Garmin Approach R10 Portable Golf Launch Monitor

[dasgrant]

On 9/24/2021 at 9:51 PM, Spells said:

Yes. I play with my 6 year old. He digs it a lot.

Good to know! Gotta set this up

[jigdagod]

10 hours ago, Earl553 said:

yes, metrics are in m/s for speeds and meters for distances. Shouldn’t be an issue to adapt it to your preferred metrics though. My aim for the converter script was to provide untouched raw data from Garmin (I.e., there are fields like client key still in the file which shouldn’t be relevant for an individual‘s analysis) as some people might prefer km/h instead of mph and vice versa.

but yes I agree: the „hidden“ data is a nice bonus. Not sure why Garmin isn’t displaying those yet. 

 

Thank you for all your hard work! Sorry, I didn't mean an issue with the converter, but that it was not displaying in those units. Yes, I did do a conversion in my clean data tab to get it in those units. Hopefully they'll add it once they create a landscape mode.

[Fore-18]

Just got my unit and very excited. One thing I noticed was the long irons (4i, 5i, 6i) were all coming up short, sometimes by 50 yards. Has anyone else experienced this and have any advice? 

 

4i was only getting me 150 at times and furthest I hit it on an absolute smash was 190. That would usually be 220+. 

 

Would lighting have anything to do with this? I played a couple rounds in the afternoon in my garage and the distance was closer but still coming in short. I tried to play a round later in the evening and it was much worse. 
 

[MvdBrink]

Hi Everyone, I received my R10 last Friday and today I tried exporting all data. I used the python script to convert the JSON files to CSV and it look fine. However, if i copy all data in the table i'm missing some data points, like Smash factor.

Is this normal?

 

Other than that, my distances where off too. Going back to the range with a base so i can perfectly level the device.

[dpvu]

1 hour ago, MvdBrink said:

Hi Everyone, I received my R10 last Friday and today I tried exporting all data. I used the python script to convert the JSON files to CSV and it look fine. However, if i copy all data in the table i'm missing some data points, like Smash factor.

Is this normal?

 

Other than that, my distances where off too. Going back to the range with a base so i can perfectly level the device.

 

Sometimes there's misreads on certain metrics. If it couldn't get a club speed it can't calculate smash factor. I wouldn't trust smash factor right now anyway because club speed is bugged.

 

If your distances were off outdoors I'd definitely check level (front to back particularly) as that will impact launch angle. Also, remember ball speeds will be down with range balls so distances compared to course will be a bit iffy. I also find roll factor to be quite conservative on the R10. Good luck!

Edited September 27, 2021 by dpvu

[Outlaw]

On 9/24/2021 at 10:44 AM, RH2020 said:

Finally Dick’s has it in stock, now

Did your order get cancelled?  I ordered one from Dicks as well and they cancelled the order this morning. Wondering if they had an inventory glitch online or if they actually had some in stock. 

[Clint Kennedy]

Might have missed if this was brought up or not.  But I posted awhile ago about short distances (3.3 or 3.4) and forgot about my elevation difference here in Salt Lake (3600ft).  I'm assuming the unit does not adjust itself to altitude changes?  Maybe default is Sea Level?  Would definitely make a difference in yardage.

[mdmack]

How cumbersome is everyone finding setup and having to use a secondary device at the range? ipad, iphone etc. Ive got my unit and I have not even opened it because im thinking I might end up dropping the extra coin and getting into the Launch Pro when it comes out, mainly because of the screen onboard. I know that sounds outrageous, but the more I think about the time it will take to get the unit set up properly and get my other device connected and finding/making a visible spot to put my other device at the range the more I like the idea of the launch pro. 

 

Not really wanting to get into a discussion about accuracy or price as we all know the LP will probably be significantly more accurate and expensive, just mainly thinking that I will end up not using the unit if its not extremely convenient to setup and use. 

[rlefig]

My ipad connects to the R10 as soon as I turn on the R10. I dont find it cumbersome.

