FlightScope Mevo Plus Review [2024]
The FlightScope Mevo Plus has quickly become one of the most popular launch monitors for golfers looking to take their game to the next level. With the latest 2023 hardware and software updates, the Mevo Plus delivers incredibly accurate and robust data and simulation at a price point well below high-end monitors.
After testing the 2023 Mevo Plus extensively both outdoors and indoors, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the hottest launch monitors on the market. It may not have all the bells and whistles of a $10,000+ monitor. But it offers an unparalleled combination of accuracy, data, ease of use, and entertainment value.
$2,199 from Rain or Shine Golf $2,199 from Shop Indoor Golf $2,199 from Top Shelf GolfIn this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2023 FlightScope Mevo Plus, including:
What is the FlightScope Mevo Plus?
The FlightScope Mevo Plus is a Doppler radar launch monitor first announced in early 2020. The “Plus” model follows the original Mevo to add more robust features and accuracy.
In February 2023, FlightScope released a refresh of the Mevo Plus hardware with some notable upgrades:
Otherwise, the 2023 Mevo Plus uses the same core radar technology as before. It provides golfers with professional-level ball flight data and analysis in a portable package.
The Mevo Plus retails for $2,199, but can often be found for $100-$200 less at various retailers.
For those looking to take their game to the next level with comprehensive data and practice tools without spending over $5,000, the Mevo Plus hits a sweet spot.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Mevo Plus comes neatly packaged with everything you need to get started:
The case is larger than the cheaper Mevo model, but still compact compared to even portable launch monitors like the SkyTrak.
When you take the 2023 out of the box it looks almost identical to the previous model. The only difference is that the power button is now red instead of silver.
The adjustable kickstand has been tweaked slightly for the 2023 to make it easier to achieve the optimal 12-degree tilt angle. Both work well, but the new one seems to hold 12 degrees more consistently.
A minor disappointment is that FlightScope stuck with a mini USB port instead of upgrading to USB-C. Not a big deal, since it’s still just a standard USB port, but USB-C seems to be taking over.
Overall, the look, feel, and portability still seem to be on par with the original Mevo Plus. The upgrades are more under the hood.
Setup and pairing with devices
The setup process for the Mevo Plus is straightforward, though not without a few minor frustrations. Here are the steps to get you up and running:
- Fully charge the device. About 2 hours from empty.
- Create or log in to your FlightScope account.
- Download the FlightScope Golf app to your phone or tablet.
- Turn on the Mevo Plus and scan the QR code with the app to pair.
- Connect the Mevo Plus to the Wi-Fi network.
- Update firmware if necessary.
- Set your location and environmental factors.
- Set the tilt angle to 12 degrees and orientation.
- Hit some balls!
The main annoyance is that the Mevo Plus broadcasts its own wifi network instead of connecting via Bluetooth. This means that you cannot be connected to wifi and use the Mevo Plus app on a wifi-only device like an iPad at the same time.
I’d recommend pairing and setting up the device using your phone first, if possible. This will avoid having to jump back and forth between wifi networks on a tablet.
Otherwise, once set up, the pairing process takes about 5 seconds. Just turn on the Mevo Plus, open the app, and scan the QR code. It couldn’t be easier.
Testing the Accuracy of the Mevo Plus
Accuracy is by far the most important factor for any launch monitor. Data, graphics, and convenience are all well and good, but if the data itself isn’t accurate, the device fails in its primary purpose.
I have extensively tested the 2023 FlightScope Mevo Plus both indoors and outdoors to evaluate its accuracy across all clubs.
Testing Methodology
For outdoor testing, I compared the Mevo Plus to known carry distances for each of my clubs. I use a ShotScope GPS watch, which provides very reliable carry data over dozens and dozens of rounds.
To compare ball flight parameters such as ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, etc., I also tested side-by-side with a TrackMan.
For indoor testing, I conducted multiple sessions in an enclosed batting cage, comparing the Mevo Plus against itself for consistency, as well as against a SkyTrak launch monitor.
