Hey, let's talk about the two launch monitors everyone's buzzing about right now: the new FlightScope Mevo Gen2 and the Rapsodo MLM2PRO.
Both of these gadgets give you accurate data, let you play virtual golf courses, and record your swing on video. Here's the thing though — they work in totally different ways, and that matters for your wallet.
The FlightScope costs more when you first buy it, somewhere around $2,000. But once you own it, you're done paying. No monthly fees, no surprise charges. The Rapsodo, on the other hand, starts at about $700. Sounds great, right? Well, here's where it gets interesting. Most of the cool features you actually want need a subscription that runs $199 per year. That means after three years, you've basically paid the same amount as the FlightScope.
Think of it like buying a car versus leasing one. With the FlightScope, you pay once and drive it forever. With the Rapsodo, you keep making payments to unlock all the features.
So which one makes sense for you? That's exactly what we're going to figure out together in this complete breakdown. We'll look at accuracy, features, ease of use — everything you need to know before spending your hard-earned cash. Let me know if you have questions as we dig into the details!
Fusion Tracking Technology - The Mevo Gen2 uses the same professional radar system found in tour-level devices, combining Doppler radar with synchronized camera processing to deliver accuracy that rivals equipment costing thousands more, giving you confidence in every data point.
No Subscription Model - Unlike most modern launch monitors, the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 includes lifetime access to E6 Connect simulator software with eight courses, meaning you pay once and practice forever without monthly fees eating into your golf budget.
Dual Camera System - The Rapsodo MLM2PRO's built-in cameras capture your swing from multiple angles automatically, providing instant video replay with slow-motion impact footage that helps you see exactly what's happening at the moment of truth without extra equipment.
Extended Battery Life - With six hours of continuous use on a single charge, the Mevo Gen2 outlasts most practice sessions, while the MLM2PRO's 2-4 hour battery still covers typical range time, both charging via standard USB-C cables.
Practice Intelligence Tools - The MLM2PRO's Rapsodo Combine and Insights features turn raw data into actionable improvement plans, testing your skills across 24 shots and suggesting specific drills based on how you compare to other golfers at your level.
Here's the thing about golf technology—it used to be crazy expensive. Just a few years ago, you'd need to drop $10,000 or more if you wanted a launch monitor that actually told you the truth about your shots. We're talking about the big names here: Trackman, Foresight, and other high-end units that only tour pros, coaches, and club fitters could afford.
Then everything changed, and regular golfers finally caught a break!
The consumer launch monitor market basically exploded. Suddenly, devices like the original FlightScope Mevo, the Garmin Approach R10, and the first Rapsodo MLM showed up on the scene. These gadgets gave everyday golfers—people like you and me—access to real shot data without having to take out a second mortgage.
Were they as good as a Trackman? Not really, but here's what matters: they were good enough to make your practice sessions way smarter and actually fun.
Then things got really interesting. FlightScope came out swinging with the Mevo+, and this thing could actually compete with professional devices that cost thousands more. Rapsodo didn't sit still either—they launched the MLM2PRO, which combines two cameras with radar technology. The cool part? It keeps getting better through software updates, kind of like how your phone gets new features over time.
Now we're at an interesting crossroads, and lots of golfers are scratching their heads over this choice:
You could spend more money on the FlightScope Mevo Gen2. This device doesn't require any subscription fees, focuses heavily on accuracy, and uses the same professional radar technology that the big boys use.
Or you could save some cash upfront with the Rapsodo MLM2PRO. This one's packed with features, gives you great video feedback, and constantly improves through updates—but you'll need to pay for a membership to get everything it offers.
Let me break down both options for you, starting with FlightScope's newest release, the Mevo Gen2.
Let's talk about the Mevo Gen2's pricing, and trust me, there's more to this story than meets the eye. This device launches at $1,199, which puts it $500 above the Rapsodo MLM2PRO's $699 price tag. That's a pretty significant difference, right?
Let's talk about what makes the Mevo Gen2 tick. This device runs on something called Fusion Tracking, which combines Doppler radar with synchronized camera processing. Think of it like having two sets of eyes watching your golf ball – one tracking its speed and movement, the other capturing its exact position. Here's the cool part: this is the exact same technology you'll find in the FlightScope Mevo+ and even their $15,000 X3C professional system! You're basically getting tour-level tech at a fraction of the price.
