Optishot 2 Vs. Garmin Approach R10 Comparison Overview
Playing your best round of golf means you gotta practice – and often. But how can you practice when it’s raining outside or you simply don’t have time to head to the range?
Launch monitors and golf simulators, that’s how.
However, not all of these kinds of devices are created equal. What we really mean is that not all of these devices will be good for practice.
To help you determine which golf launch monitor could help improve your game, we tested 2 very popular models side-by-side.
Optishot 2 Overview
The Optishot 2 uses infrared sensors to detect key metrics that the manufacturers claim will improve your practice sessions.
And they may have been right if they had made the Optishot 2 a bit more accurate. The onboard infrared sensors don’t do a great job of accurately tracking distance or predicting ball speed.
We found that the Optishot was reading longer distances of about 8 yards compared to other monitors.
For ball speed, it was reading faster by an average of 6 MPH. It missed some shots altogether as well.
We did like the fact that it came with 15 pre-loaded golf course simulations including Torrey Black, Twisted Twig, and the Canadian Club.
The Optishot 2 gives readings for club speed, carry distance, face angle, path, face contact, tempo and more. It should also be noted that this is an indoor-only golf simulator/launch monitor system.
Garmin Approach R10 Overview
The Garmin Approach R10 gave much more accurate readings for almost all the metrics it and the Optishot 2 provide.
Not only was it more accurate (outdoors), it analyzes more metrics including but not limited to spin axis, spin rate, apex height, smash factor, carry distance, deviation distance, launch direction, launch angle, club path angle, club head speed, ball speed and total distance.
The Garmin Approach R10 also records video of your swing so you can review it later with overlayed swing stats and information. Using the E6 Connect app, you can also play virtual courses and full rounds. We also liked the fact that the Garmin Approach R10 saves some of your key swing stats.
Overall the Garmin Approach R10 was much better for practice. The video recording and stat archives alone make it more helpful. The Optishot 2 was just too inaccurate to be reliable even if it does have some cool periphery features.
Optishot 2 in 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Optishot 2 represents one of the best values in indoor golf simulators/launch monitors on the market.
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.
Optishot 2 First Impressions
The Optishot 2 was really easy to set up.
This is one of the main problems we have with in-home launch monitors – they are usually a pain to set up. We were glad to see that once the software was downloaded, the Optishot 2 was more or less plug and play.
Key Features
The Optishot 2 comes with a cool little short turf that you use for all your shots.
So right off the bat the immersion factor is there even if you aren’t using a projector setup. The Optishot 2 uses infrared sensors to detect club head speed, carry distance, face angle, path, point of contact on the face and swing tempo.
There is a driving range simulator which is great for practicing with your driver and woods. The base Optishot 2 package also comes with 15 free real-world course simulations. You can also compete with up to 4 Optishot 2 users.
You do lose a bit of accuracy with the Optishot 2; but overall it’s fun and provides helpful swing and ball data.
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.
Optishot 2 Selling Points
- Online play
- Closest to the pin competitions
- Infrared sensors
- 15 courses included
Garmin Approach R10 Selling Points
- Archives club stats
- Driving range simulator
- Smartphone compatible
- 10-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Rechargeable battery
Who is the Optishot 2 for?
For anyone looking for a solid monitor/simulator on a budget.
The best thing about the Optishot 2 is that it includes insightful swing data as well as shot metrics.
Pros:
- It’s a lot more affordable than the Skytrak
- The time it takes to read out shot data is faster than with Skytrak
- Reasonably accurate
- Setting it up is easy
Cons:
- Still uses a wired setup which can be a bit cumbersome
- Overall less accurate than Skytrak
Overall Score: 93/100
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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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