[mdmack]

3 minutes ago, rlefig said:

My ipad connects to the R10 as soon as I turn on the R10. I dont find it cumbersome.

Do you carry a stand of some sort for your ipad? or just lay it on the ground at the range? 

 

I wasnt necessarily thinking the digital setup would be cumbersome, more the physical setup. It seems like, from what ive read, the R10 is a bit temperamental on alignment and while people have come up with some stands and whatnot that hold alignment sticks etc, thats just one more thing to carry. Add an ipad in that mix and it just seems like it might be getting into more than ill be willing to regularly do. Even if my intentions are good, the reality is (for me at least) the times when i get an hour or so to get to the range im already limited in my time and im worried this will get left in the truck because "i just dont have time to set it up." 

 

That on top of it not being very reliable into a net at home has me really second guessing weather its the right unit for me. +

[rlefig]

My ipad has a case with a stand that i use at driving range and when hitting into net at home I have a small portable table that I also put it on.

[Simpsonia]

The R10 also comes with a clip stand built for most modern smartphones that you can just clip to your bag if you don't want to use a larger tablet. Personally, when I'm just practicing I find the phone to be enough. Since it's smaller it takes a half second longer to look at, which is a good way to slow down your practice session so you're not just pounding balls. 

 

As for the alignment stick stand from Etsy, I picked one up and it fits inside the Garmin's case (though a bit snug), so not all that inconvenient. 

[mdmack]

9 minutes ago, Simpsonia said:

The R10 also comes with a clip stand built for most modern smartphones that you can just clip to your bag if you don't want to use a larger tablet. Personally, when I'm just practicing I find the phone to be enough. Since it's smaller it takes a half second longer to look at, which is a good way to slow down your practice session so you're not just pounding balls. 

 

As for the alignment stick stand from Etsy, I picked one up and it fits inside the Garmin's case (though a bit snug), so not all that inconvenient. 

Just looked at the etsy stand and that is pretty slick. I love that they made it where it fits in the case. Would you say that with the stand the setup is pretty painless or do you have to fidget with ball position etc to get it dialed in each time you go? 

[RH2020]

Back in stock at dicks

simply google dicks and r1, good luck

[Therty]

1 hour ago, RH2020 said:

Back in stock at dicks

simply google dicks and r1, good luck

Not available for shipping or pickup near me 😕

[Simpsonia]

3 hours ago, mdmack said:

Just looked at the etsy stand and that is pretty slick. I love that they made it where it fits in the case. Would you say that with the stand the setup is pretty painless or do you have to fidget with ball position etc to get it dialed in each time you go? 

My hitting mat has a tendency to move a bit as I swing (I need to get some grip tape on bottom of it), so having the alignment stick in place is super helpful for me to get my mat back into place so my hitting spot is in the correct position. I also use a small piece of rope hung vertically on the net to give me a target line to aim the alignment stick at. Takes maybe 30 seconds to setup and align. 

 

I haven't taken it to the range yet, but I imagine I'd just pick a spot I can remember on the mat, like a particular scuff or mark (or use another alignment stick offset 6" to the side of the ball) to use to aim the alignment stick at.

Edited September 28, 2021 by Simpsonia

[RH2020]

1 hour ago, Therty said:

Not available for shipping or pickup near me 😕

Wow that was fast, must be a small batch. Just check back from time to time it will be back in stock for sure

[Steve_N]

5 hours ago, rlefig said:

My ipad connects to the R10 as soon as I turn on the R10. I dont find it cumbersome.

Do you use E6 on the Ipad? if so, what model do you have and what's the experience like (graphics, choppy/smooth)?

[rlefig]

19 minutes ago, Steve_N said:

Do you use E6 on the Ipad? if so, what model do you have and what's the experience like (graphics, choppy/smooth)?

