I'll admit it – I've been a launch monitor skeptic for years. Not because I don't believe in the technology (I've tested everything from the $20,000 TrackMan to the $500 Rapsodo), but because most of them either cost more than my car or give you data that's about as reliable as a weekend weather forecast. So when Bushnell sent over their new Launch Pro Indoor (LPi) monitor, I expected another compromise-filled gadget that would collect dust next to my practice net.
Three months and roughly 10,000 shots later, I'm eating my words. This thing has fundamentally altered how I practice indoors, and more significantly, it's actually helped me drop three strokes off my handicap. (Yes, I track everything – my wife calls it obsessive, I call it dedicated.)
Unlock your best game with the Bushnell LPI launch monitor. This affordable device delivers accurate swing and ball data, perfect for golfers of all levels aiming to improve their performance quickly and easily.
Here's what makes the LPi different from every other sub-$2,000 launch monitor I've tested: it uses three high-speed cameras instead of radar. I know that sounds like marketing speak, but hear me out. My garage has fluorescent lights that flicker, a low ceiling, and about as much space as a college dorm room. Every radar-based unit I've tried in there either couldn't track the ball properly or gave me numbers that were laughably wrong.
The LPi's photometric system doesn't care about any of that. Those three cameras capture everything happening in a 7" x 10" zone – that's massive compared to most monitors – and they track both the ball and club through impact. I've hit everything from driver to lob wedge, and even tested some questionable range balls I found in my garage, and this thing captures them all. No missed shots, no "please try again" messages.
What really sold me was the consistency. I hit 50 seven-irons in a row (I was testing, not punishing myself), and the carry distances varied by exactly what I'd expect based on strike quality. When I mishit one off the toe, the numbers reflected it perfectly. When I caught one pure, the data matched what I saw on the course. That's the kind of reliability that turns a gadget into a legitimate training tool.
The setup process deserves mention, too. Unlike the GCQuad that requires perfect alignment or the SkyTrak that needs specific lighting, the LPi just works. Put it down, plug it in, and start hitting. I've moved it between my garage, basement, and even my buddy's simulator room, and it calibrated itself every time without any fuss.
Most launch monitors come with software that feels like it was designed in 2005. The LPi connects to FSX Play, and honestly, it's the initial simulation software that doesn't make me want to throw my laptop out the window. The interface is clean, the courses look gorgeous (you get 25 with the included Gold subscription), and everything actually works. While it doesn't offer 30,000 golf courses like some competitors, the quality of the courses you do get is exceptional.
I'm not a huge simulation golf guy – I'd rather be outside – but having access to Pebble Beach and St. Andrews in my garage during Minnesota winters has been a revolutionary shift. The ball flight looks realistic, the physics feel right, and I can actually practice course management instead of just beating balls into a net. My regular foursome started doing weekly sim rounds, and the competitive aspect has made practice fun again.
The software also integrates with GSPro and E6 if you already have those subscriptions. I tested it with GSPro (which has over 450 courses), and the integration was seamless. One USB-C cable, a few clicks in the settings, and I was playing TPC Sawgrass. The fact that Bushnell didn't lock you into their ecosystem shows they actually understand what golfers want.
But here's the feature that nobody talks about: the MyBag assessment tool. It analyzes your distances and dispersions with each club, then syncs that data to the Bushnell Golf App. When I'm on the course with my Pro X3 rangefinder (which pairs with the app), it recommends clubs based on my actual performance data, not what I think I hit. That integration alone has probably saved me five strokes this season by eliminating my tendency to under-club.
To get club data, you need to stick these little metallic markers on your clubs. I was worried they'd affect the feel or look terrible, but they're tiny and you forget they're there after one swing. The process takes about 10 minutes for a full bag, and then you're getting data that used to require a $15,000 launch monitor. The package even includes a 48-piece marker pack, so you've got enough for multiple sets or replacements if needed.
The club metrics completely exposed why I've been struggling with my driver. My attack angle was -3 degrees (way too steep), and my club path was 4 degrees out-to-in. No wonder I was hitting those weak fades that barely carried 240 yards. After two weeks of focused practice using the immediate feedback, I'm now hitting up on the ball at +2 degrees with a neutral path. My average carry went from 242 to 261 yards, and my dispersion tightened by 40%.
What impressed me most was how the data helped with my short game. I realized my 56-degree wedge was launching way too high (42 degrees) on full swings, which explained why I could never control it in the wind. I adjusted my ball position and shaft lean, brought the launch down to 35 degrees, and suddenly I have a reliable 85-yard club. These aren't things you figure out by hitting into a net without data.
