golf watch Archives - Golftlink Everything About Golf Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:27:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://golftlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-GolfTLink-icon-transp-32x32.png golf watch Archives - Golftlink 32 32 Fitbit Sense 2: Is it good for golf? https://golftlink.com/fitbit-sense-2-good-for-golf/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:46:56 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=2854 The Fitbit Sense 2 has been a revelation, and it might be the best device for you. It has accurate fitness, health, stress, and sleep-tracking mechanisms, which are considered needs for sports and wellness enthusiasts like golfers, joggers, and tempo runners. It offers blood glucose tracking, relax breathing sessions, automatic exercise tracking, and a multi-path…

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The Fitbit Sense 2 has been a revelation, and it might be the best device for you.

It has accurate fitness, health, stress, and sleep-tracking mechanisms, which are considered needs for sports and wellness enthusiasts like golfers, joggers, and tempo runners.

It offers blood glucose tracking, relax breathing sessions, automatic exercise tracking, and a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, which elevates the game for a smartwatch device.

Although it has a wide variety of apps, one of the downsides of the new Sense 2 is its lack of third-party app support, such as in Google Maps, Google Play Store, Google Assistant, and Google Wallet.

Nonetheless, this Fitbit device is still interesting to look at in-depth — especially if you’re a golfer — and that’s what we’ll do in this Sense 2 review.


First Thoughts On The Fitbit Sense 2

As we laid our eyes (and hands) on one of the new Fitbit models, the Sense 2, mixed emotions came rushing through because of its advanced fitness specifications helpful in managing a golfer’s health.

First, we love how it became 10% thinner and 15% lighter than the original Sense, making it a compatible watch on the go, especially when you need to switch golf courses.

It also has a physical button and rounded edges, enhancing functionality and appearance that can match any golf attire.

More than that, the apps connected to the new sensors make this smartwatch one of the premium choices on the market (possibly an Apple Watch Series 8 and Google Pixel Watch alternative).

Fitbit Sense 2 out in the wild, it's a beautiful smartwatch.
Fitbit Sense 2 out in the wild, it’s a beautiful smartwatch. Image source: DigitalTrends.

To give you a glimpse of what we’re gushing about, here’s what you can expect:

  • Electrodermal Activity (EDA) scan for stress management (higher score, fewer signs of stress) through tracking the skin’s sweat level.
  • Skin temperature sensor to track if you have a fever and other important health matters.
  • Sleep profile and sleep score to analyze your sleeping pattern and sleeping quality data.

Aside from these features, you can also set up phone calls and Fitbit app notifications from your phone to the Sense 2.

However, what we don’t like about the Sense 2 are the following:

  • The always-on display mode, which causes frequent charging.
  • Lack of Google support as a third-party device.

Nevertheless, the Sense 2 has quick settings where you can quickly turn off the always-on mode, and it also has built-in Alexa to replace Google’s Assistant feature.

Our Pick
Fitbit Sense 2, Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch with GPS Fitbit Sense 2, Advanced Health and Fitness Smartwatch with GPS
$199.95

Learn to manage stress & sleep better with the most advanced health & fitness smartwatch from Fitbit.

Measure and improve sleep quality: personalized Sleep Profile(5), daily sleep stages & Sleep Score, smart wake alarm and do not disturb mode.

Enhance activity: built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking.

Designed for all-day wear: on-wrist Bluetooth calls (coming soon), texts and phone notifications, customizable clock faces, Fitbit Pay, Amazon Alexa built-in, Google Wallet & Maps (coming soon), sleek, slim and water resistant to 50 meters, 6+ day battery & fast charge.


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02/05/2024 02:06 pm GMT

Main features of Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit Sense 2 is the most advanced fitness watch by Fitbit. Their unique Readiness measurement is awesome. Image source: Fitbit.com
Fitbit Sense 2 is the most advanced fitness watch by Fitbit. Their unique Readiness measurement is awesome. Image source: Fitbit.com
  • Lithium polymer as battery type for longer battery life that can last 6 or more days of consecutive golfing
  • Multi-path optical heart rate sensor for resting heart rate, sleep patterns, and calorie burn monitor helpful in overall heart rate tracking
  • Inclusive operating system catering to iOS and Android users
  • Automatic exercise tracking app with built-in GPS and GLONASS
  • Health features include a skin temperature signal and an EDA sensor that elevates stress management features

Pros and Cons of Fitbit Sense 2

Pros

  • 10% thinner and 15% lighter
  • 6-day (or more) battery life
  • Stress, sleep, health, and fitness tracker

Cons

  • Only has built-in Alexa without Google Assistant and Google Wallet

Specifications

These are the main specifications of the Fitbit Sense 2.

  • Size – 1.5″ L x 1.5″ W x 0.45″ H
  • Glass – Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Material – Aluminum
  • Battery life – 6+ days
  • Charging time – 2 hours (0-100%)
  • Color – Shadow Grey, Lunar White, Blue Mist
  • Payment method – Fitbit pay
  • Heart Rate Monitor – Yes
  • Software – New Fitbit OS
  • Water-resistant – Yes
  • Operating Temperature – -14° to 113°F
  • Package inclusions – Sense 2, small and large bands, charging cable

Other features

Sense 2 has a variety of features, including the following:

  • Breathing rate
  • Exercise modes (e.g., indoor climbing)
  • Heart rate variability
  • 50-meter swim-proof
  • Active zone minutes
“Tackle stress & sleep better with Fitbit Sense 2” by Fitbit on YouTube.

Golf features of the Fitbit Sense 2

Similar to Fitbit devices like the older sense model, Versa 2, Versa 3, Versa Lite, and Ionic, the Sense 2 can connect with different Golf apps.

This Fitbit app feature works because of the incorporated Global Positioning System, which allows pace and distance tracking at the comfort of your wrist.


Conclusion

With all its new and enhanced features, this Fitbit device is a great watch on the market that can satisfy your essential health and fitness tracking needs with its accurate sensors.

However, we admit that its price doesn’t match the range of features offered. Yet, it can still be of big help as it’s an ideal smartwatch for golfers.

Nonetheless, you can buy other Fitbit smartwatches at a much lower price that can match the Apple Watch series and Google Pixel Watch, like the Fitbit Versa 4.


FAQ – Fitbit Sense 2

Can you use Fitbit Sense for golf?

Yes, you can use it for golf, as the Global Positioning System is integrated into its setup, which helps monitor pace and distance.

Does the Sense 2 have a built-in GPS?

Yes, the Sense 2 has a built-in Global Positioning System which can be used even without connecting to the phone.

Is Fitbit’s Sense 2 a good watch for golfers?

Yes, this is the best for golfers among Fitbit’s models because of its tracking features, which enable more data monitoring.

Is the Fitbit Sense 2 waterproof?

Yes, this smartwatch is waterproof as it has the Swimproof feature, allowing it to immerse in at most 50 meters of water.

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Fitbit Versa 4: How does it compare as a Golf GPS Watch? https://golftlink.com/fitbit-versa-4-compare-as-golf-watch/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:54:24 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=2696 If you’re looking for a smartwatch that has a lower price than the Apple Watch SE and Garmin watches, a Fitbit Versa 4 is worth looking at. This Fitbit model offers features to track heart rate, blood glucose, and sleeping pattern, a Fitbit app that can wake you optimally, different workout modes to keep you…

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If you’re looking for a smartwatch that has a lower price than the Apple Watch SE and Garmin watches, a Fitbit Versa 4 is worth looking at.

This Fitbit model offers features to track heart rate, blood glucose, and sleeping pattern, a Fitbit app that can wake you optimally, different workout modes to keep you monitored, and an integrated Global Positioning System.

Yet, what we don’t like in this new watch is the unavailability of third-party app support, specifically Google Maps and Google Wallet.

To know what else the Fitbit Versa 4 can offer to a golfer like you, we have this article all about the Fitbit Versa 4. Read through!


First Thoughts On The Fitbit Versa 4

Fitbit has been selling a new generation of watches that can rock the world, like the Fitbit Versa 4. It resembles the new Fitbit Sense 2 but lacks an EDA sensor, skin temperature sensor, and ECG app.

Nonetheless, in terms of price comparison, the Versa 4 is more economical, especially for those who want to use the smartwatch for golfing and other light-intensity sporting activities.

Moreover, we were amazed that the Versa 4 could charge in 12 minutes and give you a full day’s worth of battery life, which is enough as the average golfing time is around 4 hours and 30 minutes.

It also has a haptic button instead of a physical button which makes touching the button feels more comfortable and immersive.

Fitbit Premium includes Fitbit's Daily Readiness Score. Image source: Fitbit.com.
Fitbit Premium includes Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score. Image source: Fitbit.com.

When buying this fitness tracker, you also get to have access for six months to the Fitbit Premium membership, which includes the following:

  • Video workouts
  • Mindfulness sessions
  • Sleep Profile

However, we were disappointed that it lacks specific essential details, like:

  • Google third-party support
  • Music support
  • Wi-Fi activation

Regardless of these missing links, this device still provides a stable connection (improved a few weeks after release) with the GP System and Alexa (long press needed).

All these help you achieve a better experience in fitness and workout, especially when golfing.

Our Pick
Fitbit Versa 4 Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, Golf Features Fitbit Versa 4 Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, Golf Features
$149.95

Get inspired and stay accountable with Versa 4 + Premium - learn when to work out or recover, see real-time stats during exercise and find new ways to keep your routine fresh and fun

Built for better fitness results: Daily Readiness Score(1), built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking

Tools to measure and improve sleep quality: personalized Sleep Profile(1), daily sleep stages & Sleep Score, smart wake alarm and do not disturb mode

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 09:46 pm GMT

Main features of Fitbit Versa 4

  • Heart rate tracking with high and low-rate notifications to monitor you while on the golf course
  • Blood glucose tracker to quickly check your levels even before, during, and after eyeing for a hole-in-one
  • Smart wake alarm for alarm system based on your sleeping patterns, stirring you up before a crucial golfing game efficiently
  • Exercise modes to keep your exercises on track, including community challenges
  • In-built Global Positioning System to help elevate your golfing game as you can track the exact location, distances from yards and hazards, and pacing

Pros and Cons of Fitbit Versa 4

Pros

  • User-friendly simple workout screen & side button
  • Excellent battery life lasting six or more days
  • Higher syncing range of 30ft
  • Efficient GP System tracking

Cons

  • Heart rate tracker tends to be unreliable in high-intensity activities
  • Unavailability of third-party apps

Specifications

These are the main specifications of the Fitbit Versa 4.

  • Size – 45 x 45 x 13mm
  • Glass – Gorilla Glass 3
  • Material – Stainless Steel/polymer
  • Battery life – 6+ days
  • Charging time – 2 hours (0-100%)
  • Color – Black, Waterfall Blue, Pink Sand, Beet Juice
  • Payment method – Fitbit pay
  • Heart Rate Tracking – Yes
  • Syncing Range – 30 ft.
  • Water-resistant – Yes
  • Operating Temperature – -14° to 113°F
  • Package inclusions – Versa 4, small and large bands, charging cable

Other features

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a good watch that is cheaper compared to others, even the Fitbit Sense 2.

It has other essential qualities that make it a cop for golfers, like:

  • Find My Phone
  • Automatic exercise tracking
  • Stress management score
  • Motivational community challenges
“Get better workout results with Fitbit Versa 4” by Fitbit on YouTube.

Golf features of the Fitbit Versa 4

As Versa 4 users, you can jump with joy as the GPS integration allows you to download the Pocket and Golf GPS applications.

Although it cannot record your golf swing, it can still give you accurate measurements of your cardio fitness, blood glucose, steps, distance, calories, and breathing, which can help you be in the best state when swinging your shot.

More importantly, you can connect your data to your phone as it has Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with the following:

  • Apple iOS 13.3 and above
  • Android OS 8 above

Conclusion

With the visually-appealing design of the Versa 4, including the well-thought-of incorporation of fitness trackers and health applications, this smartwatch is a good one for golfers.

Although it has its lapses in terms of Google support, music, and high-intensity workouts, the Fitbit Versa 4 is still a great golfing GPS watch with a lesser cost compared to the Sense 2.


FAQ – Fitbit Versa 4

Can you use Fitbit Versa for golf?

Yes, you can use this for golfing with its GPS and other apps accurately designed, for example, to monitor a golfer’s health and wellness.

Does the Versa 4 have a built-in GPS?

Yes, it has GPS with high efficacy in tracking locations, distance, and pacing, showing on the screen.

Is Fitbit Versa 4 a good watch for golfers?

Yes, it’s a good watch for golfers as it makes use of GPS technologies (i.e., Pocket Golf App and Golf GPS App).

Is the Fitbit Versa 4 waterproof?

Yes, it has a water resistance feature that can survive at most 50m in a shower or pool.

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17 Best Golf GPS Handhelds https://golftlink.com/17-best-golf-gps-handhelds/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:31:10 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=561 Many golfers, from novices to experts, are constantly looking for ways to improve their game. Learning new techniques or investing in the best golf clubs are all ways to improve your game and reach your full potential. Using the best handheld golf GPS is another thing that can help. It is easier to accurately track…

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Many golfers, from novices to experts, are constantly looking for ways to improve their game. Learning new techniques or investing in the best golf clubs are all ways to improve your game and reach your full potential.

Using the best handheld golf GPS is another thing that can help. It is easier to accurately track distance and location with a high-quality GPS.

It also speeds up the game by allowing you to quickly assess distance. Plus, you’ll be able to see the hole better and know your lengths. Not to mention, it even allows for fitness tracking while playing. 

While some people prefer a GPS in the form of a smartwatch, others prefer one with a handheld design. Then read on to learn about some of our recommendations for the best golf GPS handheld units.


Our Pick
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02/04/2024 11:21 pm GMT
Our Pick
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 01:03 pm GMT
Our Pick
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT
Lasso Brag

Best Lightweight: Garmin Approach S10


Best Lightweight
Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10, Lightweight GPS Golf Watch, Black Garmin 010-02028-00 Approach S10, Lightweight GPS Golf Watch, Black
$143.51

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use Approach S10 golf watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41,000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. 

Pros:
  • Display is intuitive and easy to read in sunlight
  • Simple & Stylish
  • Lightweight and comfortable on the wrist
Cons:
  • You may find it a little slow
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02/04/2024 11:21 pm GMT

The fact that it is manufactured by Garmin alone is a compelling reason to choose this product in your search for golf yardage devices.

This is a great option for those who value simplicity. Despite its minimal design, it is elegant. It has a lot of features, so you can get the most bang for your buck.

One of the things we like most is the ability to access more than 41,000 courses around the world. When compared to most of the alternatives at its price point, this is a pretty extensive coverage.

The rechargeable battery is another notable feature of this product. When it’s full, it can last up to 12 hours.

We also commend the display of this golf GPS watch. It’s small, but it conveys everything you need to know. Even better, it is sunlight-readable. It shows clear data even when you’re in the sun.

The product’s functionality is also impressive. It tracks the most important information you need to keep track of about your game. You’ll be able to see how you did in your most recent games by looking at the total time and distance.

We also like how you can connect it to a program called Garmin Express and the Garmin Golf app. With this, you’ll be able to evaluate your previous games.

“Approach® S10: Simple and Easy-to-use Golf Watch” by Garmin Retail Training on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S10

Pros

  • Display is intuitive and easy to read in sunlight
  • Simple & Stylish
  • Lightweight and comfortable on the wrist

Cons

  • You may find it a little slow

Best for Audio: Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker


Our Pick
Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker
$149.99

Unleash your inner DJ on the course with Wingman. This product combines high quality audio with the ability to receive audible GPS distances, conveniently mounts to your cart bar via BITE magnetic technology.

The Wingman features outstanding sound quality. Just connect to your music source, and the Bushnell Golf App.

Pros:
  • Audibly reads out distances to the front center and back of the green
  • Press one button to receive instant accurate measurements
  • Listen to music while out on the course
  • Magnetic Bite mount for attaching to your golf cart
Cons:
  • Can’t provide measurements to hazards or doglegs
  • Distances may not be as accurate as other GPSs
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02/05/2024 12:58 pm GMT

This product has a unique design in comparison to most handheld golf GPS devices. The manufacturer claims that it is the first of its kind. It’s a speaker, so you can speak to your game.

The product also connects to a handy app that will provide you with more information about your game. You can hear distance instead of looking at a screen to track your yardage with its audible notifications.

The built-in magnetic bar is another feature we love about its design. This makes it easy to place the device in your golf cart. It is also well-loved for its battery.

The battery will typically last for up to two hours. This is equivalent to 36 holes or two rounds of golf.

This golf yardage GPS’s multipurpose design is also worth mentioning. You can connect it to a compatible device and listen to music.

Best of all, it can be used as a charging device. You can connect it to a device that it supports and charge it through the USB port.

However, it does not have a built-in screen, which can limit the information it provides to the user.

“Bushnell Wingman Full Setup and Review” by Garage Golf on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Wingman

Pros

  • High quality audio
  • Easy to mount in a cart with its built in magnet
  • It can charge other devices

Cons

  • It has no readable screen display

Best for a Budget: TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch


Best for a Budget
TecTecTec ULT-G TecTecTec ULT-G
$99.99

The ULT-G GPS Golf Watch by TecTecTec! - Access more than 38,000 courses worldwide by satellite and measure precise distances instantly to improve your game fast. Know the exact distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as dog legs and hazards, to speed up play. The TecTecTec ULT-G is fast to set-up, easy to use, and durable.


Pros:
  • A great choice if you are on a budget
  • Water resistant and dust resistant
  • No risk guarantee included
Cons:
  • No auto power down button
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02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT

The price is one of the first things people consider when comparing golf GPScomparisons.

If you’re on a budget, this is an excellent option. It may not be as feature-packed as its higher-end counterparts, but it is more than adequate for most beginners.

This watch is perfect for determining distance on the front, middle, and back of the green. Furthermore, it has a plus/minus one-yard accuracy, which shows how reliable it is.

It also features automatic hole progression, allowing you to access more than 38,000 courses around the world.

Another reason we included this product in our golf GPS devices review is its ease of use. It’s for novices who despise complications.

It is almost ready to use right out of the box, so you don’t have to deal with complicated setup. The screen has just four buttons, making navigation a breeze. 

The watch also has automatic satellite connectivity, so it can instantly recognise the golf course where you are. Buy this product and you’ll have peace of mind.

The manufacturer is also offering a money-back guarantee on top of being affordable. This means that if you are not satisfied in any way, they must be informed within 30 days. You will receive a full refund!

“Playing Golf – ULT-G GPS Golf watch Tutorial” by TecTecTec USA on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of TecTecTec ULT-G

Pros

  • A great choice if you are on a budget
  • Water resistant and dust resistant
  • No risk guarantee included

Cons

  • No Auto power down button

Best for Voice Commands: GolfBuddy Voice 2

Our Pick
Golf Buddy Voice 2 Talking GPS Rangefinder Golf Buddy Voice 2 Talking GPS Rangefinder
$99.99

The second generation to the best selling Voice, the Voice 2 comes with an increased battery life, shows the Front/Center/Back of the green, and is water resistant.

Applications: Check distance information simultaneously on the audio and screen / easy to use talking Golf GPS / Provide a green view(Right & Left) / Can be played without the way by hanging it on a hat or belt / Adjustable audio guide volume (0 - 5).

Features: Accurate QZSS GPS reception / Convenient voice guidance / Displays the distance from the current position to the front, middle, and back of the green at once; Shot distance measurement function.

Features: Over 40,000 courses in 170 countries around the world and free updates via USB sync.

Pros:
  • It’s very reasonably priced
  • Audio readouts of yardages
  • Choose male or female voice
  • Convenient clip on the back
Cons:
  • Poor after-sales support
  • Display is basic and not in color
  • No slope or elevation compensation
  • Relatively short product lifespan
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02/05/2024 07:47 am GMT

If you are looking for the perfect golf companion, look no further. This sleek handheld rangefinder is probably what you need.

While it is small, it has a lot of features that you will love. The best part is that it’s affordable. It shows that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get excellent quality.

The voice feature is one of the reasons to choose this product. You won’t just see information on the screen. Instead, you’ll hear it in real time. Even better, the voice command is available in 11 different languages.

