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Help me choose a GPS unit please

  • 12-06-2012 09:48PM
    #1
    nocal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭


    I think I am going to give in and purchase a GPS unit.

    Having read just about every thread going in this forum and even going so far as reading user manuals online I have narrowed my choice down to the following:

    Golf Buddy GPS Tour

    Pros: cheap enough, should do what I want, if I get 2-3 years out of it I can then upgrade to a brand new all-singing all-dancing model.

    Cons: not sure how accurate it is, not sure how easy to use it is. More expensive units might be more accurate and have better features.

    Golf Buddy Platinum II

    Pros : feature rich, could get one for under €300 off t'internet, internet reviews praise it's accuracy.

    Cons: screen on previous model was not supposed to be the most responsive, not sure if the feature that records the length of shots for each club could cause problems in competitions.

    Garmin Approach S6

    Pros : good feature set, waterproof (IPX7), appears to be very easy to use all the features, internet reviews praise it's accuracy.

    Cons: over €300, do not know if I can check one out in a shop in Dublin before purchasing one.


    So if you own one of the above units could you let me know how you find it please? how easy to use is it? Is it easy to read the screen in bright sunlight (for the odd day of it that we get in Ireland!) ? Is the screen responsive enough? How easy is it to move the pin position around? Are the distances to hazards clearly marked?

    Also, if you own any of the above units and have issues with it then please let me know.

    I am aware of all of the arguments along the lines of "as an amateur, how accurate do you need it to be" and am aware that a laser rangefinder would be more accurate.

    Thanks in advance for any replies.


Comments

  • #2
    slave1
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 19,740 Mod ✭✭✭✭slave1


    Garmin Approach G3
    How easy to use is it?
    Very easy, turn it on on the first and select the nearest golf course, usually the one you're on
    Is it easy to read the screen in bright sunlight (for the odd day of it that we get in Ireland!) ?
    Yes, never had to "shade" it yet.
    Is the screen responsive enough?
    Yes, although with a glove on and marking your score you can sometimes hit the wrong digit, and it only records stroke not stapleford
    How easy is it to move the pin position around?
    Bit figitty, but you get what you want generally and usually I mostly look at distance to front of green and gauge off that.
    Are the distances to hazards clearly marked?
    Yes, automatically gives distance to major bunkers and hazards

    Pros, very rugged, well capable of taking a drop onto a path and showerproof also.

    Cons, you have to keep batteries on charge (two AA), I usually get two rounds from charged rechargeables or of course you could just use non-rechargeables


  • #3
    death1234567
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,360 ✭✭✭death1234567


    I have a garmin and find it excellent. Really easy to use and based on my experience accurate to +/- 1 yard


  • #4
    BillyBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 393 ✭✭BillyBoy


    Hey, another option might be below, TheDoc posted it in the Bargains sticky, he is well impressed with it
    TheDoc wrote: »
    I'm going to throw this up

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/230791717952?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

    SkyCaddie SG4 GPS rangefinder.

    €60 shipped. Arrived within 7 days.

    Two arrived to me this week in perfect working order, essentially brand new. Include all cables etc. that are required.

    Quick and easy setup and have been tested on my course and Father says its excellent.

    Probably the best bargain I've got in the bag,

    I know people are looking into cheaper GPS rangefinders, and I can confirm these are solid and genuine products :)

    Oh and I have the Gof Buddy tour. I am impressed with it. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles that some others do but it gives you the yardages to front, back and middle, as well as to bunkers etc. Can't comment on the accuracy but to my eye it seems to be about right (going on my course distance markers).


  • #5
    ei9go
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,036 ✭✭✭ei9go


    Only buy one that has a free lifetime maps update offer.

    Will save you more than the cost of the GPS.

    Would also suggest that you only buy with Navteq maps if you want to use it in Ireland.

    The tele atlas maps are poor enough in rural areas with roads and junction that don't exist.


  • #6
    gripcasey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 321 ✭✭gripcasey


    Garmin G3. I find it great to use, no annual fees, the updates are free when released. Gets my vote


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  • #7
    golfguy1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 432 ✭✭golfguy1


    has to be a golfbuddy at the moment it has a far greater selection of courses and can be got for under €200.


