Expert consensus comparison
SkyTrak ST MAX Studio vs Garmin Approach R50
A $4,195 SkyTrak room stack versus Garmin's $4,500 self-contained camera bay.
SkyTrak SkyTrak ST MAX Standard Studio Package 8.3GolfTested score 
Garmin Garmin Approach R50 8.7GolfTested score Garmin Approach R50 scores 0.4 higher overall. SkyTrak ST MAX Standard Studio Package leads 1 of 5 metrics, Garmin Approach R50 leads 4. This is not presented as a GolfTested lab head-to-head.
SkyTrak ST MAX Standard Studio Package
SkyTrak's all-in-one bay: the ST MAX launch monitor with enclosure, impact screen, hitting mat, and short-throw projector in one purchase — ideal if the room is measured and you want to skip piecing it together.
Golfers with a measured, dedicated room who want a complete SkyTrak simulator in one order.
You only have space for a net, or you prefer to choose each component yourself.
See today's price at Amazon.
- Live price and stock on the listing
- Scored on the GolfTested rubric, not by the retailer
Links to Amazon may earn GolfTested a commission. It never changes a score.
Garmin Approach R50
Garmin's all-in-one camera launch monitor: measured spin, a built-in 10-inch screen, and simulator golf without a PC — premium money that makes sense only if it becomes your home bay.
Golfers building a serious indoor bay who want Garmin's camera accuracy and a self-contained simulator.
You mainly want outdoor carry trends (buy the R10) or will not pay for the membership and space.
See today's price at Amazon.
- Live price and stock on the listing
- Scored on the GolfTested rubric, not by the retailer
Links to Amazon may earn GolfTested a commission. It never changes a score.
Scorecard
Where the scores split
Gold marks the higher score in each row. Prices are brand-direct where we have checked them; Amazon prices are never printed.
SkyTrak ST MAX Standard Studio Package
- ST MAX launch monitor, enclosure, impact screen, 5x5 mat, and ZW350ST projector in one order
- Four enclosure sizes, from an 8-foot studio to a 13-foot-deep studio
- 8-foot studio uses a floor-mounted projector, so no ceiling install
- Removes the guesswork of matching a screen, mat, and projector yourself
- Only worth it if the room already fits a full driver swing
- Membership is still a real cost after any included trial or sale offer
- Less flexibility than picking the enclosure and mat yourself
- The 8-foot studio is only 4 feet deep and 7 feet 5 inches tall
Garmin Approach R50
- Three high-speed cameras measure spin rate and spin axis indoors and out
- Built-in 10-inch touchscreen runs Home Tee Hero without a separate gaming PC
- HDMI output, included case, and listed battery life of up to four hours
- Works with any golf ball; club data uses Garmin's tracking stickers
- Garmin lists the unit at $4,999.99, so it only makes sense as the center of a bay
- Home Tee Hero course play requires a Garmin Golf membership
- Club path is read from a sticker on the face, not the whole clubhead
- Four hours of battery is well short of the R10's listed 10 hours