Garmin Approach G80 Vs. Flightscope Mevo Comparison Review

Garmin Approach G80 Vs. Flightscope Mevo Review

Having trouble finding a launch monitor that works well both indoors and outdoors? So were we. The sad truth about launch monitors is that it’s hard to find one that records accurately in any condition and one that isn’t a pain in the neck to play with.

That is why we found it incumbent upon ourselves to scour the market and find the best rated launch monitors we could find and do a review on them. Launch monitors are great tools for correcting hitches in your drive which, in turn, can drastically improve your game.

If you are in the market for a launch monitor, we would be willing to bet that your purpose is to lower your handicap. We know that buying a launch monitor is an investment in your game. Nothing is more infuriating than spending money on one that is inaccurate and unhelpful, especially if you can’t return it.

In the following article, we will review and compare 2 launch monitors that we spent a significant amount of time with. Let’s begin.

The Garmin Approach G80 Features

Our first launch monitor comes from Garmin, a trusted name in GPS for many a decade. The Approach G80 is a light, compact little GPS unit that comes with a built in indoor/outdoor launch monitor.

The GPS functions of the Approach G80 include a “green view” that shows you your distance to the back, front and middle of the green. It comes preloaded with 41,000 golf courses and vital information for each (par, hazards, dog legs, color maps, distances to fairways etc.).

To use the launch monitor, you simply set it in front of you as you swing. Garmin recommends resting it on a golf ball about 3 feet in front of you. The monitor tracks club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and an estimated distance of the drive (based on impact metrics).

There is also a “practice mode” that we found pretty fun. It’s basically a virtual course that tests your accuracy using different clubs (operated in launch monitor mode). We made a competitive game at seeing who performed the best in this mode around the office.

The Flightscope Mevo

The Flightscope Mevo is a launch monitor for purists. It does not offer any golf GPS features. It does however track more data for you. In addition to ball speed, club head speed, smash factor, swing tempo and distance, you also get info on spin rate, carry distance, vertical launch angle, hang time and peak shot height.

You can also sync it to the Flightscope app to record your swings. One nifty little feature actually superimposes shot data onto the video clip of you taking the corresponding swing. You can even upload the video clip to social media when you connect it to your phone, tablet or computer.

The Mevo is an indoor/outdoor monitor. It relies on Doppler 3D radar to track shots with pretty good accuracy. Flightscope recommends using the Mevo with 4 to 7 feet of space behind the ball and about 8 feet in front.

All of the functions of the Mevo are controlled via the Flightscope app. While it can be tricky to set up your shot using the app, it provides a wealth of helpful shot information once you get it dialed in.

Price Difference

You are looking at about a $100 price difference between these 2 units. The Flightscope Mevo is $500 at most retailers and the Garmin G80 is around $400.

Performance Difference

What you have to realize is that the G80 is a combo GPS/launch monitor. It is a self-contained unit meaning you don’t have to pair it to a device or download an app to use it. It’s like a little phone. It is operated by a color, 3.5” touchscreen.

The Flighscope is more of a traditional launch monitor. It needs to be paired to a device to see any information. With that qualifier out of the way, we did find the Mevo to not only offer more in the way of drive metrics, but also accuracy.

While the Flightscope lacks the convenience of dealing with just one device, it gives accurate information and more of it.

As we suspected, both units performed better outdoors than they did indoors. Radar devices will always be more accurate outdoors – especially ones at this price point.

Garmin G80 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Offers GPS features
• Fun practice mode
• Easy to use
• Battery lasts for at least a couple 3 hour session at the range
• Small enough to carry easily in your bag
• More affordable

Cons:

• Limited on swing metrics
• Freezes sometimes
• Does not take video
• Misses some shots

Flightscope Mevo Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It has pretty much all the drive metrics you will need
• You can sync it to devices or TV’s to watch your swing
• Data overlay (on video) feature
• Convenient built-in stand
• Uses 3D Doppler radar
• Greater accuracy

Cons:

• Metallic stickers are recommended to measure spin rate
• It can be annoying inputting information for every shot
• Doesn’t work as well for indoor practice
• No golf GPS features

Which is Worth your Investment?

The answer to this question will depend largely on your needs. Are you more interested in having course information than increasing your drive distances? If so than the G80 is for you. If you don’t care about GPS features (or if you already have a golf GPS device) and want to improve your swing, the Mevo is more up your alley.

Still, we went into this review to test 2 launch monitors against one another. In light of these parameters, the Flightscope Mevo has the advantage as a launch monitor. It offers more information and is more accurate at tracking shots. It is not perfect. It has its flaws such as the tedious data input but it is a better overall launch monitor to improve your game but, as we say if you want all the extra features from Garmin then go with the G80

It is also one of the more affordable monitors when compared to others on the market. With that, we give it our blessing so try it for yourself today!

Get The Best Price On The Garmin G80

Get The Best Price On The Garmin G80