Garmin R10 Launch Monitor Review

The Garmin R10 Launch Monitor, or Garmin Approach R10, has easily been regarded as one of the best low budget launch monitors on the market. Initially released in August of 2021, it boasts some excellent club data and simulation features via it’s Doppler radar technology. As a result, it remains a popular choice for at-home, or on course, golf practice. The unit is very small in size, fits easily inside your golf bag, and contains a sturdy frame which holds the unit 6 to 8 ft behind your golf ball. In this article, we’ll dive into some of its features, perks, and limitations to see if this unit is the right fit for you.

The Garmin Approach R10 Advantage

The Garmin R10 launch monitor has a variety of ways that it outpaces it’s competition, so let’s dive into some of them and compare to other launch monitors in a similar price range. I’ve always found it easiest to display this data in a simple list, so let’s do that!

• First – it has a really good battery life. The Garmin R10 can last up to 10 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. When comparing against rivals like the Rapsodo or Square, these both contain battery lives between 6-8 hours.
• The Garmin R10 is one of the smallest and lightest launch monitors on the market. It’s less than 1lb! This makes it extremely portable and allows the ability to carry it inside your golf bag.
• Price! You can now purchase this unit, from a location like 2nd Swing, for under $400! An incredible price for the amount of technology, shot data, and statistical information that it can capture.
• No subscription required. Garmin contains the Free Garmin Golf app with unlimited data storage and features. However, if you pair it with something like GSPro simulation software, that’s an additional yearly expense (outside of Garmin). Similarly, there are additional features and shot data that are available with a subscription.
• Integrates seamlessly with other software. Like I mentioned in the previous bullet point, it can work alongside Garmin’s Home Tee Hero (42,000 courses available), E6 & GSPro.
• Indoor/Outdoor versatility – enough said…it can be used in both environments and is simple to transport.
• Pretty reliable club and spin data to help you improve your game with accuracy.
• Garmin Approach R10 connects easily via bluetooth to your phone or device.

Garmin R10 Pros Summary

The Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor is solid. It’s cheap, it’s easy to use and it provides value to both indoor and outdoor environments. Simply put, it’s a durable budget option that helps enable you in the golf simulator world and allows you to fine tune your outdoor golf game.

**If you’re looking to buy a Garmin Approach R10, be sure to check out 2nd Swing, our preferred retailer for both new and used options

The Garmin Approach R10 Disadvantages

As with every budget option, there are a few setbacks to watch out for and the Garmin R10 is no different. However, I would still encourage considering this unit as a good entry point into the launch monitor and golf simulation world. With that being said, let’s review some of the drawbacks so you know what you’re up against.

• Putting – Is known to have some accuracy and speed issues but the R10 also requires an additional camera to allow putting.
• Space Requirements – requires 6 to 8 feet behind your hitting zone. Obviously, if you’re in a tight room hosting your golf simulator, this can sometimes be a big ask.
• Misreads – It will miss shots and it will have reads that are not accurate. It’s generally pretty good but these can be expected to appear from time to time and more frequently than your higher budget options.
• Limited club data without subscription. Simply put, more data is available if you pay for it. One way Garmin tries to loop you in, via the cheap price tag up front, and then tries to wrangle you for more.
• Occasional glitches with the app and connectivity. I didn’t experience this in my testing, but it’s something I’ve found as a complaint in some forums.
• Spin measurement inconsistencies: Backspin is decent (±500 rpm accuracy), but side spin and club path data can vary 5–10% on mishits, less precise than premium radar options, like TrackMan, as an easy example.
• No built in display. Requires a phone/tablet for readings.
• Indoor limitations – actually works better outdoors.

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My Personal Testing Results And Opinions

We put the Garmin Approach R10 Launch Monitor to the test, (special thanks to 2nd Swing), to see how it stacks up. We love to do this as it gives us an actual feel of how these launch monitors work, but it also helps us generate our own thoughts and opinions and not rely on those found on the internet.

Setup & App

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the setup was. Quite honestly, I was ready to go within 5-10 minutes with easy help via this video from Garmin.

I was able to hit some shots right after setup and here’s a quick view of what you see on your mobile app. For context, this was a 5 iron that I hit and simply took a few screenshots of the output.

Data

Pretty clear and concise data, right? The statistics I look for are launch angle, spin rate and carry distances. However, I also plugged in my Uneekor EYE XO during this session, but the data did not align exactly. The Uneekor EYE XO, a premium launch monitor, delivers expectedly more accurate shot and club data. On this particular shot, my Uneekor showed an extra 15 yards of carry, a similar spin rate (backspin), but also some side spin that indicated a draw ball flight (mind you, I’m a left handed player). You can see the Garmin R10 barely captured any side spin and I found this somewhat common amongst some of my shots and test data. With that being said, what was more common was the side spin data was consistently lower than what my premium Uneekor launch monitor displayed. Oftentimes, 1/3 or 1/2 less spin, which in hindsight, makes you feel better about your shot as it goes less off-line. Here’s a more detailed view of my Uneekor EYE XO data in comparison with the same images above:

Another huge R10 takeaway was that I generally had 15-20 yards less distance on all my woods. I tested my Qi10 LS Driver, my 3 wood and my 3 hybrid to explore the consistency of my results. The launch angle and spin rates were in the ballpark of my premium launch monitor but it was surprising to lose so much distance. Chipping and shorter wedge shots consistently registered more accurately than shots that went further.

Overall Impression

The Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor is a pretty valuable budget launch monitor. It is simply not as precise as your premium options but that is not what I’m reviewing here. I’m reviewing a budget option to help get your foot in the door and into the launch monitor and golf simulation world. I personally think this is a respectable option, but you’ll need to be ok with some data that is not extremely precise. It will definitely get you general ball flight, spin rates and launch angles but it may not mimic exactly what you’ll see on course. It will, however, be pretty close and can allow you time to save up for a premium option down the road. The ease of use, portability and functionality is pretty dang good though for under $400.

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