GPS comparison Chart

[NeverSatisfied]

Update of original GPS Comparison Chart from Charlie Foxtrot

I have provided an update on the original GPS comparison chart started in May 2007. I have used the same headings from the original and added sone new headings. Instead of pasting it as an image, I have attached an excel spreadsheet.

I have removed the GPS models that are no longer listed as available on the website and added new models and new GPS devices. I will monitor the thread for any corrections or to add new GPS devices or you can PM me with the information. All information listed was taken from the manufactuers website.

Update 4/11/08: I updated the spreadsheet with the following information:

Legend at the bottom

Added if GPS device has Green feature to Extent of OEM Mapping column

Added new column to indicate if GPS device has digital scorecard and keeps statistics (FIR, GIR, Putts)

Update 4/12/08: Added Windows/Mac compatibility column on GPS Specifications tab.

Note: SureShot placed the following info on using it with a MAC:
Yes,Under OS X running Parallels Desktop for Mac Release Candidate (Build 3120). Back gound - Parallels Desktop for Mac is the first solution for Intel-Macs that give you the flexibility of running Windows on Mac OS X simultaneously without rebooting. It accomplishes this by allowing a user to run a Virtual machine (Guest OS) inside a windowed environment inside the Parent OS. The SureAnalysis Software application for the sureshotGPS functions properly in this environment. Please note its only supported under Windows XP. However we have many MAC customers using this environment.

[seriously_obsessed_duffer]

Nice work. Didn't change the data. But here it is as a jpg for those without Excel.

 

[phil75070]

I think it is not fair to indicate just F, B and C green mapping for the SkyGolf and Golf Guru units as for most SkyGolf courses the Intelligreen feature provides the outline of the green and F, C, and B positions depending on your relative position, as does Golf Guru's Green Zense feature for all of their courses. The difference between the two is that the SkyGolf green rotates relative to your position, while the Golf Guru F and B points move around a stationary shape of the green depending on your relative position. Both have a way of moving crosshairs or a pin symbol to approximate pin location and you get F and B yardages on a line through that point. I believe there is one other unit out there that provide F and B yardages through the center of the green relative to your position but does not show the actual outline of the green.

[mrb]

Since you guys have done a phenomenal job of compiling this data, can I make one small request? How about adding a column for OS compatibility? It would be great to know which of these are MAC compatible or not.

[NeverSatisfied]

I will add the OS compatible information this weekend, just post a note and I will try to add the information within a couple of days.

[jelizaga]

Which would you guys recommend? I have tried skycaddie, but the battery life is too short. Thanks!

[NeverSatisfied]

I think each of us who have researched and purchased a golf GPS system have different criteria for picking the manufacturer. There are a number of discussion topics concerning the pro's and con's of each GPS unit that you may want to review. For me, the most important features were no yearly subscription fee, mapped local courses I play, ability to add targets to downloaded courses, ability to determine shot distance, and will keep your score and statistics (FIR, GIR, Putts).

 

After I reviewed all of the GPS units listed in the chart, I bought the Golf Guru. It can do everything listed above except map targets on downloaded courses, which will be available with the next software release (scheduled for this month). It has outstanding customer support as they quickly answer questions and will map a requested course within two weeks. Golf Guru continues to update their existing product software to provide additional functionality to the GPS unit instead of introducing a new unit with the new features. It also offers an interface to another web site to download and track your statistics and obtain a handicap rating.

 

Good luck with your research on finding the best GPS unit for you.

[phil75070]

I used the SkyGolf SG2 for the last 4-5 years, more so since they were legalized, of course. Early on I had a problem where the unit just would not acquire (enough?) the satellites. I returned it, they fixed it, and the only problem since has been a need to "reset" it occasionally during power up. I have looked at other units as they have come out and any unit that I would even consider to replace my SG2 had to have a feature comparable to the SkyGolf "Intelligreen". I finally found one, the Golf Guru. A great price to start with, $249, no subscription fee, their version of "Intelligreen" they call "Green Zense", the only GPS I know of where you map the outline of the green if you self map (or while editing existing courses - a feature soon to be released), multiple intermediate targets (some GPS's have limits as to the number of hazards, etc., that you can map - I mapped 10 on one par 5, counting "to" and "clear" points as only one - with no issues), a marking feature that shows you a running yardage as you move from the original mark and not just a yardage between two "marked" locations, and great customer service before and after the sale.

[mrb]

Just a quick question/not. On the spreadsheet, it shows the Golf Guru as being MAC compatible. Can anyone confirm where they found this, as their website states Windows support only.

 

Thanks.

[littlepingman]

GPS comparison Chart

Update of original GPS Comparison Chart from Charlie Foxtrot

 

What ever happened to Charlie_Foxtrot???

[mrb]

Definitive answer on teh Guru & the MAC:

 

 

Hi! It can be compatible with a Mac, but your Mac needs to be running with an intel microprocessor. We are currently working on getting the Guru to be able to run on the Mac without using the microprocessor.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions. I am here to help!

 

Amanda

GPS Golf Guru Support

[email protected]

 

Upon Further Review:

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention Parallels. Run that one, and it will work. We have customers who successfully run everything with Parallels.

[Gozz]

Does anyone know how often GPS map images are updated? We have a couple of new courses that I would like to have mapped but because they are so new there is no satellite images of them yet. They are about 45 minutes from my house so I don't want to drive down there just to map the course, I'd rather be playing.

[masterli]

Does anyone know how often GPS map images are updated? We have a couple of new courses that I would like to have mapped but because they are so new there is no satellite images of them yet. They are about 45 minutes from my house so I don't want to drive down there just to map the course, I'd rather be playing.

 

I assume there is more than one provider of satellite images. i mean, i don't know real details but i know google's map of my house shows a pool and trampoline and a housing site shows my house w/ only the pool. both have been removed since we moved in 2 years ago.

 

i have a feeling you're going to have to map it. i agree is sux to have to map, but if you can find a chance to do it when it's not busy you can certainly play and map in one round.