Low Cost GPS/Range Finder Options

[theebdk]

Options for my son

I have been using the skycaddie SG4 for a couple of years now and am sold on the value of knowing correct yardages. My son is age 13 and has been casually playing the game for a few years. This year we are going to get him regular lessons as he grows into the game.

He has started to understand the importance of knowing distances and when we are close together will ask for a distance read with my skycaddie. However, it is time to get him his own distance reading device.

The golf budget is a little tight since we would like to invest in his lessons. I would like any suggestions for finding a low cost distance reading solution. He owns an IPod Touch and am wondering if there is an app for that device? Not opposed to buying a used gps or range finder, just do not want to pay another $x for subscription. Thanks, any advice?

[Rickochet]

I am currently using the Garmin S1 golf GPS which is a wrist watch that gives the basic Front-Center-Back information. It has 13,000 courses preloaded and there is no annual fee. You can get one from InTheHoleGolf.com using the discount code of "Golf10"
for $225 shipped. Plus they are currently offering a $50 mail in rebate, so grand total of $175. The good thing is that it will be strapped to his wrist and is not something he will lose on the course.

[KBNYY]

What kind of cell phone does he have? Lots of FREE apps out there for users with touch screen phones. It's my understanding that the iPod touch can't get these apps because it lacks GPS ability, that is unless you are able to actively use WiFi throughout the round.

[lifevicarious]

I dont know for certain but I think you could use Golfcard GPS on the ipod touch just without the GPS. It basically uses Google maps so you see it from overhead. You would then have the ability to tell the app where you are at and then it would provide distances to obstacles, greens, etc. It's certainly not perfect as you would have to tell it where you are (guesstimate at best) but for the cost (free or $.99 I think) he could try it out immediately. You would just need to download the course before you got to the course (if your courses aren't there already you can map them quickly and easily for free). I personally use this app on my iPad WITHOUT using the GPS portion of it. I use that in conjunction with a rangefinder and I find it perfect. And for the record, I have no affiliation with that app whatsoever.

I also recently picked up a GX-1 from Amazon for $244 brand new (last I looked it went back to $299 though), I found it invaluable, hitting greens was sooo much easier with it. I like it more then GPS as I find it quicker and easier to get distances to the flag.

[gxDD]

I'd suggest the Bushnell Tour V2 LRF.

At 13 years old, I'd imagine that a LRF is a bit more tangible than a GPS. Kids like to see and touch things, or at least I did, and the LRF's are deadly accurate. Also, I've always been an advocate of seeing is believing. Regarding cost, with the LRF there are no updates, course downloads, or subscriptions.....so your son will constantly have the most up to date technology, which could save you in the long run.

[dpete]

I'd think a laser device would be good both for playing and training his eye. You may want to let him workout his distances the old fashion way for awhile to help him develop his feel. (see what the coach says?). Add an incentive, the third time he beats you on 18 he gets your gps (and of course you'd get a new one)?

[Hateto3Putt]

If you play with him much, then get him a laser, this way as a twosome you'll have the best of both worlds.

Also, there are plenty of older (used) gps devices on Ebay and usually the BST here. You can save a ton of money by buying used.

Does anyone know if you need ANOTHER skycaddie account if you have two skycaddies?