Another feature highlighted in many golf GPSrangefinders reviews about this product is the course coverage. It is preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses.

You can also update it using the USB Sync feature. We anticipate that more golf courses will be added to the system over time.

Another well-loved feature of this product is its versatility. It can be used as a clip-on golf GPS. You can also wear it as a wristband.

Others prefer to attach it to a retractable carabiner clip. Please note, however, that the accessories are sold separately.

This product has a 14-hour battery life, according to the manufacturer. However, as most users have pointed out, this may not be the case.

People have complained that the battery life could be longer, according to us.

“GolfBuddy Voice 2 Training Video” by GolfBuddy USA on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of GolfBuddy Voice 2

Pros

  • Multiple language voice demands
  • Very lightweight and compact
  • No subscription fees

Cons

  • Battery life is not great

Best for Accuracy: Garmin Approach S10

Our Pick
Garmin Approach S10 Garmin Approach S10
$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:
  • 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • Accurate yardages using GPS
  • Golf statistics tracking
  • 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
  • Available in a choice of 3 colors
  • Relatively affordable price tag
  • No pesky smart notifications
Cons:
  • Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
  • No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors
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02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

This is the same product as the first one reviewed in this list of the best golf GPS devices.

However, colour is the primary distinction. It’s granite blue, unlike the first, which was black. Other than the colour, the features and performance are identical.

The product’s accuracy is one of its most important selling points. This is comparable to many of the more expensive options on the market.

Nonetheless, because it is manufactured by Garmin, we expect the accuracy to be second to none, even if it is advertised as an entry-level model.

It is also worth noting that it is light and comfortable.

Compactness is a plus since it’s a watch. Wearing something heavy and bulky is uncomfortable. This can have a negative impact on your overall golf course performance, in addition to being annoying. 

Like other Garmin GPSwatches, you can track a lot of information about your game, making it crucial in your game improvement. Even better, you can upload this data online and compare it to that of your friends.

Finally, we love the battery, which is another feature that Garmin is known for. It will last up to 12 hours under normal use and when the battery is fully charged.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S10

Pros

  • A reasonably priced watch for what it delivers
  • Beginner friendly and extremely intuitive
  • Exceptional accuracy

Cons

  • Can lag at times

Most Stylish: Garmin Approach S40

Our Pick
Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch
$372.98

The Approach S40 GPS golf smartwatch with color touchscreen looks great on your wrist and on the course. It shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green, hazards and automatically records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking). It also lets you manually adjust to today’s pin position for accurate approach shots. For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.

Pros:
  • Responsive touchscreen
  • Waterproof
  • Fitness tracking included
  • Versatile
Cons:
  • Not very user-friendly
  • No heart rate monitor
  • Quite expensive
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02/05/2024 03:43 pm GMT

This model is hard to beat if you’re looking for a top-rated golf GPS. It is made by a reputable company, which is already a compelling reason to choose it over many others.

It’s also stylish, so you can make a fashion statement with it.

This isn’t one of those GPS devices that was made just for use on golf courses. This will also work as a fitness tracker, so it will keep track of your daily activities. Many things can be tracked, from your steps to your sleep.

You can also create multiple sports profiles, making it a great investment for active people.

The 1.2-inch colour display is another attractive feature of this product. It has touchscreen functionality, which makes it user-friendly.

The watch’s face is designed without buttons, giving it a sleek look. 

We also like how the screen is sunlight-readable. It has a wide range of advanced features that any golfer will appreciate.

Green View is a prime example of this. This will give you a more accurate picture of the green’s shape wherever you are on the golf course.

Garmin is also known for its long battery life. The battery can last up to 15 hours when used in GPS mode. The battery, on the other hand, will last up to ten hours when used in smartwatch mode.

“Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch (In Action)” by Morton Golf on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S40

Pros

  • Touchscreen display for ease of use
  • Tracks everyday activities beyond golfing
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • The display can freeze

Best for Tracking: Garmin Approach G10

Our Pick
Garmin Approach G10 Garmin Approach G10

Compact clip-on device fits anywhere.

Preloaded with more than 40,000 golf courses around the world.

Displays distances to the front, back and middle of the green, plus hazards.

Green View display shows shape of the green with manual pin placements.

Digital scorecard lets you easily keep track of your score throughout each round.


Pros:
  • Four modes for measuring distances to the green, obstacles, layup distances and more
  • Can measure your shots to keep track of how far you are hitting the ball
  • Comes preloaded with 40,000 courses from around the world
  • Mode 4 gives you an aerial view of the green that you can manually place pins onto
Cons:
  • Small and may be easy to lose
  • Needs to be charged with the USB cable it comes with
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Garmini is one of the most recommended brands if you look online for GPS reviews.

This model, unsurprisingly, makes our list. It’s small and light, while also allowing you to clip it almost anywhere you want. You can even use it as a golf hat clip.

You can quickly identify hazards and course targets with this device. This is critical for golf course familiarisation. Even if you’re new to the area, you’ll get to know it better.

Over 40,000 golf courses are pre-installed around the world. Garmin’s database is constantly being updated, so we can expect more additions in the future.

The digital scorecard is another interesting feature. This makes it easy to record your previous performances. You can see how you’re getting better and determine what needs to be done if you want to improve in the sport.

The screen of this product is one thing we would like to see improved. It has a simple design in black and white. Given its price, we would have preferred a colour screen.

“Garmin® Training Video – Approach® G10: Everything you need to know” by Garmin Retail Training on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach G10

Pros

  • Allows manual pin position
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Tracking through digital scorecards

Cons

  • Bad screen quality

Best for Real Time Adjustments: Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors

Our Pick
Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors, AI Powered GPS Rangefinder Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors, AI Powered GPS Rangefinder
$179.99 $139.48

Winner of four-straight Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Awards for “Best Game Analyzer, ” Arccos Caddie is golf’s first and only fully-automatic performance tracking system. It features 14 sensors, one for every club in your bag.

Access to the award winning Arccos Caddie app, golf’s Smartest Caddie.

Automatic shot tracking, hands-free fully automatic data capture.

A. I. Powered GPS Rangefinder, first-ever rangefinder that adjusts in real-time for wind (including gusts), elevation, temperature, humidity and altitude providing the most precise yardage in the game the Arccos Caddie Number.


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02/05/2024 08:17 am GMT

While it is a little pricey, some people will pay for its functionality. This is one of the most advanced on our list.

It is different from the majority of golf course GPS units. It’s actually 14 sensors, rather than a handheld device.

The sensors will be attached to the golf clubs in your bag, and they will automatically monitor performance to provide you with valuable insights into your game.

Because the sensors are powered by artificial intelligence, they are remarkable. It is more advanced than the other top-rated GPSdevices we recommend in this guide.

They work as if they have their own minds, providing information that you won’t find anywhere else. It automatically tracks your shots once you attach the sensors. This will allow you to make better decisions and improve your game.

The Smart Distance is another interesting feature. The latter will tell you how far you should be hitting your clubs.

The sensors’ tour-level analytics are also appealing to us. This makes users feel like they’re working with a mentor who can identify their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a must-have for your game improvement.

“How to use Arccos Caddie on the golf course” Golf Duff on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Arccos Caddie

Pros

  • Real time adjustments depending on conditions of the environment
  • Intelligent sensors
  • No subscription needed

Cons

  • Need to manually attach sensors to clubs

Best Virtual Caddie: Garmin Approach S62

Our Pick
Garmin Approach S62 Garmin Approach S62
$448.99

We’ve got your game with Approach S62, a premium GPS golf watch that puts critical information from more than 41, 000 full-color course maps worldwide on your wrist.


Large 1.3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands

Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map.

Pros:
  • Sleek smartwatch with a wide range of helpful features for golfers
  • Provides slope adjusted distances
  • Tells you the wind speed and direction
  • The large display makes this watch easier to use
Cons:
  • Tracking system sold separately
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02/05/2024 02:21 pm GMT

Garmin is a name you’ll often see when searching for the best handheld GPS devices. It’s no wonder that this watch is a great buy.

It’s ideal for experienced golfers who want a sophisticated GPS. This GPS watch is a combination of form and function. We love how stylish it is. It has a custom face, so you can change the design to suit your tastes. 

The watch’s appearance can also be changed using downloadable widgets. You can even change the bands.

The large screen is also worth mentioning. It is large enough to use, at 1.3 inches. The touchscreen display is also a plus.

In terms of functionality, this option for the most accurate golf GPS has a lot to offer. It can act as a virtual caddie. From wind speed to wind direction, you can gain valuable insights that will help you improve every shot.

Plus, this device is preloaded with over 41,000 golf courses. You can play in a variety of locations around the world and take advantage of its advanced features.

Its price would be the only drawback. It is one of the most expensive items on this list. Nonetheless, with all of the features and benefits mentioned above, we believe it is worth the investment.

“Garmin® Training Video – Approach® S62: Everything you need to know” by Garmin Retail Training on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S62

Pros

  • Advanced touch screen capabilities
  • Customized faces to design your personal preferences
  • Acts as a virtual caddie

Cons

  • Expensive

Best Touchscreen: Garmin Approach S60

Our Pick
Garmin Approach S60 Garmin Approach S60
$299.90

Look good on and off the course. The Approach S60 golf watch gives you the critical information you need for your round — displayed on a large, 1.2-inch sunlight readable color touchscreen — so you can master your game. And with convenient QuickFit bands, you can change your style without tools to match your activity, so you’re always in fashion.

Pros:
  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
  • Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
  • It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
  • Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
  • Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode
Cons:
  • Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
  • Not a budget golf GPS watch
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02/05/2024 01:41 pm GMT

Garmin is the only company you can trust in your search for the best golf tracking devices. This is one of their best models to date.

While it is quite expensive, the cost is justified. You’ll have a myriad of reasons to love this product, from its design to its functions.

Battery life is one of the things we love most about it when we look at its features. It can last up to ten hours when you’re golfing when it’s full.

If you use it solely as a regular watch, the battery will last for more than ten days. It has smartphone connectivity, which is one way to get the most out of the product.

You can connect it to the Garmin Golf app, which will allow you to compare your scores to other players.

More than 40,000 golf courses around the world can be accessed through the app. A swing analyser is included in this GPS unit to help you improve your performance.

As you get better at the sport, you’ll learn more about the things that need improvement, from your swing speed to club path angles.

“Garmin Approach S60: Basic Functions” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S60

Pros

  • Bands are interchangeable
  • Brilliant battery life
  • Comprehensive course views

Cons

  • Small screen for people with big fingers and poor dexterity

Most Economical: Bushnell Phantom 2

Our Pick
BUSHNELL GOLF Phantom 2 BUSHNELL GOLF Phantom 2
$129.99

Enjoy the ease and convenience of getting GPS-provided distances around the course with the Phantom 2. It features large, easy-to-read front, center and back distances, an integrated BITE magnetic mount and GreenView with movable pin placement.

Pros:
  • Easy to use with a large display for easy read-outs
  • Provides up to 6 distances for hazards and layup arcs
  • Magnetic Bite mount for attaching the GPS to your golf cart
Cons:
  • This unit isn’t very durable and should be handled with care
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02/05/2024 11:52 am GMT

This is another option to consider as you search for a cheap golf GPS handheld device. While it is economical, it has a number of impressive features that will make it comparable to many of its higher-end alternatives. Y

ou can update the courses wirelessly because of its Bluetooth connectivity. This is necessary so that you can have access to the most recent global maps available in the system.

It comes preloaded with maps of more than 36,000 golf courses in over 30 countries.

The Bushnell mobile app is also available to you. With this, you can access advanced features like 3D flyovers and hole layouts with distances from your smartphone.

You’ll gain a better understanding of your game while also getting insights that will help you improve it.

A plus is the large and easy-to-read display. While the screen isn’t coloured, it’s big enough to be able to quickly see the information displayed by the device.

For easy monitoring, the screen displays the front, back, and centre distances.

Finally, this GPS unit also features BITE Magnetic Mount Technology. Because the GPS is equipped with a magnet, it’s easy to mount it on any metal surface.

If you want to attach it to your bag or belt, there is also a handy clip holder.

“Bushnell Phantom 2 with BITE Magnetic Cart Mount” by Bushnell Golf on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Phantom 2

Pros

  • Economical
  • The clip on design is extremely versatile
  • Easy to use for beginners

Cons

  • Plastic feels low quality

Best Battery Life: Garmin Approach G30

Our Pick
Garmin Approach G30, Handheld Golf GPS with 2.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display Garmin Approach G30, Handheld Golf GPS with 2.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display
$226.91

Small but Powerful Handheld Golf GPS

  • Sleek, compact handheld golf GPS with 2.3-inch color touchscreen display
  • High-sensitivity GPS acquires satellites quickly to show distance to greens, hazards and doglegs
  • Preloaded with more than 40,000 courses worldwide
  • Full-color course mapping with Touch Targeting feature
  • Green View allows you to place the pin in the correct location for the day, which improves distance accuracy
Pros:
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Sleek and compact
  • Keeps digital records for scorecard
Cons:
  • Can be slow
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02/05/2024 08:38 pm GMT

This is another product that deserves your attention when it comes to the best golf distance measuring devices. A good reason to include the manufacturer on your list is its reputation. 

We love the 2.3-inch touchscreen and colour display, which is larger than what you’ll find in most of the products we’re reviewing in this guide.

The best golf GPS device must help you improve your game. This model will do so by assisting you in tracking your play.

It has a digital scorecard feature that you can use to analyse your game and identify ways in which you can improve. Along with your round, you can save the scores of up to four golfers. 

Green View is another feature that you will love in this product. You can then place the pin in the desired location. This is critical for boosting distance accuracy.

This model, like other Garmin golf devices, has an impressive battery life. You can get up to 15 hours of battery on each charge, which is one of the best you’ll find.

Finally, while you can continue to play with this GPS, you can also stay up to date. You can get smart notifications so you can quickly respond to an urgent call, text, or email.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach G30

Pros

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Sleek and compact
  • Keeps digital records for scorecard

Cons

  • Can be slow

Best for Distance Calculation: Izzo Swami 6000

Our Pick
Izzo Swami 6000 Golf GPS Izzo Swami 6000 Golf GPS
$149.99 $112.00

Have confidence in your game when you bring the Swami 6000 to the course! This Swami Golf GPS was engineered to display everything you need to know to advance your game with every swing. With 4 different modes, you'll always know distances to the front, center and back of green, as well as distances to hazards. Plus, keep track of your score and use shot distance to know your yardage.

Pros:
  • Measures accurate distances to the front and back of the green, as well as hazards
  • Full color display
  • Magnetic strip for attaching to your cart
  • Automatic course detection
Cons:
  • You will have to manually select the tee you are standing at as well as the hole number you are on
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02/05/2024 10:21 am GMT

This is another product that’s worth your attention if you’re looking for the best handheld GPS. More than 38,000 golf courses are accessible worldwide with this device. The list is constantly being updated.

Another reason why this device is a great golf GPSequipment is its accuracy. It’s amazing how this device can track a variety of things with precision, from distances to hazards.

It’s not surprising that it’s one of the most popular golf measuring devices, given its intelligent functionality.

It has a large and bright two-inch display, making it easy to see any information that the unit would like to convey to its user. 

Touchscreen functionality would be the most important improvement we’d like to see, as it would put this product in line with more expensive alternatives on the market. Water resistance is another good feature of this product.

There’s no need to be concerned about it getting wet even in the rain.

Even more impressive is the battery. When fully charged, the lithium-ion battery can provide up to 167 hours of continuous power.

Another feature we like about this product is the integrated magnet. It allows for flexible positioning because it can be quickly attached to any metal surface, especially in a golf cart.

“IZZO Golf SWAMI 6000 Shot Distance” by Izzo Golf on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Izzo Swami 6000

Pros

  • Accurate distance calculations
  • Auto course recognition
  • Built in magnet

Cons

  • No touchscreen display

Best for Auto Pairing: Garmin Approach CT10

Our Pick
Garmin Approach CT10, Full Set, Automatic Club Tracking System, 14 Sensors, White Garmin Approach CT10, Full Set, Automatic Club Tracking System, 14 Sensors, White
$247.10

Pair with compatible Garmin golf watches for automatic game tracking so you can focus on your game — knowing the sensor is tracking every stat. Those stats for each club with a sensor installed show up on your Garmin golf watch after pulling the club from the bag. See how far you typically hit that club, and view stats for accuracy to the fairway or green.

Approach CT10 club trackers are available in a full set to track all 14 clubs in your bag.


This set lets you know how far you consistently hit each club and also which club you hit for every shot during every round from tee to green, including your putts.

Pros:
  • Easy connection to clubs
  • Intelligent golf insights to help your game
  • Auto pairing to compatible devices
Cons:
  • Sensors only
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02/05/2024 09:38 pm GMT

This is not your typical Garmin handheld golf GPS. Instead, it is sold as a set of 14 sensors, so there is one for every golf club in your bag.

The sensors will monitor your performance and send data to a compatible device. It supports automatic pairing, so you can quickly and easily connect it to your Garmin Smartwatch.

It can also be connected to a smartphone, allowing you to take advantage of all of the sensors’ capabilities.

It will provide more information about how you are doing once it is connected to the Garmin Golf app.

You can analyse a variety of things that are critical to your game, from your shots to your strokes. It’s easier to assess your strengths and weaknesses when you know these little details.

After the sensor is installed, it will collect relevant data from the golf club. It will display your stats and scores, which will be a great way to keep track of your game.

It can be used as a digital scorecard. The sensors’ wide compatibility is also a plus. 

To find out which watches are compatible with the unit, visit Garmin’s website. We can confidently state that it is compatible with the majority of its most popular models.

“Garmin Approach CT10: How to Get Started Using the Golf Club Trackers” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach CT10

Pros

  • Easy connection to clubs
  • Intelligent golf insights to help your game
  • Auto pairing to compatible devices

Cons

  • Sensors only

Best for App Access: Bushnell Neo Ion 2

Our Pick
Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch

Sleek, comfortable design with reversible band and wireless course updates via Bluetooth.

Preloaded with 36,000+ courses in more than 30 countries.

Long battery life – play 3 full rounds before charging.

Pros:
  • Free course updates via the app
  • Reversible wristband
  • App support for even more accurate information about your course
  • Shot calculator function for measuring the length of your drives
Cons:
  • Charger can break easily
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Two of the best features you can expect from this product are its sleekness and comfort.

Many online golf GPS reviews praise the product’s design. It is unlike other watches that are bulky and heavy. Furthermore, it has reversible bands, making it more than just a GPS watch.

The battery life is another good reason to buy this golf GPS tracker. According to the manufacturer, a full battery can last for three rounds of golf.

While the display isn’t coloured, we love how it’s big enough to see all of the information you need to know. It conveniently displays the distances from front, back, and centre.

A shot distance calculator is also displayed on the screen, so you can get the most out of each stroke. This is a great way to improve your game, especially if you’re a novice.

This GPS device can be used to access more than 36,000 golf courses in 30 countries.

It also allows for wireless course updates, which means you can access the most recent versions of the courses in the system. 

Finally, it is useful beyond the golf course. It’s also a great fitness tracker, such as to count your steps. This is a good investment for tracking your physical activity.

“Out Of The Box | Bushnell ION 2” by Yumax Golf on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Neo Ion 2

Pros

  • Great battery life
  • Shot distance calculator
  • Comprehensive App access

Cons

  • Not as many available features as its competitors

Best for Dual Functionality: Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser

Our Pick
Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder

See distance like never before with the Bushnell Hybrid. Bushnell Golf has been one of the leading innovator in Golf Measuring Devices for over 20 years and is now bringing Laser and GPS technologies together like never before with the Hybrid.


Over 99% of PGA Tour players choose to use a Bushnell Laser Rangefinder due to their unrivaled precision. Bushnell has now combined this unrivaled laser precision with GPS-provided 'Front' and 'Back' distances in the LCD to further remove the guesswork from your game. You now have every number you need to approach all of your shots with the utmost confidence.

Pros:
  • Dual functionality of rangefinder and GPA
  • Dual battery source
  • Easy to use GPS readouts
Cons:
  • Quite large
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This is one option that should be on your list if you’re looking for the best handheld rangefinder with GPS functionality.

