GPS Watches, band size for big wrist? Comfort?

kmay__ · July 10, 2019

Looking into picking up one of these as I like the simplicity of them, yardage at a quick glance. Just concerned about band size, and overall comfort. I don't currently ever wear a watch, and I'm not sure how I'll get on with it on course, and also very concerned the band wont be long enough to fit my wrist. Are the bands on these devices standard style watch bands that can be swapped out if a bigger size is required? And are there any particular models to stay away from? I'm only looking for yardages at a glance, no additional stats or data.

I've only ever used course markers for yardages and occasionally we'll drive at a course that has a cart mounted gps unit, so I'm thinking it would be beneficial for me to start using something to better dial in distances. And I know the good lasers are quick and easy I'm just not keen on having to retrieve it from the bag and zap it each and every time, especially at my level of play I think a nice basic gps yardage reading is more than sufficient for me at this point.

Anyways if any big dudes can chime in with any experiences, or just any watch users could share some insight it would be appreciated. Thanks!

Stuart_G · July 10, 2019

Garman x10 very low profile and has a large band option that supports a circumference of 6.4" to 8.9". Very comfortable to wear - yardages are OK but parts of the display (e.g. date) can be a bit small for folks that might normally need reading glasses. Can't swap out bands.

The Garmin s10 has the bigger display and a swap-able band - but not sure how universally compatible it might be. The band size isn't shown on the specs but I'd guess it's close to the 8.9" max of the x10 above. For more details Garmin C.S. is usually pretty good if you call or e-mail in a question.

Eng5ive · July 11, 2019

I just bought an Approach X 10 with a large size band. I was and still am not a frequent watch wearer. Played two rounds with it and given it's low profile I didn't even notice it. I chose the X10 because all I wanted was yardage at a glance which is exactly what the X10 does well. I found that I've been wearing it to work and around and find it very comfortable and not intrusive.

I played Owl's nest in NH and White Mountain CC and it found both courses very easily. At Owl's nest they had us start on 10, and navigating the display to start your round on another hole is very easy and intuitive. I hemmed and hawed over where to spend my money and overall I'm happy with the simplicity and battery life on the X10. Without GPS running, battery life is stated at something like 10+ days. I wore it for about 5 days before playing 18 with GPS running and it lost 1/3 battery bars after the round. Takes minimal time to recharge via USB.

kmay__ · July 12, 2019

Awesome thanks for the feedback guys!

Imp · July 12, 2019

Yeah, X10 is good. Replacing bands after years of use can be tricky (some say they're compatible, but there's not, and don't fit, I have one that the hasp broke after a couple days.... nothing a watch repair shop couldn't fix). One thing I really like about the X10 is the layup distances screen so you can see what you need to hit to get to 250/200/150/100 or even the dogleg. (Also, if there are traps on the course and their front/back distances). Just a button push and a couple swipes away.

Eng5ive, Hows owls nest conditions? Looking at heading up there in the next couple weeks.

kmay__ · July 12, 2019

To be honest I'm just not crazy about the shape of the x10, I kinda prefer the S models with there more traditional round watch shape. I'm going to go into GT and see if I can try a couple of them on get an idea for sizing and comfort. I have the feeling the more streamlined shape of the X models is likely more comfortable, but I like the the round face traditional style. Well see, thanks again guys.

Eng5ive · July 12, 2019

> @Imp said:

>

> Eng5ive, Hows owls nest conditions? Looking at heading up there in the next couple weeks.

I'd give it a 7 out of 10 considering the amount of rain New England had this spring. A few holes were soggy and muddy and you could tell they are/were having drainage issues. Some greens were beat up, others were in beautiful shape. I did get a little heartburn over paying almost 100$ and finding a handful of greens in terrible shape. But we did see multiple crews actively working to repair the bad spots. Overall I think if you can get out mid week mid day when it's not busy you'll have an awesome time. The scenery and layout of the course is beautiful. It's challenging but playable (for my skill level anyways). Watch yourself on 9, it's like hitting into a grass wall. The fairway climbs about 150' in elevation straight from the box.

Stuart_G · July 13, 2019

> @Eng5ive said:

> finding a handful of greens in terrible shape. But we did see multiple crews actively working to repair the bad spots.

Unfortunately it was a very tough winter in general for the north country although some courses fared better than others. Lots of thaw - freeze cycles or worse actual rain followed by a quick and hard freeze. The more moisture that's in the soil when it freezes, the harder it is on the grass. My home course got hit hard as well. And the growing season is short up here so harder to bounce back.

BlackDiamondPar5 · July 13, 2019

> @kmay__ said:

> To be honest I'm just not crazy about the shape of the x10, I kinda prefer the S models with there more traditional round watch shape. I'm going to go into GT and see if I can try a couple of them on get an idea for sizing and comfort. I have the feeling the more streamlined shape of the X models is likely more comfortable, but I like the the round face traditional style. Well see, thanks again guys.

Check out the Garmin and Bushnell line... most of them come with choice of band size and most allow you to change the band with an after market band... such as the Vivoactive 3 a traditional round watch.

Imp · July 15, 2019

> @Eng5ive said:

> > @Imp said:

> >

> > Eng5ive, Hows owls nest conditions? Looking at heading up there in the next couple weeks.

>

> I'd give it a 7 out of 10 considering the amount of rain New England had this spring. A few holes were soggy and muddy and you could tell they are/were having drainage issues. Some greens were beat up, others were in beautiful shape. I did get a little heartburn over paying almost 100$ and finding a handful of greens in terrible shape. But we did see multiple crews actively working to repair the bad spots. Overall I think if you can get out mid week mid day when it's not busy you'll have an awesome time. The scenery and layout of the course is beautiful. It's challenging but playable (for my skill level anyways). Watch yourself on 9, it's like hitting into a grass wall. The fairway climbs about 150' in elevation straight from the box.

I've played Owls Nest a half dozen times. Thanks for the condition update! :)

Yuck · October 13, 2019

Garmin was too small for my wrist, but I heard you can order an xl band. I have pretty thick wrists, so I avoid watches as a general rule.

cristphoto · October 13, 2019

My Bushnell Excel watch has 5 extra holes in the band I can grow to (about an inch and a half) and I'm 6'2" 230. That said I prefer to not wear a watch when playing and usually attach it to the top hook on my bag.