  • #8
    soundsham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,848 ✭✭✭soundsham


    golfguy1 wrote: »
    has to be a golfbuddy at the moment it has a far greater selection of courses and can be got for under €200.

    Ya agreed golf buddy pro tour I think
    Picked one up for €190 a few months back was €200 - haggle got €10 off
    It was a present as I have one for the last 2yrs ,mine is still going strong & does 3 rounds between charges and no yearly fee is a must I think


  • #9
    charlieIRL
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,300 Mod ✭✭✭✭charlieIRL


    depends what you want from a GPS Nocal, as you probably saw in Naas there was a huge difference between mine and Super_Freddie's but there is also a huge difference in the price too. Mine is cheap and does exactly what i want it to do - give me distances to hazards / green but doesn't give you a view of the complete hole. It wasn't expensive to buy but has an anual subscription allowing me to download unlimited courses. It also holds 20 at any one time.


  • #10
    Daithio12
    Closed Accounts Posts: 185 ✭✭Daithio12


    +1 on the Golf buddy, it comes with every course preloaded (40,000+) and there's no annual sub.


  • #11
    neckedit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭neckedit


    slave1 wrote: »
    Garmin Approach G3
    How easy to use is it?
    Very easy, turn it on on the first and select the nearest golf course, usually the one you're on
    Is it easy to read the screen in bright sunlight (for the odd day of it that we get in Ireland!) ?
    Yes, never had to "shade" it yet.
    Is the screen responsive enough?
    Yes, although with a glove on and marking your score you can sometimes hit the wrong digit, and it only records stroke not stapleford
    How easy is it to move the pin position around?
    Bit figitty, but you get what you want generally and usually I mostly look at distance to front of green and gauge off that.
    Are the distances to hazards clearly marked?
    Yes, automatically gives distance to major bunkers and hazards

    Pros, very rugged, well capable of taking a drop onto a path and showerproof also.

    Cons, you have to keep batteries on charge (two AA), I usually get two rounds from charged rechargeables or of course you could just use non-rechargeables

    I have the Basic Golf Buddy for about 3 years now , think it is called the Pro, the tour is going for 199€ at the moment in various stores, asI said Mine is basic and simple, turn it on and play, If you live in the south dublin area, you are more than welcome to borrow it.


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  • #12
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    Does anyone know where the cheapest place to pick up the Garmin Approach S1 watch new is? I tried for a used one on Ebay but got silly outbid, was approaching EUR140 last time I checked for a used one!!

    Cheapest I can find is http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/9128316/art/garmin/approach-s1-golf-gps-enab.html

    /Edit: Seems American Golf are doing the cheapest deal on the S1, will be tipping along there tomorrow to pick one up, they are waiting to sell out their current batch of S1 before stocking S3.


  • #13
    opinionated3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,182 ✭✭✭opinionated3


    Mr. Larson wrote: »
    Does anyone know where the cheapest place to pick up the Garmin Approach S1 watch new is? I tried for a used one on Ebay but got silly outbid, was approaching EUR140 last time I checked for a used one!!

    Cheapest I can find is http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/9128316/art/garmin/approach-s1-golf-gps-enab.html

    /Edit: Seems American Golf are doing the cheapest deal on the S1, will be tipping along there tomorrow to pick one up, they are waiting to sell out their current batch of S1 before stocking S3.
    Asked golfstoreeurope to price match the approach s1 from American golf cos I have an account with them already, heard nothing back and that was two days ago. will probably have to go with American golf....


  • #14
    nocal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭nocal


    Thanks a million for all the replies so far. They are greatly appreciated.

    I have not researched the Skycaddies - and am not going to go there just yet - not overly interested in paying an annual fee.

    From what I can gather so far - users of the GolfBuddy pro or tour are very happy with them as are the users of the Garmin devices. I am off to compare the list of courses.
    It is going to be so hard to not buy one tomorrow as it is payday and I love new toys!!!

