upro died... need new GPS

[68kicks]

So, my lovely children were playing with my upro..... shockingly it is dead now.

Time for a new GPS. I've had my upro so long, I don't really know much about what is out right now.

I didn't necessarily love the upro, but it got me around fine.

 

I have read some of the info here about different GPS units and was looking for recommendations:

 

What I am looking for:

Battery life: I would like to get 36 out of it without recharge

Yardage: I just need front middle back, don't really care about hazards. But want something with true FMB yardage no fixed points.

I have zero interest in paying an annual fee....

I'm kinda on the fence about a watch, garmin S1 looks interesting but worry about the battery to get me through 36.

 

Not a lot of talk about sky caddie? the AIRE looks interesting wondering if anyone had any experience with it

 

No offense to the laser guys... but they are not for me.

 

Thanks for your help

[bpark1210]

I'm not a gps guy anymore but the watch is the route I would go (given you don't want a laser). Why carry a bulky device on top of your smartphone. Smartphones apps have replaced the need to carry a gps device. The GPS device will go extinct in a few more years, I can tell you working in a pro shop they do not sell.

[68kicks]

[quote name='bpark1210' timestamp='1410893684' post='10127243']
I'm not a gps guy anymore but the watch is the route I would go (given you don't want a laser). Why carry a bulky device on top of your smartphone. Smartphones apps have replaced the need to carry a gps device. The GPS device will go extinct in a few more years, I can tell you working in a pro shop they do not sell.
[/quote]

I figured the app would kill my battery. Additionally I play some course in northern Michigan where guys don't get cell service. GPS was the only way to go.
Interesting though.... thanks.

[chas521]

AFAIK, the apps on a cell phone don't require a cellular connection. Once you download the course to your phone, it's there not in cyberland. The phone then uses the GPS chip. I could be wrong but I don't think so.

[golfdad907]

I don't like the watches, too bulky and too little detail. My SkyCaddie SG5 is still going strong after 4 or 5 years now. When it dies, I'l be interested in hearing what folks on the WRX opinions are as well.

[Itsjustagame]

I have a Sky Caddie SGX and the S1. Use the S1 most of the time unless it's an unfamiliar course. However, you wont get 36 holes off the battery. Not that big a deal to recharge though.
The S1 is as accurate as the SGX and most of the time matches the readings from fiends laser based finders.
Wearing it on your wrist is far and away more convenient than phone apps or hand held devices and you wont know it is there.
In my experience the gps and laser finders can give you bad numbers on occasion so you have to reality check what they tell you.

[dcmidnight]

I've had issues with my upro mx lately and have tried the Garmin S1. Really impressed. Extremely simple to use and very quick. Its less than 2 ounces, trust me, you wont notice it on your wrist after 5 minutes. No layout and no hazards but very quick and simple to use.

I have a Bushnell ProX7 as well but I find myself using the S1 more and more.

Ideally I'd like there to eventually be a tournament-legal watch with the hole layout capability that the upro has - where you can touch it and get the measurements to that point and from that point to the green - but that is probably a ways off. Mostly because I imagine if anything like that ever comes out it will be packed with all sorts of useless crap that no one really needs.

Otherwise, IMO, the S1 is a really good deal.

[dave s 316]

I know you don't want the annual fee, and you don't have to go that route. I use laser and the SGX sky caddie. The sky caddie to me is the best unit going for what I need. My friends have other makes, but I find the SGX the easiest to use. Just my findings anyway. Hope that helps a little. You could always get the annual deal added on if you found the need down the road. Good luck.

[smschulz]

I have a uPro too.
I am considering an upgrade as well but mine is still working.
However, they are discontinuing any course updates or additions at the end of this year.
I also would like something that is easier to see in sunlight.
The flyover doesn't really do much for me either.
The uber small screen is my biggest complaint.

[ballana]

You may just want to give Callaway customer service a call. I had a problem with my UPro a couple years ago, and they went ahead and sent me a brand-new UPro MX (probably refurbished go though) which I still have. If they have extra stock left, they may just replace it for you, even with it probably being out of warranty. The one thing I will say for a Callaway is that their customer service is amazing, then you could get it loaded up before it shuts down at the end of the year.

[alfie]

Once i realized Callaway was ending support, i decided to get the Bushnell neo xs... pretty happy with it...

[DickieThon]

I had the first generation upro and it died on me. I've been using the GolfBuddy watch for about a month or so and it's fine for me. Gives you the 36 holes of battery life, front-middle-back, and distance to hazards. It's got some other functions that are useful too, but honestly I don't use more than what I already said.

[larrybud]

What is wrong with your upros? Just won't turn on?

I might be interested in buying defective ones if the price is right, depending on the defect (nothing cracked, for instance).

[BlackDiamondPar5]

@68kicks, did you make a decision?