I have not yet maybe will try on saturday

[kdwingolf]

For use on the driving range I have a 10 ft. length of bright pink string with a loop on each end. A tee in the ground, set the Garmin R10 on the ground. Red line is easy to line up. Measure off 8’ and hit from the grass on either side of the sting. Work back toward on each side of the string till I get to 6 1/2’ and then move if it’s a long range session.

[vsabre]

36 minutes ago, kdwingolf said:

For use on the driving range I have a 10 ft. length of bright pink string with a loop on each end. A tee in the ground, set the Garmin R10 on the ground. Red line is easy to line up. Measure off 8’ and hit from the grass on either side of the sting. Work back toward on each side of the string till I get to 6 1/2’ and then move if it’s a long range session.

Nice idea. I also have a small level ( about 2 inches long) that I keep in the case that sets it up pretty well on the ground behind me since I'm hitting off grass 100% of the time.

 

Also it's really important that I'm checking my own alignment to be as square as possible to the line I'm targeting down range from the R10. I tend to have an aim right bias since I have a left miss tendency. Correcting this has really shown up positively in the R10's shot charts. I also swing capture every shot and the slider function on the replay really works well in identifying things to work on......

Edited September 28, 2021 by vsabre

[blues72]

13 hours ago, mdmack said:

How cumbersome is everyone finding setup and having to use a secondary device at the range? ipad, iphone etc. Ive got my unit and I have not even opened it because im thinking I might end up dropping the extra coin and getting into the Launch Pro when it comes out, mainly because of the screen onboard. I know that sounds outrageous, but the more I think about the time it will take to get the unit set up properly and get my other device connected and finding/making a visible spot to put my other device at the range the more I like the idea of the launch pro. 

 

Not really wanting to get into a discussion about accuracy or price as we all know the LP will probably be significantly more accurate and expensive, just mainly thinking that I will end up not using the unit if its not extremely convenient to setup and use. 

Having used the unit for a couple weeks now, it pairs as soon as you power up the device and open the app.  There are issues with some of the data, but pairing is really solid and quick.  
 

Having said that, it sounds like you might want to strongly consider the Bushnell option as it will most likely be significantly more accurate.

[dpvu]

16 hours ago, mdmack said:

How cumbersome is everyone finding setup and having to use a secondary device at the range? ipad, iphone etc. Ive got my unit and I have not even opened it because im thinking I might end up dropping the extra coin and getting into the Launch Pro when it comes out, mainly because of the screen onboard. I know that sounds outrageous, but the more I think about the time it will take to get the unit set up properly and get my other device connected and finding/making a visible spot to put my other device at the range the more I like the idea of the launch pro. 

 

Not really wanting to get into a discussion about accuracy or price as we all know the LP will probably be significantly more accurate and expensive, just mainly thinking that I will end up not using the unit if its not extremely convenient to setup and use. 

The unit is so easy to set up and pair as long as your range has a level surface behind you to put it on that's approximately at the elevation of the mat. The unit pairs almost instantly to the last device it was connected to. All I do is pace out my 6 feet behind, drop the unit down, turn it on and start the app and hit 2 or 3 wedge shots to verify alignment. I don't bother with lasers, levels etc. but my range has a flat paved surface behind the stalls.

[hammersia]

19 hours ago, mdmack said:

How cumbersome is everyone finding setup and having to use a secondary device at the range? ipad, iphone etc. Ive got my unit and I have not even opened it because im thinking I might end up dropping the extra coin and getting into the Launch Pro when it comes out, mainly because of the screen onboard. I know that sounds outrageous, but the more I think about the time it will take to get the unit set up properly and get my other device connected and finding/making a visible spot to put my other device at the range the more I like the idea of the launch pro. 

 

Not really wanting to get into a discussion about accuracy or price as we all know the LP will probably be significantly more accurate and expensive, just mainly thinking that I will end up not using the unit if its not extremely convenient to setup and use. 

 

If you can't be bothered with the R10 and a phone I suggest you won't be bothered lugging the bigger launch pro around either. You either need to use a launch monitor or you don't. Fine if you don't.  