    If anyone else has anything to add on the Garmin or GolfBuddy's please do add your comments.

    (And neckedit thanks for the very kind offer of a lend (I'll pass) - it just highlights how fantastic the users of this forum are!!!)

    And as an aside - is the American golf store in Milltown still open?


  • #15
    super_freddie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 210 ✭✭super_freddie


    nocal,

    I'm happy with my Golfbuddy World ... a couple of observations, some positive, some negative...
    • I've played on 3 or 4 courses since I got it and all of the courses were mapped and the distances (to green and hazards) seemed to me to be very accurate
    • Lot to be said for the fact that there is no annual / ongoing cost.
    • Sometimes (maybe once per round) it did not move onto the next hole automatically, not sure if it is worse or better than other devices in that regard.
    • It has never identified the course correctly using its GPS location - I've always had to put in the name manually.
    • I bought on Amazon.co.uk. The plug that that I received on the device charger is a US 2-pin plug. They provide an adapter but it's also 2-pin with square pins so it looks like it was meant to be a US to UK/Ireland adapter but the adapter is damaged. So check where you're getting it if you can get a standard UK / Ireland plug (or if you have to go with an adapter, make sure it's a proper one). This may have been an isolated case and may be of limited relevance to you but wanted to let you know just in case.
    Weighing up everything, I'm happy with the device.

    By the way - it seems like only ... oh, I'm not sure... 10/11 days since I was told by somebody with a remarkably similar username that they didn't think much of the whole golf GPS thing as "you still have to hit the ball" ... but I could be completely mistaken :)

    Cheers,
    super_freddie.


  • #16
    katnia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 158 ✭✭katnia


    Just bought a golf buddy tour and used it for the first time today, I have to say I was very impressed it's always tracking the distance and no pointing a device at the flag. I've had the rangefinder and it becomes a pain after a while, I'm going for the lazy option now!

    It automatically loads the next hole and distance seem very accurate. I, like you, had done quite a bit of research and had ordered a golf buddy world but changed my mind the next day when I read a few US reviews slating how difficult it was to see the screen.

    You can pay as much as you want for a fancy colour screen and additional features but I worked out I only need a device that will always tell me how far to the front, middle and back of the green, €199 is good value for it too, no complaints so far and I know a few people that have the same unit and highly recommend it, it's quite small too and obviously no annual subscriptions which ruled any skycaddie out for me,

    I don't think you'll be disappointed with the golf buddy tour,


  • #17
    charlieIRL
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,300 Mod ✭✭✭✭charlieIRL


    super_freddie wrote: »

    By the way - it seems like only ... oh, I'm not sure... 10/11 days since I was told by somebody with a remarkably similar username that they didn't think much of the whole golf GPS thing as "you still have to hit the ball" ... but I could be completely mistaken :)

    Cheers,
    super_freddie.

    hahaha, I remember that!!! :D;)


  • #18
    snowy666
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 121 ✭✭snowy666


    nocal,

    I posted something previously re the Golf Buddy World; http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=78177148&postcount=75
    super_freddie wrote: »
    nocal,

    I'm happy with my Golfbuddy World ... a couple of observations, some positive, some negative...
    • I've played on 3 or 4 courses since I got it and all of the courses were mapped and the distances (to green and hazards) seemed to me to be very accurate
    • Lot to be said for the fact that there is no annual / ongoing cost.
    • Sometimes (maybe once per round) it did not move onto the next hole automatically, not sure if it is worse or better than other devices in that regard.
    • It has never identified the course correctly using its GPS location - I've always had to put in the name manually.
    • I bought on Amazon.co.uk. The plug that that I received on the device charger is a US 2-pin plug. They provide an adapter but it's also 2-pin with square pins so it looks like it was meant to be a US to UK/Ireland adapter but the adapter is damaged. So check where you're getting it if you can get a standard UK / Ireland plug (or if you have to go with an adapter, make sure it's a proper one). This may have been an isolated case and may be of limited relevance to you but wanted to let you know just in case.
    Weighing up everything, I'm happy with the device.

    super_freddie, It's strange you mention having to manually input the course, as that's the no.1 thing my mates and I laugh about - the fact that it picks up EVERY single track (including 9 hole knockabouts) so easily! I've literally never had to input manually :confused: Have you looked to see if there's a software update on the main site by any chance? Maybe a refresh would help you?

