Garmin Approach R50. All-in-one optical LM @ $5K.

[PT1911]

1 hour ago, Afternoon Spray said:

Got this thing set up with GSPro streaming from my PC to a SteamLink on a TV outside and played a ton of virtual golf the past two days. I am so happy with this thing for the price. I have wanted to get a Foresight GC3 for years but the pricetag always held me up. I considered the BLP but being locked into a subscription always turned me away. when this undercut the price by several thousand (I was able to get 20% off), and the ability to plop it down and play Home Tee Hero right on the unit if I'm feeling too lazy to set up my TV and PC is insane value. 

 

Ball speed and spin numbers are all spot on from what I've gotten on trackman. Even when chipping for me. The only issue I've noticed is when using club data stickers, the face angle data seems to be off pretty frequently. Hopefully that can be fixed with software updates in the future, but that is my only complaint and I am super happy with this launch monitor. 

Next step, setting up an indoor hitting space by next fall with an impact screen and projector. 

Where did you end up finding one for 20% off?

[Afternoon Spray]

10 minutes ago, PT1911 said:

Where did you end up finding one for 20% off?

Govx had it listed for 10% off for military/law enforcement/first responders (appears to currently be out of stock), and then they ran an additional 10% promo code for any item over memorial day weekend. 

[PT1911]

7 hours ago, Afternoon Spray said:

Govx had it listed for 10% off for military/law enforcement/first responders (appears to currently be out of stock), and then they ran an additional 10% promo code for any item over memorial day weekend. 

Dang! Nice!!!

[Ajgaguy83]

I’ve got a few session in on the R50, which is my first simulator, and I’ve got nothing but positives to report.

 

Data seems highly accurate; playing is enjoyable, and the screen size is very sufficient.

 

I’m likely in the minority that mine has been used exclusively outdoors into a standard net, but it’s been great.

 

I’d highly recommend this to anyone interested.

[enfuego]

I'm a week into my R50. Main use is in the garage with screen/projector. The screen offset works great and very happy with the implementation. I also took it to an outdoor trackman range and the data was nearly identical. This not an individual trackman 4, it was the kind with a screen at every bay and one device 100 yards out in the range collecting data. (Launch angle, ball speed, peak height, direction)I had no issues in direct sunlight. The quick start is a game changer. I used to rent space at trackman/foresight bay studios and there was always a few minutes of setup/loading. Some of that would be eliminated having my own personal device but the R50 matches the GC3 in club/ball data with the data face impact camera for less money. I appreciate the long term flexibility too. I'll add a gaming computer and GS Pro when the budget allows.

[Streuner]

I am still satisfied with my R50 after a half year. Outdoor usage is a bit pain in the a.. because of the huge device, but the case is nice made and protects the R50 very good. one thing that is anoying the inside of the case leaves some kind of dust at the device, I have to clean it of nearly every time, especially at the lower panel with the sensors and infra red cam. 

but the usage is great, intuitive and responsive, quick setup at my garage and so nice not to need any computer or iPad to view the data. Just an projector and a long HMDI cable.

[kneeknocker83]

Anyone have some pictures they would share of the direct feed to a projector from the R50? Thinking of putting in a impact screen to enhance my current setup. 

[Streuner]

What do you want us to Show? The visuals that the projector is showing at the Screen? And if so, which ones, Home Tee Hero course view or driving range Mode? 

[JCP22]

On 6/30/2025 at 9:33 PM, kneeknocker83 said:

Anyone have some pictures they would share of the direct feed to a projector from the R50? Thinking of putting in an impact screen to enhance my current setup. 

Check out the multitude of YouTube videos reviewing the device. It shows the direct feed on hometee hero as well as external sim software on it. 

[true8]

I used it for the first time outside today on a grass range. I don’t like how small the hitting zone is with club data. Also the grass at the range was more like rough and it couldn’t track the ball and missed shots. 

[Streuner]

17 hours ago, true8 said:

I used it for the first time outside today on a grass range. I don’t like how small the hitting zone is with club data. Also the grass at the range was more like rough and it couldn’t track the ball and missed shots. 

I do not think the R50 is made for Range Sessions on grass. If grass is short enough maybe it works, but most of all the device is made for hitting mats. 
for me it is nice, to see the ball travel in the direction the device is telling me. Should be a standard but everyone who brought a launch monitor to an outside range known what I am talking about. 

Edited July 9 by Streuner