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The Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Smartwatch provides all the bells and whistles needed to successfully navigate any golf course inside a full color AMOLED screen.  Off the course, the Approach S50 separates itself with an impressive range of health and wellness features for those seeking more than just a golf GPS.

Introduction

Garmin is one of the most prominent names in GPS navigation and wearable technology.  In the last few years, we have seen a real emergence of wellness and health trackers and up to this point, very few have blended with a golf GPS smartwatch.  The Garmin Approach S50 does just that as it merges a high end, technologically advanced golf GPS navigation system with a substantial range of health trackers.  I put the Garmin Approach S50 to the test by wearing it 24/7 to see how both the golf navigation and the health tracking could help my game for the new season.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Out of the box, the Garmin Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch came with a simplified instruction booklet, charging cable and the watch itself with a black nylon band.  There is an option for the stock white band in addition to a dozen other styles and colors which can be ordered separately.

The charging cable is the same as most other Garmin watches, which is beneficial if you’ve had a Garmin product in the past.  I only needed a few hours of initial charge before I was off and running.  I was impressed by how well the battery held a charge.  I went almost an entire week without needing to plug it in despite two rounds of golf and 24/7 wear.

Next, I downloaded the Garmin Golf app on my phone and customized a few settings.  This is free to use, but there is an additional subscription for some added features costing $100 annually.

Without using the online instruction manual, I had no issue getting acquainted with my new smartwatch.  The right side has two push buttons that act as a “play” and “back” button while the rest of the navigation is done right on the large, well-lit AMOLED touch screen.

Lastly, I want to mention that the Garmin Approach S50 can be setup with several additional accessories (sold separately) like club tags to measure shot distance and track stats.  While the smartwatch alone can track your last shot, it needs club tags to track your full round.

Features & Accuracy

Garmin aimed to pack the Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch with as many features as possible.  Since this is a golf review, let’s start with the golf features.

The full color display provides a range of distances off the tee, including a “plays like” option with animations of each hole for easy interpretation.  For official competitions, a tournament mode setting can be turned on in order to comply with sanctioned events.  I found both the objective distance and the “plays like” metrics to be very accurate – within 1 or 2 yards of my laser rangefinder.  The only accuracy issue I ran into was one particular course that had reduced GPS signal and struggled to load the hole distances quickly.

On approach shots or a par three, the green view not only provides a front, middle, and back distance, but the pin can easily be adjusted to a more precise hole location.  Standing on a tee, the pin pointer will let you know where you’re headed, which can be helpful when playing a new course.  Another favorite feature of mine is that while it tracks your score, it also flags each hole number on the bezel according to your score.  A par is flagged green, bogeys are yellow, and birdies are blue.

Golf aside, the Garmin Approach S50 is stocked with features such as heart and respiratory rate, steps, calories, and even stress levels.  I was most intrigued by the sleep tracker which provided insights on how much recovery I get each night.  Not only did it identify factors that are affecting my sleep patterns, it also provided reminders on when to go to bed based upon my stress levels from that day.

In addition, Garmin links directly to your phone and provides real time notifications such as emails, messages, or social media alerts.  While there isn’t an option to take action on these notifications from your watch, I used this to triage alerts and prevent pulling my phone out of my pocket unnecessarily.  This, in turn helped save my phone’s battery life which was especially helpful on the course.  Additional features like weather snapshot, calendar sync, music controller, custom Garmin health coaching, and more can all be seen on their website.

Value

The Garmin Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch retails for $399.  Please consider supporting Plugged In Golf sponsor PlayBetter HERE

Is the S50 worth it?  In terms of value, this is essentially two products in one.  The first is a fully functioning golf GPS system with all the bells and whistles.  The second is a health and fitness application with a full suite of wellness tracking.  If you are looking for just a golf GPS watch, Garmin offers the new S44 [review coming soon] for $299, or there’s the Voice Caddie T11 [full review HERE] at the same price point – for Plugged In Golf readers.

However, when you combine all these features together, the Garmin Approach S50 is almost in its very own category.  The only other product that can truly compare is the Apple Watch and that needs an entirely separate Golf app and annual subscription.

With that said, if you are in the market for both a golf GPS smartwatch and health and wellness tracking system, the Garmin Approach S50 has tremendous value.  Even if you add in the annual $100 upgraded Garmin golf subscription, this smartwatch truly separates itself from the competition.  And If you’re dead set on those added features the subscription brings, check out the Garmin S70 [full review HERE] which includes those and more.

Conclusion

The Garmin Approach S50 Advanced GPS Golf Smartwatch is a one of-a-kind marriage of both a high end golf GPS smartwatch and health and wellness tracking system.  All of these features are packaged in a beautiful high resolution AMOLED color touch screen that provides user-friendly navigation and course data with accurate distances for any golfer looking to step up their game for the new season.

Buy the Garmin Approach S50 GPS Watch HERE

The post Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Smartwatch Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder is one of the smallest on the market.  Very light and easy to carry.  Solid performance but no first tier features.  Not great value.

Introduction

When it comes to rangefinders, thin is in.  Over the last few months, we’ve seen a series of tiny rangefinders enter the market, and several have a slate of impressive features to go along with their trim dimensions.  In this review, I’ll discuss the MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder, one of the smallest lasers yet, and whether it’s worth considering for your bag this season.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Nothing about the MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder will be unfamiliar for golfers who have used rangefinders in the past.  There are two buttons on top: Power and Mode.  The first press of the Power button turns the device on, the second gets your distance.  Turning to the Mode button, a single tap toggles the pulse function, a double tap turns slope adjustment on or off, and a 10-second hold changes the units of measurement.

