Golf Buddy vs Skycaddie

PGL

I am gonna buy one of the above pretty soon, but am confused as to which is the best option.

Golf Buddy seems to be more widely available in Ireland, has pretty much the same courses as Skycaddie, has a cheaper up front cost, and no annual subscription. Also it appears to have the same features as Skycaddie, such as list of all hazards (front and carry distances), and distance to green (front, centre and back).

Any reviews I can find for these units originate in the US. They are generally all positive for the Skycaddie and divided for the Golf Buddy.

I have read stories about the Golf Buddy along the lines of:

• it can take up to 5 mins to locate a course;
• sometimes recognises the wrong hole;
• no distances provided for hazards in advance of the green;
• it can take quiet a while to settle on a stable distance reading

I can totally appreciate that virtually no-one has probably been the owner of both of these products, but if anyone can give an honest comparison then that would be great (apologies if this has been asked before but I have searched the website before logging this question).

For everyone else, I would like to know what their experiences are of either of these products in Ireland.

cheers

Ollieboy

I've been having the same problem and the only decent offering for the Irish Market appears to be the GolfBuddy.

The local pro sells them and Golf shops in general sell them and very little else from what I can see.

From my reading up on the Internet the Garmin product or Calloway seems to be the best available, but not great for Irish courses. This might change in the future.

Also, most good players have told me to get a target finder has its better and more accurate for distance.

Would love some info on what other people feel is best?

Maybe we should leave it for another year and see what the market settles on, I just feel at the moment there is to many offerings and some of these mightn't be around for to long and the technology itself is growing at the moment.

BUACHAILL

I bought the sky caddie last year and only other one to compare was the golfbuddy, went with sky caddie as it was more user friendly,loads quickly, is one of the largest selling gps in the states so programs and back up etc is there and to be honest just liked the big colour screen

You are on the right track, go either one of them and you cant go wrong. try get a look at them in your hand and play about with them, big advantage with the golf buddy is no annual sub but for what it costs i was willing to pay that to have the skycaddie.

No complaints or regrets with it, great piece of kit

carplates

chack out the new offering from golfbuddy http://www.golfbuddyglobal.com/
this lokks the dogs b~@~~@x

neckedit

PGL wrote: »

I am gonna buy one of the above pretty soon, but am confused as to which is the best option.

Golf Buddy seems to be more widely available in Ireland, has pretty much the same courses as Skycaddie, has a cheaper up front cost, and no annual subscription. Also it appears to have the same features as Skycaddie, such as list of all hazards (front and carry distances), and distance to green (front, centre and back).

Any reviews I can find for these units originate in the US. They are generally all positive for the Skycaddie and divided for the Golf Buddy.

I have read stories about the Golf Buddy along the lines of:

• it can take up to 5 mins to locate a course;
• sometimes recognises the wrong hole;
• no distances provided for hazards in advance of the green;
• it can take quiet a while to settle on a stable distance reading

I can totally appreciate that virtually no-one has probably been the owner of both of these products, but if anyone can give an honest comparison then that would be great (apologies if this has been asked before but I have searched the website before logging this question).

For everyone else, I would like to know what their experiences are of either of these products in Ireland.

cheers

PM me if your interested in borrowing a Golf Buddy, we have a loaner unit at work..............

getoffthepot

I have a Sky caddie SG4 and very happy with it.

PGL

any other experiences, good or bad?

LittleLiam

Far better with a laser, kid. Way more accurate.

PGL

BUACHAILL wrote: »

I bought the sky caddie last year and only other one to compare was the golfbuddy, went with sky caddie as it was more user friendly,loads quickly, is one of the largest selling gps in the states so programs and back up etc is there and to be honest just liked the big colour screen

You are on the right track, go either one of them and you cant go wrong. try get a look at them in your hand and play about with them, big advantage with the golf buddy is no annual sub but for what it costs i was willing to pay that to have the skycaddie.

No complaints or regrets with it, great piece of kit

where did you buy your skycaddie and how much did it set you back?

BUACHAILL

PGL wrote: »

where did you buy your skycaddie and how much did it set you back?

