Seeing different numbers indoors vs outdoors is normal—it’s almost always the environment, not the launch monitor.
What changes between indoors and outdoors
Ball type and condition (range balls vs premium; worn balls = inconsistent)
Range slope (device assumes flat carry; uphill/downhill ranges fool the eye)
Wind aloft (real outdoor carry changes; device’s carry reading does not)
Swing differences (most golfers swing a bit different indoors; driver shows it most)
Step 1: Control the ball variable
Use the same ball model in and out (avoid range balls for comparisons)
Retire scuffed/softened balls; use fresh balls for testing
Step 2: Normalize the environment
Compare against flat-plane carry (don’t judge by uphill/downhill range visuals)
Note wind; strong tail/headwinds will change outdoor carry vs the device’s carry
Step 3: If launch angle looks off indoors (GC3 / GC3s / Launch Pro only)
GC3 / GC3s / Launch Pro (LP): Settings → Diagnostics → Sensors → Accelerometer calibration (calibrate on your hitting mat).
LPi: No onboard screen; skip this step. Standardize setup as above.
GCQuad / QuadMax: No user calibration required—skip this step. Just confirm the unit is level and on a stable, non-flexing surface.
Notes
Driver shows the biggest indoor/outdoor differences for most users
Variance is environmental/behavioral—not a sign the device is less accurate indoors
GCQuad / QuadMax use a more sophisticated inertial sensor and do not require user calibration.
FAQs
Why do driver numbers differ more than irons?
Small changes in launch/spin get amplified at higher ball speeds
Many golfers swing differently indoors; driver shows it most
Range balls vs premium balls exaggerate differences
Is the device less accurate indoors?
No. The environment changes the result, not the device’s measurement
After standardizing setup, if big deltas remain, recalibrate level/accelerometer (GC3/GC3s/LP Only) and retest
My range is uphill/downhill—why does carry look off?
The device reports flat-plane carry. Uphill/downhill ranges make “eyeball carry” look longer/shorter
Do range balls change the data?
Yes. They often spin/launch differently and can be worn out. Use the same premium model for comparisons
Does wind affect numbers?
Real outdoor carry changes with wind; device carry does not. Note wind when comparing to outdoor shots
Can the hitting mat cause missed reads or odd numbers?
Yes. Unsecured/light mats can ripple or nudge the ball out of the capture zone. Secure the mat and place the ball fully in the hitting area
What should I standardize before comparing?
Same ball model/condition
Same target line and device position
Consistent lighting (no harsh backlight/moving shadows)
If using sim, align units/elevation/temperature settings across sessions
When should I recalibrate or contact Support?
After standardizing, if ball speed is off by ~3–5 mph or carry by ~10–15 yards (irons) in calm conditions
Recalibrate level/accelerometer on the hitting surface, then retest. If still off, submit a request with screenshots and ball details
Can I calibrate on LPi?
No. LPi has no onboard screen. Standardize the environment first; if numbers still look off, contact Support with screenshots and details.
Do I need to calibrate GCQuad or QuadMax?
No. There’s no user calibration. If numbers still look off after standardizing environment and setup, contact Support with screenshots and details.
Still need help?
Submit a request with: device model, ball type, screenshots (indoor vs outdoor), and whether the range is uphill/downhill.