Shot Scope releases a launch monitor at a shockingly affordable price

What you need to know: Shot Scope released its LM1 Launch Monitor Thursday, a device that delivers five key metrics in a compact device not much larger than a smart phone. Powered by Doppler radar, the LM1 reads club speed, ball speed, smash factor, carry distance and total distance. Perhaps most surprisingly, it retails for just $200 with no subscription fee.

"By combining powerful data with an easy to use design, LM1 delivers the accuracy and insight golfers expect, at a price point that opens the door for more golfers to benefit from true performance data. It’s an exciting milestone for us and for the future of accessible golf technology," David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope said.

Price: $200

Three cool things

1. Keep it simple. Club speed, ball speed, smash factor, carry distance, total distance. That's it. No complexities. While there are more advanced measurements out there — think spin rate and axis, attack angle, launch angle, descent angle and more — if you're just looking to get a better idea of how efficiently you strike the ball and how far it goes, this device gives you plenty of data. Just place it six feet behind the ball and swing away.

2. Small package, big punch. There's no need to connect a phone or a tablet to read your data. The LM1, smaller than an iPad Mini, displays all its numbers on a 3.5-inch color screen. It couldn't be much easier. The LM1 stores up to 1,000 shots internally, which players can also access through the Shot Scope app, where they can track progress. It has up to five hours of battery life, opening the door for productive extended range sessions.

3. A value proposition. A $200 launch monitor is a disruptive product. This is not meant to compete with the products that boast those four- and five-figure price tags. This product is aimed at a golfer who wants simplicity, not someone combing through endless data or using their launch monitor to power a simulator. Think about the driving range. How many regular people out there have a launch monitor with them? Is it because they don't want one, or because many of them are too expensive? At this price point, the average weekend golfer can have access to reliable shot-tracking numbers they may have never seen before.