Released back in 2021, the Foresight Sports GC3 has gained popularity and is now trusted by advanced golfers and professionals worldwide thanks to the degree of accuracy it provides. This personal launch monitor costs almost half the price of the GCQuad with FSX software, making it an excellent solution to bridge the gap between tour and club players.
If you intend to get the GC3 launch monitor, read this article to know everything you need before making a final selection. This in-depth Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor review covers all the important aspects to help you make the best choice
Let’s dig in!
First Impressions
The GC3 is an accurate and dependable personal launch monitor. It is challenging to determine whether it is the cheapest Foresight Sports product yet. The entire bundle seems quite luxurious, and we appreciate how this echoes the design of the GCQuad launch monitor while incorporating its distinct characteristics.
When using the Foresight GC3 outdoors, you can connect it to a tablet or smartphone ( through WIFI) to access more information than the screen alone provides. A sticker positioned high and in the center of the face can also offer clubhead data. If you have enough space to play golf indoors, you can connect the GC3 to a computer or Wi-Fi to play Willow Crest Golf Club and other courses, hit the range, or have some fun with a skills challenge.
The GC3 features a sleek, portable appearance that resembles the GCQuad in many ways. Like the GCQuad, it has direct-to-screen output for speedy viewing of data right on the device, and the display is touch-enabled.
With a weight of 5lbs/2.3KG, it provides a bit more portability than the GCQuad (and its 7.5lbs / 3.8kg) and is definitely one of the best portable launch monitors available today.
Product Overview
The GC3 launch monitor features three precision cameras for the ball and club data and has the same sophisticated photometric technology. While the GC3 delivers data points that are not as extensive as those produced by the substantially more expensive GCQuad and its overhead sibling – the GCHawk launch monitor, it comes really close to it, and the price difference justifies any small compromises you may need to make with the GC3.
This system combines infrared object tracking with high-speed, high-resolution cameras to properly monitor the clubhead and ball. This enables the device to take thousands of photos per second, resulting in a virtual three-dimensional representation of the club and ball at impact.
It also features a touchscreen display that is simple to read inside and outdoors and provides real-time information.
The GC3 may be utilized in an indoor golf simulator, outside with a net, and outdoors on the driving range or golf course.
What’s Included
- GC3 Launch Monitor
- FSX Play Software
- FSX Software License (11 Courses Included)
- FSX Pro Performance Software
- Foresight Sports Performance App
- 1-Year Warranty
- Power Adapter + Cable
- USB-C Cable
- Alignment Stick
- Club Markers
- Additional Cost: Player Plus Bundle (10 Extra Courses/ + $1,500)
Set Up and Use
Start by plugging the device into an outlet and allow the battery to charge completely before doing anything else.
In the Settings menu, the battery status may be viewed. After initially powering up the GC3, you will be requested to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. Then you must register the device using the QR code provided on the unit’s screen.
Place the GC3 upright around two feet away from the hitting point. When addressing your shot, the unit should be aligned perpendicular to your aim line and slightly in front of the ball. The GC3 should be level with the striking surface.
From this vantage point, the GC3 will track club and ball data within a 7″ x 10″ tracking zone.
The GC3’s default target alignment is perpendicular to the unit’s orientation. To adjust the alignment, place the provided alignment stick in the hitting zone within 10 degrees of the preset target line and allow the device to re-calibrate.
Once the GC3 identifies a ball in the hitting zone, the “READY” screen and a solid blue or green LED light will be shown. You are now ready to take a shot and obtain data readings.
If you need club data, you must attach club markers to your clubface; the provided club marker dispenser can be used for this purpose.
Parameters and Features
The GC3 retails for around $7,500, which may be out of reach for most golfers. However, for that price, not only do you receive more data than with other personal launch monitors, but the data is also very accurate. With the GC3, Foresight gives a large number of data points, including the features most required by customers.
The GC3 measures the same ball data metrics as the GCQuad, specifically:
- side spin/spin axis
- launch angle
- side angle
- ball speed
- carry
- total spin
Upon application of club markers, the GC3 may measure the following club data:
- clubhead speed
- club path
- smash factor (efficiency)
- angle of attack
Given the pricing difference, you should not be surprised that the dataset is not nearly as robust as the GC Quad. In addition to the more durable hardware, the amount of metrics distinguishes the GC Quad from the GC3. Foresight was unwilling to compromise on accuracy. Therefore the quantity of metrics offered is the key differentiator between the GC Quad and the GC3.
The GC Quad requires four fiducials (reflective stickers) to be placed on the face to gather club head data.
