My Full Unbiased Review of the Garmin R50 (It's Not Perfect)

[@dennisd4027]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your channel. Virtually every other KZbinr is a low single digit and every driver/iron review looks the exact same. Smash it down the fairway 280 + etc. Love your insight on this Garmin too. Keep up the great work!

[@garymontague1205]

Agree

[@MattyRedPants]

Hey Sean. At 9:34 Respectfully, a true measure of a launch monitor’s ball accuracy is ball speed, HLA, VLA, spin and spin axis. Carry, total distance are calculated values for all indoor launch monitors. And all manufacturers have their own formulas, so some deviation is expected for calculated values.

[@petegalindez9961]

As usual, great review…I’m giving it a go and ordered mine already. I’ve used Mevo, Mevo+, ST, ST+, SC400 previously…data-wise, Mevo+ is hard to beat, but I just don’t have the room and need an optic solution. ST+ is very good to excellent, but fortunately, I only owned it for 20 days so was able to return it to get the R50…we’ll see if it’s better…I have been working with a coach and we’re focusing a lot of club path and face control, so will be nice to be able to use that part of the unit…I’ve never really gotten into sim play, but mostly because it always seems complicated to hook up, or requires a gaming PC…I’m exclusively Mac, so looking forward to HTH. I don’t need all the excess graphics; as long as the course is accurate is all I care about…fingers crossed!

[@golfplusbeer6312]

Maybe I’m in the minority here, but 99% of the time when I hit my sim, I’m not playing a round of golf on GSPro. I just want to hit balls. As cool as GSPro is, I love idea of not needing to boot up my computer. No dealing with Windows or wifi issues or launcher updates. HTH just sweetens the pot. Super enticing to be able to play my local courses and I like the way it looks 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DurangoLegend]

I agree 100%. Messing with connections and computer issues is the last thing I want to do when I am out to have fun.

[@theflyoverlife]

I'll be going from an R10 to the R50 ASAP. Is it going to perfect for everyone? No. Will this help my game and improve my indoor sim setup? Absolutely!! If it's this good right out of the lab, imagine how much better it will be a year down the road after some software improvements. Garmin honestly nailed it.

[@Hootch2099]

Exactly

[@rayyou7032]

The fact that you can play every local course in your area is a big plus even though graphics won't be best.

[@dennisd4027]

If someone's shank is bad enough to hit this thing but still felt the need to spend $5,000 on a sim, God bless them. :)

[@chriszingler4548]

I wish there was a review there for the gaming pc’s needed to enhance their launch monitors! Especially for us not familiar with computers.

[@dddmmm21]

Bottom line I would like to see how this would work with Awesome Golf... if I could get the great app experience on an iPad, with superior tracking accuracy, while getting for example additional information on the device screen (e.g. replay of the ball contact), that would make it perfect for me.

[@bam14bam]

This!

[@CarolinaGolfer2]

Another stellar review Sean. Thanks so much for the detailed info on where it lacks in data/reporting/comparison. That pretty much makes it a non-starter for me, as I need to collect a lot of data from several different clubs in the same session and to be able to export it easily. It really is a standout in al the other ways, so I will monitor to see if they change this aspect of it. Really appreciate all you work into these reviews

[@michaelbade]

I'm concerned about needing the dots on your clubs with this. 1) Do you get any info without the dots? 2) What happens when you go play a course in the winter and your club gets wet and muddy. Do you need to buy hundreds of dots? Could you paint dots on? Thank you for a great video.

[@brewster102]

First time viewer,great break down of the product. Amazed at the production value of your video and presentation. One of the best I have seen on KZbin. Instant subscriber.

[@YohandraPoellnitz]

For a long time, as Chanel prices have risen, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I would be happy to have a kislux as a travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one would have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.

