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Swing Caddie SC300 Review: One of the Best Launch Monitors Gets an Upgrade
Swing Caddie is one of the leaders in the affordable launch monitor space. Recently, they released their SC300 launch monitor which is an upgrade over the SC200 model that has been out the last several years. I’ve been impressed with the accuracy of their other releases, and interested in finding out how the new model stacks up.
The SC300 has several new features – a dedicated mobile app that stores your data, and the addition of launch angle and apex height. As always, my goal in testing is to establish how accurate it is. Additionally, I want to help you decide whether or not it’s worth spending the extra premium over the SC200, and how it compares to other products in this space.
Update: The SC300 has been discontinued and replaced by the Swing Caddie SC300i, you can read our full review here.
What Does the SC300 Measure?
The promise of the SC300 is impressive. For under $500 it will display the following metrics:
- Swing Speed
- Ball Speed
- Smash Factor
- Carry & Total Yardages
- Launch Angle
- Apex (Max Height)
- Spin rate (using mobile app only)
When I first saw the SC300 at the PGA Merchandise Show, I was impressed by its appearance. It’s a slick piece of hardware that looks more substantial than their prior releases.
Additionally, you can now sync your data via Bluetooth to your phone or tablet, which is a new feature. I found the app very intuitive and well designed. It allows you to store data of your practice sessions and you can see your shot statistics almost immediately. What I liked most was that you don’t need to use the app if you don’t want to. I think this is a better option than products like the FlightScope Mevo, which requires you to use their app.
As with the SC200, the launch monitor quickly speaks your yardages and displays other data almost immediately after impact.
They Kept It Simple Again
One of the main reasons I loved the Voice Caddie SC200 was its simplicity. I think the newer model delivers the same user experience. Simply turn the SC300 on and select what club you are currently hitting, and you are ready to go.
You’ll want to follow the directions on how to space the unit out, especially indoors. The SC300 requires about 11-12 feet total to measure accurately. Since the launch monitor is using radar technology, it requires enough space to see the ball travel. Additionally, you need to select the club you are hitting and the correct loft to get more accurate numbers. You can do this easily with the provided remote, and I did not find it to be too much of a hassle.
The Swing Caddie SC300 has two modes during your practice sessions. The practice mode will display your info after each shot, while the target mode allows you to pick a distance to hit to. The SC200 did display a score after hitting ten shots in target mode, and also offered another “approach” mode which randomized target distances. I was mildly disappointed that they dropped those features, as I felt they added a little more structure to your practice session (if you need it). Overall, I wouldn’t consider it a deal-breaker though.
If you are looking for a quality net to go along with the Swing Caddie SC300, we recommend reading our Spornia SPG-7 review.
Is The SC300 Accurate?
Whenever I test any launch monitor, I am most concerned with accurate carry distances. I believe this is the most important metric to judge any product by, especially if you are using it for practice at home.
I also remind people in these reviews that no launch monitor is perfect. They all have different ways of measuring your ball flight and calculating each metric. Specific models are better indoors because they are using camera technology such as SkyTrak and Foresight Sports.
Generally speaking, the more money you spend, the more features and accuracy you can expect. However, I’ve been on launch monitors that cost between $10,000 – $20,000 that make mistakes from time to time and struggle with specific measurements.
People purchasing launch monitors in the $500 and below category certainly need to temper their expectations. But I have found that many products do offer reasonable accuracy in this price range and can be great practice companions.
