Bought a used launch monitor off FB Marketplace, got burned

[mike_harris88]

So I've been wanting a launch monitor for winter garage sessions and didn't want to drop $600 on a new R10. Found one on FB Marketplace for $320, seller had a handful of good reviews on his profile, listing said "barely used, still in the box." Drove 40 min to meet him in a Starbucks parking lot because apparently I have zero survival instincts.

Unit powered on fine, paired with the app, seemed solid. Got it home and now it drops connection every 5-10 shots, and the charging port is loose so it only charges if you hold the cable at just the right angle. Seller blocked me the next day. lol.

Anyway, $320 lesson. If you're buying used radar, test it for a solid 15-20 min in person, wiggle the charging port, and make sure the firmware actually updates. And don't meet somewhere with no outlet, I couldn't even test the charger before handing over cash.

Curious if anyone's bought used and had it work out, or is this just how it goes with marketplace golf gear?

[FairwayFrank]

Honestly, half of what you're describing sounds like normal R10 behavior, not a scammer. The connection dropping every 5-10 shots is the single most common complaint on that unit, brand new in the box included. Mine did it until I killed wifi on the phone running the app and stopped standing directly on top of the thing. And that charging port is micro-USB and it's flimsy from day one, I've watched guys baby theirs and still end up with the wiggle.

Doesn't excuse the block though. Blocking you the next day is the tell. Seller knew exactly what he was unloading.

For what it's worth I've bought two used Garmins off marketplace. One was flawless, the other had a battery that wouldn't hold a charge past 40 minutes. So it's coin flip territory, and your test advice is solid, but 20 minutes in a Starbucks lot wouldn't have caught my battery issue either. You ever get the firmware to actually update? Old firmware makes those bluetooth drops way worse.