Still Worth it?! The Ultimate Garmin Approach R10 Review + Accuracy Test

[@thediygolfer]

Thanks for watching! If you decide the R10 is right for you and want to support this channel, you can purchase through my link below: geni.us/garmin-r10 And as always, if you have any questions drop a comment below and I'll do my best to answer!

[@ChallengeMe14]

If you have an iPhone and a smart TV, you should be able to screen share to your TV

[@dozerthecat]

1) r10 can connect directly to PC 2) there is free software to allow the r10 to be used with GSPro 3) can measure spin rate with appropriate balls, but not side spin 4) it is now $500

[@dub-golf]

Set up 7ft behind ball. Works like a charm. For the price it’s great. Awesome Golf delivers best numbers (cartoonish graphics) but accuracy on point.

[@3nCounting]

To get more accurate spin results, it's suggested to use the Titleist RCT golf balls (Pro V1's or AVX's). It's optimised for indoor spin capture and engineered for radar-based launch monitors such as the Approach R10... which are the same balls required for the Trackman.

[@MarkSmith-oz9md]

R 10 not as accurate on range due to "Range Balls", which have no radar strips inside as do the Titleist RCT balls. RCT balls are not financially feasible on the range. Indoor/outdoor sim is best use.

[@5ps318]

@@MarkSmith-oz9mdk

[@alastairkirkland1580]

Brilliant in depth review, covered all the important points. Delighted when you mentioned that it works best outdoors on a mat as that is where I will be using it pretty all of the time. Thanks again.

[@tonyabbott-zr3xu]

Thanks for a really useful outdoor test of the Garmin. Your on course and range testing were especially interesting and I really appreciate the effort that went into something this comprehensive 👍

[@thediygolfer]

Thanks, glad it helped!!

[@thediygolfer]

Thanks, glad it helped!!

[@graphex16]

Very interesting tests. Not to nitpick but these questions come to mind…1) Did you ever calibrate after positioning the Garmin? Slight tilts when outdoors will give you the off-direction results. 2) A major source of error on the indoor comparison to Uneekor is the R10 is below the ball. 3) Also, you didn’t mention using an RCT ball in the indoors or outdoor comparisons. As you mentioned, backspin and sidespin are calculated/estimated when using a regular non-RCT ball. 4) A E6 connect license for driving range and six courses is included with each R10 and shots from both get saved to E6 portal which you can access with web browser later.

[@thediygolfer]

These are all fair points. Answers: 1) Yes, but unfortunately forgot to add to video. 2) Good point, this, along with more precisely measuring the distance to the ball would definitely help 3) I was kicking myself for not ordering the RCTs, I had meant to for this review. Good reference for others here - support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=COFCXdRAJv2m8r9MBtLrf8 4) E6 mobile app is an option, but my goal was to give an overview of the Garmin ecosystem here. Also, the E6 online data tables are a bit limited with no “export to Excel” - in that regard, Garmin’s export is a lot easier to work with.

[@rastus5388]

@@Lefishnthe R10 had an update around 9 months ago (ver 4.30) where RCT balls do work with the unit. Spin rate is extremely accurate using RCT balls with the r10.

[@Wmeisel6969]

i have one and id agree 100% with your review - its great price entry level , got mine for 400 USD on ebay , its great bit of kit , I know its not to the exact yardage but found it really helpful at the range

[@kyspine]

Thank you for the video. I can see the amount of your effort in this video. I found your video after ordering r10 and I felt lucky to find this!! Keep up the good work!!

[@LegacyAirTech]

This was an amazing, in depth, detailed review and you earned a subscriber, thank you! One comment I wanted to make though regarding the difference between the data from the R10 to the Uneekor, those carry and spin numbers are really far off, especially spin (if we assume the Uneekor is ground truth and not also off but in the other direction). 2000 RPM spin difference is an absolutely massive difference that affects carry, peak height, and rollout of your shots. It also affects how much workability you will have in the shot shape making the ball move more/less. On the driver, due to your swing speed, a 600 + rpm difference will lose you 20+ carry yards and result in a floatier shot with less rollout. For how cheap the R10 is compared to other launch monitors I think this is completely acceptable, it still does an amazing job at giving you baseline numbers and having fun with a launch monitor. I just wanted to point out that these are very significant differences that will affect your numbers, making it less realistic towards your actual game and not ideal for fitting clubs, balls, adjusting specs, etc.

