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A Deep Dive Into Garmin Approach X40
If given the choice you would prefer to have everything that you need to achieve your best game with one handy all-in-one solution. This is where the Garmin Approach X40 GPS golf band comes into the picture.
With 41,000 golf courses worldwide available right at your fingertips, this golf band is a workhorse as it tracks daily activity, monitors heart rate plus you always know what is going on with the device’s vibrating smart notifications.
Who’s It For?
While some people pursue indoor passions. Garmin is staying on top of what the outdoor enthusiast needs to get the best possible experience pursuing their passions.
When it comes to golf GPS there are two tracks. First, there are companies that combine gold and technology. Then there are GPS companies that incorporate their technology with golf and Garmin sits in the second camp.
Who is going to pass up on a smart-looking, high-quality GPS band easy to use and provides all the sought after metrics like heart rate, steps, calorie counters, and various other fitness and health factors.
This flexible band will also support you to provide what you need when engaged in other physical activities (running, cycling, swimming, and more). For the spectator in you watching golf games on TV is another option. All of that and it tells the time too.
What We Like About Garmin Approach X40 Review
Accuracy is unreliable whether using sleep, golf, or activity functions. It takes too long to connect with a satellite after starting any activity.
The screen has been found to chip and fall apart for no apparent reason making it difficult to use the touch screen. The touch screen itself has been found to be very sensitive, to the point it interferes with functioning as needed.
Very limited battery life, it does not charge completely which drastically reduces the activity time of the device after one charge.
The golf band won’t turn off. Displays constant error messages. Heart rate monitors are unreliable.
For golfers who like laying up the distance to each of 100, 150 and 200 yards to the green makes this device useful, however, it does not display or indicate any hazards in the way.
Fairways were not being shown on the device. It may not record fairways as an option on this Garmin product.
The X40 is noticeably smaller than other golf watches, such as the TomTom Golfer and Garmin’s own Approach S20.
PROS
- Shows distances to front, back and middle of the green plus hazards
- Tracks health and fitness (steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate and activity intensity)
- Set the vibrating smart notifications for incoming calls, texts and other alerts
- Battery life: up to 10 hours in GPS mode; up to 5 days in watch mode
CONS
- Inaccurate measurement of distances
- Does not sync up with satellites in a timely manner
What’s Included?
- Approach X40 band
- Charging/data clip
- Manual
Other affordable accessories for an additional cost include the following:
- Cables and USB vehicle charging adapter
- Quick release bands in various colors and materials about 20mm round
- AC adapter cable for European plugs
Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Golf are available apps for the ApproachX40.
Overview Of Features
Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Thanks to this golf band’s ElevateTM wrist-based heart rate technology which measures your heart rate 24/7 there is no need for an additional heart rate device.
Using ElevateTM’s heart rate, you have reliable metrics when factored with other information like calories burned enabling you to quantify the intensity of your fitness activities, aiding in maximizing your overall efforts.
It’s a Rockin’ Band
The connectivity of this device by integrating golf GPS with fitness tracking provides you with a slim, low-profile wristband that is durable, comfortable, and versatile.
Approach 40X is water-rated to 50 meters. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery means the Approach X40 golf band will provide you with the current time and date, including an alarm setting.
If you want an activity band that you can wear every day that supports your active lifestyle – while sticking to your schedule then you have come to the right place.
Game-changing Golf Guidance
Approach X40 is the golf partner of choice. This golf band has got your back, front, distance, and hazards, accurately and reliably. Wherever you are at any given moment, on the course, you have both the high-sensitivity GPS receiver and the clear touch screen displaying everything you need to know, whether you are out in the open or under tree cover.
AutoShot Round Analyzer
Once you use Approach X40’s AutoShot Round Analyzer you will wonder how you managed without it all this time. This feature automatically identifies shots along with the fairway and gauges distances that are made available to you in the post-round analysis on Garmin Connect.
This app will measure the distance and location of each shot. Data is then automatically uploaded for you to access from Garmin Connect so you can study how well you did and what you need to do better next time.
Green View Display
Having a display of the actual shape and layout of the green is an advantage offered by Approach X40’s Green View display.