It has an integrated laser, which improves the accuracy of the information. This is a great way to improve your precision. It’s no wonder that even experienced golfers are using this product.

The PinSeeker with JOLT technology is another notable feature of this product. It has short vibrations, which will indicate that the flag is locked. This will eliminate guesswork and doubts, allowing you to be more confident with each stroke.

The screen is conveniently located on the side. Even though it’s not colour, it’s big enough to see the necessary information.

Because of its dual battery source, it is also unique. This will reduce the chance of running out of battery in the middle of a game.

The laser function is powered by a CR2 battery, while the GPS function is powered by a USBrechargeable battery.

Some people do not like the product’s bulkiness. This is justified because it combines the functions of two products into one handheld unit.

The size should not be a concern because it has an ergonomic grip. Furthermore, it is not slippery, making it easy to hold.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser

Pros

  • Dual functionality of rangefinder and GPA
  • Dual battery source
  • Easy to use GPS readouts

Cons

  • Quite large 

Best Image Stabilization: Garmin Approach Z82

Our Pick
Garmin Approach Z82, Golf GPS Laser Range Finder, Accuracy Within 10” of The Flag, 2-D Course Overlays Garmin Approach Z82, Golf GPS Laser Range Finder, Accuracy Within 10” of The Flag, 2-D Course Overlays
$569.90

Set your sights on something greater with the Approach Z82 laser range finder with GPS. The flag finder locks in with vibrational feedback, and image stabilization makes it easier to find and range the flag, giving you precise distances within 10” of the pin. See full-color 2-D CourseView mapping and Green View overlay on more than 41,000 courses worldwide. Quickly scroll through hazards on the course map with hazard view. Approach Z82 displays wind speed and direction so you can take that into account when approaching your shot (when paired with compatible smartphone).

Pros:
  • Comfortable grip
  • Image stabilisation
  • Colour mapping and 2d mapping of of golf courses
Cons:
  • On the expensive side
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02/05/2024 12:26 am GMT

Even experienced golfers will recommend this product as you read online golf GPS rangefinder reviews.

Many people may be put off by the cost of this product, but that should not be the case. It is expensive for a reason: it has advanced features that aren’t available in a standard golf GPS.

The best GPSrangefinder is a combination of form and function. It has a beautiful two-toned body with an ergonomic design.

Despite its bulk, you can hold it comfortably. The rubber body will prevent the unit from sliding.

Because of its precision, this product should be on your list of the best golf GPS rangefinders. Because it has image stabilisation technology, you can quickly measure distances.

A handy vibration feedback will let you know when the flag has been locked in. It is one of the most comprehensive products in this guide, with over 41,000 golf courses preloaded.

Even better, the list keeps growing, so you can expect more courses to be added.

It also features full-color 2D mapping, which will give you a more accurate representation of the golf course where you are playing.

“Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Range Finder: Watch Rick Shiels Gauge Shots with Laser Accuracy” by Garmin Singapore on YouTube.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach Z82

Pros

  • Comfortable grip
  • Image stabilisation
  • Colour mapping and 2d mapping of of golf courses

Cons

  • On the expensive side

Best Golf GPS Handhelds Buying Guide

An overview of Garmin's Golf Watches. Image source: Garmin US.
An overview of Garmin’s Golf Watches. Image source: Garmin US.

Making the right choice for golf GPSdevices isn’t easy, especially with so many options.

Some of the most important considerations are listed below to help you narrow down your choices.

When evaluating your options for a top golf GPS, be sure to look at the features. This will be a reflection of the unit’s overall quality and cost.

The more functions there are, the more expensive it will be. If you’re a beginner, stick to the most basic functions if you want to save money.

Access To Golf Courses

Choose a golf GPS that has access to tens of thousands of golf courses around the world.

This means that wherever you play, it should have preloaded maps. So that you can enjoy the most recent maps, make sure to update software as needed.

“Support: Updating Golf Courses on a Garmin Approach” by Garmin on YouTube.

Maximum Range

It determines the maximum distance that the unit can track. This is especially important if you’re playing on a large golf course. Most units will have a range of 500 to 1,000 yards. The better, the more yardage.

Score Tracking

This is one of the most important features in a golf GPS, and it’s critical for evaluating your overall performance during a round of golf.

Choose a system that can also measure total time and distance played in addition to score. Better if the device can collect more statistics, which will be useful for game improvement.

App Integration

Many of the best-rated handheld GPSdevices for golf will include an app integration. This means that you can install an app on your smartphone or computer and connect the GPS to it.

This will allow you to evaluate more aspects of your game that are critical. It will be more difficult to make sense of the data that the device collects without an app.

Overview of different golf apps on various devices.
Overview of different golf apps on various devices.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth integration is also a requirement for the GPSdevice in terms of app integration.

This means that you can connect the unit wirelessly to another device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

It will allow you to transfer data, which the system will need to evaluate your performance and provide additional information about your game.

Accuracy

A good golf GPS finder is one that can provide the highest level of accuracy. Otherwise, the device will be ineffective in tagging your game.

We recommend reading reviews and learning from other users’ real-life experiences to learn more about how accurate a golf GPS is. This will make it easier for you to narrow down your list.

Ease Of Use

This is a critical consideration, especially if you’re a beginner.

When learning how to use a golf GPS, the majority of people do not have the luxury of time to deal with difficulties. Find one that is designed with the needs of newbies in mind.

Otherwise, getting the most out of the GPS unit can be a challenge.

Size

For a golf GPS tracker, there is no wrong or right size. It all comes down to personal preferences. Do not feel pressured to make a decision based on what others have to say.

The most important thing is that you are comfortable with the device’s size. Because of its portability, some people may prefer a small handheld device.

It is easier to carry around than other items that are too bulky and heavy because it is light and compact.

Nonetheless, some people would prefer a larger unit. This means that the display will be easier to see and buttons will be more accessible.

Larger GPS devices will typically display more information, making it even more crucial in improving your game.

Display

The best golf GPSunits have a stunning display. Consider the various technical specifications that affect the display of the unit, from size to resolution.

This will make it easier to monitor the information that the device is providing to the user. 

One of the most common issues with cheap handheld golf GPS units is that the display is difficult to see in direct sunlight.

Also, choose one with a non-glare screen. It should, ideally, have a backlight, so you will not have any difficulties seeing the display in different situations.

Battery

Their batteries are a critical component of golf yardage devices. This is what supplies power to the unit, ensuring that it is functional when you need it most.

It’s annoying when the battery runs out while you’re playing a game. Choose a device with a long-lasting battery, which should last at least 10 hours.

In addition to the battery life, you should also consider how long it takes for the device to fully charge.

Water Resistance

You’ll be using golf GPS units outdoors. The weather is usually hard to gauge. You never know if it will rain or pour. For this purpose, water-resistant GPS’S are ideal. Opt for a waterproof case, even if it means paying more. 

This will allow you to use the device even when it rains without worrying. You don’t have to worry about water penetrating the device and destroying its interior components.

Durability

The GPS unit’s durability is also a factor to consider, as it will ensure that you get the most for your money. Even if you drop it on a hard surface, it should not break easily. When evaluating durability, take into account the material used.

Design

Particularly if it’s a watch, a lot of people are concerned about the look of the golf GPS they’re buying.

For one thing you’ll be wearing, it’s good to have a stylish outfit. Find a colour that suits your personality. It will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your game if you feel good wearing or using the device.

In Summary

If you want to improve your game, the best handheld golf GPS is essential. Whether you’re measuring distances or evaluating your performance, a good GPS has many advantages that will help you improve your game.

They can also provide useful information outside the game of golf which can appeal to many.

This article covers all possible avenues in this particular department of handheld & portable golf GPS systems.

We hope you have found everything you are looking for. Good luck and happy golfing!

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Cheapest Golf GPS Watches Under $150 https://golftlink.com/cheapest-golf-gps-watches-under-150/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:08:51 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=211 Golf is one of the most skilled sports in the world. To get good at it you need to invest in the right equipment. Unlike other sports to perform at a decent level you need to have suitable equipment that will help you improve your game. This could be a set of high-quality clubs, specialized…

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Golf is one of the most skilled sports in the world. To get good at it you need to invest in the right equipment. Unlike other sports to perform at a decent level you need to have suitable equipment that will help you improve your game.

This could be a set of high-quality clubs, specialized balls that suit your game, or a pair of comfortable golfing gloves that give you a better grip.

Either way, golf is an investment. You will want to purchase the best equipment whilst also saving money.

One piece of equipment often overlooked is a golf GPS watch. A high-performing golf GPS watch will help you massively.

They provide you with an enormous amount of data that can improve your game. However finding the best one to buy, especially when you’re on a budget can be difficult.

There are so many to choose from in this competitive market that making a final decision can be tricky.

To make things easier for you we have done the research for you, finding the best golf GPS watches available right now for under $150.

All you need to do is pick one!

In this article, you will find the cheapest, yet highest-performing watches we found as well as a guide looking at key things you need to consider when buying your watch.


What Is A Golf GPS Watch?

Before we get into our list of the best GPS watches let’s take a quick look at what this gadget is and why you should buy one. For those that don’t know, a golf GPS watch is a purpose-built golf navigational tool.

They are designed to provide golfers with assistance when out on the course. The state-of-the-art gadget assists with distance and course mapping all while being comfortably worn on the golfer’s wrist.

The global positioning system will tell you how far you are away from the green and inform you of any hazards you need to be aware of.

The device comes in super handy when playing on a new course layout for the first time, helping you navigate around the course.

“WATCH v GPS v LASER – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?” by Golf Monthly UK on YouTube.

Why Should You Buy A Golf GPS Watch?

An overview of different golf watch models.
An overview of different golf watch models. Image source: Golfstun.de.

Whether you’re looking to improve your short or long game, having a reliable golf GPS watch will help. It’s like having an experienced caddy on your wrist.

Offering so much more than just telling you the time a golf GPS watch can massively improve your game when out on the course.

When on an unfamiliar course your watch will provide you with the key information you need. This includes distance to the green, alerts regarding any hazards, and yardage to a specific position on the course. Some advanced models will even help you choose the right club for each stroke.

These features are all the reasons you should buy a GPS golf watch. Not only do they make your life a lot easier, but they also actively influence the way you play, ensuring you avoid hazards and know exactly which shot you need to play.

They are also an excellent alternative to traditional laser-powered rangefinders. You no longer need to carry a tool around with you.

Gone are the days of being held up as you try to find the gadget in your bag. Instead, you have everything you need conveniently strapped to your wrist.

“CHEAP Vs EXPENSIVE GPS WATCH TEST!” by Golf Monthly UK on YouTube.

The Cheapest Golf GPS Watches Under $150

Best for a Budget
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02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT
Editors Choice
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02/05/2024 11:18 pm GMT
Best Value
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Lasso Brag

Our Top Pick TecTecTec ULT-G Golf GPS Watch

Our Top Pick
TecTecTec ULT-G TecTecTec ULT-G
$99.99

The ULT-G GPS Golf Watch by TecTecTec! - Access more than 38,000 courses worldwide by satellite and measure precise distances instantly to improve your game fast. Know the exact distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as dog legs and hazards, to speed up play. The TecTecTec ULT-G is fast to set-up, easy to use, and durable.


Pros:
  • A great choice if you are on a budget
  • Water resistant and dust resistant
  • No risk guarantee included
Cons:
  • No auto power down button
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02/05/2024 12:18 pm GMT

We kick off this list with an awesome option. The TecTecTec GPS watch is easily one of the best-golfing watches available for under $100. It is an excellent choice for beginners as it’s easy to use and doesn’t come with too many advanced features, for example slope compensation.

With a 10-hour battery life, you can expect solid performance from this watch for at least two rounds of golf. The watch provides you with accurate hazard distances to bunkers and water hazards.

It also gives you the detailed information you need in regards to distances to the front, middle, and back of the green. This watch is accurate to within one yard and has 38,000+ course maps from around the world ready to access.

In terms of the watch’s design, we were very impressed. The watch’s simplistic look and layout is perfect for accessing the data you need quickly. With only five buttons, you can effortlessly navigate the screen. The compact design of the TecTecTec watch also offers great durability, coming with water and dust resistant features.

Overall this watch is a reliable choice if you want to effectively navigate a course with ease. Though it isn’t as powerful as other more expensive watches on the market, it is a great alternative and one that won’t let you down. The only thing this watch lacks is more features.

A scorecard and a step counter would have been a nice addition.

Features

  • Track distance to the front, middle, and back of the green.
  • Monitor the position of hazards.
  • Battery life will last up to 2.5 rounds of golf.
  • 5 button system.
  • Easy to read screen, even in direct sunlight.
  • 38,000+ real-world courses.
  • Hole advancement.
  • Water and dust resistant.
  • Bluetooth compatible.

Pros and Cons of TecTecTec ULT-G

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Accurate tracking – This watch is accurate to within one yard
  • Great design looks fantastic
  • No subscription required
Cons
  • No touchscreen – It would have been nice to have touchscreen capabilities with this watch
  • Lack of features – Though the watch has the key features that affect your game additional features would make the watch better

Editors Choice: Izzo Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch

Editors Choice
IZZO Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch IZZO Golf Swami Golf GPS Watch
$99.99 $65.77

The hottest golf device you’ve been waiting for! It gives accurate distances in a convenient and comfortable watch design that is not only stylish, but delivers excellent performance on the course, making this a true game changer! By providing precise distances to the front, center, and back of the green as well as layup and carry distances to hazards and doglegs, it will enhance your ability to navigate the course, get the right club in your hands, and lower your scores! You can play 18 holes without ever touching it!

Pros:
  • Additional features – The Swami golf watch comes with some amazing features such as scorecard and shot monitoring
  • Stylish
  • Solid battery life
Cons:
  • No touchscreen
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02/05/2024 11:18 pm GMT

If you’re after a cheaper GPS watch that still performs brilliantly then you should strongly consider the Izzo Golf Swami watch. This watch is super affordable and packed with the features you need on the course.

Preloaded with 38,000 worldwide golf courses you can precisely identify exactly where the front, center, and back of the green are. You can also measure distances to layups, doglegs, and hazards.

Despite its low price the Izzo watch also comes with some handy features that help you track your game. Included is a digital scorecard and a neat shot measurement tool that lets you keep track of those pile driver shots.

In terms of reliability and design, this watch is right up there with the best. This stylish black GPS watch has been crafted with the golfer in mind. It has a sleek and lightweight band that sits comfortably on the wrist.

On top of that, the hands-free auto course recognition and auto-hole advancement do the hard work for you. The easy-to-read display simply adds to this watch’s usability.

In regards to reliability, this watch is trustworthy. The lithium battery lasts for 10 hours giving you plenty of time to play at least 2 rounds of golf before a recharge is needed.

The water resistance feature will also protect your watch on wet days or those unfortunate times you end up in a water hazard.

Features

  • 38,000 preloaded courses.
  • Green tracking.
  • Distance to hazards measured.
  • Comfortable silicone band.
  • Scorecard feature.
  • Shot measurement.
  • Easy to read display.
  • 10-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Izzo Golf Swami

Pros
  • Key features – The Swami golf watch comes with some amazing added features such as scorecard and shot monitoring
  • Stylish – A good-looking watch is always nice
  • Solid battery life
Cons
  • No touchscreen – Like the TecTecTec GPS watch this model also doesn’t have a touchscreen

Best Value: Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch

Best Value
Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch

Shot Scope V2 Is The Only Gps Watch With Integrated, Fully Automated Performance Tracking, Making It The Smartest Watch In Golf. Make Any Course Your Home Course And Seize The Advantage, Worldwide, While Mastering Your Game Using A Detailed Post-Round Analysis Platform Containing Over 100 Tour-Level Statistics.

Pros:
  • Ability to review performance
  • Free to use
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Cheap yet powerful
Cons:
  • Appearance
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The Shot Scope V2 Smart GPS Golf Watch is the most affordable GPS golf watch on this list. The Shot Scope watch is a highly accurate watch that will provide you with precise data during your round of golf.

Its basic features allow you to measure the distance to the front, center, and back of the green to within one yard. It also allows you to monitor the position of various hazards including sand bunkers and water hazards.

That’s not all this watch can do though. As far as improving your game goes, the Shot Scope can help you enormously. Through the mobile app or interactive dashboard on the watch, you can check out detailed insights into your game. The watch features automatic shot tracking, so can see how you have performed and identify areas you need to improve.

If you’re trying out a new course or your regular course has a new layout, you don’t need to worry if you own this GPS watch. The Slope Scope already has 36,000 courses preloaded. This updates regularly to ensure the data is correct.

When it comes to the watch’s appearance and design, we must say it isn’t our favorite. The streamlined watch is comfortable to wear but it is quite chunky. Having said that, the LCD screen is easy-to-navigate and the watch doesn’t interfere with your performance on the course.

The watch more than makes up for this with its impressive features. Overall this watch is incredible value for money, providing us with all the key features we need to improve our game.

Features

  • 36,000+ courses.
  • Touchscreen.
  • LCD display.
  • Track course distances.
  • Monitor hazards.
  • Automatic shot tracking.
  • Smartphone connectivity.
  • Silicone band.
  • No subscription fees.
  • 12-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Shot Scope V2 Smart

Pros
  • Ability to review performance
  • Free to use, no need for a subscription to access course information
  • Comfortable to wear, band fits nicely on your wrist
  • Cheap yet powerful
Cons
  • Appearance – This GPS watch doesn’t look too appealing but it does its job amazingly

Runner Up: Garmin Approach S10

Runner Up
Garmin Approach S10 Garmin Approach S10
$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:
  • 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • Accurate yardages using GPS
  • Golf statistics tracking
  • 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
  • Available in a choice of 3 colors
  • Relatively affordable price tag
  • No pesky smart notifications
Cons:
  • Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
  • No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors
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02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

Garmin has a strong reputation for creating top-of-the-range GPS smartwatches. This reputation carries over to offering incredibly powerful golf GPS watches too.

The Garmin Approach S10 is the cheapest Garmin golf watch on the market. Despite it being the cheapest it is arguably one of the best. This watch comes equipped with technology that measures the distance to various hazards, doglegs, and of course the distance to the green. Unlike other budget golf watches the Garmin Approach S10 also includes a useful scorecard feature.

Though this watch doesn’t have a touchscreen the button on the side of the watch makes navigating the different menus straightforward and quick to do. In all honesty, the watch does lack other fitness tracking features such as a step counter, heart rate monitor, and a shot tracker.

However, considering the price of the device it does exactly what any beginner or intermediate golfer needs, even automatically recognizing which course you’re playing.

It is also worth noting that a lot of care has gone into designing this watch. The watch looks and feels unbelievably good. Weighing just over 1 ounce you will almost forget you’re wearing it. This is great if you’re looking for a watch that has no chance of getting in your way as you swing.

With 41,000 preloaded courses and free lifetime updates, you can’t go wrong with the Garmin Approach S10.

Features

  • Black and white display.
  • 41,000 preloaded courses.
  • Automatic course selection.
  • Display: 128 x 128 pixels.
  • 12-hour battery life.
  • Water-resistant to 50m.
  • 64 MB of memory.
  • Lightweight.
  • Upload scorecards to Garmin Express to keep track of your scores.
  • Weekly tournaments on the Garmin Golf app.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach S10

Pros
  • Access to a golfing community
  • Accurate yardage
  • Green view
  • Summary provided
Cons
  • Lack of some basic features such as fitness tracking

Runner Up: Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch
$99.99

WORLDWIDE COURSE DATA - Free course data is provided for over 40,000 (and counting) golf courses around the world (NO subscription fees) - Download new data from the CANMORE website for easy upload via USB on Windows, Mac and Linux.

SIMPLE FUNCTIONS YOU NEED - Manage your game, not your golf watch! GPS course finder switches hole automatically and gives you easy-to-access distance to green (F/M/B), hazard distance, shot distance, scorecard and of course—digital clock with alarm.

COMFORTABLE - Soft, durable rubber wristband feels great - The watch is lightweight so it won’t throw off your stroke. Fits wrists 6" to 8".


