Suggestions for a new GPS unit?

[meenman]

SkyCaddie Touch looks nice too, and has more hazard notifications (which I like) and what appears to be a view of the hole (great, especially for vacations). I'm a little hesitant to pay for a subscription, but maybe that's why they're still making this product while Callaway has stepped out of the GPS market and put me in this position in the first place. I'm a little worried that their "layup distances" would constitute advice, but if it's just things like distance to where the hole doglegs, I don't think that would be (it's the sort of distance I'd ask someone for, and would believe it to be public information). If it does something like remembering my PW distance and suggests a layup to there when I'm >X yards out, though, that'd be bad (both in the sense that I won't be able to use the device and bad in the sense that laying up to a full shot is often a poor idea anyway).

There is nothing illegal about the skycaddie - they have had they layup feature for years.

I went through the pre-order mess with these people, so i am a bit jaded.

My biggest current issue with the touch is that it is slow as hell changing screens - especially when i need it. Also it would just be faster for me to connect the cable to my computer rather than using bluetooth to sync.

On the plus side, when I dropped mine a few weeks ago, they did have a replacement sent to me within a few days for $89 out of warranty.

[Shindig]

There is nothing illegal about the skycaddie - they have had they layup feature for years. I went through the pre-order mess with these people, so i am a bit jaded. My biggest current issue with the touch is that it is slow as hell changing screens - especially when i need it. Also it would just be faster for me to connect the cable to my computer rather than using bluetooth to sync. On the plus side, when I dropped mine a few weeks ago, they did have a replacement sent to me within a few days for $89 out of warranty.

First, thanks for the information. I do appreciate it. The layup distances are pre-determined points I take it, and aren't based on how far they think I hit any particular club? That alleviates one concern, thanks. I'm not too worried about connecting the unit to my computer; Callaway didn't even support my computer, despite being newer than the uPro itself, and sent me a dismissive email when I complained, so slow through bluetooth is better than having to find a computer that's compatible. How slow are we talking about on screen changes?

[Shindig]

Another update: in looking at the GolfSmith site, it says that the Garmin G7 and G8 [i]do not[/i] conform to USGA/R&A; rules. I hinted at this above, but now see it explicitly on a retailer's website. The G6 does not have this warning on the site. The SkyGolf Touch also doesn't have this warning. I think that may end up being the unit I buy. Does anyone know how it works for holes with two greens? I don't mean a double-green that's shared between holes, but a hole that has two greens (and only one will have the flag that day), but that aren't connected.

[meenman]

First, thanks for the information. I do appreciate it.

The layup distances are pre-determined points I take it, and aren't based on how far they think I hit any particular club? That alleviates one concern, thanks.

I'm not too worried about connecting the unit to my computer; Callaway didn't even support my computer, despite being newer than the uPro itself, and sent me a dismissive email when I complained, so slow through bluetooth is better than having to find a computer that's compatible.

How slow are we talking about on screen changes?

It is very inconsistent. For some reason it glitches on the 6th hole of my home course. Originally it showed me 84 yards out from center of green no matter where i was on the hole (a par 5) This is the only hole i need for it to show distances to all hazards as i need to carry (or lay up) at 2 hazards before the green.

Another update: in looking at the GolfSmith site, it says that the Garmin G7 and G8 do not conform to USGA/R&A; rules. I hinted at this above, but now see it explicitly on a retailer's website. The G6 does not have this warning on the site.

The SkyGolf Touch also doesn't have this warning. I think that may end up being the unit I buy.

Does anyone know how it works for holes with two greens? I don't mean a double-green that's shared between holes, but a hole that has two greens (and only one will have the flag that day), but that aren't connected.

I strongly suggest that you go to www.skygolf,com, go to support, supoort forums, skycaddie touch to read what others are posting. I have no experience playing holes with 2 greens, but the reviews on this are less than favorable.

In my opinion, skygolf has some nice features, i had no complaints with my SG5, but the touch is still substandard - future updates may or may not fix things. It is a nice looking unit, but we are 8 or 9 updates in and things are still not as advertised.

[Shindig]

Thanks meenman. You certainly saved me some trouble down the road.

[Shindig]

Does anyone have any experience with the GolfBuddy handheld units? Otherwise, it looks like Amazon has the Garmin G6, their most recent conforming unit (at least, I think it's conforming -- their website only lists legal through the G5, but that might be an old answer. I'll check before buying) that seems to have positive user experiences. I might look into that. Hmm... the G5 is discontinued and more expensive than the G6, and is listed as conforming. The G3 is also conforming, and is available. I might end up with that one. I could probably find a SkyGolf SG5 (I know now to stay away from the Touch). Thanks again to everyone for their help. [i]Edit[/i]: the Garmin answer for USGA legality is dated 2/19/2014, and I think the product is older than that.

[newtogolf]

Another update: in looking at the GolfSmith site, it says that the Garmin G7 and G8 do not conform to USGA/R&A; rules. I hinted at this above, but now see it explicitly on a retailer's website. The G6 does not have this warning on the site.

The SkyGolf Touch also doesn't have this warning. I think that may end up being the unit I buy.

Does anyone know how it works for holes with two greens? I don't mean a double-green that's shared between holes, but a hole that has two greens (and only one will have the flag that day), but that aren't connected.

I believe the reason the G7 and G8 are non-conforming is because they utilize slope to calculate distances.  Layup distances are common with almost all devices and they are permitted by the USGA.

[uitar9]

Ive had a garmin s1 for two seasons

Recently it lost all its maps.

I've now learned my mac is to old to load garmin express ( or upload the minimum OS) which I need to upload the maps.

Been to garmin, yadaa yada yada

Been looking at the Bushnell ghost or xs as I do like having the yardage on my wrist and just need front middle and back

Anyone know if the bushnell gps units are easily reloadable or if they lose their apps

[uitar9]

Just had garmin let me know they are gonna fix the  s1 under warranty

Still don't like the inability to upload if it happens again

think I'll check out a bushnell ghost or xs watch. The mac requirements are easily makable for my old machine