Short Throw vs Standard Throw Projector for Golf
Short throw vs standard throw projectors for a golf simulator: room depth, shadowing, brightness, price and which fits your space.
The short version
A short throw projector produces a full-size image from a few feet, which usually means it can sit above and behind the hitting area rather than in the middle of the room. A standard throw model costs less for the same brightness but needs depth most garages do not have. Buy short throw for almost every home bay; buy standard throw only if the room is genuinely long.
At a glance
| Optoma GT3900UHD Short Throw | Adjustable Projector Ceiling Mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Room depth needed | A few feet | Considerably more |
| Shadowing risk | Lower | Higher |
| Price for the same brightness | Higher | Lower |
| Fits a garage | Usually | Often not |
| Image size flexibility | Less | More |
| Ball strike exposure | Lower if mounted high | Often in the path |
Choose the Optoma GT3900UHD Short Throw if…
Your room is a garage, basement or spare room, which is nearly everyone. Throw distance is the specification that decides whether a simulator is possible at all, and short throw is what makes a full-size image work in a normal space.
Check Optoma GT3900UHD Short Throw on Amazon
Choose the Adjustable Projector Ceiling Mount if…
Whichever throw type you choose, you need to get the projector out of the swing path and out of your shadow. A mount is the cheapest part of the build and the one that makes the rest work.
Check Adjustable Projector Ceiling Mount on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is throw ratio?
The distance needed per unit of image width. A 0.5 ratio produces a 10 foot wide image from 5 feet; a 1.5 ratio needs 15 feet for the same image. Check yours against a tape measure before buying anything.
How many lumens do I need?
More than a home cinema needs, because golf rooms are rarely fully dark and the screen is large. Several thousand lumens is a common starting point for a lit garage bay.
Can I use an ultra short throw?
They exist and sit right under the screen, which in a golf bay puts them directly in the ball path. Most builders avoid them for exactly that reason.
Building a golf sim?
Use our free calculators and guides to size the room, the gear, and the budget.
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