    The adapter i got sounds the same as you're describing, but it does actually fit anyway. Just looks as though it doesn't, if you get me? Jam it in there and cross your fingers ;)

    All in all I still think the GB World is the best one around overall. Other devices might have better detail (Callaway UPro springs to mind), but they just don't have the Irish course coverage.

    I'd definitely push gong for the World over the Tour, as the hole view is great and being able to select a point on the hole to lay up to (and see the distance form there to the pin), is a big bonus.

    Saying all that, these guys recently scored well in a 'Today's Golfer' review and you can use it as a Sat Nav too, which is quite appealing.


  • #19
    BillyBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 393 ✭✭BillyBoy


    Nocal, I hope you don't mind me asking on this thread, just thought all the Golf Buddy users might be keeping an eye on this thread! Can anyone recommend a decent holder for the GolfBuddy Tour that you can attach to your cart? I know you can clip it onto the straps with the clip provided but just want something to go on to the caddy car so its right in front of me (due to the design of my bag it can't be on the front, there is a big handle there to aid in picking the bag up).

    Thanks
    Bill


  • #20
    Johnny_Fontane
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,098 ✭✭✭Johnny_Fontane


    I have the golf buddy tour for over a year. I really like it.
    a couple more observations:

    -I like the 'targets' part on the front screen, it tells you exactly how far it is to the left bunker, right tree, water hazard etc...both front and back of....
    this I think is the single greatest benefit over the rangefinders....its really helpful..

    -I think its best use is the distance to the front and back of the green....i use this the most, as it saves me being long or short....you can pinpoint the pin on the green for exact distance aswell, but distance to front and back is what I really want.

    -finally if you do have one, remember to keep updating it every six months or so, the new software makes it better and better every time.

    cons
    It crashed twice on me, both times I had to go home and update the software....weird and annoying but it happened twice.


  • #21
    nocal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭nocal


    super_freddie wrote: »

    By the way - it seems like only ... oh, I'm not sure... 10/11 days since I was told by somebody with a remarkably similar username that they didn't think much of the whole golf GPS thing as "you still have to hit the ball" ... but I could be completely mistaken :)

    Cheers,
    super_freddie.

    I never said that I did not think much of the whole GPS thing - I did say that I thought it might interfere with developing touch and feel and I did say that you still have to hit the ball. (I also knew that you would pick up on that and comment on it but hey - easy for me to say that now!)

    Thanks for all the comments and replies. At the moment I am leaning towards getting the Golf Buddy Tour as I reckon it clearly displays the distances to the front, middle and back of each green. I also like the fact that it comes with it's own re-chargeable battery but AAA batteries can be used also. This would be a great feature for travel. I think that too much information or seeing the complete hole layout might distract me from using my own senses on shots.
    After all, I still want to develop my touch and feel for shots, and it is me who has to hit the shots :D.

    I presume that the Golf Buddy Tour actually shows the actual shape of the green that you are approaching as opposed to just showing a generic green?
    And does this view change if you are not approaching the green directly from the front?
    The only other thing that is preying on my mind is that the price of these units has dropped recently - I wonder if this means that they are trying to ship units prior to introducing a newer unit that would be priced around the 250 mark?

    The Garmin approach G6 looks excellent - but is illegal for competition use as it is capable of suggesting which club to use for a shot. The G3 is also a really nice looking unit but Golf Buddy have more courses mapped worldwide - mind you they both have a similar number of courses mapped in Ireland - 322 (Garmin) versus 331 I think.

    While the Golf Buddy World and Platinum look like excellent units, until I am convinced that the touch screen and display quality are good enough - I am going to steer clear.


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  • #22
    dak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,577 ✭✭✭dak


    +1 for the golf Buddy Tour. Have mine for 2 months and its a great help. It seems to stand up to rain as well as I have had it strapped to the bag in some terrible wet conditions.