Pros:
  • Attractive design
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic features
Cons:
  • No smartphone connectivity
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02/04/2024 11:46 pm GMT

The Canmore TW353 Golf GPS Watch is probably the most attractive watch on this list. Available in five colors some of which are vibrant, this watch is one you will love to wear.

The comfortable rubber strap and lightweight nature of the device won’t get in your way or cause any interference with your swing.

In terms of what this watch can do you won’t be disappointed.

This powerful watch with an 11-hour battery life gives every golfer all the information they need to successfully navigate a golf course.

The watch tracks the distance to the hole and measures distance to nearby hazards like you would expect. It also has some neat features that help make your round easier and improve your game.

The watch includes a digital scorecard, shot distance monitor, and of course a digital clock and alarm. Having all of this at your fingertips gives you the opportunity to monitor your performance, improving your knowledge of where you need to improve your game.

To ensure you can access information quickly Canmore has designed the display to be super easy to read and use, even in harsh sunlight.

One feature we loved that makes using the watch even easier is the automatic hole switcher. When you have finished a hole the watch will change the hole for you automatically, letting you focus solely on the next hole.

Complete with 38,000 free courses, the Canmore golf watch is definitely one to consider.

Features

  • 38,000 courses.
  • Rubber strap.
  • Course tracking.
  • Digital scorecard.
  • Five color variations.
  • 11-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Canmore TW353

Pros
  • Attractive design
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic features
Cons
  • No smartphone connectivity

Runner Up: Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch Black with 38,000 Courses and auto-Course Recognition, GreenView with Wearable4U Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch Black with 38,000 Courses and auto-Course Recognition, GreenView with Wearable4U
$149.99
Bushnell iON Edge Golf GPS Watch
Pros:
  • Great battery life
  • Shot distance calculator
  • Comprehensive App access
Cons:
  • Not as many available features as its competitors
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02/05/2024 10:58 am GMT

Bushnell produces high-quality pieces of golfing equipment. One of their standout products is the popular iON Edge Golf GPS Watch. Sitting at the higher end of the $150 budget this more powerful watch has a wider range of features including an easy-to-use touchscreen.

The inclusion of a touchscreen already sets this watch above the others we have previously mentioned but that’s not the only advantage of owning this watch. This comfortable, slim golf GPS watch features Green View with a moveable pin.

Green View allows you to see the true shape of the green and different distances to the pin so that you can plan your best approach. The iON Edge also has a much superior battery life to other watches on the market. With 15 hours of battery life, you can charge the watch less frequently.

Other features on offer include the tracking of up to 6 hazards per hole, dynamic green mapping, 38,000 preloaded courses, shot distance calculator, auto hole advance, auto course recognition, and distances to the front, center, and back of the green.

As if that wasn’t enough Bushnell gives you access to the Bushnell Golf app. This app is packed with additional benefits so be sure to check it out.

Features

  • Stylish design.
  • Course tracking.
  • Green View.
  • Auto hole advance.
  • Shot distance calculator.
  • Auto course recognition.
  • Scorekeeping.
  • Comfortable, lightweight design.
  • 15-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell iON Edge

Pros
  • Rammed with features
  • Amazing design
  • Easy-to-use
Cons
  • Top of the $150 budget

Runner Up: Golf Buddy Aim W10 Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Golf Buddy Aim W10 Golf GPS Watch Golf Buddy Aim W10 Golf GPS Watch

The aim W10 GPS Golf Watch provides accurate distance measurements, with a 1.3” TFT-LCD color touch screen that provides distance calculations to the front, center and back of the green, and distances to targets and hazards. The watch automatically recognizes which hole you are playing and has manual pin placement, digital scorecard and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which lasts up to 10 hours in golf mode.

Pros:
  • Colorful LCD display
  • Advanced features
  • 40,000 preloaded courses
Cons:
  • Weaker battery life
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If you’re looking for a golf watch with a variety of great features and a colorful LCD screen then the Golf Buddy Aim W10 could be a good option. The standout feature with this GPS watch is the brightly colored LCD screen.

The other watches on our list so far all have black and white screens. The beauty of having a colorful LCD display is not only a more aesthetic watch but also one that is easier to read and understand.

With the Golf Buddy Aim watch, you will have a clear view of an entire hole before hitting a shot. The Golf Buddy golf watch is also touchscreen making it nice and easy to navigate.

With over 40,000 courses from 170 countries preloaded, you have the option to measure key shot information and monitor the undulation of the green.

This will help you approach your shot with a full understanding of the shot required.

Included with the watch is also a digital scorecard and the ability to measure the distance to various hazards and parts of the green. In our opinion, the colorful LCD display sets this watch above others on the market.

The display makes it a lot easier to identify certain parts of the course and above all else gives the watch a better appearance.

This is a watch you will really enjoy wearing.

Features

  • 40,000 preloaded courses.
  • Colorful LCD display.
  • Golf Buddy smart app.
  • Green undulated data.
  • Full hole tracking including distance to hazards and the green.
  • Large LCD display.
  • Weatherproof.
  • 10-hour battery life.

Pros and Cons of Golf Buddy Aim W10

Pros
  • Colorful LCD display
  • Advanced features
  • 40,000 preloaded courses
Cons
  • Weak battery life because of the colorful screen

Runner Up: Canmore TW410G Golf GPS Watch

Runner Up
Canmore TW410G Golf GPS Watch Canmore TW410G Golf GPS Watch
$129.99

It takes more than a slick gadget to make a scratch player, but if you're like us, you'll take any edge you can get! CANMORE GPS Golf Watches are exactly the edge you need—it’s time to take your game places!

Whether you are new to smart golf watches or are looking to try something new, CANMORE Golf Watches give you the data you need, when you need it, without getting in the way of the game.

The CANMORE TW-353 automatically shows the top 10 courses nearest you when you start Golf Mode, meaning you can start golfing with no setup beforehand.

Pros:
  • Step counter feature
  • Wide variety of features
  • Beautiful design
Cons:
  • No touchscreen
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02/05/2024 11:31 am GMT

Another beautifully designed Canmore golf watch that is complete with some awesome features is the TW410G GPS watch. Like the TW353 watch, this device comes with features that allow you to access accurate data from over 40,000 golf courses around the world.

This watch will give you precise information in regards to how far away the green is and any hazards you may encounter. On top of that, this watch also contains a digital scorecard and shot distance measurements.

These features are all things the TW353 model can do so what separates the two? When we took a look at the two watches the first thing that stood out for us was their appearance. The TW353 looks amazing but the TW410G looks even better.

The blend of colors and the immaculate rubber wristband go with each other excellently well. The other difference between the two watches is the addition of a step counter in the TW410G.

This additional feature is great for those of you who want to also track how far you have moved during your round of golf. If you were to choose between both models of Canmore GPS watch this is something you will want to consider.

When it comes to the usability of this watch, the five buttons make navigating the different menus a hassle-free task, giving you more time to focus on your golf. The auto hole switcher also makes this watch a convenient choice.

This device lets you manage your game instead of focusing on your golf watch.

Features

  • Comfortable rubber strap.
  • 40,000 preloaded courses.
  • Large monochrome display.
  • Five-button control system.
  • Front, center, and back green measurements.
  • Monitor hazards.
  • Step counter.
  • Digital scorecard.

Pros and Cons of Canmore TW410G

Pros
  • Step counter feature
  • Wide variety of features
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • No touchscreen

Runner Up: Garmin Approach G10

Runner Up
Garmin Approach G10 Garmin Approach G10

Compact clip-on device fits anywhere.

Preloaded with more than 40,000 golf courses around the world.

Displays distances to the front, back and middle of the green, plus hazards.

Green View display shows shape of the green with manual pin placements.

Digital scorecard lets you easily keep track of your score throughout each round.


Pros:
  • Four modes for measuring distances to the green, obstacles, layup distances and more
  • Can measure your shots to keep track of how far you are hitting the ball
  • Comes preloaded with 40,000 courses from around the world
  • Mode 4 gives you an aerial view of the green that you can manually place pins onto
Cons:
  • Small and may be easy to lose
  • Needs to be charged with the USB cable it comes with
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If you want a GPS golf watch that is a little more unique and is guaranteed to stay out of your way then the Garmin Approach G10 is a watch you should take a look at.

The Approach G10 is a one-of-a-kind strapless device that can be clipped anywhere or placed in your pocket.

A popular place people place it is on their waist. The strapless design ensures the watch never interferes with your game, giving you versatility in regard to your comfort.

In terms of performance, this watch can be considered a high-performance device. Whether you’re playing a solo round of golf on your home turf or playing with friends on a golfing holiday the Approach G10 will have you covered.

The compact, easy-to-use, and lightweight device accurately measures yardage for your shots no matter where you are on the course. It will display distances to the green and any hazards, and also use Green View to display the shape of each green.

At all times the watch will know exactly where you are and where the next pin is thanks to the 40,000 preloaded courses. Other useful features include a handy scorecard to keep track of your score and access to the Garmin Golf app where you can join thousands of other golfers like yourself.

The Approach G10 looks great, performs well, comes with an array of features, has a 15-hour battery life, and is water-resistant to 10m.

Features

  • Strapless.
  • Green View included.
  • 40,000 preloaded courses.
  • Measure shot yardage.
  • Automatic hole switch.
  • 15-hour battery life.
  • Lithium-ion battery.
  • Scorecard.
  • Distances to the green and hazards measured.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Approach G10

Pros
  • No interference
  • Compact
  • Green view
Cons
  • Not a traditional watch

Runner Up: Garmin Vivoactive 3

Runner Up
Garmin Vivoactive 3 with 1 Year Extedned Warranty Garmin Vivoactive 3 with 1 Year Extedned Warranty

GPS Smartwatch with Contactless Payments and Wrist-based Heart Rate Garmin Pay trade; contactless payment solution lets you pay for purchases with your watch.

Personalize your watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps and widgets from our Connect IQ trade; store More than 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more.

Monitor your fitness level with VO2 max and fitness age estimates, plus keep an eye on how you handle stress Get connected features such as smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect trade.

Pros:
  • Perfect for multiple interests
  • Track your fitness levels
  • Sleek and aesthetic
Cons:
  • Not suitable for expert golfers
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We want to finish this list with a watch that isn’t specifically designed for golfers. This will be a great option for you if you want to buy a watch you can wear daily, not just when you are playing golf.

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is one of the best smartwatches on the market. This high-quality watch lets you track data from a variety of different sports including golf.

Firstly the design of this watch makes it a suitable watch to wear all day no matter what the occasion. You can spend the afternoon playing golf with the watch before then wearing it on a night out with friends and family.

Featuring a solid Gorilla Glass 3 protected touchscreen, a stylish dashboard, and a soft silicone strap, you can wear this watch with ease knowing it can handle whatever comes its way. The Vivoactive 3 accurately monitors heart rate, steps, calories burned, and hydration levels.

It can also be used to play music, make a contactless payment, receive notifications from your phone, and also answer messages/calls.

As far as the golf-relevant features are concerned, this sophisticated smartwatch is preloaded with over 41,000 courses.

Once at the course, you will be able to see all the course attributes you need in relation to hole length, greens, doglegs, and hazards.

The watch can also determine shot distance, pin placement, record your score, and collect other individual stats.

All in all the Garmin Vivoactive 3 gives you the best of both worlds.

Features

  • Track over 15 sports.
  • Track golf-specific metrics including shot distance, hole mapping, and scorecard.
  • Monitor heart rate, calories burned, steps, and hydration levels.
  • 13-hour battery life.
  • Silicone strap.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Social features.
  • Payment capabilities.
  • Listen to your favorite music.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Vivoactive 3

Pros
  • Perfect for multiple interests
  • Track your fitness levels
  • Sleek and aesthetic
Cons
  • Not suitable for expert golfers

Buyers Guide to Golf GPS Watch

If you still find yourself struggling to find the right smartwatch for you then this buyer’s guide can help.

In this guide, you will find some of the key things you need to consider when looking to buy a GPS golf watch.

Taking these points on board will help you make a decision you won’t regret.

Comfortability

Arguably the most important thing you need to consider is how comfortable a watch is to wear. You will be wearing the watch for up to 10 hours a day depending on how much golf you play, therefore your watch needs to be comfortable. The weight of the watch and the style of the band plays a big part in the comfortability of a watch.

Most watches are designed with this in mind. You probably won’t encounter any issues, however, there are some things you can check to make sure the watch will be comfortable.

Ensuring the strap is made from silicone is one thing that guarantees comfort. Silicone straps are produced to be soft and snug on your skin. This allows you to wear the watch all day without any irritation.

In terms of weight, chunkier watches tend to be heavier on your wrist. This might cause fatigue in your wrist and also interfere with your play. Picking a compact, lightweight watch is a good idea.

Battery Life

Your watch needs to have you covered while you play. This will vary from person to person so you need to really consider who long you will need the watch to last between charges. Most golf GPS watches have a battery life of 10 hours.

This should be more than enough to cover you for two and a half rounds of golf. Other watches have a battery life of up to 15 hours. If you think you need a watch with longer battery life then clearly you should look at buying one with 15 hours of battery life.

We recommend buying a watch that has at least a 10-hour battery life. This should easily be enough.

Features

Considering the features you need in your watch will greatly impact the one you choose. Watches vary massively. The general rule of thumb is the more features included the more money you will spend.

If you want a watch that will simply give you information regarding each hole in terms of distance to the green, doglegs, hazards, and shot yardage you can look at the lower-priced watches.

If you want a watch that comes with more technology like Green View, step counters, scorecards, and the ability to analyze your performance, you will need to look at the more expensive watches. When we say more expensive they still fit into your budget and might only cost $50 more.

Brand

Though it’s not all about the brand it is worth considering who you are buying a product from. Big brands like Garmin have a reputation for producing reliable watches. The watches on our list are all from reliable brands so you can be happy buying from any of them.

If you choose to look elsewhere for a watch, always check reviews and brand reputation before buying. This will ensure you are buying from a reliable source.

It is also worth noting that some brands have their own apps that come with additional benefits and a community of people who share your interests.

Takeaway

Golf GPS watches are an excellent way to track your golfing performance, improve your ability, and also improve your game. A good watch will act as the perfect caddie. You should be able to navigate any course with ease, understanding the distance to each hole and any hazards you may encounter.

An even better watch will be able to show you key details about the shape of the green, record your score, collect swing data, and also pinpoint your location during any hole.

Though GPS watches can be expensive there are plenty to choose from that come with all the features you need at a more budget-friendly price. You can see this from our list.

The GPS watches on our list offer you everything you need from a golf GPS watch for under $150. Whether you’re a casual golfer looking for some assistance or a competitive sports person looking to hone their skills there is a watch out there for you.

Take our list and narrow it down until you find the best watch that suits your needs and requirements. Finding the right watch for you will help you enjoy golf even more than you do already. 


Frequently Asked Questions – Budget Golf Watches

Is A Garmin Golf Watch Worth It?

A Garmin golf watch is definitely worth it as is any golf GPS watch. A golf GPS watch is fantastic for navigating your way around a golf course. The basic features allow you to measure the distance to each green and any hazards you may encounter along the way. You can also conveniently keep track of your score, analyze your swing performance and identify the specific shape of each green. These features help you develop your game and improve your overall golfing ability.

How Accurate Are Golf GPS Watches?

Golf GPS watches tend to be extremely accurate. In most cases, a high-performing GPS watch will be accurate within 1 yard when the conditions allow for optimal performance (clear sky and strong satellite coverage). Even poorer performing GPS golf watches have an accuracy within 3 to 4 yards.

Are Golf Watches Allowed To Be Used In Tournaments?

Yes, golf watches are allowed to be used in tournament play. As a result of this, even the highest level of golfer should consider investing in a highly rated golf GPS watch.

In the past electronics weren’t allowed to be used but rule changes have since permitted the use of said devices in most tournament play. Having said that, it is always worth checking specific competition rules before using one just in case.

The post Cheapest Golf GPS Watches Under $150 appeared first on Golftlink.

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Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker & Heart Rate Monitor https://golftlink.com/best-golf-watch-fitness-tracker-heart-rate-monitor/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:27:11 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=457 You know what? Taking a laser rangefinder on the golf course isn’t ideal for all games of golf you will play in your life. Not only do they require a clear line of sight to get the yardage, but they also require steady hands and rain or mist can affect the laser. The solution is…

The post Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker & Heart Rate Monitor appeared first on Golftlink.

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You know what? Taking a laser rangefinder on the golf course isn’t ideal for all games of golf you will play in your life.

Not only do they require a clear line of sight to get the yardage, but they also require steady hands and rain or mist can affect the laser.

The solution is to invest in a golf GPS watch. It gives you all your yardages, while leaving you completely hands-free. And if you’re also in the market for a fitness tracker, there’s no need to pay twice.

There are some great golf GPS watches around that also double as fitness trackers. You can track your number of steps, your heart rate, your calories burned, and more.

I’ve been checking out some of the best golf GPS watches around that also double as fitness trackers.

After much deliberation, I was able to handpick a shortlist of our top few favorites to review for you. Let’s start with our top pick, the Garmin Approach S60.


Our Top Pick: Garmin Approach S60

Our Top Pick
Garmin Approach S60 Garmin Approach S60
$299.90

Look good on and off the course. The Approach S60 golf watch gives you the critical information you need for your round — displayed on a large, 1.2-inch sunlight readable color touchscreen — so you can master your game. And with convenient QuickFit bands, you can change your style without tools to match your activity, so you’re always in fashion.

Pros:
  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
  • Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
  • It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
  • Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
  • Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode
Cons:
  • Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
  • Not a budget golf GPS watch
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 01:41 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S60

I decided to make this my number one pick. I feel it has the most to offer the golf enthusiast without costing quite as much as some of the more expensive high-end models. like the Garmin Approach S62 which also made my shortlist.

When the Garmin Approach S60 became available in 2019, it became a quick hit, legendary even.

It has a large, 1.2 inch diameter, full color high resolution touchscreen display. And it comes preloaded with 40,000 golf course maps from all over the world.

When I tried the watch for myself, I found that I could bring up bird’s eye views of the course I was on, and of each hole. Even under direct sunlight, there was no glare, and I could see the display clearly.

Based on the GPS signal, you get yardages to the front, middle and back of the green and so on, so you will be informed exactly how far you have to hit the golf ball at each turn.

This in turn can also help you to decide which club to use for each shot. And it will also give your yardages to any hazards and doglegs and such as well.

But, the usefulness of the S60 to your golf game does not stop there – not by a long shot (excuse the pun!).

There’s PlaysLike Distance, to automatically adjust yardages to account for uphill and downhill shots (in other words, compensation for slope or elevation – somewhat of a rare feature).

There’s Touch Targeting to give you precise distances to any spot, be it the hole or a hazard. And it has AutoShot to automatically record distances during the game. Super handy for post game analysis.

You can also pair it up with the Garmin Truswing Sensor, via Bluetooth. For the uninitiated, the Garmin Truswing Sensor is an incredibly useful tool for anyone who’s serious about improving their golf game.

Garmin TruSwing Golf Sensor
Garmin TruSwing Sensor

The Truswing Sensors attach to your golf clubs to give you super accurate data on the club path, your swing tempo, your swing speed, face to target, the dynamic loft, the shaft angle and more besides.

It can even give you 3D animations of each swing, displayed on your smartphone. Although, technically speaking, this watch doesn’t have heart rate monitoring already built-in, it turns out that you can pair it to a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth.

And this is actually a good thing because you get more accurate readouts if you were to use a heart rate monitor around your chest than any heart rate monitor going on the pulse in your wrist.

That said it is still a decent fitness tracker, and it comes with preloaded activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming and more.

It also offers smartwatch functionality, which basically means you can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

When I tested the watch for myself, I was more than happy with the yardage accuracy, especially when there were slopes involved.

I thought the battery life in GPS mode was quite good, coming in at 10 hours on a full charge, but depending on what time of day your game starts, this could be an issue if you had left it on GPS mode all day long.

Admittedly, this watch does cost considerably more money than the budget golf GPS watches that made my shortlist.

