Bushnell Phantom Vs Garmin Approach G10 Comparison Review
The Bushnell Phantom and the Garmin Approach G10 are your no-nonsense, essential golf GPS devices.
While neither of these devices will wow you with a long list of advanced features, we went out and tested them side-by-side and found that they still provide golfers with essential course and shot information.
Of course, both of these golf GPS devices can be found for very reasonable prices as there are certainly more insightful options available.
But before you spend any money, you should know all the important facts – and that is exactly what you will read about in the following article.
Bushnell Phantom Overview
The Bushnell Phantom golf GPS device is a handheld unit that can easily fit in your pocket or in your golf bag’s accessory pouch.
We really liked the size of the Bushnell Phantom. The screen size is two inches diagonally and the entire unit is just about 5 inches tall and 3 inches wide.
We liked this size because it’s small enough to be conveniently compact but not small to the point where you feel like you’re gonna lose it all the time. And if you are willing to get it in certain undesirable colors, it will actually be cheaper.
The controls take some getting used to and are not the most intuitive but once you get the hang of it, the Phantom is pretty easy to use.
The Bushnell Phantom is an affordable golf GPS device that would be great for casual players.
Garmin Approach G10 Overview
The Garmin Approach G10 is a handheld golf GPS device that costs less than the Bushnell Phantom and has a few extra features.
We were pretty surprised when we saw that the Garmin Approach G10 was actually cheaper than the Bushnell Phantom because in our humble opinions, it has just a bit more to offer than the Phantom.
For now though, know that the Garmin Approach G10 is operated via 4 side-mounted buttons and can be attached to your belt or bag via a rear clip. The battery life is pretty solid and it can be charged with a simple USB cable.
This golf GPS device is a steal for its price – so long as you are not an amateur or low handicap player.
Bushnell Phantom in 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Bushnell Phantom is a good size and offers the basic information you need on the course.
Garmin Approach G10 In 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Garmin Approach G10 provides more insightful course information and is more compact than the Phantom.
Bushnell Phantom First Impressions
The first thing that struck us about the Phantom was how comfortable it was in the hand.
The buttons can be easily pressed with your thumb or forefinger so once you get a hang of the modes, you will be able to navigate them with one hand.
Key Features
The Bushnell Phantom doesn’t have all the same features as the Garmin Approach G10 but it’s still got it where it counts.
First of all, you get course info for 36,000 courses from 30 countries. We liked how the automatic course detecting works too – quick and accurate.
The Phantom will provide distances for up to 4 hazards per hole and has a manual shot distance calculating function. The Phantom will automatically change hole information as you advance in the course.
Then there is a nice little quality of life feature in the magnet. You can attach the Bushnell Phantom to any metallic surface.
That’s pretty much everything you will need to play an informed round of golf.
Garmin Approach G10 First Impressions
At first, we were worried that the Garmin Approach G10 was going to be too small.
At less than an inch thick, 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide, this was a valid concern but ultimately a null one. We just ended up clipping it to our bags.
Key Features
The Garmin Approach G10 gives you just a bit more information and options on the course.
Like the Phantom, the Garmin Approach G10 will calculate shot distance, provide distances to hazards, show distance to the front, middle and back of the green and will automatically detect which course you’re at.
Unlike the Phantom, the Garmin Approach G10 will allow you to place the pin wherever it is, has a digital scorecard and it can track your course stats.
Keep in mind that more options are available for both the Garmin Approach G10 and the Phantom if you connect them to their respective apps.
Bushnell Phantom Selling Points
- 36,000 courses
- Magnetic attaching
- 10-hour battery life
- Auto course recognition
- Auto hole advance
- Bluetooth connectivity
Garmin Approach G10 Selling Points
- 15 hour battery life
- Rear clip
- 128 x 128 pixel resolution
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable battery
- Manual pin positioning
Who is the Bushnell Phantom for?
It’s for anyone who wants a solid entry-level golf GPS device.
Maybe the best thing about the Bushnell Phantom is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. However, it is missing some basic features you would expect from even an entry-level golf GPS device.
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It’s pretty convenient that it can be attached to any metal surface
- It reaches a full charge pretty quickly
- When connected to the Bushnell golf app you get more robust map data
Cons:
- It’s made of plastic and feels a bit cheap
- The display resolution is pretty poor
Overall Score: 92/100
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Who is the Garmin Approach G10 for?
The Garmin Approach G10 would be great for anyone who is looking for more precise yardage information.
The manual pin positioning alone is huge if your game is at the level where super-precise yardages are needed.
Pros:
- The screen resolution makes the Garmin Approach G10 look more like a modern device
- It also gives a nice round summary
- The battery life of the Garmin Approach G10 is more accurate than the Phantom
- It has more preloaded courses than the Phantom
Cons:
- Takes longer to charge
- Loses connection with the app easily
Overall Score: 95/100
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