GPS Unit

Nick_Toye

Nick_Toye

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Hi,

I'm thinking about investing in a GPS unit for distances on the course. I know there are apps out there, but I wanted something more sophisticated, so what do people recommend?

I know my mate has a Garmin Approach watch and it looks good, and does the job. I was also looking at the handhelds but they will probably require some kind of attachment for my trolley.

I've seen the S1 for something like £110 at AG.
 
Search Google. Ebay should have a few. they are pretty robust and use rechargeable batteries so even a 2nd hand one will do you just as well.
 
garyinderry said:
Search Google. Ebay should have a few. they are pretty robust and use rechargeable batteries so even a 2nd hand one will do you just as well.
Click to expand...

Ok, well I don't really need all the score tracking etc as I have something else for that, just the distances.

I'll do some research tomorrow.
 
I was looking for the same, However I now use a Pebble smart watch (75quid in sale) with my iPhone, using the app swing x swing.

7 days battery life so no issues with it running out on course
Shows all current yardage to the pin on the watch (never take iPhone out unless i want too)
Shows current GPS strength.
When you get to the green the watch automatically flips to a score input mode, allowing you to input your score for that hole. very simply = total score, then asks fat/thin/right/left/bunker/total putts. Then goes straight to next hole ready.
Over time it builds up stats of your game showing you where you need to work on based on what you input.

You can also track clubs using just the watch, select the club your hitting, start the tracking, and stop where ball lands. It will build up a database of how far you hit each club, and will then determine with things like elevation/wind what the next shot 'plays like distance' is and what club is suitable for your next shot.

If you're slightly more tech inclined or that interests you I would say go the Pebble route, bought mine purely for golfing and no other reason. However if its the simplicity and your happy adjusting yardages, manually scoring elsewhere then a Garmin would probably be better.
 
The s1 is great, and you won't go wrong with it.
Few pointers though, battery isn't the best. You'll probably get 27 holes out of it before it needs recharging. Which in itself is a bit fiddly to get used to. There are other threads on it, complaining of broken straps (which I don't think can be changed) and also of it condensating up.
But all in all a very simple easy to use piece of kit, for a decent price.
 
You'll tend to find that apps are more sophisticated than most GPS units when it comes to what they can do. The problem is that some are so sophisticated they don't comply with the rules of golf. An app with the club recommendation features Daffy describes are illegal in competition even if that feature isn't used. Then there is the issue of wether of not the phone itself complies and unfortunately using a smart watch to display the data doesn't get around rule either. Basically it's a mine field if you want to ensure you are beyond reproach.

You won't go wrong with a GPS from a bigger supplier. Always a risk with smaller companies that they will go under and even bigger golf names have gone under. Just ask any Shotmiser or Callaway UPro owner. Garmin and Skycaddie always seem to be the main big hitters. If you want something with a few extra features such as over he'd views of the hole etc then a handheld unit is the way to go. No need for a holder just stick it in the top pocket of your bag or somewhere easily got at. You only need to pull it out for a quick glance.

Watch is ideal if you only want basic info and don't mind wearing one while playing.

Personally I've gone down the android phone route with a combination of 2 free apps that have covered every course I've visited so far. Provides enough data to help club selection, and has been accurate. I do have the backup of a laser though and find this more beneficial from around 140 yards and in.
 
Last edited:
Nick_Toye said:
I have Game Golf for my tracking, its why I'm leaning towards the Garmin S1 watch.
Click to expand...


As Dave mentions above, the S1 is a decent enough watch (I had one) but the battery life isn't brilliant.
If you are only going to play 18 holes it won't be a problem, but if you ever plan on playing 36 don't rely on it as it will most probably conk out after about 27 or so.
As far as the strap is concerned, I never had a problem with mine, but I didn't play every week when I had it so it got very light use.
I have since purchased the Bushnell Neo XS watch, with is a little more expensive, (at around £150.00), than the Garmin, but the battery life is much (much) better. 36 holes would not be a problem with it.
It also gives you the yardage for up to 4 "hazards" on each hole, so a little more informative than the S1.
This could come in handy if you are playing a new course.
No subscription fees with the Bushnell either!
 
Smiffy said:
As Dave mentions above, the S1 is a decent enough watch (I had one) but the battery life isn't brilliant.
If you are only going to play 18 holes it won't be a problem, but if you ever plan on playing 36 don't rely on it as it will most probably conk out after about 27 or so.
As far as the strap is concerned, I never had a problem with mine, but I didn't play every week when I had it so it got very light use.
I have since purchased the Bushnell Neo XS watch, with is a little more expensive, (at around £150.00), than the Garmin, but the battery life is much (much) better. 36 holes would not be a problem with it.
It also gives you the yardage for up to 4 "hazards" on each hole, so a little more informative than the S1.
This could come in handy if you are playing a new course.
No subscription fees with the Bushnell either!
Click to expand...

No subs fees with the Garmin either is there? I only plan on playing 18 holes at a time, so the S1 seems ideal.
 
I was given a Garmin S1 for Christmas. Very simple, does the basics well. The advantage of a watch is that you are not holding up play fiddling with devices. You simply take a glance at the watch face and you know your distances. No slowing play down at all. It does not give info on hazard distances, dog legs etc but for a basic, starter device it seems very good.
 
Lord Tyrion said:
I was given a Garmin S1 for Christmas. Very simple, does the basics well. The advantage of a watch is that you are not holding up play fiddling with devices. You simply take a glance at the watch face and you know your distances. No slowing play down at all. It does not give info on hazard distances, dog legs etc but for a basic, starter device it seems very good.
Click to expand...

Well I was looking at some reviews for the GPS handheld devices too this morning. The Sky Caddie one in particular. The video reviewer said the only flaw was the fact it didn't give you pin positions, just front middle and back yardages. Well my club has 3 different flag colours, so that flaw is kind of remedied with the on-course system.

Having the hazards knowledge is good, but for me playing the same course often, I kind of know where these hazards are anyway.
 
I use the Garmin G3, after using a skycaddie for years until it crashed and they wanted 80odd quid to fix it.

I much prefer the usability of the Garmin and the fact there are no subs to pay make it great value.
The only downside is making sure you have spare batteries in your bag. I use rechargeable and just get in the habit of charging after each rounds use. (They have never run out during a round)

Cracking piece of kit.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/sports/golfing/approach-g3/prod85255.html

Available much cheaper...
 
I remember reading something last year in GM that most approach shots are short of the flag. Unless I can see a pin position clearly at the front of the green I am going to consciously aim to hit approach shots to between the middle and back position based on the info given by the S1. Trust the device in effect. It will be an interesting experiment and based on my handicap I have little to lose.
 
Dang phone..take 2...

got mine from tesco direct with a discount for new online customer for about 100ish also bought a mountain bike mobile phone holder off eBay for about a 5iver to attach to the trolley however now I just attach to bag with the supplied clip.
 
Lord Tyrion said:
I remember reading something last year in GM that most approach shots are short of the flag. Unless I can see a pin position clearly at the front of the green I am going to consciously aim to hit approach shots to between the middle and back position based on the info given by the S1. Trust the device in effect. It will be an interesting experiment and based on my handicap I have little to lose.
Click to expand...

You saying the yardages are short? For me it depends on the hole. We have holes where if you land on the green it sticks due to the softness of the green. Others are harder and roll through. Others have a nice run up so you can land it short and it rolls through to the flag.

But I guess that is all courses really.
 
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