[@gezess]

ive owned the R10 for about a year now and i love it. i travel with it all the time when i travel for work and use it on the outdoor ranges. i have noticed and you showed here that the total distance isnt always accurate but the carry distance for me has been pretty on point. i feel like its tough to determine the total for it because its not knowing the ground situations the ball is landing on so its using its algorithm based on some type of typical ground. but some ranges for me have a little bit of an up hill or a downhill situation. so i look at the carry more then anything. its good to know the spin is fairly accurate when outdoors too! all in all this has been the best thing ive had in my golf bag for a while and has really helped my game. especially understanding where my club path has gone, seeing that info really allows you to work on your own game in the minor adjustments you need to get a more pure strike out of the ball.

[@thediygolfer]

Yeah even if carry distance is the only metric you look at, that’s still a massive win for something so portable and affordable.

[@michelbuhler752]

Thanks for the review - very thorough. You also have a nice game - wish I could hit 5-irons 200 yards!!

[@hiddenbunny7205]

been using R10 for the past 6 months or so mostly in the outdoor range. It's about 5-yard difference (can be more or less) in distance compared to the trackman I used. It, however, has a distance bias so you might be hooking or slicing more than indicated. For me, between the R10 and Awesome golf app, that's about 800 bucks and I got a convenient system that travels well, is easy to use, and gives decent numbers. Good value imo.

[@thediygolfer]

Agree with the shot shape numbers being off by more than the distance numbers

[@djjezza]

Great review. I’ve watched a bunch on this device already but you’ve taken a much more data focussed approach which inspires trust in the results and opinions

[@thediygolfer]

Tough to be completely objective with it, but tried my best to eliminate pure opinion on this!

[@Darvy17]

Amazing video. You hit all the important stuff that I was interested in, and summed it all up perfectly. Great watch!

[@canmtb4676]

Great review. Your review on this device is the best one among others. And I love your swing.

[@vinnydauria9023]

With all that effort and you involvement in the industry ,I would think you knew about the RCT balls. can you update this because it could have a big impact on decision making.

[@ZJProductionHK]

God man. I watch lots of video before i decoded to purchase. Urs is the best. Neat, clean and efficient

[@OddJob001]

I bought an Ernest Tour Pro V2 for $2,000 and my $600 Garmin R10 completely blows it out of the water. Never again will I deal with that company or their products.

[@davidsinclairmccabe8840]

I've been looking into home sims and different launch monitors but woah I didn't realise how expensive an E6 Connect license was 🤯Great video!

[@thediygolfer]

Yeah it’s not cheap entertainment that’s for sure! The free version has a few courses/features but if you’re going to use E6 it’s worth the upgrade

[@Lefishn]

If you just want driving range, 6 or so courses and using Ipad then use the free E6 Licence that comes with it. If you want the clearest graphics cause using a 4k Projector and want the most realistic looking then get a CPU and GSPRO

[@yossarianmnichols9641]

Wow, this is a great demo and going on the actual course and testing was the kicker. Really helpful, well designed, guess you coders are smarter than I thought.

[@mikeschaufele1342]

I have this device. Pointing it in the direction on course is difficult. I think we saw that in your results. Great job though!

[@MrDannyg77]

Have you tried using the Titelist RC golf balls? I wonder if they will help the Garmin see the side spin better.

[@mongoosevsgt]

Considering how the r10 came close the distance results to a top-of-the-line launcher I think we can safely say it's a cost effective way to measure distance for indoor setups. Lets admit that distance and swing speed are what majority of golfers care about anyway. Spin, angle, etc are just useless numbers for the rest of us. Just ordered a Garmin r10 and Spornia 7 net. I am content just hitting golf balls into a net at home, adding a Garmin r10 will be extra eye candy for me.

