Garmin Catalyst™

I recently picked up the Garmin Catalyst for my GT4 RS. First use was at Blackhawk Farms Racetrack and I was thoroughly impressed! This device improved my racing experience by providing real-time data and insights that helped me fine-tune my driving. The setup was straightforward, and the visual feedback on my performance was incredibly clear and actionable. I felt more connected to the track, allowing me to push my limits confidently. Overall, the Garmin Catalyst is a game-changer for any serious driver looking to enhance their performance on track. Also really like the “Leaderboard” function which tracks your best lap times with other drivers.

I wanted the data and was hoping I could get something that also offered a lap timer. Video was more of a nice to have and I never thought about the possibility of on track coaching tips. I’m more of an advanced non-professional. If you run every weekend at the same track you don’t need tips but I’m typically at a 5 different tracks a year and never the same one twice in a row. The tips are fantastic and they’ve showed me lines that aren’t what anyone else I drive with uses…and they’re faster. All those in one package but with fantastic integration. But the integration is useable seconds after you pull off the track and without even unbuckling your belts. The usability is absurd and the video is a fun nice to have so you can share/show off to friends and family as well as see the line (video and data) in corner 7 on lap 10 you just did. I didn’t even mention that it connects to a user community and leaderboard. Another layer of fun. I have no complaints other than I wish the data transfer to the mini SD card was a little faster but it’s a small small thing (I now do it while driving home) for such a complete and well thought out package that is executed perfectly. Very nice product.

I’ve now done a complete season using the Catalyst. As a lap timer it has been excellent, I like seeing real time if I’m ahead or behind my session best, def helps you concentrate on getting better. The coaching part I have not really used as I cannot here the voice over the wind and engine noise! But you can use ear buds, but I just haven’t. I do like the optimal lap view, this is what I use to improve my laps the most. Piece it together and eventually you can achieve that ‘optimal’ lap. I’ve only managed that once at my last track day. My best lap was within 0.01 of the ‘optimal’ lap. I was very happy! I took 1 star away as I feel the video recording is just average. It says it’s 1080P but my GoPro 1080P looks 10x better. Maybe 720P at best, being able to overlay the speed/map/ G’s data is awesome, that part I love! Overall a great product, highly recommended, even if the video quality could be better. The rest is outstanding!!!