Dancin Dogg OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator

Indoor Golf.... gotta love it. I bought the Optishot after hearing about it from a friend. I was considering a swing aid like the Swingbyte and heard that the Optishot allowed you to play virtual courses and get feedback on your swing. Perfect. After ordering it I hooked it up in my basement and used my projector on a huge 10 x 8 tarp I bought from Lowes and propped my swing area up using extra carpet I had. The optishot appears to be fairly accurate on some occasions like my irons, and off on others, like my 330yrds drives. But I've been working on a new swing (the Swing Machine by Paul Wilson) and the Optishot has been super helpful in allowing me to straighten out my swing. it also let me know that I've been gripping the club too hard causing either a closed or open club head. All these things have been useful as I've been working a new swing for about 5 months now. What's more uselful is that I've been recording my shots with the V1 on my phone swinging into the optishot, which has allowed me to see my swing and the feedback from the optishot. All these added up to my first sub 90 game, 79 in the Maui course. We'll see if that translates to the actual course come spring.

I find playing courses and hitting the driving range to be very different experiences, both enjoyable. At the range I hone in my shots and on the course, I bail myself out of trouble. I only wish it came with more courses, it has 10ish?) or I could hook the wii up to it cause the courses at $49 is a little costly. But so far it's made Michigan winters extremely fun.

Dancin Dogg OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator (Now Includes 3 Free Championship Courses) Product By Dancin Dogg (88 customers reviews) Lowest Price : $299.99  You Save: $99.96 (25%) FREE One-Day Shipping   Available From 21 Sellers

Product Details

• NEW: OptiShot Open Series - 3 Free National Championship Courses
• OptiShot National Championship Package includes: Red Wickers, Golden Gate Club, and Capitol Club
• NEW: 6 month FREE subscription to Optishot Live Launch online competition
• Club head speed, Face angle, Swing path
• Library of world class golf courses

Product Description

OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator combines pinpoint accurate swing analysis in a highly realistic, three-dimensional visual golf environment... All in the comfort of your own home. Optishot combines Dancin' Dogg’s award winning accurate swing and shot analysis with our own proprietary three dimensional visual golf software called "3DD Golf".

Amazon.com

The OptiShot provides a remarkably lifelike 3D golf experience.

The OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator combines pinpoint accurate swing analysis in a highly realistic, three-dimensional visual golf environment, all in the comfort of your own home.

Buy Now. Get More. A $200 Value Included with Purchase
For a limited time, when you purchase the OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator, you will get 3 National Championship Courses in the OptiShot Open Series software, and a 6 month subscription to Optishot Live Launch online competition. A $200 value now included with purchase. Offered upon product registration. Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information on this promotion.
OptiShot is committed to customer satisfaction and provides free technical support. Review the User Manual for more information. You can also contact Dancin' Dogg directly at support.dancindogg.com, by email at support@dancindogg.com, and by phone at 1-866-941-3644.
The OptiShot is really three devices in one: 

3D Golf Software
OptiShot allows you to play replications of some of the world's most famous golf courses, like Torrey Pines and Big Horn Golf Club in Southern California. 

True Simulation
Distance and direction of a golf shot are determined at the point of impact. True simulation uses scientific methods to capture impact data, and relays the results in real-time to the player in a visual display that replicates each shot. Dancin' Dogg combines sophisticated optical sensor data with three dimensional replicated courses.
Features:

• Growing library of world class golf courses
• Play with up to four players
• Hit all shots from tee to green
• Use your own clubs
• Putt out or choose auto putt
• Amazing realism

Instant, real-time swing analysis will help you fine-tune your game.

Accurate Swing Analyzer
Sixteen advanced infrared optical sensors accurately measure your club through the impact zone, capturing shot impact conditions.
Features:

• Club head speed
• Face angle
• Swing path
• Toe/center/heel-to-face contact
• Visual feedback of each shot

What You Need
To take full advantage of the OptiShot, you only need a computer (minimum system requirements: Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7; 2GB of memory and 3GB of disk space; high end graphics card required for 3D golf), golf club, and 8.5-foot or higher ceilings. The device is for indoor use only. 

