Golf Watches

[TheJimFoster]

Okay, I'm just interested in buying a golf watch. My Dad recommended a Garmin Approach S1. It is on sale at the moment at £79. I've looked at the Microsoft Band. And some of the Android Watches. I think the Huawei looks stylish but it won't go on sale until the winter. And I think it's a huge advantage to have built in GPS. Otherwise the watch has to be paired up to the phone.

Currently only the Sony Smartwatch 3 has that. Although the 2nd Gen Motorola 360 will be available soon.

I have just noticed there are several featured golf course apps here: (including Hole19, Golfshot and others https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_3000cf4_android_wear_all?hl=en_GB

I use an HTC One phone. So I'm not interested in the iPhone/Apple Watch stuff.

What are people's experiences of these watches and apps?

[Unteachable]

check out the gps sub forum under the equipment section

[ronnbee]

I have the bushel neo watch, like a lot

[TheJimFoster]

Can a mod please put this post in the GPS/Range Finders/Mobile Apps sub forum please.

[Deepfork]

Geez, lighten up Topic Nazis! I think this actually can apply to golf style and accessories.

[fcm]

[b]​I bought the Garmin s3 watch refurbished...from Garmin factory outlet....and I am happy with it......it tells you how far you hit the ball.....keeps your score....plus other features.....[/b]

[golfbuddy]

[quote name='TheJimFoster' timestamp='1440362870' post='12194886']
Okay, I'm just interested in buying a golf watch. My Dad recommended a Garmin Approach S1. It is on sale at the moment at £79. I've looked at the Microsoft Band. And some of the Android Watches. I think the Huawei looks stylish but it won't go on sale until the winter. And I think it's a huge advantage to have built in GPS. Otherwise the watch has to be paired up to the phone.
Currently only the Sony Smartwatch 3 has that. Although the 2nd Gen Motorola 360 will be available soon.
I have just noticed there are several featured golf course apps here: (including Hole19, Golfshot and others [url="https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_3000cf4_android_wear_all?hl=en_GB"]https://play.google....ar_all?hl=en_GB[/url]
I use an HTC One phone. So I'm not interested in the iPhone/Apple Watch stuff.
What are people's experiences of these watches and apps?
[/quote]

I got the Garmin S1 when it first came out and enjoyed it ever since. Basic info furnished and that's all I wanted. After four years, the battery is getting a tad weak so will replace the battery in the near future.

[Boricua Golf]

I have GolfPadGPS and it synchs with my Samsung Gear S, it is awesome...

[kvarilek]

I have a Bushnell Neo X that I have loved but after 1 1/2 years the battery is dying out on me. Yesterday I had fully charged it prior to my round and it died by hole 8. I'm not sure if others have had that experience but it is slightly disappointing.

[BlackDiamondPar5]

[quote name='kvarilek' timestamp='1446057149' post='12519260']
I have a Bushnell Neo X that I have loved but after 1 1/2 years the battery is dying out on me. Yesterday I had fully charged it prior to my round and it died by hole 8. I'm not sure if others have had that experience but it is slightly disappointing.
[/quote]

Try cleaning the contacts of the watch with a nylon brush (it came with one or use an old toothbrush). You may even have to wash the back of the watch with soap and water since sweat and skin can build up on the contacts and interfere with charging. Also try a different charging source.

Also make sure you charge it fully the day you play or within a couple days before you play, not weeks or months before you play.

Mine is close to 2.5 years old and I still can let it run continuously in golf mode for 10.75 hours. When it was new I'd get more like 11.5 hours.

If the above fails for you then I'd contact Bushnell customer service as they are pretty good. They also say this on their website "[color=#555555]Under the vast majority of circumstances, the batteries used in our GPS Watches will provide [u][b]years[/b][/u] of trouble free use, and will not need to be changed. The warranty on the GPS watch will be void if the consumer tries to change the battery. If you feel that your battery is going bad, please contact Bushnell Customer Service at [email protected]."[/color]

[dcmidnight]

I have had the S1 for a while now and absolutely love it. I've gotten used to having FMB yardages and the watch is extremely quick.

