Garmin Approach G80 Vs. Rapsodo MLM Comparison Overview

No, we are not comparing the Garmin Approach G80 golf GPS device to a Multi-Level Marketing scheme. The Rapsodo MLM is a launch monitor that uses the features of your iPad or iPhone to give you shot and club insights.

The Garmin Approach G80 also has some launch monitor features but not very many. Still, we wanted to see how well this device held up against a true launch monitor system in the Rapsodo MLM. Take a look at what we found out.

Garmin Approach G80 Overview

The Garmin Approach G80 is really more of a golf GPS device. It provides distances to hazards, F/M/B  of the green, course maps, digital scorecard and more.

As a launch monitor, the Garmin Approach G80 can only provide you with club head speed, ball speed, smash factor and total distance. It uses radar to track these stats. Even with the limited amount of metrics, we were impressed with the Garmin Approach G80 as a launch monitor.

We found that for distance readings, it was accurate to within 3 yards. On ball speed readings, it was accurate within 2MPH. The club head speed accuracy seemed to be off by more than 5MPH in most cases though.

Still, as a radar device, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Of courses, it will lose accuracy indoors. There are also cool modes to try out like target practice and warm up mode.

Rapsodo MLM Overview

The Rapsodo MLM is basically just a cradle for your iPhone or iPad to sit in.

It should be noted right away that the Rapsodo MLM (Mobile Launch Monitor) is completely dependent on your iPhone or iPad. That being said, setup is quick and easy and unlike the Garmin Approach G80, you get instant video playback of your shots if you want.

The video is overlayed with your shot data so you can see how all the metrics apply to your swing which is cool.

The Rapsodo MLM can track ball speed, club head speed, shot shape, smash factor, launch angle and launch direction. There is also a shot tracing feature but it can only be used in outdoor mode.

The Garmin Approach G80 and the Rapsodo MLM are the same price ($500) but you get the added bonus of golf GPS functionality with the G80. Also, it provides only slightly fewer metrics than the Rapsodo so from our testing, the G80 was clearly the better value.

Garmin Approach G80 In 20 Words or Less

In 20 Words Or Less

The Approach G80 is one of the most useful Garmin devices we have ever tested.

Rapsodo Launch Monitor in 20 Words or Less

In 20 Words or Less

The Rapsodo Launch Monitor is great because it can be reliably used both indoors and outdoors.

Garmin Approach G80 First Impressions

The setup for the G80 to be used as a launch monitor was a bit complicated but as a GPS device, it worked as well as any Garmin GPS we’ve tested.

It’s definitely more reliable as a golf GPS device but it can also give you some basic shot metric data as well.

Key Features

Of course, the best feature is that it operates as both a launch monitor and a golf GPS device.

As a golf GPS device, the G80 can give you all the basic information like distance to hazards/layups, full course maps, manual pin positioning and digital scoring.

It also has some more advanced GPS features like “plays like” distances, handicap scoring and custom target distancing.

As a launch monitor you have to set it up very precisely to get accurate information. It provides you with data on club head speed, ball speed, smash factor and total estimated distance. There are also tempo training modes and game modes.

The Approach G80 works much better as a golf GPS device but still performs admirably as a launch monitor.

Rapsodo Launch Monitor First Impressions

The Rapsodo Launch Monitor took more time to set up but performed admirably indoors.

Accuracy indoors was a bit more reliable than with the Swing Caddie SC300i.

Key Features

The Rapsodo Launch Monitor tracks a few metrics that the Swing Caddie SC300i doesn’t. For instance, you get shot shape, launch direction and club speed. It will also provide data for shot distance, ball speed, smash factor and launch angle.

The Rapsodo relies on the camera of your iPhone 7 (and above) or your iPad 2017 (and up). Some features like net mode are only compatible with iPhone 8 and above. The shot trace feature can also only be used in outdoor mode.

The Rapsodo has some interesting features but you need to fiddle with it a lot more.

Garmin Approach G80 Selling Points

  • Compatible with the Truswing App
  • Touchscreen interface
  • 282 x 470 pixel display resolution
  • 15-hour battery life
  • Displays smartphone push notifications
  • Garmin Golf App compatible

Rapsodo Launch Monitor Selling Points

  • Instant video replay
  • Indoor/outdoor use
  • Includes carrying case
  • Stores up to 100 videos

Who is the Garmin Approach G80 for?

The Garmin Approach G80 would be great if you need a golf GPS device and not so much a launch monitor.

The launch monitor data is pretty basic so don’t expect too much from the G80 on that front.

Pros:

  • In-depth golf GPS data
  • Auo-detects which course you are on and loads hole data quickly
  • The color display looks great and is easily readable
  • Includes round timer and odometer

Cons:

  • Only a few launch monitor metrics (Most Important Ones)
  • Hard to set up as a launch monitor

Overall Score: 95/100

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Who is the Rapsodo Launch Monitor for?

This launch monitor would be good for people who practice as much indoors as they do outdoors.

You should also be aware that the Rapsodo tracks specialized stats like shot shape and launch direction.

Pros:

  • Tracks helpful stats that the Swing Caddie SC300i doesn’t
  • Great for Apple users
  • Good indoor accuracy
  • Goof battery life

Cons:

  • Not as accurate outdoors
  • Needs other devices

Overall Score: 92/100

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