Home Performance Lab: Mevo Gen2 is the “Best Value Launch Monitor for Home Simulator Builds”

Home Performance Lab, one of the most trusted names in golf tech due to their objective analysis, put together a comprehensive head-to-head comparison between the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 and the SkyTrak ST MAX to determine which unit is better for your simulator build.

Ultimately, their verdict was clear.

“The Mevo Gen2 is the best value launch monitor for home simulator builds in 2026,” they said in the review. “It delivers radar-grade accuracy, a deep data set that grows with the Pro Package and FIL add-ons, official GS Pro support with no subscription, and genuine outdoor versatility.”

If you have enough space for the Mevo Gen2 (16ft), they called it “the stronger buy at nearly half the price”, noting the Mevo Gen2 “delivers more club data parameters, zero required subscriptions, and strong outdoor accuracy for $1,696 less than the ST MAX”.

Pro-Level Data for Nearly Half the Price

One of the most striking findings in the comparison is the sheer amount of data the Mevo Gen2 provides compared to its more expensive competitor. Home Performance Lab emphasizes that the Mevo Gen2 provides essential metrics for game improvement that the ST MAX lacks entirely.

“The gap that matters most for serious players: the ST MAX does not measure angle of attack, dynamic loft, swing plane, low point, or face-to-path at any price tier. These are foundational metrics for anyone working with an instructor or fitting clubs. The Mevo Gen2 includes angle of attack in the base unit and unlocks the rest through the Pro Package.”

For golfers serious about ball-striking, the review highlights FlightScope’s optional Face Impact Location software add-on, which reveals the precise location of impact, as a high-end feature that positions the Mevo Gen2 in a different class of hardware.

“FlightScope sells a $499 Face Impact Location add-on for the Mevo Gen 2 that produces lateral and vertical impact coordinates and heat maps.” Home Performance Lab notes that “This is the kind of data you normally only get from a Foresight GCQuad or Bushnell Launch Pro.” Crucially, the review points out that “The ST MAX does not offer face impact location at any price or tier.”

Total Cost of Ownership

A major theme of the review is the "subscription-free" model of the Mevo Gen2. When calculating the long-term cost, Home Performance Lab found that FlightScope provides a much more golfer-friendly financial model.

“Mevo Gen2 can be $1,299 total with no subscriptions.” This stands in stark contrast to the competition: “ST MAX starts at $3,645 minimum and can reach $5,995+ with Elite membership over five years.”

The review acknowledged that with limited space the ST Max has the advantage due to being an optical unit, in comparison to the 16ft of required space with the Mevo Gen2. However, one of their ‘Common Mistakes to Avoid’ was “buying the ST MAX without budgeting for subscriptions”.

“The $2,995 hardware price is not the full cost. Running GSPro alone requires a $129.99/yr Essential membership on top of the GSPro subscription. Over five years, total subscription costs can exceed $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your tier. Factor this in before comparing to the Mevo Gen 2’s $1,299 all-in.”

Seamless Software and Official GSPro Integration

While other units require community-maintained connectors or annual "connectivity" fees to use the most popular simulation software, the Mevo Gen2 is praised for its official support and out-of-the-box value.

“The Mevo Gen2's direct, official GSPro integration with no paywall is a significant advantage.” Additionally, the reviewer was impressed by the complimentary content: “The FlightScope Mevo Gen2 Launch Monitor App is free, the FlightScope cloud connection is also free and access to 8 E6 Connect courses is also included.”

For those looking to build a high-end simulator on a budget, the verdict is clear: “A Mevo Gen2 owner running GS Pro spends roughly $2,100 less than an ST MAX owner over five years, while getting more measured data parameters and official GSPro support.”

Accuracy Comparison

Home Performance Lab compared the accuracy of the two units based on a large sample of independent testing from various industry experts. The testing found the Mevo Gen2 and ST Max are similar when comparing Ball Speed accuracy.

“Ball speed is essentially tied. Both units come within 1 to 2% of GCQuad-class reference measurements across independent tests from PlayBetter, Breaking Eighty, and Carl’s Place.”

However, tracking Spin Rate indoors told a different story.

“With stickers or RCT balls, the Mevo Gen2’s platform (benchmarked against GCHawk by Carl’s Place) measured spin at a 1.46% differential, which is essentially reference-grade. MyGolfSpy’s lab testing of the SkyTrak+ (identical tracking engine to the ST MAX) found pitching wedge spin roughly 12.5% off GCQuad and 6-iron spin about 8% off. Driver carry measured about 8.4% off in that same test. The Mevo Gen 2’s direct radar spin measurement is more accurate than the ST MAX’s camera-derived spin for golfers who care about precise numbers.”

The review noted that the Mevo Gen2 also has the edge in short game.

“Independent reviewers noted the Mevo Gen 2 handles short chips and putts better than its predecessor, with GolfBusters specifically praising its improved short-game reads. The ST MAX inherits the SkyTrak platform’s classic weakness on very slow chips and putts under 5 feet, per multiple forum discussions. Wedge spin can read abnormally low with worn balls.”

As the review noted, and in comparison to the ST Max, the Mevo Gen2 has also had its accuracy tested against units which cost upwards of 10x the price.

“Compared to higher-end units: GolfBusters ran a direct Mevo Gen2 versus Foresight GCQuad A/B comparison and called the ball-flight data “just as accurate,” with ball speed and club speed matching within fractions.”

Thanks to FlightScope’s patented Fusion Tracking Technology (radar + camera), the Mevo Gen2 excels in accuracy across all environments. When comparing which unit is better for a golfer who also wants to use it outdoors, Home Performance Lab gave a definitive answer.

“The Mevo Gen2, and it is not close. Radar is the dominant tracking technology outdoors. No stickers or special balls needed, works on grass or mats, and independent testing verified 2.10% accuracy versus rangefinder on driver distance. The ST MAX works outdoors on a mat in shaded conditions, but direct sunlight on the lens causes dropped captures, and it cannot be used on grass,” they said. “If you want a range companion or backyard practice tool in addition to your indoor sim, the Mevo Gen 2’s radar is purpose-built for outdoor use. The ST MAX is not.”

Differing Space Requirements

Home Performance Lab noted that the ST MAX, being an optical unit, requires less space indoors as it sits next to the golfer – which may be an important consideration if you have limited space to work with. However, the review noted there may be a disadvantage to this.

“The ST MAX sits beside the ball and is in the line of fire from shanks. Ball strikes to an uncased SkyTrak void the warranty, making the $99.95 Metal Protective Case or $99.99 plastic case an unofficial requirement. The Mevo Gen2, sitting 8 feet behind the golfer, is far less exposed.”

The Mevo Gen2 requires at least 16ft of space (total depth) for indoor use. This includes 8ft behind the ball, and 8ft from the ball to the hitting net/screen. There are no ceiling height requirements, although FlightScope recommends you give yourself enough space to swing your longest club comfortably.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, if you have the space, their verdict was clear – “the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 is the clear winner of the 2026 season,” they said. “This is the stronger buy at nearly half the price.”

Read the full comparison here: Home Performance Lab Review