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The Rapsodo launch monitor shines as a top pick in the budget category, and its latest iteration—the MLM2 Pro, released in early 2023—raises the bar even higher, outpacing rivals like the Garmin R10. The “MLM2” name nods to the second generation of their Mobile Launch Monitor series, signifying its versatility for both indoor and outdoor usage. At just $699, this hybrid doppler radar and camera tracking device delivers exceptional value, blending precision with versatility. In this review, we put it head-to-head against a premium launch monitor to gauge its true accuracy. Then, we break down the pros, cons, and our honest opinion to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your game. So let’s dive in!
Pros of the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro
The Rapsodo MLM2 Pro launch monitor has rather impressed me with its accuracy. I would have expected a budget unit like this to be a bit more sporadic with its readings, but it was honestly pretty in-line when comparing it with my premium Uneekor EYE XO launch monitor. A few notable specs that we should point out:
- Price – Obviously, a price tag under $700 is enticing and allows those working off a budget to get their foot in the door.
- Accuracy – Dual camera system plus radar technology allows for excellent accuracy, consistency and ball tracking.
- Shot Vision & Impact Vision – In addition to the point above, these cameras allow for slow motion replays of your swing and contact point. This is extremely helpful in swing evaluations, impact positioning and follow through analysis.
- Versatility – Works both indoors and outdoors. Perfect for your sim or your advanced analytics on the real course.
- Metrics & Stats – 15 total metrics, 8 measured metrics, including spin rate, spin axis, angle of attack and club path
- Simulation Software Integration – Rapsodo has its own software with 30k+ courses but also contains 2 of its own virtual ranges. Similarly, it can seamlessly connect to other third-party simulation software like GSPro (requires separate license), E6 Connect & Awesome Golf.
- Compatibility: Works with iOS and Android devices, with Bluetooth connectivity to PC for simulators.
As you can see, the Rapsodo launch monitor has a lot to offer! It really is a great blend of balance, versatility, accuracy and price point and something I think anyone should consider. As with most budget launch monitors though, it does have a few drawbacks. Let’s dive into those in the next section to make sure we review this to completion.
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Cons of the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro
The Rapsodo launch monitor, as with most budget purchases, does contain some drawbacks. I don’t think these drawbacks are enough to actually make it a bad choice, but it is good to know these things prior to making a purchase like this. Let’s review them in list form as it’s often easier to digest:
- Requires Dotted Balls for Spin Data – The Rapsodo comes with a 3 pack of RPT golf balls (Rapsodo Precision Technology) to help aid this, but 3 golf balls will not last you very long and dotted golf balls are certainly more expensive.
- Phone, Tablet or Computer Required – Pretty self explanatory but it doesn’t have a screen built into it so you need another device to properly use it. It does work on both Android and iOS, which is nice.
- Additional Subscription Required for Full Features – The very first thing I noticed when testing this is that it asked me to spend another $200+ dollars to access advanced metrics and any course outside of the basic driving range. Some of the details are as follows:
- Indoor Misreads – The radar can struggle if you’re stuck in a tight space or have poor lighting. This is common amongst most launch monitors like this but it’s important you check out the specs required to host this unit before buying it. (ie: 6.5′ to 8.5′ needed behind the golf ball plus room in front)
- App Connectivity Glitches – This isn’t anything I’ve experienced but I’ve seen mentions of this online. In fact, the Simulator Golf Tour‘s discord even has a channel for #mlm2pro-connection-help. As per my readings, a lot of this has been fixed with some updates, but worth mentioning.
- Long Distance Struggles – Depending on your setup, it is reportedly known that the MLM2 Pro can have slightly less accurate data with shots exceeding 200+ yards.
Our Personal Review of the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro
I had a chance to personally test the Rapsodo launch monitor and I can confidently say that I was impressed. I had previously tested the Garmin R10, which is a competitor in the same market, but this easily takes the cake. To be fair, this is almost double the price and also asks you to spend more as soon as you buy it, but, if I were to make a budget recommendation of the two, I would ask you to spend up and get the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro. We’ve created a video which outlines all of this as well, check it out!
