Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS Review
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What if you had a GPS device that not only estimates the distance of your hit but also tracks vital swing statistics at the range.
Unbelievable, right!?
Garmin Approach G80 does exactly that. It’s a handheld GPS launch monitor with a 3.5-inch touch screen display that easily fits in your pocket.
Here is why you should consider using the Approach G80 with our review.
- Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
- Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance
- Preloaded with more than 41, 000 detailed color golf course maps worldwide
Garmin G80 Golf GPS Features
Swing Tempo
The Approach G80 uses radar technology to measure your back swing and downswing times and then puts it in a ratio. That’s your swing tempo. Studies claim that back swing should take 3 times longer than downswing. This is considered to be the ideal swing tempo and golfers should aim for that.
Target Mode
Target mode allows you to pick one or two players and pick from different yardages of your choice. After taking the shot, you get an estimate of your distance based on your swing tempo using the G80 Approach’s built in radar. This helps you to practice getting a consistent swing at the range using different clubs for multiple ranges.
Virtual Round
With G80 you’ve access to 42,000 courses worldwide that allows you to play a virtual round on any of these courses. Before you head out to a course, load a GPS map of any one of these courses, start hitting your tee and approach shots. Then G80 will simulate where the ball will land thanks to the radar tracking your club head and ball speed.
You can even compete in virtual tournaments with other G80 owners like you’re playing on the same course. A virtual leaderboard displays on the G80 so you can see where you stand.
Tempo Training
Tempo training uses 3 audible tones to help improve your tempo. During your swing, the Approach G80 plays:
- The first tone: To start your back swing.
- The second tone: To start your downsizing.
- The third tone: To have contact with the ball.
PinPointer
Pinpointer is a great feature as it provides assistance on blind shots. It helps you locate the flag whether you’re shooting from the woods or over a hill.
Touch Targeting
With touch targeting you can estimate the distance between you and any part of the course. All you need to do is touch any point on the course and you’ll get the estimation.
Stat Tracking
Using Stat tracking you get the overview of your game. It tracks your putts, greens in regulation, fairway hits and other few things.
PlaysLike Distance
When you are playing a downhill or uphill shot, the Playslike distance adjusts the yardage accordingly. G80 is the answer for rangefinder’s slope-adjustment feature.
Compatible With Garmin Golf App
The Approach G80 is compatible with the free Garmin Golf App that allows you to connect with other golfers playing on 42,000 courses. It tracks your golf statistics of each round so that you can identify the reason for your poor scores.
Battery Life
The Approach G80 comes with a rechargeable battery whose runtime lasts up to 15 hours. That makes the device last at least 3 rounds of golf.
- Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
- Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance
- Preloaded with more than 41, 000 detailed color golf course maps worldwide
Benefits of Garmin Approach G80 Golf GPS
The Approach G80 comes with a radar technology that easily tracks club head speed, ball speed, swing tempo, smash factor and few other things which can help improve your shot consistency. It doesn’t charge any fee for any course updates. Consider these factors before you make a purchase decision.
Pros
- Sunlight readable touchscreen
- Large display screen
- TruSwing compatible
- Good battery life
- Works indoors and outdoors
- High quality graphics
- Digital scoreboard
- Easy to use touchscreen
Cons
- Setup difficulty for beginners
- Overheats in GPS mode
- Not the most advanced launch monitor
Highlighted Features
- PinPointer
- Swing Tempo
- Preloaded with 42,000 worldwide courses
- Touch Targeting
- Yardage to layups/doglegs
- Green View
- Tempo Training
- Hazards and course targets
- Handicap Scoring
- Round Timer/Odometer
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the battery to charge?
The new battery can take anywhere between 1 and 12 hours to fully charge.
What comes in the box?
The box comes with Approach G80 unit, cart mount, Lanyard carabiner, USB cable and documentation.
Can different courses be downloaded?
G80 comes with 42,000 worldwide courses and if you find your course is not preloaded then you can ask for it to be added. You should contact product.support@garmin.com.
Can you get alerts from smartphones to G80?
Connect your smartphone to G80 via Bluetooth to receive notifications on your device.
- Features 3. 5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar
- Integrated launch monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance
- Preloaded with more than 41, 000 detailed color golf course maps worldwide
Conclusion
You should consider buying Garmin Approach G80 because it comes with both GPS and launch monitor functionalities. While there are other more technologically advanced launch monitors out there, they are very expensive. With G80, you can have indoor as well as drive range practice sessions with an affordable launch monitor that does what you need it to do – make you better.
The radar technology makes it worth buying because it tracks swing statistics that helps improve your game. Ultimately, the G80 is a great golf GPS among the best golf GPS devices on the market.
