Garmin Approach R10 Review: Accuracy Test at the Driving Range

The Garmin Approach R10 is a highly sought after launch monitor. One main reason for that is because of its budget friendly price point. In fact, we rated the R10 the 'Best Budget Friendly Launch Monitor' in our 'Best Launch Monitors' review'.

The Garmin R10 is also a launch monitor you can use just about anywhere: at your home golf simulator setup, on the outdoor driving range, or even on the golf course. After the Carl’s Place team did a Garmin R10 accuracy test at the driving range, we realized that it’s not only small, portable and inexpensive, but pretty darn accurate as well.

How We Set Up the Garmin Approach R10 Accuracy Test

We hit off real grass to see how the R10 would do with reads, and to keep it as realistic to a golf course as possible. The tee area was slightly elevated, 5 or 6 feet or so, which might affect readings just slightly. As far as weather goes, there was barely a breeze at all, so ball flight and distances should not have been affected much, if at all.

We set the Garmin up on the most level area of the driving range tee box about 7 feet behind the hitting area (Garmin suggests 6-8 feet).

Following the same format as we did for other range tests, Carl’s Place Product Specialist Tim hit 20 shots each with a pitching wedge, 6 iron and driver to compare the real life carry distance to what the Garmin Golf app told us. We also kept our eye on the flight path to review how accurate it seemed compared to real life, but with all the real-world variables, we did not compare any other data.

Here are the rest of the range tests for reference:

• SkyTrak

• SkyTrak+

• FlightScope Mevo+ - Original

• FlightScope Mevo+ 2023

• Uneekor EYE XO

• Uneekor EYE MINI

• Foresight GC3

• Foresight GCQuad

PITCHING WEDGE GARMIN R10 ACCURACY

First of all, the pitching wedge was the least accurate of the three clubs, which is opposite of what we’ve seen in other launch monitor accuracy tests. And we aren’t really sure why. Could it be that the Garmin R10 had a tougher time reading the higher lofted clubs because the ball would go higher and get out of sight quicker?

Anyways, just because it was the least accurate doesn’t mean it wasn’t accurate at all. In fact, 55% of the shots were within 6 yards of the real life carry distance, and three of them were perfect. On the other side of the spectrum, nine of the shots were at least 10 yards different, which seems to be a good spot to draw the line since that could mean switching up or down a club.

So the data was either very accurate, or pretty far off, which led to an average yardage difference of 7.7 yards, or 7.34%.

“I’m confused about our inconsistencies with the pitching wedge,” Tim said. “We had it sitting level and the recommended distance behind the ball. I’d be interested to test it out again with a lob wedge and an 8 or 9 iron to see how it performs.”

6 IRON GARMIN R10 ACCURACY

Compared to the pitching wedge, the 6 iron was a nice improvement. Just four shots were 10 or more yards different, and the largest difference was only 11 yards.

While only one of the shots was exactly on, 13 of them were within 5 yards of the actual carry distance.

That said, the average yardage difference was barely over 5 yards, or 3.39%.

DRIVER GARMIN R10 ACCURACY

Typically, the driver is where we tend to see the most variation in our tests, but the Garmin R10 performed really well. In fact, by percentage, the readings on the driver were the best as they differed by just 3.06% (6.45 yards).

Fifteen of the shots were within 8 yards of the actual carry distance, and a couple of the larger numbers, such as 19 yards different, might have skewed the average even more.

“The readings on the driver and 6 iron were impressive,” Tim said. “I didn’t always strike the ball well, but the R10 was able to pick up almost every shot. I think there were only 3-4 shots all day that didn’t register, and those shots were embarrassing and I don’t blame the R10 for not picking them up.”

GARMIN R10 ACCURACY TEST OVERALL

Overall, we were impressed by the Garmin R10’s accuracy based on its price point. Although there were a few shots that were significantly off, we were pleased by the consistent close readings most of the time.

The total yardage difference average ended up being 6.42 yards, or 4.59%.

“The R10 overall did better than I had expected,” Tim said. “The flight paths were mostly accurate, and overall the distances weren’t too bad. I would definitely recommend the Garmin R10. It is a great budget launch monitor if you are looking to save some money on your simulator setup. For the price, you really can’t beat it.”

If you have any thoughts on why the pitching wedge might not have performed as well as the other two clubs, leave them in the comments! Otherwise, let us know what products you want us to test next!

ENSURING GARMIN R10 ACCURACY

As with all launch monitors, the Garmin R10 has several setup steps you’ll need to follow to get the most accurate results.

ALIGNMENT

First of all, you’ll want to make sure the red line on top of the Garmin R10 itself is pointing toward/through your ball to your aiming point. Lay a golf club or alignment stick between the R10 and ball to help you line it up.

Remember, the device should be sitting 6-8 feet behind the hitting area, and you can indicate how far you have it sitting behind your ball in the Garmin Golf app.

Make sure the Garmin R10 is on a level surface and that the bottom edge of the R10 is above your hitting surface.

Once your alignment line and distance from device to ball are set up properly, you should have freedom to move the ball around in a 2’x2’ area, meaning one foot in front/back or to the sides of where the ball originally was placed. This is helpful when you’re taking divots on the driving range outdoors and need to move the ball around to avoid hitting out of one of your divots.

The tee location is also suggested to be at least 8 feet away from your impact screen or net while playing indoors.

OTHER TIPS

You have the option to choose what club you are using on the Garmin Golf app for a reason - be sure to change your club selection on the app any time you do in your hand.

The Garmin Golf app also provides you with the opportunity to calibrate your device and change weather and altitude settings. The weather settings can automatically be set to your current location, which is pretty slick.

APP AND FIRMWARE UPDATES

Frequently check your device’s app store to make sure your Garmin Golf app is up to date.

To update the firmware on your Garmin R10, connect your device to your computer and use the Garmin Express app to update it.