When SkyTrak launched the ST MAX in October 2025, it came in at $2,995, and the SkyTrak+ was $1,995. That’s a $1,000 difference. And for what? A slightly faster processor and speed training that most golfers will probably never use. That’s what I said in my video back then, and at that price, I’d say it again. But it isn’t $2,995 anymore. The ST MAX is $1,695 now, SkyTrak doesn’t sell the SkyTrak+ new, and that changes the answer.
I’ve covered a lot of launch monitors on my channel, from the budget stuff to units that cost as much as a used car. So let’s get into it. Here’s what the ST MAX actually gets you over the SkyTrak+, and whether you should buy one new at $1,695 or refurbished at $1,195.
Build the ultimate indoor golf studio with the SkyTrak STMax. It is the only premium launch monitor in its class featuring native, first-party Mac software support, no Windows gaming PC required. Play world-class Trackman and Foresight course libraries right out of the box. Lock in your unit today to get deep bag mapping, wedge matrix data, and tour-level simulator accuracy.
Quick Overview
- The ST MAX is $1,695 new, down from $2,995 at launch, and a certified refurbished one is $1,195. It runs the exact same tracking system as the SkyTrak+.
- Its one real upgrade is GOLFTEC speed training, and Speed Mode works without hitting a ball.
- Same ball and club data as the SkyTrak+, including club path, face angle and face to path. No angle of attack.
- SkyTrak doesn’t sell the SkyTrak+ new anymore, so the real choice is a new ST MAX at $1,695 or a refurbished one at $1,195.
- Best for a home sim in a room too shallow for radar, especially if you’ll follow a speed program. Skip it if you hit off grass or already own a SkyTrak+.
A Familiar Face With a Few Tweaks
If you’ve seen a SkyTrak+, you know the look: clean, compact, and unassuming. The ST MAX is 6.875 inches tall and weighs 1.7 pounds, and it sits about 18 inches beside the ball, so it fits rooms a radar unit can’t use. This isn’t a radical redesign, and SkyTrak isn’t pretending it is. It’s an evolution of the SkyTrak+, not a ground-up reinvention.
The changes are inside. There’s a faster processor, dual USB-C ports (more on those later), and GOLFTEC speed training. SkyTrak also says a new modular design inside keeps calibration consistent. I’d treat that as a bonus, not a reason to buy. For a permanent home setup, a refined version of a proven unit is a good thing.
The Tracking Tech Is the Same Reliable Engine
Here’s where I need to be straight with you, because this is the heart of the matter. The ST MAX uses the same dual Doppler radar and photometric camera system as the SkyTrak+. Not similar, not improved, the same. The ball flight data, spin, launch angle and club path data are identical, so you’re not paying for better accuracy.
Now, that’s not a knock. Indoors, the SkyTrak+ is a phenomenal unit, and the numbers are dead on accurate. The ST MAX gets all of that. It tracks carry, total, ball speed, back spin, side spin, launch angle, descent angle and shot shape. Nobody’s published a test of the ST MAX itself against a TrackMan yet, so its accuracy rides on the SkyTrak+ results. Irons and wedges hold up close to a fitting-grade unit. Driver is where I’d keep a skeptical eye.
The one difference you’ll feel is speed. The SkyTrak+ has about a 1 to 1.5 second delay between the strike and the result, and the ST MAX’s faster processor shortens it. It’s nice to have. It’s not a need to have. In a sim round, you’ll barely notice. In a fast range session, you will. And if you’re expecting tour-level measurement precision, that’s not what this unit is for. It’s built for a home sim and game improvement, and it nails that.
The Club Data Is the Same, and It’s Good
If the tracking engine is the same, you’re probably wondering if the data’s any different. It isn’t. The club data is identical to the SkyTrak+, and that’s still a big deal at this price, because a Foresight GC2 doesn’t measure club data at all.
On the club side, you’re getting club path, face angle, and face-to-path information. For me, this is genuinely useful stuff. Knowing your face-to-path relationship is one of the fastest ways to understand why you’re hitting that nagging slice or pull. Instead of just seeing where the ball went, you start to understand the mechanics behind it. That’s the kind of feedback that actually helps you improve, not just measure.
Here’s how I’d use it. Work on face control, make one small grip or setup change at a time, and watch how the face angle number moves. Face to target and club path were pretty dead accurate on the SkyTrak+, and it’s the same tracking here, so you can trust what you’re seeing. For a player who wants more than ball speed and carry, that’s one of the better reasons to pick a SkyTrak over a barebones unit.
GOLFTEC Swing Speed Training Is the Real Headliner
This is the one feature the SkyTrak+ doesn’t have, and it’s the real reason the ST MAX exists as its own product. It’s GOLFTEC-powered speed training, and in Speed Mode you don’t even have to hit a ball.
Speed is something nearly every golfer wants more of, but dedicated speed training usually means buying a separate system or a set of speed sticks. With the ST MAX, it’s built in. Speed Mode runs unlimited swings through GOLFTEC drills with no ball. Range Mode adds a ball and shows you club speed, ball speed and distance, so you can see what the extra speed actually does.
