Question 1

Is the Approach S50 worth $100 more than the S44?

Accepted Answer

It is if you wear the watch off the course. The S50 adds a heart rate sensor, and with it sleep tracking, Body Battery, HRV status, VO2 Max, training plans, and more than twenty extra sports. On the course, the two watches are nearly identical.

Question 2

Does the Approach S44 have a heart rate sensor?

Accepted Answer

No. The S44 counts steps, calories, distance, and intensity minutes, and has no wrist heart rate or Pulse Ox sensor. The S50 has both.

Question 3

Do the Approach S50 and S44 need a Garmin Golf membership?

Accepted Answer

Both need it for the full vector hole map, touch targeting, and green contours. The S44 also needs it for PlaysLike distance, which the S50 includes.

Question 4

Which Approach watch is lighter, the S50 or the S44?

Accepted Answer

The S50 at 29g, against 42g for the S44. The S50 also comes in two band lengths where the S44 has one.

Tag: approach s44

Garmin Approach S50 vs S44 – the $100 is for the sensor