GPS, dedicated units, which is the best?

[Mark_G]

I am thinking of treating myself to one of these little gizmos but there seems to be so much choice. One thing for certain though I want a dedicated unit, I dont want an app for my phone.
So please can you rate your GPS out of ten, for:-
clarity of information,
screen clarity, (particularly in sunshine),
course information (distance to bunkers/hazards included),
accuracy of information,
battery life,
build quality,
running costs, and download fees.

Thanks guys, there are so many products out there I would appreciate your thoughts.

 

[chris661]

I would eeckon any of the skycaddies would be a good bet. A mate got one, SG5 I think, of fleabay for £112 second hand which seems like a pretty good deal to me

 

[Liverbirdie]

Garmin G5 for me, although I got mine for £230, when they had only been out for 2-3 months, when they were £350 new.

I was impressed by a skycaddy recently, but running costs are higher. The G5 is free for all courses.

Only a few courses not on it so far.You can move the flag around the screen, to get a very good guide of the exact flaf position within a few yards, although most others also have this.

 

[chris661]

I was impressed by a skycaddy recently, but running costs are higher. The G5 is free for all courses.

The thing is with Skycaddie they actually go and walk the course with a plate on a stick seemingly some others just use maps etc

 

[Basher]

I got the heads up from a couple of guys about the Snooper Shotmiser G300. Shotmiser were knocking some reconditioned units on ebay (think they were only £80 apiece)
A right bargain, as new, boxed and with everything you need to get going, including £50 credit for courses. Usually around £5 per course to download.

Used mine today and found it very accurate with well featured mapping.

 

[bluetoon]

Skycaddie SGX is hard to beat
Bit expensive though

 

[thecraw]

Basic skycaddie 2.5 is more than ideal.

 

[Naybrains]

Bang on the money craw. Tried the sgx at the weekend all I looked at was the yardages. The 2.5 gives you all you need to know..imop.

 

[Imurg]

Just an aside but any system tha uses Google Earth wouldn't be able to map The Grove. Have a look. The image date is 2000 and the course isn't even under construction.
Skycaddie walk the course - that's why you pay a little more.

 

[full_throttle]

SG3 user, uses AA batteries(rechargable) which last about 36 holes, moveable pin positions and clear yardages, does all i need.

 

[jammydodger]

PM sent Mark

 

[njc1973]

I've got the Golfbuddy Platinum which I find very good, haven't tried most of the features yet though


clarity of information, Good, very easy to read & can find distance to lay-up points by touching screen
screen clarity, (particularly in sunshine), very good
course information (distance to bunkers/hazards included),includes distances to most hazards either on screen or on a seperate targets screen (you can add your own as well but I'm not sure how to save them)
accuracy of information,very good was the same as the distance markers at the Belfry which should be accurate
battery life,about 9-10 hours before recharge needed, 2 hours to recharge
build quality,very strong
running costs, and download fees.free

 

[Wildrover]

I've got the Golfbuddy Tour which comes with thousands of courses already loaded onto it. Any further new courses or updates are added free by logging onto their website. Battery lasts 2 rounds easily and the screen is easy to see. I paid around £250 for it quite a while ago but as the new platinum is now available they can be picked up for a song.