The SlimPRO runs on a rechargeable battery.  When it’s plugged in, the light on the side glows red while charging and turns blue when it’s full.  MGI does not provide any information or claims about battery life, but there is a battery life indicator in the viewfinder.  I started with a full charge, performed several hundred ranges, and the battery remained full.

Accuracy & Features

The primary selling point of the MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder is its size, so we’ll start there.  It’s under 4″ long and less than 2″ tall and wide.  It weighs a touch over five ounces, which is among the lightest lasers you’ll find.  The other two comparably-sized rangefinders – the Voice Caddie Laser FIT and Mileseey IONME2 – are one ounce lighter and heavier, respectively, but have slightly more traditional, rectangular shapes.  The SureShot SlimPRO is almost square, as you can see below, which makes it feel smaller in my hand.

Turning to the speed of the SureShot SlimPRO, its good but not great.  There’s a small delay between letting go of the button and getting your yardage.  As I’ve stated in many rangefinder reviews, the difference between the fastest and slowest rangefinders is less than a second, but it is noticeable when testing head-to-head.  With regard to accuracy, the SlimPRO was consistently within one yard of other trusted rangefinders.

In terms of features, the SureShot SlimPRO has the basics.  It has slope adjustment, PinLoc, and Priority Loc – the ability to ignore background targets.  In 2025, these are de rigueur.  The 7X magnification is solid, and MGI claims water resistance, but doesn’t state to what standard.  One added feature I do like is that the light on the side of the unit glows blue when slope is turned off, red when it’s turned on.

The viewfinder is well organized, but the display is black-only.  As with the speed, this isn’t a problem, but it’s a missed opportunity to offer more to the customer.

Value

The MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder retails for $299.  It comes with the zippered case (above), a charging cable, and a cleaning cloth.

Comparing it to the two similarly sized rangefinders I’ve reviewed recently, it’s hard to find the SureShot SlimPRO to be a great value.  The Voice Caddie Laser FIT [review HERE] is just $179, and it has Ball-to-Pin Mode.  The Mileseey IONME2 [review HERE] costs $100 more – $399 – but it has Coach Mode and PinPoint Green Mode.

Conclusion

The new MGI SureShot SlimPRO rangefinder offers an almost-incomparable form factor with solid performance.  Unfortunately for them, the competition in this space is as fierce as ever.  The combination of higher price and lack of elite features keeps this from being a great option.

Buy the MGI SureShot SlimPRO Rangefinder HERE

The post MGI SureShot SlimPRO Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Mileseey IONME2 rangefinder is a pocket-sized laser with a full suite of premium features.  PinPoint Green Mode could speed up play and improve your putting, if used correctly.

Introduction

The first Mileseey golf rangefinder that came across our radar was the tiny PF1 [review HERE].  The company is doubling down on compact lasers with their latest, the Mileseey IONME2.  This fully-featured model is small enough to fit in your pocket, but it has enough bells and whistles to stand next to the top of the line rangefinders.   

Set Up & Ease of Use

Like most rangefinders, the Mileseey IONME2 has two buttons on the top.  They’re labeled with a red triangle and a white circle, not the typical “Power” and “Mode.”  The button closer to your eye is the power button, so it’s intuitive to use despite the unusual markings.  The basic functions are also the same as other rangefinders – the first push turns the unit on, the second gets your distance.

As you can see below, there’s a USB port on the back of the IONME2 that powers the rechargeable battery.  Mileseey includes the required cable with purchase.  I could not find a specific claim about battery life, but there is a battery life indicator in the viewfinder, and it remained at “Full” after several hundred activations.

There are three modes on the Mileseey IONME2, and you cycle through them with the white circle button.  The display does an excellent job making clear which mode you’re in – there’s a flag for “normal” operations, a green for PinPoint Green Mode, and a triangular diagram for Coach Mode.

Finally, you get to the menus by holding the white circle button.  There are six settings: slope on/off, brightness, rain/fog mode, vibration, yards/meters, and your height for PinPoint Green Mode.  With the exception of competitive players turning slope on and off, most golfers will set these once and never touch them again.

Accuracy & Features

Despite its small size, the Mileseey IONME2 has a comprehensive list of features.  But before we dive into that, let’s address the basics of accuracy and speed.  This laser is on par with the fastest that I’ve tested.  The moment your finger leaves the button, the distance appears on the screen.  Its accuracy is also excellent, matching several other trusted rangefinders.

Moving to the features and modes, the standout for the pocket-size IONME2 is the PinPoint Green Mode.  This is something that we first saw on the Mileseey GenePro S1 [review HERE], but that’s a full-sized rangefinder which makes the putting feature less useful.  The IONME2 can more easily accompany you to the putting surface where the PinPoint Green Mode promises accuracy within 1 cm of distance and 1 degree of slope.  As with the GenePro S1, I wish the height inputs were more precise – they operate in 4″ increments.

