If you spend any time reading through the #GarageSimCrew thread on the THP forums you’ll quickly see just how creative people can get when setting up their indoor golf space. For most of the us, the reality is that we have to find a way to repurpose space in our homes for golf. In many cases, we don’t have the luxury of making our indoor golf area a permanent fixture. At a previous house, I was constantly setting up and tearing down my “tent-stakes” net so that my wife could park her car in the garage, and while it wasn’t an excruciating chore, it was just annoying enough to deter me from practicing as often as I should have.
Illinois resident Aaron Holden Holden found himself in this very familiar situation. After swinging a few 6 irons in the living room, he was banished to the garage for his golf fix. For a while, he tolerated the process of rebuilding his practice area every time he wanted to use it, but eventually started thinking about how to make it easier to set up. One day, as he watched his neighbor extending his retractable awning using a remote control, it came to him – he could create something similar for golf. With that, G-Trak was born. He devised a system that attached to the framework of his garage door with a retractable mechanism so he could set up his golf area quickly and efficiently.
How Does it Work?
The cornerstone of the G-Trak system lies in the patented G-Trak brackets. They mount around the outer edges of your existing garage door tracks, allowing the garage door to operate normally, even when the screen is being used. Installation can be done by a single person in a few hours, though the company recommends two people to make it easier.
Telescoping drive tubes constructed of heavy aluminum are attached to the two brackets. The nice thing about the telescoping design is it allows G-Trak to fit in garages with either single or double-wide doors. It can be ordered between 8 and 18 feet long, which should cover just about any possible opening one may have.
After building out the mounting assembly, the G-Trak Retractable Screen simply clips into place. Afterwards, you’re left with a remote-controlled, completely retractable unit that includes a screen (or net if desired) and side walls. The video below shows the unit in action.
It’s important to also note that the G-Trak is not only intended for garage use. It can be ordered as a wall-mounted solution as well. A set of mounting brackets are simply bolted into the studs behind your wall and then the rest of the assembly process is essentially the same.
For the multi-sport households, G-Trak offers four different accessory targets, making it useful for golf, hockey, baseball, and soccer. While we focus on golf at THP, my indoor golf setup is often “borrowed” by my children for batting and pitching practice. A simple target is incredibly useful for this type of use and might help convince the family just how bad they need the G-Trak.
What are the size requirements?
As noted earlier, the telescoping drive tubes can accommodate a variety of spaces, but it’s important that you take the time to measure your space first. The G-Trak not only comes in three base sizes (8, 9, 10, and 16 feet), but also gives five different screen size options (7, 8, 10, 12, and 14 feet). This wide range of sizes should allow users to integrate a variety of projectors into their setup if they so desire.
Of course, it’s also vital to consider the vertical space you have available to ensure which clubs you can safely swing. We tend to lean towards a 9-foot minimum, but everybody, and every swing is different, so take plenty of time to be sure.
For the wall-mounted build, the same basic concepts are in play, though it is important to locate and mark the locations of studs prior to measuring. As seen above, the indoor mount not only adds versatility for in-home builds, but G-Trak can (and is) designed to work in places like gyms, schools, and commercial buildings. This is especially useful for spaces that are used for many different purposes. For example, the golf and baseball teams at a school could utilize G-Trak for practice, and quickly retract it when done.
Details of the G-Trak Retractable Impact Screen
- Available to order now at g-trak.com
- Ships in 3-5 days
- G-TRAK Retractable screen starts at $1,999.99 and includes mounting assembly, remote-controlled retractable screen, and side walls.
- Retractable net starts at $1,849.99 and is currently available for 16-foot garage doors.
- Wall mounting kit available for $199.99
I have the Homecourse after tinkering with various nets and screens. This is lower cost and looks like a great option paired with a side mount garage door opener. Great review too!
Just a cool product overall and a great way to add sim capabilities when you don’t have the room.
Great write up Hawk
Nice write up. This is pretty cool and the fact that the install piggybacks off of the existing garage door rails is smart. Curious, as the net/screen wears out, wonder if you can just find a replacement for that with any screen or net, or if you’d have to purchase the entire set up again.
Seems like a great way to maximize space, a lot of retractable projection screens so guess it was a matter of time till they got beefed up for a sim screen.
This is a very cool setup and one that could really bring more to the Garage Sim Crew.
