Garmin's Approach R50 combines a portable launch monitor with a high-end simulator

Garmin is a massive company that has proven good at creating products that track things. For years, the company has been making Global Positioning System (GPS) devices for pilots and sailors. It makes watches and wearable devices for runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts, and over the last decade, Garmin has made several well-regarded golf GPS devices and laser rangefinders. Garmin also made the Approach R10 and Approach R80 launch monitors, but with the release of the new Approach R50, the Olathe, Kansas-based brand is offering its most sophisticated and versatile golf product ever. 

The Approach R50 ($4,999.99) is a portable launch monitor that can provide up to 15 club and ball metrics, indoors or on the range, that is also a fully integrated simulator that comes pre-loaded with over 43,000 courses. 

The Garmin Approach R50 is at home outdoors and indoors. (Garmin)

How does the Garmin Approach R50 work?

The Approach R50 uses a three-camera system to capture each shot in high resolution, frame by frame. This allows the system to accurately track both the club as it goes through the impact zone and the ball’s movement to collect comprehensive swing data and launch data. 

The R50, which comes with a carrying case to make it easier to move, is straightforward to charge and its battery supports up to 4 hours of simulator or launch monitor use. 

What does the Garmin Approach R50 do?

The three-camera system allows the Approach R50 to capture data and reveal stats like ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, spin axis, carry distance, and total distance. Golfers see that information on a massive 10-inch color touchscreen that can also replay high-speed impact videos. The Approach R50 can provide this information on any club in a player’s bag, from driver to putter, and it can do it on the range or indoors when a golfer hits into either a net or screen. 

The Approach R50 collects tour-level data on your swing and the flight of your shots. (Garmin)

In addition to being a sophisticated launch monitor, the Approach R50 can be used as a golf simulator, again, either outside or inside. Using Garmin’s Home Tee Hero software, up to four players can play and compete on up to 43,000 different courses.  

On the range, the 10-inch color touchscreen makes it easy to see the simulated hole and shots you are playing, but indoors the unit can be attached to a projector using an HDMI cable to create a realistic indoor simulator. And, because the Approach R50 gathers such detailed information about the shots you hit, the virtual flight of the ball in the simulator is more realistic. 

The device also offers compatibility with third-party simulators like GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf, expanding the options for virtual play beyond Garmin’s own platform. 

The Approach R50 can connect to a projector to create a high-performance home simulator. (Garmin)

Who is the Garmin Approach R50 for?

The $599 Garmin R10 is a more portable launch monitor and the Approach R80, at $499, is also very small and features a colorful screen, but the Approach R50 is designed for a completely different player. While those units can certainly provide valuable insights and information, the three-camera system of the Approach R50, along with its ability to provide tour-level metrics and information make it a product that could be considered by elite golfers who play and train year-round, college golfers, instructors and deep-pocketed recreational golfers who may have tinkered with the idea of creating a simulator in their basement or garage. 

The large color screen on the Approach R50 makes seeing the data easy, and with over 43,000 courses pre-loaded, it should make the idea of “playing holes” on the range easier, which can make practice sessions more meaningful.