A radar launch monitor uses Doppler radio waves to track the ball after impact. The unit emits radio waves and measures how the reflected signal shifts as the ball moves away — that shift translates into ball speed, launch angle, spin, and trajectory.
How it differs from photometric
Radar measures the ball in flight over an extended distance. Photometric (camera-based) units capture data at impact in a fraction of a second.
The practical implications:
- Space requirement. Radar typically needs 6–8 feet of clearance behind the ball so it can track enough of the flight to compute results. Photometric units mount overhead or to the side and need much less depth.
- Indoor vs outdoor. Radar tends to perform similarly indoors and outdoors, since it doesn't depend on lighting. Photometric units often need consistent lighting to work well.
- Club data. Many radar units estimate club data from ball flight rather than measuring it directly. Photometric units can capture club data at impact.
Common radar launch monitors
Garmin Approach R10, FlightScope Mevo and Mevo+, Trackman, and Full Swing KIT use radar or radar-based fusion tracking.