The only thing I would update for is if they upgrade the watches that have the course maps on them to actual overhead shots - like the UproMX had.

[cristphoto]

I have a Bushnell Neo X watch that works fine. It has been replaced by the Neo XS model. I went with the Bushnell because the battery life seemed better than other watches.

[matchavez]

If you have any inclination to get a smart watch, do that and get a golf app for it.

[Shambles]

I have the Bushnell Neo X and only now realize I've had it for about four years, leaving it running the whole time. My only problem with the watch is that I tend to forget it and sometimes have it on in the shower. The one time I ran out of battery was when I played course after course for four days while purposely neglecting to recharge it so I could see how many rounds it could handle. Useless information as recharging is so very easy, but I managed 4 and it failed on the fifth.

It's still running well and I see no reason to look for a replacement.



Shambles

[cristphoto]

[quote name='Shambles' timestamp='1446487070' post='12541152']
I have the Bushnell Neo X and only now realize I've had it for about four years, leaving it running the whole time. My only problem with the watch is that I tend to forget it and sometimes have it on in the shower. The one time I ran out of battery was when I played course after course for four days while purposely neglecting to recharge it so I could see how many rounds it could handle. Useless information as recharging is so very easy, but I managed 4 and it failed on the fifth.

It's still running well and I see no reason to look for a replacement.



Shambles
[/quote]

As I stated earlier excellent battery life is why I got the Bushnell. I can go away for weekend golf outings and have no need to bring the charger since its not needed. I am amused when read in this forum about people with other brands that have trouble just finishing a single round.

[psapitch13]

S1 is great for basic Info, I am thinking for $129 on BF might be worthwhile to upgrade to the S2.

[MaxBuck]

Sony SmartWatch 3 is useless for golf. Although it has built-in GPS, when used for golf (I used the Hole19 app) it requires that one also carry the smartphone on which the main app is loaded. And then the battery lasts for only about 9 holes.

[AmazinBlue]

I have the Garmin S2 and I think it's great. Lightweight and you barely know it's there. It gives you the necessary information from anywhere on the golf course. Once it finds the course, which takes a minutes or less and "locates satellites" it will tell the yardage to the front middle and back of any hole on the course instantly. It doesn't have a green layout though. It includes distance to doglegs as well.

[a_gorilla]

I use the GolfBuddy WT5 watch. I like that there's a dynamic green view, and you can place where the pin is to get better yardages. It also recalculates based on angle of approach to the green, and lists distances to the front of hazards and to clear them.

[CactusGolf]

I have the Garmin S2 and I think it's great. Lightweight and you barely know it's there. It gives you the necessary information from anywhere on the golf course. Once it finds the course, which takes a minutes or less and "locates satellites" it will tell the yardage to the front middle and back of any hole on the course instantly. It doesn't have a green layout though. It includes distance to doglegs as well.

I agree with the S2. Even better because it is on sale just about anywhere now for around $160 (TGW).

 

You might also want to take a look at the S20. Provides distances to hazards in addition to F/M/B. I have my first round with it this weekend after several years with the S2. S20 was $199.

[GTA SOL]

Steer clear of Golf Buddy - I have the WT5 and find the yardages pretty poor on my home course, and that's after I got Golf Buddy re-map it. Would not get another Golf Buddy product.

[Nick081974]

I have the Approach S4 and my biggest complaint is that it does't tell you distances to hazards like cheaper alternatives do, pretty sad really.

[CactusGolf]

I have the Approach S4 and my biggest complaint is that it does't tell you distances to hazards like cheaper alternatives do, pretty sad really.

The S20 does, to bunkers at least. I haven't tried it with any water hazards yet.

[Nick081974]

That's a reason that I have been eyeing the S20. Thanks Cactus!