Garmin R10 Golf Launch Monitor Review

Garmin R10 

I would wager that less than 10 percent of golfers know precisely how far they hit each club. That shouldn’t be the case.

The golf industry has been flooded by launch monitors and golf simulators, all claiming to be the best. But if you want the most accurate data, it comes at a price.

We have just completed an in-depth golf launch monitor test at MyGolfSpy which outlines everything you need to know about launch monitors. The Garmin Approach R10 was included in the test but you might be surprised about where it finished compared to the best golf launch monitors on the market.

Garmin Approach R10 Product Details

The Garmin R10 is a golf launch monitor which provides 14 different data metrics even with its small Doppler radar. The R10 also produces ball data and shows club data, allowing you to see what you’re doing at impact.

Once I dove into the Garmin R10, I was pleased with the abundance of options. You have the ability to virtually play 42,000 courses while on the range or have E6 compatibility to play courses at home. You can also play in virtual tournaments online with the Garmin R10 and compete for cash and other prizes.

Those golfers who want to correlate their shot data with a video of their swing can do so with the Garmin Approach R10. Once you complete your sessions, you can save the data and refer to it, with videos, whenever you want.

Throw in 10 hours of battery life and you have an impressive golf launch monitor.

Pros

• 42,000 virtual golf courses
• 14 different data metrics
• Captures head data
• 10 hours of battery life
• Compatible with E6 software
• Can be used indoors and out
• Videos every swing

Cons

• The R10 can misread your shot direction from time to time
• Struggles with backspin
• Performs better outside

How We Test 

The Garmin R10 was part of our 2022 Most Wanted Personal Launch Monitor Test. We spent 50 hours testing 13 launch monitor products. The metrics used to complete this testing of the simulation software include accuracy, ease of use, portability and features, resulting in an overall rating.

Garmin R10 Review

Looking at the overall results, the Garmin R10 scored 87.5 a good score for the $599 unit.

For me, one of the best features is the ability to save and view past data and practice sessions. This allows you to view each swing via video while correlated with the data. You can also send the footage of your swing, along with the data attached, to a PGA professional. This is a great feature if you can’t get to them in person.

Accuracy

While you’re going to get the most accurate information from enterprise solutions like you would from Trackman and Foresight, personal launch monitors offer reasonably accurate measurements.

The Garmin R10 scored 85 out of 100 for accuracy which is slightly better than average. Where it struggles is calculating spin. But all golf launch monitors at the $599 price point struggle to calculate spin. The R10 is more accurate when used outdoors.

Ease of Use

For most of us, practice time is limited to pounding golf balls on the driving range and it shouldn’t be wasted trying to configure, connect and use a device meant to help us improve faster. Some units require more precise placement at setup.

The Garmin R10 is certainly easy to use and set up. Just attach the stand to the Doppler radar and link the unit to the app and you’re ready to rock and roll. It’s as simple as that. Connecting the device to the Garmin Golf App provides deeper analysis of your numbers and is relatively easy to set up.

The lightweight and compact design makes it perfect for a productive range session, too.

Features

While measuring ball flight is the primary purpose of all of the units we tested, most offer additional features. Some allow for simulator play while others include features to record your swing or leverage GPS functionality on the golf course. Others add elements of gamification like long-drive contests and closest-to-the-pin challenges.

While some golf launch monitors have only a couple of features, the Garmin R10 has an abundance. For example, it has thousands of courses to play, games and the ability to compete against anyone around the world. The Garmin R10 also provides total distance and carry distance. It tracks launch angle, angle of attack, and other awesome metrics that the discerning golfer is concerned with.

Bottom Line 

If you’re looking for the most accurate golf launch monitor, this isn’t it. Even so, for the price and software updates, you get a good idea about how far each club goes (within three or four percent of Foresight GC Quad carry distances).

But where the Garmin R10 shines is with its features and ease of use. Those who are looking for entertainment, with data attached, should definitely consider this golf launch monitor. Moreover, the R10 can be used inside and out with minimal set up.

Those who are looking to map their golf clubs/bag or wants the most accurate golf launch monitor on the market will need to up their budget considerably.

Garmin R10 – FAQ