Garmin R10 vs Rapsodo MLM2PRO

My verdict

This is the question I see most from people starting out, and my answer depends on one thing: do you care about spin? The MLM2PRO pairs radar with two cameras and, with Rapsodo's RPT balls, measures spin rate and spin axis. The R10 measures four values (club speed, ball speed, launch angle, direction) and estimates the rest.

The R10 is cheaper to own. Garmin Golf is $99.99 a year and optional, so three years comes to about $800. On the MLM2PRO, simulator play, GSPro and E6 all sit behind the $199.99 Core plan, so it's about $1,150. If you mostly want to play courses for fun, I'd buy the R10. If you're working on your swing and want real spin numbers, the MLM2PRO.

Data and accuracy

According to PlayBetter's breakdown, the R10 only measures club speed, ball speed, launch angle and launch direction; spin, carry, club path and face angle are calculated. That's why owners describe it as accurate enough for most amateurs on full shots, but less trustworthy on spin indoors, especially without Titleist RCT balls.

The MLM2PRO's cameras let it measure spin with RPT balls, and owners say its club path and attack angle are accurate without stickers. The trade-off: owners describe wedge and chip data as glitchy, and the club-data hitting zone is smaller.

Room size

Both sit behind you on the target line, so neither moves for left-handed golfers, and both need depth. Garmin's guidance is the unit 6–8 ft behind the ball and the ball at least 8 ft from the net. Rapsodo says a little more than 14 ft in total. Taller golfers may need to move the MLM2PRO back further for its swing video. Under about 14 ft, I'd look at a camera unit beside the ball like Square Golf instead.

Extra costs to plan for

GSPro is $250 a year on either unit (the MLM2PRO also needs Core). For the MLM2PRO's measured spin you need RPT balls: a dozen Pro V1 RPT is $69.99 from Rapsodo.