SkyTrak ST MAX vs SkyTrak+: Which Should You Buy?
Same core tracking technology. $1,000 price difference. Jay breaks down exactly what you get for the extra money — and who should buy which.
The Short Answer
If the SkyTrak+ is still in stock at $1,995 — buy it. The core tracking technology is identical to the $2,995 ST MAX. You get the same dual Doppler radar and photometric camera, the same ball and club data, the same software ecosystem, and the same simulation experience. The ST MAX adds GOLFTEC speed training, dual USB-C ports, and a faster processor. Those are genuine improvements — but for most golfers they are not worth $1,000.
The SkyTrak+ is being discontinued. Once inventory clears it is gone permanently and the ST MAX becomes the only option. If you are in the market right now, the window to get identical performance for $1,000 less is closing. Use code GOLFSIMULATORVIDEOS on either model to get the best available price.
Save on either model with Jay's affiliate code
Works on ST MAX, SkyTrak+, and all studio packagesMore SkyTrak Resources from Jay
Jay's SkyTrak ST MAX Video Review
Before reading the full comparison below, watch Jay's video covering the ST MAX in detail — what changed from the SkyTrak+, what stayed the same, and whether the upgrade is worth it for different types of golfers.
What the ST MAX and SkyTrak+ Share
This is what most comparison articles bury. Before getting to the differences, understand how much these two units share — because it is the foundation of the entire decision.
- Identical dual Doppler radar + photometric camera system
- Same ball data: speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry, total distance, side angle, shot shape
- Same club data: club speed, smash factor, club path, face angle, face-to-path
- Same SkyTrak app ecosystem — same courses, same software, same practice tools
- Same simulation accuracy — no meaningful data difference between units
- Same Mac, iOS, Android, and PC compatibility
- Same indoor and outdoor capability
- Same membership plans and course play access
Testers and instructors consistently report no meaningful data difference between the two. The shot data is the product — and it is identical.
The Three Things the ST MAX Adds
The ST MAX is not a new product. It is the SkyTrak+ with three specific upgrades. Here is exactly what you get for the extra $1,000:
| Feature | SkyTrak ST MAX ($2,995) | SkyTrak+ ($1,995) | Does It Matter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Training (GOLFTEC) | ✓ Included | — Not available | Yes — if speed training is a priority |
| USB-C Ports | Dual USB-C (charge + data) | Single port — charge OR data | Yes for permanent setups |
| Processor Speed | Faster — slightly quicker reads | Standard — already very fast | Marginal — both are responsive |
| Design / Color | Charcoal matte finish | White/gray | Personal preference only |
| Tracking Technology | Dual Doppler + Camera | Dual Doppler + Camera | Identical |
| Ball Data Metrics | Full suite | Full suite | Identical |
| Club Data Metrics | Full suite | Full suite | Identical |
| Software Ecosystem | SkyTrak app + Course Play | SkyTrak app + Course Play | Identical |
| Mac Support | ✓ | ✓ | Identical |
| Indoor / Outdoor | ✓ | ✓ | Identical |
| Return Policy | 60 days | 30 days | ST MAX slight advantage |
| Price | $2,995 | $1,995 | $1,000 difference |
The highlighted rows are where the units actually differ. Everything else is the same product.
Code GOLFSIMULATORVIDEOS saves on both models. The SkyTrak+ won't be available much longer at $1,995 — same performance for $1,000 less.
⚡ Buy SkyTrak+ — $1,000 LessWho Should Buy the ST MAX — and Who Should Buy the SkyTrak+
🔷 Buy the ST MAX ($2,995) If…
- Speed training is a primary goal — the GOLFTEC module is genuinely useful and not available on the ST+
- You are running a permanent indoor setup and want dual USB-C for simultaneous charging and data transfer
- The SkyTrak+ is no longer in stock and the ST MAX is your only option
- You are buying for a commercial bay or studio where the speed training feature adds real value for clients
- You want the longest-term support as SkyTrak's flagship going forward
⚡ Buy the SkyTrak+ ($1,995) If…
- It is still in stock — this is the most important factor. Same performance for $1,000 less
- Speed training is not a priority for you right now
- You want maximum value and do not need the second USB port
- You are a home golfer focused on sim play, practice, and course play — the ST+ handles all of this identically
- You would rather put that $1,000 toward a better enclosure, projector, or membership tier
What Neither Model Measures — Be Aware Before Buying
Both the ST MAX and SkyTrak+ share the same limitation worth knowing: neither measures angle of attack. This is the metric that tells you whether you are hitting up, level, or down on the ball — critical for driver optimization and fitting. Notably, both the $700 Square Golf HE and the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro measure angle of attack directly. SkyTrak has not added this to either model despite it being available in much cheaper units.