Right out of the box, the Mevo Gen2 measures 18 different parameters about your ball flight and club movement. That's a lot of data, so let me break down what you're actually getting.
For your ball flight, it tracks the essentials like ball speed, carry distance, roll, and total distance. It also measures spin rate – that's how many times your ball rotates per minute – and spin axis, which tells you if you're hitting draws or fades. You'll see your launch angle (how high the ball takes off) and launch direction (where it's heading). Plus, it records flight time, so you know exactly how long your ball stays in the air.
On the club side, you get club speed, smash factor, and angle of attack. Smash factor is basically how efficiently you're transferring energy from club to ball – think of it as your golf swing's efficiency rating. A perfect driver smash factor is 1.50, which means the ball leaves at 1.5 times your club speed. Angle of attack tells you whether you're hitting down, up, or level through impact.
Here's something neat: the Mevo Gen2 even tracks putting metrics! It measures your putt's launch speed and direction, helping you dial in those crucial short-game numbers.
Now, you might notice some advanced club metrics aren't included – things like club path or face angle. We'll dig into what that means for your practice sessions as we continue.
Here's where things get really cool. The Mevo Gen2 records your swings automatically and adds a shot tracer right on the video—that's the colorful line that shows exactly where your ball flew through the air.
You just set up your iPhone or iPad behind you, and the FS Golf app does the rest. Every time you swing, it captures the video, draws that tracer line showing your ball's path, and displays your stats right on the screen. Think of it like watching golf on TV, except it's your own shots!
This feature really helps you connect the dots between what you feel when you swing and what actually happens. You might think you're hitting it straight, but the video shows a little fade creeping in—now you know what to work on.
Right out of the box, you're getting E6 Connect with eight actual golf courses, and here's the kicker—there's no monthly subscription to worry about. You own it forever! Just fire it up and start playing whenever you want.
The Gen2 plays nice with other golf simulators too. It works with GSPro, The Golf Club 2019, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf. If you're waiting for TGC 2019, that's coming in early 2026 with a software update.
What this means is you're getting a real simulator device without any sneaky fees popping up later. You buy it once, and you're good to go. No surprises, no "by the way, that'll be $20 a month" after you've already spent your money.
The Mevo Gen2 actually looks like someone shrunk down FlightScope's fancy X3C unit—you know, the one the pros use on tour. FlightScope ditched the old low-profile design and made this one taller, which turns out to be pretty smart. That extra height helps the radar track your ball better, and it makes lining up the camera way easier too.
Here's something you'll love: the battery lasts six hours on a single charge! The old Mevo+ would die after just 2.5 hours, so this is a huge improvement. You charge it with a regular USB-C cable, the same kind that probably charges your phone. The whole thing weighs less than a pound—imagine carrying around a can of soup, that's about how heavy it is. Plus, FlightScope built a kickstand right into the device, so you can adjust the tilt and angle without needing any extra accessories.
Setting this thing up is pretty simple, but you need to pay attention to your space. If you're hitting balls indoors, you need 8 feet between the Mevo and your ball, then another 8 feet from the ball to your screen or net. That's 16 feet total, which might sound like a lot, but it's what the radar needs to track everything properly. Taking it outside? Even easier—you just need that 8-foot gap behind the ball, and you're good to go.
Here's the thing about the spacing: the radar needs room to "see" your shot develop. Think of it like taking a photo—if you're too close, you can't fit everything in the frame. Same idea here, except the Mevo is tracking your ball's flight path instead of taking pictures.
Here's the thing about the Gen2 – it doesn't support FlightScope's Pro Package or Face Impact Location add-ons right now. What does that mean for you? Well, you won't get those advanced club measurements like face-to-path, club path, or dynamic loft. Face-to-path tells you how your club face angle compares to your swing path at impact – basically, it shows whether you're hitting draws or fades on purpose or by accident! And those cool impact heat maps that show exactly where you're hitting the ball on the club face? Yeah, those aren't available either.
For now, these fancy features stay exclusive to the Mevo+, which is the Gen2's bigger brother.
