BREAKING: Garmin Releases Approach R50 Launch Monitor

Yesterday, Garmin teased the upcoming release of what appeared to be a launch monitor with a video posted on social media.

It seems that they weren’t interested in making us wait, as Garmin is releasing the all-new Approach R50 today!

The Approach R50 is a premium launch monitor and golf simulator that features a 10” built-in, color touchscreen display—making the R50 the first fully-contained launch monitor (no phone or computer required!)—and more than 43,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide with an improved version of Home Tee Hero. Utilizing three different cameras, the R50 can track more than 15 ball and club metrics, including measured spin rate and spin axis. In addition to the precision analytics for every club, from the driver to the putter, the R50 can also deliver high-speed impact videos so players can review a close-up look at their contact for each shot.

Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, commented on the Approach R50 and stated:

“Leveraging our most advanced technology with an elaborate three-camera system, our Approach R50 can provide golfers of all levels with the cutting-edge metrics and analytics they need to help improve their game. Whether you want to see specific shot metrics, see how and where the ball comes off your club, or just want to play a round on a rainy day, we’ve got your game.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Eric B. (@hozel_rocket)

The Approach R50’s camera system means it can be used indoors and outdoors, which means that cold, rainy days don’t mean you need to put the clubs away. Instead, with the R50, golfers can practice and play full virtual rounds—using everything from driver to putter—on more than 43,000 courses around the world from the comforts of the garage, basement or driving range. Through the enhanced Home Tee Hero simulator, golfers can play virtual rounds with up to four players and participate in weekly tournaments with scores posted on a global leaderboard, all viewable from the Approach R50 display. But for the ultimate simulator experience, the Approach R50 can easily be connected to a monitor or a projector.

Golfers looking to better themselves between rounds or during the offseason can utilize the training mode feature on the Approach R50, which records sessions and saves stats for each club, allowing players to see and understand improvements over time. The R50, indeed, provides access to 15 data points, including ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate, spin axis, backspin, sidespin, carry and total distances, apex height, and carry and total deviation, along with high-speed impact videos provide immediate visual feedback on each shot, so golfers of all skill levels can analyze their swing and work on ironing out weaknesses in their game.

With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, players can also utilize their favorite third-party simulators wherever a connection is available. Along with Home Tee Hero, golfers can also play rounds on top third-party simulators GSPro, E6 Connect/Apex (coming soon).

To make sure that you can access the invaluable data, video replays, or simulator experience wherever you are, the Approach R50 is equipped with up to four hours of battery life and includes a handy carrying case. And because the R50 is also the first self-contained launch monitor, it means you can head to your local range or pop up an impact net and immediately start accessing invaluable launch monitor data or playing simulated rounds without pairing to a phone or computer screen!  

The Approach R50 is available now, making it an excellent candidate for the holiday present of the year, and retails at a suggested price of $4,999.99.

Cover Image via Golfweek