Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor Review
Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor Review - what's the hype & is it worth it?
The Garmin R50 is one of the most notable launch monitor releases as of late. This product stands out in an increasingly crowded market because of its unique all-in-one design, featuring a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen.
The R50 is a great choice for simulator enthusiasts who value simplicity and want fewer moving parts in their setup. But is the product worth the investment versus some of its competitors?
This review will cover the Garmin R50’s strengths and weaknesses and what kind of golfers should consider purchasing it.
Is It Accurate?
When we evaluate any launch monitor at The Indoor Golf Shop, we first start with its accuracy. You don’t want a product with all the bells and whistles if it can’t give you reliable data to simulate your ball flight and other important metrics.
The Garmin R50 is a photometric launch monitor with three high-speed cameras that track the golf ball. For a golfer who wants to use a launch monitor primarily indoors, this is superior technology to radar because it will work in smaller spaces.
Every launch monitor, even the most expensive, isn’t perfect. They all have tradeoffs built into their algorithms.
We tested the Garmin R50 versus some of the industry leaders to benchmark its performance, and here are our findings:
• Carry distances were within several yards of most premium units like a Foresight GC3
• Spin rates show a variance anywhere between 200-400 rpms
• Shot shape and trajectory were closely matched
If stickers are applied to the clubface, the Garmin R50 will also measure club data, such as the angle of attack, club path, and face angle. These metrics were similar but a little further off than the ball data we measured.
Overall, we found the accuracy to be excellent at this price level. However, for golfers who demand the absolute best and more robust software features, other options might be better suited for them.
The main strength of the Garmin R50 isn’t just about accuracy, though. Its unique all-in-one design is the primary consideration for purchase.
Simulator In a Box
It doesn’t take long to notice what makes the Garmin R50 unique. The 10” built-in HD display makes it feel like a slick Apple product. The practice and on-course simulation software is natively built in, so you don’t have to worry about third-party integrations that are sometimes a headache based on your computer setup (though they are available).
While the R50 costs $4,999, it potentially has cost savings. When purchasing a launch monitor, many golfers don’t consider how much they will spend on a gaming PC, projector, wiring, software, and hitting screens. These additional costs can increase the your setup by thousands of dollars.
However, with the Garmin R50, you can use the native display as your entire visual system. You only need a hitting mat and net to enjoy full simulation.
In our opinion, this is the main reason to consider the R50.
If you don’t want to purchase a separate gaming computer and want the most simple, straightforward process possible, it’s hard to beat.
Also, if you have a projector setup, you can connect directly via an HDMI cable with little fuss - another great feature for those who value simplicity.
Setup and Ease of Use
One of the R50's strongest attributes is its exceptionally user-friendly interface and quick setup process:
• Power on, and you're ready to go in under a minute
• Intuitive touchscreen controls require a minimal learning curve. If you can use an iPad, you can use the R50
• Alignment is simple, with on-screen guidance showing when you're correctly positioned
• Club selection and data views can be personalized with a few taps
The unit sits parallel to your hitting position, making it less likely to be struck by mishit shots than other launch monitors. However, given its size and the exposed screen, some users might still want to consider a protective cover.
One minor complaint was the smaller size of the hitting zone relative to a product like the Foresight GC3. The R50 will visually indicate where you need to place the ball with on-screen feedback and an LED light that will turn green when you are ready to hit.
Another thing golfers should know is that the R50 is BIG. While you can take it to the driving range, and it comes with a nice carrying case, expect you will likely only use this as an indoor-only unit.
We sometimes found this a little cumbersome and needed multiple attempts to place the ball correctly. But it is something that you will get used to over time.
R50 Pros
Exceptional accuracy comparable to much more expensive systems
Revolutionary all-in-one design with integrated 10-inch touchscreen
No PC is required for basic simulation (Home Tee Hero)
Over 42,000 courses pre-loaded, including local courses
High-speed impact camera provides valuable visual feedback
Excellent ball data accuracy (within 3-5% of premium systems)
Simple, intuitive interface—if you can use an iPad, you can use this
Works with standard golf balls (no unique markings required)
Direct HDMI output to projector or TV
Reasonable subscription cost ($99/year)
No extra fees for third-party connectivity
R50 CONS
Significant price tag at $4,999
Requires subscription for Home Tee Hero simulation ($9.99/month)
Still need a PC or device for third-party simulators
Cumbersome for left/right-handed switching
Limited to 1080p output resolution
Club data requires reflective stickers on clubs
Limited game modes in Home Tee Hero (currently only stroke play)
Size and weight make it less portable than smaller units
No option to use external peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
Software and Pricing Model
Another post-purchase consideration when choosing a launch monitor is the native software and its ongoing costs. The R50 comes with a very good software package, though there are some subscription considerations and lack of features be aware of:
What's Included Free
• All ball and club metrics (15 distinct data points)
• Driving range practice environment
• Multiple viewing modes and customizable data displays
• High-speed impact camera
Subscription Requirements
• Home Tee Hero simulator access requires a Garmin Golf membership ($9.99/month or $99/year)
• This provides access to over 42,000 courses
Garmin's subscription model is relatively affordable compared to competitors, charging $250-500 annually for similar features.
