GPS NEO Question - how accurate is the shot distance measuring option?

[pgk876]

I just picked up my first GPS device this week. I have never used one before and got a NEO for $99.00. One of reasons I got it is to help me better measure how far I hit new irons I got last year. I am a decent player about an 8 handicap. From the posts I have read it seems that the GPS functions can be off between 3 - 7 yards and maybe more sometimes in measuring distances to greens etc. - but what about the function where you click once on the device from where you hit your shot and then click it again when you get to where the shor ended up? This maybe a silly question but is this function more accurate? I would thinks so but not sure.

 

Thanks

 

pgk876

[DaveLeeNC]

While I am a laser user, I had a GPS for a while and did some work to determine accuracy (I'd call it 5 yards from what I experienced). GPS is actually pretty darn good when you take two GPS recordings under similar conditions - like you do when calculating distances where you record "where I am now (teeing off)" and a few minutes later "where am I now (at the ball)".

Most GPS inaccuracy is either mapping or varying atmospheric/etc. conditions not well compensated for by WAAS. Shot distance mapping probably really is good to a couple yards (even though you are picking up 'double errors' because it is two GPS measurements, not one).

dave

[friscoloco]

[quote name='pgk876' date='24 March 2010 - 05:52 PM' timestamp='1269478350' post='2338832']
I just picked up my first GPS device this week. I have never used one before and got a NEO for $99.00. One of reasons I got it is to help me better measure how far I hit new irons I got last year. I am a decent player about an 8 handicap. From the posts I have read it seems that the GPS functions can be off between 3 - 7 yards and maybe more sometimes in measuring distances to greens etc. - but what about the function where you click once on the device from where you hit your shot and then click it again when you get to where the shor ended up? This maybe a silly question but is this function more accurate? I would thinks so but not sure.

Thanks

pgk876
[/quote]

Ppgk876,

I use my Neo constantly for shot distance and I agree it is a great way for figuring out how far you hit each club. The best way to get an idea of accuracy using the shot distance calculator is to have someone shoot the pin with their laser to get the distance. Then, start the shot distance calculator from where they were standing and see the reading when you get to the hole. I'd agree with DaveLeeNC that you shouldn't see more than 2 yards of difference.