“Garmin Approach S60” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros:

  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
  • Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
  • It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
  • Can be paired with Garmin Truswing for swing metrics
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
  • Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
  • Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

  • Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
  • Not a budget golf GPS watch

Editors Choice: Garmin Approach S62

Editors Choice
Garmin Approach S62 Garmin Approach S62
$448.99

We’ve got your game with Approach S62, a premium GPS golf watch that puts critical information from more than 41, 000 full-color course maps worldwide on your wrist.


Large 1.3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands

Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map.

Pros:
  • Sleek smartwatch with a wide range of helpful features for golfers
  • Provides slope adjusted distances
  • Tells you the wind speed and direction
  • The large display makes this watch easier to use
Cons:
  • Tracking system sold separately
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02/05/2024 02:21 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S62

The Garmin Approach S62 is an upgraded version of the Approach S62 that I reviewed for you earlier. It has more features than the S60, but I didn’t make it the top pick of the shortlist because of its much higher price tag.

It has a large 1.3 inch, scratch resistant, easy to read full color touchscreen, that’s 18% larger than that of the S60. And it comes preloaded with 41,000 golf course maps worldwide.

My favorite feature was the Virtual Caddie, which suggests which club to use next, based not just on the typical distances you hit but also factoring in the wind speed and direction. 

This was a mind opener and really helped my game.

Key Features

  • Green view – allows manual pin positioning 
  • Hazard view – self-explanatory
  • PlaysLike Distance – slope or elevation compensation
  • PinPointer – shows direction of pin when you’re in a blind spot
  • Pairing up with the Garmin golf app – for post game analysis & leaderboards etc.

It also offers smartwatch functionality, which basically means you can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more. And it even allows you to make contactless payments.

When I tested it out, I was impressed not only with the golf features and the display itself, but also with the battery life. It lasted a whopping 20 hours in GPS mode.

You can also use it as a fitness tracker, and use it to count your steps, and track what distance you cover in activities like hiking and running.

Unfortunately, however, it does not feature heart rate monitoring, so it cannot give you a good estimate of calories burned during exercise. Other than that, I guess the only other real drawback to this watch for a golf enthusiast is the scary high price tag.

“Garmin: We’ve got your game with Approach S62” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros:

  • Very large full color touch screen
  • Has a great Virtual Caddie function
  • Loads of other great golf features
  • Even features slope compensation
  • Is also a smartwatch & fitness tracker
  • Amazingly long 20-hour battery life

Cons:

  • Premium product at a premium price
  • Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring

Best Value: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition)

Best Value
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition) Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Golf Edition brings smart to your golf game. You can get up-to-date information on over 40,000 golf courses around the world so you can always know accurate yardage to plan your next shot.* A sleek, sporty design is built for style and comfort everywhere from the golf course to the pool to a night out.** Plus, seamless notifications and integration with your favorite apps means you can stay on top of everything without interrupting your round.

Pros:
  • 40,000 preloaded golf courses
  • Offers color bird’s eye views
  • Loads of great golf features
  • Also doubles as a smartwatch
  • Works great as a fitness tracker
Cons:
  • No slope or elevation compensation
  • Battery life could be better
  • It’s not what I’d call a budget watch, but it’s significantly more affordable than the Garmin Approach S62
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (Golf Edition)

Now, this is a great watch in all three categories, as a golf GPS watch, as a fitness tracker with heart rate monitoring, and as a smartwatch too.

Let’s start with the golf features. It comes preloaded with over 40,000 golf courses from around the world, which is about the same number as those offered by Garmin golf GPS watches.

It features full maps that display bunkers, hazards and such, and satellite views of the course, displaying the current location, fairways, greens, and yardages.

There’s also automatic hole recognition, touch targeting to find distances to specific locations, dual arc distancing to and from the hole, automatic shot tracking.

And there’s also a digital scorecard that will keep track of holes played, the par for each hole, and the number of putts, etc.

It’s also a great fitness tracker because it features a sensor to monitor your heart rate right on your wrist, so you don’t need to pair it with a chest monitor.

And measuring your heart rate gives you more accurate estimates of your calories burned, AND it can be used to track your sleep patterns.

It also features a step counter, and features apps for tracking swimming, running, and cycling.

It will also give you how many floors you’ve climbed, or laps around a track or pool, your calories burned per day, and number of repetitions done for any strength training exercise you do.

The smartwatch functionality, which basically means you can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

And that’s not all. You can also use it to play music and podcasts from Spotify, and even download your favorite music directly to the watch, thanks to the whopping 4 GB of internal storage.

When I took the watch to the course to test it, I accidentally dropped it in a puddle (I wasn’t wearing it at the time), and I found that the watch still continued to work just fine.

I also found that I could see the color display very clearly, even in direct sunlight, with no glare. I have to admit that when I tested out the battery life, I was quite disappointed.

But I guess I was asking a lot of the watch that day because I had both the heart rate monitor on and had the GPS running.

“Galaxy Watch 2: In-depth review” by CNET on YouTube.

Pros:

  • 40,000 preloaded golf courses
  • Offers color bird’s eye views
  • Loads of great golf features
  • Also doubles as a smartwatch
  • Works great as a fitness tracker
  • You can use it to play music

Cons:

  • No slope or elevation compensation
  • Battery life could be better
  • It’s not what I’d call a budget watch, but it’s significantly more affordable than the Garmin Approach S62
  • Be sure to buy the Golf Edition, because the regular version does not have the special golfing features

Runner Up: Garmin Approach S20

Runner Up
Garmin Approach S20 Garmin Approach S20
$249.99

Approach S20 is the golfing partner that doubles as your everyday watch. Features more than 40,000 courses plus Garmin AutoShot round analyzer, activity tracking and smart notifications.

Combines elegant watchband design with high-resolution display and activity tracking.

AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records shot distances.


Pros:
  • App support with AutoShot Round Analyser for reviewing your performance after every game
  • Shows layup distances
  • Works as a regular watch and can also be used for email and social media
Cons:
  • This watch has difficulty syncing to the course you are on
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02/05/2024 12:31 am GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S20

The Garmin Approach S20 is the full package. Not only is it an excellent GPS golf watch and fitness tracker, but it’s a smartwatch too.

You can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more. Its performance as a golf GPS watch is exemplary.

Like most other Garmin golf watches, it comes preloaded with over 40,000 golf course maps from all over the world.

Plus, users get unlimited updates of these courses for the whole lifetime of the watch. Based on the GPS signal, you get yardages to the front, middle and back of the green and so on, so you will be informed exactly how far you have to hit the golf ball at each turn.

This in turn can also help you to decide which club to use for each shot. And it will also give your yardages to any hazards and doglegs and such as well.

It also has a Green View feature which shows you the true shape and layout of the green, even if you’re behind it. And you can manually reposition the pin as needed.

But where the S20 really comes into its own is when you pair it up with the Garmin Truswing Sensor.

The S20 is also quite a good fitness tracker. Not only does it count your steps every day, and the distance you cover as you walk, jog or whatever, but it also monitors your heart rate through the pulse on your wrist.

And because of this monitoring, it can give you a far more accurate estimate of your calories burned than it otherwise would have. And it can also be used to monitor your sleep to boot.

I like the aesthetic of this watch, with its black silicone band, and smooth rectangular monochrome display. And I can confirm, because I tested it, you can see the display clearly even under direct sunlight.

When I tested the battery life of the device, I found that it lasted about 15 hours in GPS mode on a full charge.

I also found that the yardages provided matched that on my handheld GPS unit, and I never had a problem with the GPS signal.

I would argue that it’s incredibly competitively priced, given just how much functionality this watch has.

“Approach S20: Style on the wrist meets confidence on the tee” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros:

  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
  • It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
  • Can be paired with Garmin Truswing for swing metrics
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
  • Fitness tracking includes heart rate monitoring
  • Excellent battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

  • No slope or elevation compensation
  • Display is not color but black/white monochrome

Runner Up: Garmin Approach S40

Runner Up
Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch
$372.98

The Approach S40 GPS golf smartwatch with color touchscreen looks great on your wrist and on the course. It shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green, hazards and automatically records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking). It also lets you manually adjust to today’s pin position for accurate approach shots. For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.

Pros:
  • Responsive touchscreen
  • Waterproof
  • Fitness tracking included
  • Versatile
Cons:
  • Not very user-friendly
  • No heart rate monitor
  • Quite expensive
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02/05/2024 03:43 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Approach S40

Now, the Garmin Approach S40 is an excellent GPS watch for golf. Not only because it comes preloaded with 41,000 golf course maps from all over the world. There are plenty of other excellent features.

This makes it an excellent gadget for those who like to enter golf tournaments abroad. And where the S40 really stands out against other Garmin GPS fitness tracking watches, is that the display is in full color, and you can bring up a clear bird’s eye view of the area before you start your game and for each shot.

You can manually set the pin position, and the watch will automatically work out the yardages to the front, middle and the back of the green. And it will also work out the yardages to any hazards as well.

You can connect it to the Garmin Golf app, which enables you to view all your stats, both in real time during play, and afterward as well, for some in-depth post-game analysis.

And if you’re feeling really confident, you can compete on leaderboards, too. But where the S40 really comes into its own as a golf GPS watch is how you can pair it up with special sensors over Bluetooth to get advanced swing metrics.

These sensors can be screwed into each grip of all of your clubs, and they will automatically track every stroke, and tell you where and how far you’ve hit each shot. They can even measure your downswing and upswing tempo.

For more information on the Garmin Approach CT10 sensors, just go to our review here on Golftlink. They may be somewhat expensive, but if you have the budget for them, they can really help your game.

It’s also a smartwatch, and you can pair it with your smartphone to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

You can also use it as a fitness tracker, and use it to count your steps, and track what distance you cover in activities like hiking and running.

Unfortunately, however, it does not feature heart rate monitoring, so it cannot give you a good estimate of calories burned during exercise. When I tried it out for myself, I felt it was a really nice change to have a display that’s in full color. And I found that having that bird’s eye view really helped me get a better feel for the game.

The display is also a nice size at 1.2 inch diameter, which I found I could view clearly even under direct sunlight.

When I tested its battery life, I was really impressed to find that it lasted a whopping 15 hours in GPS mode on a full charge. It’s available with different color bands and bezels.

And through Amazon, you can also buy it as a bundle deal with the Garmin Approach CT10 sensors, or with golf balls or golf balls and such.

“Garmin Approach S40: Look Great on and off the Course” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros:

  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
  • Gives a bird’s eye view of the courses and holes
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
  • Large, easy to read full color touchscreen display
  • Excellent battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

  • Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
  • No slope or elevation compensation

Runner Up: Garmin Vivoactive 3

Runner Up
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Garmin Vivoactive 3
$239.99

From playing to paying, vívoactive 3 is the smartwatch for your active life. Make contactless payments with ease, right from your watch, and with more than 15 preloaded sports apps — you can choose how you like to get fit. Built-in GPS lets you record the distance, pace, location and more for your outdoor activities.

Pros:
  • Met with excellent customer ratings
  • It comes very reasonably priced
  • Preloaded with many activity profiles
  • Handy range of golfing features
  • Tracks heart rate, fitness & stress levels
  • Good battery life, even in GPS mode
Cons:
  • No preloaded golf course maps
  • No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
  • No advanced swing training metrics
  • Doesn’t save locations of hazards
  • No slope compensation
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02/05/2024 02:27 pm GMT

Introduction to Garmin Vivoactive 3

Now, this GPS watch and fitness tracker has simply been flying off the shelves at Amazon, where it’s received well over 10,500 individual customer ratings.

And, better yet, the average customer rating there still comes in at an impressive 4 and a half stars out of 5. It’s very reasonably priced for a branded watch, I have to say. Especially when you consider all the features it has to offer.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 on male wrist
Garmin Vivoactive 3. Image source: Sxcco

It features not just GPS tracking and fitness tracking but it also features smartwatch functionality as well, which means you can get notifications for the likes of calls, text messages, emails and more directly on your wrist when paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth.

But when it comes to other features, it’s definitely a fitness tracker first and a golf GPS watch second. I say this because while it has a lot to offer in terms of fitness tracking, it doesn’t actually come with preloaded golf courses already built in. 

But if you don’t tour worldwide anyway, this isn’t such a big deal, and you can just download the courses you want as and when the need arises.

The golfing features include those all important distances to the front, back and middle of the green, as well as hazard, layup and dogleg distances, which can also come in very handy.

And that’s not all. It also covers club tracking, touch targeting, pinpoint blindspot assistance, and shot tracking.It also comes with about 15 other preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, and with activity profiles, including the likes of strength or cardio workouts, water sports, skiing, running, cycling, and more.

And you can customize your workouts, so they’re completely personalized to you.

The fitness tracker functions feature not only the standard step counting, heart rate monitoring and sleep monitoring, but also your fitness level, using VO2 max and fitness age estimates, and see how they change as your fitness improves over time.

It also tracks your heart rate variability, which in turn is used to deduce your stress levels. When I tried this watch out for myself, I was impressed by just how much you can customize it.

There are loads of different watch faces available through the Connect IQ store that can give the watch a whole new look as often as you wish.

And you download thousands of free widgets and apps too, including the likes of Uber and SmartThings. The other thing I like about this watch is that you can even use it for contactless payment with certain banks.

The display is 1.2 inches in diameter, which is all you really need, and it’s very easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

I tested out the battery life in GPS mode, and it lasted about 13 hours in total, which I thought was pretty good. And I can confirm the yardages on the golf course were spot on too – I compared it with a handheld GPS unit.

It’s available in a range of different color options.

Pros:

  • Met with excellent customer ratings
  • It comes very reasonably priced
  • Preloaded with many activity profiles
  • Handy range of golfing features
  • Tracks heart rate, fitness & stress levels
  • Good battery life, even in GPS mode

Cons:

  • No preloaded golf course maps
  • No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
  • No advanced swing training metrics
  • Doesn’t save locations of hazards
  • No slope compensation

Runner Up: Garmin Approach X40

Runner Up
Garmin Approach X40 Garmin Approach X40

Slim, lightweight GPS golf band with Elevate wrist heart rate technology and activity tracking

Displays distances to front, back and middle of the Green Plus Hazards. Autoshot tracking measures your shot distances and auto-records detected shots for post-round analysis. Activity tracking shows steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate and activity intensity.


Pros:
  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
  • Features accurate 24/7 heart rate monitoring
  • Also an excellent watch for running workouts
  • Smart, sleek appearance with easy to read display
Cons:
  • No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
  • No advanced swing training metrics
  • Display is in black and white, not color
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Introduction to Garmin Approach X40

In this model, Garmin has built a GPS watch specifically with golfing in mind. It comes preloaded with their normal offer of 41,000 golf course maps based all over the world.

And in addition to providing yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, it will also give you layup and dogleg distances as well.

You can even use it for automatic shot tracking and club tracking as well.

And when you get back home from your round of golf, you can carry out a post round analysis by syncing your data to your Garmin connect account.

It’s not quite a perfect golf GPS watch, though, as it doesn’t feature slope compensation or advanced swing training metrics, like some of the other golf GPS watches do.It’s also quite a good fitness tracker, too.

It will monitor your heart rate right on your wrist, so you don’t need to shell out for a chest heart monitor. Provided you wear it snug and above the wrist bone, you should get very accurate readings.

The watch also displays your heart rate in beats per minute, and it can give you your seven-day average resting heart rate. It can also bring up a graph of your heart rate over the previous 4-hour period.

The Approach X40 also functions great as a step counter. I know because I have tried it out for myself. And you can have it monitor your sleep for you.

It also works well as a running workout tracker, because it can see your distance covered thanks to the GPS functionality. And because it’s tracking your heart rate at the same time, it can also work out your calories burned as you run.

It’s also a smartwatch, and you can pair it with your smartphone to receive notifications of calls, text messages, emails and more.

When I tested out the battery life in GPS mode, I wasn’t particularly impressed, it lasted about 5 and half hours, but since then I’ve come to understand that this is because I was testing a renewed, preowned version of the watch and not a brand new one.

And anyway, 5 and a half hours in GPS mode is more than long enough for an entire round of golf.

It’s a great watch for fans of Fitbits, because it has that same, minimalist, streamline aesthetic, it’s pretty similar to the Sense 2 or Versa 4 in this case. The band has a width of 21.1 mm, which is just under an inch, and the display has a long rectangular shape that fits inside this width.

It may not be a full color display, but on the flip side it’s still very easy to read. I tried it out on the golf course, and even found it easy to read under direct sunlight.

I was also impressed at the accuracy of the yardages given (I compared it with a handheld GPS unit).

“Approach X40: The GPS Golf Band for Everyday Wear” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Pros:

  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • Provides yardages and auto shot tracking
  • Features accurate 24/7 heart rate monitoring
  • Also an excellent watch for running workouts
  • Smart, sleek appearance with easy to read display
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications

Cons:

  • No bird’s eye view of the courses or holes
  • No advanced swing training metrics
  • Display is in black and white, not color
  • No slope or elevation compensation
  • Doesn’t come with several preloaded activity profiles, only running

Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker / Heart Rate Monitor Buying Guide

As promised, here’s your buying guide. Let’s walk you through some of the key things to consider when buying a golf GPS watch with heart rate monitoring.

Aesthetic & Display

You’re more likely to enjoy the watch if you like the look of it and it goes well with your outfits. But what’s more important than that is whether you can actually read the watch.

To that end, you need a large display that measures at least an inch in diameter, or an inch diagonally if it’s a square or rectangular display.

Garmin smartwatches, different round models
Garmin Smartwatches with Fitness tracker look great

You also need the watch to feature bold numbering and lettering, so you can see the yardages etc. at a glance without having to squint.

You will also need to be able to see the display under direct sunlight, without any glare.You may be happy with a purely black and white display, or you may prefer full color maps.

Preloaded Golf Courses

If you like to go touring with your golf, then you need a golf GPS watch that features preloaded golf course maps from all over the world.

Garmin is the key brand here, as you can see, most of their watches comes preloaded with over 40,000 courses.

Smartwatch Functionality

Did you know that you can get golf GPS watches that not only double as fitness trackers but are also smartwatches as well?

This means that they can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and give your notifications directly on your watch for calls, emails, text messages, and even some social media notifications too.

Some people see this as a great feature to have, but others say that they find it a distraction while they’re on the golf course. So each to their own on that.

Fitness Tracking

All of the watches that made my shortlist feature fitness tracking, but only some of them offer heart rate monitoring directly on the wrist.

If this is important to you, be sure to check this feature before you buy.

Battery Life

GPS usage has long been known to put quite a severe strain on GPS devices.

However, the battery life of most GPS watches on the market will last for at least 6 hours on a full charge, which is more than enough for a full round of golf. I made a point of testing the battery life of every watch in the shortlist.

Water Resistance

Many golfers like to continue with their game even in light rain. And why not? Don’t let the weather get in the way of your fun if you can help it.

For this reason, you should check whether the watch you like has water resistance.

Brand

I think brand is important when it comes to high-tech products like GPS watches that double as fitness trackers.

This is why our shortlist includes the likes of GPS tracking specialist Garmin, and cutting edge tech from Samsung.

Value For Money

Now, it’s important to note that I don’t include prices in my text in the reviews. This is because they are subject to change. However, you can click on “Check price” to check prices as you go along.

Be sure to be on the lookout for any great deals on special occasions like Black Friday or Cyber Monday!

Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker / Heart Rate Monitor – FAQ’s

Is there a GPS watch for Golf and Running?

Yes. All the golf GPS watches that made the shortlist in this post can also be used to track your runs, as they all double as fitness trackers.

The post Best Golf GPS Watch With Fitness Tracker & Heart Rate Monitor appeared first on Golftlink.

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An Honest Review of Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Golf Watch https://golftlink.com/review-of-garmin-vivoactive-4/ Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:08:57 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=396 The Vivoactive 3 was an incredible offering from Garmin, so it should come as no surprise that many people were eager to get their hands on the Vivoactive 4 when it made its grand debut on the market. If you are thinking of buying this fantastic watch, you may be wondering what its selling points…

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The Vivoactive 3 was an incredible offering from Garmin, so it should come as no surprise that many people were eager to get their hands on the Vivoactive 4 when it made its grand debut on the market.

