Hand held GPS - where's yours?

[Jay-Bird]

Where do you keep your hand held golf GPS?

I walk 99% of the rounds I play. I recently got a SkyCaddie. I find it extremely useful.

However, I hate having to get it out and put it away for every shot. I would prefer to have it mounted, locked and tethered to the outside of the bag - with a self-retractable string device. Does such a device exist? Maybe a retracting key reel/ring?

The belt strap device doesn't seem secure enough for me to rest my mind that it's still there while I walk.

How do you keep yours? What do you do?

[Fourputt]

My GolfLogix is based on Garmin eTrex hardware so most Garmin accessories work with it. It has a screw in lug on the back of the unit that is used for several different attachment options. I bought a spring carabiner and strap that has a quick release clip for the GPS attached to it. It's easy to snap it on and off the clip, yet it's held securely in place. The carabiner is large enough to clip most anywhere on the bag, or even on a belt loop if you want to take it someplace well away from your bag.

Don't have any suggestions for your GPS though. I don't know what sort of arrangement it has for such things.

[highscoreinky]

My SkyCaddie is in a protective cover that has a D ring on the back of it. I just clip it right onto my bag. Bought the cover off eBay for $6.99.

[trog2233]

My GolfLogic GPS is clipped on my bag. Hangs there perfectly for when i walk or riding a cart

[jamo]

Most GPS comapnies also make a bag clip. SkyCaddie has belt clips and accesory packs.

[Hitman]

I walk but use a push cart and mine is clipped to a bracket that screws right to the center of the carts handle. Always right there when I walk up to the ball.

[lumpuckeroo]

My GolfLogix is based on Garmin eTrex hardware so most Garmin accessories work with it. It has a screw in lug on the back of the unit that is used for several different attachment options. I bought a spring carabiner and strap that has a quick release clip for the GPS attached to it. It's easy to snap it on and off the clip, yet it's held securely in place. The carabiner is large enough to clip most anywhere on the bag, or even on a belt loop if you want to take it someplace well away from your bag.

I have the Skycaddie SG5 and it too must be based on the Garmin. I just bought a carabineer for mine that was made for the Garmin eTrex. The button on the back clips into a piece that is attached to the carabineer. I also have a Clicgear 2.0, The Golf Warehouse has a device that bolts onto the umbrella holder and than you can clip your Skycaddie on your cart. I got my SG5 at the end of the year and these other two devices I got as Christmas gifts so I haven't actually used them yet but two options you might consider.

[Fourputt]

I have the Skycaddie SG5 and

Actually SkyCaddie is a Magellan product. One reason why I'd never own one.

[clubchamp]

I have a upro and I have a case that attaches to my bag or just use my pocket.

[basesloaded190]

Mine is on my iphone, so naturally it just sits in my pocked of my pants or on the outside pocket. The phone is slim and light enough that it has never bothered me during the swing while its in my pocket

[jsherm45]

I don't want to spend the money. So it's nowhere.

[Dub]

Mine is on my iphone, so naturally it just sits in my pocked of my pants or on the outside pocket. The phone is slim and light enough that it has never bothered me during the swing while its in my pocket

Same here.

[meenman]

My skycaddie sits in one of the drink holders since I can generally park next to my ball. (double tee times on weekends means you have to pace yourself because if you finish your first 9 too fast, you will be waiting 20 minutes to start your back 9).

I will pull it out to measure par 3s or if me and my cart partner are on opposite sides of the fairway and it is easier for me to walk over.

[J_Bone]

My bushnell XGC has a belt clip. Just click it in and out of it.

[Bullitt5339]

If I'm riding in a cart, it's typically in the cupholder. If I'm walking (with a pushcart, always), I have a bracket that attaches to the handle of my cart.

[MGP]

Mine is on my iphone, so naturally it just sits in my pocked of my pants or on the outside pocket. The phone is slim and light enough that it has never bothered me during the swing while its in my pocket

Same here.

This is a really bad idea that will affect your GPS accuracy dramatically. Putting a GPS device in your pocket or wearing it on a belt clip kills satellite reception. Close proximity to the human body de-tunes the antenna and you'll lose about half the satellites you were receiving when the device is out in the open. You'll also lose the SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, etc.) satellite which is what allows the GPS receiver to typically be accurate +/- 3 ft. or less. For roadmap level accuracy that's fine but it kills the precision you want on a golf course. It takes about 15-30 seconds typically (sometimes longer) to re-acquire the satellites and SBAS signals once the receiver is out in the open again.

I've designed a bunch of GPS receivers for one of my clients in the agriculture mapping and navigation business and have seen the results firsthand. Oh yeah... I keep mine in a neoprene case with a carabiner, clipped to my bag.

[basesloaded190]

This is a really bad idea that will affect your GPS accuracy dramatically. Putting a GPS device in your pocket or wearing it on a belt clip kills satellite reception. Close proximity to the human body de-tunes the antenna and you'll lose about half the satellites you were receiving when the device is out in the open. You'll also lose the SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, etc.) satellite which is what allows the GPS receiver to typically be accurate +/- 3 ft. or less. For roadmap level accuracy that's fine but it kills the precision you want on a golf course. It takes about 15-30 seconds typically (sometimes longer) to re-acquire the satellites and SBAS signals once the receiver is out in the open again.

Your kidding right? You think becuase a little polyester stands between my phone and the sky, thats going to affect the gps accuracy? I really don't believe you, one because that doesn't make sense, and two because i have been doing that for a year and have 0 problems and i know im not the only one.

[Jay-Bird]

I have purchased a janitor's style retractable key wheel key ring. On my bag (PING Hoofer Vantage) is a tiny loop above the "tee pocket". The belt clamp on the key wheel is very tight, plus I've reinforced it to make sure it can't fall off the bag. I can pull it up to eye level or over toward me for a shot and then let it go - - back to the bag automatically. This way the GPS is always outside getting a good reading of the satellite, it's always easily accessible, I can't leave it behind after a shot, it can't get stolen without time and effort . . . problem solved.