I tested the Swing Caddie SC300 indoors versus my SkyTrak. I have found SkyTrak to be very accurate since it uses high-speed cameras to measure. But at $2,000 it’s a significant investment and offers far more data such as your simulated ball flight, spin rates, and several other metrics.
| Club | SkyTrak Carry Yardage | SC300 Carry Yardage | % Difference | SkyTrak Launch Angle | SC300 Launch Angle | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch Shot (LW) | 49 | 51 | 4 | 29.8 | 28 | 6.23 |
| SW | 109 | 112 | 2.71 | 27.7 | 23.6 | 15.98 |
| PW | 130.5 | 127.4 | 2.40 | 24.1 | 28.2 | 15.67 |
| 7-iron | 171.3 | 174.5 | 1.85 | 17 | 20.3 | 17.69 |
| 3-hybrid | 209 | 217 | 3.75 | 12.8 | 16.2 | 23.44 |
| Driver | 255 | 266 | 4.22 | 14.7 | 16 | 8.46 |
Here is a summary of my findings:
- The SC300 did an excellent job of measuring carry distances. I saw similar results on ball speed as well, which is another important metric to measure
- Launch angle was “in the ballpark,” but I believe that the SC300 was overstating my launch angles slightly
- The SC300 struggled quite a bit on apex height. It was showing distances almost double of the SkyTrak and thought it was overestimating them too much. This could be a limitation of the unit indoors.
Overall, I found the SC300 to be very accurate in the carry distance/ball speed department (similar to the SC200). The newer metrics were less accurate, but I still believe the launch angle was close enough that you could get some valuable data. Based on what I saw on apex height, I could not say this was a reliable metric. I am going to try the SC300 outdoors to see if there are any meaningful changes in apex height and update the review when the weather warms up.
Update: I tested the SC300 outdoors. As I expected, I found it to perform better when it had more room to see the ball travel. My carry distances were more consistent, and I felt that the launch angle measurements were closer to what I see on SkyTrak. However, the apex height was still very inconsistent.
The only caveat was that I was using premium range balls that were brand new. Range ball quality can vary greatly, which I explore in this article – so golfers should be aware that practice balls might not be entirely accurate.
How I Would Use It
Budget launch monitors are best used to work on distance control in my opinion. If you are hitting into a net at home, this is a great way to map out your bag and get real feedback on your shots. Instead of guessing how far you are hitting it, now you can get reliable data that can help improve your decision making on the course.
My favorite way to work with any launch monitor is to dial in my wedge distances from 50-100 yards. If this were the only kind of practice you did with the SC300, it would pay huge dividends in your game. My advice is to work on specific yardages to get the feel of each of them and then test yourself by randomly selecting yardage to hit towards.
Since the SC300 is now offering launch angle, you can work on increasing your driver distance. Generally speaking, if you can launch the ball higher with more ball speed (and not too much spin), you will increase your driving distance. I am always trying to launch the ball at around 14-17 degrees. I can’t say there is a right number for all golfers because there are multiple considerations, but this could be a good goal for many of you (if you’re hitting the ball too low or way too high).
SC300 vs. SC200
The big question on a lot of golfers minds will be whether or not they should spend the extra money on the SC300.
The SC200 is an excellent value at just under $300 – you can read my full review here. It gives reliable yardages similar to the SC300. Spending roughly $200 more will get you the app (which I liked), and the addition of launch angle and apex height. Are those features worth more than $200? I guess it depends on the golfer and their budget. They are both very good at what they do for the price.
Wrapping It Up
The SC300 is another excellent release from Swing Caddie. I think their products offer some of the best value in this category. If you’re looking for a great practice companion, especially at home, this will do the trick.
While the accuracy is not perfect, there are plenty of positives that outweigh several of its shortcomings. I loved the addition of the app, and getting your launch angle can help golfers who know what to do with that data.
Typically, the SC300 retails for $549, but you can purchase it here for $449, which is the lowest price you’ll see online.
If you want to learn more about other launch monitors you can read my guide here. Also, this article explores ideas on how to practice with launch monitors effectively.
What is your return policy on the SC300. I have no intentions to return , but you never know. 30 day, 60 day?
Tom – I am not the manufacturer but I checked the site and they said there is a 30 day window to return the unit
Did you end up trying it outside yet?
I just updated the article. When I tested outside I saw more consistency in carry distance and launch angle. However, the apex height still struggled to give consistent readings.
I’ve noticed the same. Apex always seems high.
