I won't buy any such device that requires subscription fee for essential features. I am ok if so-called 'cloud services' are optional and offer value at their own price tag but I want my device to work for the functions I have paid for, with or without cloud.
While the MLM 2 is still fairly interesting. The excitement factor is waning. It's $400 more than the OG MLM. Gives you three more metrics than the OG MLM. But you can only get those metrics if you pay an additional $200 subscription each year. Also the fact that it doesn't have any club data also makes it a little less enticing than something like an R10 or even the SwingLogic Hybrid X3. Still is on my radar. But happy that I resisted the urge to pre-order. As in hindsight that would have very much been an impulse buy that I may have regretted.
All I want to see now is how the MLM 2 compares to a GCQuad or Trackman with regular balls outside. It's much more affordable than those, but I still need to know my data is close to the gold standard before I spend $700
1) How can a user access the cloud storage? 2) Does the dual shot + zoom in golf shot be stored together? 3) Are shot video combined when stored in the cloud? 4) Are shot videos upload immediately after each swing? Very hyped about the triple view that comes with it. Looking forward to have this as my first Launch monitor.
Good overview, but a few questions are now raised which make me a little cautious of purchasing. In the list of premium features, rapsodo range is listed, as is spin. Is that to say that if you DONT pay $199 per year, you don't even have access to a range feature? Also, given the cost of the balls, I'd be pretty disappointed having to pay $199 just to see the spin numbers? I think if that functionality is behind a pay wall, then it actually makes a Mevo+ or Skytrak, more attractive, not less.
@@jeffmccall469 Just factor in the subscription costs when making the purchase decision, and consider the MLM Pro 2 to be a ~$2000 unit, which is what it will actually cost you.
This video made the picture crystal clear, and eliminated Rapsodo from my consideration due to price. Since you get no spin data without the special balls, and I wound be using it only on the range, that means no spin data. Worse, since you have to pay $200 a year for basic features like slow motion, impact vision, multiple cameras, and spin data, this is really a ~$2000 launch monitor if you keep it awhile, so it should be compared to the MEVO+, not to sub $700 units like the R10. Instead of an MLM 2 versus R10 comparison, what about a comparison between the R10 and a Voice Caddy SC4 (when it comes out).
Looks like a great unit with the caviot you have to pay 200 dollar subscription. So if I already pay for golf software why should I be forced to pay for their subscription to unlock features. I would gladly pay more for the unit unlocked. I'll have to wait a bit longer for hopefully another company to make one that is unlocked.
I already pre-ordered, but have been hunting everywhere for a view of what the home-grown sim software would look like. The clip you showed is looking better than the home tee hero from Garmin. Can't wait for this thing to get here.
Do I still get shot shape without the subscription? I don’t care about knowing my exact spin rate but if I can’t see if I hit a fade or a draw that means without the subscription I get less features than the garmin r10.
I have mine pre-ordered and am excited about it. Obv it was designed as a R10 killer - basically doing what that did while adding what features people wished it had. Aside from that obvious comparo, the other launch monitor/consumer sim that it kind of seems to overlap is a Mevo + that is a bit more upmarket, but if the MLM2 can nail the accuracy as well as it seems it can, it's arguably a Mevo+ competitor for like 1/3 the price. Such a cool unit.
@@theCycleReport It's roughly 5 years. So not immediate. But you also have to figure at some point you may want to sell. If you buy a Mevo + right now, it's around $1600. Let's say in 5 years a safe resale value would be $1000. So you're out around $600. The MLM 2 would be roughly the same cost over 5 years at $1500-ish. But resale, at best, would be $500. And likely will be more like $350. So you're instead out around $1250.
@Rick Jablonski I see your resale factor. But the mevo pro pack is really the setup you want and that adds another 1000 to the tab. I'm not saying the mevo isn't very good/better. But cash in hand day one is a huge factor for many people. Breaking even 5-10 down the road doesn't put a disposable 2500-3000 cash purchase over 700 into play for many people. Its like justifying a Ferrari for resale value over a Toyota. Most people can't consider the ferrari regardless. Now imagine the Toyota is nearly as good on the road.
