50 Words or Less
The PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor is an important tool for those working to add club head speed. Strong accuracy when measuring speed. Affordable.
Introduction
When most golfers think of a launch monitor, they think about a Trackman with a five-figure price tag. That’s out of reach for most golfers, but the PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor is not. At $199, this pocket-sized piece of tech provides accurate feedback on strike quality and swing speed so you can get faster and improve your game.
Find a review of the updated 2021 model HERE
Set Up & Ease of Use
Using the PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor couldn’t be much easier. Install the batteries, set it down a few feet behind your hitting area, and turn it on. There are five buttons which allow you to cycle through modes and select clubs, but none of that is absolutely necessary to the functioning of the device.
The display is easy to read and tilts toward the player. Only three numbers are displayed – club speed, ball speed, and distance – so it’s easy to know exactly what happened at a glance.
Effectiveness
The first big question for any launch monitor at this price is, “How accurate is it?” When it comes to club speed and ball speed, the PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor is very accurate. I ran it head-to-head against a Foresight GC2 and it was consistently +/- 1 MPH on both club and ball speed. Additionally, I experienced very few missed shots, which is impressive.
When it comes to measuring distance, the PRGR Black, like all other launch monitors in this price range, is guessing. Because it doesn’t measure launch angle or spin rate, the PRGR Black guesses the distance based on the club that you’ve selected. These guesses are going to be reasonably accurate for many players, but those who are outside the fat part of the bell curve – high/low launchers or spinners – won’t want to rely on these yardages.
The PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor is a valuable tool for two reasons. First, by accurately measuring smash factor, it provides feedback on the quality of your ball striking. This is crucial, especially when hitting shots into a net.
The other key feature of the PRGR Black is that it can measure club head speed without hitting a ball. This makes it a natural partner for SuperSpeed training [review HERE]. Adding the knowledge of exactly how fast each swing is makes your speed training more meaningful, effective, and it adds motivation. Imagine lifting weights without knowing how many pounds were on the bar or running sprints without a stop watch. That’s what you’re doing if you’re training speed without a launch monitor.
Longevity
The PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor is a device that you’ll be using every time that you’re training for speed or hitting balls into a net. For the serious player, that should give this device excellent longevity.
Value
The PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor retails for $199 through the Super Speed website HERE. If you’re trying to build up your club head speed, this is a tool that is absolutely worth having. It’s also a great piece to own if you hit balls indoors. Unless you want to get into the $500 class, this is the best launch monitor you can buy.
If you play baseball or softball, you can get additional value out of its ability to measure pitch and bat speed.
Save 10% with the code SATERNUSFEB21
Conclusion
If you want to get the most out of your speed training, the PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor is a great piece of equipment. It adds critical feedback and motivation to each speed training session, and it’s a huge addition if you’re hitting balls into a net.
Buy PRGR Black Portable Launch Monitor HERE
Use Coupon Code SATERNUSFEB21 to Save 10%
Matt Saternus
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#GetFit2021 full bag fitting! YES!!
On “guessing” for the distance number: Does the monitor have “pre-figured” carry distances for each club that are determined by ball speed and quality of strike? I tend to add some serious bad side spin on slightly poor struck shots will this equate to less carry distance to rely that when hitting into a net? Thanks #GetFit2021
Jeff,
My guess is that for each club there’s some kind of multiplier that, together with the ball speed, predicts a distance.
Best,
Matt
Been looking into this unit. Great write up!
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021. Seems reasonable for the price. Might give it a try.
Good info- keep up the good work!
#GetFit2021
I’ve used this monitor for several months and it’s great. Very accurate and easy to use.
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
looks interesting #get fit 2021
It sounds like a great piece of equipment at a very reasonable price. I’d love to be fitted for new clubs #GetFit2021!!!
Does it work outdoors also or just indoors ❓
Jim,
It works anywhere.
-Matt
#getfit2021 Matt I did a golf survey a couple weeks ago that asked me to select my fave golf websites, PluggedInGolf wasn’t pre-listed as option but I wrote you in 😁. Thanks for the great reviews!
I just received mine and tried using it indoors without hitting a ball to measure swing speed. Tried it inline behind me as suggested and also face on in front. The numbers it was spitting out was way off. I recently had a session on a GC Quad and my speed is around 117 mph with driver. This thing was saying I’m in the high 80 mph range 30mph out! Needless to say I’m returning it.
Quad doesn’t read club head speed. Only ball and gives you an estimate on club head speed based off ball speed.
I don’t believe this is accurate.
-Matt
Sounds like a definite add to my wishlist #GetFit2021
#GetFit2021 Looks like an interesting product to try that won’t break the bank.
Should I get fit before begining speed training or after. #getfit2021
Cameron,
I would suggest checking out Par4Success and doing their assessment before you start overspeed training. The assessment will tell you whether your body is ready for more speed immediately or if you have strength or mobility deficits that need to be addressed first.
Best,
Matt
#GetFit2021 – Love the work Matt!
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
Looks like something to try out.
#GetFit2021
I have no experience with launch monitors but would this work as well on the driving range? Even if hitting off a mat?
#GetFit2021
Adam,
Yes, it works anywhere.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for the write-up Matt. My net is pretty close to my mat. Do you know how many feet of ball travel it needs to get a good ball speed measurement?
#GetFit2021
John,
I was getting good readings with only about six feet of ball flight.
Best,
Matt
GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
Finally something at a reasonable price… Great review. Do you think it would also pick up a tennis ball? Specifically interested in serve speed.
Ian,
That’s an interesting question. I would guess it could, but I think the problem might be the PRGR’s limited “range of vision”. But I’m open to being completely wrong about that.