[@thediygolfer]

I tend to agree-for me, the only reason I’d care about pinpoint spin numbers is if 1) I was practicing with the strokes gained system, or 2) was getting a fitting. In both of those cases, it’s Trackman or nothing for me. The value I see in these budget launch monitors is collecting a bunch of data about your game and noticing broad trends in distance control. For most golfers, this is an added benefit to the alternative-zero feedback. Win win in my book!

[@kimura3033]

I am using R10 with awesome golf app on range, and I think its very good value of money of what it does. it is very easy to set up, and I can have immediate feedback on my phone of all the data and ball path, which I think it is pretty accurate (usually only few yards difference on range), as long as you didn't mishit it too much.

[@CraigHolland-u7g]

Great video, very thorough! thanks for getting into the nitty gritty of the r10. Also, nice swing!

[@3-wv5mm]

Great job on this. Love your attention to detail, really nice work.

[@newsogn5148]

It was cool that you tried to play an actual course!

[@The4GunGuy]

Excellent video! I'm getting back into golf after 7 years of competition shooting, so wanted to see what technology was out there to give me some good data points. I already use the Garmin Xero C1 for my shot chronograph so familiar with the brand. Looks like this is a great option for a low entry cost. Thanks again and keep up the good work...Sub'd.

[@jaredg9033]

Great comprehensive video brother! Are you going to do a video for the Rapsodo MLM2Pro ?? Be awesome to get this much data on a comparable device.

[@esoteridactyl]

Trying to see if I can find something not too expensive that can be used with a net outside

[@ZJProductionHK]

Another question of mine is, when i go to driving range, its kind of packed, so that some protection sheets are placed between each golfer, would that affect the results?

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

This is a really great review, and bro, you are one hell of a ball striker!

[@pbode1]

Nice video. I got one 5 months ago before you recorded the video. Use it on the range from the mat. Made a little stand so it is on the same height as the mat, but moreover, I installed a bubble level aligner so I can have it sitting as perfect as can be. However, the spin readings can be completely off (driver for instance recorded a couple of 6K plus up till 10K, and I do not hit the crown!) so... - did you encounter the same spread? - do you calibrate the R10 before after each new placement? (I do, but that doesn't prevent weird spin numbers. Last weekend I forgot it and got normal driver spin rates for a change, go figure. I can't really figure out when it wants to behave or not) Having said all of that, this is really my only issue, love it how it helped me dial in AoA, path and face as a hcp17. I even like the app, because it works well on s Smartphone which is easy on the driving range. Awesome Golf for instance is definitely designed for a tablet. Should be able to hit the low 80ies come spring!

[@thediygolfer]

The indoor test I did was thrown off a bit by not using the RCT balls, but yes, I try to calibrate each time and generally get mixed results with the spin rates as well.

[@golf5555555]

Really great video however if you said it wouldn't register draws and fades then it wasn't for you - (and not for me either). Yet you still recommend it?

[@pongmonkey]

What a great video! Maybe you can answer this. Is the sim driving range free or does it require a subscription? Any info is appreciated.

[@thediygolfer]

Driving range is free. Home Tee Hero is what you’ll have to upgrade for

[@tburger3916]

Try with the RCT balls. Tests show it helps with accuracy.

[@nm0042]

Are you planning to do a video for Rapsodo mlm2 like this? Lots of testing went into this and it’s greatly appreciated.

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

I've had the Rapsodo for 6 months. It disconnects every couple minutes. I have wifi manager and have a perfect signal. I've sent a dozen emails with screenshots to Rapsodo. They said they're working on a fix and it's in the testing phase. That's what brought me to this video. MLM is a paperweight. I've asked for a refund but they didn't give me an answer so I'm assuming that's a no. It's been so frustrating I would never buy the Rapsodo again.

[@nm0042]

⁠@@FLdb-wj4wcjust wanted to verify that you’ve got the original mlm or the newer mlm2?

[@jorgenmalmo]

Great review 💪

[@dwightb8323]

How is it for swing path?

[@sylvainbeausire7964]

Hello, thanks a lot. Very interesting. I have a question. What happens it I shoot at home with foam or hollow plastic balls with a net to avoid noise with my neighboorhood ? Do I have still right values ?

[@braydenzagel9250]

No way

[@TheBachCelloSuites]

Great video! Full of great info!

