GCQuad Vs. Garmin Approach R10 Comparison Overview
The GCQuad and the Garmin Approach R10 could hardly be any different in terms of price. Still, we find it odd that golf launch monitors in the upper echelon price range share so many features as ones that are a lot cheaper.
Does more expensive naturally mean better? We tend to think not but we wanted to know for sure. So we went out and tested the Garmin Approach R10 (which hovers around the $500 range) and the GCQuad (which will set you back about $10,000).
GCQuad Overview
The GCQuad is one of the most impressive golf launch monitors we have ever tested.
This is a professional grade launch monitor that uses 4 on-board, high-speed cameras to capture your swing and the ball at the point of impact and directly after.
One of the things we liked the most about the GCQuad is that it can be used indoors and outdoors.
What we certainly liked most about it is that it is just as accurate indoors as it is outdoors.
Using the high-speed cameras, the GCQuad can track horizontal club path, club head speed, dynamic loft, smash factor, impact location, lie, ball speed, closure rate, carry and total distance very accurately.
The GCQuad even took into account barometric pressure when we were using it at the range.
The other thing we thought was a nice touch was the on-board display screen that reads out certain metrics – no need to look at your phone or download an app.
Garmin Approach R10 Overview
The Garmin Approach R10 is a very good launch monitor for it’s price range and should be more than adequate for casual golfers.
Now, the Garmin Approach R10 was not as accurate as the GCQuad but you shouldn’t expect it to be at nearly $10,000 cheaper.
It uses radar sensors so it is more accurate indoors than outdoors. Outdoors, the Garmin Approach R10 is accurate to within 3 yards of distance.
Indoors that number grew to about 5 yards. However, we were really impressed with the laundry list of metrics this thing tracks: club head speed, club face angle, club path angle, angle of attack, spin axis, spin rate, apex height, smash factor, carry distance, deviation distance, total distance and more.
There’s no question about it; the Garmin Approach R10 is a great launch monitor for it’s price. If you have the money though, go for the insanely accurate GCQuad.
GC Quad in 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The GC Quad is a versatile and extremely accurate golf launch monitor with a good degree of convenience as well.
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.
GC Quad First Impressions
The GC Quad first struck us for its unique design.
This thing looks like a sci-fi device of some kind but later on, what we were more taken with was the convenience and portability.
Key Features
The GC Quad has 4 main modes that include play, compete and improve modes.
The GC Quad relies on 4 quadrascopic cameras to accurately capture your club head and the ball at point of impact. It also has an onboard display so you can see instant shot readings.
The GC Quad can also be used outdoors so long as the weather isn’t too bad. You can also save your shot data to the cloud and review it at your leisure.
The simulator mode allows you to play world-renowned courses like Pebble Beach where you can see real-life conditions like wind speed, elevation and more.
The GC Quad is best-played with a projector setup.
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.
GC Quad Selling Points
- Indoor/outdoor use
- 4 on-board cameras
- On-board display
- Multiple skill challenges
Garmin Approach R10 Selling Points
- Archives club stats
- Driving range simulator
- Smartphone compatible
- 10-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable battery
Who is the GC Quad for?
The GC Quad would be best-suited to low handicap players who are looking for acute accuracy and detailed shot metrics.
It would also be a good choice for anyone who likes to get outdoors and have detailed practice sessions.
Pros:
- Provides wide shot pickup range
- It can be set up relatively easily
- You can use it outdoors and have data displayed right on the screen
- Metrics include horizontal club path, club head speed, dynamic loft, smash factor, impact location, lie, ball speed, carry, closure rate and total distance
Cons:
- Not a lot of options in terms of software
- The battery life isn’t very good
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
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
Check Out More Reviews Here:
