It’s no secret that BenQ manufactures some of the best golf simulator projectors the industry has to offer. We’re proud to provide the full selection at the lowest prices, with unbeatable customer service from A to Z.
Part of our commitment to customer service is helping you choose the right equipment for your golf simulator space. So, we’ve put together this BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST comparison guide to highlight two of the most popular models in the lineup.
The BenQ LU935ST 5500 Lumens Short-Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector is a workhorse projector trusted in teaching bays, commercial simulator setups, or spaces with higher ambient light where raw brightness matters more than resolution.
On the other hand, the BenQ LK936ST 4K HDR Short-Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector is the premium option for golfers who want true 4K HDR clarity and color accuracy in a dedicated simulator studio. Here’s a closer look at the differences:
|
Feature |
||
|
Resolution / Aspect |
WUXGA 1920×1200 (16:10) |
True 4K UHD 3840×2160 (16:9) + HDR |
|
Brightness (ANSI lumens) |
5,500 lm (higher raw brightness) |
5,100 lm (still very bright) |
|
Contrast (FOFO) |
3,000,000:1 (laser dynamic) |
3,000,000:1 (laser dynamic) |
|
Short-Throw Range |
0.81–0.89 (1.1× zoom) |
0.81–0.89 (1.1× zoom) |
|
Lens Shift / Keystone |
V: ±60% / H: ±23%; 2D ±30° (H/V) |
V: ±60% / H: ±23%; 3D ±40° (H/V/Rotate) |
|
Color & Modes |
~92% Rec.709; Golf, sRGB, Presentation |
~92% Rec.709; Golf, sRGB, HDR10/HLG |
|
Light Source / Life |
BlueCore laser / up to 20,000 hrs |
BlueCore laser / up to 20,000 hrs |
|
I/O & Control |
HDMI 2.0a (x2), HDBaseT, LAN, USB, RS-232 |
HDMI 2.0b (x2), DisplayPort, HDBaseT, LAN, USB, RS-232, ARC & S/PDIF |
|
Built-in Audio |
2×10W stereo |
1×10W (ARC/S/PDIF for easy AVR tie-in) |
|
Typical Use Case |
Teaching bays, commercial spaces, brighter rooms where extra lumens help |
Dedicated studios prioritizing true 4K HDR detail and color realism |
|
Price |
$3,999.00 |
$4,899 |
Learn more in our BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST comparison below. Or, contact our customer success team today for one-on-one support, and we’ll help you pick the perfect short-throw golf simulator projector for your space!
Overview of the BenQ LU935ST
This high-brightness short-throw projector is considered the gold standard for golf simulator environments where raw lumen output and durability are top priorities. You’ll see it used in teaching bays, commercial setups, and any room where light control isn’t perfect.
“Very high quality projector all around. Build is good, buttons are solid, and the picture is spectacular. Easily adjustable to fit your screen with nice big slider knobs to hone in your size. Highly recommend this product for your golf simulator build.” - Pedri
“This projector (and its 4K big sister) are the only way to go. The quality is awesome. It sits on a computer cart 10 feet away from my 10 foot screen at waist level right above/behind my launch monitor. No need to mount it on the ceiling or on the floor in front of the hitting area.” - Barry
“The LU935ST hasn't just been great for my golf practice; I also love it for movies and gaming. The color accuracy and detailed visuals are impressive, making every use a pleasure.” - Christopher
Core Specs and Design
- Brightness: 5,500 ANSI lumens
- Resolution: WUXGA (1920 × 1200, 16:10 aspect)
- Contrast Ratio: 3,000,000:1
- Light Source: BlueCore laser with up to 20,000-hour life
- Throw Ratio: 0.81–0.89 (fills a 12' screen from under 10')
- Lens Shift: Vertical ±60%, Horizontal ±23%
- Keystone Correction: 2D (H/V ±30°)
- Built-in Audio: Dual 10W speakers
- Weight: ~7 kg
Strengths in Golf Simulator Use
Where the LU935ST shines (literally) is in cutting through ambient light without losing clarity. It’s one of the brightest short-throw projectors BenQ makes at 5,500 lumens. It’s the smart choice anywhere total darkness isn’t realistic.
