Garmin Approach Z82 Review

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

The Garmin Approach Z82 is a laser rangefinder with a built-in GPS that was released in late 2020 and this new product from industry giant, Garmin, has been met with great reviews from consumers.

In terms of features, the Approach Z82 exceeds expectations when compared to other major competitors such as TecTecTec and Bushnell, with the inclusion of a built-in GPS to display distances to multiple targets simultaneously.

Also notable is Approach Z82’s ability to measure elevation that may be helpful in preventing long-distance shots from running into water hazards or sand traps.

Another highlight of the Product is its simple design that eliminates any unnecessary complications that may prevent the user from simply enjoying their game.

Garmin Approach Z82 Review:- Features

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

Green View

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

The red and white pin shows you how far it is to the green, as well as where your tee shot will go.

A green view of the golf course enables you to have a better perspective of what lies ahead of you.

If you enter your driving distance before you play, then the approach will show you via the hole map where you should roughly expect a good drive to end up.

This is incredibly useful and adds a whole new dynamic to what we consider possible with a laser rangefinder, especially on courses we haven’t played before.

Laser Range Arc

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

The Approach Z82’s Laser Range Arc function draws an arc on the Approach Z82 map at the distance the laser ranged, so you may see everything in play from that distance.

This feature was also available on the old Z80 and works well to draw a path around which you should aim to keep your shots from straying.

Slope Adjusted Distances

In addition to laser range arc, the Approach Z82 also calculates the Slope Adjusted distances, so if you know how far down a hill you can hit your drive, then the Distance View will show this for each shot with the corresponding degree of slope.

This is ideal for anyone that plays on hilly or sloping courses and is available with just one touch of a button.

If Slope is disabled, then you get the same great features as on the Z80.

Hazard View

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

In Hazard View, it shows the distance to the front, middle, and back of each hazard on Hole View. This is great if you are playing a course for the first time as it gives you an idea of just how far away any trouble really is.

As with its predecessor, Approach Z82 features Auto Course recognition, so after the initial setup, it will load up previously played courses.

Pin Lock

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

Pin Locking is the other great feature we mentioned earlier, and it can be activated in three ways.

You can either press the green button on the Approach Z82 before you start playing a hole or while playing by pressing and holding down both buttons for one second.

The third way to use pin lock is when you’re on Hole View and want to move the flag on screen, simply press and hold the green button to activate it.

Next Hole Prediction

One of my favorite features of this handheld is its Next Hole Prediction technology which predicts the hole you’re playing next.

The Approach Z82 will automatically know if you’re heading back to the clubhouse or continuing on to the next hole.

If you’re playing a par 5, it will suggest the appropriate club to hit based on your current position and elevation, or if you’re playing a Par 3, it will give you the recommended club for the halfway distance as well as suggested layup distances.

Tournament mode

The external indicator light, which can be switched on and off, informs you and your teammates when you’re in tournament mode.

Battery Life

It also features a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that lasts for 14 hours, and it takes about an hour or two to fully charge.

The device itself does have an on/off button but automatically kicks into standby mode when you’re done using it, and automatically turns on (to GPS mode) when you’re ready to play.

Image Stabilization

Its image stabilization is a software-based technology that uses a sensor to detect vibrations.

It really works well and it is cool to watch as the system adjusts the image stability in real-time even without the help of an optical stabilization system.

This makes it easier to find and range the flag. And when you lock in on it, vibrational feedback will let you know.

Durability

It also has an easy-to-see bright screen and it is weatherproof so you can take it out in the rain without worry.

Electronic compass

We found that one very useful feature of the rangefinder is the compass.

The Garmin Approach Z82 features an electronic compass that, along with the current hole number and par at your location. Also, you can get front/center/back yardages to the pin and hazards at the push of a button.

As we looked around, a red circle with a point on it pointed to where the flag was. It even pointed us in the direction when we could not see it!

The compass will also show you which direction you should be aiming towards the hole and even point out where the next tee is if you can’t see it from your position.

This feature may not seem like much, but if you are on a new course or maybe playing by yourself sometimes, then this simplifies things a lot.

