A very important question, and one that is often overlooked. It's all about accuracy and how accurate you want your golf simulator experience to be. The type of ball you use can have a big impact on accuracy, spin data, and overall performance in a golf simulator.
In a golf simulator it's crucial to use the appropriate equipment to make sure the results you see on the screen are what you would see on the course. In this guide, we’ll break down how different golf balls perform with radar-based vs. camera-based launch monitors, and whether you should be using standard golf balls, Titleist RCT balls, or ball stickers for the most realistic indoor golf experience.
Radar-Based Launch Monitors vs. Camera-Based Launch Monitors
Before choosing a ball, it’s important to understand how different golf simulator launch monitors actually track data:
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Radar-Based Launch Monitors (for example TrackMan, FlightScope, Garmin Approach R10)
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Use Doppler radar (and sometimes cameras) to track the golf ball’s flight.
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Work best with higher ball flight and longer distances.
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Indoors, radar units can struggle to read the spin without special golf balls or ball tracking stickers.
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Camera / Photometric Launch Monitors (e.g. Foresight, Garmin R50, Uneekor, SkyTrak+)
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Use high-speed cameras to capture impact and ball spin.
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Very accurate indoors, even with limited ball flight.
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Don’t always require special balls, but may benefit from stickers for better spin detection. Please check the manufacturers guidelines.
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The setup of the launch monitors will include a button to allow you to switch between range balls, RCT balls and real balls. Why is this? Because the algorithms that the launch monitor uses to calculate the distance is impacted by the different qualities and behaviours of each ball type, so there's a different algorithm programmed in to adjust the data you see on the screen. So the next time your pitching wedge flies 180 yards, be sure to check your settings for which ball your using.
What Golf Ball Should You Use in a Golf Simulator?
Let's take a look at the options:
Standard Golf Balls in Golf Simulators
Let's think about normal golf ball fresh out of the pack. There are of course different types of these, from soft to distance balls, but for golf simulator algorithms it's usually combined into one category. A new, real ball should go the furthest distance as there's less aerodynamic drag as you would see from a used ball with scratches, scuffs and wear.
With real balls, simulators can have a difficulty picking up the spin data. To overcome this you can use ball tracking stickers with radar based units. The photometric, or camera-based, launch monitors (ones that go on the floor next to you) generally don't need ball stickers. The stickers allow the technology better visibility of the ball and make it easier to calculate the spin applied to the ball from the clubface.
So, can you just use a normal golf ball in your simulator setup? Yes—but with some limitations.
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On camera-based systems, standard premium balls (Pro V1, TP5, Chrome Soft, etc.) usually work fine, as the cameras pick up markings and dimples. Although we would recommend using marked balls if possible to ensure the best accuracy.
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On radar-based systems, normal balls will likely not give accurate spin rates indoors since radar has a harder time reading short flights. So either RCT balls or ball stickers are a must here.
If you just want casual play and aren't interested in your spin numbers, then a regular golf ball works. But for precise club fitting or practice, you may need to upgrade.
RCT Balls - The best option for indoors
A relatively new development is Titleist RCT (Radar Capture Technology) balls. These are essentially a normal ball with a reflective marker inside, which helps the radar unit read the spin more accurately and removes the need to use ball tracking stickers.
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Ideal for: TrackMan, Garmin R10, FlightScope Mevo+ users hitting indoors.
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Benefits: More consistent spin data, tighter dispersion, and realistic ball flight in a golf simulator.
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Downside: They cost more than standard balls, and are currently available in limited models (e.g., Pro V1 and Pro V1x).
If you're looking at the Rapsodo MLM2Pro then there is a sleeve of three RCT balls included with your purchase, either Callaway or Titleist. Or the Square Golf launch monitor has developed their own marked balls designed for use with the Square.
Using Ball Stickers & Markings
Another way to improve indoor golf simulator accuracy is by adding reflective stickers or marked patterns to your golf balls.
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Ball Tracking Stickers: Small metallic stickers help radar-based launch monitors pick up spin more reliably. The FlightScope Mevo Gen2 and mevo plus come with a small pack of stickers to get you started.
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Marked Patterns: Some photometric systems track spin better if you use patterned balls, such as the Titleist TP5x. We wouldn't recommend using a Sharpie on your preferred ball as it may leave marks on the impact screen.
This can be a cost-effective option if you don’t want to invest in RCT balls, though it’s less convenient since stickers wear off over time.
Final Thoughts
Your golf simulator experience is only as good as the data your launch monitor provides—and the golf ball plays a huge role in that accuracy.
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RCT balls are the best option for radar-based systems indoors.
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Standard premium balls work well with camera-based systems.
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Ball Stickers are a cost-friendly way to improve spin detection if you don’t want to invest in specialized balls.
By choosing the right golf ball for your simulator setup, you’ll ensure your practice sessions are as close to real on-course play as possible.
Happy Golfing.
