Garmin Approach R10 Vs Garmin Approach G80 Comparison And Review 2021
Do you need a launch monitor? Or do you need a hybrid golf GPS device/launch monitor?
Garmin is known for making outstanding golf GPS devices but with the R10, they have branched out into full-on launch monitors. However, they even make hybrid golf GPS/launch monitors.
To understand the merits and shortcomings of both, we went out and tested the Garmin Approach R10 which is a launch monitor against the Garmin Approach G80 which is a golf GPS device with launch monitor features.
Garmin Approach R10 Overview
The coolest thing about this launch monitor is how compact and mobile it is.
The actual launch monitor can fit in the palm of your hand and it attaches securely to a nice little tripod. Even when it’s in the tripod, the Garmin Approach R10 weighs under 8 ounces and is very compact.
You simply set the Garmin Approach R10 about 5 feet behind you and swing away. You get vital shot metric data that you would get from much more expensive launch monitors which is part of what makes the Garmin Approach R10 such a great value.
It should be noted that the Garmin Approach R10 uses radar so it performs best outdoors.
The Garmin Approach R10 also has fun golf simulation games that help sharpen your skills.
Garmin Approach G80 Overview
The Garmin Approach G80 is a golf GPS device first and a launch monitor second.
The Approach G80 is operated via a full color touchscreen display. You get full color maps of courses and holes along with vital course data like distance to doglegs/hazards and a green view mode that displays distances to the middle, back and front of the green.
While the launch monitor metrics are certainly scant when compared to the Garmin Approach R10, it cannot be denied that this is a very handy and useful device to have on the course.
While the Approach G80 offers less launch monitor metric data, it has the distinct advantage of working as a full-on golf GPS device.
Garmin Approach R10 In 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Approach R10 is easy to set up and it gives you a lot of fun/helpful options.
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.
Garmin Approach R10 First Impressions
We were first taken by how sleek and compact the Garmin Approach R10 looks.
It was even better when we realized that we could set up the Garmin Approach R10 in less than 5 minutes. It isn’t as clumsy or difficult as other launch monitors we have tested which is a huge bonus.
Key Features
One of the coolest features was the video recording of your swing that overlays your shot data right onto the footage.
This allows you to see your swing and mechanic data over and over again so you can analyze your shot and even tweak your swing. The R10 also gives you data on club head speed, club path angle, apex height, spin rate, deviation distance, carry distance, smash factor, total distance, angle of attack, launch angle and much more.
You also get virtual course simulation and game modes to hone your skills.
The Garmin Approach R10 is fun, reliable and gives you the shot data you need to improve your game.
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.
Garmin Approach R10 Selling Points
- Archives club stats
- Driving range simulator
- Smartphone compatible
- 10-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable battery
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
Who is the Garmin Approach R10 for?
The R10 would be a great choice for anyone looking for a solid launch monitor at an affordable price.
While certainly not the most robust launch monitor in terms of advanced metrics, it certainly holds its own against more expensive models.
Pros:
- The Garmin Approach R10 is very easy to set up
- The carry distance is accurate to within 5 yards
- Automatic video recording feature is very helpful for analyzing your swing
- Ball speed accuracy was also very acute
Cons:
- The launch direction accuracy was consistently of by at least 4 degrees
- You need to pay for a subscription to use the Home Tee Hero mode
Overall Score: 96/100
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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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