How many fit
Only 2 of the 90 models checked meet every need here: “A golf simulator is what I am building”, “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”, and “Fast or competitive games are what I play”.
2 models fit, out of 90 checkedPicked for one job
The best projector to put in a golf simulator bay
Top pick
Optoma UHD35STx
For a compact golf simulator, the Optoma UHD35STx is the best place to start. Its fixed 0.5 throw lets the projector sit closer to the screen, and its 4K60 response is quick enough for play. The laser GT2400HDR is the choice when brightness and long light-source life count for more than 4K, and the LS901-4K is the choice for a longer permanent bay that needs a wide zoom range.
Why it suits this job
- The measured distance from lens to screen at the image width you intend
- Brightness sufficient for the enclosure and screen material
- The catch
- Calculate the mount position before buying, since the 0.5 throw lens is fixed.
- Go with Optoma GT2400HDR if
- Choose it for a bright 1080p laser bay that has a fixed short throw.
More reasons we picked it
- Mounting where neither club nor player gets in the way
- What the simulator software needs in resolution, aspect ratio and response
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Projectors paired with short and standard simulator bays according to throw distance, light output, aspect-ratio support and response time.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the home projectors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “A golf simulator is what I am building”, “For a 100-inch picture I have 3 to 8 feet to work with”, and “Fast or competitive games are what I play”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma UHD35STx |
|
| |
| Optoma GT2400HDR |
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| ViewSonic LS901-4K |
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| ViewSonic LS740HD |
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4 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Optoma, UHD35STx
UHD35STx
Compact gaming rooms and golf simulator bays suit this fixed short-throw 4K lamp projector with low-latency modes.
Top pick if4K gaming and simulators with a short throw
Key facts
- Lamp-based 4K DLP light engine at 3,600-lumen
- Short-throw lens, fixed at 0.5:1
The catch
Calculate the mount position before buying, since the 0.5 throw lens is fixed.
Optoma, GT2400HDR
GT2400HDR
Garage golf bays, sports and responsive console play are what this very bright 1080p laser short-throw projector is made for.
Pick this instead ifChoose it for a bright 1080p laser bay that has a fixed short throw.
Key facts
- Native-1080p laser DLP light engine at 4,200 ISO-lumen
- Short-throw lens with a fixed 0.496:1 ratio and up to 30,000-hour Eco life
The catch
HDR signals are accepted, but the image shown is 1080p, not 4K.
ViewSonic, LS901-4K
LS901-4K
Built for installations, this very bright laser model combines vertical shift and a long optical zoom with support for extra-wide 21:9 layouts.
Pick this instead ifChoose it for a permanent 4K bay where its 1.7x zoom and 21:9 support will get used.
Key facts
- Laser 4K DLP light engine at 5,500 ANSI-lumen
- 1.7x optical zoom and vertical shift, with a 1.2–2.04:1 throw ratio
The catch
Only vertical lens shift is available, which means a horizontal position that's off-center needs correction or remounting.
ViewSonic, LS740HD
LS740HD
For golf simulators and rooms where some lights stay on, a high-output 1080p laser projector with a relatively short standard throw.
Pick this instead ifChoose it for maximum 1080p brightness at a throw that is standard yet relatively short.
Key facts
- 1080p laser DLP light engine at 5,500 ANSI-lumen
- 1.3x optical zoom, with a 1.13–1.47:1 throw ratio
The catch
Don't expect a 4K cinema projector. This is a 1080p installation model.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Optoma UHD35STx
The measured distance from lens to screen at the image width you intend
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Optoma GT2400HDR
Choose it for a bright 1080p laser bay that has a fixed short throw.
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money