GPS Units

[bazlambo]

Whilst initially looking at Bushnell rangefinders, I have convinced myself that I do not have a steady hand, hence why I cannot putt, and that the way foreward is now a GPS unit.

There seem to be a couple of companies doing these notably Skycaddie, Caddyaid and Sureshot.

Does anyone have any opinions on the above and the good and bad features of each unit.

 

[TonyN]

How do Baz,

Best thing to do is search the threads for GPS and you will find some quality arguments for and against.

Tis always a good thread this as it normally promotes a good debate against the range finders and I think alot of members have alot of different models they all rate for different reasons.

I always pay close attention to GPS threads as I will be buying one in the new year.

Myself, I like the look of the SG5

 

[Cernunnos]

Personnally I'd like to try both GPS & lazer rangefinder units. I'm familiar with GPS both in the units I use in the car & also the Golf GPS (Skycaddie2.5) my main golfing buddie uses. I'm fairly open minded on the arguments both for either type of solution, or even against, each has their advantage. I've generally a steady hand, unless nervous. I certainly wouldn't discount using lazer rangefinders until I've has the chance of using one. I'd certainly be glad of either GPS or rangefinders as a christmas or birthday gift. As far as GPS goes either solution of either full map in the form of Caddyaid, or in simple concise information in the form of Skycaddie certainly have thier advantages for different reasons. I'm certainly leaning towards caddyaid, but again am open minded in the final solution, as what I currently think is the best solution, may or may not in the long term be the best solution. Would dearly love to have the opertunity to try out & test the differnt forms of GPS & range finders.

 

[johng]

How Do.

I have had the Caddy Lite for about 6 weeks and to be honest wouldn't play without it now. Tried a laser finder, unsteady hand too, though it does have some benefits over the GPS unit. You can use anywhere, no maps to pay for and you can target any distance you want.

Benefits of GPS, instant figure to the green from anywhere, set and forget use, turn it on and ket it do it's thing.

I have shot my handicap every single time I have played my home course since having it, coincidence? unlikely. Most telling for me was when we played a different course in a works society. My club h'cap is 14 but for the purpose of the society it is 6. I shot 34 stableford points playing off 6 on a new course. I absolutely believe this would not have been possible without the Caddy Lite having the distances for me.

Downside so far is that it picks up the next tee too early sometimes and it can be a struggle to 'force' a distance out of it if it thinks you have moved to the next hole.

£115 from Amazon with free delivery at the time. Money very well spent in my opinion.

Try looking at this for more info:

http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you

John.

 

[andiritchie]

I have a golflogix gps unit i bought it on a wim but sits great its shock and waterproof has all the courses in play on,can put my fav lay up distance on it gps is the future now my club has let them into comps

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My views can be found on numerous posts about these gadgets but I am firmly in the Skycaddy camp. They are actually go onsite to measure the courses rather than rely on satellite technology and they give readings wherever you are on the course.

It also has a handy feature for measuring shots so you can see just how far that 300 yard drive really went or more helpfully, use it to get an exact reading on the practice ground of how far you hit each club. I wouldn't be without mine. It gives readings to front, centre and back of the greens which in some cases can be a 2 club difference and also gives distances to the hazards. As a result you know you have 180 out of heavy rough to carry the bunker or ditch and can decide to be fearless like Garcia or pragmatic and play safe.

It has helped me higely with club selection and I can address the ball free fromthat nagging voice in my mind questioning if it really is the right club. All I have to do now is swing

 

[ColinR]

Every Pro in every shop I have talked to vouches for rangefinders. True accurate measurement, the rest is just gadgetry for the sake of it.

Ask your pro shop if you can borrow one of each for a round, see what you get on with.

 

[USER1999]

Got an SG5. Fantastic bit of kit, and once you have used one, you wouldn't be without it.

Again, read previous posts on this for more detail.

 

[heronsghyll]

Totally agree with murphthemog.

I have had a SkyCaddie for 2 months and would not be without it - even on my home course which I know back to front and inside out.

Pure joy when playing new courses, so many "150" markers are wrong.

It will make you a better golfer, it takes all the guesswork out of yardages.

 

[theeaglehunter]

Is the SG5 worth nearly £300 though when you can get a sureshot gps for around £200. I don't know myself I was just wondering what actually makes the skycaddie superior. Also insight into this from someone who has used both would be very helpful.

 

[happyhacker]

On the value front, why is SG5 £130 more than SG2.5.

They both do exactly the same thing from what I can gather from their PDF manuals and the only difference is the 5 is colour.

Thats quite a price hike for a colour screen!

 

[USER1999]

The screen is also bigger.

I bought the 5, because I kind of figured I would only ever buy one, so I might as well get the one with the most features, and if I bought the 2.5, would I then always wish I had bought the 5?

 

[vig]

Every Pro in every shop I have talked to vouches for rangefinders. True accurate measurement, the rest is just gadgetry for the sake of it.

Ask your pro shop if you can borrow one of each for a round, see what you get on with.

I was speaking to my pro today and he said that the range finders were a waste of time. All they do is measure to an object. If you are aiming at a flagstick and it is windy it is so hard to get a reading. He said that sometimes you had to focus on a bunker and get yardage to clear the hazard, also no good on dog legs.
He said for the same price get a GPS if that is what you really want, They do so much more and some keep stats.
He doesn't sell them but was highly complimentary about the sky caddie. He said that he was there when they measured the course and some of the info on the others dates back to 1999 so if there has been any changes, they won't appear on the mapping

 

[ColinR]

Not going to get drawn in here, but this is the funniest thing I have read on here yet...

I was speaking to my pro today and he said that the range finders were a waste of time. All they do is measure to an object.