[@drdng8621]

I have a fully unlocked BLP I use with GSPro and am 99% sure I'm switching to the R50. I was really waiting to see if the data was accurate, and it seems it is. I already have a gaming PC, so there is no increase in cost for that. I do want to see how well it integrates with GSPro and if you can use the R50 screen for additional metrics. I really like the idea of just dropping this down by my outdoor mat/net for some shots before a round and using the display without having to power up my indoor sim computer and projector. The addition of face angle and face to path are huge since the BLP/GC3 do not offer those data points. Also, the impact video tells you the ground contact (good to see on mats) and impact location (slightly). This was very glitchy with my old Mevo +. Also, I think Foresight is reluctant to add too many improvements to the BLP/GC3, so they don't anger all the $18K GCQuad users and step on their toes with added capabilities. Future software and app improvements could really expand on this first iteration of the R50. HTH is not that appealing other than being able to play my home course, but it is a nice option. I export my GSPro range data to a 3rd party application that allows me to manipulate data in any way necessary, so that isn't a barrier either. I am anxiously awaiting a review of it's GSPro integration before pulling the trigger. Great review!

[@jerrywbissey1797]

Man I just can’t see the value proposition at all. $5000 and you still have to have a computer for GSPro. No way. Taking it out to range is useless. Range give you very bad feedback bad data. Range is only for loosening up. Their courses are cartoonish compared to GSPro.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

Per the owners manual, the R50 connects to the PC wirelessly, so you should be able to choose data screens on the unit itself with GSPro (once the connector is officially released).

[@drdng8621]

@@jerrywbissey1797 I already have the computer and GSPro, so no additional investment. I'll only use GSPro for most sim play except my home course which GSPro doesn't have. Impact Video, Face Angle, and face to path measurements are worth it alone. I've always envied the Eye mini for the impact video. BLP/GC3 will never offer these because it will; alienate their GCQuad users. Why pay $18k for a quad when GC3 has all the same data plus impact video? Not gonna happen. HTH is cartoonish, but I'll rarely use it. The unit screen offers ease of setup for a quick net session. I never take my LM to the range, so I wouldn't need it there. That's why I have an indoor sim and a outdoor net/mat.

[@bam14bam]

Great perspective. Thanks for sharing. Curious...what 3rd party software do you use for data?

[@DurangoLegend]

@@jerrywbissey1797 How is that much worse than paying $3000 for a BLP/GC3. Paying $500 a year for the license to support another $250 a year GSPro license. Not having the flexibility of displaying metric data and shot impact videos right in front of you while not taking up screen real estate. Also GC3 doesn't have the ability to play your local courses right out of the box. Besides every reviewer so far has said that the new improved HTH plays exceptionally well even if the graphics are simplified. The graphics quality is decent and you basically can play any course in the world. In a year or two, the R50 will probably be the value proposition because of savings in subscription fees.

[@AdamAirline]

I’m a 24 handicap, and my son and wife are both new to golf. We don’t have a simulator, so investing in a high-end launch monitor like Foresight feels unnecessary-especially when you factor in the cost of the gaming computer and everything else. The Garmin R10 seems much more accessible, and I like the idea that they’ll continue improving it with updates. For us, it’s all about game improvement and being able to practice indoors during Connecticut winters. This seems like the perfect balance of affordability and functionality for beginners, casual golfers and beyond.

[@tonytee981]

Luv the way you present the info. You mentioned that left and right handed golfers would be a hassle. My Favorite 4-some includes 2 lefties and 2 righties. This is one reason why this is not my Xmas list. Cheers and keep up the great work.

[@mousseau123]

Quick question , at 4:51 I can see the Garmin R50 projecting to the screen however I don't see an HDMI cable connected? This might sound dumb , is it possible to wirelessly connect it to a projector? Thanks, Great review BTW!

[@midtowncabinetrydesigns570]

Excellent review. Best and most honest content on the R50 so far.

[@Darthbrews]

I just upgraded from the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro and Skytrak plus to this and haven't looked back.

[@breakingeighty]

Great to hear!

[@glennwatson3313]

Wow, that's an expensive trip through golf launch monitors.

