Garmin Approach R50 vs SkyTrak ST MAX
SkyTrak ST MAX is the cheaper unit by $2,504.
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Reasons to pick Garmin Approach R50
- Officially supports GSPro and Awesome Golf (the other doesn't)
- Full sim built in — no PC or tablet needed
Reasons to pick SkyTrak ST MAX
- Costs $2,504 less up front ($1,995 vs $4,499)
| Garmin Approach R50 | SkyTrak ST MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,499 | ✓$1,995 |
| Tracking tech | Camera (photometric) | Camera + radar |
| Placement | Beside the ball | Beside the ball |
| Min ceiling | 9 ft | 9 ft |
| Min depth | 12 ft | 12 ft |
| Indoor/outdoor | both | both |
| Ball requirements | any | any |
| Measured data | 10 — Ball speed, Launch angle, Launch direction, Spin axis, Spin rate, Apex height, Smash factor, Carry distance, Total distance, Deviation distance | ✓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 | Home Tee Hero, Garmin Golf, GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf | SkyTrak Course Play, E6 Connect, TGC 2019, WGT by Topgolf |
| Sim platforms | ✓GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf | E6 Connect |
| Subscription | Subscription required for Home Tee Hero (43,000 courses, leaderboards). Third-party simulator software (GSPro, E6, Awesome Golf) subscriptions sold separately. | Essential $99.99/yr, Core FS $249.99/yr, Core TM $299.99/yr, Elite $499.99/yr |
| Verdict | All-in-one camera unit with a built-in screen — the simplest path to a no-PC sim room. | 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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