Golf Simulator Projector Buying Guide
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Garmin Approach R10: Portable Launch Monitor Set-up Tips
One of the most important decisions when you're setting up your home golf simulator is whether to buy a projector, and if so, which one?
Many of our Spornia customers start off by using their Garmin Approach R10 (or other golf launch monitor and simulator) connected to their phone, laptop, tablet or TV monitor. This is an easy and affordable option, but the obvious disadvantage is that you need to look across to your device after you've hit your shot, to see the results.
Having a projector can take your simulator set-up to the next level. Combined with one of our white target sheets, you can project directly onto the impact screen and see your ball flight, the course you're playing, and all the key stats right in front of you. It's the next best thing to actually being on the course.
*Note: There are two ways to decide on which projector to buy: Either do all of your own research (see below!), or just ring or visit a projector store, describe your situation, and ask for their recommendations - many of them publish their own projector buying guides such as this one from JustProjectors.com.au (If you're asking for recommendations, it's worth quickly reading the section on Aspect Ratios below first...).
What are the key considerations when buying a projector?
1. Budget. How much do you need to spend? Projectors don't come cheap, and you're looking at anywhere from $900 to $6,000 or more. And generally you get what you pay for - the more you pay, the better quality imaging and performance you get.
2. Location & Light. One of the great things about a Spornia-based Golf Simulator is that it's portable and not permanent, so you don't need a dedicated space - you can set-it up in around five minutes, play a round, and then pack it away.
But choosing the right location is important, firstly because you need enough space to swing freely, and secondly because of the presence of ambient light - excessive light and glare can wash out the quality of the projected image, so the darker your room is the more realistic your virtual golf experience will be.
3. Mounting - Floor or Ceiling? Short-Throw or Long-Throw? A ceiling mounted short-throw projector is generally the preferred option (mounted 1m to 1.2m back from the screen), because it gets the projector out of the way and eliminates shadows.
However it isn't aways possible to install a ceiling mount, so the alternative is placing your projector on the floor, or a low table or stand. This is the simplest and cheapest option, but using a standard or long-throw projector will introduce shadowing so most experts recommend using a short-throw projector.
However you will need the projector offset from the centre of the screen, so make sure your model includes offset and keystone adjustment options. You may also want to consider buying a projector enclosure, to protect it from the odd shank :)
4. Projector-To-Screen Distance? You can easily measure the correct distance from your projector to your screen using this very cool Projector Throw Distance Calculator from the team at Projector Central. You can either search by projector type, or input the throw distance and screen size.
5. Aspect Ratio. Aspect ratio describes the shape of the projected image, or the ratio of the width to the height. It's very important to consider the relationship between your projector's aspect ratio, your screen's aspect ratio, and that of your simulator software. In the olden days, most projectors had a 4:3 ratio but nowadays the majority of projectors will project in a widescreen ratio of 16:9 or 16:10.
However, some golf simulator software will only display on a 4:3 ratio (a squarer image), and if you're using a Spornia net and our white target sheet, your screen will be square or a ratio of 1:1. While there are no projectors that have an aspect ratio of 1:1, in most cases you can adjust your projector to project this aspect ratio, either via the projector's settings or via your source (laptop, phone etc) settings.
Alternatively, you can use a projector with a ratio such as 4:3 or 16:9 and then choose to either fill the screen and have part of the image project off the sides, or accept the presence of 'masking bars' (these are the black bars at the top and bottom of your screen).
6. Resolution. Projector resolutions include Standard, High, Full HD, Ultra HD and 4K. The majority of golf simulator projectors are Full HD resolution, which is also known as 1080p (1920 x 1080), and these options are more affordable and provide great image quality.
More recently golf simulator projectors are Ultra HD or 4K projectors, which provide 4 times the pixels of a 1080p projector, but they are much more expensive and may not provide significantly more bang for your buck.
7. Brightness (Lumens). One of the last considerations is how bright your projector needs to be. This will depend on a number of factors including the amount of ambient light in your room, the distance from your projector to the screen, and the quality of image required. As a general rule you need a projector with at least 3,000 ANSI lumens, otherwise you will need to be playing in the dark!
We hope that helps - as always, email or call if you have any questions.
Mark & Andi
If you'd like to dive even deeper into golf simulator projector research, see below for some useful articles and videos:
Just Projectors (Melbourne, Australia) - Golf Simulator Projectors Buyers Guide:
ProjectorPoint (UK) - Golf Simulator Projectors:
Golfstead (USA) - 8 Best Golf Projector Simulators - 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide:
My Golf Simulator - Best Golf Simulator Projector 2023 - 8 Step Buying Guide & Set-up Examples (*Warning: VERY Detailed!):
VIDEO: Handicap Golf: Golf Simulator Projectors - Everything You Need To Know!
Aussie Customer Reviews
Fast delivery and excellent customer service from Andi! Fantastic product for practicing chipping at home. Highly recommend for fun and game improvement.
The Spornia bundle is excellent. The net is very simple to put up and works great. The mat is first class and really good to hit from. The Garmin Approach R10 is easy to set up and works well. Alignment can be a little tricky as the alignment line is small so a straight reference point is needed. Overall, a great package.
