Good question! When it comes to the cost of a golf simulator, there are a number of things you need to factor in. The price being one – obviously! But price isn’t everything.  

I built a golf simulator AT HOME, Rick Shiels Home Golf Setup

Here at GolfBays there isn’t an “average day” as it goes. Whether we are out on a site visit measuring up a new room, on the phone to customers helping them design their dream simulator, hosting a corporate event at a super car dealership or teaching all day at our own studio. No day is the same and we love that.

Garmin R10: Best Bang For Your Buck?  The Garmin R10 is one of the most exciting launch monitors currently on the market. Why is that you ask? The answer is, it has a great blend of high-quality data and accuracy, coupled with a price that can not be grumbled at. It is one of our most popular launch monitors here at GolfBays, I am here to tell you why.  How does it work?  The Garmin R10 is a radar-based system that tracks the golf ball for a limited distance at the start of its flight and the golf club through the hitting area. It then uses specific algorithms to calculate and measure the golf club and golf ball data that you see on your screen. A great point about the Garmin R10 is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors, so you aren’t limited to improving your golf in one setting. You could also use it on the golf course to see how your swing changes when you are reacting to different targets and shots.  How do I set it up? I would say this is the easiest of all launch monitors to set up. It really is plug and play. The first thing you will need to do is download the Garmin Golf App. This is compatible with both iOS and android devices, meaning you can use it on your mobile phone or tablet. The next step is to put a golf ball down from where you intend to hit from. Now find a target you want to hit too. You then need to place the device one driver length behind the golf ball, keeping inline with your intended target. Now open the Garmin Golf App and pair your device to your mobile phone or tablet. You are now ready to play, simple as that.  What does it measure? The Garmin R10 offers a huge set of data parameters for such a small device which will give you a great insight into your game. Here is what it offers.  • CLUB HEAD SPEED​ • CLUB FACE ANGLE​ • CLUB PATH ANGLE​ • ANGLE OF ATTACK​ • BALL SPEED​ • LAUNCH ANGLE​ • LAUNCH DIRECTION​ • SPIN AXIS​ • SPIN RATE​ • APEX HEIGHT​ • SMASH FACTOR​ • CARRY DISTANCE​ • TOTAL DISTANCE​ • DEVIATION DISTANCE​   With all this data at your fingertips, it will allow you to pinpoint the specific area of your game you need to work on most. It is also great to have some data and feedback for your coach when you go for your next lesson.   Where can I use it? As I touched on previously, one benefit of the Garmin R10 is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. We find that it is one of the best routes for people who are thinking about venturing into the world of home golf simulators. The reason is that you don’t need lots of space to operate it. This is a huge benefit when it comes to playing golf at home. The Garmin R10 is also included in our comprehensive SimBoxpackages. This would give you our full SimBoxhitting enclosure, hitting mat and the launch monitor in one bundle making it the easiest way to have your own golf studio at home.  Another positive of using your device at home for simulation is the gaming aspect. On the Garmin Golf App there are over 42,000 virtual golf courses you can play. This means you can practice and improve on the virtual range. Then see yourself improve on the course, all from the comfort of your own home.  Possibly the best aspect of using the Garmin R10 at home, is that the device is compatible with the fantastic E6 Golf Connect software. This gaming software is one of the highest qualities out there. Offering, 17 different driving range views from a full range to practicing short game shots. As well as 100 golf courses with many in the top 100 in the world. Meaning you can play your favourite courses from the PGA and DP World Tours at home.  When you decide to venture out onto the driving range with your device, you’ll never go back to hitting balls without it. Practicing with live data is one of the best ways to improve your golf. You will see what makes your golf ball fly the way it does. Using this data, you can improve your distance and direction each time you practice. You can also use your smartphone camera to include integrated video playback of your golf swing. With this you can analyse your golf swing with data overlay to really get the most out of your practice session. Furthermore, with its 10-hour battery life, it’s never going to let you down in the middle of a session.  Pricing: Garmin R10 -  £499 E6 Golf Connect - $300 per year  SimBox Package - £1999.00    Final Thoughts: The Garmin R10 really is all things to all people. It’s the most competitively priced launch monitor currently on the market. It has a great variety of data parameters. It is also very accurate. The fact that it can be used at home and on the range is a huge bonus. The size of the device means that it will easily fit inside any golf bag or backpack making it uber portable. For the price of the device, I would say it is the best entry level launch monitor on the market.  If you are still undecided or are wondering if it will work for you, please get in contact with our sales team through our website. They will guide and advise you on what will be the best launch monitor for you. Also check out our website for all the latest pricing and deals we have on offer.   Harrison Peck PGA Professional