I’ve researched a lot on portable golf launch monitors, and TruGolf Vista 8 has really impressed me because it gives you nearly the same experience as a professional golf launch monitor but for a fraction of the price.
Don’t believe me? Mike Malaska, 2011 PGA Teacher of the Year, recommends using it as the best way to practice golf.
But we won’t just count on that commercial video.
After going through a lot of articles, searching community forums, and watching YouTube videos, I’ve come up with everything that you need to know about TruGolf Vista 8.
Let’s explore it.
TruGolf Vista 8 Overview
Want to score better on TruGolf Vista 8? You better know how to flight, shape, and strike the ball in every condition because Vista 8 is created not just to give you accurate metrics but also to improve your golf.
The simulator is equipped with the TruTrack 2 simulator system technology which uses three rows of optical sensors to calculate club and ball data to provide accurate feedback.
The patent technology used in the system captures critical data instantly at the point of impact and then displays it on a swing analysis screen.
Ball flight characteristics are captured through sonic triangulation positioning technology, and in conjunction with data collected on TruTrack 2, you can precisely measure your shots under real-world conditions.
The exciting thing about its real-feel golf mat is that it provides real feedback on club-turf interaction to improve your ball striking, and every shot feels like you’re playing on a real golf course.
Because of its unique and portable design consisting of lightweight aluminum, TruGolf Vista 8 takes the lead over its competitors.
You can easily install it to your hitting bay, and if you need to move it somewhere else, you can do so.
The golfing experience is further enriched by including E6 Connect (a one-year basic subscription) in the package.
This takes you to a new world of possibilities where you can access 27 famous golf courses, multiple driving ranges, putting and chipping areas, mini-games, practice modes (like stroke play and best ball), and online events.
To analyze your game, the session history and historical data can be easily accessed, including important metrics like distance, carry, the height of the flight, sidespin, backspin, angle of attack, and angle of descent.
In a nutshell, from a home golf simulator to a unique teaching tool, TruGolf Vista 8 accommodates almost every need.
Prominent Features
✅ Portable design
✅ 3 high-speed overhead camera system
✅ Simultaneous club and ball data
✅ Uninterrupted play for both right-handed and left-handed golfers
✅ No marked balls
What’s in the Box?
TruGolf Vista 8 comes in two different variants: the base model and the pro model.
Base Model Inclusions:
✅ Complete Frame/Enclosure
✅ Turf
✅ HD 720p Projector
✅ 116″ Impact Screen
✅ TruTrack2 Tracking System
✅ Overhead Light Bar
✅ E6 Connect Basic Subscription (1 Year)
✅ 27 Golf Course Library
✅ 1-Year Limited Warranty
✅ Vista 8 User Manual
Pro Model Inclusions:
✅ Complete Frame/Enclosure
✅ Turf
✅ HD 720p Projector
✅ 116″ Impact Screen
✅ TruTrack2 Tracking System
✅ Overhead Light Bar
✅ E6 Connect Basic Subscription (1 Year)
✅ 27 Golf Course Library
✅ 1-Year Limited Warranty
✅ Vista 8 User Manual
✅ TruGolf Level (1) Computer
✅ 21″ Touch Screen
✅ Premium Fairway Turf
✅ Side Nets
✅Containment Brim
Source: TruGolf
Setting Up TruGolf Vista 8
Before you begin to set up Vista 8, always take precautions because as we all know, safety first!
Electrical Safety Guidelines
- Inspect the portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, and power supplies before use.
- If the product is damaged, DO NOT USE it and contact TruGolf.
- Only use the provided electronic components approved by TruGolf.
- The risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp; do not place TruGolf products near moisture.
- Always disconnect the power source first before handling the electric apparatus.
Safety & Setup Guidelines
- Because the simulator uses sonic triangulation and infrared light, the location must meet strict ambient requirements.
- Textured walls or materials are required to dampen reverberation.
- While setting up the cabling for the simulator, take care to route wires where they will not be stepped on.
- DO NOT set wires under the projector box as it may kink, crush, or cut through them.
- DO NOT step on the projector box. It’s not designed to support more than 30 lbs.
- The simulator is only to be used with the accessories provided. If you need a replacement power supply unit, please contact TruGolf.
- The accessories include impact screens, hitting surfaces, microphones, mic cables, a power supply unit, grounding cable, and ribbon cable.