I got the sg5 model from my local pro set me back 350 I think, expensive but it gets it's use !! As for the get a laser it's more accurate comment, what a load of ****e!!

soundsham

Have just played a few courses new to me in the last few days
I had a loan of the golf buddy tour gps
All I can say is I will be purchasing same
You turn it on and it takes about 3 mins to loctate the course,it did this as I payed
Then tou get distance from tee to front middle and back of the green from wherever you stand
If you move the toggle right it gibes you distances to bunker start and finish left or right or if there are more than one it tells you all their start/ends also distance to water if there is any
If you go way off course if orientates the green towards you if that makes sense
As you walk it changes but when you stop it may take 2 - 3 secs to settle,now in my rounds it may have went up or down a yard or two and then stopped, this never inconvenienced me really
It might show 90 yards as you stop walking and the odd time come to say 88 at most
Also
If you want you can also add a few extra (11) I think targets on each hole so if you want when playing a hole you could Mark a full wedge or 9i on each hole so it would give you your yardage to this always
Also records scores .....didn't use that
Probably has a few extra things too but as I only had a lend of it all I can say is it was worth 2-3 shots on a new course but on my own course i reckon maybe a shot over 2-3 rounds
Super machine

Glencarraig

Does anybody know what the story would be if a Golf Buddy was bought in The US and brought over here. I know GPS is GPS but you never know what way they might be configured for a different continent. I have a mate going Stateside soon and would get one from there much cheaper. Any advice would be appreciated.

LittleLiam

BUACHAILL wrote: »

I got the sg5 model from my local pro set me back 350 I think, expensive but it gets it's use !! As for the get a laser it's more accurate comment, what a load of ****e!!

It's a fact, buckle.

GPS is accurate to what? 5 yards. And that's only to back/mid/front. Laser gives you it exact every time, right to the target.

Go watch the pros on a practice day and count how many of them use a laser and how many use a GPS. Take a note pad. Write it down.

BUACHAILL

LittleLiam wrote: »

It's a fact, buckle.

GPS is accurate to what? 5 yards. And that's only to back/mid/front. Laser gives you it exact every time, right to the target.

Go watch the pros on a practice day and count how many of them use a laser and how many use a GPS. Take a note pad. Write it down.

Go hungry troll. I wont feed your ****.ing stupidity

LittleLiam

BUACHAILL wrote: »

Go hungry troll. I wont feed your ****.ing stupidity

Google it. Educate yourself. What i'm saying is FACT!

Ollieboy

I think everyone agrees that the laser is a better tool to get exact yardage, but it only works if you can see the pin, I think its a tool that suits the lower handicap player I.e. low single figures.

Also the GPS appears to be better for given the average golfer the hole layout and general distance to bunkers/rivers etc. Also helps in building up stats on you're game along with distance on each club. It also gives you a shape off a green and bunkers around it etc so you can find a path to greens etc. So I think its a better tool for the medium handicap looking to gain a shot in a round and a brilliant tool if its a new course.

I also reckon its only a matter of time before golf clubs but GPS on flag sticks and let you get the exact yardage to you're GPS device. This is already done in Europe and the states.

I've been reading up on the Garmin GPS and it seems to be pretty hot. Anyone got a idea of where you can get it? No where in Ireland seems to stock it. Or as anyone use it?

Mr Titleist

Anyone try or own the Sureshot 8850 ? Looks great and seems to be very easy to use.

golfpaul

I have an SG5 and find it excellent. €250 in Galway, thats why I went with it over golfbuddy. Battery lasts over 11hrs so you nearly get 3 rounds out of a charge. Where are you based, you can borrrow it if you are on my travels between Galway and Dublin.

soundsham

Golfbuddy does 3 rounds no bother
Might even do 4 haven't tried it yet

Mr Titleist

Arrghhhh ......dont know whether to save and get the Skycaddie SG5 or just get the cheaper SG 2.5........decisions decisions......