This seems like a good time to discuss the size of the Mileseey IONME2.  The rangefinder is just over 1.75″ tall, 1.25″ thick, and 3.75″ long.  It weighs just over 6 ounces on its own, a bit over 8 with the holster (above).  It can easily sit in your pocket throughout the round.  While I like the clip-on holster, it sticks out too far to be wearable on either hip.  If you want to have the holster on throughout the round, it needs to be closer to your back pocket, which only works if you’re walking.

Another mode that carried over from the GenePro S1 is Coach Mode.  Other rangefinders call this Ball to Pin measurement, but, by any name, it’s the ability to stand at point A and measure the distance from point B to point C.  This is great for cart path only days, giving yardages to other players, or finding a distance if something is blocking your view.  Coach Mode is very easy to use, with clear “instructions” and distance display.

Finally, the Mileseey IONME2 is also strong in “standard” Pin-Seeking Mode.  It has 6X magnification and a flag lock range of 500 yards – both on par with the best rangefinders available.  Mileseey also states that it can differentiate the flag from background objects that are only 5 yards away – three yards better than the more expensive Bushnell X3 [review HERE].

Rounding out the features of the Mileseey IONME2 rangefinder are the brilliant red and green display, the built-in magnet, and the IP65 waterproofing.  IP65 means that this laser is safe against water jets from any direction and rain, but it’s not guaranteed against full submersion.

Value

The Mileseey IONME2 retails for $399.  Please support Plugged In Golf by buying it HERE.

Within the Mileseey family, the IONME2 rangefinder is a great deal.  It has almost all of the features of the GenePro S1 at half the price.  Looking to the larger rangefinder landscape, the IONME2 is still a strong value, especially if you like the smaller size.  The only comparable choice is the Voice Caddie Laser FIT which you can get HERE for $179, but it lacks PinPoint Green Mode.

Conclusion

The Mileseey IONME2 rangefinder shows that good things can come in small packages.  This laser packs three useful modes into a unit roughly the size of a sleeve of golf balls.  If you’re a walker trying to cut weight from your rig or you want to get more precise on the green, the IONME2 is worth a serious look.

Buy the Mileseey IONME2 HERE

The post Mileseey IONME2 Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Mileseey GenePro S1 rangefinder has a staggering price, but it has an equally large array of premium features.  A new mode offers the ability to measure putt distance and slope.  Full sized with solid construction.  Fast and accurate.

Introduction

The term “AI” is everywhere.  We’ve recently seen AI-powered apps that want to replace your golf instructor [Mustard Golf app review HERE] and virtually every golf club is “designed with AI.”  The Mileseey GenePro S1 is the first rangefinder I’ve seen that touts AI as part of its appeal, so I was eager to test it and find out if it can help us play smarter golf or if it’s just playing buzzword bingo.

Set Up & Ease of Use

The basic functions of the Mileseey GenePro S1 are like any other rangefinder: push the power button to turn it on, push it again to get your distance.  Two of the other key functions – slope and red/black optics – get their own controls.  The optics switch from red to black with a push of the round button the left side.  You can turn the slope adjustment on and off by sliding the ring around the lens (below).  When the slope adjustment is on, the red portion of the ring is displayed.  When the slope adjustment is off, it’s grey.

There are three modes of operation for the GenePro S1 – normal distance measurements, PinPoint Green Mode, and Coach Mode.  I’ll dive into each one shortly, but switching between them requires a short push of the Mode button.

Finally, there are numerous settings within the Mileseey GenePro S1 that are accessed by a long push of the Mode button.  These are easy to access, but there are so many that it can be hard to know what you’re adjusting at any given moment.  Thankfully, virtually all of the settings are things you’ll adjust once and never touch again.

Accuracy & Features

On the basics, the Mileseey GenePro S1 rangefinder gets top marks.  The speed is excellent, and it’s both accurate and consistent.  In the normal rangefinding mode, it does a great job blocking out background distractions to pick up the flag.  The 7.5X magnification is best in class, as is the 2,000 yard range, though that number is also comically impractical for golf.

The function I was most excited to test on the course was PinPoint Green Mode.  This measures your distance to the hole to the inch and provides a slope adjustment.  At first it was tough to remember to bring my laser to the green, but once I did, I found it saved a bit of time.  I always pace off my putts, and the Mileseey GenePro S1 allowed me to go straight to my ball, get the distance instantly, and focus on my read.  Is this mode necessary or a game changer?  No, but it’s a nice addition, and it’s a helpful check on up and downhill putts.

There is one weakness of this mode that must be noted.  When you input your height – something the GenePro S1 needs to calculate the slope accurately – it adjusts in four inch increments.  If we’re to believe that the GenePro S1 is calculating the distance with 1″ precision, it seems to me that the user’s height should be input with equal accuracy.

Coach Mode is Mileseey’s name for triangulating the distance between two distant objects.  Other devices, like the Voice Caddie Laser FIT [review HERE], call this Ball-to-Pin Mode.  It works brilliantly in the GenePro S1.  The display makes it very clear how to use this feature, showing a triangle and having each spot blink in turn.  This feature makes cart path only days more playable, and it’s a timesaver when you want to get distances in advance of driving to the ball.

In terms of size, shape, and weight, the Mileseey GenePro S1 is a “full-sized” rangefinder, just slightly smaller than most Bushnell models and similar to the Shot Scope ZR [review HERE].  It’s very comfortable in the hand but a bit large to regularly carry in your pocket.  The construction feels solid if not quite as brick-tough as the very best rangefinders.

