SkyCaddie - gonna toast it and get something else

[6t4gt0]

Mini rant.

I've had my skycaddie (2.5) for a few years, like the unit but not there membership options.

I was in AZ in Feb. for a month and purchased the membership so I could utilize it down there, 4 months later I have to renew and buy my typical membership here and lose the option to use the U.S. membership that is supposed to last for a year. I asked them the question and they responded by telling me I should have purchased the most expensive option to utilize both. You have to go through support for any questions, so I asked them to refund me the remaining portion of the U.S. option that will never be used or why it wasn't deducted from my renewal and they didn't even have the courteousy to reply.

I'm done with them and will find either a smart app or another gps that doesn't milk you for your dollars.

[tbarlow11]

I agree with that. I've usually just bought the state plan, and whenever I would go away on vacation, I would either have to ditch it and hope wherever I played had Cart GPS, or upgrade and pay the extra money for 2 weeks of out-of-state play. I tried once to see if they would let me have the US plan for a pro-rated amount per month, and it obviously didn't fly.


Since upgraded to a laser, and use a GPS app on my iphone.

[rodge]

I was a big fan of my Skycaddie for the first couple years of using it. I got a great deal on a Bushnell laser last year, and I will never go back to GPS, ever. I have found the laser to be far more reliable, and so much cheaper in the long run if you play a lot of different courses.

[sheppy335]

To me the US plan is cheap enough to just get it all the time. I have the 3 year one and it averages out to less then 30 bucks a year!

[backinthegame]

The cost of laser rangefinders is enough to make me stick to one of the many free smartphone apps that work just fine.

[chiguy]

I used a free app on my iPhone for the longest time before I found a great deal on a Bushnell. I love the Bushnell but to be perfectly honest I feel the free apps get the job done. The laser is just quicker. Have you considered the laser route?

[cristphoto]

[quote name='rodge' timestamp='1342460937' post='5286240']
I was a big fan of my Skycaddie for the first couple years of using it. I got a great deal on a Bushnell laser last year, and I will never go back to GPS, ever. I have found the laser to be far more reliable, and so much cheaper in the long run if you play a lot of different courses.
[/quote]

Same here. I had a Sky Caddie and got rid of it for the Bushnell V2 laser. The laser works great. When I had my Sky Caddie a friend had the same unit. We would stand side by side and compare readings and often they would be off (and sometimes off by a lot). When I do the same test with my laser (a friend has the exact same unit), they virtually always read the same. I like the fact that with the laser I can simply leave it in my bag and its ready to go no matter where I play. No computer to worry about and battery life is not an issue. The only down side to the laser I can see is it obviously doesn't work on blind shots over hills.

[kg92lefty]

Skycaddie is for hacks.
Bushnell is for players.

[sompin2do]

[quote name='kg92lefty' timestamp='1343091844' post='5338118']
Skycaddie is for hacks.
Bushnell is for players.
[/quote]

You can prove that? I have a SkyCaddie and a Callaway Diablo Octane laser. Have owned the SG 2.5, SG5 and SGX with zero issues in performance or customer service. Also have no issues with the laser. Both have their places for different situations but most of all it's individual preference. Has nothing to do with ability.

[TM_HOYER]

[quote name='cristphoto' timestamp='1343091663' post='5338096']
[quote name='rodge' timestamp='1342460937' post='5286240']
I was a big fan of my Skycaddie for the first couple years of using it. I got a great deal on a Bushnell laser last year, and I will never go back to GPS, ever. I have found the laser to be far more reliable, and so much cheaper in the long run if you play a lot of different courses.
[/quote]

Same here. I had a Sky Caddie and got rid of it for the Bushnell V2 laser. The laser works great. When I had my Sky Caddie a friend had the same unit. We would stand side by side and compare readings and often they would be off (and sometimes off by a lot). When I do the same test with my laser (a friend has the exact same unit), they virtually always read the same. I like the fact that with the laser I can simply leave it in my bag and its ready to go no matter where I play. No computer to worry about and battery life is not an issue. The only down side to the laser I can see is it obviously doesn't work on blind shots over hills.
[/quote]

If you have two GPS units near each other, they will interfere with each other, causing inaccurate readings and the inability for them to lock into a yardage.

[MSchad]

[quote name='kg92lefty' timestamp='1343091844' post='5338118']
Skycaddie is for hacks.
Bushnell is for players.
[/quote]

Juvenile remark!
I would love to use a lazer as I'm sure many would. But I can't hold it steady enough and have a virtical stignatism so I have problems using it even if it steady. So I use a GPS. Both have their place.... and both help in determining distances.

