- Updated: January 2, 2023
Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor Review
New Year's Resolution to Get Better? The Garmin Approach R10 is Fun, Accurate and Affordable.
Ryan Heiman
Founder and head author at Independent Golf Reviews
I used the Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor for multiple range sessions in conjunction with my FlightScope Xi Tour Launch Monitor for product testing and dialing in club distances.
This is the definitive Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor Review for 2023.
Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to get better at golf in 2023? Whether official or not, we all want our game to get better every year. In order to make the resolution a reality we need plans and tools to make it happen. The Garmin R10 Approach is the perfect tool to improve you golf game in 2023. The launch monitor is fun, accurate and affordable, which is a formula for success. For many years the thoughts of a launch monitor that was affordable for the average golfer was just a dream, now there are multiple options. The Garmin Approach R10 rises to the top of the class of affordable launch monitors because it is fun and accurate.
The Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor comes from a company long known for its GPS technology across a variety of platforms, not just golf. It is no surprise that they were able to use their ingenuity to create one of the most affordable, fun and accurate launch monitors. The Approach R10 is about the same size as a large cellphone on a tripod. It comes in a convenient case which holds all the necessary accessories for best use of the launch monitor. It costs about the same as a new driver and can function on the range, on the course or in your indoor simulator. It easily connects to your phone or computer via Bluetooth for app usage and information. It will connect with your phone’s camera too so you can sync video with data to understand what is happening during the swing and the results.
The Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor is rechargeable via a USB cord. Once you connect it to your device, the app and unit work seamlessly together for training and fun. Like all launch monitors it has a basic “driving range” feature which allows you to hit shots and collect data. The data collected is everything you’d expect to see on a high-end launch monitor; ball information, club information, spin, angle of attack, smash, etc. While the doppler radar used to collect the data is much smaller than what is used on $10,000+ launch monitors, if you use the Titleist RCT golf balls the accuracy greatly improves. I don’t think I’d use the Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor for professional club fitting, but for personal use to improve my game and knowledge of what my data means, it is hard to beat this package.
The FUN of the Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor comes from the apps ability to play games, simulator and competitions against other golfers. This is really what sets it apart from other affordable launch monitors. In the Garmin App you can select: 7 different Golf Sim options. This is one of the best options to use the R10 with friends. You can play courses at the range, into a net or on a simulator. The 42,000 “home-course” options mean you can play/train on your local course which should help your in-person rounds of golf too. There are weekly competitions that you can join against friends and strangers. The seamless integration into sim software is one of the best features of the Approach R10.
There is a feature in the Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor app that at first glance might seen extreme, but you can use the “At Course” option while playing a round of golf. It might seem a bit much to put the launch monitor down every time you hit a shot, but the information during a practice round from time to time could really improve your scores. It then coordinates with a scorecard feature which will give you a true and accurate reflection of your game in action, not just on the range. While I don’t suggest doing this often (slow play) I could see the on-course benefits this could bring to your game once and a while. (if it doesn’t annoy other golfers around you)
Summary
A Launch Monitor is considered an investment in your game. What kind of investment do you NEED to make depends on numerous factors. If you want to get ball data at the range, have some fun hitting into a net at home or even go full simulator; the Garmin Approach R10 is the most affordable, fun and accurate option. Sure it is not as robust as the very expensive launch monitors, but bang-for-buck this thing is the best. If getting better at golf was your New Year’s resolution, then getting a Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor is your first step to better golf in 2023.
For more information: www.Garmin.com
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