Rapsodo MLM2PRO Review
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor is a major improvement over the original MLM. Very user friendly. Provides excellent accuracy with Callaway RPT golf balls. Fun practice modes and simulations.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO Review
Setup and Ease of Use
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO Launch Monitor comes with the monitor, proprietary tripod, charging cable, carrying case, and small manual. There are also specially marked Callaway golf ball sleeves, which I’ll explain in more detail later.
Setup begins with fully charging the MLM2PRO and downloading the app to your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android). You’ll need to set up an account in the app and fill your bag with clubs. Filling your virtual bag is optional, so take a couple minutes to do this before you head out to the range.
When you’re ready to hit, mount the Rapsodo MLM2PRO on a tripod and place it about 8 feet away from your hitting area. Open the app, tap “Play,” select your mode, and connect to the MLM2PRO.
The connection is quick and very solid. It hasn’t dropped once in my testing. The camera is built into the launch monitor, making precise alignment a breeze.
From initial setup to overall ease of use, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor is extremely user-friendly. The app is intuitive and the device does exactly what it promises.
Accuracy
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor generates 13 metrics, 7 of which are measured. The metrics measured are ball speed, club speed, carry distance, launch direction, launch angle, spin rate and spin axis.
The spin number is measured only when using the Callaway RPT (Rapsodo Precision Technology) Chrome Soft X golf ball. The metrics calculated are total distance, side carry, smash factor, descent angle, apex and shot type (straight, draw, etc.). Spin rate, spin axis and descent angle are new additions to the original Rapsodo MLM.
I tested with range balls, tour quality balls, Callaway RPT balls, and clubs ranging from driver to lob wedges, both indoors and outdoors. The accuracy of the MLM2PRO was very impressive in all settings. Ball speed was always +/- 1 MPH and often exactly in line. The Rapsodo generally had slightly higher club speeds than the Foresight (up to +2 MPH).
However, this may have to do with where the two devices measure the clubs. Carry distances were often in line and never more than +/- 3 yards. Launch angles were generally in line and almost always within 1 degree.
What really shocked me and sets the Rapsodo MLM2PRO apart from other devices in this price range is the spin accuracy. Again, this device only measures spin when using Callaway RPT golf balls, but when it does, it does very well.
Spin speed was within 200 RPM of the Foresight on all shots. Adding the Callaway RPT ball improved the carry distance accuracy to +/- 2 yards for a more accurate match.
Apps and Golf Simulation
While the accuracy of the Rapsodo MLM2PRO is impressive, what really appeals to me is the app. It’s very easy to use, stores a ton of data, has fun modes, and can help you improve your game.
The app has three play modes: Practice, Combine, and Simulation. Practice is the basic range/launch monitor function. One added feature to the Rapsodo MLM2PRO is the built-in camera, which captures video of every swing. The onboard camera also makes it very easy to align the launch monitor.
The benefit of having to enter your clubs is that the app stores the data and helps you evaluate your practice sessions. After your session, the app can provide an insight report with commentary on your accuracy, distance, and consistency.
It can tell you which clubs you need to practice more with and compare your performance to the average golfer in your handicap range. This is a great tool to focus your practice sessions, and the stored data is a great way to learn your club distances.
Combine and Simulation are unlocked with a premium membership, adding a lot of fun and variety to your practice. In Combine, you hit the driver and two target distances. After a series of shots, a score is generated that you can work on improving over time.
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The simulation is similar to the Garmin R10 simulation [reviewed here]. You can play virtually any course, but the graphics are very simple. It’s not an immersive experience, but it’s a great way to mix up your practice, hit different clubs, and prepare for an upcoming round.
Finally, Rapsodo recently announced R-Cloud. This is a web platform that lets you access your data from your computer. You can review your shots, watch swing videos, and even correct shots if you labeled a club incorrectly. It’s a powerful addition, as it gives you another way to reflect on your practice data and focus on future sessions to match your goals.
Third-party apps
In addition to the dedicated apps, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO can be used to power third-party apps for practice or simulation. If you want the best graphics and most realistic simulation experience, go with the E6 Connect.
When you purchase the MLM2PRO, you’ll receive a code to unlock 5 courses in E6 Connect, which is a great way to test out more courses.
The device also powers Awesome Golf (pictured above), which I got to try out for the first time as part of this review. If you purchase the MLM2PRO, you can get a quick taste of Awesome Golf.
The app has a variety of modes, from basic ranges to simulations to arcade-style games where your shots knock down piles of bricks or sink boats. It’s a great option for those who get bored of hitting nets in the winter.
While I think the Rapsodo app itself is great, having these options is just a bonus for players who want more variety.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO Value
There are three things to consider when looking at the value of the Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor. First, the device itself retails for $700.
Second, there’s a premium membership. The first year is included with purchase, but it’s $200 per year thereafter.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, you’ll need a Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X golf ball with the MLM2PRO to get measured spin numbers. The launch monitor comes with one sleeve, and you can buy additional balls from Rapsodo for $70 for 12.
I think the device itself is a great value. The price is a bit unusual. Most similar launch monitors cost $500. But the built-in camera and excellent app make it worth it. If you get a year of premium membership with your purchase, you can decide for yourself if the additional play modes are worth it.
If you use the MLM2PRO indoors, I think it’s worth it. Golf balls are a bit of a tough sell in this equation, but unless you’re a long-distance driving champion, it’s unlikely you’ll break them and add a significant cost to replacement.
Should you buy the Rapsodo MLM2PRO?
Yes, I know there have been a lot of people having connectivity and crashing issues, but I think those issues have been fixed or will be fixed quickly.
And there are some limitations that make it a no-brainer for golfers who want the best data. That means you can’t see all the data at once during a session and you can’t get spin rates outdoors.
There are also a few annoyances, like the inability to edit golf clubs after a session and the fact that the device can’t read short chip shots.
But overall, I highly recommend this product. If the issues mentioned above aren’t deal breakers for you, this is a fantastic golf launch monitor.
Conclusion
Although it is a bit more expensive than many of its competitors, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor is one of the best for under $1,000. It meets the criteria for accuracy while also being incredibly easy to use. Best of all, it is fun to use, so the more you use it, the more you will start to see improvements in your game.
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