For premium features in a smaller package, check out the Mileseey IONME 2 HERE

The GenePro S1 does have a built-in magnet, but it’s positioned differently than most other rangefinders.  Rather than putting the magnet on the rangefinder’s side, the GenePro S1 puts it on the bottom (above).  This makes the rangefinder stick out a bit more, but the hold is still strong.  I can’t say that I have a strong preference for either magnet placement, though I do wish the Mileseey GenePro S1 had more friction or grip elements on the body.

Value

The Mileseey GenePro S1 rangefinder retails for a staggering $799 HERE.

This is substantially more than most expensive, feature-laden rangefinders like the Bushnell Pro X3 at $599 [review HERE] and the Voice Caddie SL3 at $499 [review HERE].  That said, the GenePro S1 has a complete array of premium features and a couple things that are unique.  It’s hard for me to say that the S1 is a strong value, but it is undoubtedly a great rangefinder with standout features.

Conclusion

In a category that often feels stale, the Mileseey GenePro S1 rangefinder offers something genuinely new with its PinPoint Green Mode.  Additionally, it excels at everything that a premium rangefinder should do.  Whether all that makes it worth the big price tag depends in large part on how deep your pockets are.

Buy the Milseey GenePro S1 Rangefinder HERE

The post Mileseey GenePro S1 Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder includes a unique feature – a built-in camera.  In addition to slope adjusted distances and stabilization, the unit can also capture photos and videos.  Compact and quality built.

Introduction

With all the rangefinders currently available in the golf market, from startup brands to well established leaders in the field, I was a bit surprised to learn that Canon was entering the fray.  Sure, Canon is a brand with big time name recognition.  But golf?  Then I noted that the Canon PowerShot GOLF has a built-in camera and the picture became much clearer.  Is the PowerShot GOLF going to revolutionize the laser rangefinder category?  Only one way to find out – a thorough Plugged In Golf review.

Setup & Ease of Use

This section was a mixed bag for me.  I was instantly able to use the Canon PowerShot GOLF as a laser rangefinder.  The basic operation was much like most rangefinders – press the front top button to turn the unit on and press it again to check distance.  Locking into the pin was quick and there was a positive vibration confirmation.  So far so good.

Under the adjustable eyepiece I found the “ZOOM” button which did just that, taking the 6x magnification to 12x.  Holding the Canon PowerShot GOLF in my right hand as I normally do, I learned to use my left thumb to press the ZOOM button.  Doable, but a bit awkward.

That was as far as I got straight out of the box.  The paper instructions included a parts identification list, quick start guide, and a link to the Advanced Users Guide.  What wasn’t in the box was a power cable or a microSD card.  I’m fine with a USB-C charging cable not being including (more on that in a moment), but a microSD is required to utilize the camera feature.

After purchasing a microSD card, I was off and running capturing photos and videos.  After a quick read of the Advanced Users Guide I learned that the main top button has two depression levels.  Pressing half way down engages the distance measurement, while full engagement captures a screenshot.  To take a video, you press the red button under the eyepiece, and press it again to stop the recording.  You can scroll through the photos and videos via the MENU button and following the somewhat confusing prompts that involve the on/off, zoom, and red buttons.

I’d love to show you the actual photos I captured, but I was unable to download them.  Turns out you need a USB-C cable capable of data transfer or an SD port on your laptop to download the files – neither of which I have.

There are two more features to highlight before moving on to the next section.  First, slope adjustment can be turned on or off via the menu.  In the off setting, a blue indicator light flashes, as shown above.  The LASER toggle on the side of the Canon PowerShot GOLF turns the ranging laser on or off – an important safety feature when pointing the unit at people.

Accuracy & Performance

As a laser rangefinder, the Canon PowerShot GOLF has several great features and most importantly is super accurate.  Canon states the rangefinder is accurate to +/- 2 yards at up to 800 yards.  I never found it outside 1 yard difference when compared to my Nikon laser or Bushnell GPS [Phantom 3 review HERE].  I’m a big fan of image stabilization – especially when the unit is small and lightweight like the PowerShot GOLF.  When locked onto a flag, a pin graphic appears for visual confirmation and the unit gives a quick vibration.

Beyond the cool factor, the digital zoom has practical applications like seeing if your ball is actually on the green.  It’s also nice to zoom in on a bird while waiting patiently for your playing partner to go through the seemingly endless checklist in their mind before swinging.

I wear a medium glove, and you can see the Canon PowerShot GOLF is relatively small in my hand.  The size was great for slipping into my back pocket and even leaving it there while hitting.  Plus at 0.33 lbs. the unit is ideal for golfers who enjoy carrying their bag.  Rated IPX4, a little rain should not an issue.

Value

The Canon PowerShot GOLF has a list price of $350.  As a laser rangefinder, that’s a fair price for a unit with slope, color display, and an extra feature like its image stabilization or zoom.  The photo and video capabilities make the unit a considerable value, but may require additional expenditures for file storage and retrieval.

Conclusion

In the crowded laser rangefinder space, the Canon PowerShot GOLF certainly stands out for its camera feature.  The question I kept trying to answer during testing was, “Who does it serve?”  Does having a photo with distance data superimposed on the hole offer a golfer anything?  I guess if you are a shot tracking maniac, the extra data could be of value post round.  As for the video, it seems we all have a smart phone at the ready, more than capable of capturing swings, celebrations, and the likes.  Bottom line is I’m just not sold on the camera.  I truly like the size, optical quality, and solid feel of the PowerShot GOLF – and the Canon name certainly adds legitimacy.  But I believe that, just like its devoid-of-marketing box, the PowerShot Golf isn’t going to garner many looks.