But wait, there's something interesting here. The Mevo Gen2 runs on the exact same Fusion Tracking engine as the Mevo+. Think of it like having the same powerful computer chip in two different phones – one just has more features unlocked. This gets people talking, and many golfers think FlightScope might eventually unlock these upgrades for the Gen2. Makes sense, right? The hardware seems capable of handling it.
Let me be clear though – nobody's making promises about when or if this will happen. FlightScope hasn't guaranteed anything, so if you absolutely need those pro-level data points today, you'll want to look at the Mevo+ instead.
Now let's check out the Rapsodo MLM2PRO, which has been turning heads in the budget-friendly launch monitor world.
The base unit runs $699.99, which sounds pretty reasonable, right? But here's the thing: if you want to unlock all the cool features this device can do, you'll need to grab the Premium Membership. You've got two choices here – pay $199 every year, or drop $499 once for lifetime access.
When you add it all up, the real cost of owning this thing gets a lot closer to what you'd pay for the Mevo Gen2. That $700 price tag starts looking more like $900 or even $1,200, depending on which membership route you take! It's kind of like buying a gaming console – sure, the system itself costs one amount, but once you factor in games and online subscriptions, you're spending way more than you originally planned.
The MLM2PRO packs dual optical cameras and radar processing into one device. This combo measures more advanced club data than you'd typically find at this price point. Here's the thing – most launch monitors under $1,000 can't touch what this setup delivers.
In May 2025, Rapsodo dropped a game-changing update that got golfers talking. The MLM2PRO now directly measures club path and angle of attack! Let me explain why this matters – these measurements tell you exactly how your club moves through impact, which helps you understand why your ball flies the way it does. Most budget devices just estimate these numbers, but the MLM2PRO actually captures them.
You're getting 15 key data points with every swing:
• Club speed – how fast your club moves • Ball speed – how fast the ball leaves the clubface • Launch angle and direction – where your ball starts its flight • Spin rate and spin axis – how much and which way the ball spins • Club path – whether you're swinging in-to-out or out-to-in • Angle of attack – if you're hitting down or up on the ball • Smash factor – how efficiently you transfer energy to the ball • Carry distance and total distance – how far it flies and rolls • Side carry – how far left or right it lands • Apex – the highest point of your shot • Descent angle – how steeply the ball comes down • Shot type – whether you hit a draw, fade, or straight shot
Now, here's where the MLM2PRO really shows off. The video features blow away what you'd expect from a consumer device. Shot Vision captures your full swing from start to finish, while Impact Vision zooms in for slow-motion closeups right at the moment of truth.
Every single swing gets saved automatically as a video replay, complete with your data overlaid on screen. You can see exactly what happened and why – it's like having your own personal instant replay booth. With the Premium software package, you can store up to 10,000 videos. That's basically every shot you'll hit for years!
The video quality rivals what you'd find in professional fitting studios, except it's sitting in your garage or backyard. You can slow things down, compare swings side by side, and actually see the improvements as you work on your game.
Rapsodo keeps making their simulator platform better, and they're not messing around! When you buy the MLM2PRO, you get a basic E6 Connect license right out of the box. This means you can play on five courses, practice on two driving ranges, and try three fun golf games. That's plenty to get you started, but here's where it gets interesting.
If you spring for the Premium subscription, you unlock Rapsodo Courses — their own simulator software that gives you access to over 30,000 virtual golf courses. Think about that for a second: you could play a different course every day for 82 years! The Premium version also works with Awesome Golf, and starting in 2025, you'll get official GSPro integration. For those who don't know, GSPro is basically the gold standard of golf simulation software, so this is a pretty big deal.
Let me tell you, the MLM2PRO makes things simple. At just 0.7 pounds, you can literally toss it in your golf bag and forget it's there. When you're ready to practice, the setup takes just a couple of minutes — connect it through Wi-Fi or your local network, and you're good to go.
The alignment system deserves a special mention here. Rapsodo added a built-in leveling tool that shows you exactly how to position the device. This ensures your tilt and roll measurements stay consistent, which means your data stays accurate. No more guessing if you've got it positioned right!
Here's the thing: this actually makes the MLM2PRO faster to set up than the Mevo Gen2, even though beginners might find it easier to use overall. The only catch? The hitting zone is a bit smaller than the Mevo's, so you need to be a little more precise with where you place your ball.