Easy Setup
Setup is a snap. Simply install the software and plug the Optical Swing Pad in to your Windows computer; practice using your own clubs in the comfort of your home and hit real balls, foam balls, or no balls at all; and play full rounds of golf with up to four players.

Start Up Costs of an Indoor Golf Center

Running an indoor golf business involves creating a facility where golfers play rounds on a golf simulator that projects an image of a course and uses sophisticated sensors to depict the real shot in a virtual environment. There are many of these businesses existence, and most are in colder climates.

If you are considering opening an indoor golf center, success turns on 4 basic items:

•     How well you manage start up costs
•     How fully you keep simulators rented
•     Prospects for add on revenues from food and beverage, merchandise or lessons
•     How well you control operational costs

Depending on the size of your facility and the amenities, start up costs can be significant. Many indoor golf centers start small and grow as they see their revenues grow. Others take a decidedly more ambitious approach and build a premium facility from the start. Choose a path that makes sense for you, your budget and matches your clientele.

One of the major expenses will include the cost of the golf simulators. For a commercial operation, these can run as little as $15,000 or as much as $60,000. Price will depend on a host of factors, software features, number of courses and size of the system. Some facilities mix the simulators, purchasing several basic ones and one or two high end systems. This enables them to offer premium services without the extra start up expense.

Another start up expense will be your facility costs. In most cases, facilities will be leases, but a few do chose to buy / build a facility. In the event you are doing a commercial lease, there will likely be build out expenses to suit your specific design. It may make sense to get help from a commercial real estate pro to help you negotiate these as part of your lease.

The types of complimentary services you chose offer will drive other start up expenses. If you are going to do food and beverage, you will have a few other costs. Licensing for food and beverage will be one such expense. Building out a kitchen will be another. Even a low end kitchen with used equipment will run over $20,000. Don't forget about marketing, recruiting, website, network and signage expenses.

Take a look at all your expenses and figure out which ones are the keys to your success. Be sure to get the right equipment on the items that are critical to your success and perhaps defer those that are not as critical until after you have a strong revenue stream.
Learn more at http://www.yardstickgolf.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7498738

Dancin Dogg OptiShot Golf Swing Simulator Review

The Dancin Dogg OptiShot Golf Simulator is one of the only indoor golf swing analysis systems available that actually works and is in an affordable price range, at under $400, and unless you are willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars, the only other virtual golf simulation system that comes close, is the P3ProSwing Pro Golf Simulator, which costs around $600.
The Dancin Dogg Golf Simulator will provide you with hours of fun, the opportunity to play as much golf as you like on some of the worlds most famous golf courses and more importantly it will enable you to significantly improve all areas of your golf game, all of which can be done in the comfort of your own home.
 

The Dancin Dogg OptiShot package comes with a high-tech sensing platform, CD's to upload the highly advanced 3D golf simulator software and a USB cable so you can link it all up to your personal computer.

The sensing pad, also known as the Infrared Optical Swing Pad, is where you play all your shots from. It has an extremely durable artificial grass mat on top and 16 highly sophisticated infrared optical sensors.

These sensors are the key to the Dancin Dogg OptiShot Golf Simulator's success! They accurately measure all of the key areas of your swing, like club head speed, face angle, swing path and toe/center/heel-to-face contact and relay this data in real time back to the software on your computer.

This will provide you with an extremely accurate three-dimensional visual analysis of your swing, so you will clearly be able to see the shape of your shots and how far you are hitting the ball.

It will also provide you with crucial information that you can use to improve your swing technique and consistency, like the degree at which your club face was open or closed, whether your swing path was out to in, square or in to out, your club head speed and your swing tempo.

The Dancin Dogg OptiShot Golf Simulator can be set up to support both right and left-handed players and gives you the opportunity to test your golfing abilities and improve your course management skills on some of the worlds most famous golf courses, including Torrey Pines and Big Horn Golf Club in Southern California.

One important feature though, that the Dancin Dogg is missing though, is the angle of attack. Not only does this prevent the sensors in the OptiShot Golf Simulator from detecting whether you've topped the golf ball or hit it fat, but your angle of attack is also an important distance factor.