How does this compare to the Garmin Approach G80 launch monitor?
Based on my testing I would say the distance/ball speed accuracy is fairly comparable between the two units. The SC300 has a few extra measurements it takes as well as the use of the app whereas the Garmin is offering the GPS functionality.
Thank you, Jon, for a great review.
Question: I noticed that spin-rate is not one of the features on the SC300. Is this something to be concerned about when looking to purchase a launch monitor? What is the value of spin rate? Thanks!
Frank – I think spin rate can be valuable if you can get accurate numbers, and you know what to do with them. However, for most golfers, I believe it is overkill. There are so many factors that go into determining an optimal spin rate for each club in a players bag (ball speed, launch angle etc.). Without being adequately trained in how to understand spin rates, it’s a metric that many players won’t know what to do with. For example, my spin rates are very low, which would be a problem for most golfers. However, I’m able to launch the ball high enough with enough speed to make it work. Another player with slower ball speed would not be able to play golf effectively with such low spin rates; they would need more spin to keep the ball in the air. I could go on forever with endless variations on spin – hopefully you get my point 🙂
That was a great response for us to understand spin rate. But if you could explain in simple terms – if you are hitting an 9 iron into a green I assume the higher the spin rate the better the ball will stay close to where it hit the green vs keep rolling. And for the driver a lower spin rate is better than I higher number? Thank you
You are right to an extent. I think what you are missing is when a ball is hit and spinning the dimple design on the ball gives it lift (and side spin), therefore affects shot shape. Lets use round numbers for ease of calculation. How far your 9 goes compared to Jon’s is also a factor you need to consider but for example if I hit my 9 iron (145 carry) I’d like to see about 9000rpm spin to get a 45 degree descent angle as it lands on the green. If that ball was spinning at 5000rpm it would gain less lift in flight so a lower flight, lower descent angle and as you mentioned it would keep rolling. Great shot to have if you need to hit a shot under a branch, land short of the green and let it run up to the pin but not ideal if you are in the fairway. Now Jon, hitting a low spin high launching shot with enough club head speed could also hit the 9 145yds but his shot shape would look different than mine. His would get up in the air faster (higher launch angle) and could also come down at 45 degrees and stop but likely not spin back. Both get the job done. If you spin it 12k rpm the ball would rise up too fast and you would lose distance. I can hit a high spin 9 when needed but I’d have to play it to fly less than 140yds and estimating how much it will spin back is difficult. Think of a paper plane with the rear flaps bent up. Bend them just right and the velocity you throw it (club head speed) and the amount you bend the flaps up (launch angle and/or ball spin/lift) gives you a perfect flight.
As for the driver the lowest spin that will keep the ball aloft long enough is optimal. It’s finding what’s optimal for your swing or your paper plane. They are all different and require the right amount of lift to fly best. So lower on a driver is not necessarily better. You may gain distance with your paper plane by bending the flaps up a bit and let lift keep the plane flying further or maybe you fold a dart plane and throw it extremely hard. You can get it to the same place in different ways but I believe getting there with the least amount of effort is most repeatable and consistent.
in an outside range does this unit need to be perfectly level with the matt you are playing off? not many ranges have wide enough matts to support a level launch monitor?
For best results, the unit does need to be level to the mat. You also need it to be about 5-6 feet behind the ball. I’ve found that placing a book (or something of similar thickness) beneath the SC300 can help make sure it’s level with a driving range mat.
Will the SC300 record swing speeds for swings made without hitting a ball? Wondering if I can use it for monitoring my progress during speed training.
I will estimate speeds but I’m not sure how accurate they will be without ball information
does anyone having a problem reading your driver (distance)? i only hit off grass driving range..
should i put it on a book or something?
$499?!? Would love to buy it for that price!!
Do you have any experience with humidity/splash water?!?
Thx for your great review
I am considering purchasing one of your launch monitors but our primary range consists of a lake where the balls land in which case I am curious if there has been any info on our effective the device is in this particular situation.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
I’d be interested in a swing speed mode only comparison with the “Swing Speed Radar”. It would be nice to have it all in one unit.