Overall, the results of my testing were extremely positive:
Clearly, FlightScope’s radar technology combined with camera tracking gives the Mevo Plus incredible performance – easily matching or exceeding any other launch monitor in its price range.
This level of accuracy was achieved by carefully following FlightScope’s recommended setup each time:
Taking the extra 2-3 minutes before each session to set this up is critical to getting accurate results from the Mevo Plus. But this is a small trade-off to get the accuracy of a professional $10,000+ launch monitor at a fraction of the cost.
Features and Use of the FS Golf App
The free FS Golf mobile app is your window into the full potential of the Mevo Plus. It displays all your shot data, tracks your sessions and even facilitates video analysis.
Within the app, there are a number of different modes to choose from:
Full Swing Session
This is the bread and butter of the Mevo Plus experience. You can select any club in your bag and get detailed data and graphics on every shot.
The amount of information available is highly customizable. If you want to see shot tracer arc, spin axis, side spin, club speed, angle of attack… whatever you want, you can see it.
You can also easily group shots by club and filter in a variety of ways to analyze your dispersion, distances and trends.
Having all this robust, pro-level information at your fingertips sets the Mevo Plus apart from competitors that are more geared towards the casual golfer. The data goes as deep as you want it to.
Swing Analysis
New to the FS Golf app is a swing analysis mode. This allows you to take practice swings with any club while collecting data on tempo, speed and plane when paired with the Pro Package add-on.
It’s a handy way to work on your swing mechanics without even hitting balls. However, I found the swing speed and tempo data to be a bit inconsistent compared to dedicated swing sensor devices.
Chipping & Pitching
For your short game, dedicated shot displays make it easy to track distance and accuracy on chipping, pitching and partial swings. You get useful trajectory and landing spot information in an intuitive format.
Choosing your short game is much more engaging when you can see each shot displayed instead of guessing how far it went.
Putting
Putting Analysis provides you with key stats such as distance, launch angle and directional accuracy. You can really tighten up those 6-footers when you have concrete data on the flaws in your stroke.
It also helps you sink those long putts when you can see exactly where the ball lands in relation to the path you took.
Challenges Mode
The Challenges mode offers some fun competitions against yourself or others. These include games such as:
Challenges are a great way to liven up your practice and track your progress over time. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?
Go back and review previous sessions
Within the FS Golf app, you can always review past session data and videos. It’s an easy way to monitor your progress over weeks or months as you work to improve different aspects of your game.
The ability to save swing videos along with your practice data makes reviewing past sessions even more useful.
Integrate Video Analysis
One of my favorite features of the Mevo Plus is how seamlessly it integrates video capture with your swing data.
Using your phone or tablet camera, you can capture video of each swing. The Mevo Plus automatically syncs it with that shot’s data profile.
Now, when you review your practice sessions, you have both the numerical data and the actual video confirming what you did on each shot.
This takes the guesswork out of diagnosing your tendencies. If you see that you pushed several drives to the right, you can look back and see what happened in your swing to cause that.
And because everything is stored in the app, accessing both data and video is quick and easy. You can also really zoom in on your swing by changing camera angles or using slo-mo video.
For those who are serious about using launch monitor data to actively improve their skills, this integration of data and video is a game changer.
Golf Simulator Setup and Course Play
Beyond pure shot data, the Mevo Plus also doubles as an accurate golf simulator capable of recreating actual courses.
When paired with third-party software like E6 Connect, you can transform your space into a virtual driving range or golf course.
With the 2023 upgrade, the included basic E6 Connect subscription comes with 10 courses instead of just 5. You get a solid mix of real courses like Bay Hill and fictional venues like the par-3 Ocean Course.
The simulation graphics and gameplay mirror what you get from leading simulator software without paying extra. Add in the precise ball tracking of Mevo Plus and you have an extremely realistic experience.
You can upgrade to the full E6 Connect plan or other software such as The Golf Club for access to even more courses.
This is where the Mevo Plus really shines over any simulator setup that uses camera-based tracking. Its radar technology results in minimal latency from shot to screen.
