What is the Perfect Projector for a SkyTrak Golf Simulator?

While the popular $1995 SkyTrak launch monitor can be used with a practice net and an iPad or mobile phone as affordable practice solution, many SkyTrak players want the sensation of playing on a course using an impact screen and a projector that will create a truly immersive experience.  While you can get a basic projector included in some packages, if you plan on purchasing an larger simulation bay with the E6 course package to take on Pinehurst, or have your space double as a home entertainment area – the right projector will make a massive difference in your experience.  Here is what you want to look for:

1. A projector with a lens that enables effective placement for your playing space

2. The right aspect ratio and resolution to optimize your impact screen

3. A bright enough projector to enable you to play with the lights on in the room

4. Whether you want a traditional lamp projector or maintenance-free laser projector

SkyTrak sells different simulation bays for their launch monitor.  Here is a guide to finding the perfect projector for each one that will both look good – and be easy to install in your playing area.

The SIG8 studio system allows you to convert nearly any room to an indoor playing area without taking up too much space.  Because it has a square setup, the most popular setups use a “short throw” MX825ST XGA lamp-based projector.  Why?  First, besides the low price (under $700), the projector has a native 4:3 aspect chip that can create an image over 8 feet wide and six feet tall from about five feet away from the screen when used with the SkyTrak floor enclosure. Because it uses DLP technology this projector has a smooth image, good color accuracy, excellent contrast – and doesn’t require cleaning or changing filters. 

The popular SIG10 studio system allows you to take a huge leap forward in an immersive simulation experience.  When used with a widescreen projector the SIG10 enables an image nearly 11 feet across and almost seven feet tall that has a diagonal space of over 150 inches.  To make sure the image is bright enough on this big screen, you will want to look at a 5000 lumen WUXGA laser projector.  This model will put over 2.4 million pixels on the screen – so it looks like a TV – and will fill up a larger area than a traditional 1080p projector.  Also – you don’t have to buy or install replacement lamps and the projector will turn on in just six seconds.   According to Futuresource, consumers buying 5000 lumen projectors purchased laser projectors nearly twice as often as lamp-based projectors.

For SkyTrak’s high-end studio systems, you will want a projector that feels like you are actually at the course.  To light up the SkyTrak SIG12 with its massive display area over 160 inches, or enable the widescreen GS13 Studio to look like a giant 190” television, a true 4K laser projector is the perfect match for these screens.  Because the new E6 courses are now available in 4K, the BenQ LK953ST will deliver an amazing 8.3 million pixels on the screen – so you can see the stunning ocean vista’s at Pelican Hill or the fog-shrouded trees at Loch Lomond with lifelike detail just like you were there.   This laser-powered projector also has a short throw lens and a ceiling mount between 10 and 11 feet away for the SIG12 screen.  If you are looking to set this unit up in a commercial space, the regular throw LK952 can be mounted above and to the side of the playing area by using its large lens shift to fill these screens.   

The other benefit of this setup is that it can double as a stunning home entertainment area either for watching the Masters in 4K - or streaming movies and games for your family.   Both these projectors have the home theater features you want such as color accuracy, and HDR support – turning your SIG12 into a multifunction entertainment area when you aren’t playing. 

If you want to go beyond a generic projector for your SkyTrak simulator, here are our suggestions of alternative models to match up to your setup and mounting positions.