[@steve7080]

your white tee might be the problem with recognizing the ball

[@timterman]

Could be! I took the plunge on the R50 and used it outside for the first time yesterday. It had no detection issues with balls on regular tees. (I haven’t tried inside on the little cones because I don’t really have room to swing driver in my current setup.)

[@ShotPattern]

This is so great!! Have watched. A few of your reviews on the R50 and they’re terrific! Wanted to chime in re: making the most of your shot data and seeing your dispersion. Users can export their data to a CSV file with the Garmin golf app and then upload that file to the Shot Pattern app and get all of that insight you mentioned. Not intended to be a solution for fitters but avid players and their coaches would love it. Would love to connect!

[@noof2533]

You got my sub, great content and production.

[@blainerude8953]

Have you tried a black tee rather than white? Could this be why it wasn’t picking up your ball on the tee?

[@Nate710]

As a GC3 owner I can honestly say this looks like a decent upgrade to the GC3 (also has 3 cameras, more metrics like face angle, and impact video). All that for a couple grand less than what I paid for my GC3. Is the hitting area about the same as the GC3? Personally, if I’m going to play a course I’d prefer playing GSPro compared to the more basic Home Tee Hero so glad they have the connection available.

[@REDspitfire]

Love your reviews! Would love to see a review of the NEW/UPDATED VoiceCaddie SC4 PRO with the new features/metrics.... any chance soon???

[@MattDoesGolf]

Epic review! Nice work 👏

[@martinho1300]

I don't know if they are working on it. But hoping for Cameras & force plates as an additional add on. Otherwise its gonna have to be Uneekor

[@alexgurran7400]

Trying to decide between getting the GSPro software for my Garmin R10 or getting the Garmin R50. I have a simple setup with a Net Return in the garden. Just about have enough space to setup the R10. Any thoughts? Love to upgrade with an R50 but the price is putting me off

[@pkafka80]

Great video and breakdown! If you're a data nerd and also like everything about this and also have a gaming PC to attach, would this be a waste of money? I also don't have much space so I'm assuming camera based is my only option.

[@jdog8701]

i think anyone who bashes hth is crazy ..... to be able to play 90% of all courses is a huge selling point in itself, and with the update to HTH it now looks pretty good, and good enough for what anyone would need to play a round of a course at home. I hope they eventually update it to do more practice modes and and range options but the product itself seems to be top notch

[@deanzenoni2204]

Thanks for the review been waiting for it! I was hoping to see a comparison in the accuracy, I have seen some reviews comparing it to the trackman and although the ball data seemed extremely accurate club data did not. I was ready to pull the trigger on one, until I seen how off some of the club data was, on the one review I watched. What was your take on the club data accuracy? Where you able to compare to trackman numbers?

[@jdog8701]

assuming its the one everyone has watched that video should be taken down. The guy in the comments admits to reading the data wrong and admits he isnt using rct balls which the trackman needs indoors to be accurate. I was hoping it would be a good comparison review too but the guy even admits he needs to try and redo the video because he got called out in the comments for how it was done and admits it was done wrong.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

@@jdog8701 yeah I’ve never found trackman to be particularly reliable on Left-Right accuracy indoors. Sure it Can be used indoors, but it’s really made for outdoor commercial use.

[@deanzenoni2204]

@@jdog8701 Thanks JDog! I've been searching but have not seen any direct comparisons as of yet, anyone else? I have access to a trackman in Salt Lake City and practice on it 9 hours a week in the winter. If anyone in the Salt Lake area has access to an R50 hit me up and we can do a comparison. I like all the features of the R50 but since I've only seen that one video comparing accuracy and as far as the club data was concerned there were some major discrepancies. If I can't trust the club data then it's not worth it to me as there are several cheaper options for accurate ball data.

[@stuartwright4381]

I’d trust an optic device over a trackman indoors- for a £20k device it’s awful on indoor readings. Even with the RTC balls!!!!

