If you’ve been curious about the Garmin Approach R50, you’re not alone. Golfers everywhere are asking the same question: Is this just another device for indoor simulation, or can it actually hold its own outdoors on the range?
I decided to put it to the test at San Marcos Golf Course, the oldest golf course in Arizona. With the help of Mike, a seasoned golf pro, and my buddy Brad, we tested the Garmin R50 in real-world conditions. I wanted to know: Is it accurate? Is it easy to use? And most importantly, is it worth the investment?
We didn’t stop at just standard range balls. To really challenge the R50, we tested it with three different types of balls: Cayman balls, which are designed for shorter distances, standard yellow range balls, and regular golf balls. Here’s everything you need to know about how the Garmin R50 performed, the features that stood out, and why this launch monitor might just be the one you need.
First Impressions of the Garmin Approach R50
Right out of the box, the Garmin R50 has a sleek, compact design. It’s small enough to fit in your bag without feeling like you’re carrying around extra weight. The setup was straightforward, too. Within a couple of minutes, the unit was ready to go. A small green light on the bottom of the device lets you know it’s good to track, while a red light means it’s still searching for the next shot.
The interface is user-friendly, but what grabbed my attention right away was the impact video replay. This feature alone makes the R50 stand out. The device records each shot and lets you play it back instantly, giving you a crystal-clear look at your ball’s impact. For anyone serious about improving their swing, this is a game-changer.
But the real test comes when you take it to the range and see if it can deliver accurate data in an outdoor environment. That’s what we aimed to find out.
Testing the Garmin Approach R50 Outdoors
We started by setting up the Garmin R50 on a real grass range – no mats or controlled environments. The San Marcos Golf Course has a small, traditional driving range, which was perfect for testing the device in realistic conditions.
First up: Cayman Balls. These balls are lighter and designed for shorter distances, usually about 60% of a normal golf ball’s range. Mike, our resident golf pro, hit a series of shots with a seven iron. Immediately, we noticed something: the Garmin R50 struggled to read spin accurately on the Cayman balls.
The data didn’t quite match what we were seeing. But here’s the thing – Cayman balls aren’t meant for high-spin readings. They’re like hitting a soft ping-pong ball, so the Garmin wasn’t to blame here.
Where the Garmin R50 shined, though, was in tracking launch angles and carry distances. Even with Cayman balls, it still captured the basic data we needed. For golfers practicing with short-flight balls, the Garmin R50 is still a solid tool, even if the spin readings aren’t perfect.
Next, we switched to regular yellow range balls. This is where the Garmin R50 started to flex its muscles. Mike hit fades, draws, and straight shots, and the R50 tracked every single one. The carry distances were spot-on, and the device even picked up on the subtle shot shapes that Mike intentionally created. When he tried a soft fade, the R50 displayed it perfectly, both in the data and in the impact video.
The impact video feature deserves a special mention here. Every shot is recorded and replayed, and you can pause the video frame-by-frame to analyze your ball’s contact point. It’s like having a slow-motion replay of your swing on demand. Even under the bright Arizona sun, the camera captured every shot with impressive clarity.
Finally, we tested the Garmin R50 with regular golf balls. If you’re wondering whether the R50 can handle premium balls with accuracy, the answer is yes. Mike hit full shots, and the data on ball speed, launch angle, and carry distance all checked out. For golfers who use high-quality balls during practice, the Garmin R50 delivers reliable, consistent feedback.
Performance Highlights
One thing that stood out during testing was how well the Garmin R50 performed outdoors on real grass. A lot of budget-friendly launch monitors struggle in these conditions, but the R50 didn’t miss a beat. It handled every shot type – fades, draws, hooks, and even the occasional chunk or thin shot.
While the spin accuracy wasn’t perfect with Cayman balls, it was rock solid with range balls and standard golf balls. The carry distances were consistent, and Mike, being a pro, confirmed that the numbers aligned with his expectations.
The impact video feature isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a tool that helps golfers of all levels. Seeing your shots in real-time allows you to identify flaws in your swing and make adjustments on the spot. For anyone serious about improving their ball striking, this feature alone makes the R50 worth considering.
The Garmin R50 vs. Other Launch Monitors
When you compare the Garmin Approach R50 to other portable launch monitors like the SkyTrak+ or FlightScope Mevo+, a few things stand out:
- The impact video is a unique feature that you won’t find in most devices at this price point.
- It’s incredibly easy to set up and start using, even if you’re new to launch monitors.
- While some competitors offer slightly more advanced data, the R50 strikes a balance between price, performance, and usability.
The bottom line? If you’re looking for a launch monitor that’s portable, accurate, and easy to use, the Garmin R50 is hard to beat.
Is the Garmin Approach R50 Worth It?
After putting the Garmin R50 through its paces, I’m genuinely impressed. It’s accurate, portable, and packed with features that make it a valuable tool for any golfer.
If you’re someone who practices outdoors and wants reliable shot tracking without spending thousands of dollars, the Garmin R50 is a must-have. The impact video replay alone sets it apart from the competition, and the easy setup means you’ll spend less time fiddling with settings and more time improving your game.
While it’s not perfect with lightweight balls like Caymans, it excels with range balls and premium golf balls. Whether you’re a beginner or a low-handicap player, the R50 gives you the data you need to take your practice sessions to the next level.
