Garmin Approach G82 vs SkyTrak ST MAX
Garmin Approach G82 is the cheaper unit by $1,395. SkyTrak ST MAX needs less room depth (12 ft vs 18 ft).
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Reasons to pick Garmin Approach G82
- Costs $1,395 less up front ($600 vs $1,995)
- Officially supports GSPro and Awesome Golf (the other doesn't)
- Built-in screen shows your numbers at the mat
Reasons to pick SkyTrak ST MAX
- Needs 6 ft less room depth (12 ft vs 18 ft)
| Garmin Approach G82 | SkyTrak ST MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✓$600 | $1,995 |
| Tracking tech | Radar (doppler) | Camera + radar |
| Placement | Beside the ball | Beside the ball |
| Min ceiling | 9 ft | 9 ft |
| Min depth | 18 ft | ✓12 ft |
| Indoor/outdoor | both | both |
| Ball requirements | any | any |
| Measured data | 8 — Ball speed, Club speed, Smash factor, Swing tempo, Carry distance, Putting stroke length, Putting tempo, Putting ball speed | ✓14 — Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Back Spin, Side Spin, Side Angle, Descent Angle, Carry Distance, Total Distance, Shot Shape, Club Head Speed, Club Path, Face Angle, Face-to-Path, Smash Factor |
| Sim software | E6 Connect, GSPro, Awesome Golf, Garmin Golf | SkyTrak Course Play, E6 Connect, TGC 2019, WGT by Topgolf |
| Sim platforms | ✓GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf | E6 Connect |
| Subscription | Garmin Golf membership ($99.99/yr) for aerial imagery + green contour; basic GPS + launch metrics free. Third-party sim subscriptions separate. | Essential $99.99/yr, Core FS $249.99/yr, Core TM $299.99/yr, Elite $499.99/yr |
| Verdict | 2026 GPS handheld with a built-in radar + 5" touchscreen — a range-warmup launch monitor with putting metrics, sim-capable via E6/GSPro. | Current SkyTrak flagship — adds GOLFTEC speed training, dual USB-C, and a faster processor over the SkyTrak+, which most reviewers call not worth the extra $1,000. |
✓ marks the better value on rankable specs (lower price, fits smaller rooms, more measured data, no required subscription). Greyed rows are identical.
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