For the vast majority of home golfers focused on simulation and game improvement, this is a minor gap. The other data points — spin, launch angle, ball speed, club path, face angle — cover the most important swing feedback. But if angle of attack is specifically important to your practice or fitting workflow, it is worth knowing upfront.
The other consideration is the subscription model. The launch monitor ships with a free driving range, but course play and full features require an annual membership from $130 to $600 per year. See Jay's complete membership breakdown before budgeting your total setup cost.
Not sure which is right for your setup? Email Jay — he'll give you a straight answer based on your room, budget, and how you plan to use it.
✉ Email Jay FreeSkyTrak vs the Competition at This Price Point
Both SkyTrak models compete primarily against the Garmin R50, Foresight GC3, and Uneekor EYE MINI Lite in the $2,000-$3,000 range. Here is where SkyTrak wins and where it does not:
| Launch Monitor | Price | Mac Support | iOS / Android | Outdoor Use | Subscription | Unique Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyTrak ST MAX | $2,995 | ✓ Native | ✓ | ✓ | From $130/yr | Only major unit with native Mac support |
| SkyTrak+ | $1,995 | ✓ Native | ✓ | ✓ | From $130/yr | Same as ST MAX for $1,000 less (while available) |
| Garmin R50 | $4,999 | — | ✓ | ✓ | None | Built-in computer, no PC needed at all |
| Foresight GC3 | ~$6,999 | — | — | ✓ | FSX Play req. | Professional accuracy standard |
| Uneekor EYE MINI Lite | ~$2,749 | — | — | — | Yes | Camera-based overhead, tight indoor spaces |
The SkyTrak's standout differentiator at this price is native Mac and iOS support — something no other major launch monitor in this range offers. If you are a Mac household, it is essentially the only serious option without buying a separate Windows PC.
SkyTrak ST MAX vs SkyTrak+ FAQ
Is the SkyTrak ST MAX worth $1,000 more than the SkyTrak+?
For most home golfers, no. The core tracking technology, data output, and simulation experience are identical. The ST MAX adds GOLFTEC speed training, dual USB-C ports, and a faster processor. If speed training is a meaningful part of your practice plan or you need simultaneous charge and data transfer for a permanent setup, the upgrade has value. Otherwise the SkyTrak+ at $1,995 is the better purchase while it remains available.
Is the SkyTrak+ discontinued?
Yes. SkyTrak has officially discontinued the SkyTrak+ and is selling through remaining inventory at clearance pricing of $1,995. Once stock at authorized retailers is gone, it will no longer be available. The ST MAX is SkyTrak's sole model going forward. This makes the current window to buy the SkyTrak+ particularly compelling for value-conscious buyers.
Do both models use the same tracking technology?
Yes. Both the ST MAX and SkyTrak+ use the same dual Doppler radar combined with a photometric camera system. The tracking engine, data capture, and accuracy are identical between units. No meaningful measurement difference has been reported by testers or instructors who have used both side by side.
What is the GOLFTEC Speed Training feature on the ST MAX?
The ST MAX includes a built-in speed training module developed in partnership with GOLFTEC, the golf instruction company. It guides you through structured drills designed to increase clubhead speed with real-time feedback from the launch monitor. This is the biggest functional upgrade over the SkyTrak+ and the main reason to pay the extra $1,000 if speed training is part of your improvement plan.
Do both models work on Mac computers?
Yes — and this is one of SkyTrak's key differentiators. Both the ST MAX and SkyTrak+ have native first-party Mac software support. This is rare at any price point in the launch monitor market. If you use a MacBook and do not want to buy a Windows gaming PC, SkyTrak is essentially the only serious option available. Both models also work on iOS and Android.
What discount code works on both SkyTrak models?
Use code GOLFSIMULATORVIDEOS — Jay's affiliate code that applies to both the ST MAX and SkyTrak+, as well as studio packages. Visit the discount code page for the direct link that applies it automatically, or enter the code manually at checkout on the SkyTrak store.
What membership do I need with either SkyTrak model?
Both models ship with a free driving range. For course play and full features you need a paid membership: Essential ($130/yr), Core ($300/yr, 30+ Trackman or Foresight courses), or Elite ($600/yr, both libraries). Most home simulator users choose Core. See Jay's complete membership guide for the full breakdown before budgeting your setup.
Use code GOLFSIMULATORVIDEOS on either model. See the discount code page for the full breakdown.
→ Apply Discount NowReady to Order? Use Jay's Code.
Works on ST MAX, SkyTrak+, and all studio packages. Click the link to apply automatically.
Questions? Email Jay: a98cr125@gmail.com