So is it worth it? It’s a great feature if you’re a dedicated athlete committed to a real speed training program. But most golfers will probably never use it. Be honest with yourself about which golfer you are. If you won’t follow a program, don’t buy the ST MAX for this.
And here’s the thing. Now that the SkyTrak+ isn’t sold new, you’re not really paying extra for speed training anymore. Every ST MAX has it, new or refurbished. You’re not paying for better tracking, and you don’t have to want the training for the ST MAX to be the right buy.
Course Play Is Easy. Third-Party Software Isn’t.
A launch monitor is only as good as the software it talks to. SkyTrak’s own course play runs through its memberships, with Foresight Sports or Trackman course software. Third-party is where it gets murky. GSPro works through a community connector, not official support, and E6 support is disputed. If your plan is built around either one, confirm it with SkyTrak before you buy.
Here’s the membership ladder. Basic is free and gives you a practice range. Essential is $99.99 a year, Core with Foresight Sports software is $299.99, Core with Trackman software is $349.99, and Elite is $599.99. Buy a new ST MAX direct from SkyTrak and the first year of Core comes with it.
Beyond course play, it’s the same software as the SkyTrak+, and SkyTrak’s still updating it. Version 6.2 landed in September 2026. And any paid tier saves your shot data to the cloud, so you can track your progress over time.
Dual USB-C and Quality-of-Life Tweaks
I mentioned those dual USB-C ports earlier, and they deserve their own moment. They support simultaneous charging and data transfer, which may sound minor until you’ve wrestled with a unit that forces you to choose between the two. For permanent simulator builds, this is genuinely convenient; you can keep the unit powered and connected without constantly fiddling with cables.
Combine that with the faster processor and the reduced shot delay, and you’ve got a collection of thoughtful refinements that make the STMax a bit more pleasant to live with day to day. None of these are performance breakthroughs, and SkyTrak doesn’t pretend they are. They’re the kind of small touches that add up when you’re using the device several times a week in a dedicated space.
Build the ultimate indoor golf studio with the SkyTrak STMax. It is the only premium launch monitor in its class featuring native, first-party Mac software support, no Windows gaming PC required. Play world-class Trackman and Foresight course libraries right out of the box. Lock in your unit today to get deep bag mapping, wedge matrix data, and tour-level simulator accuracy.
- Hybrid Tracking Accuracy
- Dual USB-C Architecture
- Native Mac & iOS Compatibility
- Subscription Paywalls
- Side-Mounted Limitations
- No Built-In Video Swing Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Warranty Period for the Skytrak STMAX?
Six months or 25,000 shots, whichever comes first, plus a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Six months is short for a $1,695 launch monitor, so keep your proof of purchase. If you’re buying refurbished, ask what coverage comes with that unit before you check out.
Does the Skytrak STMAX Require a Monthly Subscription to Operate?
No. The Basic tier is free and gives you a practice range with no subscription. Course play and the game improvement tools cost extra. Essential is $99.99 a year, Core is $299.99 with Foresight Sports software or $349.99 with Trackman, and Elite is $599.99. Buy it new direct from SkyTrak and the first year of Core is included.
Is the Skytrak STMAX Compatible With Mac and Android Devices?
It runs through the SkyTrak app, and it connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or direct mode if your Wi-Fi is spotty. Before you buy, check SkyTrak’s current device requirements against the exact Mac, iPad or Android you plan to use. Don’t assume an older device makes the list.
How Long Does the Battery Last on a Single Charge?
SkyTrak rates the rechargeable lithium-polymer battery at 4 hours. That’s plenty for a long practice session. And with dual USB ports, you can charge it and send data at the same time, which is the easy fix for a permanent setup.
Can the Skytrak STMAX Be Used Outdoors on the Course?
Outdoors, yes, but only off a mat. It won’t read accurately off real grass. When I took the SkyTrak+, which runs the same tracking system, to the range with my instructor, the mat kept slipping and the backspin numbers came out inconsistent. So bring a mat that stays put, or keep it indoors where it’s at its best.
Final Thoughts: Who the STMax Is Really For
So here’s where I land. The ST MAX is a good launch monitor that does everything the SkyTrak+ does, plus speed training and a faster display. It’s not a leap in tracking. The numbers are the same, and you should buy it knowing that.
Who’s it for? The golfer building a garage sim in a room too shallow for a radar unit. Since SkyTrak doesn’t sell the SkyTrak+ new anymore, the ST MAX is the SkyTrak to buy. If you want it new, it’s $1,695. If you’re fine with refurbished, a certified refurbished ST MAX is $1,195, and that’s the best value in the SkyTrak family. Same tracking, same speed training, $500 less.
Who’s it NOT for? If you practice on grass, skip it. It’s a mat-only unit outdoors. If you need angle of attack, it doesn’t measure it, and a $499.99 Garmin R10 does if your room has the depth. And if you already own a SkyTrak+, don’t upgrade. You already have the same tracking system and the same data.
About the author
Paul Liberatore
Paul Liberatore is the founder of Golfers Authority and a former four-year golf gear contributor to Sports Illustrated. He tests golf equipment hands-on to help golfers make better buying decisions.