Great addition to my earlier purchase of the Spornia net. Now I don’t have to worry about the odd SHANK!
I was a bit worried about the size of it for ease of folding, but I shouldn’t have been. It is really easy to pop up and take down. Great product. Very good customer service and quick response time.
Was on the fence for a while, bought the set and so so happy with it. The hitting mate is EXCELLENT quality. The net is easy to set up and perfect for my garage set up.
Great quality and easy to set up/ pack away. Kids live it too.
The design on these Spornia nets is so good that set up and pack down takes mere minutes and can be completed by one person. You can literally be swinging within 3 minutes!
At first I wasn't sure if it would be sizable enough as I am a complete beginner and worried about slicing but the SPG-7 is definitely wide enough (even without the additional side netting) so long as I swing close to it.
Great to hear it Chad and thanks for the review, it means a lot to us!
Happy golfing!
The Spornia Team
Product researched very well and lives up to the reviews. Had it up in minutes and working on all irons. Thanks for the prompt delivery and great communication.
Hi Russell, thanks for taking the time to write a review, it means a lot to us. Great to hear you're finding it easy to set up and hope you're hitting them well!
Cheers!
The Spornia Team
Delivered in perfect order. Set was easy have setup in the shed, Going to use this as golf simulator for the future. Great quality net.
Love the set up! Thanks for sending the pic Craig and so pleased to hear you're happy :)
Enjoy!
The Spornia Team
Great to heat it Mark! Thanks for taking the time to write a review, we really appreciate it.
Happy golfing!
The Spornia Team
Works absolutely as shown, gives you the ability to train on your game away from the course!! Its a must have for every serious golfer
I recently purchased the SPG7 net and then added the academy mat. The net is amazing, taking full shots with no worry and allowing me to practice multiple times per week from the shelter of my own home.
One thing I have to say is the customer service from Andi at Spornia was absolutely amazing. I emailed prior to purchase and got a response instantly on a Sunday. She emphasized customer service and customer satisfaction on all aspects and worked with me to answer all my questions prior to purchase. I can't fault the product or the team at Spornia one bit. Awesome experience, awesome product and awesome team. W
Thanks so much for the great review Jack, we really appreciate it. And so pleased so hear you're happy with the Net. Hope you're hitting them well.
Enjoy!
The Spornia Team
I’ve only had it just over a week now, it was great until the actual netting came apart from the back strapping. Now after every 6-10 shots the ball has to be retrieved from the back netting. This shouldn’t be happening at all let alone 1 week into it! NOT HAPPY!
Had this net now for a couple of weeks and it is a great piece of kit. Easy to set up and takes shots from driver through to lob wedge with ease. The actual net you hit into looks like it should take a fair beating. Hopefully the practise will translate into a better golf game.
Great product, package well in transit! Looks the goods, don’t let your wife find it in the box or it will be wrapped for your birthday in 8 weeks time …….
No issues here, I’ve purchased the side nets too and fortunately they haven't come into play, definitely recommend this product, so great being able to set it up out the back and hit balls, takes longer for me to get the Garmin R10 lined up than it does to set the net up
The SPG-7 is the best golf practice net going around, pair it with one of there premium practice matts, you’ll see your handicap go down in no time!
Fantastic thanks Stuart! So pleased to hear you're loving your SPG-7 :)
Enjoy!
The Spornia Team
Great company and great people to deal with. Fast delivery. Goods arrived safely and correct. And a great product!!
Thanks for the awesome review Craig, we really appreciate it! Love our happy customers :)
Enjoy!
The Spornia Team
Exactly what I was hoping for. Good quality net and May, ball return works really well.
Thanks so much for the review Deano and great to hear your set up is excatly what you needed - love it!
Happy Golfing!
The Spornia Team
What are great product very easy to set up and so easy to start hitting practice balls. This has saved me so much money from going to the range and lets me spend more time at home with my family yet still get the practice I need to maintain a good skill level. Highly recommend
Instagram @Maddiejames_Golf
Thanks so much for your review Maddie! Great to hear you're getting the practise in and loving the set up at home :)
Enjoy !
The Spornia Team
Great indoor net for full shots & chipping. Havn't been to the driving range since purchasing it.
Hi Michael, thanks so much for your review. Great to hear you're enjoying your set up and getting plenty of practise in :)
Happy golfing!
The Spornia Team
Very impressed with this net, quality is solid, set up was easy and have full confidence to hit any club into it. Delivery time was also much quicker than expected.
Thanks Graham and great to hear you're happy with your net and enjoying hitting some balls.
Cheers!
The Spornia Team
Recently purchased the SPG7 Bundle and its been great....totally exceeded my expectations. High quality, fit for purpose, packs away easily, and I love the ball return with extra side netting. I've been obsessed with it....was up early this morning using it before work!!. After returning recently to golf after 20 years...its been great finding my rythym and feel with my new clubs.
Brilliant! Love that your Spornia set up has got you back in the swing Phil :) It does tend to be addictive !
Enjoy!
The Spornia Team