Garmin Approach Z30 review

The Approach Z30 makes most sense as part of a Garmin setup. Its Range Relay feature sends the ranged distance to the pin to the Garmin Golf app or a compatible Garmin watch or handheld, which can show a laser range arc and, when paired, distances from the pin to the front and back of the green. PlaysLike Distance adjusts the yardage for uphill and downhill shots. The OLED display is bright and easy to read, magnification is 6x and the unit ranges up to 400 yards with vibration on flag lock. A built-in magnet holds it on a cart, an external light shows playing partners when tournament mode is on, and Find My Garmin helps locate it through the app. Garmin says the replaceable battery lasts up to a year of play. The tradeoffs: range is shorter than most rivals, the best features need other Garmin gear, and its US price did not load in the page text we checked.

Who it is for

Golfers who already wear a Garmin golf watch and want their laser and watch to share data.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Range Relay syncs the pin distance to the Garmin Golf app or a compatible watch or handheld
• PlaysLike Distance adjusts yardage for elevation change
• Pin to front and back of green distances with a compatible Garmin device
• OLED display, 6x magnification and range up to 400 yards
• Tournament mode with an external indicator light, plus Find My Garmin

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The best integration with Garmin watches
• Strength: External light shows partners when tournament mode is on
• Strength: Replaceable battery for up to 1 year of play, according to Garmin
• Weakness: Range to 400 yards, shorter than most lasers here
• Weakness: Front and back of green distances need a paired Garmin device
• Weakness: Garmin's US price did not appear in the page as we fetched it, so it is marked pending

Key facts

• Range: Up to 400 yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Display: OLED
• Slope: PlaysLike Distance
• Mount: Built-in magnetic cart mount
• Battery: Replaceable, up to 1 year of play

Where it ranks

Garmin Approach Z30 is No. 8 in our Best Golf Rangefinders verdict.