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Bushnell Launch Pro Pricing Update: A Better Long-Term Deal for Some Users

The Bushnell Launch Pro—long considered one of the best values in the golf launch monitor/simulator market—has gone up in price from $2,999.99 to $3,999.99.

Bad news, right?

Well, not necessarily.

For one thing, even at the new price, it’s still a very solid buy for what this Bushnell launch monitor delivers relative to the other options available.

But the real hidden-gem news is that the new price actually delivers better long-run value IF you intend to use the product as just a portable launch monitor and not as a golf simulator. It all comes down to the annual software package tier pricing.

It gets a little complicated. Let’s break it down.

Watch Gabe at Let's Play Thru's Launch Pro Price Change Review!



Are You Using the Launch Pro as Just a Launch Monitor?

If so, most users will come out ahead over time, even with the unit’s $1,000 price increase.

That’s because the new Basic software package, which now costs $249 per year (up from $99 a year), includes features that used only to be available with the Gold software package, which costs $699 per year (down from $799 a year). That means the Basic software user now has:

  • Spin Tilt Axis
  • Back Spin
  • Side Spin
  • Club Path (needs club sticker)
  • Angle of Attack (needs club sticker)
  • Barometer Adjustment

All of those extra features were previously only available to Gold users.

Now, all of the Launch Pro’s swing analysis data is available through the Basic software plan. Beyond the features listed above, you’ve got:

  • Carry Distance
  • Ball Speed
  • Total Spin
  • Horizontal Launch Angle
  • Vertical Launch Angle
  • Clubhead Speed (needs club sticker)
  • Smash Factor (needs club sticker)
  • Total Distance (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
  • Offline Distance (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
  • Descent Angle (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)
  • Peak Height (with FSX 2020 or FSX PRO)

In other words, as a Basic user, you now have everything you could possibly need in your own personal pro-grade launch monitor.

And the first year of the Basic software package is free with purchase.

So, here’s how the math shows a $2,000 savings over five years if you wanted to access all of the launch monitor features and were comparing the old pricing model with the updated one:

  • Previous Launch Pro pricing = $3,000 for the unit + $799 per year for the Gold software package X 5 years = $6,995
  • New Launch Pro pricing: $4,000 for the unit + $249 per year for the Basic software package X 4 years (remember, the first year of Basic is free) = $4,996

Jump to this page to see a full price and feature comparison chart. 


But What About Using the Bushnell Launch Pro as a Golf Simulator?

Remember, one of the things that sets the Launch Pro apart from so many other products is that it can be used as both a launch monitor and golf simulator. It’s one of the absolute best products for both of those functions.

But to access simulation, you’ve got to buy the Silver or Gold annual software packages.

The Silver package, which gives you five courses and four players, has gone from $399 to $499. Bear in mind, that price increase is for added golf launch monitor features—the same ones that have been added to the Basic subscription package. So you’ll still come out a little shinier with the Silver package.

Meanwhile, the Gold package, which adds another five courses and four more players, has dropped in price from $799 to $699.

The Silver and Gold packages both give you access to one of the best golf simulator options available. But the new price doesn’t afford the same long-term savings as it does for those golfers looking for just the launch monitor functionality. In this case, you’d be better off sticking with the Basic subscription plan.

We should mention that you can use the unit without a software package. But the launch monitor metrics are limited, and, of course, there’s no simulation capabilities.

So, is the Launch Pro still worth it?


Bottom Line: The Bushnell Launch Pro Still Delivers a Ton of Value

Your reaction to the Bushnell price increase depends on how you plan to use the device.

If you’re just going to use it as one of the very best golf launch monitors, congratulations. You’re going to save money over time with the Basic software package.

If you plan to use the Launch Pro as one of the best golf simulators, well, you’re still going to be getting exactly that. The Launch Pro is a killer piece of golf tech. This is a heavy-duty, serious simulator.

The Launch Pro is undoubtedly one of the most accurate simulators available. It even does a good job of tracking putts, which is a true rarity for home golf simulators.

And one of the great hidden advantages to using a Launch Pro as a simulator is that it measures from the side, rather than from behind. That means less room depth is required to achieve your home simulator setup.

Is the Launch Pro for everyone? Of course not. There are more affordable launch monitor/simulator combination options, like the Garmin Approach R10.

But this Bushnell/Foresight Sports collaboration does things other products can’t. It’s a professional-grade device and one of the best that you can buy.

So, if you’re in the market for the best golf launch monitor, the Launch Pro should jump even further ahead in your consideration.

And if you’re looking for the best golf simulator, think long and hard before you let this price increase scare you off. You’ll still have a hard time beating the overall value of the Launch Pro.

Jump to this page to see a full price and feature comparison chart. 

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