Garmin Approach R10 Portable Golf Launch Monitor

[betarhoalphadelta]

Okay, got some metal dots, a fiberbuilt flight deck, and a leveling/alignment stand on the way, and already have a net. 

 

I hear Awesome Golf is the way to go over Garmin Golf for accuracy, but that it doesn't save session data? I think I'm most likely to export my data to R10Analytics eventually, so I'd like the ability to have those sessions. 

 

From those who have used both, what are the advantages/disadvantages of one vs the other? 

 

(Apologies if this has been answered--I didn't wade through all 56 pages and a thread search didn't reveal a detailed comparison between the two.)

[kiwihacker]

On 12/11/2022 at 5:07 AM, betarhoalphadelta said:

Okay, got some metal dots, a fiberbuilt flight deck, and a leveling/alignment stand on the way, and already have a net. 

 

I hear Awesome Golf is the way to go over Garmin Golf for accuracy, but that it doesn't save session data? I think I'm most likely to export my data to R10Analytics eventually, so I'd like the ability to have those sessions. 

 

From those who have used both, what are the advantages/disadvantages of one vs the other? 

 

(Apologies if this has been answered--I didn't wade through all 56 pages and a thread search didn't reveal a detailed comparison between the two.)

 

 

I have it and really enjoy it. Prior to buying the R10 I watched a lot of this guys videos which made up my mind to buy the R10 but also to purchase the Awesome Golf app. I think you get a free 14 day demo period with the R10 so it's a great chance to try it before you make the commitment. You have the choice between paying an annual subscription or purchasing it outright and for me it was a no brainer.  I bought it outright which is buy far the best value for money if you expect to use it for a couple of years or more. This guy David Maxfield has lots of other videos and he's since upgraded to an indoor sim with projector and screen but this was the first review of Awesome Golf. He's done heaps since this one so just search YouTube. I hope you'll find this as useful as I did.  

[kiwihacker]

On 12/11/2022 at 5:07 AM, betarhoalphadelta said:

Okay, got some metal dots, a fiberbuilt flight deck, and a leveling/alignment stand on the way, and already have a net. 

 

I hear Awesome Golf is the way to go over Garmin Golf for accuracy, but that it doesn't save session data? I think I'm most likely to export my data to R10Analytics eventually, so I'd like the ability to have those sessions. 

 

From those who have used both, what are the advantages/disadvantages of one vs the other? 

 

(Apologies if this has been answered--I didn't wade through all 56 pages and a thread search didn't reveal a detailed comparison between the two.)

Here are a couple more videos where he does a direct comparison. The most recent one shows that the Garmin app has improved over time and the shot shape, which was a weakness, is now pretty good. 

 

 

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Metal dots: one per ball, or multiple? If one, does the dot need to be lined up in any certain way when hitting? Is there any difference?

[jjschafe]

1 hour ago, betarhoalphadelta said:

Metal dots: one per ball, or multiple? If one, does the dot need to be lined up in any certain way when hitting? Is there any difference?

 

I haven't tried dots, only strips, so I can't comment on number.  I believe Mevo's directions say to face the dot toward the net/screen.

[DMsand1972]

For those of you who have a R10, how accurately does it measure the club?  I am looking to get a PML solely to use outside at the range to improve my swing.  Thus, I want the unit to accurately measure attack angle, face to path, etc.  I have watched several videos on the accuracy of the R10 when measuring the ball, but am wondering if it is the correct PLM for me or whether I should spend the extra money for a Mevo+.  I have a separate thread on this topic, but it was suggested that I post in this thread to get responses from those who have been using the R10.  

[SE Gamer]

15 minutes ago, DMsand1972 said:

For those of you who have a R10, how accurately does it measure the club?  I am looking to get a PML solely to use outside at the range to improve my swing.  Thus, I want the unit to accurately measure attack angle, face to path, etc.  I have watched several videos on the accuracy of the R10 when measuring the ball, but am wondering if it is the correct PLM for me or whether I should spend the extra money for a Mevo+.  I have a separate thread on this topic, but it was suggested that I post in this thread to get responses from those who have been using the R10.  

AFAIK, the R10 doesn't measure the club data you're referencing, but instead calculates those metrics.

[hammersia]

15 hours ago, DMsand1972 said:

For those of you who have a R10, how accurately does it measure the club?  I am looking to get a PML solely to use outside at the range to improve my swing.  Thus, I want the unit to accurately measure attack angle, face to path, etc.  I have watched several videos on the accuracy of the R10 when measuring the ball, but am wondering if it is the correct PLM for me or whether I should spend the extra money for a Mevo+.  I have a separate thread on this topic, but it was suggested that I post in this thread to get responses from those who have been using the R10.  

All the many, many youtube videos on Mevo+ and R10 are interesting, but a point I keep making is that none of them actually give a proper statistical analysis of accuracy, either for club or ball. There's been some people on the forums who INSIST that Mevo+ is definitely superior in accuracy but no one has ever linked any stats showing that. 

