Are you ready to practice with purpose and play indoors with a golf simulator without spending thousands on high-priced launch monitors? If so, you'll love this Rapsodo MLM2Pro review.
The original Rapsodo MLM was a solid device and one of the original portable monitors. However, in 2023 the MLM 2 Pro was released and provided a serious upgrade in the Rapsodo lineup. It has a lot of similarities to the Mevo Plus and the Garmin R10, as it can help you play via simulation, practice on the range, and use indoors for practice too.
Let’s get into why this is one of the best deals available in the launch monitor market.
Rapsodo MLM2Pro Review
The Rapsodo MLM2Pro launch monitor made the Golf Digest Hot List as the official personal launch monitor last year.
Opening the box gave us similar feelings to unpacking a brand new Apple iPhone, as it was an incredible presentation. It comes with the MLM2Pro device, tripod, sturdy carrying case, charging cable, and Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X golf balls (more on them later).
The tripod does make the device sit up higher than competitors and makes it easy to ensure it’s set up down the line. You’ll need about six feet of space behind the hitting area and once set up, you can start swinging.
You do not need an internet connection to use the MLM2Pro, but it does make it a significantly better experience. With an internet connection, you can sync shots from your sessions, test out the “combine”, access Rapsodo courses, and get insight reports on your practice session with Rapsodo precision technology that accurately measure your spin.
This launch monitor/golf simulator measures everything from how the ball spins, ball flight, distance. Plus, the MLM2Pro launch monitor has impact vision and shot vision. Rapsodo elaborated, saying, "Examine slow-motion GIF's with a high-speed impact vision camera that captures impact and initial ball flight at 240 frames per second."
While the shot vision feature lets you see a down-the-line video and slow motion replay. You can pair it with your phone or tablet to get an additional angle - such as face-on - for an even better look at your swing from multiple angles.
Now, let’s get into the details of how this can take your game to the next level.
Easy to Use + Extremely Portable
The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is one of the smallest launch monitors in golf. It has a very unconventional shape compared to Trackman, Foresight Sports, Garmin, or even Voice Caddie monitors. But don’t let the size fool you, this launch monitor can provide a ton of data about your game.
Whether you buy a launch monitor, training aid, or other golf gadget, the more convenient it is to use, the more likely you are to actually use it. This Rapsodo launch monitor will easily fit in your golf bag at all times without taking up much space.
Not only is it small, it’s also very easy to use, which can’t be said for every launch monitor. The Rapsodo has a new “Quick Connect Feature” which makes it easy to connect to a network and start swinging.
You can easily sync this to a projector or Smart TV with a lightning cable to HDMI to projector (Apple) or USB-C to HDMI to a projector (Android) for the best experience. Not to mention, you can use Airplay or Screen Mirror to a smart TV as well.
This means less time dealing with the hassles of setting it up and more time working on your golf game. Also, this launch monitor works with Apple and Android devices, which is a big upgrade as the previous model only worked on the App Store.
30,000 Golf Courses Golf Simulation + One Year Premium Subscription
Once you’re connected, it’s time to play golf on more than 30,000 Rapsodo courses, as it doubles as a golf simulator. Even the most avid golfers won’t get bored with that many golf courses to choose from.
You also have the option to try out other premium trials for Awesome Golf and E6 as well. Unfortunately, this device does not come with long-term access to E6 like Garmin and Mevo devices.
Getting started is easy…
In practice mode, you can select whether you’re hitting outdoors at the driving range or indoors, hitting into a net.
Then select ball type (range, premium or Callaway RPT balls), and add in elevation for the most accurate data. You can also upload your golf club make/model (ex. TaylorMade Stealth 2 for driver, Callaway Apex Pro irons, etc.) in the “My Bag” to easily measure the performance of different clubs.
The device does come with one year of premium membership as well. This includes cloud storage of up to 10,000 videos, slow motion replay, session insights, all Rapsodo courses, Rapsodo range, and more.
13 Data Points to Track Performance
The Rapsodo MLM2 Pro uses dual optical camera vision and radar processing for incredible accuracy. As Rapsodo said on their website, “If you can track it, you can improve it.”
This portable launch monitor provides tons of data to learn more about every shot you hit. It includes 13 data points, including carry distance, ball speed, launch direction, club speed, launch angle, shot apex, and more.
To take advantage of two new spin measurements - spin rate and spin axis - you will need to use the custom Callaway golf balls that are provided.
As Rapsodo stated on their website, “Custom designed RPT™ Golf Balls were developed specifically for the MLM2PRO™ Impact Vision camera. The camera recognizes the RPT™ print pattern and captures images at 240 fps for pro-level spin rate and spin axis measurements. It’s a partnership in precision engineering.”
Easy to Use App
The app is very easy to use on any device and comes with some incredible features to improve all areas of your game.
