For the last two years I’ve been using the Bushnell Launch Pro as my reference golf simulator for my reviews.
Why?
Because it’s the most accurate launch monitor I own.
But as most people know, the Bushnell Launch Pro is simply a rebranded Foresight GC3 unit.
Up until recently, I’d never used a GC3, so I couldn’t accurately tell you if one was better than the other.
But now that I’ve got my hands on a GC3 and have put it through its paces, I’ve got lots of thoughts.
In this Foresight GC3 review I’m going to cover everything you could want to know about this device:
- How accurate is the GC3?
- How is the user experience?
- What are the differences between the GC3 and Launch Pro?
- Should you buy the GC3, Launch Pro, or something else entirely?
We’re going to cover all of these questions and more.
Keep in mind this review is a little unique. Because most people considering a GC3 are also likely considering a Launch Pro (they’re the same), I’m going to spend some extra time comparing the two directly so that you understand all the pros and cons between both of them, so you can make sure you make the best decision for yourself.
So if you’ve been in the market for a serious golf launch monitor and simulator solution and you want to know if the Foresight GC3 is worth your hard-earned money? Keep reading, this review is for you.
January 2025 Update: All New Devices
Before we jump into the full review, I wanted to make sure you knew that Foresight has changed their lineup as of January 2025.
The good news is that this device the GC3 is still for sale, and largely unchanged. In fact, now if you buy the GC3, you’re getting a Bushnell Pro X3 Link rangefinder to go along with it. This is actually a nice upgrade, and makes the GC3 even more appealing!
On the lower end, however they’ve rolled out a new product called the GC3s. It’s essentially the exact same device, it just has a $500/year subscription instead of all in pricing.
And on the lower end, they’ve gotten rid of the Bushnell Launch Pro in favor of a fairly stripped down replacement, the Bushnell LPi.
I’ll have reviews of all these devices in the coming months, but in the meantime here is where you can find all the details about the Foresight changes.
First Impressions of the Foresight GC3 Launch Monitor
One thing that I noticed when unpacking and doing my initial review of the Bushnell Launch Pro is the fact that the branding feels a little muddled.
It’s a Foresight product, branded as Bushnell product.
But you’re still using Foresight software.
The two brand names going back and forth was always a little confusing to me.
So it’s been nice in my initial unboxing and setup of the GC3 to have one product with a consistent brand, voice etc.
The Foresight GC3 is packaged like a high-end product, and it feels every bit of its starting price of $5,999 when you open it up.
From the extra padding in the shipping packaging to the high-quality box it comes in – everything about it is well done.
If you’re used to more consumer-level launch monitors like the MLM2Pro, Approach R10, or even the Mevo Plus – this thing is a shock to the system.
It’s bigger, heavier, and feels more expensive than all those – which is obviously true for the Launch Pro as well, since they’re well, the same.
While not “throw it in your bag” portable, the design is very well thought-out with an integrated handle on top of it.
In the box, you’ll find:
- Foresight GC3 Unit
- Power brick and cord
- USB-C cord for attaching to a laptop
- Warranty/registration card and quick start book.
- Alignment stick
While the alignment stick is useful for the GC3 alignment mode, it’s also a subtle affirmation that this is a device meant for people serious about improving their game.
Setting Up the Foresight GC3
I’m not gonna lie, I was kind of dreading the initial setup of the GC3.
My setup experience with the Launch Pro was less than ideal, and I was bracing for the worst with the GC3.
My fears were unfounded however, as the GC3 setup was about as smooth as any launch monitor setup I’ve had.
Once you turn it on, you’ll connect it to your WiFi network.
From there, it will display a QR code, which you’ll scan to setup or login to your Foresight Account.
Within seconds the GC3 unit was added to my account, and it showed that the device was Unlocked and that I should have full access to FSX Play, FSX Pro, and FSX 2020.
We’ll talk more about all of that in just a minute.
You’ll need to input your activation code the first time you launch any of those pieces of software, but once you do, you’re good to go.
When the GC3 is connected to the same network as my computer, it instantly recognizes it and the connection with the Foresight apps is seamless. Alternatively, connecting via USB also provided immediate recognition.
This experience was so seamless compared to the Launch Pro.
Why was it so different?
I think it’s the difference between having a device that’s fully unlocked from the beginning vs. one that has a subscription.
Not only that, with the Launch Pro subscription there previously were different tiers (there’s just one now), and there’s a trial.
It’s extra complexity, and I’ve continued to have issues getting my Launch Pro to accurately recognize my current subscription status. Again, we’ll talk more about that below, but suffice it to say, I’m super impressed with the GC3 setup process.
Using the Foresight GC3 on It’s Own
One of the great things about the GC3 when compared to many other launch monitor