[@stevenostrom5045]

Fabulous job on the video. Thank you so much. Will the R10 show me whether I'm hitting the sweet spot of the club (toe vs. heel, or too low or too high), will it indicate face angle at impact, or angle of attack? My guess is no since the R10 is looking at the ball and not the club face, but just thought I would ask. I'm very tempted. I'm an older golfer, and would like to try to improve my swing.

[@thediygolfer]

It won’t tell you exactly where you hit it on the face, but the “smash factor” metric is a decent proxy for that. That said, it will tell you the face angle, which is most accurate outdoors.

[@ZJProductionHK]

If i slides a lot, does it measure it accurately as well?

[@lesserkey]

Would you say this would be good if i was hitting into a net in the backyard?

[@michaeltumen8574]

Thanks for this in depth review. Did Garmin inform you as to which data points are directly measured and which are calculated. I am specifically interested in face at contact, path, face to path. Other monitors in this price range don’t measure these items. My interest in this device was piqued when I read that these data points were included. Thank you. By the way, great golf swing.

[@thediygolfer]

Garmin is pretty vague in this area-I haven't found any definitive sources on this topic. Here's the best I've found: support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=kj37CgzvwM98hC9WPrIQm5&productID=695391&searchQuery=data&tab=topics In this article, they claim that club path, launch angle, and ball speed are directly measured in all cases, and spin rate is measured under certain conditions. Everything else appears to be algorithmic based on these measured values, but I could be wrong here. I've seen others claiming different things, but nobody has provided me a source to back up their claims yet.

[@michaeltumen8574]

Thanks so much for this info. You are very buttoned up and detailed oriented which your audience benefits from. @@thediygolfer

[@JW-ez6wg]

Great video! Quick question for you…….I live in PA (so winter is rough for golfing. LOL) but we have a great dome that is 100 yards in length and pretty high. How do you think the R10 would do in an environment like that. I know it’s hard to visualize if you’ve never hit in one before…..but it’s long enough to get an idea on starting direction for sure…..do you think a sim like this would be able to ‘finish the path’ of the ball past 100 yards with any kind of accuracy? Thanks! JW

[@thediygolfer]

Yeah in theory, that should produce some pretty accurate results. Definitely more accurate than the typical indoor simulator (with 10 feet of clearance). Also depends on the type of ball at that range. If they’re high quality range balls it should be good. Otherwise, you may get some variability there.

[@JW-ez6wg]

@@thediygolfer Thanks for the quick reply!! The balls are fairly new - so results should be fairly accurate. I was considering the R10, Rapsodo and Mevo - just didn’t want to get over $1K if I didn’t have to. Haha. Thanks again!!

[@Gunther703]

Did you try it with the Titleist RCT balls? Does that improve accuracy?

[@thediygolfer]

I did not and was kicking myself for it since I had planned to include those. I’m thinking of doing a follow up video on this. The RCT balls have the highest effect on spin numbers indoors. Takes it from an estimate to a direct measurement.

[@cr-us9ch]

I just need to know if i can hit balls at my house and if they’re tracking straight or not

[@Robbcarp30]

Do you feel like this is a good unit for use outside? I would be using this at the range exclusively.

[@thediygolfer]

Yes, the range is my favorite place to use it. You can see your shots and also get a few numbers to dial things in

[@sgodlike7911]

Awesome video and review! I'm a fitter and want a monitor for improvement (most importantly) and fun in my back yard. The proof is in the pudding at the range. For myself, friends and family. My question is this; R10 or Rapsodo? I've never used either and from what i've gathered, after 2 or more years with that Rapsodo, i might as well have purchased the Bushnell in terms of the data and subscription prices. What are your thoughts?

[@thediygolfer]

Unfortunately haven't tested the MLM2 Pro yet, but hoping to do so next spring! From what I've heard, you can't go wrong with either. I've seen a lot of hype recently for the MLM2 Pro, but guessing a good portion of it is due to how new it is.

[@sgodlike7911]

@@thediygolfer yea, "latest and greatest!" In regards to the R10; My stock 7i carry is 170. I honestly don't care if a monitor reads it as 140 or whatever. I just want it to be consistent. If i take a little bit off with some cut spin will it show up? Say, 120 L-R spin with outside-in path? After all, even at the range our yardages are so far from reality. I would just like to bring the range to my yard.

