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Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor & Golf Simulator Review: Everything you need to know
Updated: Jul 19
At the beginning of the year, the sports analytics company Rapsodo announced the release of its latest golf product, the Mobile Launch Monitor 2 Pro (MLM2PRO™). The device made its official debut at the 2023 PGA show in Orlando and has gone on to make waves within the world of launch monitors and at home golf simulators.
The MLM2PRO™ is the successor to Rapsodo’s hugely successful original Mobile Launch Monitor and delivers a major upgrade on its predecessor, both in terms of technology and data captured. That, combined with its very competitive price tag of £649.99, has made the new offering from Rapsodo a very popular choice within the already crowded launch monitor market.
With five-star ratings flooding in across the board, let's dive in and discover what all the hype is about. Here's everything there is to know about the MLM2PRO™.
Technology & Design
Rapsodo are well versed in the world of golf launch monitor's having helped develop the first affordable one over a decade ago. You might have heard its name, SkyTrak, which remains a very popular choice amongst consumers.
In 2019, Rapsodo released its Mobile Launch Monitor which has since received many accolades, including MyGolfSpy’s Best Mobile Launch Monitor for three years running. It's also
Building upon the success of the MLM, Rapsodo have said the new MLM2PRO™ will provide the same industry leading data with additional metrics to further enhance the user’s experience. The MLM2PRO™ uses dual optical camera vision and radar processing technology to deliver precise data.
On top of that, an integrated high-speed camera captures 240 frames per second for a slow-motion view of your club path and contact point. The unit is also compatible with both iOS and Android devices and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Speaking with First Look Golf, Matthew Rigby the Director for UK & International at Rapsodo Golf, said: "The MLM2PRO™ enables you to carry the course anywhere with you. It measures 13 different advanced metrics of your swing that newly include spin rate and spin axis, and provides these to you in real time via an easy-to-use app that's both Android and Apple compatible. Rain or shine, you can use the device on the course, the range, or indoors with your home set up. It takes less than 30 seconds to set up and start using.” The impressive accuracy of the MLM2PRO™ has already garnered the adoration of becoming the official personal launch monitor of Golf Digest’s Hot List. From a design point of view, the MLM2PRO™ is like its predecessor in many ways and very different in others. It continues to offer a portable, lightweight and compact design whilst this time taking on a more modern look and feel. The increased height of the unit also allows it to see and capture more of your swing.
Metrics & Data
As already mentioned, the MLM2PRO™ captures 13 different metrics. Let's take a closer look at exactly what these are:
Carry distance
Total distance
Spin rate
Spin axis
Ball speed
Club speed
Launch angle
Launch direction
Descent angle
Apex
Shot type
Side carry
Smash factor
To accurately measure spin, the launch monitor utilises what the company call RPT (Rapsodo Precision Technology). The Impact Vision camera in the MLM2PRO™ records and processes images of the ball’s rotation to measure the ball's spin rate and spin axis.
This works hand-in-hand with custom designed Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X Golf Balls and can deliver spin measurements to within 1% of the accuracy of much higher priced launch monitors.
This was only made possible through a partnership between Rapsodo and Callaway Golf. Speaking about the partnership, Jason Finley, Callaway Golf’s Global Director of Brand and Product Management said: “The Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X Golf Balls leverage the world class performance of the Chrome Soft X Golf Ball with our Optical Technology, so the MLM2PRO can track the launch conditions of the ball. This allows golfers to receive information that will help them to optimise their equipment, practice and gapping."
Along with the 13 captured metrics, the Impact vision camera in the unit will also record users swings from multiple angles (when paired with your device) to allow dual swing replay, as well as superimposing a shot tracer over the captured video.
Additionally, the MLM2PRO™ is compatible with multiple simulation software providers including E6 Connect and Awesome Golf to give players a variety of options to suit their game. Even more integrations are scheduled to continue to add to MLM2PRO™ users’ subscription options.
Certainly this kind of data collection and accuracy on a launch monitor at this price point is few and far between.
Added Features & Price
As for the visualisation side, the MLM2PRO™ offers a virtual range along with over 30,000 courses to play, including several famous championship venues. To unlock them all, you'll need a Premium Membership, which is included with your purchase for the first year. After that it'll set you back £199.
As for the price of the main unit itself, it's currently on sale in the UK for £649.99. If you buy a MLM2PRO™ you'll also receive a sleeve of three Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X Golf Balls with Rapsodo precision technology. You'll also get a tripod stand, charging cable, travel case and quick start up guide.
“The launch of our official UK website at rapsodo.uk represents an exciting chapter for our brand as we are bringing our cutting-edge sports technology directly to golfers in the UK," said Matthew Rigby. "There are big opportunities in the market of personal golf technology products, and we are confident that Rapsodo’s MLM and MLM2PRO will revolutionise the way golf is played and experienced in the United Kingdom.”
Comparing the Market
Whilst a GCQuad or Trackman will set you back thousands of pounds, the MLM2PRO™ offers reliable data at a very competitive price. Whilst there are others in this price bracket, including the Garmin R10 and FlightScope Mevo, Rapsodo are confident their latest offering will rise above the rest.
"I believe that we are undeniably the best option out there when it comes to personal launch monitors and golf simulator devices, packed with cutting-edge technology and accurate data, yet available at a very competitive price accessible to the average golfer," added Matthew Rigby.
Final Verdict
Having tested and played on multiple golf launch monitors and simulators, I can say that the MLM2PRO™ is an incredibly impressive unit at this price point. To deliver similar results to launch monitors that are vastly more expensive is an incredible feat and an exciting prospect for many people.
If you're looking to work on your game, understand your numbers better and gain insights into your swing, the MLM2PRO™ is a fantastic option. Throw in the ability to play thousands of world-class courses from the comfort of your own home and what you have is an undeniably attractive (and affordable) product.
