Titleist Partners with Trackman to Develop Pro V1 and Pro V1x with Radar Capture Technology

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By Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

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  1. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Hey, everyone.

    Do you ever work on your game indoors? Or maybe you're in the market for new clubs and you're considering getting fit at an indoor golf center? If your golf regimen includes indoor training, indoor lessons or even a simulator golf league, we have some news that will make your time indoors significantly more productive and enjoyable.

    For the past two years, Titleist has been developing new technology that will allow you to take advantage of the performance and consistency of your Pro V1 or Pro V1x golf ball and bring it to an indoor environment.

    This November, Pro V1 and Pro V1x will be available with new Radar Capture Technology (RCT), a proprietary advancement that has been optimized and validated in collaboration with TrackMan, the industry leader in golf launch monitor technology. RCT was specifically engineered for radar-based launch monitors to deliver the most accurate golf ball data available for all indoor golf experiences.

    Gone are the days of attaching reflective stickers, and properly aligning the golf ball prior to each swing. With Pro V1 RCT, simply move the golf ball anywhere within the hitting area of TrackMan and swing away. Regardless of how the ball is oriented, launch, speed, and spin are all captured, not estimated. This information then allows TrackMan to predict and plot exact flight, peak height, carry, roll, and total distance. Precision performance, captured for every shot. 

    With RCT technology, indoor data capture of spin rate increases to over 99%. The result is more accurate total flight data, which leads to more appropriate fitting recommendations, more useful feedback on technique and training and instructional plans that are based in fact. In short, a truer, straighter road to better golf. 

     

    Titleist RCT technology emerged from a...
    Titleist RCT technology emerged from a collaboration between Titleist and TrackMan, the industry leader in radar-based launch monitor technology. Trackman recognized a need for true spin data capture in indoor settings. RCT now enables radar-based launch monitors to capture golf ball spin rates just as well in an indoor environment as they do outdoors.1/10
    Before RCT, the reason indoor data capture had...
    Before RCT, the reason indoor data capture had been such a challenge is that indoors, the ball only travels a very short distance before the ball is stopped by a net or simulator screen. Sometimes the ball only makes a revolution or two before reaching the net – a very short window if you're trying to capture spin rate. 2/10
    Without RCT, it is necessary to apply a small...
    Without RCT, it is necessary to apply a small reflective sticker to the golf ball in order to accurately record spin data indoors. However, this requires the ball to be oriented in a precise way and capturing data is still challenging.3/10
    Titleist scientists and engineers experimented...
    Titleist scientists and engineers experimented with a variety of reflective materials, applications and patterns before optimizing data capture with the pattern seen here on this Pro V1 core. 4/10
    Also used on Pro V1x RCT, the "stem" on...
    Also used on Pro V1x RCT, the "stem" on this pointed ellipse pattern inspired the R&D team to name it the "Leaf" design. (A previous version, without the stem was nicknamed "Pac Man").5/10
    Titleist R&D validated RCT technology by...
    Titleist R&D validated RCT technology by testing with robot hitters set to very high swing speeds to exaggerate this short window for spin capture. For all testing, the catch net was set at a distance of ten feet from the tee.6/10
    In normal indoor settings, or when Trackman...
    In normal indoor settings, or when Trackman can't pick up spin in an outdoor setting, spin rate is estimated. In these instances, spin rate is displayed using an italicized font. With RCT, spin rate is captured on over 99% of strikes, as evidenced by the standard font displayed under SPIN RATE here.7/10
    Beginning November 3, 2021 RCT technology will be...
    Beginning November 3, 2021 RCT technology will be available in Pro V1... 8/10
    ... as well as Pro V1x.
    ... as well as Pro V1x.9/10
    RCT will greatly improve the flight data recorded...
    RCT will greatly improve the flight data recorded by launch monitors in indoor settings. The more accurate the data, the more useful it will be to you – whether you're taking lessons, playing in an indoor league or getting fit for new equipment.10/10

    Following, please find answers to some additional questions you may have about Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT...

    • • •

    How does RCT work?

    RCT works through radar reflective technology. This technology embedded in Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT allows TrackMan launch monitors to capture exact spin on over 99% of shots and eliminates estimates or applying reflective spin markers. RCT requires no precision orientation relative to the launch monitor to work creating a more efficient indoor golf experience.  

    Does RCT work with other launch monitors?

