We have spent over 15 hours with the Rapsodo Hitting Monitor. During that time, we recorded at least 1,000 hits in various settings—indoor cages, outdoor cages, and open fields. Those hits ranged from low-end to high-bat speed players, and the hitting scenarios included tee work, soft toss, pitching machines, and live pitching. We measured the accuracy of the device primarily in terms of total distance. After all that testing, we can confidently say the Rapsodo Hitting Monitor works as advertised. The app is seamless, data analysis is easy to interpret, and the device feels secure.

Baseball Launch Monitor Accuracy

MLB’s Statcast provides remarkable insight into the game. Its data analysis on ball flight is a dream come true for players, fans, and coaches. But even Statcast struggles with accuracy. In 2016, for instance, Statcast failed to capture data on 12.5% of hit balls. More than a 1 in 10 failure rate might be considered a bust by some.

This perspective helps temper our expectations for hitting monitors priced at a fraction of Statcast’s cost. Can we get reliable, repeatable metrics from a portable, durable ball exit speed monitor that delivers spray charts, strike zone heat maps, and video analysis? Based on our experience with Rapsodo, I absolutely agree.

Baseball & Softball Launch Monitor Background

Ball flight monitors for baseball and softball are relatively new compared to golf. In golf, launch monitors are common and their differences can be subtle. In baseball and softball, only a few stand out. Many high-end solutions (like Statcast and HitTrax) are expensive, non-portable, or only work indoors. Rapsodo offers a less expensive, portable option that works both indoors and outdoors. Expect more competitors in the future as the market grows.

How Rapsodo Hitting Monitors Work

Rapsodo uses a slow-motion camera to capture a 14-foot window around the home plate. Once it detects contact, it analyzes the slow-motion footage of the ball’s initial flight. From this, it derives exit speed, launch angle, and even pitch speed. Crucially, it also examines the ball’s seams to determine spin rate and direction. Spin is a major factor in ball flight trajectory and distance.

After capturing the data, Rapsodo sends it via Wi-Fi to a connected device. Currently, that can be a PC, Mac, or iPad (no iPhone app yet). The app then displays the metrics under the hitter’s profile. You get tables, charts, and even videos. Using an iPad camera, you can sync the swing video with the Rapsodo data. The entire process takes about 7 seconds after contact, so if you want to capture every hit, plan to wait briefly between swings.

How Rapsodo’s Service Works

The Rapsodo device stores data under profiles you create—these profiles represent hitters. Access to these profiles is done through a paywall. In other words, using the Rapsodo fully requires a subscription. You can use “guest” profiles without a subscription, but your data won’t save session to session. We understand why a subscription is needed—servers cost money, and player data storage is valuable—but it’s another cost to consider.

Rapsodo Recommendation

The main barrier to owning Rapsodo is its price and subscription fees. That may deter some teams or players. But for those running hitting programs, coaching at a high level, or involved in elite travel teams, Rapsodo could be a game-changer. It gives you a major advantage in analyzing and improving swings.

Rapsodo Competitor Comparisons

Rapsodo vs HitTrax

HitTrax leans more toward entertainment and gaming rather than pure data analysis. It’s been popular for indoor cages wanting to market a premium experience. HitTrax can run “games” and let teams compete remotely. While fun, it’s expensive (around $20,000 plus fees) and not portable. It also does not measure spin, only exit speed and angle, providing a less accurate picture.

Rapsodo, on the other hand, is cheaper, portable, works indoors and out, and captures spin data. HitTrax is more about fun simulations, while Rapsodo is about data-driven improvement.

Rapsodo vs FlightScope MEVO

FlightScope MEVO is another ball exit speed monitor, but it lacks many Rapsodo features. It’s cheaper, but only captures data from a stationary ball. There are no spray charts, no strike zone charts, and it doesn’t handle live pitching or even soft toss well.

For our purposes, MEVO isn’t much more useful than a Pocket Radar, which costs less and offers better versatility. MEVO gives a launch angle, but that’s not as crucial. If you already have a high-end radar gun and just want basic tee exit speeds, MEVO might fit the bill. Otherwise, stick to a Pocket Radar or invest in Rapsodo for a comprehensive solution.