SkyCaddie SGX Review – Is It Worth Buying?
The SkyCaddie SGX golf GPS rangefinder is another one in the line of golf gps devices by SkyCaddie. Some of its features include a digital scorecard, overhead hole maps, and statistics tracking. Add in the HoleVue and the Intelligreen Pro features and the SGX is a desirable product to have hanging from your belt clip.
SkyCaddie SGX – The Good
But there are bad points as well as good points with the SkyCaddie SGX golf GPS. Let’s start with the good points then followed by the bad points mainly because we don’t want to discourage readers from seriously looking into the product before making a decision.
You should have an easy time setting up the device and then downloading the course maps, thanks to the detailed step-by-step instructions. Even your technologically-challenged grandfather will come out alive and smiling. On the downside, you have to spend at least 40 minutes for the entire activity to be completed, which is inconvenient considering that laser rangefinders are open-and-play types.
SkyCaddie SGX Dislikes
Also, you have to deal with frequent software updates that can either be a boon or a bane depending on whether you need the update or not. Many consumers have complained about synchronization issues with the SkyCaddie SGX golf GPS although you can always hit the “sync” button till your thumbs hurt.
As for the course availability, the manufacturer claims that there are over 24,000 course maps available in its database. Keep in mind, however, the caveat with this feature – the number refers to the coverage of standard distance information excluding HoleVue and Intelligreen Pro. In fact, consumers rate this feature at below 50% in coverage tests.
The good news is that we cab hope for SkyCaddie to improve on its course database. Otherwise, we will be tempted to regret paying for such a high-premium product with equally steep subscription fees. After all, we all demand value for our money and the SkyCaddie SGX golf GPS is no exception to the rule.
As for ease of use, we find that the SkyCaddie SGX is the best in its class. You can clearly see the information displayed
on the screen even in bright sunlight. Many GPS rangefinders make it hard for the golfers with less than 20-20 perfect vision to see clearly. Your grandfather – and you, of course – will love this unit if only for this feature.
The interface is relatively simple to use although we wish that SkyCaddie can adopt the touchscreen technology. There are times when the joystick will be appropriate but your finger used the soft keys, which can be confusing at times.
In conclusion, the SkyCaddie SGX golf GPS is an excellent tool to improve on your scores if and when you know how to go around its deficiencies. But since these deficiencies are few and far between, the premium price justifies the benefits in most instances.
Izzo Swami Golf GPS – How Does Izzo Fare Against The Big Boys?
The Izzo Swami GPS is a newcomer competing against well-known brands such as Callaway, Bushnell and SkyCaddie. Originally, Izzo was known mostly for its innovative golf bag. Now it is doing well against the big boys in the GPS business too.
According to the manufacturer, Swami offers everything that a golfer will require from a GPS rangefinder. Its features include Insta-Lok Technology and powered by a SIRFStar II microchip, which is supposedly the most advanced in GPS technology, while its lithium-ion battery allows for extended hours of play. Twelve hours, says Izzo, but no golfer in his right mind will want to play that long.
First Impression Of The Izzo Swami GPS
Let’s discuss first impressions first since these have a tendency to last more than anything else. Izzo Swami GPS unit is smaller than its clunky competitors so much so that it can fit in the palm of your hand – that is, if you want to be holding it most of the time. Otherwise, you can place it on your side using the accompanying belt clip.
You will appreciate it that, even with its small size, the screen is sufficiently large to enable seeing the displayed information clearly. After all, what good are accurate measurements in a GPS golf rangefinder if you cannot read the data? Many senior golfers and a few junior ones complain of this inadequacy with other brands but not with the Swami.
When you open the box, you have every accessory necessary to start using Izzo Swami GPS unit.
The charger, USB cable, software CD and instructions – plus, the abovementioned belt clip – are in the box. If you are a non-techie, the software installation can be inconvenient but it’s relatively easy to do, not to mention that you have the benefit of accessing 12,000 courses – and growing – upon successful installation.
But access can only be granted with the payment of an annual fee of $35. You may have to think twice about getting this product as there are laser rangefinders requiring no such fee as well as GPS units with lower annual fees and yet more courses to offer. Still, once you have tried the Swami in actual field conditions, the money is well worth the benefits.
So, what exactly are these benefits? First, the Izzo Swami eliminates the need to find the course maps for wherever it is you are playing at the moment. The golf GPS unit automatically and immediately chooses the course map as soon as it is powered up – no fumbling and scrolling there. Even if you are on a course with two 18-holes, Swami differentiates between the two and gives the correct map.
Izzo Swami Accuracy
Second, its GPS accuracy is right on target. It may have a variable of +/- 1 yard but you have to remember that most GPS units have an error variable of +/- 3 to 5 yards! To say that we like its accuracy in relation to its competitors is an understatement.
So, how does the Izzo Swami GPS unit fare? It’s a simple unit with solid performance although if you want more information on the hole, then we suggest looking for another GPS rangefinder.
Sonocaddie V100 Golf Gps – A Good Balance Between Form And Function
The Sonocaddie V100 golf GPS rangefinder is ideal for someone looking for the right balance between affordability and functionality with perhaps a decent look thrown in.
Well, of course, you will find it to be relatively simpler to use than the Callaway uPro or the Garmin Approach Touchscreen. But, the basic information regarding precise distances is all you really need. Thats where the V100 works perfectly.
The Sonocaddie V100 Shows What You Need To See
If you want fancy graphics on the screen, we suggest not buying the Sonocaddie V100 because it’s nowhere to be found in it. But if you want dead-on accuracy +/- 3 yards displayed on an easy-to-read, no-frills screen, the Sonocaddie V100 golf gps is for you. The screen provides for basic information including distances to the green, various way points and last shot.
In reality, many of the bells and whistles in the more expensive GPS rangefinders aren’t necessary for most golfers. You probably won’t use half of the features. Then, why pay for them?
Large but Not Too Big
The main downside that we can see with the Sonocaddie V100 is the unit’s larger and, therefore, heavier configuration. Where other golf rangefinders are aiming for units that can be placed in a pocket, Sonocaddie doesn’t compromise on size.
Then again, there is an upside to the larger Sonocaddie V100 gps. You get a nice large screen. Let’s face it. We all can use larger screens after staring at those small cell phone fonts all day long.
The gps device’s larger size in relation to the competition may be a handicap but the manufacturers certainly found a way to go around it and turned it into a positive.
Easy-peasy Operation
If you love golf but couldn’t care less about the technology behind the GPS rangefinder, we suggest looking for a plug-and-play device like the Sonocaddie V100. YOU don’t have to worry about downloading files, software and other crap mandated by the manufacturer.
Just turn on the Sonocaddie V100 golf rangefinder and you can immediately use it. We do recommend reading the first few pages of the manual though.
Sonocaddie V100 Affordability
The best thing about the Sonocaddie V100 is its affordable cost from the time of purchase to its maintenance. You have a golf range finder within your budget and the download fee is a mere $30, which provides for unlimited download of whatever golf courses you desire. In contrast, you have to pay an annual fee for other rangefinders or else be cut off from the service.
In conclusion, the Sonocaddie V100 golf rangefinder is an entry-level device but it can and will do the basics very well. You won’t be disappointed.