  • #23
    newport2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,614 ✭✭✭newport2


    Is there much accuracy difference between the various brands?

    I have a Skycaddie, which I've always found accurate, but subscription and downloading courses is a bit of a pain.

    The only features I really use are front, middle and back of green, which all devices have, so not really interested in the more expensive models. Tempted to get one of the new ones with all courses pre-loaded and no subscriptions, like the Bushnell Neo+. Just offers basic measurements.


  • #24
    dak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,577 ✭✭✭dak


    Compared the Buddy with a range finder at last boards outing and there was no difference.

    newport2 wrote: »
    Is there much accuracy difference between the various brands?

    I have a Skycaddie, which I've always found accurate, but subscription and downloading courses is a bit of a pain.

    The only features I really use are front, middle and back of green, which all devices have, so not really interested in the more expensive models. Tempted to get one of the new ones with all courses pre-loaded and no subscriptions, like the Bushnell Neo+. Just offers basic measurements.


  • #25
    newport2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,614 ✭✭✭newport2


    dak wrote: »
    Compared the Buddy with a range finder at last boards outing and there was no difference.

    Tks, same with Skycaddie. Just interested if the cheaper models have the same accuracy, because like I say, I'm only really interested in basic info on distance to the green from my GPS.


  • #26
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    Mr. Larson wrote: »
    Does anyone know where the cheapest place to pick up the Garmin Approach S1 watch new is? I tried for a used one on Ebay but got silly outbid, was approaching EUR140 last time I checked for a used one!!

    Cheapest I can find is http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/9128316/art/garmin/approach-s1-golf-gps-enab.html

    /Edit: Seems American Golf are doing the cheapest deal on the S1, will be tipping along there tomorrow to pick one up, they are waiting to sell out their current batch of S1 before stocking S3.

    So I walked into American Golf today to pick up the S1 and I walked out with a Golfbuddy Platinum and a Dozen Callaway Tour balls.

    One born every minute. Will post a review if it ever stops raining and I get out to use it!!


  • #27
    opinionated3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,182 ✭✭✭opinionated3


    Sorry to hijack the thread but if I was to order the gps watch from the states (Garmin s1 orbushnell neo plus watch) will they still work here in Ireland? Thanks for any


  • #28
    dak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,577 ✭✭✭dak


    opinionated3 wrote: »
    Sorry to hijack the thread but if I was to order the gps watch from the states (Garmin s1 orbushnell neo plus watch) will they still work here in Ireland? Thanks for any

    GPS should work anywhere in the world but the issue would be over the prelaoded courses and whether you can upload irish ones easily.

    If delivered by UPS/ DHL etc don't forget you will most likely have to pay vat upon delivery


  • #29
    nocal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭nocal


    Mr. Larson wrote: »
    So I walked into American Golf today to pick up the S1 Golf Buddy Tour and I walked out with a Golfbuddy Platinum and a Dozen Callaway Tour balls.

    One Two born every minute. Will post a review if it ever stops raining and I get out to use it!!


    So why did I buy it? They did not have the Tour and they told me that it was not being produced anymore. (Interestingly enough, the platinum, world and voice all use the same GB manager, while the Tour uses the same GB manager as the Pro and other older models.)

    I got to play with the unit in the shop and it works very well using a tee. On the way home this evening I popped into Xtravision and bought some Nintendo DS pens - they work a treat. You can use your finger for some of the functions without problems.

    I have been playing with the preview mode during the afternoon - it is easy to use and very easy to get all the important information. Moving the pin is a little fidgety but using the green zoom view more or less gives the same information as you would get with the tour. I have it set to manual hole advance to stop it moving onto the wrong hole if I happen to be out of position. Accessing the additional features is very easy if required - but I doubt I will use them as I do not want to take away from using my own senses too much. (Right that should stop super_freddie quoting my own posts back at me :D )

    There are 370 courses loaded for Ireland out of the box - and there was 10% off - so now I have one in my grubby paws instead of having to wait for the postman. Oh it also has the correct mains adapter.

