Product Review: Shot Scope V5 GPS Watch

One of the things I’ve learned is that I play better golf when I have good information. That’s especially true when it comes to distance. If I know my yardages, I can make good decisions.

The late Johnny Miller, Hall of Fame golfer and NBC golf analyst, was one of the best iron players of his generation and notorious for his pinpoint accuracy. Legend has it that he once asked his caddie how far it was to the hole and the caddie replied 138 or 139. “Well, which is it?” Miller demanded.

So, I’m not as precise as Johnny Miller, but since I started using the Shot Scope V5 watch, I play with more confidence knowing I have accurate information. Decision making is faster and my scores have improved as a result.

There’s a lot more to like about the V5 too.

To start with, the watch is incredibly lightweight (50g) and has a comfortable silicone strap that doesn’t make your wrist sweaty or pick up dust and sand. The face is easy to read and has four buttons for easy navigation. Some people tell me they like a watch with touch-screen functions but that’s never been my thing. I prefer pushing buttons.

Shot Scope has made the set-up pretty easy. Just download an app, register your account and pair the device. Then you can load various preferences for colour and display. That takes less than 20 minutes and you’re ready to go.

At the golf course, it usually only takes a minute or two for the GPS to locate the nearest course and let you get started. The V5 comes preloaded with 36,000 golf courses worldwide. It provides yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as distances to hazards and run outs, and a hole overview map. The accuracy of the GPS has been tested against laser rangefinders, and the V5 consistently delivers precise measurements within a yard or two.

Other Functions

The V5 also has a shot-tracking function which automatically records every shot and club used, allowing you to analyze your performance after each round. If you want to use this function, insert club-tracking tags (included with the watch) into each of your grips, place a club near your watch and take a few practice swings. The V5 does the rest. Repeat with your full set. On the course, you don’t have to do anything extra and the V5 will be collecting all your shot data for later analysis.

There’s a digital scorecard that lets you record total strokes and putts for each hole and displays your score throughout your round and if you like, the V5 is designed to be used off the golf course as well. It has a date / time display and will count your steps.

Finally, unlike many of the golf apps you might use on your phone, the V5 doesn’t eat up the battery. It will last at least two rounds and powers down when stationary.

Summary

The Shot Scope V5 Watch is feature packed, easy to use and easier on the wallet than many of the golf watches on the market. There are no ongoing subscription fees, the company provides exceptional technical support, and the watch comes with a two-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee. If you want accurate information at an affordable price, the V5 has it.

The Shot Scope V5 GPS Watch retails for $260 in Canada and if you use the promo code FAIRWAYS15, you can get an additional 15% off.

For more information or to purchase the Shot Scope V5, click HERE.