The WUXGA resolution may not be 4K, but a lot of our customers tell us it’s more than crisp enough for training sessions and lessons where performance feedback matters more than cinematic polish.
You also get golf-specific picture modes to balance greens, fairways, and ball flight visibility, while the lens shift and keystone tools give you flexibility during installation.
The projector is built to last, too, with a BlueCore laser engine for years of maintenance-free operation, far outperforming older lamp-based units. But how does the other half of our BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST stack up?
Overview of the BenQ LK936ST
The BenQ LK936ST takes everything golfers love about short-throw projectors and elevates it with true 4K HDR resolution and precision color reproduction. It’s the premium option in BenQ’s golf lineup for players/studios that want immersive realism with professional reliability.
“Easy to install, setup, and use. Great customer service in getting this projector delivered.” - David
“Product was backordered...very good communication on shipping status...worth the wait. Excellent golf simulator projector! Would do business with Indoor Golf Outlet again.” - Scott
“I originally purchased a BenQ LH820ST from IGO and for whatever reason, it wasn't working like I thought it would. So I worked with Ryan at IGO to exchange it for this projector (BenQ 936ST). Ryan made the exchange go super smooth. Love the new projector and would definitely recommend Indoor Golf Outlet to anyone who's looking for simulator-related products. Thanks Ryan.” - John
Core Specs and Design
- Brightness: 5,100 ANSI lumens
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160, 16:9 aspect) with HDR10/HLG
- Contrast Ratio: 3,000,000:1
- Light Source: BlueCore laser with up to 20,000-hour life
- Throw Ratio: 0.81–0.89 (short-throw flexibility)
- Lens Shift: Vertical ±60%, Horizontal ±23%
- Keystone Correction: 3D (H/V ±40° + rotation)
- Built-in Audio: 10W speaker, ARC & S/PDIF audio out
- Weight: ~7 kg
Strengths in Golf Simulator Use
This 4k projector for golf simulator is among our top choices for golfers who refuse to compromise on image detail. The true 4K UHD brings every bunker edge and fairway contour to life. Even your ball trajectory is shown with lifelike precision.
Its HDR10 and HLG support bring depth and realism to bright daylight scenes and shaded course details alike for a balanced picture no matter the content. And despite its slightly lower brightness than the LU935ST, its 5,100 lumens is still more than enough for most dedicated simulator rooms - especially when you take the high contrast ratio into account.
The 3D keystone and lens rotation tools let you mount the projector however you see fit. It’s a flexible addition to any space, but especially tricky room layouts. Add in diverse connectivity options (HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort, HDBaseT, ARC/S/PDIF) and you have a projector that integrates seamlessly with launch monitors, sound systems, and simulator PCs.
This is the premium choice for golfers who care as much about how their simulator experience feels as they do shot accuracy. But, which is right for you between this and the LU935ST?
BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST: Side-by-Side Comparison
You can see just how much overlap there is in comparing BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST. Both are powered by the BlueCore laser, built with commercial and dedicated golf simulator use in mind. Other similarities include:
- Short-throw lenses with ratios around 0.81-0.89
- Flexible lens shift and keystone correction
- 20,000-hour laser lifespans
- A rugged design for long daily use
You really can’t go wrong with either, but one is better suited to YOUR specific space. They serve slightly different needs. One prioritizes brightness and versatility, while the other doubles down on 4K HDR resolution and color accuracy. Here’s what you need to know.
Resolution and Image Quality
The biggest split between the BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST is resolution, so that’s where we want to start this comparison. Like we said earlier, one of these is 4K while the other is not.
The LU935ST uses native WUXGA (1920 × 1200) resolution, which gets the job done for lessons, practice sessions, or commercial use where function matters more than looks.
However, those who are just enjoying private rounds in their own simulator space will appreciate the native 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) with HDR10 and HLG support the LK936ST has to offer. It’s as good as it gets from a realism perspective.
