis, maybe?
That stated, golf shouldn’t be uncared for and stays the principal focus of the GCHawk. The truth is that not all ball sports activities swimsuit simulation properly and this needs to be taken under consideration.
Pricing
The bottom value of the GCHawk launch monitor is $16,000.
Nevertheless, to get any use out of it for golf, it has to be offered with an FSX 2020 software program license that prices $3000. It’s additionally usually bundled with FSX Play ($500), bringing the entire to $19,500. Upgrades from earlier variations of FSX will price much less or nothing in any respect.
Alternatively, you may forego golf simulation and simply get a Talent Drill license for soccer gameplay. Talent Drill prices $1000, and this is able to carry the associated fee to $17,000.
Further golf programs (premium or customary) might be bought for FSX at around $95-$900 every.
To get membership information with the GCHawk, you’ll want the membership information add-on which prices $4000.
Different software program integrations out there with FSX 2020 are E6 CONNECT ($2500 or a subscription) and Artistic Golf 3D ($1200).
There are numerous combos of software programs, add-ons, and extras that may be bought with the GCHawk. Listed here are some examples:
| GCHawk, FSX Suite, Talent Drill | GCHawk, FSX Suite, Membership Information | GCHawk, FSX Suite, Membership Information, E6 CONNECT | GCHawk, FSX Suite, Artistic Golf 3D | |
| Complete Price | $20,500 | $23,500 | $26,000 or subscription | $20,700 |
For most individuals, will probably be adequate to get the membership information add-on together with FSX 2020 and FSX Play for a complete price of $23,500. It’s as much as you as a golfer whether or not you need the power to get in some soccer play sometimes with Talent Drill.
Whether or not or not you get the membership information add-on relies upon solely on how necessary it’s so that you can see membership information. In order for you the most effective accuracy within the enterprise however just for just a few fundamental ball parameters, you might maintain off on membership information and probably get it later.
As for software programs, I don’t see a cause to purchase any of the software program integrations because the FSX suite is already dear sufficient and customarily has all of the options that you just ever need. However, if you need the power to play totally different simulator software program otherwise you need a function that FSX doesn’t have, it’s one thing to think about.
The place To Purchase The GCHawk
The GCHawk is a reasonably particular buy. What I might recommend doing is ordering by way of The Indoor Golf Store by going right here.
In this manner, you’ll have entry to The Indoor Golf Store’s glorious help crew along with Foresight Sports activities help, guaranteeing that the setup and setup course goes as easily as potential.
In order for you FSX Play or a third-party software programs integration like E6 CONNECT, Artistic Golf 3D, or Golfisimo, you can purchase it by way of the official Foresight Sports activities store.
With the GCHawk, it’s necessary to have a great simulator studio with an enclosure, display screen, hitting mat, and projector. For this, you may take a look at the related sections of our information on how one can construct a golf simulator step-by-step, or you may look by way of The Indoor Golf Store’s glorious GCHawk simulator packages right here. Additionally, you will want a great pc that may run a simulation software program.
Closing Verdict
There’s little doubt that the GCHawk is an incredible launch monitor that will provide you with spot-on, dependable accuracy in an indoor or coated setting. However, I believe it’s a little bit of a tricky promotion for a number of causes:
- The GCHawk is nearly $5000 dearer than the GCQuad but has identical accuracy. This can be a fairly huge deal, particularly contemplating the dearth of portability.
- Superior placing evaluation (with ball and membership placing information) shouldn’t be out there with the GCHawk like it’s with the GCQuad. The GCHawk nonetheless reads putts simply as properly, however, there’s no choice for information evaluation nonetheless.
- Setup is extra concerned in comparison with Foresight’s different launch screens. Most often, you’ll want a knowledgeable set up.
The GCHawk has two principal benefits over the GCQuad: seamless right-left hand switching, and multi-sport performance. Frankly, in the event you don’t care about these two issues, there isn’t a lot of cause to decide on the GCHawk except you need a ceiling-mounted system. The associated fee financial savings might be put in the direction of one thing else as an alternative.
I do suppose there’s an actually good ceiling-mounted differentiator to the GCHawk that’s at a greater worth value level: the Uneekor EYE XO.
The EYE XO makes use of two high-speed cameras as an alternative of the GCHawk’s 4, however, in my expertise, the EYE XO is nearly simply as correct. Its photographic know-how data high-FPS video of the clubhead hanging the ball by way of effect, and this recording is obtainable for playback.
The EYE XO launch monitor can file an array of ball and membership information parameters. And the most effective half? Not solely is the software program (which is great) less expensive than Foresight Sports activities’ choices, but membership information doesn’t require an add-on buy and your entire unit is not less than $6000 cheaper than the GCHawk.
If I used to be set on getting a ceiling-mounted golf simulator, I might undoubtedly go for the EYE XO over the GCHawk. The GCHawk is incredible, but it surely’s merely overpriced, and also you’ll simply get killed by the costly add-ons and software programs on high of it.
I believe the GCHawk can be much more viable if Foresight Sports activities introduced the value all the way down to be extra consistent with the GCQuad, though I believe the GCQuad prices an excessive amount of as properly.
Thanks for studying my Foresight Sports activities GCHawk assessment. Are you interested in the GCHawk? Have you ever tried it already? What’s your expertise? Inform us about it within the feedback under.
Foresight Sports activities GCHawk Launch Monitor
Professionals
- Accuracy is spot on just like the GCQuad
- Permits for seamless left and right-handed use
- Smooth aesthetic
- Has multi-sport functionality
- Pace and reliability are top-notch
Cons
- Each unit and software program/add-ons are too costly
- No superior placing information not unlike the GCQuad
- Self-installation is troublesome
- No portability
