Everyone's buzzing about the new Mevo Gen2, but here's the thing: does it really outperform the super popular Garmin R10 for regular golfers like us? I've been testing both of these launch monitors myself, and I discovered some pretty surprising differences that might save you serious cash or totally transform your practice sessions.
So let me walk you through exactly how these two compare, what hidden costs you need to watch out for, and which one actually deserves a spot in your golf bag.
When you're comparing these launch monitors, you need to look at what makes the Flightscope Mevo Gen2 special. First off, it's incredibly portable—we're talking about something that fits in your palm and weighs less than a pound! The advanced data metrics it provides are pretty impressive, too. It tracks 16 different data points, which means you get numbers on everything from ball speed to launch angle to spin rate. For example, if you hit a 7-iron and it shows a spin rate of 7,000 RPM, you'll know right away that's too high and you need to work on hitting down less aggressively.
What really stands out, though? The user interface is super straightforward. You don't need to be a tech wizard to figure it out, just connect it to your phone, set it up behind your ball, and start swinging. The app guides you through everything with simple prompts and clear visuals. I've seen beginners get it running in under 5 minutes, which is pretty amazing when you think about how complex this technology actually is.
These features can seriously level up your practice time. Instead of just whacking balls at the range and hoping for the best, you're getting instant feedback on every single shot. You'll know if that slice is from an outside-in swing path or if you're just leaving the face open at impact. That kind of information used to require expensive lessons with a pro!
Understanding these key differences will definitely help you pick the right device for your specific needs and budget. Whether you're working on distance control, trying to fix a hook, or just want to know your real distances with each club, having the right data makes all the difference.
Unlock your best swing with the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 Launch Monitor. Combining precision tracking and portability, it’s ideal for golfers seeking pro-level insights on every shot.
Let's dive into the recently released FlightScope Mevo Gen2 and see what makes it tick.
The Mevo Gen2 hits the market at $1,199, which puts it $500 above the $699 Rapsodo MLM2PRO. But here's where things get interesting, the Mevo Gen2 doesn't charge you a penny in subscription fees. Everything works right out of the box, no monthly bills sneaking up on you later!
At the core of this device, you'll find something called Fusion Tracking. Think of it as a tag team between Doppler radar and synchronized camera processing—they work together to track your shots with impressive accuracy. Here's the kicker: this same technology powers FlightScope's $15,000 X3C professional system. You're basically getting tour-level tech in a portable package.
Right from the start, the Mevo Gen2 measures 18 different ball and club parameters. You get all the essentials: ball speed, club speed, carry distance, roll, and total distance. It tracks your spin rate and spin axis, shows you smash factor, and captures launch angle plus launch direction. Want to know your angle of attack? It's got that too. Flight time, shot type—even putting metrics like launch speed and direction make the list. Now, you might notice some of the super-advanced club data isn't there yet. We'll get to that in a bit.
One of FlightScope's coolest features comes standard with the Gen2: automatic video recording with shot tracer and data overlay. Set up your iPhone or iPad behind you, and the FS Golf app automatically captures every swing. It draws a tracer line showing your ball flight and displays your chosen metrics right on the video. This connects what you feel during your swing with what actually happens—it's like having your own personal coach showing you instant replays!
You also get a lifetime E6 Connect bundle with eight real-world golf courses. No ongoing subscription, no hidden fees. Just fire it up and play whenever you want.
The Gen2 plays nice with third-party simulator platforms too. It works with GSPro, The Golf Club 2019, Awesome Golf, Creative Golf, and more. TGC 2019 integration comes in early 2026 with a software update. This transforms the Gen2 into a true simulator-ready device without any surprise costs down the road.
Looking at the physical design, the Mevo Gen2 resembles a miniature version of FlightScope's tour-grade X3C unit. It stands taller than the original Mevo and Mevo+, and that extra height helps both the radar tracking and camera alignment work better. The improved design doesn't just look good—it actually captures more accurate data. Plenty of golfers love this device's sleek form factor and advanced features. With its compact size and boosted performance, you're getting a serious tool for analyzing your swing with precision.