[@sgodlike7911]

It really comes down to me being aggressive on my shot choices. I'm just trying to cut down on those actual mis-hits and double crosses.

[@jenlockridge3761]

Would you recommend for outdoor hitting into a net ?

[@thediygolfer]

Should give you similar outcomes to the indoor test. Since this is a radar device, the more ball rotations it can measure, the more accurate it should be. Just make sure you have at least 10 feet between ball and net so it can get those measurements.

[@mrwwwebs]

It would work just fine for outdoor hitting into a net. The biggest thing is to get RCT balls to use with the R10. Without it the R10 will do a lot of guessing/math. The RCT balls greatly help with accurate readings. Also, E6 or GSPro will give you far more accurate readings than the Garmin Golf app, the Garmin range is actually pretty garbage.

[@vonundzusas]

Thank you for the review. Did you use RCT balls?

[@thediygolfer]

Unfortunately no :( Hoping to do a separate video on those at some point

[@MarkEmmett]

Killer vid (and swing!) by the way.

[@redmosq4197]

I really want something with accurate swing path and club face data. Does anyone have suggestions?

[@DustySmalls]

10:12 doesnt the R10 need to be the same height as the mat? You might be getting different launch angels if not which would give you incorrect data.

[@MarkEmmett]

Zack, how does "schocked" compare to "shocked"?

[@Jeffski-kq3tw]

Can the R10 connect to a Smart TV ? Maybe through the smart phone?

[@nokia5359]

i prefer seeing and hearing your swing over the Garmin data show. you should do vids on showing us bogey and double bogey how to swing the darn shovel. i would be 1st to join. great works and Thank YOU 👍

[@thediygolfer]

Appreciate that! I’ve got a lot of instructional stuff planned for 2024 so keep your eyes peeled 💪

[@Lefishn]

Did you input the elevation and temperatures the same for both units? Seen lots people do these tests and they never made the elevation and temps same so of course will get different numbers

[@thediygolfer]

I adjusted the R10 to neutral weather conditions (sea level, 70 degrees), but they weren't exactly the same. Going off my stock yardages in these conditions, the R10 should have been a little bit closer to the Uneekor, but definitely could be a small factor contributing to the variance.

[@junsulee]

Thank you. Much helpful !!

[@larsw.larsen4173]

Nice test🎉

[@Lefishn]

E6 connect comes free with the unit and you get bunch of courses. Only works on IOS though for free courses and driving ranges but lightyears better than paying for Homo town Hero and its cartoon graphics.

[@thediygolfer]

If you've got a projector to cast it to and want that realistic experience, 100% agree. Otherwise, the Garmin golf app is pretty sweet for entry level customers. Graphics are cartoony, but was impressed by how smooth animations were.

[@cr-us9ch]

Wii it show hooks and slices??

[@scottcraig2569]

You need to use RCT balls to get accurate spin numbers.

[@tpot559]

If im in a range with other bays, will these pick up the other players each side of me ?

[@thediygolfer]

Nope, I've used it in this scenario several times without any problems. I suppose it's possible, but it won't be a regular problem.

[@FedFire8404]

Will this account for wind in the face or left to right?

[@thediygolfer]

You can set weather conditions in the app. By default, no it doesn’t.

[@peteryates7505]

Did you use RCT balls in doors?

[@thediygolfer]

No, and I was kicking myself for it! I had meant to include the RCT balls for the indoor test. Might have to film another video dedicated to indoor testing

[@notanobodywithabody]

​@@Lefishnthere's a FAQ on their website specifically about using RCT balls 😂

[@notanobodywithabody]

@@Lefishn ah, interesting... I'm surprised that a software update would make the difference. Good to know they're continually making updates too.