As others suggested a watch is a great way to go. You can't beat the simplicity and speed of having yardage on your wrist at a glance.

The Garmin S1 is great-- inexpensive, simple, true FMB distance. But really not suited for 2 rounds.
Did you check out the Garmin S2? Battery is better, around 8 hours, so depending on how fast you're able to play it may work.

Bushnell Neo XS has much better battery life, ~12 hours BUT not true FMB. Middle is always right, but FB are as approached from fairway. I've only found this to be an issue with huge sprawling greens with multiple approach angles, but not often enough for me to find it as a problem since I still have my eyes. Plus you get 4 hazards on the XS which is great for doglegs and fairway water etc and to me is worth the trade for not having true Near/Far green edge.

The only handheld I've paid a bit attention to is the Garmin G6 which is great, but since their newer G7/G8 have non-conforming features and I love the watch, I've lost interest in handhelds.

[gutlas5]

garmin approach G6 user here. lasted 4 rounds. easy to read and easy to use. i haven't figured out a way to put it to sleep so sometimes i pull it out of my pocket and i have to hit the back button to get back to the hole. but i would HIGHLY recommend it

[Stu Knod]

I'd appreciate any input as I'm considering my first GPS device. My interest have gone from Bushnell Neo XS (watch), to Garmin S3 (watch), to Garmin G6 (handheld), to Callaway uPro M+ (handheld). I'm always in a cart. Often play in sunny conditions and have 50 year old eyes that require cheater +1.50 magnifying glasses. I think my game will do better with easily accesible yardage and landmarks. The Callaway can be found for $60 and although their Pro Mode visual layouts end December 31, 2014 it just sounds like a deal too good to be true!!!! Any thoughts?

[rcain1us]

[quote name='alfie' timestamp='1413504195' post='10302173']
Once i realized Callaway was ending support, i decided to get the Bushnell neo xs... pretty happy with it...
[/quote]

My Upro died a slow death to the point where it wasn't even making it through 18 holes.

I went with the Neo and after a couple of rounds of getting used to wearing a watch I think it works fine.

The battery life is outstanding.

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='dcmidnight' timestamp='1410912872' post='10128815']
I've had issues with my upro mx lately and have tried the Garmin S1. Really impressed. Extremely simple to use and very quick. Its less than 2 ounces, trust me, you wont notice it on your wrist after 5 minutes. No layout and no hazards but very quick and simple to use.

I have a Bushnell ProX7 as well but I find myself using the S1 more and more.

Otherwise, IMO, the S1 is a really good deal.
[/quote]

I bought my Sister an S1 and she loves it.

Here's a deal on one now for $69.99 (refurb but with a 1 year warranty)

[url="http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sdtid=7487718&sku=EMGRAPS1RB&omid=200&ref=cj&utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_placement=4485850"]LINK[/url]

Price drops $10 in cart.

If you really can't wear a watch you can just strap it to your bag, or windshield post on the cart.

[i*windows]

[quote name='Hateto3Putt' timestamp='1418133729' post='10566639']
[quote name='dcmidnight' timestamp='1410912872' post='10128815']
I've had issues with my upro mx lately and have tried the Garmin S1. Really impressed. Extremely simple to use and very quick. Its less than 2 ounces, trust me, you wont notice it on your wrist after 5 minutes. No layout and no hazards but very quick and simple to use.

I have a Bushnell ProX7 as well but I find myself using the S1 more and more.

Otherwise, IMO, the S1 is a really good deal.
[/quote]

I bought my Sister an S1 and she loves it.

Here's a deal on one now for $69.99 (refurb but with a 1 year warranty)

[url="http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sdtid=7487718&sku=EMGRAPS1RB&omid=200&ref=cj&utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_placement=4485850"]LINK[/url]

Price drops $10 in cart.

If you really can't wear a watch you can just strap it to your bag, or windshield post on the cart.
[/quote]

WOW that's a great deal..

[68kicks]

Update - I wound up buying a Upro MX+ and a Garmin S1. I had planned on testing them head to head but winter started here in Michigan way too early...

[BG5]

I'm in Michigan as well and do slot of golfing in Northern Michigan. I use the Garmin G6 as its great size and easily fits in pocket. The battery life is outstanding.

[BG5]

I'm in Michigan as well and do slot of golfing in Northern Michigan. I use the Garmin G6 as its great size and easily fits in pocket. The battery life is outstanding.

[avgjoe]

I use a gb voice+ (plus) on mute... gives F-M-B on one screen, with "dynamic green view". has watchband option, but I just string to belt loop. prob gonna be one of the cheaper options out there. btw, a watch can just be strapped to bag or cart or wherever, so you don't have to rule those out. also, smartphone apps are not always gonna be usga conforming, not nec because of the app but because everything else that might be on the phone