@@theCycleReport Exactly. When you factor in the subscription, the MLM 2 Pro is about the same cost as the mevo+, and should be compared to it. It should be compared to units in the >$1000 category, not to units in the
Rapsodo told me years ago that they would continue supporting R Motion but once the MLM started picking up steam, they dropped R motion support. I think the MLM has maybe a year left before it is dropped. And with phone battery drain and overheating coupled with terrible indoor performance and no android support, I would not recommend it to anyone. My 2 cents.
For the questions that you guys will/may address in future videos and reviews… Do you know if when this device gives you distance readings at the outdoor range, is that actual distance with wind conditions factored in??? Thanks for breaking this product down for us too!!! I’m very interested in hearing more :)
I find it odd that with this technology you cant get spin rates without a premium subscription?... Like that should be a basic feature in a launch monitor. Even after requiring the use of the RPT balls I'm still required to pay up $200/year just to get ball spin data.. The garmin R10 uses the radar metrics to measure spin and when you use the Titlist RCT golf balls it dials in the spin rate really accurately (the titlist RCT serves same purpose as rapsodo RPT balls). But this saves me from having to spend an extra $200/annually. I feel like the rhapsodo is great product and feel it is superior, but the way they have "basic features" tied to expensive premium memberships isnt worth it.
I already ordered one also, but agree with this. Unless it costs them incrementally to offer that spin calculation, it feels a little ick that they require premium membership to get the data. It would be a nice gesture to the consumer if they didn't charge for the data, but just took away the sim courses/video storage etc. It could be because the spin requires the slow camera so the video storage component is necessary? In any case $200 yearly is definitely steep.
I don’t know how they can manufacture a product with all those features and only sell it for $700. I don’t think they’re making any profit from that, so the premium subs is where they can make some money back. Personally I’m happy to pay $200 a year to have a simulator in my home.
I second this. In my opinion, If they can offer a subscription plan (something like mlm1 $99/year) for advanced metrics only without simulator functions, I would love to try it. I mainly used launch monitor at driving range, and it seems r10 is the better choice for me.
Yeah, one of the main reasons I didn't do the pre-order. Locking spin behind a paywall is pretty slimy. I even reached out to Rapsodo. Without the subscription, it's still reading spin. You just can't see the numbers unless you have the subscription. So they're literally locking you out of data that's being collected regardless of subscription status.
I feel like locking the impact vision behind a paywall is kind of slimy as well. Just give me an option to store that video locally on my phone, or just let me see it after the shot (no storage required!). And the fact that additional metrics (for people on the range or on a course) AND the simulator software (for those who are staying at home) are bundled kind of sucks as well. I feel like it's two different feature sets for two kinds of golfers! Let people pick and choose
I suppose you need a decent amount of light for the impact camera to work correctly. Has Rapsodo mentioned anything about light recommendations indoors to make sure the spin readings are accurate?
Pretty impressive unit. My son just started playing in September and I have been looking into options for practicing at home. This could be a good fit.
I think as a community we need to make it clear to manufacturers that charging yearly subscriptions to unlock “on box” features isn’t a business practice that should be rewarded. Pay for updates and upgrades? … maybe, but charging 15-20% of purchase price every year just to use basic features? Nah. Mevo offering bolt on features for a one off? I’m ok with that too.
Its impressive but having some issues with the alignment/capturing shots of the MLM1, Rapsodo said they are updating software. So hopefully should be fixed soon.
One big reason I canceled my pre order is the 200$ to get spin. Still no videos of simulation which is I’m sure what atleast 90% of people want to see! second. Ive been hitting a callaway chrome soft x in my sim at home and after 2 days of use (around 6-7 hours) the ball is hammered. Logo diminishing off the ball, cover beat up. I doubt these balls will last long which sucks at 65 a dozen. The subscription irritated me. I have gs pro so I’d need to pay an extra 200$ each year to get spin. I bought an r10 once my order was cancelled. It tells me all the numbers I see on a gc quad (within a very small percentage). Glad I canceled my pre order.
I was too late on pre-ordering but I am excited to get this once it comes live for the public! I've been looking for a good personal launch monitor to help my golf game in the winter months since I live in WI.
It’s slightly concerning that we are around a month out of release and there are basically no reviews or information out anywhere. You would think by this point all the big youtube golf channels would have them to be hyping up the release.
