We love Garmin products as they always have great technology and are made with the golfer in mind. However, this latest release from Garmin with the Garmin R10 Approach Golf Launch Monitor and Simulator is really impressive.
If you have been in the market for portable launch monitors, this is one that needs to be considered.
We will help you see what the Garmin R10 Approach Golf Simulator is capable of and whether or not this is a model that would work for your need.
Garmin R10 Golf Simulator
The Garmin R10 Golf Simulator is really a launch monitor that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The simulator can be connected to an entire simulator system and used in combination with the Garmin software to create a full simulator experience.
If you are new to the game of golf or have been playing your entire life, the Garmin R10 has real-life data that can help you succeed.
With the Garmin R10, you are going to get key metrics for both golf ball data and club data. This is the first time we have seen a rangefinder under the $2000 mark that will also give accurate club data.
The accuracy may not be as impressive as the Trackman or GCQuad, but he over functionality is quite good.
As far as golf simulation capabilities go, for an extra investment, you can get the Garmin software for weekly tournaments, virtual driving range access, and golf courses all over the world.
Pros
- Can practice and play with real golf balls
- Pairs easily with a mobile device
- Very accurate considering the price range
- Can record video clips
- Home Tee Hero and E6 Software options
- Will help golfer evaluate their golf strengths and weaknesses and record data
- Good option for those with more than a 5 handicap looking to improve
Cons
- Basic graphics are not very good, look like a video game
- The upgrade packages for simulation are more expensive
- Accuracy is within 3 mph for club speed
- Accuracy is within 5 mph for carry distance and total yardage
Features and Benefits
Now that you have a better idea of what the Garmin Golf R10 Golf Simulator is capable of let’s break down the specifics of this product. Before we start, it should be noted that most golfers will have no trouble with the overall accuracy and functionality of this budget launch monitor. However, lower handicappers and professionals may look for a premium launch monitor.
Accuracy
The accuracy for the Garmin R10 Approach is within about 5 yards on most shots. This is pretty good, although you may see some outliers on a shot dispersion chart. It’s important to remember that for a very fair price like this, you can’t expect the accuracy to be as good as something like Trackman.
With a virtual tournament or a round of golf with friends, or to establish averages in your golf game, the Garmin R10 Approach is plenty accurate.
Data Parameters
The data parameters like clubhead speed, ball spin, and club path angle are really important for players working on their golf swing. Seeing the ball flight of your golf shot and then getting these visual metrics can help a player ready to make changes in their game.
The thing that helps the Garmin R10 stand out is the fact that you will get some club data. Most launch monitors will give you club head speed but not information about the path or angle. The path and angle are the more important features when looking to change your golf swing.
With over a dozen metrics, the Garmin R10 gives most average players exactly what they need.
- Total Distance
- Carry Distance
- Launch Direction
- Launch Angle
- Side Spin
- Back Spin
- Spin Rate
- Spin Axis
- Ball Speed
- Offline Deviation
- Apex Height
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Club Face Angle
- Club Face to Path
- Attack Angle
Simulator Setup & Software
The Garmin R10 can be used in combination with a mobile app or a desktop application as a golf simulator. The basic package offered is from Home Tee Hero. It has a bit of a cartoon look to it, and it will not have premium content for your practice sessions.
The E6 Connect Software is considerably better but will come at a higher price. The good news here is that with the E6, you can play golf courses all over the United States, and the graphics are better.
The great thing about the Garmin Approach R10 is that it is very accurate indoors. In fact, if you are looking for a way to get in more golf practice indoors, this is one of our favorite options to consider. Outdoors, you will notice that there are some shots that don’t record quite as well.
Many golfers are using the Garmin R10 in combination with software, a golf simulator projector, and a high-quality golf mats in order to have the perfect golf simulator setup. The thing to remember here is the Garmin R10 is not very good at picking up your putts. When playing with friends, you may have to establish an automatic two-putt rule or a gimmie rule.
Be sure to check out our other Golf simulator reviews on AEC Info.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Garmin R10 Approach offers something that the golf market has not seen. This is a unit with a great training model, essential metrics, and relatively good accuracy. For players working on shot consistency and taking their game to the next level, the Garmin R10 has the necessary technology for some of the lowest prices.
Can you use Garmin R10 as a simulator?
The Garmin R10 can be used as a launch monitor for a simulator, but you must have software in place to run it. At the time of delivery, when taking the Garmin R10 out of the box, you won’t have much access to the game mode, real-time golf with friends, courses like Pebble Beach, or anything like that. This will all come with an active subscription at an extra cost.
Is Garmin R10 accurate?
The Garmin R10 is accurate. The accuracy claims to be within about five yards when it comes to total distance. A premium golf launch monitor may have accuracy within one or two yards. However, for golfers that are amateur players, this level of accuracy should be more than enough.
What does the Garmin R10 measure?
The Garmin R10 measures a wide range of club head and ball data. Many golf launch monitors in this price range will not measure club data. Learning about your club face and how it continually returns to the ball at impact is an essential feature of the Garmin R10.
Can you play courses on Garmin R10?
The Garmin R10 has both the Home Tee and E6 Connect simulator packages. Some of the courses on the basic software packages are not as well known, and the graphics may not be quite as clear. As the Garmin R10 spends more time on the market and grows in popularity, we expect to see more simulator options to choose from.
Does Garmin R10 record a video?
The Garmin R10 will allow you to record video as long as you have paired it with a compatible smartphone. The video is recorded by your phone, and most of the time, the Garmin is sold with an attachment to hold the phone.
How Much Space Do I Need for the Garmin R10?
Golfers will need about 15 feet of space to run a Garmin R10 launch monitor indoors. This is about standard for a launch monitor in this price range. For something better at dealing with small spaces, the SkyTrak is an excellent choice to consider.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now feel as though you can determine if the Garmin R10 Approach is the right fit for your golf game. There are more and more portable launch monitors coming to the market, and they are only getting more affordable.
Consider this when looking at the best personal launch monitor for your game and your budget.
