What is the best cheap projector to buy for an amazing home golf simulator system?

If you are thinking about adding a golf simulator to your spare bedroom or basement, trying to figure out the right projector can be confusing.  While a nice high brightness 4K laser golf simulator projector is ideal for a high-end setup, this article will look at low-cost projectors that nearly anyone can afford.  There are four things to look for when shopping for an inexpensive golf simulator projector.

• The correct aspect ratio and resolution to display on your impact screen
• The right throw ratio so you can place the projector in a safe place 
• Whether you want a cheaper lamp projector or a brighter laser projector
• How to save even more with a factory refurbished projector

Less expensive golf simulator setups will use either a square 4:3 impact screen – which is the least expensive and takes up the smallest amount of space in a room, or a widescreen aspect ratio that is also good for using as a home theater. Keep in mind that the larger your screen – the better a higher resolution projector will look when you are playing since it keeps the pixels from being too big.  Here are the common resolutions you should consider for less expensive golf simulator projectors.

XGA projectors are the least expensive projectors suited for golf simulators since they use the traditional square 4:3 format and generate around 800K pixels.   Most of these models are also use lamps, which also keeps the purchase price lower.   Originally designed for the classroom, these projectors are great for golf simulation setups using 4:3 impact screens.  One popular inexpensive model is the MX825ST, which is bright enough for most rooms and has a short throw lens that can easily fill up a larger impact screen for a little more than $600.

The next step up for low-cost golf simulator projectors is to go with a widescreen setup.  This is better if you also want to use the room to watch movies, but you will need a bigger screen than a 4:3 model to ensure you don’t hit the ball over the top.  A WXGA projector has a 16:10 aspect ratio and about 1 million pixels, and a 1080p projector has a 16:9 aspect ratio with 2 million pixels.  If you get a bigger impact screen over 100 inches, the cost difference for the extra 1 million pixels may be worth it.  The TH671ST is a popular 1080p for golf simulators that uses a lamp, while the LW820ST is a brighter short throw WXGA model that uses lasers.

Some of the newest golf simulators such as Foresight, and TruGolf, generate a whopping 8.3 million pixels on the screen – creating the most realistic and immersive experience possible – especially on a larger impact screen.  A true UHD 4K projector can display each one of these pixels on the screen, enabling you to see every detail of the course.  The BenQ TK850 4K projector is under $1500 and enables you to play golf in 4K – and watch the Masters in true 4K resolution.

If you have limited ceiling height and room space, you will want to look at a “short throw” projector to place the projector in a location to keep it away from your driver.  Short throw projectors are slightly more expensive than the cheapest projectors but pay for themselves by making them easy to place in your simulation setup.  The throw ratio specification on these models is usually around or less than “1.”  As you will see by the chart below, the smaller the “throw ratio” number – the closer you can put the projector to the screen, but they are more expensive than models with a higher throw ratio.

BenQ introduced the first laser projector in 2011, and since then the cost of laser projectors has come down substantially.  While a laser projector isn’t a “cheap golf simulation projector,” you may find it worth the extra cost. Here are the two key differences between a lamp and a laser projector for golf simulators.

A laser projector turns on instantly – just like your TV – and doesn’t require a warm-up period like a traditional lamp.   Laser projectors are ideal when you just want to drop in and hit a quick bucket of balls.

While projectors with traditional lamps are less expensive to purchase– the cost of replacement lamps – and the hassle of installing them – are something to consider.  Why?  For a 3000-lumen lamp projector like the TK850, the lamp has special modes to extend the life beyond 4000 hours.  But for brighter projectors (such as 4000 lumen or 5000 lumen models), the lamps have a shorter life and are more expensive to replace.   For most golf simulator projectors that are brighter than 3000 lumens, a laser projector like the LH710 is a better – and less expensive approach over time.   

Compared to other golf simulator parts, a projector is one of the less expensive components – but can make a big difference in how your simulator looks, especially if you want to use it for watching streaming golf content when you are not playing.  Here is a breakdown of the cost and features of models you may want to consider that have the right throw ratios for golf simulation placement and how much they typically cost.  Note that many of these models may have special pricing or promotions, so check with us or your reseller for the latest price.

As the world’s largest brand of projectors using DLP technology, BenQ often has attractive deals on refurbished models that are ideal for a golf simulation setup.  These units have a one-year factory warranty and are certified by our technicians at BenQ before we put them up for sale.  How much can you save?  If you are looking for a short-throw XGA projector, you may be able to find one here for under $500.  Looking for a widescreen model?  When available, you can find a TH671ST here for under $600.   Or just call us to talk to a golf simulation projector expert to see what we have in stock that might work for your setup.