GPS Units... What's the deal and which is the best?

[arcticreaver]

been hearing a lot about these GPS units. not really sure what to think other than "why" would i need it.

 

anyone have any feedback regarding these units? which brand is the best by the way?

[phil75070]

I don't think there is a "best"; it all depends on what you are looking for. Some just give you Front, Center and Back (FCB) distances to the green. Many give you intermediate target distances, varying in number per hole. Some give you those FCB distance on your line into the green through the center of the green while a couple let you approximate the actual pin location. With some you can keep your own score; some let you keep stats. Most have a marking function but only one that I know of stores the club and location with the distance for review after the round. One has flyovers of the hole; another shows the hole layout. The number of courses stored can vary from ten to 20,000 depending on the unit. Some use standard batteries, others use rechargeables (iPod or custom types). There are units that offer varying capabilities in regard to self-mapping entire courses or just editing downloaded courses. Only one that I know lets you self-map the full outline of the green. Some have annual membership fees, some charge by the course for downloads, some have no fees. Some are more accurate than others, some have better or worse customer service. Some units are grayscale, some color. One company supposedly walks every course to map it. Almost all others use aerial/satellite photos to do so - both methods have advantages and disadvantages. Sizes vary. Antenna methods (internal vs external vary). Some have adjustable brightness and/or contrast while others do not. Some offer as little as 90 day warranties while 1 year plus an option for an extended warranty is standard with someone else.

 

You have to decide what features you desire the most and start your search from there.

[boon44]

Very well said Phil!

[arcticreaver]

good stuff phil. i really appreciate your input. what brand do you recommend since i have no idea about GPS?

[phil75070]

good stuff phil. i really appreciate your input. what brand do you recommend since i have no idea about GPS?

 

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[Viking Golfer]

I recommend Sonocaddie GPS devices for 3 reasons:

 

1. They are small & lightweight compared to other GPS devices

2. No fees for downloading mapped courses

3. Great customers service with fast respond times

[bogiesux]

I use the Skycaddie 2.5 model - the black and white version of the 5.0 model (colour).

Screen is not as big as the 5.0 but it suits me.

It's the first GPS I've had and find it's great - actually found that some of the yardage markers on my course are off.

 

I've not owned a point and shoot type but have seen/tried them. Find I'm not steady enough to zero in on the flagstick.

 

Having said that: the Skycaddie has Front/Centre/Back of green - hazard front/carry distances (best feature IMO). The green "rotates" depending on your angle of approach.

 

Downside: annual fees. Since I'm in Canada, one price for the entire country - I download the course I plan to play if it's not the course I'm a member at. I can upgrade my subscription to include U.S. dependant on what I like. However, have found that when I take a golf trip, the courses I like to play generally have GPS on their carts, so I don't bother to take mine. After all, I've played a lot of golf in the past without GPS, so I can live without it when I have to.

 

I have friends that bought the Skycaddie 5.0 model (colour) and they like that aspect of it. I didn't want to spend the extra $100 + for that feature.

 

Bogiesux