Just got a Garmin Approach S1

[Willie Malay]

How I review items: I'm blatantly honest. I don't have the mindset of having to try to defend what I bought to justify having bought it. There it is. Enjoy.

 

Pros:

-I'm assuming it's as accurate as anything out there. Measuring against yardage markers in my mind is not the best thing to do, because many of them are not in the right spot. The only true measurement would be against a laser type device or measuring with a tape. I'm just assuming it's within a few yards.

-It's right there on your wrist. A quickly look and you are ready to go. No having to grab a device from wherever you put it, nor having to put it away before you hit and the important thing, remembering to pick that device back up. I've left my phone in the rough before using a gps app only to find out on the next hole I didn't have it. Not the best feeling in the world.

-Battery lasts longer than a smart phone but maybe less than other gps devices(?). They say 8 hours on gps mode (3 weeks using it as a watch)

-Looks like a watch

-Minimalistic, which I like.

-Charging device smartly designed to increase waterproof qualities.

-Works automatically. No having to tell it where you are, set up anything nor having to do anything to advance to the next hole.

-NO RECURRING FEES!! Downloads are free. No subscriptions.

 

Cons:

-Slightly bulky but not bad

-The plastic does not breath. Feels clammy in hot weather.

-Replacing the band seems like it would be pretty difficult, maybe impossible? What happens when the band breaks?

-Replacing the battery seems a bit hard, assuming you can even replace it(?)

-Minimalistic. Only has readings to front middle and back of green. Only you can decide if that is enough for you.

-White color looks a bit "faggy". Black looks a bit "dorky".

-Charging device is mildly hard to get clamped on correctly. But you know when it's on correct because the screens shows "charging".

-Making sure it has enough charge for a full round of golf.

-A bit expensive for what it is.

 

I never wear a watch so getting used to it is going to be a bit of a problem for me. I'm just wearing it every day so it isn't a big deal when I play.

 

I like the idea of this device for it's pure simplistic nature. Don't have to mess with it. It works basically automatically.

 

After using yardage markers, gps devics, phone apps and laser devices I know this is faster and simpler than anything out there and that works for me. Your mileage may vary.

[jeffc]

Thanks. Looking at getting one of these to supplement my laser.

[Willie Malay]

Would be a killer duo.

[Rickochet]

I have had the S-1 since it came out last year and really like it. Having he GPS on your wrist and not clamped to the cart is great. My fancy Golf Guru 4 has be relegated to road nav duties. The only negative is the battery life. It won't do two full rounds so if you forget to charge it after each round it will crap out at about the 32nd hole. it it a large watch but no larger than a sports crono type. If you already wear a watch you won't even notice it. If you don't wear a watch having this one or any watch will take some getting used to.

[Ozsouthpaw]

I have had an S1 for 6 months now and it has improved my game and enjoyment playing simply because I now know how far to the green, front, centre and back and select the appropriate club dependent on flag placement.
However on a couple of occasions I have noted that the distance given is to the green I have just played even though I am centre fairway ! Anyone got any idea why .

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

Make sure your watch has the most current software and course mapping. Go to www.garmin.com/courseviewupdater to update the watch for free.

[Solutions Etcetera]

Had mine since day one and would never be without it. I already had the G5, but since the S1, it primarily serves as an electronic scorecard.

Tried a laser… too much to fiddle with. Tried the uPro, same issue. G5 was OK mounted to the cart… but the S1 is perfect.

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='Willie Malay' timestamp='1343309341' post='5356926']
Cons:

-White color looks a bit "faggy". Black looks a bit "dorky".

I'm just wearing it every day so it isn't a big deal when I play.

[/quote]

What color did you get?

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

[quote name='Ozsouthpaw' timestamp='1345604247' post='5513600']
I have had an S1 for 6 months now and it has improved my game and enjoyment playing simply because I now know how far to the green, front, centre and back and select the appropriate club dependent on flag placement.
However on a couple of occasions I have noted that the distance given is to the green I have just played even though I am centre fairway ! Anyone got any idea why .
[/quote]

Sometimes, the watch may not automatically advance to the next hole. Make sure that you are on the correct hole and press the UP button to advance a hole if necessary. Also, make sure your watch has the most current software and mapping.

[Ozsouthpaw]

[quote name='Rock Chalk Jayhawk' timestamp='1345659191' post='5516774']
[quote name='Ozsouthpaw' timestamp='1345604247' post='5513600']
I have had an S1 for 6 months now and it has improved my game and enjoyment playing simply because I now know how far to the green, front, centre and back and select the appropriate club dependent on flag placement.
However on a couple of occasions I have noted that the distance given is to the green I have just played even though I am centre fairway ! Anyone got any idea why .
[/quote]

Sometimes, the watch may not automatically advance to the next hole. Make sure that you are on the correct hole and press the UP button to advance a hole if necessary. Also, make sure your watch has the most current software and mapping.
[/quote]
Thanks for that.I updated softwear the day I purchased the watch. I will take note of course layout next time as perhaps
its just not advancing to next hole where the tee boxes are together and the greens in the same direction. Eg a par 3 then a par 4 where tees are alongside each other

[Locked]

You may want to choose a different word for your description of the white color... just sayin...

[Willie Malay]

No I won't. You prejudiced toward dorks?

[golfnmudd]

[quote name='Willie Malay' timestamp='1345927263' post='5533757']
No I won't. You prejudiced toward dorks?
[/quote]

Lmao! I love it

[FEWO]

[quote name='Hateto3Putt' timestamp='1345642253' post='5514998']
[quote name='Willie Malay' timestamp='1343309341' post='5356926']
Cons:

-White color looks a bit "faggy". Black looks a bit "dorky".

I'm just wearing it every day so it isn't a big deal when I play.

[/quote]

What color did you get?
[/quote]

lol

[mukster]

I got an S1 for my birthday. I already had a Bushnell Laser yardage finder and the two compliment each other nicely. Only beef I have with the S1 is that it is a squeeze to make two rounds in one day on one charge.
I use the Bushnell if I need to read a distance to a bunker or a hazard, otherwise the distance to the hole is all I really need. It is fast and accurate, once I get to the ball, I put my bag down, look at the watch and pull the club of choice.
I got it in "dork" , for what its worth!