Depends on your budget, but you will get more out of your investment with the MLM2 Pro. You always have the option to hit indoors eventually, but MLM2 Pro dual camera, ability to record down the line, and side angle will be great outdoors. You can also use the RPT balls included to chip and get some accurate spin numbers if you can go and get the balls after you chip. MLM1 is still an awesome product for a great price right now but just think MLM2 Pro is worth the extra money because of the features and ability to hit in a net when you get an indoor setup in the future
Me too. Swing path and angle of attack were listed in the original metrics before being withdrawn so I’m hoping they’ll be available through a software update at some point.
How many profiles can you set up on the MLM software subscription? trying to find out if my 2 kids and I can all have our own profiles when using the MLM
Instead of the subscription, can you just subscribe to Awesome golf and have it calculate the club path and face to path, etc? If so that would be a better option.
Hi great video, hello from essex uk. I’ve got the MLM 1 you say that they are adding simulator to it. Is this to the 1 or 2 or both and if so on the MLM 1 when is this happening that you might know of. Thanks keep up the great videos
I already have the Garmin R10 to check my distances, so I believe many people are not going to change. To me golf is about the great outdoors and enjoying walking and exercise not promoting ways of staying at home :)
Any idea what iPad or phone is required, ie memory, model, camera etc to get the most out of the mlm2? Also, will Wi-Fi access be required for certain features. This could be somewhat limiting at the range…
I was wondering if you could answer or ask if you can play a simulated round against a buddy who is at a different location using either a MLM2 pro or another simulator?
I should clarrify... I'm asking as if I am using the MLM2 pro at one my house and a buddy is using a MLM2 pro or other simulator at his house. Could we play round together?
Sorry if this has been asked, but what are the space requirements for this device? Mevo+ is monitor 8' behind ball and 8 - 13 ft. of launch space past the ball, is this similar?
@@topgunbass you actually would. Per rapsodo, it is still collecting spin data without the subscription. So all numbers will be identical with or without the subscription. You just won't be able to see the spin metrics without the sub. Still think it's a pretty slimy practice to lock a basic data point. But at least it's not bricked without a sub.
@@topgunbass I don't disagree. And is the reason I didn't go in on the pre-order. At the same time, if the spin data weren't being collected and factored in without the sub, that'd be significantly different. Spin has an impact on direction, shape, carry, height. Pretty much everything. So if it were completely ignoring the spin if you didn't have the sub, it'd basically be worthless. I'd reached to rapsodo to ask if this was the case. Or if, all things will be equal, you just can't see the spin numbers. Fortunately it was the latter. So you can still rely on the other numbers, even without the sub. But still is slimy to lock a basic data point that every other LM gives you at no additional fee.
What's even more strange. You've had the MLM 2 Pro for how long, and still no review, testing, comparisons..? Something must be really wrong with it, and yet YT'ers are still propping the MLM 2 up as the buy of the year. Money up front for a bad product..? IMO. Prove me wrong, which I hope you do.
Your paid feeling that MLM1 is still an option for people, is just that. You're being paid to say this, and I believe you would never buy it over the MLM2. IMO. Probably 100% true.
The garmin is in way accurate and why so many are being sold second hand . It will show a draw when you have clearly hit a fade . MLM2 looks the goods and why Im getting one .
Nope. Need to use the special Calloway balls to measure spin per Rapsodo’s site. Without that feature being available (and costing $200 after year 1) I’ll be sticking with my MLM1 until that changes
The way the tech is moving this could easily be obsolete in 5 years. Wouldn’t be at all surprised to see something around $1,000 with four high speed cameras like the GC quad. Really exciting to see how this space develops
Enough with the $200/year subscription already. If you don’t like it don’t buy it and don’t pay it. Golf’s an expensive sport where this is less than the price of most new clubs. The local clubs around me charge around $75 for a round and that’s only 4 hours… how dare they hide their well manicured greens, fairways and tee boxes behind such an expensive paywall. If I don’t like it I go and play the local muni. This basically gives me membership to 30,000+ courses I can play in any conditions 24/7 every single day of the year. How is that not good value?
I don't think there's a big issue for the premium membership as long as you're paying for premium features. Is a range and spin a premium feature...I don't think so. I actually think things like courses, the slo mo camera, club path and angle info would be premium, so if range and spin are behind a $200 yearly subscription, then that's very disappointing.
@@davebritton21 I would actually prefer to be charged the $2000 for the unit upfront for the full simulation experience, but the point of Lloyd's comment was for basic features that should come with the unit like spin and spin axis are locked behind a paywall.
