I would wager that fewer than 10 percent of golfers know precisely how far they hit each club. That shouldn’t be the case.
The golf industry has been flooded by launch monitors, all claiming to be the best. But if you want the most accurate data, it comes at a price.
We have just completed an in-depth golf launch monitor test at MyGolfSpy which outlines everything you need to know about launch monitors. The Garmin R10 was included in the test but you might be surprised about where it finished compared to the best golf launch monitors on the market.
Garmin R10 Product Details
The Garmin R10 is a golf launch monitor which provides 14 different data metrics even with its small Doppler radar. The R10 also produces ball data and shows club data, allowing you to see what you’re doing at impact.
Once I dove into the Garmin R10, I was pleased with the abundance of options. You have the ability to virtually play 42,000 courses while on the range or have E6 compatibility to play courses at home. You can also play in virtual tournaments online with the R10 and compete for cash and other prizes.
Those golfers who want to correlate their shot data with a video of their swing can do so with the Garmin R10. Once you complete your sessions, you can save the data and refer to it, with videos, whenever you want.
Throw in 10 hours of battery life and you have an impressive golf launch monitor.
Pros
- 42,000 virtual golf courses
- 14 different data metrics
- Captures head data
- 10 hours of battery life
- Compatible with E6 software
- Can be used indoors and out
- Videos every swing
Cons
- The R10 can misread your shot direction from time to time
- Struggles with backspin
- Performs better outside
How We Test
The Garmin R10 was part of our 2022 Most Wanted Personal Launch Monitor Test. We spent 50 hours testing 13 products. The metrics used to complete this testing include accuracy, ease of use, portability and features, resulting in an overall rating.
Garmin R10 Review
Looking at the overall results, the Garmin R10 scored 87.5 out of 100, a good score for the $599.99 unit.
For me, one of the best features is the ability to save and view past data sessions. This allows you to view each swing via video while correlated with the data. You can also send the footage of your swing, along with the data attached, to a PGA professional. This is a great feature if you can’t get to them in person.
Accuracy
While you’re going to get the most accurate information from enterprise solutions like you would from Trackman and Foresight, personal launch monitors offer reasonably accurate measurements.
The Garmin R10 scored 85 out of 100 for accuracy which is slightly better than average. Where it struggles is calculating spin. But all golf launch monitors at the $599.99 price point struggle to calculate spin. The R10 is more accurate when used outdoors.
Ease of Use
For most of us, practice time is limited and it shouldn’t be wasted trying to configure, connect and use a device meant to help us improve faster. Some units require more precise placement at setup.
The Garmin R10 is certainly easy to use and set up. Just attach the stand to the Doppler radar and link the unit to the app and you’re ready to rock and roll. It’s as simple as that.
Features
While measuring the flight of the ball is the primary purpose of all of the units we tested, most offer additional features. Some allow for simulator play while others include features to record your swing or leverage GPS functionality on the golf course. Others add elements of gamification like long-drive contests and closest-to-the-pin challenges.
While some golf launch monitors have only a couple of features, the Garmin R10 has an abundance. For example, it has thousands of courses to play, games and the ability to compete against anyone around the world.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the most accurate golf launch monitor, this isn’t it. Even so, for the price and software updates, you get a good idea about how far each club goes (within three or four percent of Foresight GC Quad carry distances).
But where the Garmin R10 shines is with its features and ease of use. Those who are looking for entertainment, with data attached, should definitely consider this golf launch monitor. Moreover, the R10 can be used inside and out with minimal set up.
Those who are looking to map their golf clubs/bag or wants the most accurate golf launch monitor on the market will need to up their budget considerably.
Garmin R10 – FAQ
Does the Garmin R10 require a subscription?
To utilize the 42,000 golf courses on the Garmin app, you get a 30-day free trial. After that, you pay $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year to use this feature.
Can you link the Garmin Approach R10 to an iPad?
Yes. The R10 can be mirrored/streamed to a smart TV via an iPad or iPhone, allowing for a better visuals.
What portable launch monitor does Tiger Woods Use?
Tiger Woods uses a Full Swing KIT golf launch monitor that measures ball flight, angle of attack and other data points that Foresight Sports offers.
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