Courses Included
- Blue Bayou Golf and Fishing Club
- Broken Tree Golf Course
- Linfield National Golf Club
- Teton Pines Golf Course
- Willow Crest Golf Club
- The Farms Golf Club
- Beaver Hills Country Club
- Tall Pines Golf Club
- Butterfield Country Club (Red/Blue)
- Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club
Accuracy
The GC3’s precision is comparable to that of the GCQuad. During our experiments, we discovered that the ball data readings were between 0-3% of the GCQuad’s values. This is a really close call. Specifically, ball speed data are practically identical.
Similarly, club data values were often between 0-4% of those of the GCQuad. Both launch monitors share the same flight algorithms and recording approaches, so none of this is surprising.
Aside from the GCQuad, you can also anticipate the GC3’s precision and dependability to be superior to that of other launch monitors such as the Rapsodo MLM, Garmin Approach R10, and SkyTrak. Readings from these “cheaper” launch monitors may vary by up to 30% in comparison to the GC3.
This level of data accuracy is a great deal for any golfer that wants to improve their game.
Performance
This launch monitor provides a considerable amount of data initially that is very accurate and relevant. This makes the Foresight GC3 an exceptionally trustworthy alternative for golfers of all skill levels.
The measurements it provides are rarely found in other devices. Additionally, the GC3 is fitted with a Barometric Sensor that can assist you in maintaining your performance regardless of altitude, humidity, or temperature, no matter where you are in the world. Consequently, the distance readings may be adjusted depending on air density, temperature, and altitude.
Despite its relatively high price, it is an option worth considering due to its high degree of dependability. It may be used as a companion to any course, and its precise readings will be useful.
The fact is that camera-based systems are invariably more precise indoors and in confined spaces. They are also able to collect spin rates in any scenario with greater precision. For most golfers seeking a golf launch monitor, a camera-based system will be the superior option.
A full suite of games and performance simulation software is included, allowing you to transform your house into the ultimate golfer’s paradise.
Golf Simulation
The GC3 is intended to bridge the gap between the original ball-only (and aging) GC2 and the GCQuad’s high-level data understanding. The GC3 provides the necessary ball and club data required to develop your game consistently and power a lifelike virtual golf experience. Foresight Sports bundles it with the FSX 2020 and FSX Play simulation choices, with various golf simulation software for playing world-class courses and numerous skills challenges. Optionally, the unit can also be used with Trugolf’s E6 Connect software, which is one of the superior options in terms of graphics, game mechanics and graphics.
FSX 2020
FSX 2020 is the primary in-house software solution for Foresight Sports’ GC range of commercial launch monitors, which includes the GC3.
The most recent version is FSX 2020, and prior FSX users can upgrade for no further cost.
FSX 2020 is the most feature-rich, user-friendly, and instructional golf simulator software. The spectacular, crystal-clear image clarity, vibrant colors, and high-end graphics provide a lifelike visual output, and the game mechanics are very realistic.
Like its predecessors, FSX 2020 features three primary modes: Play, Compete, and Improve. You may play and practice on your preferred golf course in the Play mode. The customizing options are enormous, and the course recreations are fairly accurate. With FSX 2020, you may change green pace and weather conditions, pick different kinds of games, and select green stiffness, among many other things. It also features a multiplayer mode in which up to four players can join.
Numerous conventional and world-famous courses, like The Old Course at St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Carnoustie, and Doral Blue Monster, are replicated.
FSX 2020 is a great piece of software in terms of functionality and capabilities, but its graphics are excelled by FSX Play and E6 CONNECT.
Overall, we believe that FSX 2020 is priced a little too much. A license is necessary to obtain any golf simulation on the GC3.
FSX Play
The industry-leading Unity Graphics Engine gives unparalleled high-definition realism using revolutionary High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP) technology. It has an upgraded user interface, 3D grass and foliage, rich textures, ambient gliding, enhanced lighting, and more.
FSX Play is also distinguished by its basic user interface design, which presents essential information without distraction.
FSX Play supports resolutions up to 5K. The version included with the GC3 has five courses, one of which (La Jolla Pines) would ordinarily cost extra.
The company is working on porting all FSX 2020 playable courses and game modes to FSX Play (with much better graphics), which means that FSX Play will one day (we expect very soon) become a worthy successor to the great FSX 2020.
We strongly suggest you give FSX Play a try since it offers a unique experience distinct from FSX 2020.
