Head-to-head · computed from sourced specs · 2026-07

Two side-placed units that skip the behind-the-ball runway — but one is all-in-one

Both sit beside the ball, so neither needs the depth a radar unit does. The difference is the package: the ST MAX is a sensor you pair with a PC or tablet, while the Garmin R50 is an all-in-one with a built-in touchscreen and tens of thousands of courses that needs no computer — at a much higher price.

SkyTrak ST MAX · $1,995 vs Garmin Approach R50 · $5,000

	SkyTrak ST MAX	Garmin Approach R50
Street price	$1,995✓	$5,000
5-year cost (hardware + sub)Hardware plus five years at the cheapest subscription that enables simulator use.	$2,645✓	$5,500
Tracking	Radar + camera	Camera (photometric)
Placement	Beside the ball	Beside the ball
Min ceiling	9 ft	9 ft
Min room depthComputed: screen buffer + ball flight + device/golfer space.	13 ft✓	17 ft
Ball metrics	9	10✓
Club metrics	6✓	5
Subscription for sim	$130/yr	$100/yr✓
Outdoor use	Indoor only	Yes✓
Status	Current	Current

Green ✓ marks the better figure on rows where one is objectively preferable (lower price/cost/space, more data, no subscription, current model). Neutral rows have no winner. Tally on these metrics: SkyTrak ST MAX 4 · Garmin Approach R50 3. * = ceiling estimated where the maker publishes none.

Bottom line

The ST MAX is the value pick for a PC- or tablet-based bay. The R50 commands its premium by being a self-contained, screen-included simulator you can also take outdoors.

Pick the SkyTrak ST MAX if…

You want the lower price and already have a PC or tablet
Your setup is a fixed indoor bay
You don't need a built-in screen or outdoor use

Full SkyTrak ST MAX specs →

Pick the Garmin Approach R50 if…

You want an all-in-one with a built-in screen and no PC required
A massive built-in course library appeals to you
You want a unit that also works outdoors

Full Garmin Approach R50 specs →

Questions buyers ask

Does the R50 need a PC?

No — it's an all-in-one with a built-in touchscreen and on-device course play, and it can mirror to a TV or projector. The ST MAX pairs with a PC or tablet.

Do both avoid behind-the-ball space?

Yes — both sit beside the ball, so they fit shallower rooms than behind-the-ball radar units.

Which can go outdoors?

The R50 supports outdoor use; the ST MAX is indoor-only.

Try both in your room

Space is the most common dealbreaker. Drop your room's dimensions into the room-fit calculator to see whether each of these fits — and what else does — before you buy.

Sources (verified 2026-07 / 2026-07):