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2018 GOLF GPS BUYER’S GUIDE
Do you still search for ground markers to determine how far you have to the center of the green? If so, we are here to tell that you need to get with the times. Why pace off yardages when modern a GPS will give distances to nearly anything on the golf course. Many are stylish enough to be worn as an everyday wristwatch. Some even include activity monitors for those interested in tracking their fitness.
The process of buying anything in today’s time has become stressful and time-consuming. We feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money. This way you can buy with confidence and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. We are here to help show you how a product will perform before you buy.
One key to our testing protocols is that we test products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put them through extensive and detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why products finished where they did, and give awards to the best-performing products in the category.
The majority of scoring centered around the features of the GPSs as most submissions did the same basic things. We also considered the ease of use and accuracy of the GPSs. The display screen was included in the scoring because some displays were significantly clearer than others.
THE METRICS
We’re always fine-tuning the process to make sure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.
2018 GPS FEATURES CHART
| Name | Cost | Course | Game Tracking | Activity Tracking | Hole Mapping | Battery | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Phantom | $99.99 | 36,000+ | Y | N | APP | 10 hrs | 1 Year |
| Garmin S10 | $149.99 | 41,000+ | Y | N | Y | 12hrs | 1 Year |
| Garmin Approach S60 | $399.99 | 41,000+ | Y | Y | Y | 10hrs | 1 Year |
| Shot Navi N2 | $99.99 | 30,000+ | Y | N | Y | 15hrs | NA |
| Shot Navi HUg | $159.99 | 30,000+ | Y | Y | Y | 10hrs | NA |
| Shot Navi W1-GL | $149.99 | 30,000+ | Y | N | N | 8hrs | NA |
| Voice Caddie T2 | $199.99 | 40,000+ | Y | Y | N | 10hrs | NA |
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We put in hours of testing leveraging data-driven protocols and new metrics. The metrics and attention to detail are better than ever.
For GPS testing we went to a golf course and used a Bushnell Tour V4 laser rangefinder to find the distance to the center of the green. We then compared the readings provided by the GPS to those provided by the laser. Testers were then asked questions regarding the reliability of the course mapping features. We found that effective course mapping was more important than precise distances, though both were considered in scoring.
In addition to the common features we considered, testers were also asked to look through the feature list offered by each of the GPS tested. They were free to test out any features they found interesting. We then asked specifically worded questions regarding the functionality, features, and display of the GPS’s.
Display (20 points) – How clear is the picture on the screen? Is the display intuitive or is it cluttered and confusing? The best performers in terms of display screen rival the clarity of an Apple Watch. The worst GPS’s had displays that were little more than numbers on a screen.
Features (45 points) – All GPSs give distances to targets, but not all of them include pedometers, heart rate monitors, TruSwing, or the ability to make calls. These additional features can take the golf GPS experience to the next level. Poor performers in this category were effective at little more than providing distances. The best GPS’s in terms of features did literally more than you can imagine.
Functionality (20 points) – The majority of GPSs on the market today have auto course recognition. This means that as soon as you hit play on the GPS the machine attempts to find the satellite necessary to provide distances. Because this feature exists for the majority of products on the market, those GPS’s that require you to download courses are simply not as user-friendly. Some submissions were also designed in a way that made operation a breeze. Top performers tended to stand out due to the organization of the screen and the functionality of the GPS as a whole.
Accuracy (15 points) – How accurate are the numbers the GPS provides compared to those provided by the Bushnell V4 laser rangefinder? While we found little difference in the distances the GPSs provide, the more data per hole the GPS offers, the better frame of reference the golfer has. The more the player knows about the hole he’s playing, the better he’s likely to perform.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring GPS, and awards are given to the top three submissions. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to GPS’s in certain categories (like accuracy, display, and features ) that push the industry’s design envelope.
We also give an “Editor’s Choice” and a “Best Buy” award to those products that provide value products that compete with the bigger names on performance.
THE BEST GOLF GPS OF 2018
2018 GPS Buyers guide
Mike Milburn
5 years ago
I bought the Garmin S10 for my wife. I have worn it couple of times and was one who thought I would be bothered by it. It is so light weight, the band is about all I can feel! It works really well and gives hazard yardages etc.. It is also a really nice sports watch that lasts for about a week. My father in law (72) has pretty bad vision and I got him the Phantom for front middle back and he loves it. Built in magnet to put on the cart top support arm and he is set. Great list here in opinion.