[@deanzenoni2204]

@@stuartwright4381 I spend 9-12 hours a week training on the trackman, and find it super accurate, would like to know how the Garmin R50 compares?

[@patrickpham4241]

I wonder if this upgrade to HTH makes the Garmin golf subscription compatible across iOS and Android now

[@bam14bam]

@@patrickpham4241 Not sure I understand your question or should I say implication. Isn't the Garmin Golf Subscription already compatible across iOS and Android? I use both and have had no issues. I am missing something.

[@patrickpham4241]

@@bam14bam I think my question was a bit unclear. Say I've subscribed to Garmin Golf Membership on my Garmin golf account using my iPad/iOS for HTH with my R10. Will the membership transfer over to my android phone which is linked with my S70 so I can utilise the green contours feature? I think I was told it wasn't possible from the Garmin forums a while back so I haven't tested it since.

[@stevefordham1740]

Love info on how easy it is to use out doors

[@nick5762]

I have an Eye Mini and to me this feels like a no brainer upgrade but I'm curious on others thoughts. I bring my Eye Mini out to the range to get some club and carry data but I love the idea of being able to bring the R50 out there, get that same data, and then play a round of golf out on the range should I choose too. Plus no subscription fee to be able to use it with my GSPro at home on the sim just seems like a win win?

[@derrickbenner4371]

If I missed it I’m sorry but does this work outside? Can it just be used at the driving range for data?

[@tommiev975]

Absolutely 👍

[@SalsaDan]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. Will be curious to see the comparison video to to the Eye Mini. On that topic, do you have any insight as to why this segment of the launch monitor market does not do face impact location, when for less money, the Mevo+ does?

[@hysellplay]

I’m trying to decide between this and the Eye XO (which just went on sale for $5600). I can afford either unit. I already have a computer so the built-in simulator is not a huge issue for me. I also have no intent to ever take this to a range, so portability is not an issue for me. I suppose I’m really just looking for what will give me more accurate ball and club numbers. Any thoughts?

[@Evan_Rodgers]

I’m partial to the R50 but I’d recommend the overhead LM in your specific scenario. If this is solely a sim space use case, it’s hard to beat the cool and usefulness factor of overhead LMs.

[@DurangoLegend]

Overhead LMs give you the advantage of lefty/righty mixed players which is nice if you have left handers that you play with. The downside is that the Eye XO unit is only a 2 camera system and may not be as accurate. Also it still requires paying a subscription to use all the features and connect to third party software on top of the third party subscription. But that is a great sale price off of the original $8000.00.

[@SalsaDan]

For exclusively home based use, the current sale pricing on the Eye Mini Lite looks quite attractive. From what I understand, it's basically the Eye Mini, minus battery and screen.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

@@DurangoLegend yeah I missed OPs need for club data. Think you’d need the Eye XO 2 or Pro Tee VX to get club data.

[@Nate710]

Eye XO requires more club stickers which is stupid and annoying IMO.

[@rogeliomendez9135]

Was hoping for competition with the mlm2 pro. 5k is out of my range

[@shawndgee]

I hope they have all of your recommendations for this unit, and REALLY hope they dont charge like Fightscope does on my Mevo+

[@CharlieMurphy_916]

Is there a way to adjust for custom resolution to the projector screen to fill? I will have a non traditional screen and am curious how r50 would work with that.

[@mattd7814]

I’ve been trying to find that answer as well, it seems like it’s not adjustable from what I can tell. Nothing in the manual about it and I’ve watched reviews showing the screen options and it doesn’t look there is any option to adjust. Same with adjusting offset if you’re ball position isn’t centered. Unfortunate, otherwise I’d probably consider switching to this from my Mevo+. Maybe they’ll make an update in the future.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

@@mattd7814 direct output from the device itself looks to be capped but if you use a pc with third party software, you can send the video from your PC to your projector.

