GPS watch or handheld?

[Davie81]

I'm looking to buy a gps unit but can't decide on whether to go for one of the watches or a handheld unit.  I'm looking at skycaddie as my local store doesn't stock any other brands and I've got some vouchers to use.

What's everyone's thoughts? I'm looking at a Skycaddie Aire as a possibility.

[dennyjones]

I have an Android Galaxy S3 and use Golflogix.   It works very well with the $20 / yr membership.

[Hack2putt]

one of my buddies has been using the garmin watch for years and loves it(he just the lastest one too)...we compared distance with my laser and they're pretty close for the most...they give you front back and center, which is usually enough for weekend worriers, if I where to switch from a laser I would probably go with the watch because of the convenience

[GaijinGolfer]

Ive always liked the idea of a GPS watch.  It just seems so much easier to just glace at your wrist than to have to reach into your pocket, into your golf bag or have to fiddle around inside of the cart for your GPS.

[keb]

I have the Garmin watch and absolutely love it.  Easy to use and very accurate.  Good battery life. The distance to front, center, and back of green is all that I need.

[jsgolfer]

My Dad and fiance both have the watches and they love them, I prefer the handheld, I guess I like knowing the distance a little more precise , does it really help knowing its 125 yards to the pin instead of 122 yards to the center of the green or whatnot, probably not, but works for me.

Plus I haven't worn a watch in my entire life and besides if I wore a watch, I might get tan lines.

[RayG]

While I like the idea of a GPS watch, I don't wear a watch while playing, never have- just doesn't feel right. So I use either a handheld OR Golf Logix on the phone. Depends on which has more charge left. I did consider that one that clips on the hat like a ball marker thing that talks to you, though... (As for the tan lines- Like you can't tell a golfer by their bright white left hand?)

[jsgolfer]

That's why I take my glove off after every shot.:-D

[ECMD10]

While I'm currently a smartphone Golf Logix user (free version), I've been considering a watch gps unit. From what I've researched, people really like the Garmin watches; I like what I've read as well. There's been some recent complaints about the S3 having to be rebooted from time to time...the assumption is that Garmin tried to pack a bit too much technology into a small platform and it's caused some problems with that model (touch screen, text messages, etc.). People seem to worship the S1, but the lack of score keeping capability and dog-leg/hazard info causes some to lean towards the S2...which is also a solid watch, according to customer reviews. For someone like me, that doesn't really need to know the distance to the green on par 4/5 tee shots, the S1 should work. I've also had my eye on the Golf Buddy GB-WT3. I like that watch because it gives a reading to FCB, as well as an actual outline of the green from the location in which you are standing on the course. While the S2 and above gives you an outline of the green as well, the GB has it all on the same screen...if I'm not mistaken at least one button has to be pushed on the Garmins to get that view. Not really a big deal. The GB is a little more expensive than the S1, but less than the S2. If anyone has any additional info on the GB-WT3, I'd appreciate hearing your take. I hope this helps.

[cooke119]

I have both, started with a hand held, Garmin, which I like but I then got a Garmin S2 watch. I don't use the hand held anymore, I just use the watch. All I really need is yards to the middle of the green. I would recommend the watch.

[ECMD10]

I have both, started with a hand held, Garmin, which I like but I then got a Garmin S2 watch. I don't use the hand held anymore, I just use the watch. All I really need is yards to the middle of the green. I would recommend the watch.

Have you experienced any issues with the S2?

[Davie81]

Settled for the skycaddie watch in the end. Had a lot of trouble getting it to sync with my computer but the live support team were fantastic and spent hours to make sure the problem was fixed. Going to use it for the first time today.

[billchao]

I guess I'm a little late to this conversation, but this is the reason I'll never use a GPS watch: http://www.andrewricegolf.com/2012/09/when-you-play-watch-or-no-watch/

[ECMD10]

I guess I'm a little late to this conversation, but this is the reason I'll never use a GPS watch: [URL=http://www.andrewricegolf.com/2012/09/when-you-play-watch-or-no-watch/]http://www.andrewricegolf.com/2012/09/when-you-play-watch-or-no-watch/[/URL]

Thanks for the info, but I'm a bit reluctant to classify a watch as a swing speed killer based on a research sample size of one. I can see how someone that typically doesn't golf with a watch could feel uncomfortable when swing with one on and lose swing speed; however, the first comment following the post proves significant distance can be attained while wearing a watch (Bubba Watson); I'm not convinced his swing speed and/or distance would increase simply by taking off his watch. It's definitely a valid research question, but it needs to be conducted with a sizable group of golfers of differing abilities to reach a valid conclusion.

[Hack2putt]

Thanks for the info, but I'm a bit reluctant to classify a watch as a swing speed killer based on a research sample size of one. I can see how someone that typically doesn't golf with a watch could feel uncomfortable when swing with one on and lose swing speed; however, the first comment following the post proves significant distance can be attained while wearing a watch (Bubba Watson); I'm not convinced his swing speed and/or distance would increase simply by taking off his watch. It's definitely a valid research question, but it needs to be conducted with a sizable group of golfers of differing abilities to reach a valid conclusion.

I just read the article and he said something about no one would wear a Rolex , Phil wears a Rolex when playing . I have a luminox(super light) and a gold omega(very heavy) and play with both . Both still work fine and I can honestly say I don't club any differently ... I just wouldn't play with any self winding/automatic style watch whether it's a Seiko or Rolex ... I don't think the garmin weighs much anyways.

[ECMD10]

I just read the article and he said something about no one would wear a Rolex , Phil wears a Rolex when playing . I have a luminox(super light) and a gold omega(very heavy) and play with both . Both still work fine and I can honestly say I don't club any differently ... I just wouldn't play with any self winding/automatic style watch whether it's a Seiko or Rolex ... I don't think the garmin weighs much anyways.

Indeed. All the watches I've looked at are quite light. I did golf with a guy no too long ago that said he couldn't play with a watch in his wrist because it interferes with wrist cocking; he said he's popped the band on a watch during a round before he realized he just needed to leave it in the bag while on the course. I guess in his case, dropping a couple hundred dollars on a watch style GPS wouldn't be worth it.

[RayG]

Indeed. All the watches I've looked at are quite light. I did golf with a guy no too long ago that said he couldn't play with a watch in his wrist because it interferes with wrist cocking; he said he's popped the band on a watch during a round before he realized he just needed to leave it in the bag while on the course. I guess in his case, dropping a couple hundred dollars on a watch style GPS wouldn't be worth it.

That's why it never felt right for me to wear a watch- didn't matter if it's a light watch or one of those clunky ones. I used to just strap it to my belt instead, or just leave it in the bag. When it was on my wrist, it would move around and get in the way of my swing. I also have a putting grip style that has the upper grip of the club against my left wrist/forearm area. A watch is in the way.

[club ho]

I bought the Garmin S1 refurbished for only $99 with free shipping. I wasn't sure if I would like it because I had bought A Sky Caddie a few years back and found it was just another piece of equipment that I had to keep track of and it had user fees. This watch is very light and comfortable it has lightning fast acquisition of front middle and back. Thats all the information I need and the best part every course I will ever play and no user fees. BTW it came boxed and looking like a brand new product.  5 Stars.