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gps range finders
- Thread starter Freet
- Start date
- Apr 21, 2007
- 1,996
- 24
Skycaddie has the best/most course mappings and for me that is the most important thing.
Otherwise, almost all them have virtually the same GPS receiver technology in them. They are consumer grade and decent. What separates one GPS unit from another is the mapping database and the operating software (features, user interface, etc.)
Figure out which features are most important to you and make your decision based on that. Do you just want just yardage front/center/rear? (If so, I'd actually consider a Laser Rangefinder). If you want your GPS to act more like an electronic yardage book with features like distance to/carry hazards and key points on the hole then consider a unit like a SkyCaddie or uPro.
I wouldn't worry too much about a monthly fee (well actually most are yearly). I have the SkyCaddie plan that covers the whole U.S. and the cost per year is about the cost of a dozen ProV's. I don't have to renew, I just can't download any new courses or get any (fairly rare) software updates if it expires.
I suspect as Christmas nears there will be some good sales on all the GPS units. Go to some golf stores if you can and look at them and try them.
Here's a GPS user's tip: If you want best accuracy, don't carry your GPS unit around in your pocket or wear it on a belt clip. Why? Because your body de-tunes the antenna circuit and your received satellite signals will drop considerably. Buy a neoprene case for it and clip it to your bag (easy on/off) or buy a cart mount for your cart or walking cart.
Most people don't realize that the GPS receiver accumulates satellite data continuously from as many as 14 satellites and continuously runs the position data through a software filter than updates position one to ten times a second. As the number of satellites received drops, the updates are not as fast or as accurate. Also, when you wear the GPS receiver close to your body you will almost always lose the WAAS land based signal. This is the main thing that allows accurate (down to a meter or less) position readings.
When you take the unit back out of your pocket it will have to re-acquire the satellites it had before you put it in your pocket as well as the WAAS ground based transmitter signal. This process can take from several to 10-15 seconds or more. Until then, the unit will make it's "best guess" as to your current position. I believe this is the #1 reason people think Golf GPS units are not accurate -- they basically aren't using them correctly. The manufacturers don't do themselves any favors by showing guys with the GPS receiver in their pockets in their advertisements either...
No, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night... I have actually designed a half dozen or so GPS receivers. :laugh:
Anyway, my experience is that if you are getting a good signal then the performance difference amongst the golf GPS units is pretty much the same. The difference will be how easy is the unit to operate and read while your playing and how accurate is the mapping of the course.
Otherwise, almost all them have virtually the same GPS receiver technology in them. They are consumer grade and decent. What separates one GPS unit from another is the mapping database and the operating software (features, user interface, etc.)
Figure out which features are most important to you and make your decision based on that. Do you just want just yardage front/center/rear? (If so, I'd actually consider a Laser Rangefinder). If you want your GPS to act more like an electronic yardage book with features like distance to/carry hazards and key points on the hole then consider a unit like a SkyCaddie or uPro.
I wouldn't worry too much about a monthly fee (well actually most are yearly). I have the SkyCaddie plan that covers the whole U.S. and the cost per year is about the cost of a dozen ProV's. I don't have to renew, I just can't download any new courses or get any (fairly rare) software updates if it expires.
I suspect as Christmas nears there will be some good sales on all the GPS units. Go to some golf stores if you can and look at them and try them.
Here's a GPS user's tip: If you want best accuracy, don't carry your GPS unit around in your pocket or wear it on a belt clip. Why? Because your body de-tunes the antenna circuit and your received satellite signals will drop considerably. Buy a neoprene case for it and clip it to your bag (easy on/off) or buy a cart mount for your cart or walking cart.
Most people don't realize that the GPS receiver accumulates satellite data continuously from as many as 14 satellites and continuously runs the position data through a software filter than updates position one to ten times a second. As the number of satellites received drops, the updates are not as fast or as accurate. Also, when you wear the GPS receiver close to your body you will almost always lose the WAAS land based signal. This is the main thing that allows accurate (down to a meter or less) position readings.
When you take the unit back out of your pocket it will have to re-acquire the satellites it had before you put it in your pocket as well as the WAAS ground based transmitter signal. This process can take from several to 10-15 seconds or more. Until then, the unit will make it's "best guess" as to your current position. I believe this is the #1 reason people think Golf GPS units are not accurate -- they basically aren't using them correctly. The manufacturers don't do themselves any favors by showing guys with the GPS receiver in their pockets in their advertisements either...
No, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night... I have actually designed a half dozen or so GPS receivers. :laugh:
Anyway, my experience is that if you are getting a good signal then the performance difference amongst the golf GPS units is pretty much the same. The difference will be how easy is the unit to operate and read while your playing and how accurate is the mapping of the course.
United States
2nd on the Golflogix, been extremely pleased with mine. Supposedly it's a $25 yearly fee which I paid the beginning of last year. It's been over 18 months & have never gotten another bill which is fine by me.
- Jul 10, 2007
- 1,035
- 982
I think WBL has the Neo.
Xamilo - freecaddie works on the iPhone. It'll only show ya front center back for the course if it exists. If it does not, you can map it yourself, using Google maps, and upload it to their site.
Go to freecaddie.com from your iphone. Download the iphone version. fire up the app and make sure the GPS is on. It should find courses within say 20 miles of your current location. Download to your iPhone, and away you go. For an extra $30ish you will be able to see all the points mapped other than front center back.
Go to freecaddie.com from your iphone. Download the iphone version. fire up the app and make sure the GPS is on. It should find courses within say 20 miles of your current location. Download to your iPhone, and away you go. For an extra $30ish you will be able to see all the points mapped other than front center back.
I can tell you not to get an iGolf. My experience with the iGolf Triton has not been good. First one died within the first 3 months. Got a replacement which has worked fine with the courses they have mapped. Only one problem....nearly a year after getting it the majority of courses in my area remain un-mapped for the Triton.
Skiddlydiddly
Well-Known Member
- Jul 17, 2007
- 308
- 0
I have the Bushnell Neo. Terrific value. Reliable, accurate, extremely simple to use. Have had no problems with it thus far (1 season).
EDIT: Also, you download every course you might need (up to 100 I think), as the files are yours to keep, then don't renew your membership.
the igolf neo is crazy cheap (i think only the izzo 1500 is less).
if you want a recap of a bunch you might want to check this site
Golf GPS Reviews | Critical Golf
you should think about which are the most important things - like do you really want a scorecard? (may seem stupid, but i think its handy - but i dont think a scorecard comes with some of the devices like the skycaddie) do you want a satellite picture or a graphic? (the graphics generally look better in bright light i think) etc
if you want a recap of a bunch you might want to check this site
Golf GPS Reviews | Critical Golf
you should think about which are the most important things - like do you really want a scorecard? (may seem stupid, but i think its handy - but i dont think a scorecard comes with some of the devices like the skycaddie) do you want a satellite picture or a graphic? (the graphics generally look better in bright light i think) etc
N.V.M.
now...a cartoon
- Sep 27, 2008
- 1,972
- 2
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