Guys,

I am still using a Sky Caddie GPS version 1!!! Still works but I have to renew my membership this year. I am looking to buy a newer GPS and have looked at the Golf Buddy Platinum. It has over 40,000 courses preloaded and there are no membership fees. I like that fact.

Any pros or cons???

Thanks....

Bob

Bob,

Do you have a smartphone? I switched from a Skycaddie 2.5 to Oob's app for my Droiad and haven't looked back. If you're an addict plus member it doesn't cost any extra. Because it uses SkyGolf's mapping, it's pretty accurate and is a hell of a lot cheaper than their other product.

Having said that, IIRC my golfing partner has a Golf Buddy and likes it a lot, but he does have an occasional problem with it moving to different holes if he's really close to the fairway. Other than that, he loves it.

Matt

I do have a Samsung Nexxus - their latest and greatest Android operating system (Ice Cream Sandwich). I know when I have used the oob app previously on my IPhone, it sucked battery like crazy. I went ahead and ordered a Golf Buddy - I will let you know how I like it. Thanks.

You know, modern day smart phones have short battery lives to begin with. I use mine pretty intensively, and I had to go out and buy an extended battery pack when I got my Droid 2. I love the phone, and with the extended battery, I can get in two 18-hole rounds if they take less than four hours each.

I use nRange.

I really like my golf buddy.

mwfaith1971 wrote:

Bob, Do you have a smartphone? I switched from a Skycaddie 2.5 to Oob's app for my Droiad and haven't looked back. If you're an addict plus member it doesn't cost any extra. Because it uses SkyGolf's mapping, it's pretty accurate and is a hell of a lot cheaper than their other product. Having said that, IIRC my golfing partner has a Golf Buddy and likes it a lot, but he does have an occasional problem with it moving to different holes if he's really close to the fairway. Other than that, he loves it. Matt

The app, it's always accurate in your experience? I gave up on GPS apps after a couple of weeks. I would get readings that were off by ten yards or more. Still good for mapping out unfamiliar courses though.

Beef,

I haven't had any problems with mine at all. When I first got the app, I ran it in conjuction with my Skycaddie and had the same numbers all the time...maybe I'm just lucky.

In regards the battery life, I just turn the screen off between shots, so I've never had an issue with the battery running down to severly.

I use the basic FreeCaddie app on my Droid2. Gives me what I need- front/middle/back. I have no idea if it's exact to the yard, but it gives me a good general idea, which is what I need. I'm horrible at judging distances, so having a good estimate is better than nothing, and I'm cheap so I don't want to pay for it.

And keep in mind that if you're using cavity backs, you're not going to be able to hit the ball to the yard anyway. The standard variance for a cavity back is 3-5 yards in distance even if you hit it perfect every time.

I use the golf buddy. Picked it up last year and does fine. My main concern is yardage to front and back of green and it gives me that. Close enough is close enough.

bducharm wrote:

Guys, I am still using a Sky Caddie GPS version 1!!! Still works but I have to renew my membership this year. I am looking to buy a newer GPS and have looked at the Golf Buddy Platinum. It has over 40,000 courses preloaded and there are no membership fees. I like that fact. Any pros or cons??? Thanks.... Bob

Obviously, I am a little biased, but SkyCaddie is hands down the best GPS on the market. It's the only company that physically visits each and every course and uses survey grade equipment to map them. The other GPS companies, including Golf Buddy, use third party satellite imagery to create their maps.

I've played with the Platinum and was not impressed. The touch screen was not very responsive and it was hard to see in the sunlight. Plus, I had a hard time trusting the distance information was correct.

mustang6560 wrote:

Obviously, I am a little biased, but SkyCaddie is hands down the best GPS on the market. It's the only company that physically visits each and every course and uses survey grade equipment to map them. The other GPS companies, including Golf Buddy, use third party satellite imagery to create their maps.

Nate,

Considering Oob uses the same mapping as SkyCaddie, that makes them both the best, yes?

Matt

Don't have either or any, my only experience with GPS systems is ones installed on carts at some courses or with boat navigation, where we were told that there is a small margin for error and to remember that so that you don't drive up on the rocks. At a course one time, my ball was right next to the 160 mark on the ground, both carts in our group were pulled up also very close to mark, my carts GPS said 164, the other was closer to 170, who do you believe?. If I spend the $$, probably go with a laser rangefinder and a $5 course yardage book (when available) My opinion only

Dusty23 wrote:

Don't have either or any, my only experience with GPS systems is ones installed on carts at some courses or with boat navigation, where we were told that there is a small margin for error and to remember that so that you don't drive up on the rocks. At a course one time, my ball was right next to the 160 mark on the ground, both carts in our group were pulled up also very close to mark, my carts GPS said 164, the other was closer to 170, who do you believe?. If I spend the $$, probably go with a laser rangefinder and a $5 course yardage book (when available) My opinion only

I believe the GPS before I believe the yardage sticks.

That said, six yards of difference between two GPS devices is quite large especially considering the fact that they were the same GPS devices. I'm comparing my GPS readings to other people's all of the time, and we're usually within 2-3 yards of each other.

I believe a laser rangefinder is MUCH better than GPS..... My friend Francesco Schettino says GPS is GOOD ENOUGH. "I use it on my boat all the time" He says.