Garmin Approach G82 vs GolfBuddy Shot Mate
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and pricing
Specs updated
Why Garmin Approach G82 is better
- Battery life: 3 hours longer battery (8 vs 5)
- Built-in display: Built-in touchscreen (color_touchscreen vs lcd_readout)
Why GolfBuddy Shot Mate is better
- Price: $420 cheaper (179.99 vs 599.99)
- 3-year cost: $720 cheaper over three years (179.99 vs 899.96)
- Weight: 0.39000000000000007 lb lighter (0.29 vs 0.68)
Specs Comparison
Garmin Approach G82 $600 vs GolfBuddy Shot Mate $180
| Specification | Garmin Approach G82 $600 | GolfBuddy Shot Mate $180 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Price | $600 | $180 |
| Measurement | ||
| Tracking technology | Doppler radar | Doppler radar |
| Radar type | — | Single Doppler |
| Spin measurement | Not reported | Not reported |
| Marked balls | Not required | Not required |
| Accuracy tier | Entry-level | Entry-level |
| Ball data | ||
| Ball speed | Measured | Measured |
| Launch angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Launch direction | Not reported | Not reported |
| Spin rate | Not reported | Not reported |
| Spin axis | Not reported | Not reported |
| Carry distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Total distance | Calculated | Calculated |
| Apex height | Not reported | Not reported |
| Descent angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Offline distance | Not reported | Not reported |
| Club data | ||
| Club speed | Measured | Measured |
| Attack angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Club path | Not reported | Not reported |
| Face angle | Not reported | Not reported |
| Impact location | Not reported | Not reported |
| Smash factor | Calculated | Calculated |
| Club data unlock | Not available | Not available |
| Space & environment | ||
| Environment | — | Indoor + outdoor |
| Placement | Beside the ball | Behind the ball |
| Setback (ft) | — | 4.9 |
| Lefty / righty | — | No repositioning |
| Installation | None (portable) | None (portable) |
| Sim software | ||
| Simulator capable | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| GSPro support | No | No |
| E6 Connect support | No | No |
| Awesome Golf support | No | No |
| TGC 2019 support | No | No |
| FSX Play support | No | No |
| First-party software | none | none |
| Subscription | ||
| Subscription (per year) | $100/yr | None |
| Works without subscription | GPS (43,000+ preloaded courses), radar metrics, putting metrics, Virtual Caddie and scoring all work without a membership; the Garmin Golf membership adds aerial imagery and green contour data. | Fully functional out of the box: all readings on the built-in auto-brightness display, 1,000-swing storage, golf and practice-swing modes. Marketed as 'subscription-free'; no app, no account, no phone pairing exists for this device. |
| Connectivity & apps | ||
| Apps | iOS, Android | None recorded |
| Watch app | — | None |
| Built-in display | Color touchscreen | LCD readout |
| Screen mirroring | — | None |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | None recorded |
| Offline mode | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Physical & power | ||
| Weight (lb) | 0.68 | 0.29 |
| Dimensions (in) | — | 4.4 x 3.0 x 1.0 in |
| Battery life (hours) | 8 | 5 |
| Power source | Rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery |
| Charging port | — | USB-C |
| Alignment | — | Manual target line |
| In the box | — | USB Type-C charging cable, user guide, warranty card |
Buy the Garmin Approach G82
Buy the GolfBuddy Shot Mate
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