PGL

Mr Titleist wrote: »

Arrghhhh ......dont know whether to save and get the Skycaddie SG5 or just get the cheaper SG 2.5........decisions decisions......

where are you gonna buy the skycaddie from? online, shop or pro?

getoffthepot

I bought mine in the US from Golfsmith.com and had someone bring it back for me.
www.golfsmith.com

BUACHAILL

Mr Titleist wrote: »

Arrghhhh ......dont know whether to save and get the Skycaddie SG5 or just get the cheaper SG 2.5........decisions decisions......

spend the extra and get the sg5, the new one has been launched so you might even pick up an sg5 now second hand at good value.;)

Mr Titleist

PGL wrote: »

where are you gonna buy the skycaddie from? online, shop or pro?

Not too sure yet....been having a look around online...Dont think my local pro sells any ..

Mr Titleist

BUACHAILL wrote: »

spend the extra and get the sg5, the new one has been launched so you might even pick up an sg5 now second hand at good value.;)[/QUOTE


Seen a few SG5's for around the 150 stg mark on ebay......Buachaill would you reckon a second hand one would be ok??? Be a hell of alot cheaper thats for sure....

BUACHAILL

Mr Titleist wrote: »

BUACHAILL wrote: »

spend the extra and get the sg5, the new one has been launched so you might even pick up an sg5 now second hand at good value.;)[/QUOTE


Seen a few SG5's for around the 150 stg mark on ebay......Buachaill would you reckon a second hand one would be ok??? Be a hell of alot cheaper thats for sure....

yeah i would think so
they update themselves when plugged into the software program on the pc so any software updates or improvements are automatic.
If the screen and buttons work fine and it reads a golf course not a whole lot else to check. Ebay is pretty safe to buy off provided the persons has some feedback. Go for it would be my advice they are a great machine.

brian076

I bought an Sg5 on ebay last year, it came from the States and was a lot cheaper than here, unfortunately customs got their grubby little hands on it and charged me an extra €69 which more or less negated any saving, so beware if buying from outside the EU.

As a device though I find it excellent and appears to be very accurate. Perhaps a laser finder gives you more accuracy, but it's not much good if your on another fairway with trees between you and the green.

Was recently looking at the Golfshot app for the iPhone which only costs €23 and appears to have got very good reviews.

Mr Titleist

BUACHAILL wrote: »

Mr Titleist wrote: »

yeah i would think so
they update themselves when plugged into the software program on the pc so any software updates or improvements are automatic.
If the screen and buttons work fine and it reads a golf course not a whole lot else to check. Ebay is pretty safe to buy off provided the persons has some feedback. Go for it would be my advice they are a great machine.

Sounds fairly safe enough then so......A few in USA going for about 110 euro......but wonder if I'd be caught for import duty on top of that also???.....

Mr Titleist

brian076 wrote: »

I bought an Sg5 on ebay last year, it came from the States and was a lot cheaper than here, unfortunately customs got their grubby little hands on it and charged me an extra €69 which more or less negated any saving, so beware if buying from outside the EU.

As a device though I find it excellent and appears to be very accurate. Perhaps a laser finder gives you more accuracy, but it's not much good if your on another fairway with trees between you and the green.

Was recently looking at the Golfshot app for the iPhone which only costs €23 and appears to have got very good reviews.

Sorry Brian just saw your reply now....thanks for that....yeah thats what I am afraid of....the import duty.....

BUACHAILL

Mr Titleist wrote: »

BUACHAILL wrote: »

Sounds fairly safe enough then so......A few in USA going for about 110 euro......but wonder if I'd be caught for import duty on top of that also???.....

roll the dice and take your chances !!
You just never know

Mr Titleist

BUACHAILL wrote: »

Mr Titleist wrote: »

roll the dice and take your chances !!
You just never know

Yep think I may do....anyone know any good shops on ebay that sell 2nd hand ?? My search keeps throwing up the same one in the states and wont ship to Ireland.


http://cgi.ebay.com/SkyCaddie-SG5-SG-5-Golf-GPS-Range-Finder-/250677019065?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a5d83c1b9

Ollieboy

I email Calloway today about the amount of course currently available on there product the UPro. After a bit of research I felt this was the best product on the market behind the Garmin offering and then Skycaddie.

Anyway they explain they have no plans to keep adding course as there concentrating on the US/Canada/UK. They asked me to name 6 course's and they would try to add these offering in the future. This was a major put off for me and it would push me in the direction of the other products. I basically feel course coverage is the most important aspect of these tools.

