If you are looking for a golf simulator for your home and want the best, TruGolf is your answer. TruGolf, the choice of most PGA tour professionals, is a high-end, top-tier simulation studio that leads the industry in software, sensors, and technology.
Is TruGolf a studio simulator that deserves to be in your home? This article will examine everything about the TruGolf system and set up, and help you decide if the cost is worth the technology for you and your specific needs.
Table of Contents
Before You Buy
When you see the term “the best,” you may be tempted to open your wallet and make the purchase. However, while TruGolf simulators are technologically advanced compared to most other simulators, they come at a great price.
With a price tag that can easily exceed $20,000 or even $30,000, your budget may need some justification. You will also need to consider some other factors before you set up a delivery date for your new golf simulator.
Consider the Space
Besides your budget, you will need to ensure your home, garage, or space set aside for a simulator has enough room. We have an extensive guide on sizing your room to fit the golf simulator of your choice. In a nutshell, though, you will need at least 10 feet overhead in a dedicated space of about 150 to 200 square feet.
Another top consideration is hours of use. Many owners will use the golf simulator every day, often multiple times per day, for the first few weeks. Over time, the newness wears off, and the time used dwindles. While some dwindling time in usage is expected, you need to be honest with yourself on how much you will actually use the simulator.
If you find that you won’t have much time to use it or that the simulator will sit unused more often than in use, a high ticket price purchase may not be the best option.
Don’t Forget to Plan for Actual Usage
Finally, we will advise you to consider how you plan to use the simulator. If you are looking for daily practice to get better at your game and improve your swing, then the TruGolf simulator is a viable option.
However, if you are looking for more of a party game where you can entertain friends with a round of golf on an exotic course, or only want to play around, there are options for you that are more budget-friendly. The SkyTrak or OptiShot 2 studios, for example, will give you a similar experience without the higher cost.
TruGolf Simulator Build Material
When it comes to the quality and durability of the TruGolf system, it is easy to say there is none better. Everything from the impact screen down to the mounting bolts is the highest possible quality.
Of course, anything, where you are swinging metal sticks and hitting high-speed balls, is going to break down or wear out from time to time. The two biggest pain points for the TruGolf studio are the hitting mat and impact screen.
The turf hitting mat is one of the most used pieces of equipment, and you will swing, hit (and miss-hit) right off of the turf and tees. Over time, the plush grass topping will wear down, the tees will break off, and you may even develop some divots.
With the Impact screen, even the most durable screen (which TruGolf uses, will only hold up to so much. Hitting a golf ball 100+ miles per hour into a canvas sheet is going to cause some damage, eventually. To help prevent this, you can put up a backstop net, which will take some of the impact damage away from the screen.
Aside from these minor pieces, there aren’t a lot of weak spots in the system. Some golfers report that the front eve of the studio setup can get in the way. However, proper positioning will help to eliminate this issue. You also have the option not to have the front eve installed.
Studio Styles and Options
The TruGolf simulator studios come in three packages. The Vista 8, Vista 10, and Vista 12 are all slight upgrades from the previous version, and all three can be upgraded to the Pro version. Let’s take a look at what the different studios have to offer.
TruGolf Vista 8 | TruGolf Vista 10 | TruGolf Vista 12 | TruGolf Pro Series | |
Impact Screen | 116 inches with box | 136 inches with box | 165 inches with box | — |
Projector | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 1080p HD |
Deluxe Hitting Mat | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
Fairway Turf | No | Yes | Yes | Upgrade for Vista 8 |
Tracking System | TruTrack2 | TruTrack2 | TruTrack2 | |
Software Subscription | 1 Year E6 Basic | 1 Year E6 Basic | 1 Year E6 Basic | — |
Computer | No | Yes | Yes | Upgraded for Vista 10 and 13 |
Monitor | No | 21 inch touch screen | 21 inch touch screen | — |
Dimensions | 9’ W x 12’ D x 8’ H | 10’ W x 15’ D x 8’ H | 12′ W x 14.9′ D x 8.8′ H | — |
Audio Speaker | No | No | No | Upgrade for all versions |
Component Rack | No | No | No | Upgrade for all versions |
Side Netting | No | No | No | Upgrade for all versions |
Side Walls | No | No | No | Upgrade for all versions |
Storage Bag for Frame | No | No | No | Upgrade for all versions |
Price | See online | See online | See online | See online |
Of course, if you don’t like any of the pre-built studios, you can always contact TruGolf, and they will design a unique studio to meet your specific needs. Custom builds will increase the price significantly, though, so make sure you get an estimate and a quote before agreeing to pay.
TruGolf also offers two other types of studios. The first is a custom only built-in studio that has everything you need to entertain, play a round of golf, and practice your skills. You can choose from the signature or premium packages, but each detail is handcrafted to fit your specific space.
The freestanding studios are also a favorite. These come pre-built or custom (though the pre-built only has a single option called Horizon). For either of these options, resellers and third-party vendors cannot offer you a price. The builds must come directly from TruGolf at this time.
Requirements, Setup and First Use
To get the most accurate data possible, you will have to do a little work before using the studio for the first time. Measuring clubs and inputting your information and details will be the first priority.
This is a crucial step (though the software makes it optional). To get the data and feedback you are paying for, you need to be meticulous here. It will take you a couple of hours to do the initial setup of the software. However, in the end, it is worth it.
Once everything is in the system, you are ready to play. It is advised that you run a simulation using only a driver, long iron, and short iron (along with a putter) for the first round. This will get you used to swinging indoors, allow the machine and sensors to calibrate based on your swing and positioning, and save you frustration in the long run.
Once you have done a run-through of a single course, you will have a better idea of what needs to be calibrated. While this process won’t take long, it is crucial. Some customers have called to complain or returned their studios because it didn’t provide the right feedback. Later they found out a few clicks on the touch screen would have solved everything.
Be patient and be honest with all of your data on the setup and first run, and all future rounds will be trouble-free.
Software and Accessory Packages
TruGolf Vista studios come with two software packages; both are created by the E6 Golf software company. You will have access to a 1-year basic membership, which includes the ability to play on 27 modern professional courses, like Oakhurst and Pebble Beach. You will also get four brand new courses added every year.
The software gathers the data from the sensors to provide you with over 30 physics points for trajectory, ball flight, spin, speed, angle, and much more.
Unlike other software programs with limited online play, the E6 software allows up to 8 people to play from your studio (the standard is 4). You also have skills challenges, mini-games and you can play against people from all over the world, live.
There is also the E6 Range pack. This driving range simulator works for and with every club in your bag to help you hone your swing and improve your game. You can even sync this to the mobile app and get data saved and reported, even if the computer is off.
No other driving range simulation software offers you as much as the E6 Range does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer a few of the more common questions about TruGolf simulators.
How accurate is TruGolf?
TruGolf is arguably the most accurate system on the market. It is trusted by tour professionals around the world based solely on its accuracy and ease of use. While Protee and High Definition Golf may have something to say about the claim, it is hard to argue with those that play golf for a living.
How much does a TruGolf simulator cost?
The average Vista series TurGolf simulator will average about $10,000. However with various options, upgrades and customization features, the price can often exceed $25,000 and upwards of $30,000.
Conclusion
TruGolf is synonymous with excellence. The Vista series golf simulation studios bring you accuracy, affordability, and customization to your in-home golf experience. Trusted by the PGA touring professionals like Tiger Woods, TruGolf will help you improve your game.
Fit for every golfer, of every handicap and age, TruGolf Vista golf simulators bring you next-level statistics from E6 golf software to lower your score, shave strokes off your game and give you an immersive golfing experience, no matter the weather or time of day.