Garmin R10 vs Rapsodo MLM2Pro: the differences at a glance!

Which golf simulator scores best, the Garmin R10 or the Rapsodo MLM2Pro?

Nowadays, when we talk about golf simulators, we often hear the Garmin R10, SkyTrak or Trackman, but from now on Rapsodo will also be added to that list! Rapsodo has launched a new golf simulator this year: the Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro. After the Garmin Approach R10, the next affordable golf simulator that can simulate ball flight! In this article we will name all the differences between these two great golf simulators. We will discuss the following topics: measuring points, accuracy, simulator options, ease of use and price.

Measuring points

Both the Garmin R10 and the Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro report statistics that in the past only the extremely expensive golf simulators reported on. Both golf simulators do not differ much from each other. For example, the Garmin R10 has slightly more clubhead information. But the Rapsodo is not inferior in the area of clubhead information because of the slow-motion camera that can zoom in on the clubhead. On the other hand, the Rapsodo has information about the descent angle; this can be very useful when you are practicing with your driver. Then you try to keep the descent angle as low as possible in order to keep as much roll as possible.

Characteristic	Garmin R10	Rapsodo MLM2Pro
Carry Distance (Flight Distance)	✓	✓
Total Distance	✓	✓
Spin Rate (Amount of spin)	✓	✓
Spin Axis (Amount of draw/fade curvature)	✓	✓
Ball Speed	✓	✓
Club Speed (Club Speed)	✓	✓
Launch Angle (Angle at which the ball rises)	✓	✓
Launch Direction (Angle at which the ball is launched)	✓	✓
Descent Angle		✓
Apex (Height of ball flight)	✓	✓
Side Carry (Distance to goal line)		✓
Smash factor (Ball speed ÷ Club speed)	✓	✓
Club face (Club angle)	✓
Club path (“In-to-out” or “out-to-in”)	✓
Angle of attack	✓

Furthermore, it is good to mention that there is a significant difference in the spin figures. The spin figures in a golf simulator are extremely important to ultimately accurately calculate the distance of the ball. In this, the Rapsodo MLM2Pro excels compared to the Garmin R10; the latter measures the spin figures with cameras, while the Garmin R10 calculates them.

Accuracy

First thing to note, the Rapsodo MLM2Pro comes with 3 special Callaway golf balls. They are there for a reason; Rapsodo claims that with the help of Rapsodo Precision Technology and Callaway's Chrome Soft X golf balls, a reported accuracy of less than 1% of advanced launch monitors is reported. The high-speed camera is better able to measure how fast the golf ball is spinning by means of the dots on the ball. If you are not practicing with this golf ball, the Rapsodo MLM2Pro will not report spin figures. However, you can use the Rapsodo MLM2Pro with regular golf balls. This way you can also use it on the driving range.

Now that this is known, there are actually two comparisons to be made. The Garmin R10 vs Rapsodo MLM2Pro; at home with a golf net and Callaway RPT Chrome Soft X golf balls. And the Garmin R10 vs Rapsodo MLM2Pro on the driving range with regular golf balls.

At home with a golf net we tend to lean towards more accurate figures for the Rapsodo MLM2Pro. Although Golf Backyard does not have a Trackman golf simulator to really be able to say that the Rapsodo MLM2Pro is more accurate indoors than the Garmin R10. On the Driving Range both golf simulators give the same figures, although we have the feeling that the Rapsodo is a bit more accurate on the longer distances.

Simulator options

In this respect, both simulators do not differ much. Both the R10 and the MLM2Pro have E6 software as an extra option (paid). This allows you to play somewhat more realistic virtual reality golf courses than the standard software that is included. Both golf simulators have the option to use Awesome Golf. With this, the Garmin R10 often measures somewhat more accurate distances than the standard simulator option.

But a big difference is that if you want to use E6 or AwesomeGolf on the Rapsodo MLM2Pro you have to activate a subscription. You get this for free the first year after purchase, but after that it costs $199 per year. This subscription provides a better user experience with access to thousands of simulated golf courses, training platforms, spin statistics, slow-motion replay and a number of other useful additions. With Garmin R10 the standard included software is slightly more extensive than the standard of Rapsodo when you do not take out a subscription.

Both golf simulators work in about the same way to stream to a projector / television. You do this by casting your mobile or tablet to a computer, screen or projector. Via iOS mirroring or Google Chromecasts. The resolution is sometimes a bit less sharp, but that has been known for a while with the Garmin R10.

Ease of use

As far as Golf Backyard is concerned, the Rapsodo MLM2Pro is a clear winner. The Rapsodo MLM was already a big favorite of ours because of the ease of receiving both distance data and swing videos. The app works very well and watching videos back is very valuable. In addition, with the Garmin R10 you will have to find the right distance behind the golf ball the first few times. Calibration is much more important. While the Rapsodo MLM2Pro is not so sensitive to this. Both golf simulators are easy to take with you everywhere, the battery life is more than sufficient and connect to both Android and iOS phones.

Price

After an initial analysis, Golf Backyard has a slight preference for the Rapsodo MLM2Pro. However, is it worth the extra money? The Garmin R10 is almost €200 cheaper and without a subscription you can practice fantastically with it. But if you mainly use the golf simulator at home with a golf net, then this little bit extra is probably worth it. We expect that either Garmin will come up with a subscription form, or Rapsodo will lower its subscription price when they find out that the subscription is a dealbreaker. Also, last year during Black Friday, for example, there were discounts at Rapsodo on the subscription for the normal MLM.

All in all, it is very difficult to choose. Which golf simulator will release the best updates? Which golf simulator will have the longest lifespan? Golf Backyard cannot yet see into the future. But know that both golf simulators offer a lot of value for every golfer for this price! It gives a good feeling when you see that your distances increase, or your direction (dispersion) decreases, or when you actually see during a round of golf that it goes better. In other words, whichever of the two golf simulators you buy, you will still enjoy it!

If after reading this article you have a clear preference or would like to know more, visit the product page of the Garmin R10 , or the Rapsodo MLM2Pro !