I bought the SC300 and like its simplicity and ease of use. Sometimes it measures a bit shorter than the actual distance you hit it, and if you do snap hook or something a bit wild it can’t follow but in those cases who cares. However, the Android app is in Korean and I can’t get it to register so I haven’t been able to connect the SC300 to my phone, so I’m unable to collect data. This is pretty annoying. I heard that a release was due for June 2019, but haven’t seen anything. Has anyone found a way to install the app so it works as described in this article (and in a couple youtube videos as well so it must be possible).
Thanks.
App us out for android now. In English. Works great.
Great review, I am getting a SC300. Any idea how to track history swing stats for more than one player?
I can only get to the range at night. How much does light quality affect accuracy?
Sc 200 can give a few rogue distances especially with driver which means lookigbac at stats isn’t accurate also on 200 battery life for 4 batteries is 4 hours which isn’t clever imy opinion when they say 20 hours
I do not own a smart phone and looking for golf swing monitor. Does the SC300 fit my desires?
Any suggestion for high handicapped along with slow a speed swing 82 years old. Thanks Adam
Does $449.00 for SC300 come with carrying case?
it does not
How easy is reading the screen in bright sun (like Arizona)?
I don’t think you’ll have any issues, the numbers are very clearly displayed. You also have the option of using the app on your phone to display your data as well.
The target mode seems pointless. It’s easier to decide what distance you want to hit and try to hit it as opposed to selecting the distance on the device or with the remote. It doesn’t save your data when in target mode so I don’t see the point unless you simply don’t want it to affect your averages that are saved when using practice mode (this is probably the case, but it would be nice if it saved target mode data in a different place so you can still track your target mode shots since you are probably trying to hit distances with different wedges and different ball flights).
Can you turn off the voice mode if in the company of others on the range?
Hello, I was wondering if the SC300 offers swing speed mode like the SC200? It is a mode where you don’t have to hit a ball and it will tell you your club head speed.
Thanks
It does, unfortunately – that is a newer feature for the SC200+
Did you mean to say it doesn’t here? Any chance they will be adding the swing speed feature to the SC300 anytime soon?
It does not currently measure swing speed without hitting a ball (practice mode in the SC200+). I’m not sure if that feature will be added or not, as it might be a hardware limitation.
I Have a 12×12 hitting net.
Will it work hitting into it?
I Have a 12×12 hitting net.
Will it work hitting into it?
I read lots of reviews regarding these launch monitors, and I appreciated all your articles…, and I would like to take the offer of this unbelievable price…
Just want to know who is the seller behind this SC300 Swing Caddie launch monitor, and if it is covered by manufacture warranty…
Thanks!
Compared SC300 to Mevo+ how about your companion?
If you are looking for ease of use, I prefer the SC300+
You can read my review of the Mevo here: https://practical-golf.com/flightscope-mevo-review/
Do you have your review for Mevo+ ?
Hey Jon, Really enjoy your articles and website. I am interested in a personal launch monitor, but wouldn’t buy anything without spin information. Was hoping for a little more critique on this for SC300. Looked at Mevo, don’t like the idea of the “dots,” although I heard that may have been addressed! Thanks, Bill
Thanks! The SC300 does display spin rate information in the mobile app, but not directly on the screen of the launch monitor itself.
Can you use the SC 300 with the super speed golf system?
It does not have a specific swing speed mode, if you plan on using it with the SuperSpeed system I would recommend the SC200+
Are there under $500 launch monitors that measure direction as well?
That seems like more important information to have than distance.
Your best bet for that information would be the Rapsodo MLM when used outdoors
Can metallic dots improve detection and accuracy for indoor practice?
Have you noticed less (or no) detection for practice mode indoors?
do you knok if you can use wireless headphones?
I purchased the 300i. I can’t get it to recorder swing speed without hitting a ball. According to documentation it is a feature. Any advice?