Please note that if you want to use E6 Connect with the GC3, you still need an active license to FSX 2020 (in addition to one for E6 Connect), and this can make the investment much more substantial. I personally don’t see the point of investing more to use E6 Connect, especially with the quality provided by FSX Play and the number of features provided by FSX 2020. I think Foresight Sports’ in-house software solution provides (more than) enough virtual courses, game modes, challenges, etc. even for the most demanding players.
Pros and Cons of Foresight Sports GC3
Here are some points to further help you make a decision.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Incredibly accurate and reliable
- Less expensive than the GCQuad & offers better portability
- Very good battery life of up to 7 hours
- Comes with a complete software suite
Cons
- Limited compared to the GCQuad in terms of club data measurement
Bushnell Launch Pro
The Bushnell Launch Pro is simply a GC3 with the Bushnell Golf trademark. Instead of paying the whole amount for the launch monitor up front, you pay $3999.99 for basic features and data points. A substantial price differential accounts for the differences.
Check Also: Bushnell Launch Pro vs Garmin Approach R10: Side By Side Comparison
The Launch Pro captures the following ball data metrics:
- ball speed
- spin axis
- back spin and side spin
- carry distance
- vertical and horizontal launch angles
- total spin
With the Gold subscription, it captures:
- club speed
- smash factor
- club path
- angle of attack
A brilliant feature that the Bushnell Launch Pro borrows from the GCQuad is the ability to customize the target line. This is done in seconds with the included reflective alignment rod. The Launch Pro will use the target line if you adjust the target alignment through the FSS Alignment stick, and then wait for the beep. This eliminates concerns regarding the unit’s alignment with the target.
Where to Buy?
If you’re searching online, the best places we would recommend to buy the GC3 are Shop Indoor Golf, Top Shelf Golf, Rain or Shine Golf, and Amazon. These sellers offer the Essentials Plus Bundle (and all of its components) with an upgrade option to the Players Plus Bundle.
The GC3 Essentials Plus Bundle is priced at $7,499.00 and comes with:
- GC3 Launch Monitor
- FSX Play Software
- FSX 2020 Software
- 10 Courses
- FSX Pro Performance Software
- Foresight Fairgrounds
- Foresight Sports Performance App
- 1-Year Warranty
- Power Adapter & Cable
- USB-C Cable
- Alignment Stick
- Club Markers
The GC3 Players Bundle is priced at $8,999.00 and comes with:
- 1-Year Warranty
- Power Adapter & Cable
- USB-C Cable
- Alignment Stick
- Club Markers
- FSX Play Software, including the all-new La Jolla Pines Golf Course
- FSX 2020 Software
- Foresight Fairgrounds
- FSX Pro Software
- Foresight Sports Performance App
In case you’re not enthusiastic about the golf simulator package that officially comes with the GC3 called Sim-In-A-Box: Birdie Plus simulator. In that case, you should couple the GC3 with a high-quality studio such as the SIG10, SIG12, Swingbay, or Perfectbay.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains frequently asked questions regarding the Foresight Sports GC3 Launch Monitor.
How Does It Compare to the GCQuad?
Even though the GC3 measures fewer advanced club properties than the GCQuad, this is a terrific deal. The GC3, unlike the GCQuad, does not measure face angle, loft & lie, impact position, or closing rate, nor does it offer putting data. Then there is the all-important subject of the GC3’s accuracy. The response is quite correct. The GC3’s precision is comparable to that of the GCQuad.
In conclusion, the GCQuad is still king, but the GC3 is nearly as excellent and considerably more cost-effective. It calls out to golfers on a budget (relatively) who need professional-level accuracy and performance.
How Does it Compare to Bushnell Launch Pro?
With your first purchase of the Launch Pro, you can only view a limited number of club and ball characteristics on the LCD display after each shot. To enhance the capabilities closer to those of the GC3, you may join up for membership options that grant access to more data and simulation software, among other features.
The Bushnell Launch Pro with the Gold plan is nearly as powerful as a GC3 package that includes FSX Play. This launch monitor is a good option for golfers seeking greater cost and versatility in terms of its features. These two are the most feature-rich launch monitors on the market.
Final Verdict
The Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor makes data recording a breeze. It can be paired with a smartphone or tablet and used outdoors without difficulty, as it can be used with an indoor simulator package.
The Foresight GC3 is a fully functional, out-of-the-box, one-time-payment device. It provides access to all the ball and clubhead data the device can capture and fully functional FSX simulation and practice software with a course bundle, Foresight’s Fairgrounds gaming package, and online play.
If you still have any questions about this excellent launch monitor, you can leave a comment below or contact us via email.
Thanks for reading!