[@mattd7814]

@@Evan_Rodgers thanks, yes I was thinking more for projecting the integrated ranges or Home Tee Hero or any future native apps. If using an external device for third party device I don’t see a big advantage of switching to this from my Mevo plus other than being able to see data parameters etc. on the R50 screen.

[@CorscaddenSalvato]

If I had money, I would go for fashion, private labels, etc. The fashion world is changing so fast, and knockoffs allow me to change my style frequently and keep up with the trends. kislux completely meets my needs. It makes me feel very satisfied and I love it.

[@nbargolf]

Some bummers like the resolution through the HDMI port is same as the screen not good. Of course if you using it with GSPRO on a PC it gets the high end. Also just stroke play isn't going to get it.

[@masaguchi46]

Can you replace the battery free years later when it struggles to hold charge?

[@neilmackison1329]

Do you know what the specs of the cameras are compared to GC3 or Skytrak+ to get a better feel on accuracy? Also interested to know what the memory (ram and total) and graphics chip are as well? It would also be great to see a review where you use 3rd party software so that we can see what you see on the Garmin screen rather than the computer.

[@jorgbalster6942]

Very nice review. Looking forward to a comparison with the mevo+

[@kennethgarrison521]

Excellent review, and another "vote" for comparison with mevo+ and/or whatever monitor a comparison would be meaningful.

[@dysondechant2013]

Will you need a gaming pc or iPad to run GSPro?

[@tommiev975]

Another one of your great, comprehensive reviews. Excited about this R50. Hope Garmin is following your channel as well for their future improvements. Don’t think the R50 is showing descent angle data? Question: would the data of using GSPro or E6 give data crunchers a better data analysis option ?

[@DurangoLegend]

Yes, you could capture all the data you need and analyze it in many ways using GSPro or E6. Another way that you could do it on the cheap side is download one of the golf apps that allows you to enter spreadsheet data and analyze it. There are several free apps that allow you to input spreadsheet metrics and then do all the cool analysis with spread plots etc. The Garmin outputs spreadsheet data all you would have to do is load it into the phone app.

[@tommiev975]

@@DurangoLegendThanks 👍

[@adamshettle5391]

I am finding the face angle readouts are unreliable to inaccurate. Basically, it reports the face to be more closed than it is. My normal shot is a fade, and it will show this ball flight, with a slight right spin, but the face angle stats will be inconsistent with this. For example, it will show a 2.0L club path, and a face angle of 4.0L (2.0L F2P). Clearly this combination would not create right spin and only a slight left starting direction. My best guess is that it is taking a reading of the face angle a little late, slightly after impact, thus the face has closed a little more by this point. Have any others experienced this?

[@Vail-AspenSUVrentals]

I'm curious does the E6, awesome golf or gspro have practice functions and ways to get more analytical data? It sounds like Garmin software won't suffice...

[@lennardbravo3796]

How is the lag time after hitting a shot? I know the Skytrak had an issue with lag.

[@breakingeighty]

Almost instant, its very fast - much more so than skytrak+

[@utubenelson]

@@breakingeighty can you confirm that the MAX resolution thru HDMI is only 800x1280? That seems SO LOW for a projected image. Seems like a grainy deal breaker.

[@GolfNut-r5q]

​ I have my R50 connected to a 55 inch and the picture looks really sharp.

[@bam14bam]

Can you test with Awesome Golf and GS Pro? One other tried and apparently there were initial issues. Sure they will get them sorted out eventually as it just launched but curious if you have tried and if so what your experience has been.

[@breakingeighty]

I think what I had seen was the person who did GSPro did it via a bit of a workaround and not the official integration (which I don't think is live yet, as I understand it). So I personally wouldn't put too much stock in that. But will update when I've been able to test!

[@garyfardon8841]

Converting the garage as we speak.

