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Comparison

SkyTrak+ vs SkyTrak ST MAX

A side-by-side look at how the SkyTrak+ and SkyTrak ST MAX compare on specs, accuracy, room requirements, and price. No hype — just the parts of the decision a buyer actually weighs.

Side-by-side comparison
SkyTrak+
SkyTrakSkyTrak+$1,995
vs
SkyTrak ST MAX
SkyTrakSkyTrak ST MAX$1,695

Bottom line

Same hardware, the ST MAX adds GOLFTEC training and dual USB-C. Both list at $1,995, and at that price the current-gen unit is the default — but PlayBetter has held the closeout at $1,495 since early July, and $500 off the same sensor makes the SkyTrak+ the better buy there.

The ST MAX is the SkyTrak+'s successor. Both use the same hybrid photometric-radar imaging system, same indoor accuracy (MyGolfSpy 2024 had the SkyTrak+ within 1% of GCQuad on ball speed), same Mac and iOS native app support. The ST MAX upgrades are incremental: faster processor, dual USB-C ports, integrated GOLFTEC speed training module, and the assurance of being SkyTrak's current model.

The SkyTrak+ is on closeout at $1,995 (down from $2,995 MSRP), and for a while that undercut the ST MAX. At list it no longer does — the ST MAX has come down to $1,995 as well, and $1,995 is what Shop Indoor Golf, Rain or Shine and Amazon all charge for the closeout. At that price the value math settles the other way: you get the faster processor, the dual USB-C ports, the GOLFTEC module, and a current model SkyTrak will firmware-support for the next 3-5 years, none of it at a premium.

The exception is worth naming precisely, because it is not a weekend sale. PlayBetter has listed the closeout at $1,495 on every day we have tracked since early July — $500 under the ST MAX for the same sensor block, the same indoor accuracy, and the same Mac and iOS apps. At that gap the older unit is the better buy for anyone who does not specifically need current-gen firmware support or the assurance of a model that will still be stocked next year. The caveat is the one every closeout carries: SkyTrak+ inventory is being wound down through 2026, and the price goes when the stock does.

So the rule is retailer-specific rather than absolute. At $1,995 buy the ST MAX. At $1,495 buy the SkyTrak+ and put the $500 into a better mat or screen. If you are shopping 6-12 months out, plan on the ST MAX either way — the closeout will likely be gone or marketplace-only by then.

Which to pick, by buyer

Buying from a retailer with the closeout under $1,995
SkyTrak+. Identical core hardware, and the discount is the entire case: PlayBetter has held it at $1,495 since early July, which is $500 off the same sensor platform. At $1,995 the case disappears, and the closeout won't last past late 2026 either way.
Will use GOLFTEC speed training meaningfully
SkyTrak ST MAX. GOLFTEC is the only feature genuinely missing from the SkyTrak+, and when both units list at $1,995 it costs nothing extra. Against PlayBetter's $1,495 on the closeout it costs $500, which is a different question.
Want the longest manufacturer support window
SkyTrak ST MAX. Current model, ~5 years of expected firmware updates. SkyTrak+ will hit end-of-life in the back half of this decade.
Shopping in 6+ months
SkyTrak ST MAX. SkyTrak+ stock will likely be exhausted by then. Skip the marketplace-only hunt.

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Buy SkyTrak ST MAX

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Specifications

The numbers, lined up.

Hardware

  • Tracking Method
    SkyTrak+Hybrid (Photometric + Radar)
    SkyTrak ST MAXHybrid (Photometric + Radar)
  • Indoor/Outdoor
    SkyTrak+Both
    SkyTrak ST MAXBoth

Data

  • Ball Data
    SkyTrak+Speed, launch, spin direct, carry
    SkyTrak ST MAXSpeed, launch, spin direct, carry
  • Club Data
    SkyTrak+Speed, smash factor
    SkyTrak ST MAXSpeed, smash factor

Software

  • Mac Support
    SkyTrak+Native
    SkyTrak ST MAXNative
  • iOS Support
    SkyTrak+Native
    SkyTrak ST MAXNative
  • Subscription
    SkyTrak+None required; Essential $99.99/yr (no course play), Core: Foresight $299.99/yr, Core: Trackman $349.99/yr, Elite $599.99/yr
    SkyTrak ST MAXNone required; Essential $99.99/yr (no course play), Core: Foresight $299.99/yr, Core: Trackman $349.99/yr, Elite $599.99/yr
  • Course Play
    SkyTrak+Native SkyTrak app, E6 Connect, WGT; GSPro only via a free community bridge (Windows) — no SkyTrak model is on GSPro's official list
    SkyTrak ST MAXNative SkyTrak app, E6 Connect; GSPro only via a free community bridge (Windows), listed as supported but not yet fully tested on this model
  • GOLFTEC Integration
    SkyTrak+—
    SkyTrak ST MAXYes

Accuracy

  • Independent Testing
    SkyTrak+MyGolfSpy 2024 — within 1% of GCQuad on ball speed indoors
    SkyTrak ST MAX—

Who each one is better for

Honest persona fit, side by side.

Better for SkyTrak+

  • Cost-Effective Buyer

    Most retailers now list the current-gen ST MAX at $1,695 against this closeout's $1,995, so the newer unit is both cheaper and the better buy. The closeout's advantage is retailer-specific rather than gone: PlayBetter has held it at $1,495 since early July, which is $500 off the same sensor platform while residual stock lasts.

Better for SkyTrak ST MAX

  • Performance Seeker

    GOLFTEC speed training module adds genuine practice value. Same accuracy as the SkyTrak+ in a current-gen package.

Both fit

  • Recreational Player
  • Family Setup
  • Space-Constrained

Also worth a look

More comparisons with the SkyTrak+ and SkyTrak ST MAX.

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