Foresight Sports vs Full Swing | Which One Really Measures Up?

In the world of simulator golf – where entertainment, analytics and performance intersect – launch monitors are the engine driving the experience. They are the foundation for everything you see and feel during a session, and as these technologies continue to evolve, the lines between improvement, competition and spectacle are blurring. Where golfers expect both high-fidelity feedback and seamless experience, not all launch monitors are built the same.

Measuring vs. Guessing: What’s Actually Happening?

The core difference between Foresight and Full Swing comes down to how they collect data. This isn’t just a technical footnote – it’s the reason why elite players place trust in the technology they use

Foresight Sports:

• Direct measurement using high-speed quadrascopic cameras

• Captures ball and club data independently, in real time

• Provides precise readings on spin axis, face angle, launch, smash factor and more

• Measurement process doesn’t change indoors vs. outdoors, delivering consistent performance

Full Swing KIT:

• Radar and infrared-based system

• Tracks 16 data points, but relies on algorithms to calculate key values like spin and face angle 

• Tracking methodology varies depending on environment, affecting reliability

• Requires more space for accurate reading, especially indoors.

One deeper consideration with Full Swing is that some of the data it reports is not just calculated – it’s calculated using other calculated data points. This layered, or derivative, approach introduces more room for error. 

For example, Full Swing spin data is not measured but calculated, and that spin value is then used as an input to project carry distance – especially in indoor environments. If the initial spin calculation is even slightly off, it can cascade into inaccurate shot distance and overall ball flight interpretation. 

In contrast, Foresight Sports directly measures key metrics like spin and launch, ensuring each data point stands on its own and contributes to a more accurate and reliable result.

When every number matters – whether you’re coaching, fitting or grinding through a range session – measured impact data wins. Because when you’re projecting what happens when the clubface interacts with the golf ball, no matter how good the algorithm, it’s still an estimate. 

Building Trust on Data | What the Experts Say

Gene Parente, founder of Golf Laboratories and one of golf’s most respected equipment testers, put both systems through the wringer. In his robot testing, GCQuad recorded significantly tighter standard deviation across key metrics like spin, club speed and carry distance. Why does that matter?

According to Gene, "Spin rates determine total distance. If the spin is wrong, so is the distance. It's like having a caddie who keeps giving you bad numbers."

Tighter deviations during robot testing means more reliable data, fewer outliers and more confidence in every number. That’s the importance of an objective robot test, we know it’s delivering the club the same way time after time – the only variable is the system that measures the results. When comparing ours versus Full Swing, our tighter deviations translate to more trustworthy data.

One of the more eye-popping test results occurred when measuring spin axis. When testing mis-hits, Full Swing’s calculations varied so widely that the resulting ball flight would be unusable in a high-stakes simulator session, a high-priced clubfitting experience or coaching environment. GCQuad, on the other hand, stayed locked in, providing trustworthy feedback no matter where the ball struck the face.

Here’s a look at some of the key numbers:

Key Features: What You Need to Know

Foresight GCQuad & GC3

• Simple, compact setup – turn it on, set it down and hit

• Works seamlessly indoors and out

• No required subscriptions for GCQuad or GC3

• Wide simulator compatibility with FSX 2020/Play, GSPro, E6 and more

Full Swing KIT

• Requires 10' of space behind ball and 8' of ball flight

• Needs external iOS device for setup and monitoring

• Limited simulator software compatibility (E6 and GSPro only)

• Subscriptions required for full video and data history functionality

Value That Lasts

Let’s talk about money. Full Swing KIT starts at $4,999 for the unit alone – and jumps to over $11,000 for a bundled studio. That doesn’t include subscriptions, software upgrades or simulator overhead.

By comparison, here’s what’s offered from Foresight:

Foresight GC3: $6,999

• Includes FSX 2020 and FSX Play software

• No required subscription

• Premium performance out of the box

Foresight GCQuad: Starting at $14,500

• Software: Includes FSX software; offers extensive data and simulation features.

• Putting analysis can be added for $2,500.

• The Tour-validated standard in indoor/outdoor versatility

Foresight also offers a SIM IN A BOX GC3S package for $7,999 – a turnkey simulator setup designed for easy home installation.

Full Swing might bring the sizzle, but Foresight brings the substance. When real performance, accurate data, and long-term value are the goal, GCQuad and GC3 continue to be the go-to choice for top players, coaches and clubfitters around the world.

Entertainment is fun. Glitches, not so much. When your launch monitor needs to work every time, under any condition, trust the tool the pros bring with them – even when the cameras are rolling.

Foresight Sports. Measure what matters.