Visit Canon HERE

The post Canon PowerShot GOLF Digital Laser Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS is accurate and easy to use.  Touchscreen and slope compensation offer a big upgrade from the previous model.  Stat tracking and strong magnet add to the value and desirability.

Introduction

When you think of distance measurement devices in golf, Bushnell is certainly a household name.  And while laser rangefinders like the Pro X3+ [full review HERE] may be top of mind, Bushnell’s GPS units are popular alternatives.  My personal favorite has been the Phantom 2, which I use nearly every time I play.  Learning Bushnell added slope and a touchscreen display to the new Phantom 3, I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Setup & Ease of Use

In the box I found the Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS, long USB-C cable, belt clip, carabiner, and Quick Start Guide.  The Phantom 3 came partially charged, and I was able to turn it on via the single side button and jump right into discovering all the features.  One huge difference from the previous model is the touchscreen, which makes navigation much simpler.  Other than responding to screen prompts, the only function I had to remember was to use the side button to go ‘back.’

At the course, hitting the main Play Golf icon engaged the GPS satellite search which took a minute or two to find the nearest course.  After selecting the course, the Bushnell Phantom 3 displayed the distance to the middle of the first green, along with front and back distances underneath.  Those distances are slope adjusted unless you turn that feature off.  If all you are interested in are distances, there’s no need to touch the unit again – it will automatically advance holes.  But the Phantom 3 has a ton of additional features worth exploring.

To start with, you can adjust the pin position, view distances to hazards, and set the home screen button function (including shot distance calculator).  And as you play, you can keep score, track putts, note hit fairway or miss direction, and note green hit or miss location.  Plus in the background the Bushnell Phantom 3 has a running round timer and odometer. 

Accuracy & Performance

The main thing most of us want in a GPS device is accurate distances, and the Bushnell Phantom 3 performed very well.  Checking yardages against my Garmin S70 Smartwatch [full review HERE] I occasionally found a yard or two difference, but the majority of the time they were in agreement.  Same went for sprinkler head comparisons as captured above.  I had the similar results checking yardages with my laser rangefinder in conjunction with the pin sheet.  Front or back were off a yard on a couple holes – but that could also have been reflective of the pin sheet accuracy.

There are three main reasons I use and like the Phantom device.  First, it’s great for arriving at the ball – mine or my playing partner’s – and knowing the middle distance.  It just keeps the process flowing.  That’s not to say I don’t often pull out my laser rangefinder to obtain some additional yardages, but I already have a good idea of what club to pull.  Second, and this is a biggie on one course I frequent, two holes have mounds that block line of sight.  I may still scramble to determine my target line, but with the Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS I have the yardages that would be cumbersome to derive with a laser rangefinder.  And finally, I love the strong BITE magnet for mounting on the cart frame.  I find my cart mates often looking at my Phantom or asking about distances – again, keeping the playing process flowing.

The belt clip functioned great, it’s just not something I’d use.  If I’m carrying, I don’t want something on my waist – and that’s where the carabiner is a perfect option.  For me the Phantom 3 is ideal for cart use.  Plus the compact size is excellent for grabbing off the cart and sliding into my pocket when it’s cart path only.

Value

The Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS retails for $150 – a $20 bump from the Phantom 2.  With the added touchscreen, slope, and stat tracking features, that’s a reasonable increase and still makes the Phantom 3 a good value.

You can get the same features in the base Bushnell ION watch, if you’re ok with sacrificing screen size for wearability.  And if a watch is a consideration, the Bushnell ION Elite [full review HERE] for $50 more is going to be enticing.  For a comparably priced GPS device the Shot Scope H4 [full review HERE] adds true shot tracking.

Conclusion

The Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS is a brilliant alternative to a GPS golf watch or laser rangefinder for its size, design, and price point.  The accuracy and ease of use make it a great device for golfers looking to make smart decisions on the course.  The additional stat tracking features are a nice addition – especially when synced with the Bushnell Golf app.

Buy the Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS HERE

The post Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Eagle Eye Gen 5 rangefinder removes battery anxiety with a dual-power system.  Accurate distances and slope adjustment.  One of the slower lasers I’ve tested.

Introduction

A lot of the new features that we see in rangefinders can be a little too fancy for the average player.  The new Eagle Eye Gen 5 rangefinder focuses its novel ability on something much more practical: battery life.  If you want to say, “Goodbye forever” to the idea of a dead rangefinder, read on.

Set Up & Ease of Use

The Eagle Eye Gen 5 rangefinder operates the same way as most rangefinders.  Pushing the Power button turns the unit on; a second push gets your distance.  Pushing the Mode button toggles the slope adjustment on and off.  A red light appears on the top of the rangefinder when the slope adjustment is activated.

Holding the Mode button allows you to change between yards and meters.  There aren’t any other options to set on this rangefinder, but that simplicity can be a virtue for a lot of people.  Only one other control exists on the Eagle Eye Gen 5: a slider labeled “USB-C/CR2” which I’ll discuss next.