I am pretty sure [USER=19877]@Mmaynard11[/USER] needs one of these.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12152417, member: 3″]
This is a very cool setup and one that could really bring more to the Garage Sim Crew.
I am pretty sure [USER=19877]@Mmaynard11[/USER] needs one of these.
[/QUOTE]
Funny thing you mention as I was already looking at them. I struggle with placement as the garage door opener would be in my swing path which has caused me to flip my set up around where I can swing freely without worrying about overhead objects. I am sure I could make it work for sure.
Now it’s time to dive into the article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] wrote up.
Does the screen need to be centered in the garage of can it be positioned towards one side of the arms?
A good option for retractable without much DIY experience. Can easily move the mat closer for wedge practice as I think the top net is a little short for that. Or add additional protection above the rails so the garage door could still function without removal of that as well. Could still get up and over the roller, but ways around that. All other sports probably wouldn’t be a concern.
Side mounted GDO is a glorious change and gets that out of the swing path too. Wish I had switched to that long ago even if I hadn’t built a sim.
The wall brackets are a fantastic option as well and opens up more placement and/or rooms to use it in.
Solid options and great write-up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] !
Awesome write up Hawk! I think these are so cool and open up the home SIM options immensely!
I gotta start off saying I love this idea. I’m just curious on durability and will definitely being keep an eye on reviews for that.
If it works as advertised and holds up this could be a game changer for a lot of people.
Another great write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER].
This looks to be a great option for those of us not fortunate enough to be able to have a permanent setup.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12152438, member: 62865″]
Does the screen need to be centered in the garage of can it be positioned towards one side of the arms?
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I wasn’t sure, but this picture seems to show it offset from center.
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That’s pretty cool. I can see this being quite popular.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 12152474, member: 10545″]
That’s pretty cool. I can see this being quite popular.
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While I sit here kicking myself for not coming up with the idea…
Nice write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] i kind of want one. Seems like it would make my space a little easier to use as a multi purpose area and definitely easier than the set up and take down of nets constantly
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12152498, member: 782″]
Nice write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] i kind of want one. Seems like it would make my space a little easier to use as a multi purpose area and definitely easier than the set up and take down of nets constantly
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I can’t tell you how much I hate taking down nets.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12152529, member: 1193″]
I can’t tell you how much I hate taking down nets.
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It’s not my favourite thing to do either.
[QUOTE=”AuzzieMatt, post: 12152533, member: 54652″]
It’s not my favourite thing to do either.
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I’ve owned some of the tent-stake versions that you ball up in a circle. They never end up right. So frustrating!
Great write-up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]! Really like the way this one looks, and might be an option for me in the future!
[QUOTE=”ryang13, post: 12152557, member: 67512″]
Great write-up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]! Really like the way this one looks, and might be an option for me in the future!
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This would fit really well in your space, actually.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12152433, member: 19877″]
Funny thing you mention as I was already looking at them. I struggle with placement as the garage door opener would be in my swing path which has caused me to flip my set up around where I can swing freely without worrying about overhead objects. I am sure I could make it work for sure.
Now it’s time to dive into the article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] wrote up.
[/QUOTE]
Side mount garage door opener? Yes, additional cost, but…
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12152559, member: 1193″]
This would fit really well in your space, actually.
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Once the new garage door/opener shows up they are raising the rails a bit too ?. I’ll have to do some digging on this one.
Definitely a convenient set up to save space. I was looking at these when I was doing my garage set up but cost was a factor. If I go down the upgrade route later this will be something I will be considering.
[QUOTE=”JAM01, post: 12152588, member: 11876″]
Side mount garage door opener? Yes, additional cost, but…
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Yes that is a cost I’ve factored in as well. Question is it does this make set up quicker for me?
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12152814, member: 19877″]
Yes that is a cost I’ve factored in as well. Question is it does this make set up quicker for me?
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Yes.
This looks like a really cool product. Being able to use the garage without uninstalling is a huge win.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12152820, member: 3″]
Yes.
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To an extent it does…maybe 5 mins on both set up and take down, as I still need to set up computer, mats, etc.
One of these days, I will have a simulator and the innovations coming to market like this are making it easier. The Skytrak event had me measuring spaces.
I hate putting my net up and down. There are so many times I just want to hit a few balls and don’t because I don’t want to get the net out. Conversely, once I put it up in the yard, I don’t like to take it down until my wife says something or we are expecting a storm.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12153059, member: 19877″]
To an extent it does…maybe 5 mins on both set up and take down, as I still need to set up computer, mats, etc.
