
Jack Hirsh
March 27, 2025
Garmin method R50 is an all-in-one boot monitor and emulator.
Garmin
wI tried it, and it’s a Golf.com series about golf, including clothing, gear, accessories, etc. – we recently brought out the spin. We are here to be honest, without currency, and adopt the latest and greatest golf or golf items. So, scroll down to see what we love about the latest (or new) products of golf.
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In terms of golf technology, personal launch monitor space is probably one of the fastest growing categories. New players enter the space every day.
Garmin is known for its GPS devices and smartwatches, and since the introduction of the Garmin method R10 in 2021, Garmin has been in the golf launcher game, which is probably the best personal launch monitor for $500 or under.
But now, with the release of Garmin method R50 boot monitors and simulators, the company is launching the big fence swing in the monitor.
I can really say that the R50 is different from any other boot monitor I’ve seen before. Let’s take a look at my love for the Garmin R50 and I think they can improve as Garmin finds its groove in this growing market.
Things I like:
Huge screen
The first thing about the Garmin R50 compared to other boot monitors is its size. This is largely due to the large number of 10-inch displays built into the device. That’s what really makes this unit an all-in-one boot monitor and emulator.
This is not the first boot monitor to display data on the screen, but it is the first boot monitor to display ball flight and even allows simulations within the device itself.
For this, there are some great uses: 1) You can practice the same shooting as a golf course while warming up within driving range. 2) It is much easier to create a home emulator setup without a screen. 3) No other equipment is required.
The screen is large enough to be bright enough to watch in direct sunlight, and the screen can be configured to show ball flights, data metrics, impacted videos or impact renderings and data.

Alex Galeman/Golf
Not to mention, there is almost no lag in registered shooting. You swing and you can see the data on the screen (and track the ball’s flight) before the ball falls.
Optical start monitor
The R50 is one of the few personal launch monitors in the $5K price point that uses an optical-based boot monitor system instead of radar. Instead, the R50 has three high-speed cameras to capture the ball and affect data.
This is important because the optical emission monitor is more accurate when the ball flight is limited. Radar-based launch monitors are often designed to follow the golf ball from impact until they land, and place it behind the player. When the ball is limited in the room, the accuracy is reduced, and although a radar-enabled golf ball can help, it still has no comparisons compared to the optical system.
Optical systems such as the R50 are located on the side of the player and capture all the data they need during a flight just a few feet after the impact.
Like other optical systems, the R50 requires reflective markers placed on the Clubhead (called the Foundation in the fitting world) to receive Clubhead data, but it is more accurate than radar systems. The R50 only needs to place a marker on the top center of the club face.
Able to play any Garmin mapping course
The R50 has a leg on many other boot monitors that can be used as an emulator without other devices. You can use the R50 as a boot monitor, which includes several popular golf simulation platforms like E6 Connect and GSPRO, but you can also use Garmin’s built-in home T-shirt hero app.
With the Home Tee Hero app, you can play over 43,000 courses Garmin draws for its GPS and smartwatch.
If you want to use the screen to enhance the emulation experience, then that’s fine, as there’s an HDMI port on the back of the unit.

Garmin
What can be improved:
data
If there is a more professional rather than entertaining range, the R50 will be more entertaining, which is OK.
Although the R50 shows more than 15 data metrics, including Clubhead speed, ball speed, rotation, and more, it is best to view them on the device itself. The same metrics are not visible when starting the practice course in the Garmin Golf app. There are also no iPad-optimized apps.
Apps for iPad or web browsers will be able to analyze data after a practice session, which will be a more valuable step to make the R50 more than just an entertainment gadget.
portability
Now we are just picky. The R50 is a large unit with a carrying case larger than the average backpack.
Ultimately, this won’t affect many buying decisions, but if you’re looking for a unit that can shoot on the golf course like a professional, that’s probably too big.
Bottom line

Garmin method R50
$4,999.99
Play After R50 (Advanced Golf Simulator and Launch Monitor) year-round, which allows you to play the best games in the race from Drive to Putt.
Buy it now
Also available in: Amazon, Gallin
If I put together a home golf simulator, the Garmin method R50 is probably the best unit on the market in terms of accuracy and ease of use.
Even before considering the screen and all the extra uses it provides.
Whether you need it to hit the bay or a partner gets to range and dials, the Garmin R50 is a huge choice.
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Jack Hirsh
Golf.comEdit
Jack Hirsh is the assistant device editor for Golf. Jack is a Pennsylvania native and a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning his degree in broadcast journalism and political science. He is the captain of the high school golf team and recently returned to the program as head coach. Jack is still* trying to stay competitive among local amateurs. Before joining golf, Jack worked for two years at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a multimedia journalist/reporter, but also produced, anchored and even presented the weather. He can be contacted at jack.hirsh@golf.com.
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