This is probably why the occasional users are finding out that some of their distance readings on the OptiShot Golf Simulator are not always completely accurate. However, this is a simple problem to correct, as you can adjust the distances on the system (e.g. increase distance 10%, decrease distance 5%, etc.) to make them align with your real ones.

Keep up to date with the very best Golf Swing Simulators currently available and learn how to master all areas of your golfing performance with the very latest Golf Training Aids to hit the market!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6784526

What is the Best Golf Ball to Use on a Golf Simulator?

I wanted to test a series of balls which were relatively inexpensive and readily available in most golf retail stores and pro shops. I choose not to use the top of the line of golf balls, for this test, because all playable golf balls will break down eventually and most of the advantages of the high end golf balls have negligible affect on a simulator. In my option it is a waste of money to use a $4 golf ball on an indoor golf simulator, when you can use a $1 ball and get the same results.
 

The Test:
I ran an indoor golf league from my business; I used a different group of 6 balls for each week. The same players played 9 holes each week on the same golf simulator. I limited the variables for the study, by holding everything constant except for the golf balls. I had 8 players, each player using their own golf clubs. At the end of each week, I traded out the balls and replaced them with six new test balls. The six test balls were placed in a bin next to the simulator, and the players were only allowed to use the balls, I had provided.

The Results:
At the end of the test, which ran for four weeks; 8 players and 9 holes per week, the results are as follows:

Callaway HX Hot Plus
The Callaway ball held up great! There was a little wear and tear on the balls, mostly due to friction from using wedges and the grooves cutting the exterior of the ball. There was only one out of six balls which were used, that I wouldn't use again on another round.

Nike Power Distance Soft
The Nike held up pretty good, there was one ball which had a small crack in the shell. Three of the six balls showed a fair amount of friction cuts. I threw away three of the six balls used.

Noodle +
This ball held up great for the first few weeks...but then it fell apart. I had one ball completely break into two pieces. An additional two balls had cracks on the shell and were removed from the test before the fourth week. But for the price, I was surprised they lasted as long as they did.

Titleist NXT Extreme
Overall the ball held up very well, there was a little friction cuts on a few of the balls and only one small crack on one of the golf balls. I only threw away that one ball.

The Winner:
Based on the results of my small study I would recommend the Callaway and the Titleist balls. They both held up well and I was able to use the balls for many rounds after the study was complete. The price is right for both of the balls. If I had to declare a winner: Callaway takes the prize.

Honorable Mention:
Again for the price the Noodle was a good ball, you might just need to get good at picking up shards of golf ball off your floor.

The Loser:
The Nike Power Distance Soft really surprised me. I thought the soft ball would have held up better than it did. Yes the Callaway and Titleist are a few bucks more than the Nike, but it's worth it.

My company Sports Entertainment Specialists, Inc. sells and services golf simulators for TruGolf and Visual Sports. We offer many different options in the exciting world of simulated gaming. http://www.sesgaming.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3290453

Best Value Indoor Golf Swing Simulators

Until fairly recently, the only indoor golf swing simulators that worked or were worthwhile using could only be found at your local golf course or in the homes of the extremely wealthy. The average golfer could only dream of owning their very own indoor golf swing simulator system that they could use to develop their game in the comfort of their own home.

 

Luckily though, times have changed and now there are a couple of extremely accurate and very affordable indoor and home golf simulator systems that work and can be purchased for less than $600's. The couple that I am referring to are the Dancin Dogg OptiShot Golf Swing Simulator which costs just under $400's and the P3ProSwing Pro Golf Swing Simulator that costs just under $600's.

Of course you can spend anything up to $2/3,000's to get the full upgrades on these simulator systems, like practice mats, driving nets and full size screens, etc (which is still an amazing deal, when you consider that you could be spending $20,000 plus on some of the other golf simulation systems available), but the basic packages provide the same swing analysis software, that is all important.

The Dancin Dogg Indoor Golf Simulator System:

The Dancin Dogg OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator system is one of the best value golf swing analyzers on the market and provides you with the opportunity to play replications of some of the world's most famous golf courses, including the likes of Torrey Pines and Big Horn Golf Club in Southern California.