Accuracy & Features

When I unboxed the Eagle Eye Gen 5 rangefinder my kids asked a pertinent question, “How is this one any different than all the others?”  With so many on the market, a rangefinder needs a unique feature to stand out.  The Eagle Eye Gen 5 has one in its dual power source.  As shown above, there’s a switch that lets you flip between the rechargeable USB battery and the conventional CR2 battery.  For players with battery anxiety, this is great.  Ideally, you’ll keep the Eagle Eye Gen 5 charged, but, if you forget, you’re good to go.  A battery life indicator on the screen lets you know when it’s time to switch.

Shifting to the basics, the Eagle Eye Gen 5 has 800 yards of range and 6X magnification.  Comparing it to other trusted rangefinders, it produces accurate distances, and the slope adjustments are consistent.  It does not have a built-in magnet, but it does have a vibration alert when you lock onto the flag.

The only significant knock on the Eagle Eye Gen 5 is the speed.  I tested it with both power sources and found it to be among the slowest rangefinders I’ve tested in the last several years.  To be clear, you will still get your distance in about a second – this unit is not to be blamed for slow play.  That said, it’s a stark difference when compared to lasers like the Voice Caddie TL1 [review HERE].

Finally, the Eagle Eye Gen 5 is average in size and weight.  I found it to be a very comfortable fit for my hand, and it’s light enough to throw in your pocket for a short time.  The construction is superior to some of the budget rangefinders I’ve come across but falls a bit short of the top of the line rangefinders from the biggest names.

Value

The Eagle Eye Gen 5 rangefinder retails for $150 HERE.  I think this is a reasonable price for the features that this unit has.  The dual-power set up is novel, and this laser is sound in its fundamentals.

Conclusion

Golfers looking to spend less than $200 on a rangefinder no longer need to feel like they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.  Whether it’s the dual-power of the Eagle Eye Gen 5 rangefinder or the Ball-to-Pin mode on the Voice Caddie Laser FIT [review HERE], you can get excellent features and solid build quality without spending a fortune.

Buy the Eagle Eye Gen 5 Rangefinder HERE

The post Eagle Eye Gen 5 Rangefinder Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Garmin Approach Z30 laser rangefinder offers accurate slope-adjusted distances, plus front and back distances from the pin via a new feature called Range Relay when synchronized with compatible Garmin devices.

Introduction

It’s happened again.  Garmin has evoked the WOW factor with the Approach Z30.  This phenomena began for me with the Approach Z80 and reappeared with the Approach Z82 [full review HERE].  Both laser rangefinders incorporated full GPS graphics as part of the display.  And last year I was introduced to the feature-rich Approach S70 golf smartwatch [full review HERE] that had me saying, “Wow, that’s cool” over and over.  The new Garmin Approach Z30 laser rangefinder gave me the WOWs with its Range Relay feature that integrates ranged distances with Garmin compatible smartwatches and the Garmin smartphone app.  Intrigued?  Just wait until I fully explain it.

Setup & Ease of Use

For a high tech device, I appreciated the simplicity of using the Garmin Approach Z30 laser rangefinder right out of the box.  All I had to do was install the included CR2 battery, and I was off and running.  Depressing the raised button closest to my eye woke the unit up, while holding it down displayed distances.  If I steadied on a single target like the flag, the Z30 gave me a brief confirming vibration.  Simple and intuitive like most laser rangefinders.

The Approach Z30 also includes slope-adjusted distances, a feature Garmin calls PlaysLike.  Turning slope on or off is as simple as pressing the MODE button.  A blue light on the side of the unit in the TOUR window indicates slope is off and suitable for tournament play.  Holding down the MODE button takes you to setup where you can toggle between yards (default) and meters, or change brightness – neither, which I changed.

To fully engage the Approach Z30 features I paired the unit with the Garmin App on my phone and my S70 Garmin smartwatch.  I’m not super tech savvy, yet both pairings were fairly easy to perform.  The Garmin Z30 website includes detailed manuals, and, what I found most useful, a great Getting Started video.  I did have to update the software on my watch for pairing, but that was also simple.  Let’s get into that magic.

Accuracy & Performance

At the golf course I engaged my S70 smartwatch and started a round.  When I shot my first flag with the Z30 not only did the basic PlaysLike yardage appear under the crosshairs, but to the left was the pin position and relative distance to the front and back of the green.  In the above example graphic from the Garmin site, the straight line distance is 145 yards that’s playing down to 142 yards.  The pin is up front, 6 yards off the front with 17 yards behind it.  Very cool integration.

On hole 10 I grabbed some photos of my watch.  Where typically the center of the green distance would be displayed, I now had the actual pin data, 134 yards, which matched what I shot with the Z30.

Switching to the Green View (I love the contour details) that same 134 yards is displayed.

The photo above captures part of the genius of the Range Relay feature.  I had walked 40 yards closer to the green, but I did not shoot the distance with the Garmin Approach Z30 laser rangefinder.  The S70 already knew where the hole was.  Let that sink in.  The GPS of the Garmin smartwatch added the pin location to its calculations – GPS and laser data working together. 

I checked the accuracy of the distances – both actual and slope adjusted – with my Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED [full review HERE] and found the yardages within a yard almost every time.  The Nikon displays yardages to the tenth of a yard which may explain some of the minor discrepancies.  Checking front and back yardages against sprinkler heads there was often a yard or two difference – and I’d put my money on the S70 GPS data.  I also appreciated the concurrence of the pin data displayed in the Z30 against the pin sheets.