The battery life impresses too. You get six hours on a single USB-C charge, which beats the Mevo+'s 2.5-hour battery life by more than double! The whole unit weighs less than a pound, making it easy to toss in your golf bag. Plus, it includes a built-in kickstand that lets you adjust the tilt and roll perfectly.
Setting it up is pretty straightforward, but you'll need the right amount of space. Like its older sibling the Mevo+, you need 8 feet between the unit and your ball, plus another 8 feet between the ball and your screen or net if you're practicing indoors. Outside? You just need that 8-foot gap behind the ball, and you're good to go.
Here's one limitation to know about: the Gen2 doesn't currently support FlightScope's Pro Package or Face Impact Location add-ons. This means you won't get those ultra-advanced club metrics like face-to-path, club path, dynamic loft, or impact heat maps. At least not right now. Those advanced data points stay exclusive to the Mevo+ for the time being.
Since the Mevo Gen2 runs on the same Fusion Tracking engine as the Mevo+, many people think these upgrades might become available eventually. But for now, there's no guarantee they'll add these features later.
Experience advanced golf tracking with the Garmin Approach R10, a premium launch monitor delivering precise data and improving your game effortlessly.
Let's dive into the Garmin Approach R10, which has quickly become one of the most popular and budget-friendly launch monitors out there. This compact device fits easily in your golf bag, so you can practice your swing wherever you want—at home, at the range, or even in your backyard. If you're comparing options, the Rapsodo MLM2PRO offers its own set of advanced features that serious golfers love for game improvement. Both devices come with user-friendly software, which means whether you're a beginner or a scratch golfer, you'll find these tools easy to use and understand.
At $599, the R10 gives you solid bang for your buck. Here's how it works: the device uses radar technology to directly measure four key things—your ball speed, club speed, launch angle, and launch direction. Then, it calculates everything else based on those measurements. Since Garmin first released the R10, they've pushed out several firmware and app updates that make the accuracy much better than before. If you're practicing indoors, here's the thing—you really need to use Titleist RCT balls to get reliable spin readings. Without them, the ball flight and curve won't look realistic on screen. The app shows you tons of metrics, but remember, most of those numbers come from calculations based on those four main measurements I mentioned.
The Garmin Golf app makes everything simple and straightforward. It rarely crashes, and you won't need a tech degree to figure it out! Garmin includes a handy phone mount with the R10, so you can set your phone at eye level at the range to see your data without squinting or bending down. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference during practice sessions. You can also use that same phone clip to record your swing on video, then watch it back inside the app. Now, it's not quite as fancy as the Mevo Gen2, which overlays your data right on top of a shot tracer line—but hey, having the option to record and review your swing is still pretty useful.
When it comes to software compatibility, the R10 really shines. You can use it with GSPro, E6 Connect, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf 3D, and Awesome Golf. Plus, you get five free E6 iOS courses right out of the box, so you can start playing virtual rounds immediately!
The R10 also works with Home Tee Hero, which is Garmin's animated simulator featuring 42,000 mapped golf courses from around the world. Just so you know, this feature requires a Garmin Golf Membership that costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month.
Setting up the R10 couldn't be easier. The unit itself is tiny—literally about the size of a deck of cards—and it snaps right onto its tripod with a magnetic connection. To aim it properly, you just follow the red alignment line, and you're good to go. It's super simple, trust me.
For an indoor setup, you'll need 6 to 8 feet of space behind the ball and at least 8 feet from the ball to your net or screen. That's the minimum, but a bit more space never hurts! Outside, the R10 works great whether you're hitting off mats or natural grass, and it picks up your shots reliably. In my experience testing this device, it rarely misses a shot—maybe one in a hundred at most.