    The screen could be a little brighter but I reckon it will not be too difficult to read.

    Thanks for all the help with replies - it helped me learn a lot more about the various units.


  • #30
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    Same here, messed in the shop. It's nearly the same price as the S3 Watch so much better value than that i.m.o.

    Controls must be used with a precise point, like a tee or pencil. As someone used to smartphone touch-screen technology it's clunky, not very responsive. Moving the flag on the green view isn't easy with a precise tip as it's not clear where you need to click to drag. Otherwise does exactly as it says on the tin. Can't imagine I'd ever use the stats/score function, usually do that at home post-round as I like to move quick around the course.

    On a course with many hazards such as gorse, trees etc. you're missing a lot of info with the base data on the device. Need to add those manually but must do it beside each hazard. Looking forward to adding some custom targets but may go for a 'practice' round to add those. Be nice if you could add them from anywhere (could use Google Earth data for free to get your distances correct). The whole targets section could use an overhaul in fact.

    Also not sure where it can be mounted/clipped for best use. Need to interact with the device a lot on the course to get the best out of it and that's not practical when clipped/mounted i.m.o.

    Overall happy so far. Next - to the course!!


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  • #31
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    nocal wrote: »
    So why did I buy it? They did not have the Tour and they told me that it was not being produced anymore. (Interestingly enough, the platinum, world and voice all use the same GB manager, while the Tour uses the same GB manager as the Pro and other older models.)

    I got to play with the unit in the shop and it works very well using a tee. On the way home this evening I popped into Xtravision and bought some Nintendo DS pens - they work a treat. You can use your finger for some of the functions without problems.

    I have been playing with the preview mode during the afternoon - it is easy to use and very easy to get all the important information. Moving the pin is a little fidgety but using the green zoom view more or less gives the same information as you would get with the tour. I have it set to manual hole advance to stop it moving onto the wrong hole if I happen to be out of position. Accessing the additional features is very easy if required - but I doubt I will use them as I do not want to take away from using my own senses too much. (Right that should stop super_freddie quoting my own posts back at me :D )

    There are 370 courses loaded for Ireland out of the box - and there was 10% off - so now I have one in my grubby paws instead of having to wait for the postman. Oh it also has the correct mains adapter.

    The screen could be a little brighter but I reckon it will not be too difficult to read.

    Thanks for all the help with replies - it helped me learn a lot more about the various units.

    Agree with most all of that - you know you can adjust the screen contrast in settings, right?


  • #32
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,469 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    Mr. Larson wrote: »
    Agree with most all of that - you know you can adjust the screen contrast in settings, right?

    Was just going to say that, out of the box its set at about 60% and can be hard to see in direct sunlight, bang it up to 100 and its grand. The screen is resistive touch so not as responsive as say your android/iphone but as u say using a tee is grand. I can also confirm that the unit is shock and water proof after my entire cart bag fell over ontop of it into a puddle. :o
    Unless the green is huge I have found moving the pin to be a bit of a wasted exercise...it can be a bit fiddly alright.


  • #33
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    Can anyone tell me what the 'W' and 'D' values represent in the Green View?

    http://www.golfgps1.com/images/Platinum%20Green%20View%201.jpg

    Bottom left in that pic. It's W & H in the pic but W & D on my device. I thought Width and Depth but the numbers don't quite add up...?


  • #34
    nocal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭nocal


    Yup - have the screen brightness whacked up to about 90% already - usually find with devices like this that the battery will last reasonably well if you avoid full screen brightness.

    From playing with mine I was thought that the W and D were width and depth - I did not notice any major discrepancies - but they might not tally up to the front and back figures as these depend on where the pin is placed and are for that line. The W and D would probably be the width and depth from an approach in the centre of the fairway.

    I have had major issues trying to connect my unit to my Vista laptop - keep on getting an XML init error. It is driving me mad!!!


  • #35
    super_freddie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 210 ✭✭super_freddie


    Thanks for that snowy, must check for a software update. I took it out of the box shortly after I got it, charged it and started using it so haven't done any software updates.

