While it’s been out for longer, the first time I learned about the Rapsodo MLM Launch Monitor was at the PGA Show a few years ago.
Frankly, it was one of the items that excited me the most. I mean, to have a portable launch monitor that connects to your phone, and fits easily in your golf bag?
If it works, that’s a pretty cool piece of tech that has the potential to have a real impact on your game.
It’s especially appealing considering it comes in around $500, making it a fraction of a traditional Trackman, or even less expensive options like a Bushnell Launch Pro or FlightScope Mevo+.
But the consumer launch monitor market is getting more and more fierce these days. Which begs the question, is the Rapsodo Launch Monitor king of the hill at that $500 price point?
The answer is a resounding….maybe.
Let’s dig in.
Update February 2023: Rapsodo MLM Now $299
This past week Rapsodo announced the successor to the MLM, the MLM 2 Pro.
The new device is fantastic, and it has a number of impressive features that you wouldn’t expect to see on a product retailing for $699.
Check out our full Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro review.
In releasing details of the MLM 2, they also announced that they’re lowering the retail price of the original MLM from $499 to $299 – which makes this a pretty killer deal.
You’d occasionally see it during big sales for as low as $349, but for under $300? This is hands down the best launch monitor on the market.
Even with the release of the new model, they’ve continued to invest in the MLM, it’s tech, and features.
We’ll update this review soon to better reflect the new pricing, but if you’re in the market for an inexpensive launch monitor with a great feature set?
This is probably the one to get.
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First Impressions of the Rapsodo Launch Monitor
Everything about the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (or MLM for short) appealed to me.
Unlike the Swing Caddie SC200 which I reviewed a few years ago, it has a built-in app for being able to easily review your statistics and track improvement.
But where it really sets itself apart is with the built-in camera. It records and plays back every single shot you hit, while also adding a shot tracer.
Pretty cool tech.
But what was it like out of the box?
The packaging was very nice overall, and the device came in a case similar to what you’d find a high-end range finder shipped with. It’s very sturdy and high-quality canvas, with a zipper pouch for the device.
Inside was the Rapsodo MLM, a USB charging cable, and some quick start instructions.
I’ve made the mistake many times of opening up a new product at the course. Fortunately for my first foray into the Rapsodo I was smart enough to take it out and charge it the night before.
Related: Is the Rapsodo the best golf launch monitor on the market?
Looking to make the range fun again? Rapsodo MLM is for you. The Rapsodo is the most full-featured launch monitor under $300, and is our best recommendation for a device at that price point.
Ease of Setup of the Rapsodo Launch Monitor
Once I got to the course, I took the device out, turned it on and went through the setup process on my phone – which was remarkably easy.
The instructions were very clear in the app, and with the latest version of the app there is no additional calibration you need to do with the device and the camera.
It connected via bluetooth right away.
I told it which clubs I had in my bag via a simple drag-and-drop interface with the app, and I was ready to go in just a few minutes.
I told it which golf course I was at, set my point to the exact spot on the range I was, and told it which direction I was hitting – should be ready to rock.
So with my phone tucked into the device, bluetooth connected, camera on, and a green LED light indicating I was ready to hit, I stepped up to the ball, and made a perfect swing.
Then….
Nothing.
The LED light immediately turned blue indicating it was processing the shot, but it just stayed blue.
It never went back to green,
I figured ok, maybe the device wasn’t close enough to the 8 foot distance behind the ball recommended?
Moved it around, set it on it’s case to make sure it was perfectly level behind the ball…
Nothing.
Restarted the app. Light turns green.
Hit another ball.
Nothing.
Hmmmmm, we’re not off to a go