Alright, if you've been following the channel, you know the new FlightScope Mevo Gen2 has really caught my attention. I've covered its accuracy, pointed out that you don't need those annoying subscription fees, and shown how it's ready to work with simulators right out of the box. Here's what makes it special — you get most of the Mevo+ experience without spending nearly as much money.
Now, if you want even more advanced features, you can always upgrade to the FlightScope Mevo Plus. That model gives you extra data metrics, which means you'll see more detailed stats about your shots. You'll also get better overall performance, especially if you're a serious golfer who practices every week. But here's the thing — most weekend golfers will do just fine with the Gen2, and your wallet will thank you!
Let me be straight with you: I really like this product. After testing dozens of launch monitors, this one stands out in the under-$2,000 category. For many golfers, it'll check all the right boxes.
But wait — and this matters — nothing's perfect, right? Even though the Mevo Gen2 impresses me, it won't work for everyone.
So today, I'm switching gears. Since I'm also an attorney, I'm used to looking at both sides of any argument. That's exactly what we're doing here. I'll break down five solid reasons why you shouldn't buy the FlightScope Mevo Gen2.
As always, you'll get my honest take on where this product really delivers and where it might leave you wanting more.
Let's dig in!
Let's talk about the elephant in the room first.
The Mevo Gen2 runs on the same Fusion Tracking technology as the Mevo+ and even the $15,000 X3C — that's impressive! It directly measures 18 different ball and club parameters, which sounds great on paper.
But here's the thing: if you've done your homework, you know the Mevo+ offers something the Gen2 doesn't. The Mevo+ lets you add two game-changing upgrades down the road — the Pro Package and Face Impact Location.
The Pro Package unlocks advanced club metrics that serious golfers crave. We're talking face-to-path (how open or closed your clubface is compared to your swing path), dynamic loft (your actual loft at impact), swing plane, low point, and vertical descent angle. These numbers help you understand exactly what's happening in your swing, not just where the ball goes.
Face Impact Location takes things even further. You actually see heat maps showing where you're hitting the ball on the clubface! Imagine looking at your screen and seeing a red hot spot right on the sweet spot — or finding out you're consistently hitting it off the toe. That's invaluable information for fitters, coaches, and players who want to dial in their game.
Now, here's where it gets frustrating: the Gen2 doesn't support either upgrade. At least not today.
Could FlightScope change this later? Maybe. The hardware can handle it — remember, the Gen2 uses the same Fusion Tracking engine as the Mevo+. But right now, when you buy a Gen2, you're getting a closed system. What you see today is all you'll ever get.
For many golfers, that's totally fine! But if you're someone who loves data, or you think you might want those extra numbers later, you'll probably outgrow the Gen2 pretty quickly.
That leaves you with two choices. You can grab the Mevo+ now while it's still available, or you can roll the dice and hope FlightScope eventually opens up those upgrades for Gen2 owners. As of today though, the Mevo+ remains your only guaranteed path to accessing every layer of data.
So reason number one not to buy the Gen2: you can't expand it later, even if you want to.
Here's the thing about the Mevo+ Gen2 – it's hungry for space, and that's not changing anytime soon.
The Gen2 uses something called Doppler radar paired with synchronized image processing to track your shots. Think of it like a super-smart speed gun that also takes pictures. But this technology needs room to breathe, and I mean a lot of room.
You'll need 8 feet of clear space behind the ball for the unit to sit, plus another 8 feet in front of the ball if you're hitting indoors. Do the math with me here – that's 16 feet minimum of completely clear runway. No obstacles, no clutter, just open space.
If you're taking this to the driving range, you're golden! Outdoor space isn't an issue there. But let's say you're trying to build that dream simulator setup in your garage or basement. This space requirement might crush those dreams pretty quickly. Most of us don't have 16+ feet of depth just sitting around in our homes.
Now, camera-based launch monitors like the Square Golf have figured out a neat workaround. They sit off to the side of your golf ball instead of behind it, which means they need way less depth in your room. It's like the difference between parking a car lengthwise versus sideways – one just fits better in tight spaces.
So if you're working with a compact setup and picturing yourself hitting balls in your cozy basement this winter, the Mevo Gen2 might literally not fit. And trust me, you want to measure your space before you spend $1,199 on something that won't work in your room!
The bottom line for reason number two: Without a big room, the Gen2 just won't work for you.
Now let's talk software.
First off, FlightScope does something really great here—they don't nickel-and-dime you with subscriptions. You get the FS Golf app, you get E6 Connect with eight courses already loaded up, and that's it. No monthly fees eating away at your wallet unless you decide to add third-party software later. That's pretty awesome!
But here's where things get a bit tricky. When you compare what Rapsodo and Garmin offer in their apps, the FS Golf interface starts to feel, well, a little dated.
Don't get me wrong—the app works just fine. You can customize your dashboards however you like, check your shot history, record videos of your swing, and access all the core features you'd expect. But let's be honest, it's not exactly winning any beauty contests. The graphics and menus look like they're stuck a few years in the past, especially when you stack them up against the slick, game-like experiences other companies deliver.