    Problem with the adapter unit is that the ground pin is missing so don't think jamming it in will do any good, usually just put a match or something like that into the ground of the socket and that allows the plug to go in fine ... but don't try this at home!! :)

    super_freddie.
    snowy666 wrote: »
    nocal,

    I posted something previously re the Golf Buddy World; http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=78177148&postcount=75



    super_freddie, It's strange you mention having to manually input the course, as that's the no.1 thing my mates and I laugh about - the fact that it picks up EVERY single track (including 9 hole knockabouts) so easily! I've literally never had to input manually :confused: Have you looked to see if there's a software update on the main site by any chance? Maybe a refresh would help you?

    The adapter i got sounds the same as you're describing, but it does actually fit anyway. Just looks as though it doesn't, if you get me? Jam it in there and cross your fingers ;)

    All in all I still think the GB World is the best one around overall. Other devices might have better detail (Callaway UPro springs to mind), but they just don't have the Irish course coverage.

    I'd definitely push gong for the World over the Tour, as the hole view is great and being able to select a point on the hole to lay up to (and see the distance form there to the pin), is a big bonus.

    Saying all that, these guys recently scored well in a 'Today's Golfer' review and you can use it as a Sat Nav too, which is quite appealing.


  • #36
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,469 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    Is it not just a regular USB cable, any USB plug (from a phone charger our even a laptop) and Bobs your uncle


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  • #37
    super_freddie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 210 ✭✭super_freddie


    The connector on the GolfBuddy World is not a USB mini or micro, it is a proprietary connector.

    super_freddie.


  • #38
    elberry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 55 ✭✭elberry


    Can the modern iphones and other smartphones like the samsung give the gps readings for the golf yardages?


  • #39
    charlieIRL
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,300 Mod ✭✭✭✭charlieIRL


    elberry wrote: »
    Can the modern iphones and other smartphones like the samsung give the gps readings for the golf yardages?

    I have swing by swing app on my phone and it gives yardages but its not accurate. Besides - you can't use them in a competitive round anyway - do a search here as we discussed it in detail.


  • #40
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,469 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    super_freddie wrote: »
    The connector on the GolfBuddy World is not a USB mini or micro, it is a proprietary connector.

    super_freddie.

    Ahh sorry, I got the platinum and its micro USB...


  • #41
    Irishvillian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 262 ✭✭Irishvillian


    I have the golf buddy world and find it brilliant mines never had a problem picking up a course even outside Ireland.I connect mine to the golf buddy site at least once a month and there is always course updates.The full hole layout is a great idea no more blind tee shots.The only difference between the world and the platinum model is that with the platinum model you can enter 4 scores,but with the world you can only enter one.Also can get two rounds out of 1 charge.


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  • #42
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    Irishvillian wrote: »
    The only difference between the world and the platinum model is that with the platinum model you can enter 4 scores,but with the world you can only enter one.Also can get two rounds out of 1 charge.

    Honestly, if you were to use it for entering your score (never mind 4 scores) you would give people a pain in the arse with slow play. I find I'm already under pressure by the time I've unlocked it, checked the green front/middle/back distances and locked it and put it away again. You'd be all day entering in scores! Got the platinum but it's a bit of a waste tbh.


  • #43
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,469 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    Irishvillian wrote: »
    I have the golf buddy world and find it brilliant mines never had a problem picking up a course even outside Ireland.I connect mine to the golf buddy site at least once a month and there is always course updates.The full hole layout is a great idea no more blind tee shots.The only difference between the world and the platinum model is that with the platinum model you can enter 4 scores,but with the world you can only enter one.Also can get two rounds out of 1 charge.

    Platinum is bigger and has less external buttons.
    See here for best comparisons

    /edit
    but yeah, you should never be entering stats etc during a round, do it afterwards or you will be slowing everyone down...


  • #44
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    GreeBo wrote: »
    Platinum is bigger and has less external buttons.
    See here for best comparisons

    /edit
    but yeah, you should never be entering stats etc during a round, do it afterwards or you will be slowing everyone down...

    Or even score for that matter, I would say.


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