Powercaddy or GPS???

[USER1999]

I don't want to hijack the thread on the 'laser over gps' question, but I can't see the point of laser range finders.

Given a limited budget, I think it depends how much you play. If you play alot, then the trolley is good, if you play more seldom, but more different courses, then some form of gps is good. If your budget can stretch, get both.

 

[happyhacker]

We (OK mostly me) all bat on about accuracy of differing gps devices but the reality must be that the most important data is front, mid and back of green. If anyone has really studied the greens at their local course there must be quite a few where the front, for example, is a very different measurement if a shot is taken from the left rough to that from the right rough; same for back of green and where the heck in heaven the centre of some greens is could be debated at some length. Following a bad shot I have found myself in a position where the centre of the green was nearer than the front and I had not gone through!

I could be wrong on this (sure a SG5 or 2.5 owner will correct me) but I believe the top rated sky caddy courses (4 starred with InteliGreen) will rotate the green so that the front/middle/back distances are all relevant to your position.

I would stress though this is my interpretation of the Sky Caddy manuals from the website as I am currently researching which GPS / Rangefinder to get.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

That is correct. Basically all the SC range will give you a reading from anywhere on the hole. We have a number of holes (i.e our 2nd) which if you hit a big enough hook will put you on the 9th. It still gives you a reading from there to the green and all the hazards mapped for the original hole.

Even if you are in a bunch of trees, you should be able to still get a reading to the hole (as long as they are not sooo dense you lose the signal - have never lost mine and I have been in some dark places)

 

[Sam]

We (OK mostly me) all bat on about accuracy of differing gps devices but the reality must be that the most important data is front, mid and back of green. If anyone has really studied the greens at their local course there must be quite a few where the front, for example, is a very different measurement if a shot is taken from the left rough to that from the right rough; same for back of green and where the heck in heaven the centre of some greens is could be debated at some length. Following a bad shot I have found myself in a position where the centre of the green was nearer than the front and I had not gone through!

I could be wrong on this (sure a SG5 or 2.5 owner will correct me) but I believe the top rated sky caddy courses (4 starred with InteliGreen) will rotate the green so that the front/middle/back distances are all relevant to your position.

I would stress though this is my interpretation of the Sky Caddy manuals from the website as I am currently researching which GPS / Rangefinder to get.

Yes but see the following:

Position One is OK but using Front and Back from Position Two would give very false readings in terms of the size of target. That was all I was trying to say (rather badly on reflection.)

 

[happyhacker]

I understand your point Sam, but I think the sky caddy rotates the green relevant to your position.

So from position two your front would be somewhere along the right side of the green as per your diagram and the back somewhere on the left side. The depth of green would then be easily discernable from a bit of simple maths with the front and back yardages.(apologies if I am not explaining myself too well)

Again I would state this as my interpretation of how the SG5 et co work. As with most things I say, I could be wrong!

 

[USER1999]

Skycaddie gives you front/middle/back in a direct line from your current position, so it is always accurate and relevant. Not sure the other brands can do this, as Skycaddie are the only ones who map your course at your course, and map the entire perimeter of the green.

 

[Sam]

Skycaddie gives you front/middle/back in a direct line from your current position, so it is always accurate and relevant. Not sure the other brands can do this, as Skycaddie are the only ones who map your course at your course, and map the entire perimeter of the green.

Now if someone had said 'entire perimeter' earlier....
I stand neglected Murph - thanks

 

[Beaker]

I've got a Shotmiser which i use alot of the time. It works out your stats at the end of the round aswell and rotates to where you are so if your pin high but 40 yards left, which is my usual, it shows you that angle. I thought i'd like the stats bit but don't like finding out how bad i am at the end of the round!! Plus i got a free book when i bought it which is ok!