Make sure to have the following equipment before installation:
- A computer with two open USB ports on the motherboard
- 110-volt power (a standard electrical outlet)
- A halogen spotlight is mounted just forward of the tee position on the hitting mat (to illuminate the sensors properly)
- Dark floor covering (the more contrast between the dark floor and white golf ball, the better)
- A drill
- A plumb bob
- A piece of masking tape
Installing the Launch Monitor
- Assemble Frame
STEP 1: CORNER PIECES
- Start assembling the frame with the back corner pieces.
- Place these several feet from the back wall and 8 feet apart.
STEP 2: CONNECT CORNERS
- Connect the frame tubular pieces by sliding the male and female ends together until the spring button pushes through the hole and locks the pieces together.
- Connect corners using the pieces shown below.
- Tighten elbow pieces using the supplied Allen wrench.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE SIDES
- Connect the side frame pieces to the base as shown below.
- Tighten elbow pieces using the supplied Allen wrench.
STEP 4: TOP CORNER PIECES
- Assemble the top portion of the frame.
- Connect the corner pieces to the sides and then connect the whole unit to the top portion.
- Tighten elbow pieces using the supplied Allen wrench.
Tip: For an easy assembly of the frame top, tip the frame forward and lay it on the ground.
STEP 5: ATTACH THE SCREEN
- From within the frame, unfold the screen, black side up.
- On each corner loop, the bungee cord ends over the hooks that are mounted on the frame as shown below.
- Attach the remaining bungee cord to the frame. Start from the center moving out to the corners.
- Stretch the bungee cord up and onto the inside knobs to create a zigzag pattern.
STEP 6: STAND IT UP
- Tip the frame back up.
STEP 7: SIDES AND TOP
- Assemble the walls as shown below.
- Tighten elbow pieces using the supplied Allen wrench.
- To assemble the front of the frame, start from one side and work your way to the other.
- To connect the light bar [38], see Overhead Light instructions (p. 20).
- Enclosure
STEP 1: TOP
- The enclosure is attached by stretching the fabric around the frame and attaching the fabric back onto itself using the Velcro.
- Two cables need to be run along with the frame as you wrap.
1. BNC cable (25 ft.)
2. Power extension cord for overhead light
- Begin installing the top enclosure at the light bar, working your way to the corners, including the cables as you go. Feed BNC cable ends through the hole in the ceiling.
- Stretch the fabric around the frame, attaching its back to itself using the Velcro.
- Start from the front corners and work your way along the sides toward the back of the frame.
STEP 2 A: TOP BUNGEES
- Use the integrated bungee system to secure the enclosure back edge after attaching the top sides.
- Attach the ends of the bungee cord to the frame as shown below.
- Moving from the center to the ends, stretch the bungee cord onto the top knobs to create a zigzag pattern.
STEP 2 B: SIDE WALLS
- Attach the side walls to the frame.
- Connect the side walls by first attaching the Velcro on the top edge to the Velcro that runs along the side of the top.
- Then attach the front edges by stretching the fabric around the frame and attaching the fabric back onto itself using Velcro.
- Wrap any cables to the frame at this time.
- Next, attach the bottom edges using the same technique, stretch the fabric around the frame, and attach the fabric back onto itself using Velcro.
- Lastly, attach the back edges by stretching the fabric around the frame and attaching the fabric back onto itself using Velcro.
STEP 3: AWNING
- Attach the brim and the TruGolf banner to the top front edge of the simulator using the integrated Velcro.
- Start at the middle of the banner, attaching it around the light bar, then move toward the sides.
STEP 4: SIDE BAFFLES & NETS
- Attach the screen baffles to the side walls using integrated Velcro.
- Attach the side nets to the front outside edge of the side walls.
- Fill the weight bags with heavy material and connect them to the side nets.
- Floor
STEP 1: TURF & PLATFORM
- Unfold the turf and place it on the floor within the enclosure as shown below.
- Assemble the raised hitting platform and position it at the front edge of the turf.
- Wiring
STEP 1: CABLES
- Run the serial cable and video cable under the turf and hitting platform to the center cutout. (Serial cable will be connected to the computer later.)
- Next, run the left (15 ft), right (15 ft), and top (25 ft) BNC microphone cables to the center cutout in the raised hitting platform.
NOTE: Minimum 18 inches of slack on all cables connecting to the TruTrack hitting mat.
STEP 2: MICROPHONES
- Connect the microphone by twisting connections and placing them through the hole and into a sleeve, with the microphone pointing toward the screen.
