Garmin Approach R10 Vs. Skytrak Comparison Overview
Choosing the right launch monitor can be the difference between lowering your handicap and continuing to struggle on the links in vain.
We have seen firsthand how good launch monitors can improve the game of many different kinds of players.
The keyword in that last statement was “good.” Not all launch monitors track the same stats and even worse, some aren’t even that accurate.
Today we will be comparing two popular launch monitors to help you make the best choice for your game.
Garmin R10 Approach Overview
The Garmin Approach R10 is a handy and affordable little launch monitor that you can take pretty much anywhere.
We really mean it, this thing is smaller than a smartphone when it’s not loaded into the included foldable tripod and even with the tripod, it stands less than a foot tall.
The Garmin Approach R10 uses radar to track shots and we noticed almost immediately that it is more accurate outdoors.
Outdoors, the Garmin Approach R10 was accurate with total distance to within about 3 yards. Indoors with a practice net, this dropped to about 5 yards.
Still, the Garmin Approach R10 tracks a ton of shot and club metrics including club head speed, launch angle, smash factor and total distance.
It was also very easy to set up. You have to connect the Garmin Approach R10 to your phone or tablet via the Garmin Golf app but once you have it set up, it’s pretty much good to go when you are.
Skytrak Overview
The Skytrak is a higher-end golf launch monitor but it’s pretty much the opposite of the Garmin Approach R10.
What we mean is that the Skytrak is much more accurate indoors than outdoors. That’s because the Skytrak uses high-speed cameras to get it’s readings.
Indoors the Skytrak is accurate with total distances to wihin 2 yards.
If you are playing outdoors on a sunny day, the sun can actually interfere with the cameras, compromising it’s accuracy.
The Skytrak offers data on side angle, smash factor, launch angle, ball speed, roll, carry, club head speed, offline deviation descent angle and more.
The Skytrak is definitely the better golf launch monitor for indoor use; plus you get a bunch of fun course simulations. However, if you like to practice at the range, the Garmin Approach R10 will provide more reliable information for you.
Skytrak in 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Skytrak is a more basic launch monitor/simulator that may be more intuitive for recreational players.
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.
Skytrak First Impressions
The Skytrak also sets up wirelessly so it was convenient to use indoors.
We don’t like wire management so it was nice that the Skytrak sets up without any USB cables or anything. The long-game accuracy was good but short-game accuracy suffered a bit.
Key Features
The Skytrak uses photometric technology to give shot readings.
The good thing about the use of cameras as opposed to radar is that it maintains its accuracy outdoors. The Skytrak gives you only one real swing metric and that;s club head speed.
Still, it provides launch degree, side spin rates, apex height, carry distance, roll distance and of course, total distance.
The Skytrak also simulates courses nicely on your tablet or laptop.
With fewer metrics, it’s a bit hard to reconcile the fact that the Skytrak costs as much as the Mevo Plus.
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.
Skytrak Selling Points
- Weather settings
- Portable
- Side angle readings
- Wireless setup
- Photometric readings
Garmin Approach R10 Selling Points
- Archives club stats
- Driving range simulator
- Smartphone compatible
- 10-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable battery
Who is Skytrak for?
The Skytrak is more for recreational use or players who just want to have fun with challenge games and course simulations.
Still, it provides all the necessary data that average golfers need to improve different aspects of their game.
Pros:
- It rivals the accuracy of much more expensive launch monitors
- The simulated renderings of famous courses looks really nice
- The wireless connection is reliable
- You can archive your shot data and review it whenever you want
Cons:
- Fewer shot metrics than the Mevo Plus
- It can take between 5 and 7 seconds to pull up shout metrics
Overall Score: 94/100
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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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