I think Skycaddie is far to expensive and the sign up fees are too dear. I would expect the hand set to be free for the amount they charge in member fees. I just think there is no way this product gives good value for money compare to the other products on the market.

So I'm awaiting a response from Garmin and if thats also a negative I'll be going for the GolfBuddy offering.

aster99

which would have the most Irish courses already availible?

soundsham

Don't know golf buddy has almost 400

aster99

is there any place to see the list golf buddy already has ?

PGL

aster99 wrote: »

is there any place to see the list golf buddy already has ?

http://www.golfbuddyeurope.com/searchcourses.asp

aster99

any from experience is their mapping accurate? anyone here use it, are u happy that the distances are spot on

1916

Ollieboy wrote: »

I email Calloway today about the amount of course currently available on there product the UPro. After a bit of research I felt this was the best product on the market behind the Garmin offering and then Skycaddie.

Anyway they explain they have no plans to keep adding course as there concentrating on the US/Canada/UK. They asked me to name 6 course's and they would try to add these offering in the future. This was a major put off for me and it would push me in the direction of the other products. I basically feel course coverage is the most important aspect of these tools.

I think Skycaddie is far to expensive and the sign up fees are too dear. I would expect the hand set to be free for the amount they charge in member fees. I just think there is no way this product gives good value for money compare to the other products on the market.

So I'm awaiting a response from Garmin and if thats also a negative I'll be going for the GolfBuddy offering.

The Upro looks good, perhaps a bit small screen wise

As has been mentioned they don't seem to be too interested in Mapping Ireland. The 35 requests for The European Club can forget it, the owner won't allow GPS near it

soundsham

aster99 wrote: »

any from experience is their mapping accurate? anyone here use it, are u happy that the distances are spot on

ya no problems have used it on 4 or 5 different courses all fine......

where will you use it mostly ??

aster99

member in Blarney, so there majority of time even though they're not allowed in comps. and mostly courses in Cork.

Mr Titleist

brian076 wrote: »

I bought an Sg5 on ebay last year, it came from the States and was a lot cheaper than here, unfortunately customs got their grubby little hands on it and charged me an extra €69 which more or less negated any saving, so beware if buying from outside the EU.

As a device though I find it excellent and appears to be very accurate. Perhaps a laser finder gives you more accuracy, but it's not much good if your on another fairway with trees between you and the green.

Was recently looking at the Golfshot app for the iPhone which only costs €23 and appears to have got very good reviews.

Just as a matter of interest ...How did ya fare out with the charger aspect ???I presume the plug is a two pin ?? Does it fit the usual adapters that you buy here?

soundsham

aster99 wrote: »

member in Blarney, so there majority of time even though they're not allowed in comps. and mostly courses in Cork.

strange that its not allowed there.......any reason ?,can this be changed or does it have to be done at agm

anyway havent used it there but have in fota and lee valley and muskerry recently with no problems except in fota where it runs as courses 1 2 & 3 due to the 27 holes
and instead of going to hole no. 10 it just started course 2 at the 10th,just confused me for a quick minute but ran away perfectly

aster99

think its just a local rule that was passed at some agm in blarney. Hopefully be changed back

PGL

I tried out the golf buddy today and in general was very impressed with it. One thing which i noticed was that if you were within say 25-30 yards from the green the unit would display "at the green" and not provide a distance reading - is it possible to edit the settings so that it will continue to give you a reading to the centre of the green regardless of where you are positioned?

Cheers

greyc

PGL wrote: »

I tried out the golf buddy today and in general was very impressed with it. One thing which i noticed was that if you were within say 25-30 yards from the green the unit would display "at the green" and not provide a distance reading - is it possible to edit the settings so that it will continue to give you a reading to the centre of the green regardless of where you are positioned?

Cheers

Skycaddie does the same I'd imagine there's a default setting within about 30/40 yds. Tbh at that distance its really all about feel, I'm not sure knowing the exact distance will really help all that much.

LittleLiam

greyc wrote: »

Skycaddie does the same I'd imagine there's a default setting within about 30/40 yds. Tbh at that distance its really all about feel, I'm not sure knowing the exact distance will really help all that much.