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Setup
The setup of the unit is very straightforward. You do need an additional device to use this unit, such as a phone, tablet or computer. However, you can simply download the MLM2PRO app on either Android or iOS and start hitting shots almost instantly.
It’s a shame that it comes with only one Practice mode out of the gates. So, even though this unit is priced at $699 (as of the time of writing this), you will likely be spending more to gain access to additional features and courses. When you download and launch the app, it looks like this (see image) signifying the requirements to spend more. With that being said, you can see there are a wide variety of options, games and challenges that are all very enticing to try.
Comparison and Accuracy to a Premium Launch Monitor
I am thankful to be able to test this against my Uneekor EYE XO. The EYE XO has proven itself to be a very precise launch monitor so I feel confident in testing other launch monitors against it and comparing the relevant data, statistics, and metrics. I am actually going to let a few screenshots and comparison images do the talking so that you can see the data for yourself. First, let’s look at an 8 iron I hit with a nice little baby draw. Mind you, I am left handed…
The left two are Rapsodo’s data and the right two are Uneekor’s data. Carry distance recorded within a yard of one another. Ball speed within 1.4mph of each other. VLA (Vertical Launch Angle) 2.5 degrees different, which is slightly more than I would like to see, but I am curious if that could have had anything to do with the positioning of the Rapsodo in my garage. Regardless, very accurate and consistent with my premium launch monitor!
Let’s do one more comparison and look at a swing with a driver. To change things up, I’ll upload a different view from the Rapsodo app, along with a video of my swing! There is a little more discrepancy behind the numbers here in my longer shot. But, I’ve already warned you about this in the cons section of the article. Rapsodo had me at 280.8y of carry and Uneekor had me at 299.4y of carry. Similarly, the launch angle on Rapsodo was 10.9° and my Uneekor was 12.6°. Ball speed had a variation of 4mph as well. All in all, not too bad as we need to remember that this is a budget launch monitor. These are simply not as well equipped and precise as a premium launch monitor.
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My Honest Opinion
Version 2 of the Rapsodo Launch Monitor has quite impressed me as I’ve previously alluded to in this article. It stands well above other budget launch monitors that I’ve tested and is a well rounded and versatile unit. I wish the battery life would be longer. And it’s a shame that longer swings (ie: 200+ yards) lose a little bit of accuracy. However, I’ve come to expect a few of these things from our budget tier of launch monitors. Despite this, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor stands at or near the top of my list. If you’re interested in buying this unit, our preferred retailer is definitely 2nd Swing. (Purchase link)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, I think this is a great unit! It’s budget friendly, it’s accurate, it’s portable and can provide you tons of data and metrics.
Both have their advantages but I would definitely lean towards the Rapsodo and not look back. To be fair, after purchasing the premium Rapsodo membership, it’s about twice the cost. But, I was a bit underwhelmed from the older Garmin model. I’d personally spend up, while still staying in the budget tier, to get the Rapsodo.
It holds up very well! Metrics like ball speed (±1% variance), launch angle (±1°), and spin (±200–300 rpm) hold up well against premium units. This is the same (or close to) as I saw in my testing against the Uneekor EYE XO. Reportedly, it’s 85–95% as precise as $2K+ monitors for sim practice. Ideal for aspiring golfers tracking dispersion and launch without pro-grade costs.
For indoor, make sure the unit sits between 6.5′-8.5′ behind your impact location. Similarly, ensure that your lighting is adequate or you’ll get misreads or no reads. For outdoor, ensure the same distance behind the ball and keep the unit level. Ideally you have 20+ yards past the ball and the unit shouldn’t be facing directly into the sun. Final pro tip, compare your data against a range finder to ensure you’re getting accurate results.
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