If you are thinking of buying this fantastic watch, you may be wondering what its selling points are and whether it’s worth buying.

First of all, let’s get one thing out of the way. We’re pretty big fans of this watch, and it’s significantly better than its previous version.

The features are pretty similar to the Vivoactive 3 except with a few extra welcome additions.

Of course, you won’t get the same level of advanced technology that you would get with the Garmin S60 or S62, but this watch is still incredibly versatile and great for a wide variety of different activities. 

You can get it in many sizes depending on your needs, the battery life is fairly impressive and you will even have the opportunity to put your own music on the watch that you can play on the go.

It’s an incredible watch and it does cost less than this version that we are reviewing today. It’s definitely worthwhile to invest in the Vivoactive 4 if you do want to take advantage of all of those nifty extra features, however. 

There are also a bunch of great golf GPS watches out there too that are also worth considering. 


Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Golf Watch

Our Pick
Garmin Vivoactive 4 Garmin Vivoactive 4
$279.00

Tune in to your body, and tone up with the 45mm Vivoactive 4 GPS smartwatch. It has the broadest available range of all-day health monitoring features, music storage and on screen, Animated workouts To help you reach your goals. Boost every activity by downloading your favorite Spotify or Deezer playlists (may require a premium subscription with a third party music provider) straight to your watch. Bezel material: Stainless steel.

Pros:
  • Body Battery Energy Monitoring
  • Hydration Tracking
  • Built-In Sports Apps
  • Smart Notifications
  • Tracking Features
Cons:
  • Limited Battery
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02/05/2024 09:28 pm GMT

First Thoughts On The Garmin Vivoactive 4

If you do a number of different sports in your free time, then you will almost definitely be impressed with the Vivoactive 4.

It’s the quintessential sports watch for people that love to be active. It’s pretty similar to its previous iteration, the Vivoactive 3, but it has a bunch of additional features that make it even more spectacular than the 3.

One thing that you will get with the Vivoactive 4 is that you can choose between two separate sizes, so you are almost certainly going to be able to get a size that will work for you. You can get either a 40 or a 45 mm edition.

The 40 mm is a little smaller which is ideal for some people, especially those with smaller arms, but if you prefer to have a larger watch then the 45 mm is also a great option.

Outdoor photo of the Vivoactive 4, it comes in two different sizes.
Outdoor photo of the Vivoactive 4.

Another thing that the Vivoactive 4 has that the previous version doesn’t is music storage. You could buy a subscription separately for music with the Vivoactive 3, but with the 4 it comes with the watch itself so you won’t need to pay extra.

The music subscription was quite pricey, so it’s definitely a welcome addition. With it, you can use Amazon music, Spotify and a bunch of other music streaming platforms too.

Last but not least, you will also get a much better battery life. With this watch you are going to get a battery that’s better than what you would get on the previous versions.

With this version of the watch you will get around 8 days of battery life when using smartwatch mode, whereas you’d get 7 days with the 3. It’s not a massive difference, but it’s certainly worth noting.

Pros:

  • There are a lot of things to love about this watch. For starters, it has impeccable battery life when being used as a regular watch.
  • You can use it effectively with a wide variety of different devices.
  • The touchscreen is high quality and very responsive.
  • You’ll also get a bunch of fantastic features – there are so many that the chances are that you will never get around to using every one of them.

Cons:

  • While the battery is decent when used as a regular watch, it isn’t the best when you use it for the GPS or when you are listening to music.
  • The watch is somewhat expensive – may not be the perfect option if you are on a budget.
  • It would also be good to see more golf specific features in the watch similar to the S60.

Golf Features

Of course, there’s a good chance that you are thinking about getting this particular watch because of the golf features that it comes with.

Here’s the thing that you need to remember. This is ultimately a multisport watch, meaning that you won’t get the same golf functionality out of it that you would from a golf specific watch.

It’s best that you don’t expect features that are quite that in depth. With that being said, you can get everything you need out of this watch, albeit without all of the fancy features of a golf specific watch.

To begin with, download the course that you are going to be playing. This is something that’s pretty simple to do – go on the Garmin Connect app and then search for the course there.

Garmin Connect IQ
Garmin Connect IQ Storefront.

Luckily, it will be saved on the app when you want to visit the course in the future, which is pretty handy.

When you are using the watch, it will tell you the hole that you’re currently on, your current par, the distance to certain parts of the green and what the overall shape of the green is.

Hole information on the Garmin Vivoactive 4.
Hole information on the Garmin Vivoactive 4. Image source: Garmin.com Support Center.

If you want to measure specific distances then you can also move the pin to your heart’s content. It’s also possible to see things like doglegs, layup spots and hazards on every hole that you visit.

The watch will show you the distances of the hazards, the kind of hazard you’re facing and where it actually is on the green.

Hazard/bunker information on the Vivoactive 4.
Hazard information on the Garmin Vivoactive 4. Image source: Garmin.com Support Center.
Autoshot information on the Vivoactive 4.
Measuring shot with AutoShot feature on the Garmin Vivoactive 4. Image source: Garmin.com Support Center.

In addition to this, you can also see the shot distance when you hit the ball, and it will keep a record of that in the watch that you can see.

After you have finished your golf round you can then take a look at the history of the round to see how you did and how you can improve.

In case you’re bad at keeping score, the watch will also do all of the heavy lifting for you so that you don’t have to worry.


Specifications

  • Size – 45 x 45 x 13mm
  • Glass – Gorilla Glass 3
  • Material – Stainless Steel/polymer
  • Touchscreen capability
  • Quick release bands
  • Material of strap – silicone
  • Size of screen – 1.3 inches
  • Weight – 50 grams
  • Water rating – 5 atm
  • Battery – 18 hours when used in GPS mode
  • Courses – more than 41,000
  • Distance on green and from hazards/doglegs/layout
  • No preloaded courses – need to manually download from phone
  • Scorecard
  • Shot distance
  • Stat tracking
  • Pinpointer
  • Manual pin placement
  • Autoshot
  • Club tracking needs CT10 to work

Other Features

If you want a watch that’s good for more than just golf, you will be happy with this particular option.

In the event that you would prefer to have something just for golf then you may be better suited to the S60, but if you want to have a bunch of other additional features then you are sure to love the Vivoactive 4.

This watch can be used for tracking your general fitness, and you can use it for other sports activities like running, cycling, swimming and so much more. The main features worth talking about are health, fitness and sleep tracking.

With this you can keep track of your daily steps, hydration, calories, quality of sleep and if you want to then you can even look at your workouts on the watch screen. As we previously mentioned it’s also possible to play music right from the watch itself.

This makes quite the difference from a lot of other fitness watches where it is only possible to control the music using your phone. You can use Spotify or Amazon Music with this watch.

You will also get a built in GPS with the watch which is incredibly handy. It can be used for a range of different activities including boating, hiking and driving.

With this, there will be no need to carry around a huge, heavy GPS device when you’re going from one place to another. With the watch you will get over 20 sports apps that you can use that are pre-loaded onto the device.

Some of these include climbing, cycling, running and swimming, though there are plenty more than just this. If you are very active then this will certainly be useful for you.


Design Of The Watch

One of the best things about this watch other than the features is the way that it’s actually designed.

We were pretty fond of the design of the 3, but the 4 looks a million times better. If you’re making a choice based on the aesthetics of a watch, you’ll certainly be happy with this offering.

Vivoactive 4, 45mm version on a male wrist. Looks great!
Music playing on Garmin Vivoactive 4. 45mm version playing “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King.

It’s not just the aesthetics either. As we mentioned before, there are two sizes available with this watch.

The 3 before it would only give you a 43mm option, whereas you can get a 40mm or a 45mm option with this.

You can choose which one works for you and is most likely to be comfortable. It may seem like a minor thing to mention but it’s something that we were certainly happy about.


Performance

So, what’s the performance like on this watch? Let’s start off by talking about two main things – what’s the battery like, and how are the golf features?

These are the things that you are most likely to be wondering since you’re here to find a watch for golf. The battery is the first point of discussion. What’s great about this watch is that allegedly it lasts around an hour longer than its predecessor when it’s used in smartwatch mode.

It’s honestly not too different from its predecessor despite this claim, but it’s plenty good enough either way. 

If you’re using the watch normally and the GPS isn’t always running, this watch can run for around a week without any trouble.

When you are using the features, it tends to last for a few days. In essence, you really don’t need to panic about a poor battery life with this watch – you will be covered.

Okay then, what about the golf features? It’s worth noting that this watch isn’t nearly as good as the S60 as a golf watch, but it’s still very good to use for golf. It’s a lot like the Garmin S10/S20 in many respects, and is an all around decent sports watch.

The GPS is fairly accurate, with around 5 yards of error, give or take. This is pretty great for most people.

Conclusion

If you’re a golfer that is looking for a high quality watch to help you to improve your game, then the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is most certainly a fantastic choice for you.

It’s a versatile watch that will be suitable for a variety of different sporting activities too, so you can use it even when you aren’t on the golf course.

It’s definitely worth considering this fantastic watch.

The post An Honest Review of Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Golf Watch appeared first on Golftlink.

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Garmin Forerunner 935 vs 945 — What’s The Difference? https://golftlink.com/garmin-forerunner-935-vs-945/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 17:08:06 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=368 Smartwatches have become an almost essential piece of equipment for fitness enthusiasts. Able to provide accurate and up-to-date information about your training and health, and tell you when you’ve got a message, the smart running watch is here to stay. But how do you choose the right one? Garmin has created a range of smartwatches…

The post Garmin Forerunner 935 vs 945 — What’s The Difference? appeared first on Golftlink.

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Smartwatches have become an almost essential piece of equipment for fitness enthusiasts.

Able to provide accurate and up-to-date information about your training and health, and tell you when you’ve got a message, the smart running watch is here to stay. But how do you choose the right one?

Garmin has created a range of smartwatches and fitness trackers to appeal to all sports lovers. From golfers to triathletes, Garmin has a smartwatch to match. And the Forerunner range is perhaps the best they’ve come up with so far.

The Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Forerunner 945 are impressive smartwatches.

From the GPS capabilities to the running metrics, these fitness aids act as a training partner. No matter which model you choose, a Garmin Forerunner is a smartwatch you can rely on. 

In this guide, we’ll take a close look at what sets them apart, and which is the right smartwatch for you.


What’s The Difference Between The Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945?

The Garmin Forerunner is a smartwatch designed to monitor exercise and assist you with your training.

“Forerunner for Runners | Why Do We Run? | Garmin” by Garmin on YouTube.

As they are both products from the Garmin Forerunner line, there are some immediate similarities between the two watches. How do the differences stack up?

The 935 is the earlier model, packed with multisport features, as well as the general connectivity and versatility that you expect from a smartwatch.

So, how could the 945 possibly improve? The Garmin Forerunner 945 has taken all the basic features of the 935, and then added some more.

The most notable of these additions is the enhanced GPS, but the 945 is a watch packed full of uses. And while Garmin were adding these extra features, they also increased the battery life.

But did the Forerunner 935 need the updates of the 945? And are either of these smartwatches worth the heavy price? 

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 12:21 pm GMT
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 10:08 pm GMT
Lasso Brag

Garmin Forerunner 935 vs 945

From an initial glance, it isn’t immediately obvious what features are included in the Garmin Forerunner 945 to justify the price leap.

The 945 is roughly $100-$150 more than the 935, and is used in much the same way. But the 945 is a serious upgrade, and we’ll go into the details below.

Design And Quality

In terms of overall design, both the Forerunner 935 and the 945 are attractive watches. The look is simple, preferring a sleek, streamlined finish over excessive design.

Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 product line
Image source: Gadgets And Wearables

The bezel of both watches is similar in design, and made from a fiber-reinforced polymer.

The display size is 1.2 inches in diameter on both watches, and includes color display. Both displays are sunlight-visible, with transflective memory-in-pixel.

Both watches feature a silicone strap, which is Quickfit Watch Band Compatible if you wish to change it.

“Support: Using the Forerunner® 935/945 Quick Release Mount” by Garmin on YouTube.

If there is one issue with the Forerunner 945, it’s the strap. Long and cumbersome, it’s surprisingly difficult to open. A disappointing stumbling block for a premium smartwatch.

With 5 buttons used for navigation on both watches, and an incredibly similar finish, it would be easy to confuse the 935 for the 945.

The Forerunner 945 is the slightly heavier watch, but only by a gram. In terms of how it feels to wear, the difference isn’t noticeable.

For swimmers, both the 935 and 945 have a 5 ATM waterproof rating. This means the watch can withstand a depth up to 50 meters, and can be submerged.

The real difference in the build is in the lens material. The 935 uses chemically strengthened glass, but the 945 has Corning Gorilla Glass DX.

This makes the 945 more durable, and less likely to scratch. Perfect if you like adventure with your exercise.

And in terms of battery life, the 945 is the clear winner. In GPS mode, the 945 has an impressive 36-hour battery life, compared to 24 hours with the 935.

Basic Features And GPS

As useful as the training features are, the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 are both intended to be used as a standard smartwatch as well. So, how do their basic features stack up?

The 935 and 945 are both compatible with the iPhone and Android. They also both connect to the Garmin mobile app, which allows you to access additional features.

Calendar and Weather are included as standard, and both watches have smart notifications. Connect IQ allows you to download widgets and apps for the 935 and 945, via Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, or Wi-Fi.

Garmin Connect IQ homepage storefront
Image source: Garmin Connect IQ storefront

Again, the 945 features some upgrades that you just can’t ignore. Like the music features. Although some people can enjoy exercising without their favorite playlists, most will agree music enhances the experience.

You can listen to music using the Forerunner 935, but you do so by connecting to a smartphone, and listening via the watch.

With the Forerunner 945, music can be downloaded directly onto the watch. It has storage to hold up to 1000 songs, so you can download your perfect Spotify playlist and take it with you. And if you lose connection, the music keeps going.

The Forerunner 945 also features Garmin Pay, allowing you to pay using your watch. This feature is sadly missing from the 935.

If you plan on heading off-grid, Forerunner 935 has your back. The GPS and GLONASS coverage tracks across environments, providing you with accurate locational information. But the Forerunner 945 does a better job again. As well as using GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems to track your location to an incredible degree, you can also access full scale color maps.

With the 945, you can really concentrate on what you’re doing, rather than where you’re going (especially with the Round-Trip Routing and Turn-By-Turn Navigation). Interactive, full color mapping technology makes the 945 a cut above.

Performance Tracking And Training Features

The Forerunner is a smartwatch designed to monitor fitness, and help you reach your goals. The 935 and 945 are both designed for multi-sports, and are packed full of features to improve your training plans, and help you move forward.

Activity profiles and the ability to download activities from the Garmin Connect community helps users switch between sports, from cycling, to golf, to cross-country skiing.

Switching profiles gives you access to tailored features designed to monitor minute aspects of each activity. The 935 is absolutely packed with sensors, including a barometric altimeter, accelerometer, and thermometer.

With activity tracking, the user can monitor step count, and be given an auto goal based on the daily step level. Calories burned, floors climbed, and distance travelled are all monitored in your day to day.

The range of metrics provided is impressive, and can be used to accurately monitor progress, and design a workout routine to fit your lifestyle.

Again, the 945 does all that — and then so much more.

Rather than listing all the specs of the Forerunner 945, which would take a while, we’ll focus on a few of the stand-out features. A Pulse Ox sensor is added with the 945, able to monitor blood oxygen levels for better sleep, and improved altitude acclimation.

Garmin Forerunner 945 is equipped with a brand new Pulse OX Sensor
Image source: Garmin.com.

And with the Body Battery Energy Monitoring, the 945 can provide you with accurate information about when your body needs to rest, and when energy levels are optimal.

The smart analytics used by the VO2 max feature gives the user feedback regarding current fitness level, as well as any changes.

VO2 max can help you set goals and assess previous performance. It’s personalized training, straight from your watch.

Finally, the workouts and training plans included cover an incredible range of activities.

For those who enjoy so much more than road running, the 945 has metrics to support you. Although the 935 covers an impressive amount of sports, there’s a real step up with the 945.

The Forerunner 945 also features an exceptional mode dedicated to triathlon training. It’s comprehensive, including features such as stride length and ground contact time.

And with a decent battery life, you can train hard for a triathlon, without needing to charge.

Which is the Better Buy — Forerunner 935 Or 945?

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is, without a doubt, the better watch. It has all the features of the 935, and then so many more on top. 

Monitoring your performance with the Forerunner 945 comes easily, and when you decide to mix up your routine, it’s right there with you.

The GPS capabilities and maps of the 945 are another feature that can’t be ignored. Guided routes make running and cycling a breeze, and the downloadable and interactive color maps are useful in the day to day.

There are many impressive features to the Forerunner 935, but it lacks the comprehensive coverage of the 945. It also falls behind on some basics. A Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens gives the 945 a durable finish that the 935 is missing.

Music connectivity and control is good, but it can’t compare to the on-watch downloads of the 945. And it’s a shame that the 935 doesn’t have a smart pay option.

When it comes to the 945, there are only a few issues to complain about. The strap is long, and difficult to open, which feels like an oversight on such a good watch.

There is no touchscreen capability, although the buttons do work well. Touchscreen isn’t always a useful feature – sweaty hands are always grateful for the buttons – but it would be nice to have the option.

Overall, it’s difficult to argue with the supremacy of the Forerunner 945. It’s built on and expanded the features of the 935, without losing any of the usability.

Maps and basic smart features make it a watch you’ll want to wear every day, while inclusive monitoring and evaluation features encourage you to reach your fitness goals.

So, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is a better watch than the 935. But is it a better buy?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 945 Worth The Cost?

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is an expensive watch, likely to set you back around $400-$600. Included in that price is a massive range of features, and enough sport modes to satisfy almost any type of athlete.

But if you’re just starting out, the Forerunner 935 may offer a better deal. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the same coverage as the 945, but it can still be a real help in guiding your workout. And the money saved can make up for the missing features.

Although the Forerunner 945 is expensive, we felt during the course of our testing that it was worth the price.

The wonderful GPS alone can explain some of the price difference. Plus, the overall build quality and integrated smart features will ensure this is the only smartwatch you’ll need for a long time.

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is available to purchase from Amazon.com, Garmin.com, and BestBuy.com.Check prices
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is available to purchase from Amazon.com, Garmin.com, and BestBuy.com.Check prices
Where can I buy the Garmin Forerunner 935 & 945?

Frequently Asked Questions about Garmin Forerunner 935 vs 945

Can you use Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 to track golf?

Yes. Both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 come with stat tracking for strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit.

They also come equipped with Garmin Auto shot, a round timer/odometer, green view with manual pin position, and hazards and course targets.

Is there GPS and Maps on the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945?

The Garmin Forerunner 935 comes with GPS and GLONASS sensors, providing a satellite view. Maps are basic, and only used for navigation.

The maps and GPS features on the 945 are superior. It uses GPS tracking, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite sensors for comprehensive coverage. The maps are in color, and interactive, integrating easily into your workout.

Are the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the 945 waterproof?

Yes. Both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945 have a waterproof rating of 5 ATM. This is suitable for swimming, and the watch can withstand a depth of up to 50 meters.

Is the Garmin Forerunner 935 or 945 better for Triathlon training?

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is equipped with an impressive range of features for triathlon training.

The performance monitoring and preset activity modes are designed for those training for a triathlon. Improved metrics ensure all areas of the triathlon performance can be assessed.

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is beneficial for triathlon training, but lacks the comprehensive metrics of the 945.

Can you use Spotify on Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945?

Yes. Spotify can be used on both the Garmin Forerunner 935 and 945, but it’s only the 945 that allows you to download music to the watch.


Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 935 and the Forerunner 945 might seem like an easy choice at first. The 945 is definitely the better watch, as it takes everything that made the 935 great, and then improves it.

But the 935 is still a fantastic smartwatch, and many athletes will find it has enough features to suit their needs — and it comes with a lower price tag.

To make the right choice, consider which features you actually need. With multisport metrics, impressive GPS, and music capabilities, training gets better with the Forerunner.

The post Garmin Forerunner 935 vs 945 — What’s The Difference? appeared first on Golftlink.

