Today, we’re going to be reviewing the Garmin Approach Z80 and I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts after testing out the rangefinder. This is the first laser-GPS hybrid device I’ve tested so I was pretty excited to get my hands on it so that being said, how did it perform for me?
Long story short, I really liked the Z80 and couldn’t see any negatives with it. It gives pretty much all the info you’d need out on the course and it gives the best features of both a rangefinder and GPS. Compared to other high-end devices I’ve tested, it was just as accurate which was great to see. It took me a little bit to get used to it but by the 2nd or 3rd round it was fine. It’s also an expensive unit not everyone can afford, but in my opinion, if you have the budget it’s well worth it.
If that’s all the info you were looking for then great. But if you want a more detailed review of the rangefinder, be sure to watch the full video or blog post below!
Garmin Approach Z80 Rangefinder Review
Check the current price on Amazon (best place we could find it). If you’d like to enter into our golf giveaway all you have to do is subscribe to our YouTube channel, like the video and comment “giveaway”.
Garmin Approach Z80 First Impressions
My first impression with this rangefinder is that it better be damn good with that kind of price tag on it…
It’s the first rangefinder (I’m pretty sure) to not only use a laser to find the distance but it’ll also give you a 2D image of the hole with the distances mapped out (just like a GPS).
When you point at your target it’ll show you a virtual map of the entire hole, it’ll show the distance to your target, and it’ll show the distance to the front, back, and center of the green.
It’s a pretty cool thing, but that being said, how did it perform…
How Did The Rangefinder Perform?
The whole idea of this device is pretty amazing (laser and GPS), but if it isn’t accurate there’s really no point to having one…
The first few times I used it took a little getting used to for sure but just like anything else out there, you’ll eventually get used to it and that’s exactly what happened.
After the first few rounds, it wasn’t a problem at all.
As for the ease of use and accuracy, it’s been better than I expected and am super glad because of that price tag. It was just as accurate as any other high-end device I’ve tested in the past.
Here’s a demo video:
Who’s It Best For/Not For?
I have a pretty simple answer to this question…
If you’re someone who golfs a lot and isn’t on a budget, this is one of the coolest things I’ve used and would definitely recommend.
If you don’t golf much or are tight on a budget, stick with a more basic model such as the Garmin S20 or X40.
Pros
- It gives you the best features of both a rangefinder and GPS.
- I found it easy to use after the first few rounds.
- I found it just as accurate as any other device.
- It gives pretty much all the info you’d need out on the course.
Cons
- It took me a bit of time to get used to it (it was fine after the first few rounds).
- It’s an expensive rangefinder.
The Breakdown
- Performance score: 10
- Price score: 5
- Durability score: 8
- Personal score: 8
My Final Thoughts
If you’re contemplating a GPS or a rangefinder and aren’t worried about the price, this will be for you because it gives you the best of both devices.
Yeah, it’s expensive, but everything it offers makes it one of the coolest devices I’ve ever tested and that’s why I’d give it a thumbs up and recommend.
- Check the current price on Amazon (best place we could find it)
Let me know your thoughts and any questions you have. Like this article? Feel free to give it a share!
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Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API