OptiShot has established itself as a leader in affordable golf simulation with products like the OptiShot 2 simulator, which uses sensors under a hitting mat along with software to track shots and allow you to play virtual courses indoors. It delivers a good simulation experience considering its reasonable price point.
Now, OptiShot aims to continue innovating the category with the launch of the new OptiShot Orbit, a unique product that functions both as an indoor golf simulator and an outdoor portable launch monitor.
As a simulator, the Orbit pairs with OptiShot’s Orion software on your computer to let you play virtual rounds, compete against other golfers, dial in your clubs, and hone your skills from home. As a launch monitor, it can be taken outside and will measure shot data like club speed, ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, and more when used with the MySwingCaddy mobile app.
The Orbit’s dual capabilities as a simulator and launch monitor in one portable package are intriguing. However, at $750 it also represents a pretty good investment.
This article will take a deep dive into the features and functionality of the new OptiShot Orbit to determine if it delivers good value and performance compared to alternatives. Key questions around software, accuracy, pricing, and more will be explored.
Indoor Use as a Simulator
One of the key features of the OptiShot Orbit is its ability to function as an indoor golf simulator when paired with a computer. It connects to your Windows desktop or laptop computer via USB. It then works with OptiShot’s proprietary Orion simulator software to transform your space into a virtual driving range and golf course.
Playing Virtual Courses
The Orion software includes a selection of famous real-world courses that you can play virtually. Courses are mapped in 3D and rendered in decent graphics. The gameplay aims to emulate an authentic experience, with the software tracking every shot. OptiShot promises additional courses will continue to be added over time to expand the options. Currently, the system includes 20 courses and 3 different driving ranges to practice on.
Compete and Track Progress
In addition to playing full rounds by yourself, the Orion software lets you compete against virtual golfers or up to 3 other players in skills challenges, tournament play, and other multiplayer modes. All shots are tracked throughout gameplay. Over time, you can monitor performance metrics like driving distance, accuracy, greens in regulation, and more to analyze your progress.
Dialing in Your Clubs
The indoor simulator experience is also handy for dialing in your clubs. The software’s course fitting module lets you test out shots with different loft, lie, offset, and other equipment adjustments and instantly see the resulting ball flight. This makes it easy to optimize your clubs for your swing without having to go through lengthy real-world testing.
Outdoor Use as Launch Monitor
In addition to its simulator capabilities, the OptiShot Orbit can also be taken outside and used as a portable launch monitor. When used outdoors, the Orbit pairs with the MySwingCaddy mobile app rather than the Orion software.
The “MySwingCaddy” app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It connects to the Orbit via Bluetooth to receive shot data and display it on your phone.
Launch Monitor Stats
When used as a launch monitor, the Orbit can track critical shot metrics including:
- Clubhead speed
- Ball speed
- Launch direction
- Launch angle
- Backspin
- Smash factor
- Carry distance
- Total distance
The device uses radar-based sensors and algorithms to calculate this data for each shot. However, one limitation is that it does not measure spin axis. We cannot really complain about the missing spin axis data, given the Orbit’s price. Still, knowing that a closely priced unit like Garmin’s Approach R10 does track spin axis raises serious questions on why the Orbit doesn’t.
Using MySwingCaddy App
The MySwingCaddy app lets you view shot tracers and data after every swing. It has various training modes and the ability to capture video swing clips synced with the data. You can also compare club performance and generate reports.
However, reviews of the app have been mixed. Some golfers report occasional connectivity issues, lost data, and other bugs. More testing will reveal if the technology is refined enough for a seamless outdoor launch monitor experience.
Launch Monitor Capabilities
The OptiShot Orbit aims to deliver robust launch monitor functionality when used outdoors with the MySwingCaddy mobile app. But how do its capabilities stack up against popular competitors like the Garmin R10?
Garmin R10 Comparison
The Garmin R10 costs around $600, while the Orbit costs $750, so the R10 is cheaper but manages to match it in most tracked statistics. The R10 also includes spin axis. It uses a similar Doppler radar-based system and pairs with Garmin’s golf app on your smartphone.
However, the R10 lacks out-of-the-box simulation capabilities – it needs an additional subscription to the Garmin Home Tee Hero or 3rd-party software to access virtual courses, which adds to the initial investment. That’s something to keep in mind while choosing between the two systems. See our detailed Garmin Approach R10 review here for more information.
Accuracy
OptiShot claims the Orbit provides data accurate to within a few yards/degrees. While not matching a $20,000 TrackMan or other advanced premium launch monitors like Flightscope’s X3 and Foresight Sports’ GCQuad, it aims to provide reliable real-world results at a fraction of the price. Only testing can reveal how consistent and precise its readings are.
Overall, the Orbit checks the boxes for a solid launch monitor with decent accuracy (given the price). Still, there are really good competitors on the market today that provide close performance, which may provide equal or better value than the Orbit.
Pricing and Value
The OptiShot Orbit carries a $750 retail price tag. For a product that combines both simulation and launch monitor capabilities, how does this price compare to the value delivered?
Complete Cost
While $750 includes the Orbit hardware, there are additional costs required to maximize functionality. A compatible hitting mat will run $150-250. The Orion simulator software is included, but a gaming PC or laptop is required to run it smoothly.