Brightness and Room Versatility
What the BenQ LU935ST lacks in resolution and clarity, it more than makes up for in terms of brightness and versatility. 5,500 lumens make it one of the brightest golf projectors available, which is why it’s the go-to for teaching bays, retail golf shops, or shared spaces with lots of light.
Now, the LK936ST is still very bright at 5,100 lumens - and we’ve seen some of our customers measure it to be even brighter. The difference is mostly negligible in controlled lighting environments like simulator studios or basements.
And for what it’s worth, both of these models handle daylight spill better than most projectors.
Contrast and Color Performance
Each of these projectors delivers an impressive 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio. There are subtle nuances to consider, though.
- LU935ST: 92% Rec.709 coverage.
- LK936ST: 95% Rec.709 coverage AND 4K HDR processing for stronger tonal accuracy.
The image projected by the LU935ST on your golf simulator impact screen is vibrant, but color accuracy isn’t the selling point for this projector. It’s brightness. Go with the LK936ST for a more color-true option. You’ll get sharper greens, realistic skies, and better depth perception.
Throw Ratio and Screen Coverage
This is one aspect of the BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST comparison where there’s no notable difference. Both projectors have the same short-throw ratio of 0.81-0.89, which fills a 12-foot-wide screen from under 10 feet away. You can mount the projector safely overhead without worrying about shadows from your swing.
Screen size flexibility is also similar. Each model is capable of handling 100" to 200"+ screens without a drop in quality, making them adaptable to everything from compact setups to oversized commercial enclosures.
Lens Shift, Keystone & Setup Tools
Bear with us as we get a little technical here, but these details matter - especially if you’re a DIY installer or working in a room with quirks.
The LU935ST gives installers good flexibility with a vertical lens shift of ±60% and horizontal shift of ±23% with 2D keystone correction (H/V ±30°). However, its alignment tools are more basic compared to the LK926ST.
You get the same ±60% vertical and ±23% horizontal lens shift, but with 3D keystone correction (H/V ±40° + rotation ±40°). That rotation adjustment makes a real difference when mounting in imperfect or off-center spaces.
Connectivity and Compatibility
You get plenty of ports to connect to with either BenQ projector, but again, the subtle differences can help you narrow it down to one model or the other:
- LU935ST: HDMI 2.0a (x2), LAN, HDBaseT, PC in/out (VGA), RS232, and dual 10W speakers. It’s compatible with simulator PCs and standard audio setups.
- LK936ST: HDMI 2.0b (x2 with HDCP 2.2), DisplayPort, HDBaseT, LAN, RS232, and ARC/S/PDIF digital audio outputs. While it has just a single 10W speaker, its audio pass-through capabilities make it easier to tie into a full surround system or soundbar.
Both work really well for simple, standalone setups. However, we find that the LK936ST is the better fit for high-end simulator studios with integrated AV chains.
Value For the Money
Think about your budget when comparing the BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST, and choose based on which brings better value to your golf simulator space.
The BenQ LU935ST is definitely the more affordable option - almost $1,000 cheaper, to be exact. You get high brightness, long lifespan, and commercial-grade durability at a price that’s hard to beat.
That said, the LK936ST is worth the extra money if you’re trying to create the most realistic golf simulator experience. You’re paying for true 4K HDR detail, advanced alignment tools, and better flexibility.
Don’t forget that we offer a price match guarantee on ALL the BenQ projectors we sell, and we can also help you get set up with one of our hassle-free financing options if you’re feeling held back by your budget.
Wrapping Up Our BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST Comparison
In closing, can you use any projector for golf simulator? Not if you care about how the visuals look. You need a dedicated short-throw projector for your space, and the BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST are two compelling options. Really, this is a decision between brightness and realism:
- Choose the BenQ LU935ST for better brightness and practicality in commercial spaces and multipurpose rooms with ambient light sneaking in.
- Choose the BenQ LK936ST for the most realistic visuals through its 4K HDR clarity and advanced setup tools.
You can compare and contrast other popular projectors from this brand in our blog, like the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST or the BenQ AK700ST vs LK936ST. Remember, though, our customer service team is always available to provide a personalized projector recommendation.
Build your simulator setup with us today and get the best deal on either model!
