The Garmin Approach R10 is a handy and affordable little launch monitor you can take anywhere, while the Skytrak is a higher-end golf launch monitor. Still, it’s pretty much the opposite of the Garmin Approach R10. I tested both devices and will show you in this article how they measure up against each other.

After multiple tests, the Garmin R10 proved to be a better option for taking swing videos, while SkyTrack stands tall for tracking swing data. Meanwhile, both devices do not measure club paths, which you can get on higher-end launch monitors. The SkyTrak struggles to work at its best outdoors but works better than the Garmin indoors. Still, the features of both devices overlap, and if one is better than the other, it’s only with a little margin (aside from the price difference, of course).

I became more interested in placing these two devices head-to-head after watching how David Maxfield Golf, in a video, compared the Flightscope Mevo Plus to the Garmin R10, and both units tracked the shots simultaneously and were identical with every hit. So what about someone willing to spend a few extra hundred dollars for something better? Is the Skytrak launch monitor worth it?

You will find out in this full review. In case you’re in a hurry, I have created the table below to give a rundown of what sets the R10 and Skytrack apart to help you make a decision:

Garmin R10 vs. Skytrack: Comparison Chart

The Skytrak shines in the area’s weather settings and the fact that it works by photometric readings. The wireless setup is also a huge plus. But the Garmin Approach R10 also has robust offerings, from archives club stats and a driving range simulator to smartphone compatibility and 10-hour battery life.

Image	Product	Detail	Price
	Garmin Approach R10	Club Head Speed, Club Face Angle, Club Path Angle, Angle of Attack, Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Spin Axis, Spin Rate, Apex Height, Smash Factor, Carry Distance, Total Distance, and Deviation Distance	$599
	Skytrack Launch Monitor	Ball speed, launch angle, back and side spin, side angle, carry distance, roll, total distance, club head speed, angle of decent, distance offline, a 3D flightpath with apex height and hang time	$1995

Performance

One peculiar thing about the Garmin R10 is the video recording feature that overlays your shot data onto the footage. It makes the device stand out because it allows you to repeatedly see your swing and mechanical data for better analysis.

The R10 allows you to access virtual course simulations and game modes, which is great for players’ improvement.

The Skytrak launch monitor’s performance revolves around using photometric technology to give short readings. Unlike radar technology, Skytrack maintains its accuracy outdoors with this design.

I also love how the device simulates courses nicely on my tablet and laptop.

Data parameters 

The fact that the Skytrak costs more than the R10 is a shocker, especially when it doesn’t offer as many measuring metrics as the R10 does.

When using the Garmin R10, you can track club head speed, club face angle, path angle, and angle of attack. The device also records ball speed, launch angle, direction, spin axis and rate, apex height, smash factor, and carry distance.

With the R10, you can also see your total distance and deviation distance.

On the other hand, the Skytrack launch monitor only measures ball speed, launch angle, back and side spin, side angle, carry distance, roll, and total distance.

You can also track club head speed, angle of decent, distance offline, a 3D flightpath with apex height, and hang time.

Ease of Use

The Garmin R10 has a straightforward setup, making it easier to use than the Skytrack launch monitor.

With the R10, you must connect the device to your phone or tablet via the Garmin Golf App.

The R10 is also more portable than the Skytrack, which makes it easier to move around. It’s smaller than a smartphone when it’s not loaded into the foldable tripod. So that counts as something under ease of use.

Accuracy

The Garmin Approach R10 uses radar to track shots, which favoured me the most when swinging outdoors. The device was accurate during testing, with a total distance of about 3 yards. Sadly, this dropped by about 5 yards when I took it indoors.

In the case of Skytrak, more accuracy was experienced indoors than outdoors. The high-speed cameras in this device ironically became a disadvantage for outdoor swings, especially because it was a sunny day and the light interfered with the cameras, which impacted the accuracy. This has been the experience of many other Skytrack owners.

With this experience, I’d say the Skytrack works best as an indoor launch monitor, and even its fun course simulation complements this remark.

I would recommend the Garmin R10 in a heartbeat if you want to practice at the range and need more reliable information.

Pros and cons

Indeed, there’s no perfect product out there. There are always two sides to the coin. To further help you decide which of these launch monitors is best for you, consider the pros and cons of each:

Garmin Approach R10

SkyTrack Launch Monitor

Verdict Summary

Although Skytrack is a solid device, it struggles a lot with the driver—high ball speeds—and with chipping and putting.

Also, the R10 can be used outdoors and is amazing outdoors, but the sky track struggled to provide consistent results outdoors. And even indoors, it required sufficient lightning. If you don’t have the space for the R10, the Skytrak is a great option at the price point and is fun for its value.

With these in mind, here’s my rating for both devices based on my experience with them:

The bottom line is that the Skytrack launch monitor is a better option if you operate with limited space, as it can sit facing the golfer just outside the ball starting position. In contrast, you need at least 1.8 to 2.4 meters behind the ball-starting job for the Garmin R10.

If you’re on a tight budget, the R10 is undoubtedly the best way to go, and you won’t regret the purchase.