[@stuartwright4381]

Hi Sean- You are the only Reviewer I have heard saying this comes with 5 x free mobile course versions on E6- even my supplier in the UK had not heard of this do you have any information on how this is applied. My order for an R50 is on back order so would be Keen to have these 5 x free courses as a change from HTH

[@drdng8621]

I just saw an informal review of the R50 on YT playing a sim round on GSpro. It did not do well. Granted, the GSPro official integration has not hit yet, and the guy in the video found a workaround since it can't be used with GSPro yet (this is why there are no GSPRo/R50 reviews yet). Lots of misreads/Non-reads, and putting did not work most of the time. He definitely struggled with ball placement and eventually turned off an overhead projector, which helped a little but didn't fix it. He ultimately gave up and went back to his MLMPro. The only things that works well are the native HTH and driving range. Of course, some of this is due to the normal hiccups with a new device, but Garmin has some work to do after the hyped release. I'm hoping they can get these things sorted, as I was just about to pull the trigger. I will definitely wait to see how it goes before selling my BLP and jumping in. Here is the video showing it underperforming. It's really long and not time-stamped, but if you can move forward to him moving the R50 off the mat and work backwards. You will see how many drivers and putting non-reads it got. kzbin.info1vxJgD9IcyY?si=teKH8_LIcMlUcJsZ

[@mlfpv7025]

"Its big". It is also a launch monitor, screen and computer. There is a demand for so much more CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage, cooling, etc. I am pretty surprised its not larger to be honestly.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

Thanks for this review. Is it a perfect device? No, but there is no perfect thing in life anywhere. Is it the best? I think so. Obviously, if you need a LM with which to make money, then get a commercial level device.

[@LookMAStudio]

Totally agree with you there! I am a tech nerd and can appreciate wanting to kit out with the whole sim setup and GSPro. And with this, I still can! But my wife just enjoys the game of golf and could care less about all the technical aspects and having something that she can just plop to the side and start hitting is such a win.

[@LookMAStudio]

Gotta get my BE videos when you release them. You have cost me tons of money in a good way! I've been seeing so much hate on the R50 and don't really get it. I think your first statement about a "consumer" launch monitor hits the nail on the head. I got one last week and have been absolutely loving it. I don't have the space for a doppler radar setup and while my wife and I play LH/RH, the task of moving the unit is not a huge deal. But all the benefits you get in the unit itself is amazing. HTH is not the prettiest SW but love playing my home course (which isn't available on other sw) and just getting to play no strings attached is huge for us. Theres a few software bugs I have found but fully expect them to be fixed in future updates. In comparison to something like the Eye Mini, the added benefit of simulator play out of box is worth the extra bit of money.

[@LookMAStudio]

I also noticed that you are using the "white" birtees. I have the black birtees and personally have had no issues with using those. I assume the white color may be confusing it? I heard this to be the case with other LM so maybe this is similar.

[@breakingeighty]

@@LookMAStudio This is good to know! I'd also used a tee with a built in mat, and had a couple issues there as well. Nothing earth shattering, just took a little adjusting.

[@breakingeighty]

Appreciate the support, and glad you're loving the unit so far! It really is fantastic, as long as you're aware of some of the tradeoffs. But the good news, is most of my crituqes can be handled with updates down the line - so hoping we see some of those. Keep me posted on your experience with it!

[@utubenelson]

@lookmastudio can you confirm that the MAX resolution thru HDMI is only 800x1280? That seems SO LOW for a projected image. Seems like a grainy deal breaker.

[@DurangoLegend]

@@utubenelson Not really that low as 720p HD is fine for screen sizes up to 10 feet and this is more resolution than 720p HD. You would see a slight improvement with 1080p SHD but not that much difference. 4K is almost overkill as you need to be about 7 feet from a 10 foot screen to see much difference between 1080p and 4k. You will see a difference it just isn't as great as you would think. It is kind of like if 4K is a perfect 10, then 1080p is 9.7 and 720p is 9.5.