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Garmin Approach S62 vs S60 https://golftlink.com/garmin-approach-s62-vs-s60/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:50:16 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=359 If you are a frequent golf player, then you have probably thought about purchasing yourself a good golf GPS watch. They use satellite imagery to help you map out your current golf course so you can tactfully plan out your distances per shot to help reduce your number of strokes per game. This is why…

The post Garmin Approach S62 vs S60 appeared first on Golftlink.

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If you are a frequent golf player, then you have probably thought about purchasing yourself a good golf GPS watch.

They use satellite imagery to help you map out your current golf course so you can tactfully plan out your distances per shot to help reduce your number of strokes per game.

This is why golf GPS watches have been picked up by so many golfers over the years. They are incredibly popular thanks to their high accuracy and have been helping golfers all around the world improve their scores.

You definitely do not want to end up spending your hard earned money on a golf GPS watch that is inaccurate or the battery dies in an hour.

In this review, we are going to be comparing the Garmin Approach S62 and S60 – two golf GPS watches from a very acclaimed brand.

We are going to go into each one individually before comparing them to see which of the two comes out on top.


Garmin Approach S60

The S60 overview
Garmin Approach S60 Garmin Approach S60
$299.90

Look good on and off the course. The Approach S60 golf watch gives you the critical information you need for your round — displayed on a large, 1.2-inch sunlight readable color touchscreen — so you can master your game. And with convenient QuickFit bands, you can change your style without tools to match your activity, so you’re always in fashion.

Pros:
  • Preloaded with 41,000 courses worldwide
  • 1.2 inch diameter, full color touchscreen display
  • Provides yardages, auto shot tracking and more
  • It can give you a bird’s eye view of the green
  • Can be paired with your phone for smart notifications
  • Fitness tracker with several preloaded activity profiles
  • Reasonably good battery life, even in GPS mode
Cons:
  • Poor fitness tracker due to lack of heart rate monitoring
  • Not a budget golf GPS watch
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02/05/2024 01:41 pm GMT

Let’s start with the older model – the Garmin Approach S60. First released in 2017, the Garmin Approach S60 is quite a few years old now yet is still beloved by golf enthusiasts everywhere.

The price tag, however, is way more affordable than the Approach S62 – but this is understandable considering that the S60 is 3 years older.

But this difference in price can still be a big contributing factor when it comes to golfers going for the S60 or the newer S62.

Those who golf less or are on a budget might not want to sink so much money into the Approach S62, so they choose to save a bit by picking the S60 instead.

This might also be something for you to consider but if price is really not an issue, you will want to focus on other areas of the watch – like it’s design or features, for example.

Design And Quality

It’s important to note that while most golf GPS watches are not designed to be flash or fancy, the Approach S60 still sports a very sleek and sophisticated overall design.

Although I am sure you don’t expect your golf GPS watch to look like a Rolex, you probably expect it to look nice and be made from some fine materials that make it durable and high quality to justify the price tag.

Well, I am glad to say that the Approach S60 is just that. Available in two colors (black or white), the Approach S60 is a beautiful watch made with either a polymer or ceramic bezel.

Garmin Approach S60 is available in both black and white
Image source: Garmin Approach S60 product page on Garmin.com.

It uses sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its lens, meaning that it features native damage resistant technology to make this lens tougher and more scratch resistant. 

This makes the Approach S60 quite durable and sturdy, so you can use it freely knowing that it won’t break easily. The Approach S60 comes with a Quickfit watch band that is easy to fit on and off your watch with just a snap.

Secure yet easy to switch, you can change up your strap’s material from silicone to leather to fit your style and aesthetics.

As for your watch’s display, the Approach S60 features a reasonably good display size with a 1.2 inch screen diameter that includes color display and an easy to use touch screen.

You will also clearly be able to see the map of your golf course thanks to the 240 x 240 pixel screen resolution.

It also gestures a sunlight-visible, transflective memory in pixel (MIP) display type which means that you can still clearly see your watch’s screen even in harsh sunlight.

As for battery life, it is important for you to consider just how long you spend out on the course in a single game.

The last thing you want is your golf GPS watch to die suddenly while out on the green. Luckily, the Approach S60 has a battery life of up to 10 hours in golf mode so you can definitely enjoy a fair amount of time outside playing golf with the aid of your golf GPS watch.

It also has a 10 day battery life if you just use it as a regular watch – just remember to top its battery up before you switch it to golf mode.

So, overall, we are impressed with the Approach S60’s design and quality. It definitely feels like a sturdy golf GPS watch plus you have the ability to swap out the strap or choose a color that best suits your personal taste. 

Also, its design features like its MIP display type and fair sized display screen makes it easy for everyone to use. It weighs in at 1.8 ounces, making it light and comfortable to wear. The Approach S60 is off to a good start!

Golfing Features And Use

When it comes to trying out your Approach S60 out on the golf course, you will be impressed with all the options at your fingertips.

Thanks to Garmin’s years of research, the Approach S60 has access to preloaded maps for more than 41,000 golf courses all around the world.

This means that you have the ability to take and use your Approach S60 at any golf course you like, whether you are at home or on holiday abroad.

It even offers automatic downloads of updates when you sync to Garmin Connect, the company’s own online app that features tools for tracking and analyzing your health and fitness.

So, you are pretty much guaranteed to be able to use the Approach S60 anywhere and be able to use accurate maps at any golf course you play at.

Also, these maps help you get precise distances from every location on the course. It even adjusts yardages to account for slopes and gradients so you can play with the best club even if you are going uphill or downhill.

Not a lot of golf GPS watches in the past accounted for gradients, but now thanks to Garmin’s technological research, its Approach series now includes sensors that take gradients into consideration when calculating distances, helping you to choose the right club to get to where you desire.

So how do you find out the distance to the spot you are aiming for? Just use the touchscreen which features Garmin’s Touch Targeting technology. Touch any point on the map and it will give you a measurement of the distance from your location to your desired pinpoint. 

It really is as simple as that, making this golf GPS watch very easy to use. The Approach S60 also includes a lot of other features that help improve your golfing experience.

You can use your S60 as a digital scorecard and track your statistics such as strokes, putts per round, and even green and fairways hit.

If you choose to sync your Approach S60 to your compatible smartphone (iPhone or Android) then you can even receive incoming calls, texts, and alerts on your Approach S60.

This way, you don’t have to be constantly checking your phone for alerts and you can concentrate purely on your game. Connecting to the Garmin Golf app will also allow you to compete on leaderboard with other Garmin golfers.

This is a great way for you to keep in touch and compete with other likewise golf players on any of the 41,000 courses available on your Approach S60.

Regular Features

Of course, the Approach S60 is more than just a golf GPS watch. It features a watch mode that requires less energy so you can use it just like a regular smart watch without draining its battery.

This means that you can also use your Approach S60 not only as a clock up as a timer, alarm, calendar and stopwatch. It is also able to stay fit and healthy by connecting to the Garmin Connect app, allowing you to monitor your sleep and hydration.

Image source: Garmin Connect website.

You can also use it for other activities other than golf including running, rowing, swimming and cycling. With a water rating of 5 ATM, this golf GPS watch can also withstand rain or snow, swimming and diving, and even snorkeling.

So, if you are also a sport enthusiast who enjoys water-based activities, you can even wear the Approach S60 as a regular fitness watch and put yourself to the test in the swimming pool.

Overall

So the Approach S60 is a very durable and useful golf GPS watch. Not only is it well crafted and beautifully designed, it also sports all the features you need for an accurate and supportive golf GPS watch.

It is sure to improve your game thanks to its many sensors and pre-downloaded maps, helping you with more precision than any golf caddy could provide.

You can also use it as a regular fitness watch, making it versatile and a great choice for anyone who cares about fitness and activity.

This also means that you are not restricted to using your Approach S60 on the golf course – you can enjoy it’s useful features absolutely anywhere at any time.


Garmin Approach S62

The S62 overview
Garmin Approach S62 Garmin Approach S62
$448.99

We’ve got your game with Approach S62, a premium GPS golf watch that puts critical information from more than 41, 000 full-color course maps worldwide on your wrist.


Large 1.3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands

Virtual Caddie suggests club based on typical distance the golfer hits that club, factors in wind speed and direction, and indicates where the golfer should aim on the map.

Pros:
  • Sleek smartwatch with a wide range of helpful features for golfers
  • Provides slope adjusted distances
  • Tells you the wind speed and direction
  • The large display makes this watch easier to use
Cons:
  • Tracking system sold separately
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 02:21 pm GMT

The Garmin Approach S62 is the most recent addition to Garmin’s Approach range of golf GPS watches. It was first released in 2020, making it 3 whole years younger than the Approach S60.

Garmin announced that the Approach S62 was meant to be an improvement of the popular S60 model and advertised it as the upgrade all golfers needed.

This would lead us to expect that the Garmin Approach S62 is better than the S60 in many ways – perhaps it’s more durable, contains more features or has a sleeker design.

However, not all ‘upgrades’ are for the better – and we have been stung by products who fall flat when compared to their predecessors.

So, is the Garmin Approach S62 really the superior model? Let’s take a look at this watch before comparing it to the Approach S60.

Design And Quality

When it comes to appearance and quality, it is easily noticeable that the Approach S62 is one of the best golf GPS watches out there. It features a simple yet sporty design that, it looks and feels like a sturdy fitness watch.

Its bezel material is ceramic and it uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for a scratch resistant and durable lens that is difficult to damage.

This means you can wear your Approach S62 with the confidence knowing that it won’t break or damage easily.

It comes with a flexible silicone wristband that fits comfortably around wrists with a circumference of 125-208mm.

Garmin Approach S62 is available in black and white.
Image source: PlentyMarkets

The strap is also Quickfit compatible so you have the ability to swap it out for a different material to suit your own personal style and taste.

Customization does not stop there as you can also choose between two color schemes (white or black) for your Approach S62.

As for display, this golf GPS watch boasts an impressive 1.3 diameter touchscreen with a very clear display resolution of 260 x 260 pixels.

This means that those who hate small and fiddly accessories and gadgets can feel more at ease when using the Approach S62.

It is also very clear to read even in strong sunlight thanks to the MIP technology used in it’s design.

With a strong color display and such a large screen size, it is very easy for everyone to be able to use and enjoy this golf GPS watch.

The Approach S62 also includes a built in lithium ion battery that is rechargeable and can be used for up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.

When you are using it out on the greens, it switches to its golf mode and can be used for up to 20 hours – that is plenty of time to fit in more than a few rounds of golf!

So overall, the Approach S62 is a very well designed golf GPS watch. It is also very high in quality and uses materials like Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and silicone to make for a durable watch.

Although it is a little on the heavy side, weighing in at 2.2 ounces, it is still very comfortable to wear. Now – how does it do when it comes to features?

Golfing Features And Use

The whole point of buying a golf GPS watch is to use it to help you improve your game. That is why the features that come with the Approach S62 are so vital and important to consider when looking into buying your very own golf GPS watch.

How does the Approach S62 help improve your golfing experience? Well, first it has access to the 41,000 worldwide golf course maps that are preloaded into the Approach S62 from purchase.

This means that you can take your Approach S62 anywhere and use it on pretty much any course worldwide. It automatically updates and offers you a full vector map of the area with clearly marked hazards and targets.

You can even make your own custom targets with just your finger tip thanks to Garmin’s Touch-Targeting technology implemented in this golfing gadget.

This means that not only do you have access to many accurate course maps, you can also personalize it to your game. Just touch your screen, set your targets and allow the Approach S62 to tell you the precise distance measures to your target from your exact location.

This will help influence you to choose the right club for the swing so you can improve your game and take less swings to reduce your score.

It also takes into consideration gradients for uphill and downhill shots, adjusting yardages so you can continue playing with accurate distances.

While this is a massive help when it comes to improving your score, there are other features that come with the Approach S62 that you can also benefit from.

When you connect your Approach S62 to a compatible smartphone (iPhone or Android) and sync it to the Garmin Golf app, you will have access to the virtual caddie feature.

“Garmin Golf App: Make Every Round Feel like a Tournament” by Garmin EMEA on YouTube.

Although most golf GPS watches act like virtual caddies anyway, the Approach S62 takes it one step further by also factoring in wind speed and direction.

The virtual caddie feature helps factor in wind speed and direction when calculating distances on your map and also helps give suggestions on which club you should use.

It does this by looking at your statistics, recognizing which club you are best with when aiming for a certain distance and will advise you to use that club – a huge help when it comes to improving your golf score! It also advises you on which direction to swing your club so your golf ball won’t be blown off course.

While this feature may be inconsistent when the wind either picks up or suddenly dies mid swing, it is still a huge feature that can really help you stay on track. Connecting to the Garmin Golf app also offers you more features than just the virtual caddie.

You can use your Approach S62 as a digital scorecard, track your statistics like strokes and putts per round, and also help you compete with other Garmin golfers for that course on a digital scoreboard.

This means you can compete in tournament-like competitions and prove your skill to other golfers!

The Approach S62 offers an abundance of golfing features like the virtual caddie and the impressive course map database.

All of these can really help improve your score by warning you of hazards like water and sandbanks that may be obscured from view.

Plus, the virtual caddie offers very useful advice that can help you out in tricky situations.

Regular Features

Although the Approach S62 is designed specifically for golfers, it is more than just a golf GPS watch.

It offers a range of other features that can help you with outdoor recreation, indoor swimming, and maximize your health.

This means that you can also use your Approach S62 like a fitness watch as well as a golf GPS watch, making it incredibly versatile and useful to those who do more than just golf.

Monitor your health by using your Approach S62’s sensors to measure your daily resting heart rate and receive alerts for when your heart rate becomes abnormal.

You can also receive alerts to remind you to relax or do breathing exercises to help you stay calm and stress free all day.

The Approach S62 is capable of recording your activity history as well as monitoring your steps, distance traveled and calories burned while doing gym activities like cardio or treadmill.

You can also take it in the pool with your as it has a water rating of 5 ATM and measures pool swim metrics like lengths, pace, stroke count and swim efficiency.

But, of course, if you are not into fitness and just like a calm game of golf, then you also have the option to use your Approach S62 as a regular watch. Switch the Approach S62 to smartwatch mode and you can use it as a calendar, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch and even use Garmin’s new feature – Garmin Pay!

“Support: Setting Up Garmin Pay™” by Garmin on YouTube.

Now, you can pay for things using your golf GPS watch by syncing it to the app on your phone, making payment transactions quick and simple.

Overall

Garmin have really gone all out with their Approach S62. 

Not only have they poured much time and research into making a great golf GPS watch, they have also thoughtfully included a bunch of features and design changes to help improve it’s user experience.

You can alternate between using the Approach S62 as a golf GPS watch to a fitness watch to a smartwatch depending on whichever mode you require.

Customizable to your needs in both features and design, the Approach S62 is definitely a solid choice for golfers everywhere.


The S62 vs S60 Comparison

The approach S62 and the approach S60 are both, on their own, very good golf watches.

They are both beautifully crafted, contain a lot of features that can help you improve your game (it is the whole point of a golf GPS watch after all) plus work brilliantly as fitness and regular watches. But you can only purchase one – so which one is the better option?

Let’s go through what is different between the S62 and the S60 when compared side by side. Consider each difference carefully and decide which is the better option for you personally.

The Approach S60 Is More Durable And Sturdy

When compared side by side, the Approach S60 and the S62 are very similarly designed. They also use very similar high quality materials, such as the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 used for the lens material.

However, there is one minor difference when it comes to the bezel material. The Approach S60 offers you the choice between ceramic and polymer, while the Approach S62 only offers ceramic material. Ceramic material is far more brittle than polymer and breaks a lot easier, but this is a relatively minor difference.

However, ceramic is virtually scratch proof so your golf GPS watch will look as good as new even after many rounds of golf. You won’t notice a thing – until it breaks. Despite this difference, the two watches are on par with each other when it comes to durability.

However, the difference between ceramic and polymer is still something to consider if you know you are bound to be a bit heavy handed with your golf GPS watch.

The Approach S62 Is Bigger

We are not saying that size matters, but if you are someone with large hands or struggle to see screens up close, then you may be more inclined to go with the Approach S62.

Its screen measures as 1.3 inch in diameter compared to the 1.2 diameter of the Approach S60’s screen, meaning that it is easier to map and read the Approach S62.

It still retains a sharp resolution despite its size increase from its previous model so you can use your golf GPS watch with ease.

On the other hand, this increase in size does make the S62 heavier. It weighs in at around 2.2 ounces compared to the lighter alternative of 1.8 ounces with the Approach S60 so if you don’t mind the smaller screen and prefer less weight on your wrist while golfing, you might prefer the Approach S60.

Size and Weight Overview

Approach S62 Screen

1.3 inch

Approach S60 Screen

1.2 inch

Approach S62 Weight

2.2 ounces

Approach S60 Weight

1.8 ounces

The Approach S62 Has A Longer Battery Life

This is definitely a dealbreaker for some. A long battery life requires less time charging and you are less likely to be caught out on the greens with a dead golf GPS watch.

Imagine the annoyance you would feel if your watch died and you saw your score steadily increase without its help.

A good, long battery life helps you to avoid this and while both watches offer a fair amount of usage time both in golf and smartwatch mode, the Approach S62 easily wins out here. Its battery life in both golf and smartwatch mode is twice as long as the S60.

While the S60’s golf mode battery life of 10 hours might last you a full day of golfing, the S62’s 20 hour golf mode battery life will definitely see you through.

So if you want to avoid any unfortunate setbacks in the middle of your game, you will be better off choosing the Approach S62 for it’s far longer battery life.

The Approach S62 Features the Virtual Golf Caddy

We have to be fair and say that the Approach S60 still works great as a golf GPS watch. It is very accurate when it comes to measuring distances between your location and your target.

Plus, both watches use the same databases for their maps and receive updates so you know that with both watches, you will be getting a very accurate look at your golf course.

But the Approach S62 also features the virtual caddy, which accounts for wind speeds and directions where the Approach S60 does not.

Wind is a huge influence when it comes to golf as it can blow your golf ball at a slant or work against your ball and slow it down. 

The Approach S62 will take this into consideration when calculating the distances and even advise you on which club to use to really maximize your swing’s potential.

While the Approach S60 does consider gradients and hazards, it just does not have this additional feature that can really make a difference.

The golf caddy feature enhances the Approach S62’s accuracy and makes it the better golf GPS watch for helping reduce your golf scores.

The Approach S62 Works Better As A Fitness Watch

Versatility is also another important factor to consider when choosing your golf GPS watch. Are you only going to use it on the greens? Or do you want to use it as a smartwatch too?

If this is the case, then both the Approach S60 and S62 work as great smart and fitness watches. However, the Approach S62 has additional health and fitness features like the daily resting heart rate monitor with abnormal heart rate alerts.

This is thanks to how the S62 features additional sensors to make more precise and sensitive heart rate measurements, allowing it to measure your heart rate without needing to exercise.

The Approach S62 can also monitor your exercise and fitness while you do various gym activities such as cardio, strength, treadmill and yoga.

The Approach S60, however, is only effective when doing indoor rowing. So if you are a fitness enthusiast and are thinking of doubling your golf GPS watch as a fitness watch, you will have more versatility with the Approach S62 as it has more features and can analyze your performance during more exercises.

Conclusion

So, after all that, it is clear to see that the Garmin Approach S62 is the superior golf GPS watch. After three long years, Garmin released an upgraded model of their most popular watch that really did improve on what was already there.

Garmin built on the foundations of the Approach S60 and rather than scrapping some features to make way for new ones, they kept what golfers loved about the S60 and added much needed upgrades to improve its accuracy and versatility.

The Approach S62 is definitely our recommended golf GPS watch out of these two as not only is it better at helping improve your golf game, it also has additional useful features like a longer battery life and larger screen to help it be easier to use and for longer.

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Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch Review https://golftlink.com/garmin-approach-s40-gps-golf-watch-review/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:11:42 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=352 If you have difficulty managing your distances or regularly find yourself in a hazard zone, then you should invest in a golf watch with GPS. In this article, we will be reviewing the Garmin Approach S40 golf watch so you can decide if this is the right purchase for you. The Garmin Approach S40 has…

The post Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch Review appeared first on Golftlink.

