Comparing indoor tracking of golf ball and club metrics: Consistency and absolute agreement of the Flightscope Mevo+ and Trackman 4 launch monitors

Background: This study aimed to compare the Flightscope Mevo+ launch monitor against a previously validated system (Trackman 4) during full golf swings in an indoor setting. Methods: Mevo+ and Trackman 4 were compared concurrently for driver (n= 118, 118, 174 shots, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) reported consistency and absolute agreement. Bland-Altman plots reported limits of agreement. Results: Moderate to excellent consistency was reported for all values for driver (ICC= 0.66-0.996), 7-iron (ICC= 0.50-0.996) and pitching wedge (ICC= 0.55-1.00) except angle of attack which was poor for both 7-iron and pitching wedge (ICC= 0.06 & 0.03, respectively). For absolute agreement, Mevo+ demonstrated moderate to excellent levels for most driver (ICC range= 0.58-0.98), 7-iron (ICC range= 0.83-0.94) and pitching wedge (ICC range= 0.77-0.999) variables. Driver swing plane (ICC absolute= 0.24), 7-iron angle of attack, clubhead speed, dynamic loft and spin rate (ICC absolute= 0.02, 0.44, 0.23, 0.49, 0.42, respectively) and pitching wedge angle of attack, dynamic loft, and swing plane (ICC absolute= 0.01, 0.25, 0.43, respectively) had poor agreement. Conclusion: Mevo+ is consistent with Trackman 4 for all variables except angle of attack. It does however provide different absolute values, but usually in a consistent, systematic manner, across a number of variables. Coaches, club fitters, golfers, and scientists should be aware of these systematic differences when attempting to compare performance across launch monitors or when solely using the Mevo+ system to aid performance, club building and fitting, or for research purposes.