The battery gives you two to four hours of practice time, which should cover most sessions unless you're planning a marathon day at the range. Just keep in mind, the Mevo Gen2 lasts about six hours, so if battery life really matters to you, that's something to consider.
Here's what really makes the MLM2PRO stand out from the crowd—its practice tools that actually help you improve.
The Rapsodo Combine works like a skills test for your golf game. You hit 24 shots, and it calculates your handicap score, then tells you exactly what to practice. Think of it like taking a quiz that shows you which homework to focus on!
The Insights feature gives you session summaries after each practice. It breaks down how you performed compared to golfers at different skill levels, say a 10-handicap versus a 20-handicap player. Then it suggests specific drills to work on your weak spots. Pretty neat, right?
R-Speed mode lets you practice your swing speed without actually hitting balls. You can work on getting faster swings in your garage without worrying about breaking anything—your spouse will appreciate that one.
These game-like, coaching features make the MLM2PRO perfect if you want guidance with your practice, not just a bunch of numbers on a screen. It's like having a coach in your pocket who actually tells you what to do with all that data.
Let me be straight with you about where the MLM2PRO falls short.
The app targets everyday golfers more than pros, which shows in practice mode. You can only see three or four measurements at once on your screen. If you're a data junkie who wants to see everything at once, you might feel limited compared to FlightScope's setup, where you can customize your whole dashboard.
Getting accurate spin numbers indoors requires those special RPT balls, and here's the thing—they wear out fast. You'll go through them quicker than you'd like, and at around $40 for a dozen, that adds up.
The biggest catch? While you can technically use the device without the Premium subscription, almost everything good gets locked away. The Combine, Insights, simulator play, video storage, spin readings, spin axis—they all need that subscription. It's like buying a smartphone but needing a monthly fee to use the camera and apps. Just factor that extra $99 per year into your budget from the start.
Now let's put these two devices side by side and see how they really stack up against each other.
Here's where things get interesting! The Rapsodo MLM2PRO costs $699 right out of the box. But wait, there's a catch—you'll almost definitely need to add that subscription fee on top. You're looking at either $199 every single year, or you can pay $499 once and be done with it.
The FlightScope Mevo Gen2 runs $1,199 upfront. That's it, no hidden fees or subscriptions lurking around the corner.
So here's the thing: the MLM2PRO seems way cheaper at first glance, right? But when you actually do the math, that gap starts to shrink pretty quickly. Let me break it down for you—if you go with the yearly subscription, you'll hit that same $1,199 price point in just two and a half years. Even with the one-time fee, you're already up to $1,198, which is basically the same as the Mevo Gen2.
The real question is, do you want to pay everything upfront, or would you rather spread it out? Some folks like knowing exactly what they're getting into from day one, while others prefer that lower entry price even if it costs more down the road.
Let's talk about what really matters—how well these devices track your shots. The Mevo Gen2 packs Fusion Tracking technology, which basically means it combines different sensors to give you super accurate readings. You're getting 18 metrics measured directly, not calculated or estimated. That's tour-grade radar accuracy, the same tech the pros rely on!
The MLM2PRO measures 15 different metrics, but here's the thing—only eight of them come from direct measurement. The rest? The device calculates them based on those eight core readings. Think of it like measuring the ingredients for a recipe versus guessing how much salt you added based on taste.
Here's the bottom line: if you want the most accurate data possible, the Mevo Gen2 takes the crown. But don't count out the MLM2PRO just yet! It tracks Club Path and Angle of Attack, which tells you exactly how your club moves through impact. For a device at this price point, that's pretty impressive stuff.
Now, let's dive into the fun part—playing virtual golf and what software you can use. The Mevo Gen2 comes with lifetime access to E6 Connect, which gives you eight gorgeous courses to play whenever you want. No monthly fees, no surprises on your credit card statement. Plus, it works with tons of third-party apps, so you've got options for days.
The MLM2PRO includes a basic E6 license too, but here's where it gets interesting. With a Premium subscription, you unlock over 30,000 Rapsodo Courses! That sounds amazing, right? Well, there's a catch—most of the cool features hide behind that paywall. You'll need to keep paying monthly to access them.