[jnradioactive]

[quote name='kg92lefty' timestamp='1343091844' post='5338118']
Skycaddie is for hacks.
Bushnell is for players.
[/quote]

Only a [i][b]hack [/b][/i]would say something like that

[vokeyloyalist]

only a hack would use the bushnell with the gps.

[78Staff]

[quote name='TM_HOYER' timestamp='1343093497' post='5338354']
If you have two GPS units near each other, they will interfere with each other, causing inaccurate readings and the inability for them to lock into a yardage.
[/quote]

I've heard this before, but have always dismissed it as marketing-speak. Does anyone have any factual source that supports this?

ie, multiple GPS units on some of our fishing boats and we don't see this interference at all?

[Scratch2Plus]

I've had nothing but problems with my SGXwifi. Im currently on my 3rd replacement and looks like I'm going to have to return this one as well. I didnt know this was the norm but the replacements they sent me are refurbished units. Should I accept this? I paid full price when they came out around Christmas time and I even bought the SkyCaddie extended warranty.
This last unit I received yesterday has smudges and scratches on the buttons and had golf courses from AZ (Im in IL).
Also, when I try and power it up and select course I want to play an "Exception Notice" screen comes up and I cant do anything with the unit.
I wont recommend a SkyCaddie to anyone and I'll never purchase a SkyCaddie product again.

[Swisstrader98]

Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds. Reminds me of people who held on to their Motorola Startac when smartphones came out. Cmon people, get yourself a smartphone app!!

Ive owned just about every handheld and then switched to Golfshot for iPhone for a whopping $29.95 and no need for yearly subscription services. It's fun, it's easy, it's accurate and its already sitting on a device you use everyday.

[Solutions Etcetera]

[quote name='3GWrX09' timestamp='1343993112' post='5400662']
I've had nothing but problems with my SGXwifi. Im currently on my 3rd replacement and looks like I'm going to have to return this one as well. I didnt know this was the norm but the replacements they sent me are refurbished units. Should I accept this?[/quote]

How long has it been since the first problem surfaced. If it is going on 4-6 months, send a certified letter to the CEO telling him you want a refund, and if you don't get one you have no other choice than to proceed to small claims for "breach of warranty".

Regardless of what their CS dept tells you, you don't have to put up with this kind of crap.

[Solutions Etcetera]

[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds.[/quote]

Lots of reasons for this you don't consider, not the least of which is no signal at my home course.

[Swisstrader98]

[quote name='Solutions Etcetera' timestamp='1343994585' post='5400696']
[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds.[/quote]

Lots of reasons for this you don't consider, not the least of which is no signal at my home course.
[/quote]

Where is your golf course, on Mars? Just kidding! Actually something I did not consider. Sometimes wish my course didn't have cell signal...would lessen the amount of idle chatter and text messages some do throughout the round.

[chas521]

[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994869' post='5400710']
[quote name='Solutions Etcetera' timestamp='1343994585' post='5400696']
[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds.[/quote]

Lots of reasons for this you don't consider, not the least of which is no signal at my home course.
[/quote]

Where is your golf course, on Mars? Just kidding! Actually something I did not consider. Sometimes wish my course didn't have cell signal...would lessen the amount of idle chatter and text messages some do throughout the round.
[/quote]

Just turn off the notifications in the phone settings.

[Solutions Etcetera]

[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994869' post='5400710']Where is your golf course, on Mars?[/quote]

Not quite. West foothills of the northern sierra.

[sharedmedia=core:attachments:643144]

[TM_HOYER]

[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds. Reminds me of people who held on to their Motorola Startac when smartphones came out. Cmon people, get yourself a smartphone app!!

Ive owned just about every handheld and then switched to Golfshot for iPhone for a whopping $29.95 and no need for yearly subscription services. It's fun, it's easy, it's accurate and its already sitting on a device you use everyday.
[/quote]

It has been well discussed on other threads why golfers will use a conforming golf GPS vs. a non-conforming smartphone app.

[sompin2do]

[quote name='TM_HOYER' timestamp='1343997052' post='5400804']
[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds. Reminds me of people who held on to their Motorola Startac when smartphones came out. Cmon people, get yourself a smartphone app!!

Ive owned just about every handheld and then switched to Golfshot for iPhone for a whopping $29.95 and no need for yearly subscription services. It's fun, it's easy, it's accurate and its already sitting on a device you use everyday.
[/quote]

It has been well discussed on other threads why golfers will use a conforming golf GPS vs. a non-conforming smartphone app.
[/quote]

The last 2 tournaments I played we were told cell phones were banned - except in emergency so that rules out any app for me. Have zero issues with my SGX.

[78Staff]

[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds. Reminds me of people who held on to their Motorola Startac when smartphones came out. Cmon people, get yourself a smartphone app!!