Here's what I mean. Rapsodo's Premium subscription gives you these detailed session summaries that break down your performance. They'll show you how your numbers compare to 5-handicappers versus 15-handicappers, and they even suggest specific drills to work on. Meanwhile, Garmin's Home Tee Hero simulator lets you play literally any golf course in the world that's been mapped with GPS—your local muni, Pebble Beach, you name it!
What about FlightScope? They focus on giving you the raw data, plain and simple. If you're someone who just wants the numbers without all the bells and whistles, that's totally fine. But if you're the type who likes polished graphics, game-style training modes, or an interface that feels modern and fresh, the Gen2 might leave you wanting more.
So here's reason number three not to buy the Gen2: The software just can't keep up with what newer competitors offer.
Let's talk money—because that's what really matters, right?
Here's the thing: at $1,199, the Mevo Gen2 costs way more than other popular launch monitors. The Garmin Approach R10? That's only $599. The Swing Caddie SC4 Pro runs $599.99, and you can grab the Rapsodo MLM2PRO for $699.99. Even the Square launch monitor costs just $699.99.
Now, I'll give the Gen2 credit where it's due—you don't have to pay for any subscriptions. That's actually a big deal! Over time, you might save money compared to something like the MLM2PRO, which basically forces you to pay $199 every year just to use its best features. Nobody likes surprise fees, and the Gen2 doesn't have any.
But let me break this down for you. When you're standing there with $1,199 in your pocket, you start asking yourself some tough questions. You might think, "Hey, if I'm already spending this much, why not throw in a few hundred more and get the Mevo+ with all the bells and whistles?" That's the premium model with the Pro Package—it gives you everything you could ever want.
Or maybe you go the other direction. You look at that price tag and wonder, "Why am I spending $500 extra when I could get the Rapsodo that already has video built in? Or that camera-based Square that does a pretty good job for way less?"
See what I mean? The Gen2 sits in this weird middle spot that makes it hard to justify. It costs more than the budget-friendly options, but it doesn't quite match what you get with a fully upgraded Mevo+. It's like buying a mid-range smartphone when the budget ones work fine and the flagship is just a bit more.
Think about it this way—are you actually saving money compared to going all-in on a loaded Mevo+? Or would you rather keep $500 in your pocket and grab an MLM2PRO or R10, even if they're not quite as accurate?
So that's reason number four not to buy the Gen2: The price puts it in an awkward middle ground where it's hard to know if you're getting the best value for your money.
Here's the thing about the Mevo Gen2—it's not just another launch monitor hitting the market. FlightScope is actually using this device to completely change direction with their product line. They've already announced that the Gen2 will eventually replace the Mevo+ as their main product. Think of it like when your favorite restaurant changes their entire menu—the Gen2 is that awkward in-between phase where they're still figuring things out.
And you know what? That makes things a bit risky for buyers like you.
Right now, nobody knows if FlightScope will let Gen2 owners upgrade to the Pro Package or add Face Impact features down the road. These are the add-ons that make the Mevo+ so versatile—they let you track more advanced stats like spin axis and face-to-path measurements. Will E6 golf simulator bundles become available? Nobody knows that either! Will they add more features later, or will the Gen2 always be the "basic" version compared to the Mevo+?
The truth is, you're buying into something that FlightScope hasn't fully figured out yet. It's like pre-ordering a video game before all the features are announced—you're taking a gamble on what you'll actually get.
Now compare that to the Mevo+, which has been around for years. FlightScope has already worked out all the kinks, added all the upgrade options, and everyone knows exactly what it can do. You can add features when you want them, and there's a whole community of users who've tested every possible setup.
So here's reason number five not to buy the Gen2: You're essentially buying a product that's still finding its identity. FlightScope is in the middle of a big transition, and you might be better off waiting to see where they take this thing. Let other people be the guinea pigs, then jump in once you know what you're really getting!
Let's bring this all together and talk about whether this launch monitor makes sense for you.
Here's the thing—I genuinely like this product. The Mevo Gen2 delivers impressive accuracy, which means it tracks your ball flight within 1-2 yards of those $20,000 units. It works with solid simulator software, and here's what really caught my attention: you don't need to pay monthly fees to use it. Once you buy it, you're done spending money. For many golfers, that's going to make this a fantastic purchase.
But let me be straight with you—it's not perfect. If you want detailed club data like face angle and swing path, you'll need to look elsewhere. Got a tight indoor space, maybe less than 8 feet behind the ball? The Gen2 needs more room than that to work properly. If you love slick, modern software with fancy graphics, well, the Gen2's interface feels a bit dated. And if you don't want to deal with a product that's still getting updates and improvements, this might frustrate you.
The good news? We've got tons of great choices under $1,200 right now! Depending on what matters most to you, either the Mevo Gen2, Rapsodo MLM2PRO, Square, Garmin Approach R10, or Swing Caddie SC4 Pro will hit the mark. Each one excels at different things, though every device has its weak spots too.
So here's my advice: figure out your priorities first. If you care most about getting accurate numbers without paying subscription fees, the Gen2 offers a killer deal at around $1,000. But if you want either tons of features or dead-simple operation, other options might fit you better. Take your time, think about how you'll actually use it, and pick the one that matches your needs.