Think about it this way: the MLM2PRO might seem like it offers more variety, but you're basically renting those features. The Mevo Gen2? You buy it once, and you're set for life. No ongoing costs eating into your golf budget, which means more money for actual greens fees!
The Mevo Gen2 gives you an excellent shot tracer with data overlay right on your video. You can actually pair what your swing feels like with exactly how the ball flies, which really helps you understand your game better.
The MLM2PRO takes video to another level though. You get multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays of your impact position, and the whole interface feels more like something you'd use at home rather than a tour facility.
Here's the thing about the Gen2's video feature—it's definitely cool, but you need to bring your own camera and set it up separately. With the MLM2PRO, everything's built right into the device! You just turn it on and start recording. If video feedback is your thing, Rapsodo takes this round.
Setting up the Mevo Gen2 requires more space, especially indoors where you need 16 feet minimum. The alignment process feels more professional, which means it takes a bit more time to get everything just right.
The MLM2PRO sets up faster and forgives you if your alignment isn't perfect. Plus, it's lighter and smaller, so you can toss it in your bag without thinking twice.
Let me tell you, for casual practice sessions or when you're moving between spots, the Rapsodo makes life easier. You spend less time fiddling with setup and more time actually hitting balls.
The Mevo Gen2 runs for 6 solid hours on a single charge. That's enough for a full day at the range, even if you're really grinding on your game.
The MLM2PRO only gives you 2-4 hours, which means you might need to charge it during a long practice session.
FlightScope wins this one easily! Nobody wants their device dying halfway through figuring out their new swing thought.
The FlightScope Mevo Gen2 takes the crown for accuracy with its Fusion Tracking technology that combines Doppler radar with camera processing. It directly measures 18 different parameters using the same tech found in $15,000 professional systems, while the Rapsodo calculates some of its metrics from core measurements.
The Mevo Gen2 requires zero subscriptions - you buy it once and own all features forever including E6 Connect simulator software. The MLM2PRO technically works without a subscription, but you'll miss out on spin readings, video storage, simulator play, and practice tools unless you pay $199 yearly or $499 for lifetime access.
The Mevo Gen2 needs 16 feet total - that's 8 feet from the device to your ball, then another 8 feet to your net or screen. The MLM2PRO is more flexible with space requirements and sets up faster, though it has a slightly smaller hitting zone where you need to be more precise with ball placement.
Both devices play nice with other software! The Mevo Gen2 works with GSPro, The Golf Club 2019, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf right now. The MLM2PRO gets GSPro integration in 2025 and currently works with Awesome Golf if you have the Premium subscription.
The MLM2PRO wins the video battle with built-in dual cameras that automatically record every swing from multiple angles, including slow-motion impact footage. The Mevo Gen2 provides excellent shot tracer videos with data overlay, but you'll need to set up your own iPhone or iPad as the camera.
So, which one should you buy?
Here's the thing — both launch monitors are fantastic, but they shine in different ways. Let me break it down for you.
If accuracy is your top priority and you hate dealing with subscriptions, the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 is your winner. Yes, you'll spend a bit over $1,000, but here's what that gets you: professional-level accuracy that rivals units costing three times as much. You pay once, and you're done — no monthly fees sneaking up on you later.
Now, if your budget is tighter, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO offers something pretty special. Think about this: you get automatic swing videos without setting up extra cameras or tripods. That means every shot you hit gets recorded from behind, showing you exactly what your swing looks like. Plus, their Combine feature turns practice into a game — you compete against yourself and other golfers worldwide. At under $700, that's hard to beat!
But here's the catch with the MLM2PRO: you really need that Premium Membership. Without it, you're basically working with a stripped-down version that loses most of its cool features. The membership runs about $99 per year, so factor that into your budget.
Let me put it this way. The Mevo Gen2 pushes pro-level accuracy into a price range that regular golfers can actually afford. Meanwhile, the MLM2PRO leads the under-$1,000 category by packing in features that make practice fun, not just productive.
Your choice really comes down to what matters most to you. Want accuracy without ongoing fees? Go with the Mevo Gen2. Prefer more features and video capability with a lower upfront cost, even if it means paying yearly? The MLM2PRO is your best bet.
That's my take on the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 versus the Rapsodo MLM2PRO — two excellent launch monitors that'll help you understand your game better than ever before.
