With several high-quality, inexpensive portable launch monitors available on the market today, you’ll often find that there are quite a few good options for you to choose from without breaking the bank.
However, it’s always important to focus more on what a device offers over its costs.
Those looking for an excellent budget option that provides pretty much everything they’ll need should take the time to look into the Garmin Approach G80 vs Swing Caddie SC300i. Two incredible launch monitors that can do a lot despite their small size.
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With everything that each of these units offers, choosing which one to buy isn’t always a simple task.
Whether you’re new to the world of golf and need some help with understanding it all or simply want a breakdown of which one of these models is best, we’ve got all the info you need to pick the right launch monitor.
Comparison Chart:
Details about Garmin Approach G80 vs Swing Caddie SC300i
Being one of the few products on the market that combines GPS technology and the capabilities of a launch monitor, it’s not hard to see why the Garmin Approach G80 is a popular choice, especially for its great price.
On the other hand, a device like the Swing Caddie SC300i is an excellent choice for the many metrics it can provide and precision and interesting features in general.
Overall, both of these units are great, although anyone who isn’t bothered about GPS functionality may find the Swing Caddie to be a far better choice.
Those who want the benefits of both GPS and launch monitor statistics might be more intrigued by the Approach G80. In general, it’s up to you to decide what you want.
Product Overviews Of Garmin Approach G80 And Swing Caddie SC300i
Garmin Approach G80
Much like the other Garmin golf products, the Garmin Approach G80 isn’t just a launch monitor, but they double up as golf GPS devices. Providing players with a little more info during their games.
Thanks to the handheld GPS and its excellent features, this unit has over 40,000-course maps across the globe and gives you a bird’ eye view of all the key points of the course.
Focusing on the launch monitor side of the unit, the Garmin G80 offers plenty to entice golf players, from its accurate distances to metrics like ball speed, smash factor, swing, and much more.
As a launch monitor with GPS, the G80 can be excellent for your practice sessions in various ways.
- A long-lasting, rechargeable battery
- Target and virtual mode
- 3.5” color touchscreen display
- It may take a while to load the GPS maps and course you’re on
- It’s not uncommon for these models to overheat and freeze
Swing Caddie SC300i
Another popular launch monitor among players is the Swing Caddie SC300i. From affordability to simplicity, there are certainly a couple of features that you’ll want to consider when looking for the perfect golf equipment you’ll find in this monitor.
As an upgrade to the Voice Caddie SC200, you can rest assured that this model does everything the original did and more, offering advanced metrics and increasing precision overall. Plus, the smartphone app only helps to improve its functionality.
For a great price and a good quality portable launch monitor, it’s well worth checking out a product like the Swing Caddie SC300i.
- Offers options like target and practice mode
- Easy to use interface and remote control for when you’re at a distance
- Voice output to make your practice games even simpler
- Precise data when taking short-range shorts
- When compared to the G80, a lack of GPS is certainly noticeable
- It tends to provide (albeit small) ballpark estimates on longer drives rather than precise data points
Garmin Approach G80 vs Swing Caddie SC300i – Side By Side Comparison
Affordability
For the most part, you’ll find that both of these devices are sold for a similar amount, generally being no more than $500 wherever you look.
While prices can change over time, you can generally rely on the fact that they’ll be somewhere around this point. But, again, this is because they are both affordable manufacturers while offering next-level quality is something you cannot overlook.
Simplicity
Fortunately, for those who don’t want to spend too much time fiddling around with their device or going through a complicated setup process, most will find that both of these launch monitors are quick and easy to use.
This alone makes them an excellent choice for both amateur and more experienced golfers.
Target mode
The Swing Caddie and Garmin launch monitors give golfers a chance to spend their practice sessions a little differently.
Target mode lets players switch up the game by imposing new rules. Essentially, you need to hit a series of yardages that you set, and you’ll be given a score based on how accurate you are.
This simply helps to spice things up a bit from time to time and helps you hit more accurate distances.
This particular model isn’t the same as practice modes or virtual mode, so be sure to keep this in mind when searching for the best buy.
Key differences between Them
The additional benefit of having GPS in the G80
Garmin is one of the best GPS companies, and their launch monitors tend to all have GPS capabilities, so it’s no surprise that the G80 relies on the quality technology the brand has developed over the years.
It certainly puts a device like an Approach G80 above those without GPS, such as the Swing Caddie.
Consider the accuracy of the Swing Caddie
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about precision since both of these units provide golfers with a good ballpark estimate at the very least.
It might be worth noting that, while the accuracy on the GPS of the G80 is good, some users may find that the precision of launch monitor data isn’t quite perfect. While fairly reliable, most users will find that the Swing Caddie is just a bit more accurate and consistent in general.
Overall both are fairly consistent, so if you’re looking for the 2-in-1 monitor and GPS that Garmin has to offer, you might have to sacrifice a little precision.
Carry distance, golf ball speed, and other metrics
Another consideration for anyone unsure of which to pick is the data points that these models measure.
From the G80, you’ll get:
- Ball flight speed
- Carry distance
- Clubhead speed
- Estimated carry and roll
- Smash factor
- Swing tempo
On the other hand, with the SC300i, you’ll have access to a few more measurements.
Here are the metrics available on the Swing Caddie:
- Apex
- Ball speed
- Carry and total yardages
- Launch Angle
- Smash factor
- Spin rate
- Swing speed
As you can see, that’s quite a bit more info than the SC300 has to offer when compared to the 5 data points on the Garmin Approach G80.
You should consider the feedback you receive from your launch monitor since more information, such as yardages and club strength, can help you be able to improve your game more quickly.
FAQs
Is Garmin Approach G80 accurate?
According to Garmin, the G80 is within 5 yards when it comes to carrying, +/- 5mph on club speed and +/- 2mph on flight time, which isn’t bad at all.
How accurate is the Voice Caddie SC300?
Providing accuracy within 5% on carrying distances and 3% on the rest of the data points, it’s known for being a pretty reliable launch monitor.
Is the SC300 more accurate than the SC200?
While both of these devices are generally precise, the updated model is certainly more accurate. If you don’t mind a higher price and want a higher quality launch monitor, the Voice Caddie SC300 is well worth it.
When did the Garmin Approach G80 come out?
This product was first available on January 22nd, 2019.
Can the Swing Caddie SC300 be used indoors?
The Swing Caddie SC300i can be used indoors, although the manufacturers recommend that it’s placed at least 6 and a half feet from the ball to the net.
Is the Garmin G80 waterproof?
With a waterproof rating of IPX7, this launch monitor can withstand incidental exposure of up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Final thoughts
After reading through the Garmin Approach G80 vs Swing Caddie SC300i review, we hope you’ll be able to determine which one is best for you.
Considering all that they have to offer, it’s hard to pick a favorite; but the Swing Caddie SC300i might just come out on top, recommend manufacturers, in our opinion. Despite this, both are excellent golf products, and you’re likely to be happy with whichever one you choose.