Indoor vs Outdoor: Why Your Numbers Differ

Indoor vs Outdoor: Why Your Numbers Differ

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.

    • Related Articles

    • Indoor vs Outdoor - How Environment Can Impact Data

      For the vast majority of launch monitor users, it is normal to see a slight variance between data indoors vs data outdoors. This is not due to the launch monitor itself being affected but instead is caused by a set of key differences between the ...
    • Range Ball Data vs Premium Golf Ball Data

      Range Ball Data vs Premium Golf Ball Data   When using the GCQuad or GC2 outdoors, it is important to note the difference in data of a range ball vs a premium golf ball.   Below is a data set from Todaysgolfer.co.uk, which shows the results of their ...
    • Range Ball Data vs Premium Golf Ball Data

      Range Ball Data vs Premium Golf Ball Data   When using the GCQuad or GC2 outdoors, it is important to note the difference in data of a range ball vs a premium golf ball.   Below is a data set from Todaysgolfer.co.uk, which shows the results of their ...
    • FSX Subscription - Know Your Numbers

      FSX Subscription - Know Your Numbers With a Silver or Gold level subscription, you have access to FSX's Know Your Numbers function. Know your numbers is a gap testing mode that allows users to identify distances between each of their clubs. For more ...
    • GC3s, Launch Pro, and Launch Pro Indoor Subscription Management

      GC3s, Launch Pro, and Launch Pro Indoor are subscription-based devices. Once a subscription is activated, it is set to auto-renew by default. Subscription management is identical across all supported subscription devices. All subscription, billing, ...