The Garmin R50 does allow integration with third-party software options like GS Pro and E6 Connect. However, you will need a computer to enable this, which, in our opinion, defeats the purpose of purchasing the R50.
Home Tee Hero and Simulation
The native software Garmin provides has some considerable strengths but a few weaknesses to be aware of.
The built-in Home Tee Hero simulation has been significantly upgraded from previous Garmin products:
• Graphics are clean and modern, though not photorealistic
• Course rendering is smooth and responsive
• Putting is included and surprisingly accurate
• The gameplay is intuitive, with multiple difficulty options
Home Tee Hero is quite good, but it has limited game mode. Currently, it will only support stroke play for up to four players.
While the visuals can't match high-end PC-based simulators like GS Pro, the convenience of having everything integrated makes it an excellent option for casual golfers. The graphics strike a good balance between performance and quality. You’ll get 1080p, but don’t expect a full 4K crispness.
The range environment is very good, and Garmin’s app will record your history with each club. But to be clear, this is not a professional-grade product.
For golfers who want more serious capabilities like running dispersion tests, you would want enterprise-level software like Trackman or Foresight Sports.
Overall, the native software experience is quite good for the value. Most golfers will be happy with what it offers. However, another launch monitor might be better if you want the best software options.
Who is the Ideal Garmin R50 Customer?
The R50 is ideal for:
• Golfers seeking a hassle-free home simulator experience
• Users who value simplicity and ease of use over maximum customization
• Players who want accurate data without the complexity of enterprise systems
• Those upgrading from budget launch monitors seeking better accuracy and features
It may not be the best choice for:
• Golfers who demand top accuracy
• Those who primarily use third-party simulator software like GSPro
• Data analysts who need extensive customization and comparison tools
• Environments with frequent switching between left and right-handed players
• Golfers who frequently take their launch monitor to the driving range
Final Verdict
The Garmin R50 represents a significant step forward in launch monitor technology, particularly in integrating simulation capabilities directly into the device. Its accuracy rivals systems costing significantly more, and its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to golfers of all levels.
For golfers who prioritize simplicity, its all-in-one design eliminates many headaches associated with setting up a golf simulator. Connecting directly to a projector without a PC is innovative and makes simulator golf more accessible.
However, at $4,999 plus subscription costs, it's a significant investment that won't be right for everyone. Those primarily using third-party simulation software or needing the absolute best in graphics and customization may find better value in other products.
The R50 isn't perfect—it has limitations regarding third-party integration left/right player switching, and some of its software features are still evolving. However, it represents an exciting direction for launch monitors and simulators, prioritizing user experience and integration over raw specifications.
It's not revolutionary in data accuracy—many accurate launch monitors already exist—but its approach to creating an all-in-one system that doesn't require technical expertise to operate is unique.
If Garmin continues to improve the software and adds features like additional game modes and peripheral support, the R50 could become a top option for home golf simulators in the mid-range market.
For many golfers, the question isn't whether the R50 is good—it absolutely is—but whether its specific approach to integration and ease of use aligns with your priorities and budget. If simplicity and all-in-one functionality are at the top of your list, the R50 may be worth the investment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Key Specifications
Price : $4,999
Technology : Three-camera optical system
Usage : Primarily indoor, can be used outdoors
Dimensions : Approximately 16.5” × 10.6" × 7.5" (plus 10" screen)
Weight : Approximately 9 pounds
Battery Life : Up to 4 hours
Connectivity : Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out
Ball Data : Ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, total spin, spin axis, carry distance, total distance, apex height, and more
Club Data : Club head speed, club path, face angle, angle of attack (requires reflective stickers)
Screen : 10-inch HD touchscreen (1280 x 800 pixels)
Simulation : Built-in Home Tee Hero with 42,000+ courses (subscription required)
Third-Party Compatibility : E6 Connect, GS Pro, Awesome Golf (requires separate PC/device)
What's Included
Garmin R50 Launch Monitor
Protective carrying case
USB-C charging cable
Power adapter
250 Reflective stickers for club tracking
Quick start guide