This is a great feature to find out the distance between the blind holes and other ones we never even played before. This makes the laser rangefinder a lot better for blind holes and also helps out with so many other situations as well.

Even if you are not aiming the Garmin Approach Z82 at the actual pin, it will point you in the direction of the pin as you look through it.

Garmin Golf app

The Garmin Golf app is the final piece in the Approach Z82 puzzle.

The app pairs with your smartphone, and it offers a variety of features that enhance your golfing experience.

It provides you with access to the approach’s “view front/middle/back” feature on your mobile device screen when you can’t view from behind the tree or other objects.

Plus, you can review the distances on the course map to get an idea of where hazards are located—and even adjust your grip or stance accordingly.

You can also use your smartphone to view club recommendations that consider the elevation changes at each hole, maintaining a consistent distance range throughout your round.

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How Garmin Approach Z82 works?

The GPS of the z82 is precise to a few yards out of 450 yards.

The Z82 features a high-resolution bright display with 2D color maps, and it comes preloaded with 41,000 courses in more than 30 countries.

Of course, Garmin Approach Z82 can measure precise yardages from your current location or from the tee box of the hole you want to play.

It has a bright display with readability in full sunlight and features an automatic shutoff to conserve battery life (it’s good for an estimated 15 hours of use).

What distinguishes it from most other handheld GPS devices is its ability to measure yardages accurately on the fly (latest version, v2.0). This function, called IntelliGreen, uses a high-sensitivity receiver to deliver yardages down to the front, middle, and back of greens.

This is a huge advantage to golfers of all skill levels.

The Garmin Approach Z82 is quickly becoming the handheld of choice for many amateur and professional golfers.

It’s simple to use, very accurate, and reliable and unlike most other GPS units it displays distances in yards so you don’t have to do any math.

However, there are better handhelds available if you’re a serious golfer who is looking for a lightweight GPS handheld, but its laser rangefinder alone is worth the price.

The Z82 is ideal for novice golfers who want more accurate and easier-to-read distance measurements than they can get with the course yardage markers.

It’s best to pair your Approach Z82 with a Garmin Golf App for better utilization, it works on both iOS and Andriod Mobile.

The Garmin Approach Z82 not only offers a great rangefinder but also includes the most comprehensive golf app out there.

It has many features that can be utilized on the course, but when not using the device it automatically enters standby mode to conserve battery life.

Garmin Approach Z82 Review

Garmin Approach Z82 Review:- Video Review

Garmin Approach Z82 Review:- Pros & Cons

Garmin Approach Z82 Review 1

Pros

  • Bright Screen
  • Durable and sleek
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Preloaded with 41,000+ courses from around the world,
  • Plays Like Distance
  • Ability to measure both front/back distances
Garmin Approach Z82 Review 2

Cons

  • Pricey

Garmin Approach Z82 Review:- FAQs

Usually, rangefinders are either laser-based or GPS, but z82 has both in the same device.

More than 41,000 courses worldwide.

Yes, PlaysLike Distance technology lets it give accurate distances within 10" of the pin.

One year limited manufacturer.

This rangefinder has Image stabilization technology and  scorecard.

The buttons are big enough to press easily with gloves on or when wearing any weather gear that may dampen the tactile feel of the buttons.

Garmin Approach Z82 Review:- Conclusion

The Garmin Approach Z82 is the perfect device for golfers who want to do more with their game.

It’s packed with features that make everyday life easier, more entertaining, and more productive.

The Garmin Approach Z82 laser range finder is durable and well-designed, with a sleek black finish that won’t show dirt.

It’s also water-resistant to allow you to take it out in the rain without the worry about damaging it.

If those features weren’t enough for you, this device has an electronic compass as well as image stabilization making it easier than ever before to find and range the flag.

The app provides yardages on course maps so you can adjust your grip or stance accordingly–even if we cannot see from behind the tree; We found that a very useful feature of the rangefinder!

This makes us feel confident when playing Golf by ourselves sometimes because now we know which direction we should be aiming towards the hole and even point out where the next tee is if we cannot see it from our position.

Overall, it’s a great laser rangefinder with a built-in Golf GPS. It’s a little bit pricey but worth every penny. 

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Garmin Approach Z82 Review
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