SkyTrak MAX: What It Measures and What Software It Supports

The SkyTrak ST MAX is a dual-technology launch monitor that combines high-speed photometric cameras with Doppler radar to capture both ball data and club data at impact. It measures ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side spin, spin axis, side angle, and descent angle, plus club-side metrics including club head speed, club path, face angle, face-to-path, and smash factor.

Priced at approximately $2,995 USD, it sits in the upper mid-range of the home simulator market and is available through Cero Golf as a launch monitor option for custom simulator installations.

How the SkyTrak MAX Works

The ST MAX uses two tracking systems working together. The photometric camera captures the ball at the exact moment of takeoff, reading ball speed, launch angle, and spin characteristics from the image. The Doppler radar tracks the club through the impact zone, delivering club head speed, path, and face angle without requiring any adhesive dots or club markings.

The device processes inputs from both systems together. Algorithms compare the combined radar and camera data against a large reference database to produce consistent readings and reduce misreads on off-center strikes. According to independent testing, launch and face angles come within approximately 1.5 degrees of TrackMan readings across the most critical parameters.

What the SkyTrak MAX Measures

Ball Data

• Ball speed

• Launch angle

• Back spin

• Side spin

• Spin axis

• Side angle (horizontal launch)

• Descent angle

• Carry distance

• Total distance

Club Data

• Club head speed

• Club path

• Face angle

• Face-to-path

• Smash factor

The club data is measured directly by the radar, not calculated from ball flight. This is a meaningful distinction from entry-level monitors that estimate club metrics by working backwards from ball data.

What It Does Not Measure

The SkyTrak MAX does not measure angle of attack. For golfers who want angle of attack data as part of their practice routine, monitors like the Foresight GCQuad MAX or TrackMan 4 cover that parameter.

Software Compatibility

The SkyTrak MAX is compatible with a wider range of simulation software than most monitors in its class.

SkyTrak Course Play (Native)

The native SkyTrak app supports course play on Windows, macOS, iPad, and Android. This is the only major launch monitor brand with native macOS support for simulation, which simplifies setup for users who prefer Mac-based builds. The app includes practice ranges, skills challenges, and a built-in course library.

E6 Connect

E6 Connect runs on Windows and iOS and integrates directly with the SkyTrak MAX. It offers access to over 90 courses including Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black. Subscription pricing runs approximately $300 to $600 per year depending on the tier selected.

GSPro

GSPro connects to the SkyTrak MAX via a community-built bridge tool called OpenSkyPlus 2, which uses the GSPro Open API. GSPro is Windows-only and is priced at approximately $250 per year. The connector works reliably but is maintained by the simulator community rather than SkyTrak directly.

WGT by Topgolf

WGT is available on iOS and functions as a lighter-weight course play option. It is included with certain SkyTrak subscription tiers.

TGC 2019

TGC 2019 is a Windows-only course library with a broad course selection. It is available at approximately $479 per year or $950 as a lifetime purchase.

Speed Training by GOLFTEC

This feature is exclusive to the ST MAX and is not available on the SkyTrak+ or the original SkyTrak. It delivers structured speed training drills developed with GOLFTEC, the golf instruction company, with real-time feedback from the monitor during each session. For golfers specifically targeting clubhead speed as a practice goal, this is the most notable feature separating the ST MAX from the model below it.

Battery and Connectivity

The ST MAX runs on internal battery for over four hours of continuous use. It includes two USB-C ports, so it can charge and transmit data at the same time in a permanent indoor setup. It connects to devices via Wi-Fi or a direct wired connection through USB-C.

SkyTrak MAX vs SkyTrak+

The SkyTrak+ is priced at approximately $1,995 USD and uses the same dual-radar and photometric camera system as the ST MAX. The core tracking engine and accuracy are identical between the two units. The ST MAX adds the GOLFTEC Speed Training module as the primary differentiator. Golfers who are not prioritizing structured speed training may find the SkyTrak+ covers the same use cases at $1,000 less.

SkyTrak MAX at Cero Golf

The SkyTrak MAX is available at Cero Golf here, and is also a launch monitor option for custom golf simulator installations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Cero Golf supplies, installs, and configures the full simulator setup including screen, projector, mat, and enclosure alongside the launch monitor.

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