Garmin Approach Z30 Laser Rangefinder
Name one golf accessory you cannot leave home without? It’s your rangefinder, isn’t it? Let’s talk Garmin’s new Approach Z30 Laser Rangefinder. In a category that can sometimes have all the bells and whistles, the Approach Z30 combines new tech and the right amount of utility, but without the clutter.
Out of the Box
Unboxing the Garmin Approach Z30 is about as easy as it gets. It’s literally usable the second you pick it up. In my opinion, Garmin offers stylish but professional devices, they feel good in your hand, and are easy to get the basic functions going. They give you a lens cleaning cloth and a sturdy but small case, too. It has a couple hooks and clips so you can choose how you handle it.
BUT! There’s more to it than that. Garmin has done a good job adding to their product ecosystem, and the Approach Z30 can quickly connect to the Garmin Golf app to make their offering more robust. It takes only a few clicks and it’s super easy. Can’t ask for more.
Features
OK, so I’m a big gadget guy, but I get fussy when I have TOO many gadgets. I’m a loyal GPS watch user (LOVE my S70), and have not often committed to a rangefinder fulltime, nor do I often use my cell phone on the golf course. I’m finding the Garmin Approach Z30 to have the right amount of features for me…
Garmin of course nails it on the basics. The Z30 can read up to 400 yards and magnifies 6x. That’s plenty. You can zip in and out of a Tournament mode with one button, and it adjusts to a “plays like” distance immediately. One new feature is that it connects to the Garmin Golf app too, which has been much improved for this season. You’ll get bright and clean data, and combines the GPS data with real time calculations so you can know precisely how far you are to pins and hazards. It does pair with other devices like the S70 GPS watch, but it took me some time to figure out how to pair. It’s buried in the settings. Once I figured that out, it’s gave me so much useful info. So easy. Love it.
On-Course Performance
A lesson: I mentioned earlier I have never been a 100% rangefinder person. I’m not always used to carrying it. What I’ve found is that I’m still trying to figure out the easiest way of quickly handling it. Does it go back in the case? Do I stuff it in a pocket? Not sure yet. The Garmin Approach Z30’s magnetic cart mount is amazing! It ttaches firmly and is easy to remove, however 95% of my rounds are walking…
Where is this going? Within the first month of using the Z30, I dropped it somewhere and lost it. Yikes. Did I panic? You bet I did. But that went away soon when I remembered that this device has Bluetooth and GPS connections. I popped open the app, clicked over to “Find My Gear”, and knew immediately exactly where it fell on the previous hole and that some superhero nice guy in the following group nabbed it for me. Sweet relief.
I’m now finding myself pulling out the Approach Z30 every time I’m in the fairway. I hit my target, give the GPS watch a look, and I’m good to go. It’s only 7.4oz, so it’s light, balanced, and feels good in my hand. Quick and easy, and I’m confident in all of my distances.
Final Thoughts – Garmin Approach Z30 Laser Rangefinder
Garmin delivers another winner in my book. The Z30 is the first rangefinder to find a permanent place in my bag. It’s easy, it’s accurate, and it’s compatible with all my other preferred devices too. The amount of features you get from it makes it a good value and it belongs in the conversation of all premium rangefinders. Its sleek design, intuitive interface, and accurate readings make it a reliable companion on the course.