Ive owned just about every handheld and then switched to Golfshot for iPhone for a whopping $29.95 and no need for yearly subscription services. It's fun, it's easy, it's accurate and its already sitting on a device you use everyday.
[/quote]

I've tried a few, they don't seem to work well for me. Either the drain my battery down, or the overhead views are not good, or they don't offer as detailed info as my upro, etc.

Hey I'm with ya, I'd love to find one that works as well as my upro. Not sure if I've tried golfshot, but I think I have. I will look again.

[BlackDiamondPar5]

[quote name='Solutions Etcetera' timestamp='1343995490' post='5400740']
[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994869' post='5400710']Where is your golf course, on Mars?[/quote]

Not quite. West foothills of the northern sierra.
[/quote]

Simply awesome looking course.

[esketores]

[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds. Reminds me of people who held on to their Motorola Startac when smartphones came out. Cmon people, get yourself a smartphone app!!

Ive owned just about every handheld and then switched to Golfshot for iPhone for a whopping $29.95 and no need for yearly subscription services. It's fun, it's easy, it's accurate and its already sitting on a device you use everyday.
[/quote]

Sorry to disagree about the Golfshot and this is not a shot at Golfshot but using any app on the Iphone for golf is a pain in the rear. Poor visibility in sunlight. Have to swipe the phone everytime to bring up. Have to manually change holes. Hate it.

I've a SGS2 one of the early skycaddies. When I bought it SkyCaddie was not real forthcoming about about the subscription plan. I thought it was a one time purchase. WRONG! Put a bad taste in my mouth from the get go. And SkyCaddies customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Well at least they did. Quit dealing with them a couple years ago. Needed a new battery and they wanted an arm and a leg. Found one through a third party at half the price.
Got a Nikon/Callaway laser and do not miss the GPS at all.

[BlackDiamondPar5]

[quote name='78Staff' timestamp='1344000853' post='5400994']
[quote name='Swisstrader98' timestamp='1343994335' post='5400688']
Can't believe there are people who still use handhelds. Reminds me of people who held on to their Motorola Startac when smartphones came out. Cmon people, get yourself a smartphone app!!

Ive owned just about every handheld and then switched to Golfshot for iPhone for a whopping $29.95 and no need for yearly subscription services. It's fun, it's easy, it's accurate and its already sitting on a device you use everyday.
[/quote]

I've tried a few, they don't seem to work well for me. Either the drain my battery down, or the overhead views are not good, or they don't offer as detailed info as my upro, etc.

Hey I'm with ya, I'd love to find one that works as well as my upro. Not sure if I've tried golfshot, but I think I have. I will look again.
[/quote]

Smartphone GPS apps are okay for some, and I'd use one in a pinch, but a dedicated device is just much better in so many ways.

[Fourmyle of Ceres]

Using an app on your smartphone to get the distance to the green while playing golf is a classic case of a guy holding a hammer and looking around for anything that looks like a nail. Bang Bang Bang.

You could probably putt with your smartphone instead of a putter if you've run out of things to do with your smartphone that it's actually suited for...

[BlackDiamondPar5]

[quote name='Fourmyle of Ceres' timestamp='1344006215' post='5401396']
Using an app on your smartphone to get the distance to the green while playing golf is a classic case of a guy holding a hammer and looking around for anything that looks like a nail. Bang Bang Bang.

You could probably putt with your smartphone instead of a putter if you've run out of things to do with your smartphone that it's actually suited for...
[/quote]

Fourmyle, your post made me laugh. The product linked below is a great caricature of your post.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/418526357/the-mark-perfect-harmony-between-golf-and-the-ipho?ref=live

[Scratch2Plus]

[quote name='Solutions Etcetera' timestamp='1343994451' post='5400694']
[quote name='3GWrX09' timestamp='1343993112' post='5400662']
I've had nothing but problems with my SGXwifi. Im currently on my 3rd replacement and looks like I'm going to have to return this one as well. I didnt know this was the norm but the replacements they sent me are refurbished units. Should I accept this?[/quote]

How long has it been since the first problem surfaced. If it is going on 4-6 months, send a certified letter to the CEO telling him you want a refund, and if you don't get one you have no other choice than to proceed to small claims for "breach of warranty".

Regardless of what their CS dept tells you, you don't have to put up with this kind of crap.
[/quote]

Its going on 7 months now. 1st one was replaced a month in and Im sending the 3rd device back as we speak. All 3 had different issues that their technical support couldnt help correct. I just spoke to the CS dept and they confirmed that the replacement units are refurbished units, or as they like to put it "recertified" units.
If the 4th one craps out on me then yes I will be demanding a refund.
BTW Solutions phenomenal looking gc!