FlightScope Mevo vs. Mevo+ Launch Monitors

FlightScope was the first of the “Big Three” launch monitor companies to come down to the consumer level with their Mevo launch monitor.  After the success of Mevo, they released Mevo Plus as a bridge from the stripped-down Mevo to their pro-level X3.  In this review, I’ll pit the Mevo vs. Mevo+ to let you know which one you should invest in.

Full review of the Mevo HERE

Full review of the Mevo+ HERE

Find our list of the best launch monitors for every budget HERE

What’s in the Box?

With both Mevo devices, you get the launch monitor, a charging cable, and some instructional material.  One substantial difference is that the Mevo comes with a red carrying pouch, the Mevo Plus comes with a sturdy case.  The Mevo feels pretty tough, but a proper case would be nice.

It’s also worth noting that the Mevo+ includes the wall adapter so you can charge it from any outlet.  The Mevo just has the charging cable, so you’ll need to plug it into a USB port on your computer.

Finally, I’m going to mention the size difference here.  The Mevo will fit comfortably in your pocket.  Mevo+ is compact and can slide into your golf bag, but it’s about four times the size of Mevo.  If you’re going to use your launch monitor at a range, I’d actually prefer the larger device as I’d worry about someone carelessly giving the tiny Mevo the boot.

Winner: Mevo+.  For $500, I’d like the Mevo to come with a case.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Both the FlightScope Mevo and Mevo Plus are fairly easy to use for anyone who regularly uses a smart phone.  The Mevo connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth; the Mevo Plus creates a WiFi network that your device connects to.  In both cases, the connection happens automatically when you open the app.

Both devices charge via USB port and have an array of lights on the front.  The lights are not particularly intuitive, so it’s nice to have the Quick Start manual handy to decode them.

Once your app is connected to the Mevo or Mevo Plus, you’ll go to settings.  This is where you’ll input where you’re using the device (Short Indoor, Indoor, Outdoor), how far the Mevo is from the ball, and how much ball flight you have if you’re on Short Indoor.  Inputting these parameters doesn’t take more than a minute.

With Mevo Plus, there are two extra steps.  As you can see above on the left, there’s a camera that you can use to align the Mevo+ with your target to improve accuracy.  You also need to set the tilt, which I found to be a bit aggravating.  The monitor won’t work if the tilt is wrong, but it doesn’t tell you which direction to adjust it.  This isn’t a major issue and it doesn’t take long to adjust, but it’s a small thing that could be improved.

One other note is that both units, in the stock setting, really want to go to sleep.  If you leave them idle for just a short time, they take a nap.  Unless you’re firing off shots every few seconds, I’d strongly recommend going to the settings and extending the sleep time.  This will hurt battery life somewhat, but it’s worth it to not miss shots.

Winner: Tie.  The set up is almost identical.  The Mevo Plus does have a couple extra steps, but they’re short, and they provide the additional data that you bought Mevo Plus for.

The Data

FlightScope Mevo puts out eight parameters: carry distance, club head speed, smash factor, apex, flight time, ball speed, spin rate, and vertical launch angle.

Mevo+ has those eight and adds another eight: horizontal launch angle, lateral landing, angle of attack, total distance, roll distance, spin axis, spin loft, and shot shape.

If we’re being honest, some of the data points are pretty weak.  I think I’m on solid ground when I say that no one cares about their shot’s flight time.  Also, making total distance a unique parameter if you have carry and roll feels flimsy, as does shot shape.

If you want to really get into the details about your swing (11 more data points), you can upgrade your Mevo+ with the Pro Package for an additional $1,000 and add club path, face to path, face to target, vertical swing plane, horizontal swing place, low point, dynamic loft, vertical descent angle, curve, speed profile, and acceleration profile.

Winner: Mevo Plus.  With the number of consumer grade launch monitors growing constantly, swing speed and carry distance for $500 just isn’t that impressive.  Mevo+ is more expensive but it produces a lot more data.

Accuracy

One of the things that’s unique to Mevo and Mevo Plus, compared to any other personal launch monitor I know of, is the suggested use of metallic dots on the golf ball.  As it says on the bag, this is only for indoor use, and FlightScope insists, “Spin accuracy without a metallic sticker is well within acceptable levels.”

In my testing, I found that the metallic dots did not change the readings, but they did keep the Mevo and Mevo+ from missing shots.  On Short Indoor mode, shots with unmarked balls were often missed.  With a marked ball, a missed shot was pretty rare.

I found both units to be reasonably accurate compared to a Tour-quality launch monitor.  One thing worth noting is that club data can change noticeably from one launch monitor to another.  This is due to the difference in positioning and the points that are measured.  While Mevo+ may not produce the exact same numbers as a Foresight, I found the data to be consistent and logical.

Winner: Tie.  Both units are impressively consistent in the data they provide.

The Apps

Let’s start with some of the basics.  Both Mevo and Mevo+ can run on iOS and Android (I tested on iOS).  Mevo uses the dedicated Mevo app.  Mevo+ uses the FlightScope Golf app and the FlightScope Skills app.

Both apps are reasonably user friendly.  There is a fair amount of depth in the settings, but much of that can be ignored if you prefer a plug-and-play experience.  In both apps, you can customize the data displayed and use video.  Video needs to be recorded by your phone or tablet, so I wish FlightScope had included some kind of phone mount the way Garmin did with the R10 [review HERE].

One feature that stands out in both apps is the ability to set data parameters.  If you’re working on wedge distance control, you might set your range from 50-60 yards.  Shots inside this range will appear green; shots outside will appear red.  This is a nice way to maintain focus on one thing and immediately see your success.

The biggest differentiator is the Mevo Plus’s ability to use the FlightScope Skills app.  Using this app is a fantastic way to practice.  It has preset combines and the ability to create your own challenges.  This makes your practice measurable and pressure-packed.  Just be warned: the Tour combine is very humbling.

Winner: Mevo+, mainly on the strength of the Skills app.

Simulation

Only the FlightScope Mevo Plus offers simulated golf.  Simulation is done through the E6 CONNECT app and consists of five courses, seventeen ranges, one mode of play, online events, and mini games.  Per FlightScope, the five courses are only available in iOS.  Those five courses are yours permanently with the purchase of Mevo Plus; additional courses can be added through E6.

Winner: Mevo+

Value

There is a substantial price difference between Mevo and Mevo Plus.  FlightScope Mevo retails for $500, Mevo+ costs $2,000.  Also, as I noted earlier, you can add more club data to the Mevo+ for an additional $1,000.

With a 4X price difference, it’s hard to compare the Mevo to the Mevo Plus as apples to apples.  What I can say is that, compared to similarly priced units, I think Mevo falls short.  In contrast, I think Mevo+ is excellent compared to other devices in its price range.

Please consider supporting our sponsor, PlayBetter.com, by purchasing your Mevo or Mevo+ HERE.

Conclusion

In the battle of FlightScope’s affordable launch monitors, Mevo+ reigns supreme.  It produces a lot more data, offers simulation, and it gives you access to the FS Skills app.  It’s a much bigger investment, but you get a lot for the money.  For golfers who are trying to stay in the $500 range, keep an eye out for upcoming shootouts with the Mevo, Garmin R10, and Swing Caddie SC300i [review HERE].

Buy FlightScope Mevo or Mevo+ HERE

Visit FlightScope HERE

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Matt Saternus

Founder, Editor In Chief at PluggedInGolf.com

Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Plugged In Golf. He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

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