Radar vs photometric launch monitors for your room
Pick the launch monitor your room can support: radar behind you, a camera beside the ball, or a camera overhead.
Updated October 16, 2026 · Independent guide · Affiliate disclosure
The launch monitor measures the strike and the ball's launch, and the simulator software turns that into a shot. For room planning, the key difference is where the unit sits, because that decides how much depth or height it needs [1].
The three placements
| Type | Where it sits | Room it needs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radar (Doppler) | On the floor behind the golfer, on the target line | Depth. Garmin R10: 6 to 8 ft behind the tee, and the tee at least 8 ft from the net [6]. Trackman 4: at least 6 ft from the unit to the ball and at least 10 ft of ball flight [4]. | Deep rooms and garages; also works outdoors |
| Photometric, beside the ball | On the floor next to the ball, facing the golfer | No space behind you. SkyTrak notes this saves the up to 8 ft that some units need behind the hitting area [7]. | Basements, low ceilings, shallow rooms [1] |
| Photometric, overhead | Mounted on the ceiling, above or just in front of the tee | Height. Trackman iO needs at least 9 ft 4 in [5]. Uneekor EYE XO/XO2 mounts at 9 to 10 ft [2]. | Dedicated rooms where you want a clear floor and to switch between left- and right-handers easily |
Radar
A radar unit sits behind the ball and tracks the ball as it flies away. Trackman says this behind-the-ball space isn't optional if accuracy is the priority [3]. It recommends about 18 ft or more from screen to unit for Trackman 4 [3]. Trackman 4 actually combines radar with optical impact tracking [4].
Room rule of thumb: about 15 ft deep is the bare minimum for a budget radar at its maker's minimum distances (8 ft of ball flight + 6 ft behind the tee + about 1 ft behind the screen) [6] [1]. 17 to 19 ft or more is comfortable.
Photometric (camera)
Camera units capture the strike and the first moment of ball flight with high-speed cameras, so they don't need to watch the whole flight. Beside-the-ball units such as SkyTrak sit next to the ball [7], which is why retailers call them the friendliest choice for low ceilings and basements [1]. Overhead units hide in the ceiling but need real height, and they hang down into it [1].
Quick decision guide
- Room under 15 ft deep? Choose a beside-the-ball camera unit.
- Ceiling under about 9 ft 4 in? Rule out overhead units [5].
- 17 ft deep or more and want outdoor use too? Radar becomes a good option.
- Left- and right-handers sharing? Beside-the-ball units have to be moved to the other side of the ball. Overhead and behind-the-ball units don't.
Before you buy, read your exact model's setup guide. Carl's Place puts it simply: Read. The. Directions. [2]
Shop launch monitors: The Indoor Golf Shop affiliate · Rain or Shine Golf affiliate
Sources
Numbers on this page come from these published sources, which we checked in October 2026. Makers update their specs, so confirm the details for your exact model.
- Rain or Shine Golf, "How to Measure Your Space for a Golf Simulator"
- Carl's Place, "Measuring Your Space For An Indoor Golf Simulator"
- Trackman, "How much room do you need for a golf simulator?" (Jan 28, 2026)
- Trackman Help Center, "TM4 Simulator Room Dimension Requirements"
- Trackman Help Center, "TMiO Simulator Setup"
- Garmin, Approach R10 Owner's Manual: Preparing for a Shot
- SkyTrak, "Plan Your Space" (studio sizes and minimum rooms)