Depends what level you're playing at. If the pins are tucked away and/or the greens on the course have a lot of slopes in them, then having the exact distance is a major plus.

That's why i prefer laser. I agree that for the higher handicapper, the 'rough' distances provided by GPS are fine. For the lower players, laser is by far the best option, in my opinion.

Ollieboy

The following is the reply I got from Garmin in relation to them adding additional Irish golf course.

Thank you for contacting Garmin Europe. We do hope to improve coverage for Ireland but the data is difficult to get hold of. Unfortuntately we don't currently have details of a timeline for addiditonal courses to be released. Please help us improve the service we offer you by taking our Customer Support survey.

Please click the following link - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GarminSupportSurvey

If there is anything else I can help you with then please let me know. Alternatively you can search for a solution on our forum: https://forums.garmin.comor our online knowledge database here: http://www.garmin.co.uk/support Kind regards, Jamie Wiltshire Garmin Europe


maybe if people fill in the survey we can get them to increase the amount of course currently available.

Glencarraig

Mr Titleist wrote: »

Just as a matter of interest ...How did ya fare out with the charger aspect ???I presume the plug is a two pin ?? Does it fit the usual adapters that you buy here?

I would assume it's the same as the Golf Buddy, which uses a USB cable to charge from the computer

BUACHAILL

Glencarraig wrote: »

I would assume it's the same as the Golf Buddy, which uses a USB cable to charge from the computer

yes you have a usb connection so can plug to your pc, it also fits into a plug say like the ipod style, but you just run it through a normal adaptor and it works fine, so 2 ways to charge them

PGL

Seeing as I am the OP on this thread, I'd better update ye on the outcome:

After trying out the GolfBuddy on a couple of courses, I purchased the GB Tour model yesterday. In terms of the question of accuracy, I checked it against each club's strokesaver, and found that the unit was measuring within 2 yards of the strokesaver. As a high handicapper this accuracy is ideal for me. For low handicappers, who want an exact reading to the pin a laser rangefinder would be the best option, but in my case I am happy to get the ball on the centre of the dancefloor - the GolfBuddy gives me a reading for the front, centre and back of the green (although if you want to toggle with the GB settings it will also give you a good estimation of the pin position).

I have also used a laser rangefinder in the past, but when it comes to ease of use and convenience, the GB beats the laser hands down i.e. the GB is hooked on your golf bag giving you constant distance readings without needing to pick it up, press buttons, or aim it at the target (if you are lucky enough to have a good view of it!) - unlike the laser.....

Other reasons I opted for the GB:

* loads of courses mapped in Ireland and overseas;
* no annual fees;
* I got it at a sale price of €250;
* you can easily map a course yourself (with the approval of the owners obviously) e.g. a par 3 course which you might practice on during a week evening

All in all I'm a happy camper

Thanks for all the posts and comments folks

Ollieboy

PGL wrote: »

Seeing as I am the OP on this thread, I'd better update ye on the outcome:

After trying out the GolfBuddy on a couple of courses, I purchased the GB Tour model yesterday. In terms of the question of accuracy, I checked it against each club's strokesaver, and found that the unit was measuring within 2 yards of the strokesaver. As a high handicapper this accuracy is ideal for me. For low handicappers, who want an exact reading to the pin a laser rangefinder would be the best option, but in my case I am happy to get the ball on the centre of the dancefloor - the GolfBuddy gives me a reading for the front, centre and back of the green (although if you want to toggle with the GB settings it will also give you a good estimation of the pin position).

I have also used a laser rangefinder in the past, but when it comes to ease of use and convenience, the GB beats the laser hands down i.e. the GB is hooked on your golf bag giving you constant distance readings without needing to pick it up, press buttons, or aim it at the target (if you are lucky enough to have a good view of it!) - unlike the laser.....

Other reasons I opted for the GB:

* loads of courses mapped in Ireland and overseas;
* no annual fees;
* I got it at a sale price of €250;
* you can easily map a course yourself (with the approval of the owners obviously) e.g. a par 3 course which you might practice on during a week evening

All in all I'm a happy camper

Thanks for all the posts and comments folks

Can you tell me where you got it for €250 and if there is any left at that price?

Good report by the way and tend to agree.