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For me, I had my hitting mat covered with a nice waterproof tarp. I left it in place mostly, unless serious melting snow was going to get dragged in. Otherwise, ceiling mounted projector, cords run to the side wall hanging down to plug into computer that was on a fold up tray. Hardwire or WiFi connect to GC3. Good to go.
This is a pretty cool product, something I would definitely look into if I was going to be in the market for a sim
that is pretty darn awesome
Super cool product and great write up as always…
Great write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]! Love to see how this area keeps progressing with more and more options. It is only a matter of time before I convert my setup into a full sim setup with how enticing these options are.
I love the idea of this product. I don’t love the cost, but it is understandable. I wish they made a manual crank version to lower the cost some.
Also my garage set-up is less than ideal with this because I’ve tried hitting towards a garage door and I can only hit irons with ceiling restrictions there, but at the back of my garage I’m fine with all clubs.
The wall mount might work in my situation here, but I don’t know if it’s worth an additional $2k+ right now.
Very neat setup!
I will say though, watching the video, their seem may be a bit juiced lol
That is a super cool set up.
Been thinking about this quite a bit since I wrote it up. I don’t think my space really works for the garage door setup, but I was very much interested in a retractable option for my garage wall. I think it would take up a little less space.
My biggest curiosity is how well the screen protects the wall behind the G-Trak. In my case, there’s a window there, so there can’t be much backward movement.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154823, member: 1193″]
Been thinking about this quite a bit since I wrote it up. I don’t think my space really works for the garage door setup, but I was very much interested in a retractable option for my garage wall. I think it would take up a little less space.
My biggest curiosity is how well the screen protects the wall behind the G-Trak. In my case, there’s a window there, so there can’t be much backward movement.
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I showed Jenn this last night. So for ours it should theoretically work. I’m dealing with a single car garage. Right now my net is pretty much in the middle, just in front of the door opener. Doesn’t give me a ton of throw for the ball, but it works. Something that can be retractable is attractive. Also means my mat setup can move a bit based on what I’m hitting/working on that day.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12154845, member: 782″]
I showed Jenn this last night. So for ours it should theoretically work. I’m dealing with a single car garage. Right now my net is pretty much in the middle, just in front of the door opener. Doesn’t give me a ton of throw for the ball, but it works. Something that can be retractable is attractive. Also means my mat setup can move a bit based on what I’m hitting/working on that day.
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That last part is really helpful. Keeps the wedges in the net, but you can avoid hitting it with the driver.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154850, member: 1193″]
That last part is really helpful. Keeps the wedges in the net, but you can avoid hitting it with the driver.
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also side note…hitting driver into a net and watching the tee go flying through it is no fun.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12154852, member: 782″]
also side note…hitting driver into a net and watching the tee go flying through it is no fun.
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Mine always end up behind me. I will say that installing the screen over my net improved my experience with it immensely.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154856, member: 1193″]
Mine always end up behind me. I will say that installing the screen over my net improved my experience with it immensely.
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our caddie at Ballyhack said to me that he could always tell when I hit a drive well because my tee would always go flying back at him. Those birtees never fly back for me.
Trust me, tees flying back is a sign of nothing lol.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154867, member: 1193″]
Trust me, tees flying back is a sign of nothing lol.
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I just wanted to feel good. Thanks for keeping me grounded.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12154870, member: 782″]
I just wanted to feel good. Thanks for keeping me grounded.
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Would you stick with an overhead opener if you had something like this?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154877, member: 1193″]
Would you stick with an overhead opener if you had something like this?
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I haven’t really looked into those side mounted openers, or even what they cost. But I would consider that because that frees up even more space.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12154900, member: 782″]
I haven’t really looked into those side mounted openers, or even what they cost. But I would consider that because that frees up even more space.
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400-500 is what I’ve seen. Having busted a perfectly fine opener at my old house, I’d probably look at one if I went that route again.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154904, member: 1193″]
400-500 is what I’ve seen. Having busted a perfectly fine opener at my old house, I’d probably look at one if I went that route again.
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I get so nervous that I’m going to hammer mine.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12154911, member: 782″]
I get so nervous that I’m going to hammer mine.
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It happens lol.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12154923, member: 1193″]
It happens lol.
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its the wrath from my other half that I fear the most.