Any concerns I had with lag time between the Approach Z30 and my Garmin smartwatch or phone app were unwarranted.  The Range Relay data populated in about 1 second.  The ranged distances were basically instantaneous – as I expected from a high quality device with “Garmin” on its side.  I was pleased to find Garmin included a magnet on the Z30.  I haven’t used the laser rangefinder enough to evaluate battery life, but its advertised as up to a year of play.

Value

Evaluating the value of the Garmin Approach Z30, which retails for $399.99 HERE, has been the most challenging of all the reviews I’ve written.  Alone, as only a laser rangefinder, the Z30 price is in line with other high quality, slope inclusive units like the Bushnell V6 Shift [full review HERE].  But as frequent readers of Plugged In Golf know, there’s also a myriad of respectable laser rangefinders with slope at notably lower prices these days.

It’s the unique ability to sync the Z30 with other Garmin compatible devices that tips the value scale towards Garmin.  But your opinion will likely depend on whether you are already a Garmin user.  The Garmin Golf app is free, but to unlock many of the more desirable features of the app (and other Garmin devices) you’ll need an active Garmin Golf membership, which is $9.99/month or $99 annually.  The more intriguing consideration will be for owners of a compatible Garmin smartwatch or handheld who are already invested in the technology.

Another feature of the Garmin Approach Z30 laser rangefinder could be the deal maker- Find My Garmin.  If you’ve ever lost a rangefinder or have a tendency to leave your rangefinder in carts, being able to track its location could save a lot of future heartache and expenditures.

Conclusion

For the golfer who already enjoys the seemingly endless features of a Garmin smartwatch like the S70 and is in the market for a new laser, the Garmin Approach Z30 laser rangefinder is a great choice.  The Range Relay syncing is truly cool and will make any tech geek, well, geek out.  And most importantly, the combined GPS and ranged data offers golfers pertinent information to make intelligent decisions.  As for the Z30 unit proper, the ergonomic shape fit my medium size hand nicely, construction felt solid, and I like the strong magnet.  I’ll close with this opening headline on the Garmin website for the Approach Z30:  “Add range to your game.”

Buy the Garmin Approach Z30 Laser Rangefinder HERE

Visit Garmin HERE

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The TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS speaker is an easy way to bring music to the course.  Audio GPS powered by the TecTecTec app.  Straightforward operations.

Introduction

Many golfers like to have music on the golf course, but remembering to bring a speaker can be an added hassle.  The TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS speaker aims to be a seamless part of your kit by pairing music and GPS in one compact device.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Before the “Well, actually” crowd gets too worked up, let’s be clear about something: the TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS speaker is not a GPS unit.  It’s a speaker that connects to the TecTecTec app, just like the Bushnell Wingman [review HERE].

Getting the TEAM8 up and running is fairly simple.  First, charge the speaker and download the TecTecTec app.  When the speaker is powered up, pair it with your phone via the app.  Now you’re ready to play music like you would with any bluetooth speaker.  To get distances on the course, open the app, select the course you want to play, and start your round.  Pressing the flag icon on the TEAM8 will pause the music so the voice can say your yardage.  You can also adjust the volume or pause the music without touching your phone.

Features & Performance

Starting with the fundamentals, the TecTecTec app does a good job providing accurate yardages in a timely manner.  The app itself (above) looks a little unfinished, but it’s meant to power the speaker, not dazzle the eye.  I found the connection from the speaker to my phone to be strong, and I got a yardage quickly whenever I pushed the flag button.  One feature I like is the ability to customize when you get the front and back yardages.  The stock setting is inside 150 yards, which is sensible for most players.

The TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS speaker is very compact at 1″ thick and less than 2.5″ across.  This gives you a variety of ways to carry it.  As a walker, my preference was to use the string to attach it to my golf bag.  TecTecTec also includes a belt clip that pairs with the TEAM8’s magnet (above).  You can use the magnet to stick the TEAM8 on your cart, too.

Having the TEAM8 on your belt is the most practical because the button is always at arm’s length.  However, I will caution you that the magnet is not strong enough to withstand a knock from your arm or golf bag.  I would suggest clipping the TecTecTec TEAM8 to the front or back of your pants rather than your hip or using the rope as a safety should the magnet get dislodged.

Finally, in terms of sound, I found the TEAM8 to be ideal for on-course use.  Maxed out, it’s loud enough for your group to hear, but not loud enough to bother other foursomes [if you’re not sure why this is an issue, listen HERE].  The sound quality is solid, too.  It’s not studio quality, but it’s not supposed to be.  If you want superior clarity and window-rattling volume, check out something like the Kemimoto Midnight [review HERE].

Value

The TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS speaker retails for $99 and is available in black, yellow, and grey (shown here).

$99 seems to be the most common price for a basic golf GPS speaker.  Adding a screen or remote control can raise the price to $150 or $200.   Given its solid performance, I think the TEAM8 is a good value if you want a compact speaker.

Conclusion

The TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS speaker checks a lot of boxes with its affordable price, compact size, and easy operations.  No matter where you’re trying to bring music to, this is a solid solution.

Visit TecTecTec HERE

The post TecTecTec TEAM8 GPS Speaker Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The SkyCaddie Pro 5X is a technology-rich handheld GPS rangefinder with an impressive LCD touchscreen.  Super accurate and easy to use.