Alright, now you've seen what each device can do on its own. Let's put them side by side and see how they really measure up against each other!
Let's talk money — because that's what really matters when you're shopping for launch monitors, right?
The Garmin Approach R10 costs $599.99. Here's the thing though: you're probably going to want that Garmin Golf membership too. The Home Tee Hero feature is honestly too much fun to pass up! Plus, if you already own a Garmin watch or GPS device, you'll get tons of extra value from the membership. So really, you should budget an extra $99 per year, or $9.99 per month for that add-on.
Now, the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 runs $1,199 — double the price of the R10. But wait, there's a twist! You don't need any subscription at all. That's actually one of FlightScope's biggest selling points across their whole product line.
Beyond the no-subscription deal, the Mevo Gen2 packs some serious features. You get excellent portability, which means you can toss it in your golf bag without thinking twice. The interface is super user-friendly too — you won't need a tech degree to figure it out. You can track all the important stuff like ball speed, launch angle, and spin rates. These metrics help you understand what's really happening with your swing, whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for years.
Here's how the value breaks down: if you need the lowest upfront cost, the R10 wins hands down. I mean, think about it — it's literally half the price of a Mevo Gen2! When you look at it that way, the R10 seems like an incredible deal.
But let me tell you, if monthly fees make you break out in hives and you want everything included from day one, the Gen2 changes the whole value game pretty quickly. No subscriptions, no surprises, just golf data whenever you want it.
Mevo Gen2: Here's what makes this device stand out - Fusion Tracking gives you ball data you can actually trust, shot after shot. You get 18 different measurements, which covers pretty much everything you need for real practice, whether you're hitting balls in your garage or out on the range.
Now, let me be straight with you. You won't get the super advanced stuff that FlightScope saves for their Pro Package, like seeing exactly where you hit the ball on the clubface. Want those features? You'll need to step up to the pricier Mevo+, which runs about $500 more.
R10: This unit delivers solid performance for what you're paying. Here's the thing though - spin data can be tricky. If you're practicing indoors without those special RCT balls (which cost about $50 per dozen!), your spin numbers might wander off track a bit.
Let's talk about what really matters. If you want data that's rock-solid every single time you swing, the Gen2 is your winner. Don't get me wrong, the R10's accuracy isn't bad at all - especially when you consider it costs $1,000 less. But it relies more on calculations and estimates rather than directly measuring everything.
Think of it this way: the Mevo device gets you closer to what the pros use. If you're serious about your game and need accuracy you can bank on, you'll probably feel better about spending the extra money on the Gen2. The R10 works great for most golfers, but when precision really counts, that's where you'll notice the difference.
Let's talk about what golf courses you can actually play on these devices. The Gen2 gives you eight E6 courses right away, no extra fees needed. You can connect it to GSPro, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf too. Here's something to look forward to – TGC 2019 support should arrive in January 2026!
The R10 comes with five free E6 courses, and it works with the same third-party software as the Gen2. But here's where it gets interesting: if you subscribe to Garmin Golf, you unlock Home Tee Hero. This feature lets you play an animated version of pretty much any golf course you want – even your local muni!
Both devices make great entry points into simulator golf, honestly. If you want to start playing right now without spending extra money, the Gen2 has you covered with those eight courses. But if the idea of playing your home course in animated form sounds amazing (and you don't mind paying for a membership), the R10's ecosystem with Home Tee Hero is genuinely fun.
The Gen2 automatically creates shot-tracer videos with your data overlaid on top. Your phone or tablet camera captures everything, which really helps you connect what you felt during the swing with what the ball actually did. It's like having your own personal highlight reel!
The R10 requires you to manually capture phone video, but don't worry – the app works smoothly. Plus, they include a phone mount that makes the whole setup pretty straightforward.
Let me tell you, Mevo's automatic shot tracer with data overlay is the real deal. When you see your shot path drawn on the video with all your numbers right there, it just clicks. So if video feedback matters to you, the Gen2 takes this category hands down.
