Garmin S20 V:S Bushnell V4 Slope

[platgof]

Got the V4 yesterday and got to use it today. It is a fun tool to use, really enjoy it. I also have a Garmin S20 watch, the goat of golf GPS watches. The V4 is a lot of fun, but no where near as reliable as the watch. The watch has the info as soon as I look at it. The V4 can be off if not used right, but when it vibrates it is dead on. The watch is way easier to use, and deadly accurate, but it does not have slope though. I really like using both and found that I had plenty of time to use them. If I had to have one, the speed of the watch wins hands down. The accuracy of the V4 Slope is sharp, but the watch is not that far off, not to make a real difference. I will keep the V4 for sure and use it, but is it really needed? For the fun factor it is fun to use, and the optics and size are really neat, it really does fit in my pocket. 

[platgof]

After using the V4 for awhile, I am using it a lot more, and the accuracy is really cool. I am glad I have both as they are great to use. 

[cristphoto]

I've had the V4 Slope for a couple years and love it.  I also have a Bushnell Excel GPS watch.  I find I use the V4 much more than the watch.  If you're in the middle of the fairway every time either will suffice.  But when actually playing day in and day out I've found the V4 gives me layup data, distance to middle of dogleg, distance to carry or lay short of bunkers, etc.  The V4 never fails me but the watch can sometimes not auto-step to the next hole or lose its signal under certain weather conditions.  The V4 simply does its job. I put a new battery in it every Spring and keep a spare in my bag.  I recharge the watch pretty much after each round (although it is good on battery and can go 2 rounds if needed). Only issue is when going on golf trips I need to bring the charger or into the third round its dead. V4 just keeps on going.  The only down side I've found with the laser is if my approach shot is over a mound and thus is line-of-sight blind for the laser to read I get no data.  One feature I like about the watch is it has a swing speed meter built in that works with a free Bushnell phone app.  Obviously its not as accurate as the expensive units but it tells me if my swing speed changes +/- when I try different swings.  

 

Edit:  Just got a new Bushnell Phantom 2 last week.  I might re-think my opinion on GPS devices.  This is a lot nicer than my older Bushnell Excel watch. It adjusts properly if you are in the rough vs center of fairway (so F,M,B yardages are correct). Plus you can dial in pin placement to get greater detail than simple FMB.  To recharge it you simply plug in a standard USB cable - no proprietary cord like on the watch.  Finally the software in the watch (and phone app) seems simpler and more logical to understand than on the watch.  I guess this is to be expected being five years newer and having time to refine the product.  

Edited May 9, 2022 by cristphoto