-Matt
Been using this device since last May for Superspeed training. Like you said, great for clubhead speed or ball speed. Kinda suspect on the distance numbers. #GetFit2021
#Getfit2021. Great review.
#GetFit2021
Matt, finally a great device us seniors can afford! Thank you sir! #GetFit21
#GetFit2021
#GetFit2021 more in my price range Thanks!
Very exciting that this is available to the more average player like myself. Two questions though, is there anything in the lower price range that does track spin rates? And do you think that technology is coming soon? Thanks! #GetFit2021
Ross,
I’m sure things will continue to get cheaper over time. Right now, Flight Scope Mevo is the only unit that I know of under $1000 that tracks spin.
Best,
Matt
This would give me some good information on my poor ball striking. Thanks for the review.#GetFit2021
Do you know how any devices in the the similar price range that measure spin? distance doesn’t make much of a difference if it is on the wrong fairway
#GetFit2021
Jared,
Nothing in this price range measures spin.
Best,
Matt
Which model are you Talking about? HS120A or HS130A?
Rich,
The model shown and reviewed here is the 120. The 130 was reviewed here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2021-prgr-black-portable-launch-monitor-review/
-Matt
From his review I will consider it. #getfit2021
Hi Matt, I have the PRGR launch monitor and it a really cool device for the price. I use it every time I go to the range. Every thing you mentioned is correct. Very easy to use. Just have to remember to switch between clubs on the display. #GetFit2021
#GetFit2021
Purchased one of these this past Fall and can confirm your findings. I used it outdoors at a TrackMan Range to check accuracy. Ball speed #’s were very consistent (within 1 or 2mph) compared with the TrackMan Range. Works great indoors as well. Happy with the purchase.
#GetFit2021
Good writ-up. Have been curious about personal launch monitors and their performance
#GetFit2021
Looks like a great tool at a great price. Thank you for the review and the discount code. I will definitely look into adding this to my preseason training here in the northeast.
#GetFit2021
#GETFIT2021
#GETFIT2021
I am a proud owner of both the PRGR launch monitor and Super Speed training sticks. Have only used them indoors so far, but am impressed with the simplicity of use. #GetFit2021
#getfit2021
thanks for the news and the discount. Looks promising
#GetFit2021
Love this! When I’m looking for consistency and not robotics, I am +/- 25 yards with every club because I can’t dial in the speed. This gives me just enough feedback to perfection. #GetFit2021
I have one, and it’s very good. I’ve found that it tends to measure a bit faster than the swing speed numbers I get on Trackman. Probably 2-5 mph faster. My ego would love to believe that I’m swinging as fast as it says, but I’m pretty sure the PRGR numbers are a little higher! However, they are consistently higher and don’t jump around. And it’s not by much. So if you want to know if that last swing was really faster than the one before, it works great for the money.
Daniel,
That’s an interesting finding. My suspicion with Trackman has always been that it reports a little slow on the club head but overestimates smash factor, but that’s just a guess. As you say, as long as it’s consistent, it’s useful.
Best,
Matt
#GetFit2021 Sounds like a valuable tool that won’t break the bank. I greatly appreciate the reviews that I receive from Plugged in Golf each week!
Very interesting read, I just might have to invest in it.
#GetFit2021
Loved seeing this review, as I’ve been poking around getting a more affordable launch monitor. Will be picking this one up and using your code. Thanks Matt!
#GetFit2021
Great Review! Not a bad little unit, especially for home practice #GetFit2021
Neat. I might get to add to my backyard set up. #GetFit2021
Thanks for the info. Just picked a PRGR Black up.
Also thanks for opportunity new club champion store just opened up in Iowa.
#GetFit2021
Got this recently to go with my Speedstick set – haven’t used it yet, but glad to hear the accuracy/reliability reaffirmed. Thanks! #GetFit2021
GetFit2021 Yes
#GetFit2021 First site I visit when reviewing clubs to test
How is it compared to Rapsodo?
Arman,
We have a full review of the Rapsodo MLM here: https://pluggedingolf.com/rapsodo-mlm-mobile-launch-monitor-review/
-Matt
#GetFit2021
Does it actually measure “Ball Speed” as well?
Yes.
-Matt
SATERNUSFEB21
Does work anymore.
Mark,
Please try: SATERNUSAPR21
-Matt
Matt- Great review. I recently purchase one and received the 2021 model (HS-130a) that has a four data display and a wider screen. Supposedly, the radar has been improved for better feedback on high lofted clubs. Looking forward to speed training with it.
hello I have a quick question about the club indicator.
W is for woods, do you use W1 for driver?
is “UT” for utility iron or hybrid club?
thank you,
Mike,
Yes, 1W is the driver and UT is for utilities or hybrids.
Best,
Matt
Thanks, Matt for the review. Missed the boat on your code – it is no longer effective.
Jerry,
If you use the current month, it should work. I try to keep these updated but sometimes fall behind.
-Matt
Matt,
OCT code not working yet.
Randy,
There’s a new code in the review of the updated model here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2021-prgr-black-portable-launch-monitor-review/
-Matt
Just ordered and the link Matt provided yielded pretty decent bundle discount.
Thank you for sharing the review Matt!
It has been very helpful for swing speed and my training program. However, when hitting balls, my carry and total distance for my high irons…9 iron etc…has a differential consistently of over 30 yards. Is this normal? Is it me? Thanks
Jason,
30 yards is a bit unusual but most of these less expensive launch monitors struggle with the high and low ends of the bag.
-Matt
Wife just bought me prgr for father’s day. Very excited to try. Am confused. All distance numbers are short by 2 clubs or so. Consistent thru the bag. Help??
Jeff,
If you’re setting it up per the manufacturers instructions and getting bad results, I would contact the maker to get a replacement.
-Matt