Findgolfdeals.com is not trying to be a golf equipment review site, since none of us are qualified for giving objective, professional views and reviews of golfing stuff. But this post is gonna be an exception, since the Golf Launchpad Simulator is a gaming device (which we’re more than qualified to comment on) / golf training aid hybrid gizmo. Not to mention I own one, so I can speak about it from experience. Note that this is not a detailed review, but rather my personal views on this device.

The manufacturer - Electricspin- claims the Launchpad provides unmatched realism. Their main selling point is its compatibilty with EA’s Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game series. "Play Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Bethpage Black and the other premiere courses with incredible realism with your own clubs". They’ve even included Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 with the Launchpad, but only the PC Windows version. Mac users are rich enough to buy their own copy anyway I guess. Getting a "free" game gives the Launchpad a couple of bonus points, but…

The problem I’ve experienced is, that the game is completely unplayable using the Launchpad. No matter how hard I try or which club I use, I can’t get the ball to fly more than 50 yards. I’ve had a couple of buddies (who are much better golfers than I am) try it out,  but with the same outcome. The way I understand it, the Launchpad is actually trying to somehow translate your golf swing into a mouse gesture, which the game can understand. But in order to get the in-game Tiger to execute a good, clean strike, you have to be extremely precise when playing with a computer mouse. And it’s very hard to believe that the Launchpad would be able to somehow simulate the needed precision and coordination. Judging from what I’ve experienced, it fails miserably at it. Don’t get me wrong.. Using the Launchpad to play a couple of holes with your buddies can be extremely fun (try playing it drunk, loads of fun), but don’t expect any birdies or pars.

In my opinion, Electricspin should focus on promoting their own software, if they’re aiming at golfers to buy the Launchpad. But right now, it seems they’re just trying to cash in on all the hype surrounding Tiger and video games. Their software, LPDR as they call it, is actually pretty good. It provides data for analyzing your shot (like shot speed and angle), along with some distance graphs. No idea how accurate the readings are though, but judging by the feel of the swing, they seemed ok. It’s weird Electricspin doesn’t include LPDR with the Launchpad itself, but makes you download it from their site. And you even have to type in the long serial number that’s burried on the underside of the unit!

So… Does the Launchpad provide that realism they’re boasting about? Not sure, since I can’t even play with it (I’d say no though). Will it help you improve your golf game? Probably not. Is it fun? Yes.

Best deal found: 

Golf Lunchpad Simulator (PC Windows/USB) - 229.90$