Using 16 highly sophisticated optical sensors, the Dancin Dogg Simulator gives you visual confirmation and immediate feedback on where you are going wrong in your swing, by accurately measuring all of the key areas, including club head speed, club face angle, swing path and toe/center/heel-to-face contact.

The P3ProSwing Pro Indoor Golf Simulator System:

The P3ProSwing Pro Golf Simulator is a complete swing analysis system that can be used by golfers of all levels. It offers you the chance to play multiple courses with the P3ProSwing Virtual Course Pack & provides highly accurate data before, at and after impact with the ball, for every club in the bag!

By using a 9" x 14" high tech sensing platform and dynamic swing analysis software program that measures and captures information from 65 different optical elements, the P3ProSwing Pro Indoor Golf Swing Simulator Package creates an accurate, objective and scientific visual representation of each and every swing you take.

Keep up to date with some of the BEST DEALS on the very latest Golf Swing Simulators systems and find out how you can master all areas of your golf game with the very best Golf Training Aids to hit the Market!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6792902

TruGolf Signature Golf Simulator System SSSE6-15 Tru Golf

TruGolf Signature Golf Simulator System SSSE6-15 Tru Golf Product By TruGolf Lowest Price : $38,999.99 You Save: $950.01 (2%)   Only 6 left in stock.

Product Details

• Brand-new authentic merchandise.
• Authorized dealer-warranty is valid.

Product Description

TruGolf Signature Golf Simulator System SSSE6-15 Tru Golf.

Authorized dealer-warranty is valid.

Contact Us for our current specials on the purchase of any golf simulator model.

Delivery and Setup Included, and No Sales Tax.

Our Signature golf simulator features E6Golf software complete with 27 of the world's finest courses and a Practice Arena you have to see to believe.

OSC eCoach Starter Station - 1 GigE Camera - Laptop Computer - 3 Hank Haney Online Golf Lessons

Audio System - Basic Audio System

Projector - High performance projector takes full advantage of our brilliant graphics in High Definition

Touch Screen - 19" Touch Screen

Computer - Custom built with wireless internet card, DVD burner, high-speed processor, powerful graphics card.

Enclosure - Strong steel frame with carpeted solid wood panels

TruTrac Tracking System - TruGolf's own proprietary tracking system combines two very different tracking technologies into one powerful system. Ball flight characteristics are accurately triangulated utilizing sonic positioning technologies in conjunction with optical analysis of the club path and clubface angle.

Screen - Commercial grade high-impact, nylon mesh screen

Turf - Durable, lush green, premium nylon putting turf

1 Yr Limited Simulator Warranty - Contact Us for more information.

How to Compare Indoor Golf Simulators

With the continual advances in technology and the wide range of options, choosing a golf simulator can be a daunting task. By understanding the key features of a golf simulator and comparing them to your needs, you can narrow the field rather quickly and hone in on the best choice for you. We'll review many of the key features here to give you a jump start on your research.

Determining if this is for Home or Commercial Use is the best place to start. Are you looking for something for your home or for your business. If you are looking for your home, the most important considerations will be your budget and your space. If you are looking for your business, there are many more features to consider and we'll address many of those here. These may also be helpful to get an understanding of features for home use.

Price. This is an obvious consideration as we all live on a budget and even our businesses need to carefully consider costs. For a functional full size system, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000. Most systems designed for commercial use will fall in the mid to high end of that range. The price will be driven by the choices you make in the options below.

Graphics. You need to figure out if you want 2D, 3D or photo-realistic graphics. In addition, do you want the image to fly with the ball or stay static from the tee. Simulators will also come with HD graphics, wide screen formats and real time rendering of images Speed of rendering is a critical component for most commercial applications as customers don't like waiting for images to load.

Number and type of courses. The number of courses will drive the price. Many simulators have standard packages that you can start out with and add to later as you desire. Some include new course downloads in their support, others require you to purchase them. Folks in commercial use situations also look for famous courses as they are often requested by clientele. Having more and famous courses can help drive indoor golf revenue.

User interface and game modes. Many of the high-end systems now come with touch screen control panels to help with set up, aim, mulligans and more. Some systems also come with options for internet gameplay and tournaments so you can compete against other players around the world. You may also want to look for options to play different types of games like best ball, closest to the pin and long drive contests.