 

That would mean benchmarking each device against something like a GC Quad running in parallel on the same shots, then spreadsheeting it out. Earlier in this thread I reported on my own statistical analysis running against Top Tracer:

 

 

There have been software updates particularly for spin since then. My conclusion for the R10 is broadly:

 

1) Perfect setup / dead level is essential

2) Club data (calculated) is not particularly consistent shot to shot, it's "just about" good enough to see trends but no more than that. 

 

If 2000 dollars vs 500 dollars wasn't an issue I'd be tempted by the Mevo+ for sure.

But the Garmin is easier to use (software, battery life) and because of that I am sure I use it far more than I would the Mevo+. 

[LeftDot]

18 hours ago, SE Gamer said:

AFAIK, the R10 doesn't measure the club data you're referencing, but instead calculates those metrics.

 

This is correct.

 

I think that the only way to get those metrics directly measured is with a camera-based unit.

[DMsand1972]

20 hours ago, SE Gamer said:

AFAIK, the R10 doesn't measure the club data you're referencing, but instead calculates those metrics.

Then I will ask, how accurately does the R10 calculate those metrics?

[SE Gamer]

28 minutes ago, DMsand1972 said:

Then I will ask, how accurately does the R10 calculate those metrics?

 

I'd say the post after mine is probably pretty on-point. The R10 wouldn't be accurate enough to something like fittings with. As accuracy of each shot will vary. But probably is good enough to make assumptions based on more general trends. 

 

Given that you can get club data now on the BLP with only the basic subscription, I'd put it up for consideration if the Mevo+ is a feasible option.

[Bubbtubbs]

20 minutes ago, SE Gamer said:

 

I'd say the post after mine is probably pretty on-point. The R10 wouldn't be accurate enough to something like fittings with. As accuracy of each shot will vary. But probably is good enough to make assumptions based on more general trends. 

 

Given that you can get club data now on the BLP with only the basic subscription, I'd put it up for consideration if the Mevo+ is a feasible option.

And you live in the US. Nobody else can get one without buying GC3.

[betarhoalphadelta]

On 12/19/2022 at 11:43 AM, SE Gamer said:

AFAIK, the R10 doesn't measure the club data you're referencing, but instead calculates those metrics.

 

On 12/20/2022 at 8:26 AM, DMsand1972 said:

Then I will ask, how accurately does the R10 calculate those metrics?

 

IMHO a radar should be able to measure clubhead path, clubhead speed, and angle of attack. It should also be able to measure ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, and spin (either outdoor with enough flight, or shortened flight w/ RCT or metal dots). 

 

I don't see how you can measure face angle or face-to-path directly with a radar from behind the ball, but face angle is basically equal to launch direction so you can compute face-to-path based on that. (Note: some say that launch direction is ~85% face and ~15% path, but either way if you know launch direction and club path and you have the right model to calculate, you can still get face angle and face-to-path.)

 

Apparently spin axis is nearly impossible to measure with the radar, so spin axis would then be calculated based upon spin rate and face-to-path relationship. 

 

Smash factor is calculated based upon measured ball speed and measured clubhead speed. 

 

The rest of the flight characteristics (apex, carry, total, deviation, and modeling the ballflight/curvature of course) would need to be calculated based upon the aerodynamic model of ballflight since a short-range radar can't track ball flight out a couple hundred yards, even if you had a full range. 

 

Now, how accurately it measures what it measures, I can't say. That would require head-to-head testing with a "gold standard" of accuracy launch monitor, and would also be best done outdoors on a full range where the entire ballflight can be observed to see if it matches the model. 

[dai3015]

I've got the R10 and think that it's great but am having trouble connecting it to Garmin Express via Windows to see if there are any updates.

Has anybody else had this problem? How did you get around it? I've tried different USB ports, different cables but windows still won't recognise it. The same laptop has no problem recognising my Garmin Fenix watch though

Thanks

[Dan13]

On 12/20/2022 at 11:26 AM, DMsand1972 said:

Then I will ask, how accurately does the R10 calculate those metrics?

There are some club data against a bench mark videos by golf simulator videos. One for M+ explicitly focused on club data vs a Uneekor eye xo ($10k indoor camera LM). Video come out about a year ago when pro package was released. Very positive results on path and face with avg results within a little over a degree. Some larger variances on individual shots but it was good enough for me to pull the trigger on pro package. 
 

Same comparison between R10 and eye xo in other videos although none specific to club data. I think he shares data after each shot so you could pull club data out. If you get the R10 level and have a dead flat surface btw ball and unit sounds like you could get some useable trends but likely not trust every shot individually. 

[DuyGG]

Just placed my order for the R10.  Pretty exciting. I decide to go with this over the Mevo+. If I really want to hammer down my club data, I'll bring some beer to my friend house, and use his CG3. Which I really see myself getting in less than 5 years from now.