The smash factor readings have been eye-opening, too. I always thought I was a good ball striker, but seeing my 6-iron smash factor hovering around 1.32 (tour average is 1.38) showed me there was room for improvement. After working on my strike location using the feedback, I'm consistently hitting 1.36-1.37, which translates to an extra 8-10 yards without swinging harder.
Yes, the LPi only works indoors. At the outset, I saw this as a limitation, but after using it, I realized it's actually a brilliant product design. By optimizing everything for indoor use, Bushnell created something that excels at its intended purpose instead of being mediocre at everything.
The unit needs to be plugged in (no battery), which would be annoying outdoors but makes perfect sense in a simulator setup. It connects via Ethernet for the most stable connection, though WiFi works fine too. The compact size (12" x 6" x 5") means it doesn't dominate your space like some monitors, and at 5 pounds, moving it around is effortless.
I've had friends ask why they can't take it to the range, and my answer is simple: you don't need to. This is for deliberate practice in a controlled environment where you can work on specific things without distractions. If you want range data, get a portable unit. If you want to actually improve your swing during the months when you can't get to the course, this is your answer. Plus, if you need to make room or reorganize your space, the 30-day return policy gives you flexibility to test whether the setup works for your situation.
The region-lock to the US only is annoying for our Canadian friends, but from what I understand, it has to do with certification and regulations. Not ideal, but it doesn't affect the performance for those of us in the States.
The LPi doesn't have a built-in screen, which initially seemed like a cost-cutting measure. But after using it with different setups, I actually prefer it this way. I run it through my laptop in the garage for practice sessions, connect it to my iPad when I want portability, and hook it up to my buddy's projector for full simulation rounds.
Not having a built-in screen means you're not stuck with a tiny display or paying extra for something you might not need. Everyone has a laptop or tablet these days, and using your own device means you get a screen size and quality that works for your setup. Plus, when better software comes out (and it always does), you're not locked into outdated hardware.
The connectivity options cover everything you'd need. USB-C for direct connection, Ethernet for stable simulator setups, and WiFi when you want to go wireless. I've used all three depending on the situation, and they all work flawlessly. The included cables are actually high quality too – not the cheap garbage that usually comes with electronics.
Unlock your best game with the Bushnell LPI launch monitor. This affordable device delivers accurate swing and ball data, perfect for golfers of all levels aiming to improve their performance quickly and easily.
Yes, you can use the Bushnell LPI with third-party golf simulation software, but you'll need the $499 annual Gold subscription to gain full compatibility. With the subscription, you'll access popular programs like GSPro, E6 Connect, PinSeeker, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf 3D. Without it, you're limited to basic metrics only. The device comes with GSPro included initially, and you'll also get FSX Play software for 25 courses during the trial period.
You'll get a 1-year limited warranty with your Bushnell LPI Launch Monitor, covering defects in materials and workmanship from the purchase date. This warranty doesn't include accidental damage like drops or impacts from misuse. If you need warranty service, you can contact Bushnell customer support at 1-800-423-3537, though phone wait times can be long. Some retailers offer extended warranty options beyond the standard year if you're interested in additional coverage.
Yes, you can use the Bushnell LPI for left-handed golf swings. Since it's camera-based and sits behind the hitting zone, you won't need to move the device when switching between right and left-handed players. The monitor captures data from either side of the ball within its 7" x 10" hitting zone. You'll just need to guarantee your simulator space accommodates comfortable left-handed swings, and the software will handle the calibration adjustments.
Yes, you'll need a subscription for full features. After your 14-day free trial, you must pay $499 annually for FSX Gold Software to access simulation features, courses, and gameplay modes. Without an active subscription, you can't use the LPi as a golf simulator - it won't provide simulation features or data beyond basic ball data on the device. The subscription is mandatory for gaining access to tour-validated ball/club data and 3D visualization.
You'll find the LPi lacks the Launch Pro's built-in battery and display screen, making it strictly an indoor-only device that requires constant AC power and external devices for data viewing. While the LPi costs less upfront at $2,800 with a year's free subscription versus Launch Pro's $3,150 immediate subscription model, you're sacrificing portability and flexibility. The Launch Pro's versatility for both indoor and outdoor use makes it a safer long-term investment.
The Bushnell LPi isn't trying to be everything to everyone, and that's exactly why it succeeds. If you're a serious golfer who practices indoors regularly and wants accurate data to actually improve, this is the best value in launch monitors right now. Period.
Skip it if you need something for the range or only hit balls occasionally. But if you're committed to getting better and have the space for indoor practice, the LPi delivers professional-grade data at a price that won't require a second mortgage. After three months of use, it's become the most useful training tool I own, and that's not something I say lightly.