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If you have difficulty managing your distances or regularly find yourself in a hazard zone, then you should invest in a golf watch with GPS.

In this article, we will be reviewing the Garmin Approach S40 golf watch so you can decide if this is the right purchase for you. The Garmin Approach S40 has most of the features that you would want in a device aimed at improving your golf game.

It is also extremely well-built and is as accurate as any other GPS device, watch or not. It’s significantly more advanced and also slightly more sturdy than the previous model, the Garmin S20.

Because it is not the cheapest watch on the market, you should only consider it if you want to wear it regularly.

The Garmin S40 is incredibly popular with golfers though, even though it does have slightly fewer features than the next model up, the Garmin S60.

It does everything you need it to do when you are out on the course.


Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch

Our Pick
Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch
$372.98

The Approach S40 GPS golf smartwatch with color touchscreen looks great on your wrist and on the course. It shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green, hazards and automatically records detected shot distances (lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking). It also lets you manually adjust to today’s pin position for accurate approach shots. For even more precise automatic game tracking, pair with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.

Pros:
  • Responsive touchscreen
  • Waterproof
  • Fitness tracking included
  • Versatile
Cons:
  • Not very user-friendly
  • No heart rate monitor
  • Quite expensive
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02/05/2024 03:43 pm GMT

Features

The Garmin S40 golf watch is a mid-range model that sits between the S60 and S20. It misses some of the S60’s capabilities but is far more complex than the S20.

Hopefully, by selecting the proper club, you will be able to lower your scores. One important difference between the S20 and S40 is that the S40 incorporates non-golf-specific tracking features.

It has a range of timekeeping functions such as a stopwatch and alarm, as well as certain health-related features including sleep and hydration levels.

Additionally, it features a selection of running and cycling accessories. These features make the watch more versatile for use of the course, which may be a selling point for those who want a more all-around product over one that does a specific thing.

The first benefit of this device is that it has over 42,000 courses from all around the world.

Garmin has the most comprehensive variety of courses, including practically all of the main courses in well-populated areas. If you are a bit worried about buying this product without knowing if your local course is on the device, then you can easily check this on the Garmin website.

Garmin Golf Courses search
Image source: Garmin.com

Garmin is constantly adding new courses to their lineup, so even if yours is not currently on there, there is a high chance that it will be eventually.

On this device, you will see the distances to the front, centre, and back of the green. If you are someone who struggles with direction, then this will help you to not end up on the wrong side of the green.

Additionally, it will display the distance between doglegs and layup locations.

If you miss the proper distance into a dogleg, you will almost certainly have a tough or blind shot into the green. This is not great for your scores, so the device helping you to avoid this is very useful. It will tell your location relative to the 100 and 150-yard marks.

Knowing the distance travelled by each club is crucial if you wish to enhance your consistency. This is one of the few ways to access the data.

What the S20 does not include is the capability to compute distances to custom targets. The S40 on the other hand, enables you to select any location on the course and stores the distance for future reference.

Unfortunately, this must be done manually, and the distance to any point cannot be determined (unlike with the S60).

Another complex feature is statistic tracking. Following your round, you will be able to evaluate your performance and discover areas for improvement.

It will track the number of putts made every round, the proportion of greens in regulation, and the percentage of fairways hit. The Autoshot feature maintains track of your club distances, providing you with an average of the lengths travelled by each of your clubs.

This will aid you in deciding which club to attack from a variety of different distances.

Also, you may inspect the green shape and operate the pin to get a desired distance. This is another improvement on the S20, where this is not possible. At times, the pin may not be in the centre of the green, in which case this feature is useful.

Finally, the S40 has a digital scorecard, maintains track of your handicap, and can be used in connection with the Garmin CT10 to measure club stats automatically.

Pros:

  • Responsive touchscreen – this makes the watch easy to use once you get the hang of it
  • Waterproof – according to Garmin, the S40 is waterproof up to 50 meters. This is useful for any accidental drops in water, spillages, or a sudden heavy downpour of rain
  • Fitness tracking included – this watch is able to track several things that are useful to know when playing other sports, or for when you are just out and about. It is especially useful for running and swimming exercises. 
  • Versatile – as the watch can be used to track your fitness level and health as well as help imporve your golf game, you may feel happier spending more money on this product due to its versatility

Cons:

  • Not very user-friendly – this watch definitely takes some getting used to, and learning all of the features while also getting used to a touchscreen watch can be difficult. Bit once you get the hang of it you should be fine
  • No heart rate monitor – it is odd that a watch that contains so many health and fitness features does not have a heart rate monitor built-in
  • Quite expensive – this watch is not cheap, though with so many features built into it that is to be expected

Design

What everyone wants in a watch’s design is its comfort and ease of use. Both are crucial, even more so if you are not a watch wearer and so will notice more if a heavy device is on your wrist.

Garmin Approach S40 white version
Image source: Garmin Approach S40 product page on Garmin.com.

Despite the fact that the watch is filled with features, the S40 is significantly more comfortable to wear than the vast majority of its competitors. It is somewhat larger than the S20 but substantially better.

There is a distinct difference in comfort between the less expensive watches and the S40, which is good given the range of materials available.

It comes with removable straps that allow you to experiment with different colors and materials. This is an option that the majority of golf watches do not provide.

It is designed similarly to the Garmin Forerunner 945 and boasts a 1.2-inch color touchscreen display.

The screen appears to be quite durable and should not be as easily scratched or broken as the screens on some other smartphones.

That said, the watch’s user interface was first a little hard to get used to, which you may notice even more if you have never used a smartwatch before. But once you get the hang of it it should be smooth sailing from there.

Performance

When it comes to performance, people are most concerned with the battery’s life and the watch’s accuracy on greens and hazards. These are the major factor to consider while shopping for a golf GPS.

Battery life usually is slightly under three complete rounds, or just 3 rounds if you play quickly. You can be sure that it will last at least two rounds though, which is the standard for many golf watches.

Your location was quite precise in relation to the greens and hazards (as is the case with the majority of Garmin GPS systems), and it always appeared to be within 4-5 yards of the course markers. This is a very common occurrence with all Garmin watches.

“Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch in Action” by Morton Golf Sales on YouTube.

Specs

Here are the all-important specs of the Garmin S40:

  • Golf courses – 41,000+
  • Size – 43 x 43 x 12mm
  • Water rating – 5 ATM
  • Quick-release bands – yes
  • Battery life – 15 hours in GPS mode
  • Touchscreen – yes
  • Weight – 43 grams
  • Strap material – silicone
  • Club tracking – need CT10
  • Preloaded – yes
  • Custom target – yes
  • Distance To Front, Middle, Back – yes
  • Manual Pin Placement – yes
  • Distance To Hazards/Doglegs/Layup – yes
  • Autoshot – yes
  • Shot distance – yes
  • Stat tracking – yes
  • Scorecard – yes

Is The Garmin S40 Worth It?

In summary, if you are in the market for a new golf watch and plan to use it regularly, then we definitely suggest the Garmin S40. It is a very good “mid-range” golf watch and the one a lot of both casual and pro golfers go for.

This watch loses a few of the capabilities featured in the Garmin S60 but costs around $130 less.

In comparison to the Garmin S20, the investment is certainly worthwhile if you want to use it regularly. In any event, all three of these watches are excellent golf watches, and you could go wrong with any of them.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Garmin Approach S40 GPS Golf Watch

What is the difference between the Garmin S10 and S40?

The Garmin S40 is a huge step up from the S10 model, which looks practically useless in comparison. The S40 has improved on everything from the S10. The S10 does not have a touchscreen, the screen is smaller and has less resolution, and also does not have quick release bands.

What is the difference between ehe Garmin S40 and S60?

The Garmin S60 packs loads more features into it, though it does not have quick-release bands like the S40. The S60 has many more golf features including touch targeting, pinpointer, and playslike. 

It is also able to control the music on your phone so you can listen to your favorite playlist while you are out on the course.

Does the Garmin S40 monitor heart rate?

No. For a device that is able to monitor many health and fitness levels in your body, including your hydration levels and quality of sleep, it is not able to monitor your heart rate.

Is the Garmin S40 waterproof?

Yes, the Garmin S40 is waterproof. Garmin themselves say that the watch is rated at 5 ATMs, which means that it is waterproof to a depth of up to 50 meters.

This makes this watch very durable to use on the course as you won’t have to worry about protecting it in the rain, and if you drop it in a puddle then it will still work perfectly. This also makes the S40 a suitable watch to wear swimming to keep track of your health and fitness levels.

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Garmin Approach S10 vs S20 Comparison https://golftlink.com/garmin-approach-s10-vs-s20-comparison/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 15:56:24 +0000 https://golftlink.com/?p=340 Many seasoned golf enthusiasts would agree – Garmin produces some of the best golf watches on the market. What they may disagree about, however, is about which one of these watches is the best, and which provides the best value for money. In this article, we’re going to focus on two great Garmin watches, the…

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Many seasoned golf enthusiasts would agree – Garmin produces some of the best golf watches on the market.

What they may disagree about, however, is about which one of these watches is the best, and which provides the best value for money.

In this article, we’re going to focus on two great Garmin watches, the Approach S10 and the Approach S20, comparing and contrasting the two.

We’re going to highlight the key differences, list their respective pros and cons, explore which is best for golf, which is the best watch overall, and which is the best value for money.

Then we’re going to top that off with a section where we answer some of your most frequently asked questions on the subject.

By the end of the article, you will be very well-informed, and in a position to decide which of these two great golf watches may be best for you.


What The S10 And S20 Have In Common

It’s fair to say that the Garmin Approach S10 and S20 golf watches have a lot in common.

First off, they both come from what is currently the biggest brand in GPS devices, and such this feature is brought into their Garmin Approach watches. And it is this very capability that really lends itself to use in golf.

Both watches come preloaded with over 40,000 golf course maps worldwide, and yet more courses can get added over time, and the download of the updates is available free of charge over the course of the watch’s lifetime.

And where these watches really come into their own for your golf game is that they provide accurate yardages, based on the GPS signal, to the front, middle and back of the green and so on, so you will be informed exactly how far you have to hit the golf ball at each turn.

This can also help you to decide which club to use for each shot.

This handy function means it could even replace your rangefinder. It’s not quite as accurate as a laser rangefinder, but it’s certainly not far off.Moreover, these watches can also give you yardages to hazards and doglegs.

Garmin Approach S10

Garmin Approach S10 Garmin Approach S10
$149.95

If you want to stay focused on your game and the course, this is your golf Watch. Based on your location, the easy-to-use approach S10 golf Watch automatically chooses the course you’re playing from more than 41, 000 preloaded courses worldwide with free lifetime updates. Then it provides yardages to the front, back and middle of the Green as well as hazards and doglegs. Complete a hole, and it automatically transitions to the next hole as you walk from the Green to the next Tee box. And if you really crush one, you can measure the distance for bragging Rights.

Pros:
  • 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • Accurate yardages using GPS
  • Golf statistics tracking
  • 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
  • Available in a choice of 3 colors
  • Relatively affordable price tag
  • No pesky smart notifications
Cons:
  • Doesn’t double as a smartwatch
  • No Bluetooth connectivity, so it can’t pair with Garmin Truswing sensors
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02/05/2024 03:26 pm GMT

The Garmin Approach S10 first became available as recently as 2018, and is still a very prominent bestseller with the leading online retailers in the category of golf course GPS units.

The S10 is a lightweight, 36.28 grams, GPS watch with an ultra-high resolution, 128 x 128 pixel, square screen, where data is displayed in a large font in white on a black background.

It is clear and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. And the screen is a nice size, coming in at 0.9 by 0.9 inches.

It comes with thousands of preloaded golf course maps, and you can bring up the green view, which not only gives you the front, middle and back, but also any hazards and doglegs.

Recommended reading:

Read our complete review of the Garmin Approach S10

Pros:

  • 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • Accurate yardages using GPS
  • High display resolution
  • Readable in bright sunlight
  • Golf statistics tracking
  • 12 hours battery life in GPS mode
  • Available in a choice of 3 colors
  • Relatively affordable price tag
  • No pesky smart notifications

Cons:


The S10 vs S20

The Approach S20 was actually produced 2 years before the S10, and it is thought that the S10 was invented and produced as a means of providing a more affordable version of the S20, albeit with fewer features.

There are two main ways in which the Approach S10 is lacking compared to the S20.

First off, it does not have Bluetooth connectivity. And as a result of this, it cannot be paired with a smartphone for smartwatch notifications.

Most people would argue that this makes it a poorer watch overall. However, many golfers prefer to take a GPS golf watch onto the golf course that does not have smartwatch capability because it means that they can enjoy their game entirely uninterrupted by pesky smart notifications. 


Garmin Approach S20

Garmin Approach S20 Garmin Approach S20
$249.99

Approach S20 is the golfing partner that doubles as your everyday watch. Features more than 40,000 courses plus Garmin AutoShot round analyzer, activity tracking and smart notifications.

Combines elegant watchband design with high-resolution display and activity tracking.

AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records shot distances.


Pros:
  • App support with AutoShot Round Analyser for reviewing your performance after every game
  • Shows layup distances
  • Works as a regular watch and can also be used for email and social media
Cons:
  • This watch has difficulty syncing to the course you are on
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
02/05/2024 12:31 am GMT

The Garmin Approach S20 first became available to buy in 2016, but still remains a prominent bestseller with the leading online retailers in the category of golf course GPS units.

It was the first of these two watches to come out on the market, yet is packed with more features.

Like the S10, it also has a high resolution screen, nice screen size, is lightweight, has thousands of preloaded maps, and gives you all your yardages, including those to hazards and doglegs.

Pros:

  • 41,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide
  • Accurate yardages using GPS
  • High display resolution
  • Readable in bright sunlight
  • Golf statistics tracking
  • 15 hours battery life in GPS mode
  • Available in a choice of 2 colors
  • Can also be used to track other activities
  • AutoShot round analyzer

Cons:

  • It can often cost about $100 more than the S10
  • You may be interrupted during your golf game with smart notifications

Smartwatch Functionality

The Garmin Approach S20 is the full package. Not only is it an excellent GPS golf watch, but it’s also a smartwatch too.

It will pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. This means that so long as you have your smartphone in your vicinity, you can receive smart notifications such as those for calls, texts, emails, and more.

However, it does not have a separate smartwatch and GPS mode which means that it can interrupt your golf game, and possibly do so at critical points, such as during your shots, which can be incredibly off-putting.

This smartwatch functionality also means that the battery life runs down more quickly than it otherwise would have.

However, if the watch has had a decent charge before the game, the battery is unlikely to run out during the game.

Besides, it’s the GPS functionality rather than the smartwatch functionality that drains the battery the most.

Image source: Garmin Approach S20 on Garmin.com

Compatibility With The Garmin Truswing Sensor

But it’s important to note at this point that the Bluetooth capability on the Garmin Approach S20 has yet more usefulness to the golfer, in addition to being able to pair it with your smartphone.

The Garmin Approach S20 can be paired up with the Garmin TruSwing. And this is where the Approach S20 really comes into its own.

The Garmin Truswing is basically a special sensor that you can attach to each of your clubs before each shot, that will provide the golfer with advanced swing metrics.

Garmin Truswing features an easy and robust golf club attachment, and it can record quite a lot of data on your golf swing, including the likes of your swing tempo, your swing speed, the club path coordinates, the club path, face to target, the dynamic loft, the shaft angle and the shaft lean.

It can even provide the golfer with 3D animations, displaying each swing on your smartphone or tablet.

The Garmin Truswing is an incredibly useful tool for anyone working on improving their golf game, helping you to deduce where you might be going wrong, and what you can try to do differently.

Fitness Tracking

And, there’s another way in which the S20 has an edge over the S10. It also doubles as a fitness tracker.

This means that it monitors your heart rate via the pulse on your wrist, and through this it can judge the number of calories you burn.

It can also track your stats in other sports and activities besides golf, so you could use it to garner your distance covered while cycling, for example.


Key Differences Between Garmin Approach S10 and S20

Difference In Price Tag

The first difference you’ll notice between the S10 and the S20 is the price tag. We would argue that both watches are very reasonably priced for what they can do.

However, some online retailers like to charge about $100 more for the S20 than for the S10, which is quite significant, and could be quite off-putting for some.

Smartwatch Functionality

In terms of features, however, the most significant difference between the Approach S10 and S20 is that the S20 is a smartwatch, whereas the S10 is not.

So, while you can get smart notifications from your smartphone on the S20, you cannot do so with the cheaper S10.

Battery Life

There’s also a significant difference in the battery life between the two watches. Whereas the S10 has a battery life of up to 12 hours when in GPS mode, the S20 has significantly more at up to 15 hours in GPS mode.

However, if the S10 has a full charge when you first reach the golf course, you will still have enough battery life for two whole rounds of golf, if not three. So neither option is a bad egg when it comes to battery life.

Special Features

Thanks to its built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the Garmin Approach S20 has another feature not possible with S10, and that’s its compatibility with Garmin Truswing sensors, which we discussed earlier.


Which Is The Best Watch For Golf?

This is actually a bit of a tough question to answer…

Garmin Truswing Compatibility

At face value, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the Garmin Approach S20 is the better one for your golf game, thanks to its compatibility with the Garmin Truswing sensors… However, you don’t necessarily need the Garmin Approach S20 to be able to use the Garmin Truswing Sensors.

Sure, having the S20 on your wrist can quickly bring up all of your swing metrics is a pretty neat and incredibly useful feature. However, you can also bring up all that juicy data via an app on your smartphone.

“Garmin TruSwing Club Swing Sensor” by Garmin on YouTube.

Yardage Accuracy

We have to admit however that the Garmin Approach S20 does have the edge over the S10 when it comes to yardage accuracy. It offers better shot tracking distance measurement and analysis.


Which Is The Best Fitness Tracker?

This is an easy one to answer, because only the S20 doubles as a fitness tracker and the S10 does not.

Which Is The Best Watch Overall?

I’m just going to come out and say what we’re all thinking. A watch that also has smartwatch functionality is a way better watch than a watch that does not.

With a smartwatch, you can pair it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and provided that you’re not too far from your smartphone, you can get immediate push notifications every single time you get a call, a text, an email, and sometimes even social media notifications.

This way you never miss a thing. And this is why we would argue that the Garmin Approach S20 is a better watch overall than the Approach S10.

Which Is The Best Value For Money?

As we mentioned a little earlier, one of the key differences between the Approach S10 and the S20 is that the S20 costs significantly more money than its counterpart, the S10.

In fact, there are some online retailers out there that will charge you approximately $100 more for the S20.

In which case, if you are happy enough with the features in the S10, it makes more economical sense to go for the S10 over the S20.

However, some of you may feel that “cheaper” does not necessarily mean better value for money, and if you are impressed with what the S20 can do for you compared to the S10, we can certainly see why you’d go for the S20, provided that you have the budget.

The Garmin Approach S10 is very reasonably priced for a GPS golf watch, but at the same time, the Garmin Approach S20 is very competitively priced for a watch that features not only GPS functionality but also Bluetooth and smartwatch functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions – Garmin Approach S10 vs S20

Does the Garmin Approach S10 have bluetooth?

The Garmin Approach S10 does NOT have Bluetooth connectivity, and this is why it cannot be used as a smartwatch, and why it cannot connect with Garmin Truswing sensors.

What are the main differences between Garmin Approach S10 and S20?

The S20 has advanced smart watch features such as a fitness tracker, ability to “deeper pair” to your phone, whereas the S10 does not have any of these features.

Wrap Up

If you have already made up your mind that you’re going to go for a Garmin golf watch, truth be told, you would do very well with either the Approach S10 or the Approach S20.

And if you find yourself somewhat torn between the two, the decision of which to go for ultimately depends on how much money you’re prepared to spend, and whether or not you feel the additional features in the S20 are worth the extra money.

If you’re already in the market for a new smartwatch, then you could do a lot worse than the Approach S20, but if you’re of the view that a smartwatch will be an unnecessary distraction on the golf course, then the S10 may be more up your street.

That said, the S20 is both a better watch overall than the S10, and a more accurate GPS golf watch than S10. Meanwhile, the S10 attracts more sales, but this probably down solely to the more affordable price tag.

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