 

 

[jjschafe]

I don't think it has been posted in this thread yet, but Dicks/Golf Galaxy has had the RCT balls on sale for $50/dozen for a little while now.  Finally ordered mine yesterday. 

Can you apply your own metal strips?  Yes, definitely, but having 12 balls that "just always work" is well worth the money in my opinion.

[Dan13]

11 hours ago, DuyGG said:

Just placed my order for the R10.  Pretty exciting. I decide to go with this over the Mevo+. If I really want to hammer down my club data, I'll bring some beer to my friend house, and use his CG3. Which I really see myself getting in less than 5 years from now.

 

 

Congrats. Honestly if the R10 was working as well as it is now compared to when it came out it would be a harder choice going with M+. 

[hammersia]

1 hour ago, jjschafe said:

I don't think it has been posted in this thread yet, but Dicks/Golf Galaxy has had the RCT balls on sale for $50/dozen for a little while now.  Finally ordered mine yesterday. 

Can you apply your own metal strips?  Yes, definitely, but having 12 balls that "just always work" is well worth the money in my opinion.

We are probably debating a few cents, but just to say I've been using the foil dots I applied myself to regular balls and they work perfectly, even in an outdoor net, and surprisingly last a long, long time. 

[CHM 12]

Does anybody have issues calibrating their device?  I just bought one and whenever I turn it on it just blinks red and will not calibrate.

 

Any help with this initial calibrating issue would be greatly appreciated!

[Chazb]

3 hours ago, CHM 12 said:

Does anybody have issues calibrating their device?  I just bought one and whenever I turn it on it just blinks red and will not calibrate.

 

Any help with this initial calibrating issue would be greatly appreciated!

It has to be on a level surface,other than that I have no idea.

[Bob Ferguson]

When its off try holding the power button until the solid blue light comes on. It will be in manual pairing mode. 

[jpt1101]

Can I open Awesome Golf on my iPad and start a range session and also at the same time have a range session open on my iPhone with the Garmin app to get a reading on each for the same shot to see how they compare?

 

 

[hammersia]

6 hours ago, jpt1101 said:

Can I open Awesome Golf on my iPad and start a range session and also at the same time have a range session open on my iPhone with the Garmin app to get a reading on each for the same shot to see how they compare?

 

 

I tried this with a PC instead of an iPad and my phone at the same time and couldn't get it to work, which is not to say it's impossible. 

 

If you want to do this because of the David Maxfield videos, claiming that Awesome golf is more accurate, I reported some accuracy figures from my own testing a few pages ago ITT and have to say, although the numbers (errors) were different, statistically if anything I found Awesome golf to be less accurate than the Garmin app.

 

Also it's a moving target, as my test was done just before the RCT spin update. And I'd have to believe if Garmin ever did / do some bench marking and found Awesome to be better, they'd be updating their algorithms PDQ.

[Moonbison]

I am hoping this is finally the affordable at home personal launch monitor. *Fingers crossed*

[betarhoalphadelta]

11 hours ago, hammersia said:

 

If you want to do this because of the David Maxfield videos, claiming that Awesome golf is more accurate, I reported some accuracy figures from my own testing a few pages ago ITT and have to say, although the numbers (errors) were different, statistically if anything I found Awesome golf to be less accurate than the Garmin app.

 

Also it's a moving target, as my test was done just before the RCT spin update. And I'd have to believe if Garmin ever did / do some bench marking and found Awesome to be better, they'd be updating their algorithms PDQ.

 

I think David Maxfield retested with RCT and with metal dots and found that once he did that, the Garmin app and Awesome Golf mostly converged in their results. 

 

Having measured spin rather than computed made a big difference for the Garmin app. 

[jola]

Check out Joe Lagowski Youtube. He is comparing with  his GC2  the Garmin Golf App and Awesome Golf app with the Titleist RCT balls.Next up is E6 connect.

[jpt1101]

Thanks everyone. I am just curious how the two compare to one another. Both seem pretty accurate but am wondering how they compare to each other on the same shot. I exclusively use mine outdoors on a driving range and most of the spin numbers show measured as opposed to estimated which I’m sure helps. I’m not using dots or anything else. 
 

I do find that if I don’t keep my iron face clean after each shot that I get longer iron distance numbers. Is that due to a dirty face imparting less spin and the R10 using that to calculate a longer distance number?

[CHM 12]

Mine just constantly blinks red when I open the Garmin golf app and won’t register a shot. I’ve moved the device around to different level spots and still have had no luck. Garmin support has been good at communicating, but haven’t been able to resolve the issue so far. Two of my neighbors have r10’s and love them. I think mine is just a lemon. 

[rlefig]

CHM12, you do not have any fans, heating devices or any other potential interference happening. I had to move my heater around to be "out of sight" from the Garmin