Introduction

Well known to many golfers, SkyCaddie is the brand name for GPS units, both handhelds and watches, from SkyGolf.  And while SkyGolf may not be a household name, their mission statement is a gem:

“SkyGolf’s mission is to develop world-class technology to increase participation and grow the game of golf by improving pace-of-play and enhancing golfer enjoyment while respecting the long-standing traditions and values of the game. In short, we help golfers play better, play smarter, play faster and have more FUN!”

I like every aspect of that statement.  Does the SkyCaddie Pro 5X fulfill the mission?  Let’s find out.

Setup & Ease of Use

Opening the SkyCaddie Pro 5X box, I was pleased to find the handheld unit up front and seemingly ready to go as pictured above.  The simple guidance on the peel off layer set the stage for jumping right in – so I did.  I found an unmarked button on the left side, and +/- and power buttons on the right.  Holding the power button, the Pro 5X gave me a jolt alert like on a laser rangefinder, and the screen came alive.  The screen went through a few gyrations including the one below.  In about 20 seconds, it came to the main screen that includes Play Golf, Demo Course, Scores & Stats, and Sync.  I selected Demo Course and felt proficient using the unit within a couple minutes.  The SkyCaddie Pro 5X is very intuitive to use, and the large 5.5” LCD touchscreen made navigation simple.

I did run into an error wall registering my unit and the 360 Double Eagle plan (I’ll tell you more about the plans in the Value section), but an online chat resolved everything in about 2 minutes.  I can’t say enough good things about SkyGolf customer service – truly an outstanding experience.

Accuracy & Performance

Similar to other GPS golf devices, the SkyCaddie Pro 5X displayed a lists of closest courses, and I was off and golfing with technology.  I was impressed with the accuracy of the display in terms of matching what my eyes could see.  The hole above is a Redan-style par 3, made even more difficult by a significant drop off left, and steep runoff right.  The Pro 5X replicated all the details perfectly.  The photo on the right captures the SkyCaddie IntelliGreen technology that rotates to match your approach position.  I’m standing down by the lake to the left of the green, and even though I can’t see the putting surface, the Pro 5X offered me the details of what’s there.

The SkyCaddie Pro 5X has that same orientation feature active along the length of the hole with Dynamic HoleVue.  I found this a great feature when I ventured off the fairway and couldn’t see the green.  With the Pro 5X I could see the direction to play and tinker with distances and their implications.

The photos above capture the beauty of what Skygolf calls IntelliPath, which lets you simply move the target to see updated distances in real time.  The arcs are from the Dynamic Rangeview setting that offers a quick way to see where tee shots may land – and hopefully to make smart decisions.  In this example, if you hit your driver 260, you better go down the right.  You can also set up that display to reflect your actual clubs by adding your distances in My Bag.

In terms of accuracy, the SkyCaddie Pro 5X was precise.  Spot checking various sprinkler heads, I found up to 2 yards variation, and my trust is more with the Pro 5X.  When I was able to shoot a true target with my trusted Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED [full review HERE], the two units were always within a yard of each other.  SkyGolf states their GPS engine has “more than double the error correction capabilities of typical GPS.”

Value

The SkyCaddie Pro 5X retails for $399.95 and includes a 360 Double Eagle plan that otherwise goes for $59.95.  That annual membership plan includes over 35,000 golf courses worldwide.  SkyGolf also has a $49.95 Eagle plan that covers courses in the U.S.A., and a $29.95 Birdie plan that covers one state.  If you don’t purchase a plan, the 5X will still provide “limited front, center, back information.”  And before moving on to comparisons, it’s worth noting the SkyCaddie Pro 5X also includes shot tracking, scoring, stats, and a host of Intelligent Automation features like auto-hole advance and auto-zoom.

I mention those features because to me, the SkyCaddie Pro 5X seemed like a big screen version of the Garmin Approach S70 watch that I tested last year [full review HERE].  The S70 retails for $650, which makes the Pro 5X a decent value – ignoring all the smart watch features.  Yet the S70 has something I truly wish the Pro 5X had – true green contour mapping.  To me, that would make the Pro 5X a standout and an easy buying choice.

That said, the $250 SkyCaddie LX5 watch seems like the more comparable wrist version, which makes you truly consider whether bigger is better.  And I have to recognize that there are numerous smart phone apps that provide a ton of interactive distance data – often for free.

Bottom line, the SkyCaddie Pro 5X falls into a niche market spot.  You can make it either hard or easy to justify from a cost perspective.  It comes down to evaluating which features and formats you prefer, and what your upfront and annual cost acceptance is.

Conclusion

The large LCD touchscreen of the SkyCaddie Pro 5X made the data easy to read and the course easy to navigate.  Although thin, I didn’t like keeping the Pro 5X in my back pocket, but the rugged construction made it easy to keep handy in my golf cart or pushcart.  I ended up getting a cart mount so the display was always at my fingertips – and easy for my playing mates to see.

As you consider your choices for a golf GPS device, it’s worth noting this from SkyCaddie:  “Only SkyCaddie walks each course to ground verify their course maps with sub-meter precision. You deserve the most complete course maps in golf, that is why we record thousands of points on each course. To play better you need to trust your distance so you can trust the club on each shot.”

Visit SkyGolf HERE

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

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