Garmin R10 vs TrackMan – Reviewed and Tested

The Garmin R10 and TrackMan are two of the Best golf launch monitors creating quite a bit of stir on the market. Whether you are looking for a launch monitor to help you prepare for your weekly tournaments with friends, ones to help you make it on the circuit, or an option for your home Golf simulator system, each of these could be a good choice. 

A portable launch monitor is the newest must-have golf gadget to have at the driving range; let’s take a look at the Garmin R10 and the TrackMan and see which is better for you. 

Garmin Approach R10

The Garmin Approach R10 is one of the premium launch monitors in the personal launch monitor space. With this unit, you can bring the Garmin Approach R10 both indoors and outdoors, and it will set up in a matter of seconds.

One of the really great things about the Garmin Approach R10 is that you can tap into the Garmin app and have access to play a ton of virtual golf courses. The Garmin Approach R10 is easy to use, comes at an affordable price, and can work quite well for the average golfer. 

One thing to keep in mind about the Garmin Approach is that it won’t track golf club data. This means that the launch direction accuracy and launch angle accuracy may not be as advanced as some other units on the market.

Garmin Approach R10 Overview

Data Parameters Collected From Garmin Approach R10 

• Club head speed
• Club face angle
• Club path angle
• Angle of attack
• Ball speed
• Launch angle
• Launch direction 
• Spin axis
• Spin rate
• Apex height 
• Smash factor
• Carry distance
• Deviation distance 

Data Parameters Collected From Trackman

• Club Speed
• Attack Angle
• Dynamic Loft
• Club path
• Face Angle
• Face to Path
• Spin Loft
• Swing Plane
• Swing Direction
• Low Point
• Impact Height
• Impact Offset
• Dynamic Lie
• Ball Speed
• Smash Factor
• Launch Angle
• Spin Rate
• Launch Direction
• Spin Axis
• Height
• Curve
• Landing Angle
• Carry
• Side
• Total
• Side Total
• Putting Parameters (Club speed, backswing time, stroke length, forward swing time, tempo, dynamic lie, launch direction, ball speed, skid distance, roll speed, speed drop, roll percentage, effective stim, side, break, distance, attack angle, club path, face angle, face to path, entry speed distance, elevation, slope percentage, slope percentage rise, stimp). 

Garmin R10 Performance and Accuracy

For a budget launch monitor, the Garmin R10 performance and accuracy are quite good. This model will allow you to take swing videos, it folds really small, and you can practice and play on virtual courses. For the amateur golfer that likes to head back and forth to the range and their indoor simulator, the Garmin R10 is a great option. 

You can easily use range balls or premium golf balls and still get the correct distance. The majority of golfers really like the video review and have no trouble understanding the stats that the Garmin R10 provides. 

TrackMan

The Trackman golf launch monitor is one of the most advanced golf launch monitors on the market. This is the model that all other golf launch monitors try to emulate. The Trackman launch monitors have been available for many years, but they continue to improve, become more portable and become a better option for stat tracking. There are a few models of the Trackman, and some work better outdoors than others. 

Whether you are looking for ultimate ball speed accuracy, club performance, or to start a club fitting and golf teaching business, the Trackman is an excellent option to consider. The only downside of the Trackman is that it is considerably more expensive than other models, including the Garmin Approach R10. 

Trackman is very easy to use and set up, but you also must know how to read all the data. There are different classes that Trackman offers to help you understand the ball spin rates, swing path angles, ball flight parameters, and more. 

TrackMan Performance and Accuracy

The TrackMan’s performance and accuracy is the best on the market and is considerably better than the Garmin R10. Part of the reason behind this is the technology used to help players get the correct distance and data. The more expensive model can track club path data, not just ball data.

Many of the portable golf launch monitors and handheld devices will only track what the golf ball does, not what the golf club does. The Trackman tracks both and then does an in-depth analysis of the information. Once all of this information is collected it is then compiled into workable data for a golfer.

If you are serious about performance and accuracy and want something with tremendous golf simulation capability, the Trackman is the best on the market.

Garmin Approach R10 Selling Points

The Garmin Approach R10 is a much different piece of technology than the Trackman in terms of accuracy. If you are serious about having the most accurate launch monitor on the market, the Garmin Approach R10 can’t compete with the Trackman.

However, there are still some great selling points that users should keep in mind about the Garmin Approach R10.

Will Keep Your Information

The Garmin Approach R10 keeps all your information in place so that you can truly track how you are improving. Watching your game get better will help you justify any money you spend on this piece of golf technology.

10 Hour Battery Life

If you have a long day of practice at home and then want to head to the driving range, your Garmin Approach R10 will likely have plenty of battery left.

Works With Almost Any Smartphone

Some golf launch monitors will require a certain compatible smartphone to be able to work well. However, the Garmin R10 works well with almost any smartphone.

Accurate Considering The Price

The Garmin Approach R10 is very accurate considering the price. If you want to use this for launch monitor purposes or home simulator purposes, you will be able to.

Access to Golf Courses (With Paid Subscription)

There are plenty of extras that you can get once you tap into the Garmin golf app.

Be sure to check out other recent Golf launch monitor reviews including the Skytrak vs Garmin r10.  We have also recently reviewed the Flightscope Mevo, and then we compared the Mevo Plus vs Flightscope Mevo which we think you will really enjoy.

Trackman Selling Points

It’s hard to find any real negatives with the Trackman besides the selling price. If you are serious about a launch monitor or starting a golf-related business, this is the model you need.

Incredibly Accurate

The incredibly accurate results from the Trackman will set the bar in the golf industry. When you see this information for the first time, you will be very impressed with the technology.

Dual Radar System and Camera

The Trackman gets its accurate results using a dual radar system and camera system. The information comes from so many different angles that you will get the best overall results.

Can Be Used For Business/Club Fitting

The Trackman is accurate enough that you will be able to use it for business purposes. If you are starting a club fitting business or can teach golf, this is the tool you will need.

Course Simulations Included

Some golf course simulations are included with the price of your Trackman. Most launch monitors require an upgrade or a subscription, so this is an excellent benefit to have.

Conclusion: Garmin Approach R10 vs. Trackman

It can be hard to compare the Garmin Approach R10 and the Trackman as they are two very different launch monitors. The Garmin Approach R10 will fit the needs of the amateur golfer quite well.

The Trackman is more for a Golf professional or a golf-fitting business. Overall, both Garmin and Trackman make great products; you must find the one that is the right fit for your needs and most importantly your budget.

If you are considering a launch monitor for the first time, you should start with the Garmin Approach r10 as it is roughly around $600 compared to the TrackMan which starts around $25,000.