Let's talk about what it's like to actually use these devices day to day.
The Gen2 keeps things running for six hours straight on a single USB-C charge. That's enough for a full morning of practice, and you can juice it up with the same cable you probably use for your phone. The vertical chassis design makes it compact enough to toss in your bag, and here's the thing – it's both lightweight and tough enough to handle some bumps. The alignment cues really help too. You know those little markers that show you exactly where to position yourself? They make setup way faster, especially when you're trying to squeeze in practice before work.
Now, the R10 takes a different approach. The device itself is tiny, which sounds great until you realize the carrying case is actually pretty bulky. It's like buying a compact car that needs an oversized garage! But here's where it gets interesting – the phone mount feature is a total game-changer that most people don't even think about. Instead of squinting at a small screen, you can mount your phone right where you need it, making everything easier to see and control during your session.
When you compare them head-to-head, the Gen2 feels more like something a serious golfer would use. It's got that professional vibe with all its features working together smoothly. The R10, on the other hand, wins when it comes to keeping things simple. You don't need a manual to figure it out, and sometimes that's exactly what you want after a long day.
Both devices handle the basics well, but they're designed for different types of users. Think of it this way – the Gen2 is like a Swiss Army knife with everything organized perfectly, while the R10 is more like your favorite pocket knife that just works every time you need it.
No, the Mevo Gen2 doesn't charge any subscription fees at all. Everything works right out of the box including eight E6 Connect golf courses, and you'll never see a monthly bill.
The Mevo Gen2 uses Fusion Tracking technology that combines radar and camera data for more precise measurements, while the R10 directly measures four key metrics and calculates the rest, making the Gen2 more accurate overall.
The Mevo Gen2 needs 8 feet behind the ball and another 8 feet to your net or screen. The R10 requires 6 to 8 feet behind the ball and at least 8 feet to your hitting surface.
Yes, both work with GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf. The Mevo Gen2 will add TGC 2019 support in early 2026, while the R10 already supports it.
The $99 yearly membership unlocks Home Tee Hero, which lets you play animated versions of 42,000 real golf courses from around the world on your device.
Here's the deal, guys. If you want the most accurate launch monitor around $1,000 and don't need subscription fees, grab the FlightScope Mevo Gen2. You're getting FlightScope's Fusion Tracking technology — basically, it combines radar and camera data to nail your shot measurements. With 18 data points that actually matter, lifetime access to E6 golf courses, and a video tracer that beats everything else out there, this thing delivers. Best part? Zero subscription fees!
Now, if you're looking to spend less but still want it all, check out the Garmin Approach R10. At $599.99, you can practice with instant feedback, play tons of sim golf, and use their super clean app. Sure, you'll need to budget $99 yearly for the membership, and if you're using it indoors, grab some Titleist RCT balls — these special balls help the radar track better inside. But here's the thing: for six hundred bucks, you're getting an insane amount of golf tech.
The R10 has stayed popular for years, and there's a good reason. It gives you tons of features for the money. Remember, this thing costs half of what the Mevo Gen2 does — that's a huge difference!
Meanwhile, the Mevo Gen2 is getting lots of buzz lately. Why? Because it delivers accuracy that rivals monitors costing thousands more, and it sits right at that sweet $1,000 price point that serious golfers can actually justify.
Here's what I'm saying: you really can't go wrong with either one. Look at the differences I've laid out, think about how you'll actually use it, and pick what fits your game. Either way, you're getting a winner.
For those of you who've been using the R10 for a while — do you still love it? What are your thoughts on the new Mevo Gen2? Drop a comment and let me know.
Thanks for watching, as always! If this helped you out, hit that like button. Want more reviews like this? Subscribe and you'll get them all.
And hey, if you want my complete rundown of the Best Launch Monitors this year — I tested every single one — check out the video right here. See you out on the course!
