50 Words or Less
The Garmin Approach Z10 rangefinder provides fast, accurate slope-adjusted distances. When paired with a Garmin compatible GPS device, front and back distances from the pin are also displayed.
Introduction
The Garmin Approach Z10 brings a third, lower cost option to the Garmin laser rangefinder family. Far from an entry level rangefinder, the Approach Z10 closely resembles the Approach Z30 that I said “Gave me the WOWs” in its review [read it HERE]. Does the Garmin Approach Z10 also have the WOW factor? What makes it lower cost? I’ll answer those questions and more in this review.
Setup & Ease of Use
Inside the box, the only difference between the Garmin Approach Z10 and the Z30 (besides the black and white colored body sections being flipped) is that the Z30 also includes a hand strap and a cloth lens cleaner. To engage the Garmin Approach Z10, all I had to do was install the included CR2 battery. Similar to so most rangefinders, depressing the raised button (labeled POWER) closest to the eye piece wakes the unit up, while holding it down displays distances. Zeroed in on a target like the flag, the Approach Z10 offers a brief confirming vibration. Simple.
The second button on top (labeled MODE) is how you change settings. A single press turns slope – or PlaysLike as Garmin calls it – on or off. A blue light on the side of the unit labeled TOURNAMENT indicates slope is off. I leave slope engaged, but I appreciated being able to get back to that ‘off’ position easily if I (or most likely my cart mate) accidentally hit the MODE button. Holding down the MODE button takes you to setup, where you can toggle between yards (default) and meters or change brightness.
To move beyond the basic laser rangefinder functions you’ll need the Garmin Golf app and a Garmin compatible smartwatch or their new Approach G82 GPS handheld [review HERE]. Pairing was easy to perform. The included quick start pamphlet is helpful, but it’s also worth downloading the Owner’s Manual if you don’t like to fumble around with settings on the supporting devices. [See Price / Buy]
Accuracy & Performance
Let’s start with the fundamental purpose of a laser rangefinder – distance. The accuracy of the Garmin Approach Z10 was excellent – both actual and slope adjusted. The Approach Z10 locked on to pins quickly, and I really liked that the vibration wasn’t as boisterous as other brands. The all-black graphics were crisp against the clear, 6x magnified view.
Here’s where the WOW factor begins. At the golf course, I connected my Garmin Approach Z10 rangefinder with my Approach S70 smartwatch [review HERE] and started a round. When I shot my first flag with the Approach Z10 not only did the basic PlaysLike yardage appear under the crosshairs, but to the left was the relative distance to the front and back of the green.
In the above example graphic I grabbed from the Garmin site, the straight line distance is 145 yards that’s playing down to 142 yards. The pin is up, 6 yards off the front with 17 yards behind it. The Approach Z10 utilized the GPS data from the smartwatch. And on my smartwatch, the white circle hole graphic had moved to the ranged location, and the middle GPS distance was replaced with the ranged pin distance. Garmin calls this technology Range Relay. I call it pretty cool integration.
But this is where the WOW factor goes up. Without reshooting the pin with the Garmin Approach Z10, as I walked towards the green, the pin location remained and yardages adjusted accordingly on my smartwatch display. The smartwatch didn’t revert to GPS-only data with a center pin, it continued to utilize the actual hole location. With some simple math, I was able to check accuracy against tee markers, sprinkler heads, and even pin sheets at a couple of courses and found the Garmin front and back yardages solid. There were the occasional yard or two differences, but overall, the Garmin values were trustworthy.
There’s a second or two lag for the Range Relay data to appear on the Garmin Approach Z10 or update on my smartwatch but nothing out of line with most GPS systems. The built-in magnet was strong and easily passed every bump test I could create. I haven’t had the Approach Z10 long enough to test Garmin’s stated 1 year battery life, but I have no reason to doubt such a well-respected brand.
Value
As a stand-alone laser rangefinder with slope, the Garmin Approach Z10 has the same form and function, and is priced identical to, the Bushnell A1 Slope [review HERE]. Also at $299 is the Nikon COOLSHOOT 50i GII [review HERE] which features a red display – an upgrade in my book. The value over those models comes with being able to utilize Range Relay via a Garmin compatible device.
The other value consideration comes into play against the Garmin Approach Z30 which retails for $499. There are three main differences between the Approach Z10 and the Z30: display, ranging distance, and water rating. The Z30 has a red OLED display, jumps the ranging distance from 350 to 400 yards, and is waterproof vs water resistant. Is that worth the extra $200? It’s a significant difference and I can see the Approach Z10 being a strong contender – for current Garmin users.
One final value consideration – Find My Garmin. If you’ve ever lost a rangefinder or have a tendency to leave your rangefinder in carts, being able to track its location via the Garmin App could save a lot of future heartache and expenditures. [See Price / Buy]
Conclusion
For owners of compatible Garmin smartwatches who enjoy the convenience of GPS data, but also desire the precision of a laser rangefinder, the Garmin Approach Z10 is a compelling choice. Range Relay is a great example of Garmin’s ability to integrate technology across their line of smart golf products. I do feel a bit sorry for the Approach Z30 as I fear its sales are going to migrate over to the Z10. I love red graphics in rangefinders, but certainly not enough to justify the extra $200 to jump up to the Approach Z30. [See Price / Buy]
LEAVE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF YOUR GAME. Compact design. Complete game changer. Get confidence on the course with Approach Z10, the laser rangefinder for every golfer.
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