SkyCaddie Touch vs. Garmin Approach G8 vs. App?

[Norboo]

Hello.

 

I currently play with Bushnell Z6 and Golf Buddy Voice Plus.

I also have Garmin G5, SkyCaddie SGX collecting dust and Golfshot.

 

I am looking for device with hole layout and distances to hazards. My tired old eyes need reading glasses (1.75) and would like to read the device without my reading glasses.

 

What are the pros and cons to SkyCaddie Touch, Garmin Approach G8 and any good device/Apps?

 

Last, when will SkyCaddie and Garmin come out with newer models?

 

Thank you in advance.

[whsbuss]

I have used GolfShot GPS on my iPhone, Garmin G8 and the Touch. All have their pros/cons. After 6 months of using my iPhone on the course, I found it very gadget intensive with lots of screen locking/unlocking between shots. Great and convenient app but I like using a dedicated device on the course.

Skycaddie Touch, after a few new updates, has increased it functionality greatly. Still has some little hiccups but more than acceptable. Of course they have the best course/distance support but that come with a price each year. It can hold up to 100 Vivid-HD courses, which to me provides better screen visibility and can be downloaded via bluetooth and smartphone. The Touch is their newest device (released December 2014 after many delays) so I don't expect a hardware update anytime soon.

Garmin G8 is comparable to the Touch with some exceptions. It is subscription fee free with updates for life over WiFi or USB connected. Provides club distance suggestions and slope (which are illegal via USGA rules, but can be turned off). Something you may be interested in is the Big Numbers mode that shows front/middle/back distances. I also use reading glasses and I find it very useful for courses I play regularly.

I can only suggest giving any unit a try and see if it works for you. We all have our opinions, likes and dislikes.

[Norboo]

It seems there are many poor reviews about SkyCaddie Touch. However, Garmin Approach G8 seems to have favorable reviews.

[TM_HOYER]

I have owned the Skycaddie Touch and have not had a problem with it. When it was first released, there were some features missing but with the latest release, all of the features are there plus. They have have changed the zoom feature and it works real nice where it could make the target list obsolete. Sync is through Bluetooth (but program updates still need USB). The support has been much more responsive.

I would say a lot of the loudest complaints are from users switching from the SG5. Also I wonder if some of the complaints are from people that have not used a smartphone or tablet, or have to be hand fed on how to use technology. You do have to get used to using it differently compared to previous Skycaddie's, but after a couple rounds, it becomes routine.

[fishstix94]

I have thought about using a gps app on my iPhone for awhile, any suggestions?

[chas521]

[quote name='fishstix94' timestamp='1430275548' post='11462859']
I have thought about using a gps app on my iPhone for awhile, any suggestions?
[/quote]

Do a search for fungolf.com.