All in, expect to invest $1000+ for a complete Orbit setup.
Alternative Options
An alternative is purchasing the SwingCaddy SC4 launch monitor ($500) along with E6 Connect simulator software ($25/month). This provides similar combined functionality for potentially less upfront cost.
The lower price point of competitive options like the SC4 and Garmin R10 casts some doubt on the value proposition of the Orbit. Its higher pricing might need to be justified by superior performance and seamless integration between simulation and launch monitor modes.
One-Time Fee
A benefit of the Orbit is that the Orion simulator software is included as a one-time purchase, rather than a monthly subscription like E6. For serious golfers investing in a home simulator, this may offset the higher upfront hardware cost over time.
Ultimately, the Orbit needs to provide a noticeably smoother and more integrated experience than piecing together separate launch monitor and simulation components to warrant its price tag.
Concerns You May Have About the Orbit
The OptiShot Orbit delivers functionality both as a simulator and launch monitor, but questions remain about aspects of its performance and usability.
MySwingCaddy App Reviews
While the Orbit hardware tracks shots, the MySwingCaddy app is needed to view data outdoors. However, reviews of the app have been mixed, citing connectivity issues, data loss, and other bugs. Software instability could undermine the outdoor launch monitor experience.
We did some hands-on testing of the Orbit and MySwingCaddy app in the course and didn’t experience all these issues, to be honest, just some occasional connectivity issues that were solved in a later software update.
Hopefully, future updates will fix all the software issues and bring more value to the Orbit as an investment.
Portability and Ease of Use
How seamless is transitioning the Orbit between indoor and outdoor modes? Moving locations requires packing up hardware and possibly lugging a computer too if you want simulation outdoors. The process should be quick and simple for maximum convenience.
Using the unit as a launch monitor with MySwingCaddy app is a better option, making it easier to transition between simulator and launch monitor modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few widely asked questions about the Orbit answered to help you have a better idea of Optishot’s newest launch monitor/ simulator.
Can I use the Orion simulator software on any computer?
OptiShot states that Orion is compatible with Windows 10 or higher. A discrete graphics card is recommended for best performance. Please note that the Orion software doesn’t support MAC OS.
Does the Orbit come with any included club sensors, or do you need to buy them separately?
No club sensors are included or needed. The Orbit uses radar to track club and ball data, so no sensors on the clubface are required.
Can you use your own hitting mat with the Orbit, or do you need to buy OptiShot’s mat?
You can use your own mat, but it needs to be firm, flat, and consistent for the most accurate shot data. However, OptiShot’s mat is optimized for the Orbit.
How many different golf courses are available on the Orion simulator software?
OptiShot’s Orion simulation software currently includes 20 courses at launch, including famous championship layouts. They are all playable with the purchase of the Orbit system. More will be added over time according to Optishot’s development team.
Can you adjust loft/lie angle settings in the software for each club?
Yes, Orion provides club fitting functionality that lets you digitally adjust loft, lie, face angle and other specs to match your clubs.
Is there any required annual subscription for the Orion software, or is it a one-time purchase?
Orion software is included with no recurring subscription needed. You own it for life with the hardware purchase. That has always been one of the major selling points for all of Optishot’s sims, including the Orbit.
OptiShot states it is accurate to within a few yards/degrees. It cannot match a $20k TrackMan, but provides decently accurate metrics for a fraction of the cost.
How difficult is it to move the Orbit between indoor and outdoor use?
Being portable, it can be moved pretty easily. But using it as a simulator does require transporting a laptop as well.
Does the Orbit have a rechargeable battery or does it need to stay plugged in?
It has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 10 hours of use per charge. That’s excellent, and on par with one of the industry’s best – Garmin’s R10, and its up to 10 hours of battery life.
What happens if you take the Orbit outside but don’t have your phone – can you still track shots?
Without a phone connected, you won’t be able to view shot data or use the Orbit as a launch monitor outside.
Conclusion
The OptiShot Orbit brings an intriguing dual-capability concept, aiming to deliver both simulated golf and launch monitor functionality in one mobile package. However, its $750 price begs the question – does it provide good value compared to alternatives? Here are lists of pros and cons to help you with the final decision:
Key Pros
- Portable for indoor and outdoor use
- Robust simulator features with Orion software
- Measures essential launch monitor shot data
- No subscription fee for simulator software
Key Cons
- Expensive compared to rivals like Garmin R10
- MySwingCaddy app functionality concerns
- Lacks advanced measurement like spin axis
For high-level golfers seeking both simulation and launch monitor analysis, the Orbit warrants a look. However, concerns around software integration and value exist, especially given cheaper alternatives are available. For an in-depth head-to-head comparison of the OptiShot 2 and Orbit, including key factors like accuracy, portability, course options, and more, check out our article on OptiShot 2 Vs Orbit.
Carefully assess your needs and budget. Piecing together separate simulator and launch monitor products may provide better functionality than the Orbit’s jack-of-all-trades approach. Still, if seamless portability is paramount, the Orbit brings an intriguing option to the table.
Thanks for reading!