Golf swing analysis. There are several different methods for golf simulators to provide for swing analysis. Many of the top line models offer one or more of these methods. Club path analysis shows the swing path, clubhead speed, position and angle of the face at impact. Ball flight analysis will look at launch angle and spin rate. Lastly, video capture allows for instruction and feedback on particular parts of the swing sequence.

Support and maintenance. You also need to pay close attention to the support that comes with the product itself. Look at the length of the warranty, what it covers, whether there is remote support available, and if there is any sort of installation support. Also ask about life of the parts and replacement costs for things like projectors, screens, bulbs and mats.

Learn more at http://www.yardstickgolf.com. We've done extensive research on indoor golf and have great resources to help you start and indoor golf business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7695941

TruGolf Technique Prestige Indoor Golf Simulator System TPSS E6L Tru Golf Product By TruGolf Lowest Price : $12,899.99  You Save: $7,000.00 (35%)   Available From 3 Sellers

Product Details

• Brand-new authentic merchandise.
• Authorized dealer-warranty is valid.

Product Description

TruGolf Technique Prestige Indoor Golf Simulator System TPSS E6L Tru Golf.

Authorized dealer-warranty is valid.

Contact Us for our current specials on the purchase of any golf simulator model.

Delivery and Setup Included, and No Sales Tax.

The Technique Prestige is larger and comes fully loaded with features including our E6Golf Software which comes with 21 golf courses.

Portable, Affordable, and Feature Rich, the Technique is unmatched in Quality. Simple to set-up, takedown, and store.

E6Golf Software

Highly accurate Integrated Swing Analyzer gives you the feedback you need to improve your game.

21 World Class Courses (Standard Package + Pebble Beach Resort Package & St Andrews Course Package) included with over 60 more available for download right to your system.

Includes Driving Range, Chipping, and Putting.

Integrates seamlessly with top shelf Launch Monitors and Video Analysis.

Future TruGolf Online Tournaments.

Home Virtual Golf Simulator ULTI IMPACT SCREEN COMBO

12'x9' OPTISHOT Home Virtual Golf Simulator  ULTI IMPACT SCREEN COMBO Product By Golf Simulator Guys Lowest Price : $3,701.00

Product Details

• 1 OptiShot
• 1 Calloway Pro Caddie Ball Dispenser
• 1 Opti Ulti Mat With Putting Extension(Dual Stance Mat) and BONUS AMBIDEXTROUS MAT
• 1 Ultra Short Throw Projector with Universal Projector Mount
• 1 Impact Screen with Fittings, PIPE(EMT CONDUIT) SOLD SEPERATELY

Product Description

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

1 Optishot

1 Calloway Pro Caddie Ball Dispenser

1 Opti Ulti Mat

1 Putting Extension/Stance mat

1 Ultra Short Throw Projector

1 Universal Projector Mount

1 Impact Screen

- This is everything you need EXCEPT THE PIPE (EMT CONDUIT)

- 1 Custom 12'x9' commercial grade impact screen

- Frame fittings

- Bungies

- Wall Clips (to fasten frame to wall)

- Pipe(emt conduit) quantity and cut lengths GUIDE for those who are providing their own pipe.

1 BONUS Ambi Mat ($350 Value)

10 FREE Almost Golf Balls

PIPE (EMT CONDUIT) SOLD SEPARATELY

PADS NOT INCLUDED

FairwayPro Divot Simulator Golf Mat

I did a DIY backyard driving range with a 20ft (h) x 15ft (w) net between 2 trees, a 4 x 5 hitting mat and few thousands balls later with no improvement on my swing and actually getting worst (I found out later the ground was not level and the hitting side was 2 in higher then my feet and the mat was an inch tall...). So when I'm in the course, I'm hitting 3in higher with my normal stand.

I bought and the FairwayPro Golf Mat System last week and in just couple hundred balls and few days, I'm hitting the balls higher and longer. The positive feedback (the slide action) helps me focus more on relax my grip, swing and rotation. I also notice when you are hitting a tiny mat, you become much more focus on the ball.

