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Garmin's three new Approach wearables
Garmin watches are often considered tech toys for runners, but the Garmin Approach family is all about golf, and it has three new members.
They are the Garmin Approach S42, Approach S12 and Approach G12.
These first two are watches. Garmin’s Approach G12 is a smart display with a clip that attaches to your belt or shirt. It’s watch without a strap, basically.
The Garmin Approach S42 sits at the top of the pile, at $299.99. You’ll pay $199.99 for the Approach S12, or $149.99 for the strap-free G12.
What are the other differences?
The higher-end Approach S42 has a color screen sharper than the other two, at 240 x 240 pixels. Resolution drops to 175 x 175 pixels in the S12 and G12. And while the watch face of the duo two is round, the display is actually a rectangle, leaving empty space filling out the circle.
Build quality is superior in the Approach S42 too. Its screen covering is toughened glass. And Garmin does not specify for the other two, suggesting the top layer is either plastic or glass more susceptible to scratches and scuffs.
However, there is a benefit to the lower-cost models. The Approach G12 and S12 are rated for up to 30 hours’ use while out on the course, using GPS to track your position.
This is halved to 15 hours in the Approach S42, although as the watch can also last for up to 10 days as a smartwatch and step counter, it’s hardly poor stamina.
All three have what I’d consider to be the key appeals of a Garmin golf watch. They get access to Garmin’s library of 42,000 courses across the world and have GPS to let you judge your shots with accuracy. And all use a transflective display panel, which becomes clearer in brighter conditions, unlike the LCD and OLED screens used by the average smartwatch.
The Garmin Approach S42 and S12 are also water resistant to 5ATM, enough to let you shower or swim wearing one. This drops to IPx7 in the G12, but that will do to the job for a rain shower.
All three are available to order at Garmin’s website now, with shipping times from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the model.