[@andymiller3827]

Had mine for about a week, and disappointed overall. Results with longer clubs consistently shorter distances than reality. There is a hole on my home course where I hit over a certain water hazard 75% of the time--requires a 185 yard carry, ball winds up 200 to 220 after roll out with driver. Most of the shots on the Garmin show less than 160 yard carry and 175 roll out. So that means when using it in simulation play, drastically underpreforming, not being able to reach most of the par fours in regulation. Also on Home Tee hero, trying to play the gold tees and distances are not accurate as to the actual course distances by a lot on a number of the courses I downloaded.

[@MB-xx6xc]

Thanks for the review... How do you use it with E6??? I bought it but E6 isn't available..

[@bam14bam]

Yet. Garmin is pretty good about updating software if their watches are any indication.

[@DurangoLegend]

I think E6 connectivity is still coming so you will have to wait for an update. Eventually it will work with E6 and iPad, iPhone, or PC but it is only like 6 courses and they aren't the highly accurate E6 Apex courses. They are still nice and should work for you when the update to the software/firmware comes out. Most likely very soon.

[@tommiev975]

@@DurangoLegendE6 Apex in the works … E6 still to release their Apex course upgrade. Initially planned for Q3, now delayed to Q4.

[@stuartwright4381]

Do you guys have any update on the free courses if they’re not already in the box? I am waiting on my R50 on back order

[@fnafshow9916]

do the pro tee vx!!!

[@robertmelvin4493]

I understand the R50 screen is not 4k but If you have to connect the R50 to a PC using GSPro then is the GSPro being processed and run by the PC and if so then shouldn't this be able to send a 4k signal to my 4k projector so I have 4k graphics on my screen

[@GolfNut-r5q]

yes

[@allahalibaba9063]

One question...can you set the lofts for each club or it this preset in the unit??? Not all 7 irons are at 31 deg, mine are at 34 and a 35..Thanks...

[@LookMAStudio]

It pulls all the club data from your Garmin Golf app. And the app doesn't let you set lofts but it does let you set the model as well as shaft flex and length. That should be enough to let you specify specific clubs if you need.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

@@LookMAStudio it’s weird that they got rid of loft on clubs on the latest app update. Loft was an option for a decade before this.

[@LookMAStudio]

@@Evan_Rodgers Strange. This is my first garmin golf product so haven't used the golf app previously. I agree it does feel pretty barebones but feel like this may improve with more devices like the R50 connecting to it.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

@@LookMAStudio I keep hoping Garmin buys arccos but I’m not holding my breath.

[@WillbanksHeight]

I used my first winnings to buy a canvas LV and in less than two years the wallet was cracked/broken in multiple places and the store refused to repair or replace it. I don't know what kind of resale value such junk could have. I ended up donating it...well, maybe I might buy a fake LV from kislux but these designers/robber barons don't even think about taking another penny from me.

[@soupy01833]

You always do a great job with reviews. I see this as a LM that fits if you only want to use the HTH. anything else there are better and cheaper options IMHO

[@breakingeighty]

Appreciate that! There are certainly cheaper options. Better? All depends. Using GS Pro with this, and having the benefit of whatever metrics you want on the unit itself would be a pretty killer experience. Certainly not the right fit for everyone, however.

[@KayakFishingAddict]

@@breakingeighty Having the R50 unit itself be able to run GSPro on it like it does HTH would be the killer experience. Otherwise I agree with @soupy01833... if HTH is your SIM then this is great, otherwise - due to the need for another device like a gaming PC or iPad - there are better and cheaper solutions. The BOGO deals on GC3's with FSXPlay comes to mind as it comes without any subscription. The thing the R50 gives that's industry leading is what appears to be a measured face-to-path at this price point. Placing metrics on a second monitor works on sims/virtual ranges already and having that screen be on the LM itself works on the foresight LM lineup as well. I'm rooting that Garmin really tucked a PC inside, running Windows, and included a great graphics card that is capable of running GSPro. Maybe someone will break it down soon and/or find a hack.