I don't know how to describe in words but this tiny thing cure 99% of my basic golf issue in just few days. My new issue is to redo my club selection since my new swing screw up my distance and every club hits about 15 to 20 yards longer. But I think is a good issue to have.

FairwayPro Divot Simulator Golf Mat Product By FairwayPro (14 customers reviews) Lowest Price : $138.99 You Save: $90.01 (39%) FREE Shipping  Available From 4 Sellers

Product Details

• FairwayPro is a golf mat system that reacts when it's impacted by a golf club, sliding forward and giving way, just like real grass does
• The patented design has a sliding turf surface that allows golfers to hit down-and-through and compress the ball
• FairwayPro provides the most forgiving surface, reducing the punishment from fat shots
• FairwayPro provides true feedback and is ideal for short game practice, accurately simulates ball flight and the feel of carving out a divot
• FairwayPro is manufactured with the finest materials. It's reversible for left-handed golfers and the premium turf is replaceable

Product Description

FairwayPro is a brand-new golf mat system with a patented mechanism that allows it to react when it's impacted by a golf club, just like real grass does. The design includes a sliding turf surface that allows golfers to hit down-and-through and compress the ball, accurately simulating ball flight and the feel of carving out a divot after striking the ball. Moreover, FairwayPro provides the most forgiving turf surface and significantly reduces the shock and potential for injury that golfers experience with fat shots on conventional mats. FairwayPro gives true feedback on your golf shots. With conventional mats, when you hit behind the ball, the club head may still bounce off the hard surface and slide into the ball, and the ball takes off as if you've executed a good hit. So you don't get correct feedback on a fat shot from ball flight; you have to rely on the shock you experience. With FairwayPro, you'll know if you've hit a fat shot because the impact will cause the turf surface to start sliding forward and the club head will hit the ball with much less force. The result is, you get true feedback on a fat shot from the loss of distance, not from the shock to your body. FairwayPro is ideal for short game practice, including punch and flop shots. In terms of product construction, FairwayPro is made of the finest materials, including German-made stainless-steel springs that are rated for 1 million cycles. The handle and panel assembly is reversible for left-handed golfers, and the premium turf is replaceable.

Amazon.com

FairwayPro is a revolutionary, portable golf mat system with a patented mechanism that allows it to react when it's impacted by a golf club, just like real grass does. The design includes a sliding turf surface that allows golfers to hit down-and-through and compress the ball, accurately simulating ball flight and the feel of carving out a divot after striking the ball. Moreover, the FairwayPro mat provides a forgiving turf surface that significantly reduces the shock and potential for injury that golfers experience with fat shots on conventional mats.

Take it to the driving range or use at home--fully portable, the FairwayPro allows you simulate the green any time and anywhere you want to practice. Constructed with the finest materials, including German-made stainless-steel springs that are rated for 1 million cycles, the FairwayPro is built to last. The turf is easy to replace when worn and the handle and panel assembly are reversible to accommodate left and right handed golfers.

True Feedback on Your Golf Shots:

With conventional mats, when you hit behind the ball, the club head may still bounce off the hard surface of the mat and slide into the ball. The ball takes off as if you've executed a good hit so that you don't get correct feedback from ball flight and have to rely on the shock you experience. With FairwayPro, you'll know if you've hit a fat shot because the impact will cause the turf surface to start sliding forward and the club head will hit the ball with much less force. As a result, you will get true feedback on a fat shot from the loss of distance, not from the shock to your body. Because the FairwayPro provides truer feedback, golfers can practice shaping different shots and refine their short and long games.

Reduced Risk of Shock Related Injury:

Engineered to enable golfers to hit down-and-through, as on natural turf, the FairwayPro addresses the problem of shock caused by practicing with typical range mats. Typical range mats do not promote a correct down-and-through swing motion and can cause discomfort or even lead to injury, especially on fat shots. Using the FairwayPro reduces shock and injury caused by range mats because the turf tray slides forward when impacted by the club, thus reducing shock to golfer's body and the potential for injury, while also delivering a truer, more grass-like experience.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 1 3/8 inches (LxWxH)
• Weight: 10 pounds