For under $2500 all-in, you can have a professionally accurate simulator in your own home with no compromises. It’s a very attractive package.
Mevo Plus Pro Package & Face Impact Analysis
FlightScope offers two paid add-ons for the Mevo Plus to further enhance its capabilities:
Pro Package – $999
The Pro Package unlocks over a dozen additional data points for each shot, including:
It’s an incredible amount of detail about your swing mechanics shot after shot. For coaches or serious players, it can be invaluable in identifying flaws and improving quickly.
But for most golfers, it’s probably overkill. The standard Mevo Plus data will be sufficient.
Face Impact Analysis – $499
Available only with the Pro Package, Face Impact uses the Mevo Plus camera to provide a shot-by-shot location of impact on the clubface.
You can visually see if you are consistently heeling or toe striking and adjust accordingly.
This level of feedback used to require spray paint and special camera equipment.
Again, it’s a great tool for coaching and fitting. But the average player may not benefit enough to justify the nearly $1500 combined cost.
Mevo Plus vs. SkyTrak
The SkyTrak launch monitor is arguably the closest competitor to the Mevo Plus. Here is a breakdown of how the two stack up:
Overall, the Mevo Plus has a slight edge for the data-driven golfer or range rat, while the SkyTrak is better suited for the simulator golfer. But both perform admirably and have standout features.
Who Should Buy the FlightScope Mevo Plus?
The Mevo Plus offers an unmatched combination of performance, features, and value in the sub-$2500 launch monitor market. But who will really maximize the benefits?
Here are 5 golfers who should strongly consider investing in a Mevo Plus:
Serious Range Users
With its comprehensive analytics and video integration, the Mevo Plus is designed for those who live and breathe the driving range and are concerned with every aspect of their game.
Coaches and Fitters
Comprehensive data, club metrics, impact location, etc., allows coaches to get down to the nitty-gritty with students. Great for fitting too.
Simulation Golfers
Affordable, accurate and extensive course library – ideal foundation for home golf simulator.
Winter Golfers
Keep your skills sharp by using the Mevo Plus indoors when the snow has you stuck indoors for months.
Technical Golfers
The amount of data, graphics and features appeal to golfers who use technology to improve their game.
While anyone can benefit from using a Mevo Plus, it really shines for these golfers who are most passionate about data-driven improvement.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to combining performance, versatility and value, nothing on the market today can compete with the 2023 FlightScope Mevo Plus.
The accuracy provided by its Doppler radar and camera tracking rivals monitors twice or three times the cost.
The data and graphics within the FS Golf app would please even the most discerning gearhead with its customization and detail.
With the touch of a button, you can take your session to the big screen, turning the Mevo Plus into an authentic golf simulator capable of tackling world-renowned courses.
For the golfer who wants it all – pure data, comprehensive practice tools and realistic simulation – the Mevo Plus is the total package. It may be expensive, but it delivers such robust features across the board that no other launch monitor can match it pound for pound.
Mevo Plus Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the FlightScope Mevo Plus:
The 2023 Mevo Plus battery is rated for 3 hours of continuous use. The previous model was rated for approximately 1.5 hours.
It uses ultra-high frequency Doppler radar augmented by an on-board camera to provide accurate shot data and metrics.
Yes, the Mevo Plus excels on the range as well as in your driving range. Switching between indoor and outdoor modes is easy.
It’s very important to adjust for temperature and altitude as conditions change. Otherwise, the performance remains top notch in rain or shine.
It will track any shot between 30 and 175 yards with solid accuracy. Ideal for full swings to mid-range pitch shots.
Yes, it creates its own wifi network that you connect to with your mobile device to view data. Bluetooth is not supported.
You can hit from any surface – grass, mat, turf, etc. Mats are preferred for indoor use to provide a consistent, flat surface. Grass is fine for outdoor use.
You need at least 8 feet behind and 8 feet in front of the Mevo Plus. That makes a total of 15-16 feet for indoor use.