[@fuzzybanana9128]

While i appreciate the leg work there is so much wrong in this vid i wouldnt even know where to begin. Calibration, leveling, rct balls, E6 included, Awesome golf takes it to shockingly accurate readings, ect… In the end your conclusion was accurate as being worth the money, but you didnt even get close to doing the unit justice. I have been using R10 for 18-20 months indoors and out and can honestly say what i see for real on actual course is what i see in my sim, almost no difference. Some simple research of other reviews would have taught you that not using a level stand and being 1/4” off tilt will massively affect ball flight data, or aluminum tape dots on balls mimics rct balls for far more accurate spin numbers. Telling ppl to use outdoors with a mat, but not telling them R10 should sit at same height or numbers arent accurate. Not knowing unit at 7 1/2-8 ft is more accurate than 6 ft.

[@thediygolfer]

I did an incredible amount of research-making videos like this with a production crew of 1 is tough. Sorry it didn’t meet your expectations.

[@00stevon33]

Been looking to purchase 1 of these for awhile... where did you find some of this info? Foil on balls mimic the RCT balls etc! Much appreciated

[@kingjaffah]

What about range balls, does accuracy drop off?

[@thediygolfer]

Yes. The better the ball, the better the numbers primarily because this is a radar device. Photometric sensor devices are less prone to this

[@boojiboy2275]

Depends on the range ball as they are not created equal. My local range has really crap balls that go nowhere e.g. let's say you know you hit your 7 iron 140 but you flush it and it only goes 120. Very frustrating. To get around this I have adjusted the altitude setting. But at my club the range balls are much better and I get realistic numbers with the altitude set to the actual local altitude.

[@ppierpont]

@@boojiboy2275isn’t that the benefit of launch monitors that can normalize data across conditions and ball types? FWIW the standard FS Mevo ($500 one) has a setting for range ball or premium ball. Does the R10 have that?

[@mkoz1134]

The r10 is a low budget golf sim for guys who don't wanna spend 25 grand. Don't expect to get game changing numbers to dial in your golf swing. It's more for having fun and being able to golf at home during winter months.

[@garethwilson3521]

Your right about the low budget but you’ve just assumed everything else, this device has helped me a lot over the last year

[@thediygolfer]

I agree that this is an entry-level device and expectations should be managed, but for the majority of golfers, there's a lot of game improvement to be had here. Most golfers have no clue what their average yardages are and make poor decisions on the course because of it. Spending just a few range sessions (especially outdoors) on this won't give you pinpoint yardages, but I'd argue that most golfers will get averages that are much closer to reality than the guesses they are currently making on the course. Also, very hard to find a cheaper, more accurate indoor simulation device than this. Lots of bang for your buck here.

[@GungaLaGunga-t6x]

Mine was a complete p.o.s. It captured maybe 3 of every 10 shots and then they wanted a $300 restocking fee when I returned it.

[@adamzoellick1058]

Your r10 vs uneekor looks to be an unfair test. It didn't look like you had the recommended distance from ball to screen.

[@vashstampede4878]

Yoooo im using a 913 d3 as well 🍻

[@thediygolfer]

Still a great club 🍻

[@markvalis2842]

How far was ball to net

[@thediygolfer]

Generally about 10-12 feet is the sweet spot. This one I believe was 10 feet.

[@themastermagicians2745]

For the price Garmin R10 is best you can have 💪😄👍

[@elvisrodriguez6256]

if you want a correct spin you need to use rct balls or hole punch metal duct tape and stick to ball

[@jameshsu2531]

Best review ever

[@Malikot911]

Oh hi there fellow web dev and golfer. I gotta admit, I like golf more than web dev. 😅

[@thediygolfer]

🤣🤣 agree, golf is def better

[@PNWLiving1725]

I want to see some bad hits. Maybe stinger

[@hyriahun8563]

Without RCT balls your spin rate will be off.

[@thediygolfer]

Yep, kicking myself for not including in this review. Will likely film another indoor test with the RCTs.

[@district5rookie]

spin was off by 2,000 rpm, that's a lot.

[@Trainwheel_Time]

A 12,000 dollar system is more accurate than a 600 dollar system? Say it ain't so!! For 12 grand I would sure as hell hope it's more accurate.

[@ppierpont]

Part of the price difference is obviously accuracy - or more consistent accuracy. But it’s only part. The accuracy of some adorable LMs is pretty amazing. The higher cost of others also comes from more parameters measured instead of estimated, better convenience for lefties/righties, bigger hitting area, added putting and chipping, PC integration, and other stuff.