It doesn’t even matter if you’re behind it. By manually reposition the pin to today’s location you will be shown the accurate shot selection to improve your game.
TruSwing Sensor
Talk about bells and whistles. Garmin is leaving nothing to chance by offering the TruSwing sensor, a device that is mounted directly on the club and used to measure various swing metrics and will display the data captured by the sensor directly on the band.
Autoshot also records the GPS points where you made a swing. It will show you the better real shots making practice swings unnecessary. The club selection menu will keep a record of which club you used at each point throughout the game.
Smart Notifications
Stay in touch with important text, email, or alert even when your smartphone is stored away during the game. Approach X40 is compatible with your smartphone offering you the convenience of a wireless connection between the two and you will never miss any notifications because they are right on your wristband.
Bluetooth® technology makes it possible to read an email or text that needs your immediate attention — even during a game in the middle of the fairway.
Digital Scorecard
Once upon a time, you kept track of your score on a notepad, sheet, and pencil. Approach X40’s gold band offers a convenient, easy to use, built-in digital scorecard to track your score.
Your score can be saved to be reviewed later in the Garmin Connect app you can download on your smartphone. It can’t get any easier to automatically upload and share that great round with your golfing buddies online.
Free Course Updates
Between games you want to continue to improve your game, right? Well, Garmin is taking care of you. Right out of the box, you will have access to more than 41,000 preloaded free courses.
You would think that would be plenty but Garmin does not stop there. New free courses and updates are added each year, using Garmin Express. No fees of any kind will be requested.
Review Summary
After wrapping up the game, sitting on your wrist is a summary of your activity and score, which can be uploaded to your Garmin Connect account via Bluetooth and on your smartphone. Once the devices are paired, the uploading process is quick.
The score screen will show you your scorecard, the number of greens in regulation (GIR) and putts per hole. Even with its small size, Garmin was able to include quite a few features.
FAQ:
Question:
I want to be certain I am buying the correct size for my husband. How many inches is a large and extra large wrist band?
Answer:
Width: 0.83” (21.1 mm)
Regular: 5.4”-7.6” (136-192 mm) circumference
X-large: 7.1″-8.8″ (180-224 mm) circumference
Question:
Can you briefly describe how to use the scorecard feature?
Answer:
It is very easy and will take less than 10 seconds to complete.
At the end of a hole, the default score is par and two putts. Scroll through the score and number of putts to choose the correct number.
The scorecard will ask you if the drive was in the fairway, left or right. Changing a score is also easy. What you get is a reliable scorecard that the X40 syncs with the Connect app.
You will see a hole-by-hole description, which includes a visual depiction of the shots, except for the putts. The length on each full shot is listed and the app will calculate GIR and FIR.
Question:
After finishing a round of golf how do I turn off the GPS?
Answer:
Push the button to bring up the menu. Swipe from top to bottom to go up a page. Tap the X on the touchscreen. From the menu options, you can save or discard your round. GPS should then be disabled.
Question:
For biking, will this device track all the relevant info like calories, incline, map, and so on?
Answer:
Calories will be tracked, but not incline,
Question:
Does this work with iPhones
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
How long must I charge this device for the first time?
Answer:
At least 12 hours. If the initial charging time is less then the charge will not hold.
Question:
Is X40 made in the USA or China?
Answer:
Garmin Ltd. is an American multinational technology company founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas, United States, with headquarters in Olathe, Kansas.
For more information, you can contact Garmin at product.support@garmin.com or visit our Support Center, https://support.garmin.com/en-US/
Question:
Does this device include a regular watch in addition to tracking?
Answer:
If the watch isn’t in GPS mode then it will work like any regular watch. It also includes an alarm, weather, in addition to tracking golf and other activities.
Question:
Does this band have a sleep tracker function?
Answer:
Yes, and you don’t have to activate the function by pressing any buttons because it is automatic.
Question:
Does a regular size fit a man’s wrist?
Answer:
The regular size will fit most males. It is important to actually know the exact wrist measurement. The Garmin X40 is the thinnest, lightest golf GPS watch on the market. It will make swinging a club easy on your wrist. When you do measure it would be similar to measuring for a wristwatch. If wrist size does not fit the product as it is then regular size may not be the right fit for you.
