What is the Rapsodo MLM?
The Rapsodo MLM is a compact travel launch monitor for golfers that uses iOS to provide real-time feedback. Whether at the driving range or home, hitting into a net, the radar-based monitor can collect several data points to assess your golf ball’s flight.
Rapsodo brings the benefits of data collection to golfers everywhere. Be mindful that this product is for the diehard golfer looking to improve their game. The Rapsodo MLM is built to provide extreme accuracy and present it back to you as clearly and concisely as possible to help improve your golf game on the course. This is unlike other options on the market designed to allow you to play golf with your friends at home.
Don’t get me wrong; there is plenty of fun to be had on this device as it is jam-packed with features for the social golfer.
Features That Must Be Mentioned
Metrics and Accuracy
The first thing that golfers look for with launch monitors of any caliber comes in two parts. How many different metrics are tracked? And are they followed with a high level of accuracy? This is where Rapsodo stands out again other launch monitors in this price range. Rapsodo uses this as one of their sales taglines, highlighting the precision of the eight metrics tracked as – “accurate (within 2%) as Trackman at only 2% of the cost.”
Knowing that accuracy of the numbers provided is exceptional, the next question becomes, what is being tracked? Rapsodo focuses on simplicity for the end user have narrowed its tracking to eight core metrics: Carry Distance, Total Distance, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Club Speed, Ball Speed, Side Carry, and Smash Factor.
User Benefits: Anyone looking for professional grade feedback regarding their golf swing and ball flight with a focus on accuracy would benefit. The information provided is plenty for the standard golfer and allows for easy review on the mobile app anytime.
Swing Recording and Replay
The uniqueness of the Rapsodo MLM continues with the product’s design and how it captures the data. The launch monitor uses a proprietary doppler radar technology to capture swing and ball data using Apple products. This is a double-edged sword because it makes things extremely easy to use but requires an iPhone or iPad.
However, because the launch monitor uses the iPhone or iPad lens to track and display the swing results, it records your swing and replays it for you. The app then stores a finite number of swings you can review at any time.
User Benefits: One of the most significant pieces that most golfers miss is what their swing looks like. You often see videos on the internet of “real vs. feel” because you may not consistently execute swings as accurately as expected. This feature allows golfers to review their swing and compare the swing results.
Premium Insights
Here, the app takes things to new heights by offering feedback to golfers. Every user can join the paid subscription features that Rapsodo offers. The tools provided behind the paywall are valuable to anyone looking to dive deep into their performance to push their game to the next level.
Personalize insights and key takeaways – At the end of each session, Rapsodo compiles all the data recorded during the session to present you with a breakdown. This is complete with visual aids, comparisons to players at your skill level, and more. Some powerful insights are shot-shaping frequency, shot dispersion, and club gapping.
Performance Combines – Golfers have longed for a way to recreate the pressure seen on the golf course during practice. They push to replicate the pressure to work on the shots the same way they would see it while out on the course. Performance Combines Rapsodo’s answer to this problem. Golfers will also select two distances to hit balls and finish with the driver. Rapsodo will then prompt the golfer to shoot several shots at each location. After completing the combine, every ball will be graded, and Rapsodo will provide a score. This allows golfers to chase a better score while improving overall accuracy under a simulated pressure situation.
Video Replay & Storage – While replay options are already available, the premium subscription increases the associated features. For example, your cloud storage scales up to 10,000 videos and enhanced slow-motion replays. Replays will also include shot apex data to help you better understand the flight of your golf ball for different shot types.
Online Lessons – Again, Rapsodo has found a unique way to integrate their system to help the average golfer gain experience and learn from their platform. With a list of coaches operating within the Rapsodo coaching staff, the coaches can also see the data from whatever golfer they are working with to provide them with next-level coaching in record time.
User Benefits – I am not sure I list anything here for premium insights benefits. If you do not see the help of the paid feature, you should enjoy your Rapsodo and have the standard options.
My Experience With The Rapsodo
I thought I would have a problem with having two devices to operate the launch monitor, but it is so easy to set up and use that I often don’t even realize it. If your device has a session active in the app and your monitor is turned on, it will automatically connect. Out of the box, the device flips open support for the iPhone, and you set the phone on it.
Net or Range
I have used this indoors and outdoors to see if there was any difference in performance.
As far as indoor went, your lighting has to be decent. The camera can only pick up the golf ball if you are in a well-lit area. You will also need to give a little time and attention to where you place the device to ensure it is tracking data accurately. For this, I used an alignment stick to ensure the on-screen aid matched the path on the teeing area. Once I got everything in a good position, I used painter’s tape to mark the spot. With the device being so portable, I never leave it on the floor, so the marked area makes it very easy when I set up my next session.
Outdoor is just as easy. You set the device behind you; I again use alignment sticks to ensure everything is on the same path. There are settings on display to change whether it is cloudy or sunny to help golfers better see the visuals. The outdoor mode does offer a few more game modes that the indoor/net settings do not provide, like closest to the pin. The only drawback I experienced with using the MLM outdoors was that the iPhone would overheat, and the app would stop working for days that were very sunny and very hot. For this, I had to find a shady spot set things up or decide on another day to track my session if I needed something.
Accuracy and Insights
Wow! This app far exceeded my expectations when it came to data feedback. I can understand how the Rapsodo MLM has earned the title of “Official Launch Monitor of Golf Digest,” the 2022 “Best of Golf” from MyGolfSpy, and the 2021 “Editors Choice” from Golf Digest. These are not little companies giving reviews, and Rapsodo is deserving.
The information that it provides is one thing, but the visual aids offered to allow so much more perspective. It is easy to say that you have a certain amount of vertical and horizontal dispersion with your nine-iron; it is entirely different to show that same data with dots on a green to show how many of your balls would have hit an average-sized green. The ability to quickly provide this information in very consumable visuals takes experience to another level.
Quality of Product
The device itself is made of very durable plastic. When you hold the device, you can tell it is well-constructed and sturdy. I know because I dropped my hard on concrete, and as I picked it up, terrified of what I would see, everything was intact and without a blemish.
Not only is the device quality the travel case that it comes in is top-notch. With a clip to hang on your golf bag or wherever you see fit, the hardshell case lets me transport everything with complete confidence. Even if I put my golf clubs in the trunk with my Rapsodo clipped to the bag, I can do so comfortably.
Closing Thoughts About The Rapsodo MLM
If you have read this far, you are likely the right person for this product. Think of it this way, if the following few questions describe you, then this is the product for you.
Are you someone that is looking to improve their golf game but can’t always make it to the golf course? Is learning about your swing more critical than playing a simulated golf round? Are you looking for data about your ball flight to make improvements? Are you hell-bent on understanding the distances that you hit your clubs?
If any of these questions sounded like I was describing your approach to the game, the Rapsodo MLM would likely be a quality investment for you and your golf career. If not, then your search continues.
