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How does the Garmin Approach Z30 Golf Laser Rangefinder measure up? Read on to find out
The Garmin Approach Z30 is their first new Garmin rangefinder in over 4 years and offers some novel features.
Golf distance measuring devices (or DMDs) were first used in 1995 with the introduction of laser technology. GPS devices arrived about five years later. And one of the companies at the forefront of this technology is Garmin.
Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao and, from the outset, has specialised in GPS technology for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and sports activities. Their first customer was the U.S. Army back in 1991.
So, with that sort of pedigree, you can rest assured that you will be getting quality kit if you purchase a Garmin golf rangefinder – so let’s dive straight in and see what’s new after a 4 year wait.
The Garmin Approach Z30 Golf Laser is an absolute joy to use and has a number of useful features. It’s not the cheapest rangefinder and, for optimum performance, needs to be paired with a Garmin Smartwatch.
PROS
Crystal clear display
Intuitive to use
Clever integration with compatible Garmin Smartwatch
There’s a small logo on the Z30 box which simply states “Engineered on the inside for life on the outside” which neatly sets the scene. The box contains all the usual suspects; namely the device itself, a smart carrying case with carabiner clip, cleaning cloth and brief instructions.
This latest Garmin rangefinder comes with a traditional CR2 battery, which rather bucks the trend towards a rechargeable device. I’m ok with that, particularly as there is a battery level indicator on the display. That said, I always tend to carry a spare CR2 battery in my bag ‘just in case’.
The Approach Z30 is also somewhat bigger than many of the latest rangefinders. At 222 gms it’s almost 30% heavier than the last rangefinder I tested. It’s even slightly heavier (although slightly smaller in dimensions) than my trusty old Bushnell Tour v3 from over a decade ago.
It comes in just one colour as you can see in the pictures. It looks and feels like a serious piece of kit, with an ergonomic, textured finish which meant that it is a delight to operate.
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The Z30 offers all the features that you would expect from a rangefinder. There is an eyepiece focus adjuster, offering x6 magnification. The two buttons on top are pretty standard. The first button switches the device on & off, and measures upto a range of 400 yards with vibrational feedback once you’ve locked on to the pin.
The second button switches from yards to metres, and accesses the slope function. If the slope function is off, there is a ‘tour’ indicator light which glows a rather fetching mauve colour to let everyone know that you’re playing fair.
I found it really comfortable to hold; it just fits nicely in my hand and has an ergonomic and textured design.
It also has a magnetic cart mount which may be useful if you are a cart rider (I’m not).
Of more relevance in the UK is that the Approach Z30 is designated as IPX7. ‘IP’ stands for ‘ingress protection’ and the ‘7’ means that the device can be submerged in up to a metre of water for up to 30 minutes
The device comes with a smart and robust carrying case in matching colours although as the device itself is designated IPX7 I don’t see the case getting much use – I’ll just slip the Z30 in a pocket or pouch of my golf bag. And if you happen to mislay (or think you’ve mislaid) your rangefinder, you can find your device as long as you’ve linked up with the Garmin Golf App on your Smartphone. It’s all remarkably simple to set up.
On course testing
As a standalone rangefinder, the Z30 is as good a device as you could hope for. It is simple to use, locks onto a target quickly and accurately, and offers crystal clear distances which are displayed in red. If you use the slope function, the adjusted yardage is shown, allowing for the elevation change. It’s all very clear and simple. I’m not generally a fan of ‘slope’ mode on rangefinders but the simplicity of this device works well.
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But the Approach Z30 is so much more than a standalone rangefinder. The real beauty of this device is pairing it (via Bluetooth) with your Garmin Golf smartphone app or, as I did, with a compatible smartwatch or handheld. I used the Garmin Approach S70 GPS Golf watch. When these devices are used together, you get so much more information. When a flagstick has been ‘pinged’, on the left side of the rangefinder screen, distances from the pin to the front and back of the green are displayed. Similarly, if you ‘laser’ a hazard such as a bunker, the watch will display everything in play around that distance.
Historically I’ve always favoured a rangefinder over a GPS watch. More recently I have enjoyed the simplicity and speed of a watch. I have to say that using the Approach Z30 paired with a Garmin Smartwatch really is the best of both worlds and I think this represents the future of distance measuring devices.
NCG Verdict
Would I use the Approach Z30 as a standalone rangefinder? There is no doubt it’s beautifully made and a delight to use and as standalone rangefinder it is very good indeed.
When used in conjunction with the compatible GPS Smartwatch and providing such depth of information, then it becomes a knock-out piece of kit. This combination of devices has been my go-to bit of kit over a busy summer of golf and has certainly enhanced the whole experience.
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So, for this reason the Approach Z30 rangefinder is a 5 out of 5 piece of kit but when used in conjunction with the GPS Smartwatch takes it to an even higher level!
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