STEP 3: HITTING MAT
- Connect the ribbon cable on the hitting mat to the TruTrack control box.
- Connect the power cable, serial cable, and BNC cable (x3) from the microphones to the TruTrack control box.
STEP 4: PROJECTOR
- Set the projector and make sure that the lens is properly centered on the screen.
- Connect the power cable and video cable to the projector.
NOTE: See the projector manual for further instructions on adjusting the image.
STEP 5: PROJECTOR COVER
- Plug the cover fans into the power strip.
- Place cover over the projector.
Source: TruGolf
For video assistance on the Vista 8 setup, visit trugolf/vista/setup.
Once you’re done setting up, all you need to do is make the camera alignments and final settings for shot testing. After obtaining your desired calibration and settings, you’re all set to golf.
Installing E6 Connect
To install E6 Connect, make sure that your PC meets the following requirements:
- Intel i5 processor
- 8GB RAM
- Nvidia 1070 graphics card or equivalent
- Dedicated GPU with DirectX 11 Support
- 25GB of hard drive space
- Windows 10 (required)
- Internet connection (required)
- Double-click the E6 Connect icon on your desktop to begin the installation.
- It will show you a license activation screen.
- Click on the red login button to enter the email and password for your account.
- Select the license you want to use with your computer and then click activate.
In the next step, you need to perform “system configuration” and allow “admin permissions” which will lead you to the main menu.
Source: e6golf
Once on the main menu, you can start playing your game in whatever mode you want to.
Measurable Data Points on TruGolf Vista 8
Measuring data points has never been so instant and accurate with TruGolf Vista 8. You can have a precise measure of a whole lot of data points to analyze and improve your game.
Measurable Club Data
- Clubhead speed
- Club path
- Smash factor
- Face angle
Measurable Ball Data
- Ball speed
- Spin rate
- Height
- Launch direction
- Launch angle
- Landing angle
- Carry distance
- Total distance
Here’s a visual representation of the TruGolf Vista 8 interface showing club and ball data:
Accuracy Analysis of TruGolf Vista 8
Undoubtedly, Vista 8 is one of the leading simulator systems of its type, but the question still exists:
How accurate is Vista 8?
Let’s hear it from the Golf Simulator guys who have tested TrueGolf Vista 8.
As you can see from the video, the simulator was very quick and responsive. The metrics were accurate, and the overall gameplay was smooth.
Compatible Software With TruGolf Vista 8: E6 Connect
TruGolf Vista 8 comes with a minimum one-year subscription to the E6 Connect Basic Package, which is, by far, one of the most powerful and realistic software available in the market.
The basic package includes:
✅ 27 famous golf courses
✅ 17 practice areas
✅ Putting and chipping areas
✅ Mini-games
✅ Practice modes (like stroke play and best ball)
✅ Online events
But if you want more out of E6 Connect to enrich your golfing experience, you can also opt for the annual subscription which expands your access to over 90+ golf courses.
Dive deep into the cutting-edge realistic graphics and amazing performance of E6 Connect through this YouTube video by GungHoGolf Simulator Solutions:
TruGolf Vista 8 Cost: Should You Buy It?
Before we break into the cost analysis of Vista 8, let’s have a look at the price package offered by TruGolf.
Cost: $10,995 or $166 per month with Acorn Finance
Specs:
- Measurement: 9′ W x 12′ D x 8′ H
- Recommended space: 15′ W x 20′ D x 10′ H
- 1-Year basic subscription
- HD 720p projector
- TruTrack 2 tracking system
- Portable enclosure
- 2-year limited warranty
Pro Upgrade Cost: $2,950
Pro Upgrade Specs:
- TruGolf Level (1) Computer
- 21″ touch screen
- Premium fairway turf
- Side nets
- Containment brim
Source: TruGolf
After checking out the price charts, I can say that TruGolf Vista 8 would roughly cost you around $10,000 to $12,000, which is not too much for this type of golf simulator system.
You can enjoy almost all the perks of a professional golf simulator for a fraction of the price, which makes sense.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re more informed after reading this conclusive guide, it’s easier for you to decide on Vista 8.
With advanced built-in technology, this golf simulator nails the basics, and its portable design makes it perfect for indoor environments.
It comes at less than half the price of a professional golf simulator, which makes it a very affordable option.
Based on these reasons, I’d give you a green signal for TruGolf Vista 8.
See you in the next one!