FIRST LOOK: Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder

In the rangefinder market, Garmin really shook things up in 2018 when it combined a rangefinder and a golf GPS into one device. As you might imagine, it was a hit.

And, fortunately, Garmin isn’t resting on its laurels…

Garmin is launching the Approach Z82, the newest iteration of Garmin rangefinders and, arguably, a rangefinder that provides golfers with the most complete situational awareness.

Equipped with the ability to precisely measure shots within 10 inches of the pin up to 450 yards, which is great since Garmin has refined the Z82 to hit pin flags more consistently than previous models. Similar to the initial version, the Z82 also features a full-color 2-D CourseView mapping through the viewfinder lens and Green View overlay on more than 41,000 courses worldwide.

“The Approach Z82 utilizes some of the most prominent golf features available on the market and builds on the foundation of our first range finder to add even more depth and distance precision to help sharpen a golfer’s game,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “A strong feature set of golf options that now include wind speed and direction displays, enhanced ranging performance, coupled with a new and improved viewfinder to provide a sharper, more comfortable viewing experience, make the Approach Z82 an invaluable tool for golfers of all skill levels.”

With respect to the upgraded viewfinder, not only does it provide a sharper image with the 6x magnification, but it also allows golfers to wear glasses and sunglasses while looking through the viewfinder due to the high resolution OLED display. Combined with the vibration feedback, the refined viewfinder all but guarantees that you’ll get the correct distance for whatever you’re shooting at.

For those of you who are still questioning how invaluable the dual functionality of the Z82 is, it is the only rangefinder that provides course information that can’t be visually ascertained. By merging GPS technology and CourseView mapping, a 2D image of the hole—which is automatically detected due to the GPS—is overlaid on the viewfinder along with distances to hazards and layup areas.

Once the Approach Z82 locks on to the pin flag, the 2D map automatically zooms in to the green marking a Laser Ranged Arc at that specific distance and displays the pin position relative to the front and back of the green.

And to further help with your club selection, the Approach Z82 also displays wind direction and speed when paired with a smartphone. Furthermore, the new Hazard View feature allows golfers to quickly zoom in and scroll through each hazard viewable on the map to see more details and know exactly how far away are the front and back, even when the player’s actual view is obstructed.

Finally, for the golfer who occasionally competes, it’s worth noting that two other features that, when necessary, can be disabled. First, the PlaysLike Distance feature adjusts yardages for uphill or downhill shots based on the change in elevation from where you are standing to locations labeled on the 2D map. Similar to the Approach G80 GPS, which I reviewed last year, the Pinpointer option points golfers in the direction of the green on blind shots. While very helpful, the new tournament mode light on the top of the Z82 reminds players that they are tournament compliant.

For those who elect to pair their smartphone (iPhone or Android), the Z82 also allows golfers to keep score and track stats by uploading their scorecards to the free Garmin Golf app, which maintains a history of course stats, leaderboards, and scorecards. But, perhaps most valuable, the new Find My Garmin feature will help golfers who misplace their Z82 track down their rangefinder.

While golf season hasn’t fully kicked off across the country, it’s worth noting that the Approach Z82 is available now on Garmin’s website.

While the suggested retail price of $600 certainly puts this on the pricer side, it’s worth noting that the Z82 is essentially two devices in one and is the most technologically advanced rangefinder as of the date hereof, which is why we’re excited to have the opportunity to review the Garmin Approach Z82 in the near future. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming review!