GolfRangeFinderReviews.org http://golfrangefinderreviews.org Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:15:09 +0000 en hourly 1 SkyCaddie SGX Review – Is It Worth Buying? http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/skycaddie-sgx-review/ http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/skycaddie-sgx-review/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:11:06 +0000 http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/?p=283 SkyCaddie SGX Review – Is It Worth Buying? is a post from: GolfRangeFinderReviews.org

]]> 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 displayedSkycaddie SGX Golf GPS
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.

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]]> http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/skycaddie-sgx-review/feed/ 0 Golf GPS – How The Game Changed Forever http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/golf-gps/ http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/golf-gps/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:10:03 +0000 http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/?page_id=123 Golf GPS – How The Game Changed Forever is a post from: GolfRangeFinderReviews.org

]]> Undoubtedly, golf GPS devices have changed the way in which the game is played. It has definitely made distance measurements easier, faster and more accurate even in cloudy conditions and even when one cannot see the flagstick. Virtually every golfer who wants to improve on his scores will want a GPS golf rangefinder in his pocket.

How the golf GPS units are useful

But before you go out buying your own GPS golf rangefinder, we suggest knowing about its possibilities and limitations. Keep in mind that all rangefinders are tools designed to improve the users’ game scores by providing for more accurate measurement of distances to the target hole, no more, no less. Your swing, stance and other variables to a hole-in-one will not be improved by the most advanced rangefinder in the market – only practice can do these things for you.

Anyways, the possibilities for a golf GPS device are numerous. Unlike laser rangefinders, you don’t have to see the target to obtain its distance since GPS technology is at work. Even when there are trees, hazards and bunkers blocking your view to the flagstick, the device will still provide for an accurate measurement although the degree of accuracy can vary from one GPS unit to the next.

Golf GPS Deals

You also have the benefits of fast and easy distance readings as well as the readings not being affected by light conditions. Sunny, cloudy, night and day – the GPS golf range finder will do its job.


Limitations of the Golf GPS devices

But there are limitations to the golf GPS device, too. You will find that it is not as accurate as its laser counterpart in many cases (+/- 3 to 4 yards for the GPS while the laser is +/- yard). You will also have additional expenses as the course maps should be downloaded from a central site, at a certain fee per download or annual fee, of course.

If you can live with the limitations, perhaps even find a way around them, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of a GPS golf rangefinder. Besides, even the most advanced laser rangefinder has its fantastic features and flaws.

Know the Legality of Use

The golf GPS devices may be popular among recreational and professional golfers but that does not necessarily mean that these products are legal in all instances. If you are in doubt about the legality of use in a certain golf course, it is always best to ask the club management as well as the opinions of the players. You want to enjoy the game instead of being whisked away from it just because of your ignorance of the rules of play in relation to the use of GPS rangefinder particularly the unit you are using.

Generally speaking, the only GPS golf devices allowed under USGA rules are those that measure distances, period. If your GPS rangefinder has the functions of shot tracking and average distance per club, you can legally use it but only when the unit only provides information collected from prior – not present – rounds. Again, ask to be on the safe side.

And if you want to buy the best golf GPS device, we suggest making comparisons of the different brands and models. The differences may be subtle and the similarities may be obvious but comparison shopping is a must.

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]]> http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/golf-gps/feed/ 0 Izzo Swami Golf GPS – How Does Izzo Fare Against The Big Boys? http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/izzo-swami-golf-gps/ http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/izzo-swami-golf-gps/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:35:04 +0000 http://golfrangefinderreviews.org/?p=251 Izzo Swami Golf GPS – How Does Izzo Fare Against The Big Boys? is a post from: GolfRangeFinderReviews.org

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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

Izzo swami 1500 golf gpsLet’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.
izzo swami 3000 golf gpsThe 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.

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