Some of the highlights include:
Swing Replay
You can replay great shots with shot tracer and save them to your phone or share them on social media. The app lets you add metrics to the video such as distance, speed, and launch angle as well.
Rapsodo Insights
Launch monitors are super helpful, but some are easy to get overwhelmed with all the data. But not this one. This will help you better understand your ball striking consistency, smash factor, launch angle consistency, shot shape frequency, and more.
The Rapsodo Insights feature in the app makes it easy to understand your swing data so you know what you need to do to improve and play more consistently. No more guessing like you might in a normal practice session without using a monitor.
One of the most useful benefits of a launch monitor is dialling in your distances with each club. This will help you avoid any big distance gaps and swing with more confidence on the course.
The Club Gapping feature will summarize your performance with every club, including your low, average, and high distances, so you know exactly how far you hit each club in the bag. The shot dispersion feature also helps analyze which clubs need the most help in terms of accuracy.
Rapsodo Combine
The award-winning combine feature is a very useful tool to help you stay mentally engaged during practice sessions. This will give you different distances and targets to mix up practice and not hit the same shot over and over again.
You’ll hit 24 balls with three clubs to specific distances. After you’re done hitting, it will provide insights and expertise on where you should continue working on your game.
Downsides to Rapsodo MLM2Pro Launch Monitor
As you can tell, there are tons of incredible benefits when it comes to the MLM2Pro. But like every launch monitor, there are a few downsides that we wanted to note.
First, even though it does have 13 data points to measure each swing, you can only see 3-4 at a time on your phone. This is a little inconvenient but can help avoid an overwhelming amount of too much data (which can happen if you’re new to using launch monitors).
Second, you can only get spin data when hitting into a net or screen indoors. You can still get plenty of other data outside, but this is a metric that some golfers like to see when hitting at the driving range.
Third, it does not have any smartwatch capabilities. You’ll need to use the app on your Apple or Android device to switch modes, change clubs, and view data.
Finally, while the device doesn’t require a membership to work, it does need it for a lot of the features we’ve mentioned above. Without a paid membership, you won’t get access to Rapsodo Range, Combine, Insights, spin rate/spin axis, and the Simulator feature.
Luckily, it’s only $199/year, so it’s worth the money for all the extra features to make the most of your device.
Common Questions
Keep reading if you have more questions about the Rapsodo MLM2Pro launch monitor.
Is Rapsodo worth the money?
Yes, at only $699, it’s one of the best deals in golf.
While there are cheaper launch monitors, it’s hard to beat the amazing features of the MLM2Pro. There are also ones that are 3-5X (or more) the price and don’t offer as many features.
Some of the highlights include portable design, ease of use, and simulation at 30,000+ golf courses. Not to mention it works with Apple and Android devices, provides 13 metrics, and works indoors or outdoors.
Does Rapsodo MLM2PRO work with range balls?
Yes, it does work with range balls from the driving range or your favorite premium golf ball. However, it will not work with foam or plastic practice golf balls.
Rapsodo recommends using the included Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X balls to measure all metrics, including Spin and Spin Axis.
Can I use Rapsodo without a subscription?
Yes, you can use this premium launch monitor without an active membership.
The first year is included with your original purchase and does provide the most immersive experience, more courses, and additional training programs. After the first free year, it is $199/year to renew, which is a very low-cost for all that’s included.
Can you play multiple players on Rapsodo MLM2PRO?
Unfortunately, not at this time. Rapsodo courses is currently a single-player-only mode at this time, but they plan to make updates in the near future.
What is the difference between Rapsodo and Trackman?
Trackman is one of the top launch monitors in golf and is frequently used in high-end simulators. They’re also a favorite among professional golfers on the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour (alongside Foresight Sports).
Trackman launch monitors are not meant for the everyday golfer thanks to the high price tag ($20,000+) but provide incredible data about your game. The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is built for the everyday golfer who wants to learn more data without breaking the bank.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, this Rapsodo MLM 2 review shows how this device can help your game 365 days/year. While the original Rapsodo mobile launch monitor was solid, the MLM2Pro is even better. It’s an accurate launch monitor with a great price. To recap, this mobile launch monitor:
- 13 data points.
- Has cloud video storage.
- Has 30,000+ courses for golf simulation.
- Comes with one year premium membership.
- Advanced cameras provide more data about your golf swing.
- Works with any iOS or android device (not just Apple devices like the MLM).
It’s priced very well, easy to use, portable, and great for playing simulated golf or using in practice sessions. It has plenty of data for the everyday golfer to learn more about your game without getting overwhelmed.
Next, make sure to read our full breakdown of the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro vs. Garmin R10 launch monitor.
Have you tried the original Rapsodo? Will you upgrade in 2024?
Let us know in the comments below.