    Pro V1 RCT has been optimized and validated in collaboration with TrackMan. Early testing indicates other radar-based launch monitors may benefit from this golf ball technology. To provide the most accurate golf ball data on these devices for the indoor golf experience, Titleist recommends utilizing RCT golf balls with TrackMan launch monitors.

    Can I use RCT outdoors? Is my data better outdoors by using RCT?

    Yes, RCT can be used outdoors. Pro V1 RCT and Pro V1x RCT are constructed with the exact same components as stock Pro V1 and Pro V1x and deliver identical performance, while designed to enhance the indoor experience. The embedded technology of RCT in Pro V1 and Pro V1x is engineered specifically to capture golf ball spin data indoors and is not needed in the outdoor environment.

    Is RCT USGA/R&A Legal?

    Yes, Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT are conforming golf balls. Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT deliver identical performance outdoors as Pro V1 and Pro V1x. They appear on the USGA/R&A List of Conforming Golf Balls with the same markings as 2021 Pro V1 and 2021 Pro V1x.

    When I use a non-RCT golf ball, I see my data. Does RCT really matter?

    TrackMan Indoor Simulators are best in class and provide estimated spin data on your golf shots to help project the actual performance of the golf ball.  However, Titleist developed this cutting-edge technology in collaboration with TrackMan to deliver the best possible experience for the golfer.  RCT delivers precise spin data, increasing indoor data capture to over 99%. Producing more precise flight data, more precise fitting recommendations, and lower scores.  Titleist and Trackman both recommend exclusively using RCT golf balls when using a TrackMan launch monitor in an indoor environment.

    How long does a Pro V1 RCT golf ball last in a fitting bay?

    In Titleist R&D testing, RCT golf balls have measured driver spin through 500 swings. However, indoor environments vary and RCT golf balls may wear out cosmetically before any performance deterioration occurs.  

    How far away from the simulator screen (or hitting net) do I need to be for a radar-based launch monitor to capture accurate spin data with an RCT ball?

    For adequate spin capture with drivers, Titleist recommends at least ten feet of distance in the fitting bay.  All of the testing completed in Titleist R&D has been completed with at least ten feet separating the teed-up Pro V1 or Pro V1x RCT ball and the screen. 

    • • •

    Pro V1 RCT and Pro V1x RCT are available in golf shops and through Titleist.com beginning November 3, 2021. Click here for more details and to sign up for additional updates on Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT.

    Do you have other questions or comments about Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

  2. AWells

    AWells

    Once again Titleist is leading the entire industry with ground breaking innovation and technology. This makes me so proud to be a titleist owner and player of their products. Just knowing that they are constantly working hard to provide not only the pro's but handicappers like myself with the best products possible to elevate everyones game. It's just awesome :)
  3. KJones

    KJones

    A collaboration between Titleist and Trackman, but have you tested it with other radar based systems?
  4. 4fdcf01626

    4fdcf01626

    Interested to know if this will also work with other radar based launch monitors that are more consumer friendly in price like Mevo, Garmin, etc
  5. David W

    David W

    4fdcf01626 said:

    Interested to know if this will also work with other radar based launch monitors that are more consumer friendly in price like Mevo, Garmin, etc

    see here:

    golfsimulatorforum.com/.../348692-titleist-rct-ball-testing-with-mevo-plus-driver-only
  6. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    KJones said:

    A collaboration between Titleist and Trackman, but have you tested it with other radar based systems?

    K,

    As we mentioned in the FAQ's:

    "Pro V1 RCT has been optimized and validated in collaboration with TrackMan. Early testing indicates other radar-based launch monitors may also benefit from this golf ball technology. To provide the most accurate golf ball data on these devices for the indoor golf experience, Titleist recommends utilizing RCT golf balls with TrackMan launch monitors."

    So, much more testing is necessary before we can report anything conclusively. Thanks!

  7. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    This is great and with the indoor golf season just around the corner, the timing is perfect.
  8. Brandon Spence

    Brandon Spence

    How does this help show impact location? I rented a Trackman simulator this weekend and was not able to capture impact location for most of my shots.
  9. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Are you talking about ball impact location on the club face? The RCT technology seems to help more with determining a more accurate ball rotation. Ball and club face impact location is a normal recorded on Trackman with ball with RCT; you could always apply some foot powder spray on your club face.
  10. iacas

    iacas
    Erie, PA

    Brandon Spence said:

    How does this help show impact location? I rented a Trackman simulator this weekend and was not able to capture impact location for most of my shots.