[@nich576]

Owned this launch monitor for the past two days and I would not recommend buying this if you are going to be using it solely outside. I had misreads across different metrics and clubs which made it not a viable option for outside range use. Now if you are using the unit inside over 70% of the time then it is incredible and second to nothing on the market for everything included at this price in my opinion.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

I read in the manual yesterday that it is recommended to avoid bright sunshine and especially avoid facing it towards a setting/rising sun. Just curious your conditions and did you use grass or mat? I really want this for both indoor and real range use. I wonder if something to shade the unit would alleviate the issue? I live in the desert southwest and I plan on using an umbrella shade on the range in the summer. Also, what are the quality of your range balls? I don’t think there’s a range ball setting (yet) on the unit.

[@bam14bam]

Thanks for the feedback! Good to know about outside.

[@DurangoLegend]

Others have used it outside without in issues. Possibly the lighting conditions were causing your issues. Might be a case where it can only be used reliably outside when the sun isn't intense at a low angle.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

@@DurangoLegend yeah the manual specifically warns against facing the LM towards a low sun and recommends shading if measurements aren’t working.

[@125phr]

Great review ⛳️😎

[@rpa1918]

Did he say subscribe or buy through his link or go do your research some other place

[@seantracey43]

The average golfer with a simulator in the garage, this is perfect

[@Shecki603]

I was excited about this until I realized that you still need a PC for 3rd party programs like GS Pro. You can buy a Uneekor eye mini lite for $1800 and a PC for around $1K and be done for less than this and have a superior setup minus the portability. Given this units size.....really would've been nice to see Garmin beef up the GPU in this to handle those programs on-board.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

Eye mini lite doesn’t capture all of the metrics that the R50 captures.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

On the plus side of the uneekor ecosystem, the swing analysis tools, hardware and ai stuff is pretty cool.

[@rlbjr]

And you have to pay $450 per year subscription. That eats up the cost savings pretty quickly.

[@craigbussell4998]

I am one of the unfortunate people whose R50 doesn’t read accurately. I hope I can get it exchanged for one that works.

[@tommiev975]

Seems there were some early batches which are faulty. Garmin however offers free replacement if accuracy issues can’t be resolved. Hope you get your’s solved /replaced . Looks to be a great LM (if it works)

[@dwaynerobinson662]

Not a fan of this review, seems like you want to push another launch monitor. This LM is great, plug and play, +40K Courses, do not need a computer, for $5k (even with the $10 per month membership) I really could care less if I could put a circle around my shots with my pitching wedge, the different color is awesome. My suggestion would be that you get in on the ground floor, and wait for one of the best and biggest companies Garmin. I appreciate your effort, but being a bit too picky for my taste.

[@glennwatson3313]

$5,000 is a lot but the fact that you don't have to buy a computer helps.

[@torchristianbirkeland685]

The only thing that matter is accuracy. Could be a black and white SIM for me. Definelty buying this if a proper test comes out comparing it to Trackman / GC Quad. For now there's no real data to make a decision on. "I've found it very accurate" is not data.

[@heavylift47]

This thing is amazing, but I can't justify it. So if anyone is looking to buy an R50, hit me up.

[@clow242]

Send me the R50 and I’ll let you know if it’s good 🤣

[@Co-Monad]

I’m bet that tablet will overheat and shut off if you use it outside in direct sun. 😅

[@DurangoLegend]

Depends on if it is a tablet or not. It might just be a touch screen with the electronics being an Arm chip installed in cooled part of the base. But yeah, it probably isn't a good idea to use in strong direct sunlight for a long period of time. Doesn't mean that it won't work well at the range on average temperature days.

[@Evan_Rodgers]

The R50 has a rated operating range of -10º to 55ºC (from 14º to 131ºF). Garmin has decades of experience making devices that can survive outdoor conditions, they’ve given no reason to doubt their engineering ability.

[@Co-Monad]

@@Evan_Rodgers as an engineer I'm willing to bet that direct exposure to the sun will be a challenge. When engineering a product there are trade offs, I suspect this will be one of them.