GOLFZON’s new GDR MAX simulator has it all (plus a little more)

A few weeks ago, I visited Chantilly, Va., to see what might be the best-kept secret in the simulator space. So what is it GOLFZON’s new GDR MAX above all and why should you care? I’m glad you asked.

The first thing I realized during my time at GOLFZON USA headquarters is that GDR MAX is an extremely well thought out simulator solution. It has everything: an easy-to-use touch screen, a screen monitor, a pressure plate under your feet plus multiple cameras. (Oh, and they’ll also include the projector and gaming PC, too.) You can also double up on the launch monitor, face camera, and displays for less than the cost of what another launch monitor unit would cost. It is a value worth exploring.

Although a misconception I had going in was that these were built for commercial purposes, intended to be installed in multi-unit areas within a business, or for trainers and fitters. But I was wrong! These constructions are ready to be installed at home. Once you have the structure in place (screen, bay, hitting surface, etc.) they can come in and set you up with the GDR MAX and you’re on your way.

Here are four more things I learned about the GOLFZON GDR MAX. (Click here to learn more or inquire about pricing options, which vary based on customizable options.)

1. GOLFZON vertical integration

The most underrated part of the entire GOLFZON experience is that they own, operate, manage and build everything themselves. They own all the hardware and all the software, so the experience is seamless across the board. Extremely low lag from impact to visual on screen. Seamless transitions in software when switching screens. Responsive touch screens. Very little lag in menus or software when switching between holes while playing golf. Experience never gets in the way. Everything belongs to the structure and everything works with each other. There is not a software problem that is sustained by a hardware problem or a hardware problem that is sustained by software.

They can also customize the software as desired. More features will continue to be introduced, so there are always changes to make to the software, courses to update, and new training and adaptive features that will be required as the experience evolves.

2. I would be comfortable using GDR MAX

If you know me at all, you know that my world of golf revolves around club fitting, testing and data. If I’m going to use a simulator system, or just go play indoor golf with my friends, I get really worried when I know the data isn’t giving me accurate numbers. My benchmark is the Foresight QuadMax, and I know how much my numbers should drop if I have an elite day or a rough day.

But I can safely say that I would be comfortable setting up a friend using the GDR MAX system for several reasons. The first is that I tested it against my benchmark, and the numbers were about as similar as they could be. The other reason is the data they capture and what the assembler has access to, specifically dynamic data. I strongly believe that dynamic club data (data that measures the actual club in motion rather than static measurements at which clubs are taken) is more important in club fit than anything else. The way the club is handling is the north star for club equipment and there was nothing missing from the GDR MAX experience that I would have with the more accepted mounting technologies in a mounting bay.

The user interface is also next level. Using the touchscreen feels like a natural progression in today’s tech world, and everything you want it to do, it does without much “searching”. It’s really easy to drop in and out of the exact data you want to see, and it’s easy to navigate the software without feeling like you need a guide. User experience is the quickest way to lose interest in a SIM system – but that wasn’t the case here.

3. Trainers and fitters have a home

I’m not a very “practice” focused golfer. I think coaching technology is amazing, but my philosophy is that a coach should have access to every tool possible because every golfer learns differently. Some golfers or learners in general want visuals, some want feel, some want it to be super techy, and some want to be left to their own devices to figure it out. And this is the best part of the GDR MAX system. They have thought everything. Pressure plate? Check. The cameras? Check. Tracking the position of the joints on the body and tracking the swing path? Check. Change the entire screen to data tiles? Of course. Turn off everything and work with your coach while playing golf sim? Done. Every student has the ability to learn exactly the way they want.

For me, this is the best approach on the coach’s side. Give them all the tools and let them scale it down as much as they want. As the student evolves with the trainer, they can add more tools, change their approach, or unlock new goals without having to add a new subscription, download a new software package, or access a new piece of software.

4. It’s incredibly simple

We’ve talked a lot about data, hardware and software, but the good news is that it’s all simple. Even if you didn’t have a demo (like me), you can spend a few minutes pushing the buttons and figuring out how to navigate every part of the software, including the golf sim, using the rigging tools, and all the training tools.

Here the connection to the home user is fantastic. The ability to get a quartet of friends loaded into the software and start playing golf at home is simple. There are plenty of courses to choose from, you can set the parameters of the round exactly how you want it and, bingo, you’re playing golf in no time. There is little down time between holes or shots and the flow of golf is never interrupted by the GDR MAX system. It grew alone.

Parting thoughts

The GDR MAX system surprised me. That’s the best way for me to explain it. I wasn’t even aware of the consumer options from GOLFZON in the first place, as I only had experience with their commercial systems and the super high end GOLFZON Socials. But I would be confident using the GDR MAX in any golf cart situation. Suitable? No problem. Training? No problem. Indoor golf with friends at home? Excellent. You get a premium fitting or practice experience you’d expect at top-tier clubs or facilities with the golf user experience you’d expect in gated community homes. And what’s not to love about that?

For more information on the GOLFZON GDR MAX, including pricing and build information, you can visit their site here.

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