    It won't. Impact location is often done by camera-based systems, and is estimated (or "calculated") by radar-based ones because the radar behind the clubhead can't see the actual impact location. This won't change that much at all, except in the amount that more accurate spin data can be fed into the impact-location algorithm to "calculate" the impact location.
  11. Dave M

    Dave M

    You have to disable the camera for the impact location feature to work. It won't capture both. During my fittings I prefer to use the camera and apply some impact tape to show strike location.
  12. Alex N

    Alex N
    Florida

    Military
    This has to be one of the coolest advancements in golf technology in the last few years. I’ve spent quite a bit of time using Trackman and it’s amazing technology and feedback. It’s a great tool for clubs fitting. But to add this extra precision to the data collected is so cool. Great work Titleist, always raising the bar! There’s a reason Titleist is #1!
  13. Darryl M

    Darryl M
    Wichita, KS

    Just amazing how things keep getting better


    DM
  14. PRO V

    PRO V
    golf course

    absolutely amazing! wow! congrats to Rick, Mike and the Team at Titleist.
    such a cool innovation.
    P.S. would love to see this technology for tracking your golf ball on the course with an app that gives similar details to the trackman including location, distance, spin, etc.
  15. Felipe P

    Felipe P
    Melbourne, VIC

    Proof once again that Titleist's R&D is second to none.

    Looking forward to getting my hands on some ProV1 RCT in November :)
  16. Peter G

    Peter G

    Military
    This would be great if this tech could be incorporated into places like TopGolf and other ranges like that, where they use limited distance balls that could be re-calculated to give equivalent data if it were a tour ball or the like...
  17. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Since TopGolf is owned by cally Golf, I don't see Titleist products being featured there. If RCT is licensed to TopGolf and TopTracer then there's a chance.
  18. Rob R

    Rob R
    Chicago, IL

    I was surprised when I read the headline. This sound like really cool technology and I am excited to try them with the indoor golf season approaching.

    I will be hitting balls this winter at an indoor facility called 5 iron in Chicago. Each bay has a Trackman so it should be a good match.
  19. Ted B

    Ted B
    Cleveland, OH

    Awesome technology but seriously, guys, $65.99 per dozen. Thanks but no thanks!
  20. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Actually $64.99 and do not think they are expecting to flood the market with these balls, maybe a few thousand a year. This is a ball that will last and will allow fitters to do fittings the year round in all markets. They have enough other quality balls they can meet the needs of the masses and they can purchase during the spring specials, when you can purchase four dozen for the price of three.
  21. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    In fairness, this a limited use product designed to be used indoors and for now, only with Trackman units. Outdoors, the units can follow the standard Pro-V ball down range.
    The balls have been testes to work as long as the covers are intact. A fitting service would likely only need one supply per release. If only I could keep my own Pro-V’s for a few hundred shots……
  22. Sam S

    Sam S

    What’s the difference between in accuracy between using a metallic dot?
  23. joecascio

    joecascio
    Stonington, CT

    So, the question that occurs immediately to me is, could this technology be put to use in an "off-label" application that would enable one to find errant golf balls while playing?

    Since Trackman uses radar to measure the spin, speed, launch angle, etc., I'd guess that the technology in the ball is simply some highly reflective metallic strips. It's the opposite problem to stealth technology in aircraft design. Instead of designing the shape to deflect radar waves, the objective here is to maximize the reflectivity.

    Anyway, perhaps this attribute could be leveraged to locate balls with a radar transceiver.

    Anyone at Titleist care to chime in?
  24. joecascio

    joecascio
    Stonington, CT

    So, the question that occurs immediately to me is, could this technology be put to use in an "off-label" application that would enable one to find errant golf balls while playing?

    Since Trackman uses radar to measure the spin, speed, launch angle, etc., I'd guess that the technology in the ball is simply some highly reflective metallic strips. It's the opposite problem to stealth technology in aircraft design. Instead of designing the shape to deflect radar waves, the objective here is to maximize the reflectivity.

    Anyway, perhaps this attribute could be leveraged to locate balls with a radar transceiver.

    Anyone at Titleist care to chime in?
  25. Anthony C

    Anthony C
    Tinton Falls NJ

    Super excited for these balls. I belong to an indoor trackman sim place, and these will be an asset.
  26. COBrien

    COBrien
    Wisconsin

    Can’t wait to see these at the simulator I go to! Love Trackman! Way to go Titleist!

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