[elsie451]

Does anyone else have problems consistently "activating" their R10?  I am using a Samsung phone and when I turn on my R10 and start the Garmin Golf app, I can see in the app that the R10 is connected and I can see the device's battery life, however, the light on the front continues to Flash white, indicating that it is in standby mode when I enter driving range mode (I haven't tried home tee hero, and E6 isn't available on android).  The only way I can wake the device up is to repeatedly kill the app and restart it and enter driving range and eventually it offers to wake the device up.  From then on, it works fine for the rest of the session.  Do any other users have this issue.  Is it an android problem.  Am I missing a step somewhere?  Thanks!

[mdmack]

3 hours ago, hammersia said:

 

If you can't be bothered with the R10 and a phone I suggest you won't be bothered lugging the bigger launch pro around either. You either need to use a launch monitor or you don't. Fine if you don't.  

My concern is not as much with the idea of carrying something around, its the idea of setup being a nightmare. It seemed like earlier in the thread I read a lot of comments of people making stands for alignment sticks etc  because if it wasnt aligned exactly right their numbers were way off. The last thing I want is to spend 5 or 10 minutes at the range fiddling around with just trying to get things setup perfect for the thing to work properly.

 

It seems like a lot of those problems have either been fixed or people were unnecessarily tweaking alignment though. 

[dpvu]

3 hours ago, elsie451 said:

Does anyone else have problems consistently "activating" their R10?  I am using a Samsung phone and when I turn on my R10 and start the Garmin Golf app, I can see in the app that the R10 is connected and I can see the device's battery life, however, the light on the front continues to Flash white, indicating that it is in standby mode when I enter driving range mode (I haven't tried home tee hero, and E6 isn't available on android).  The only way I can wake the device up is to repeatedly kill the app and restart it and enter driving range and eventually it offers to wake the device up.  From then on, it works fine for the rest of the session.  Do any other users have this issue.  Is it an android problem.  Am I missing a step somewhere?  Thanks!

You can wake the device up by hitting the button on the back. Sometimes when you enter driving range it doesn't automatically wake up (as you experience) but you don't have to kill the app until it does.

[elsie451]

19 minutes ago, dpvu said:

You can wake the device up by hitting the button on the back. Sometimes when you enter driving range it doesn't automatically wake up (as you experience) but you don't have to kill the app until it does.

Thanks. I'll give that a try next time i use it.

[hammersia]

2 hours ago, mdmack said:

My concern is not as much with the idea of carrying something around, its the idea of setup being a nightmare. It seemed like earlier in the thread I read a lot of comments of people making stands for alignment sticks etc  because if it wasnt aligned exactly right their numbers were way off. The last thing I want is to spend 5 or 10 minutes at the range fiddling around with just trying to get things setup perfect for the thing to work properly.

 

It seems like a lot of those problems have either been fixed or people were unnecessarily tweaking alignment though. 

Worth reading through the thread then as quite a few have said that following the manual, in terms of hitting a few little pitch shots to a known target, sorts out the alignment instantly.

 

 

[dpvu]

7 hours ago, mdmack said:

My concern is not as much with the idea of carrying something around, its the idea of setup being a nightmare. It seemed like earlier in the thread I read a lot of comments of people making stands for alignment sticks etc  because if it wasnt aligned exactly right their numbers were way off. The last thing I want is to spend 5 or 10 minutes at the range fiddling around with just trying to get things setup perfect for the thing to work properly.

 

It seems like a lot of those problems have either been fixed or people were unnecessarily tweaking alignment though. 

Ultimately any launch monitorb that's capable of left/right has an alignment or calibration to identify the target line. The problem with the R10 is there is no camera to help you and also the red line on top can be a bit small. It's like aiming a gun with only the front sight. I've been able to get it pretty close eyeballing it so the final checks are really just to see if minor adjustment is needed.