The SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS by Sky Golf is one of the more advanced golf GPS units around, with a somewhat steep but ultimately rewarding learning curve. Though its initial launch was bumpy and met with heavy criticism, many of the problems have since been rectified and the unit is well worth its price.
SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS Review – Features at a glance
- size: 2.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.75″
- weight: 5.6 ounces
- rechargeable battery (up to 14 hours)
- 3″ transflective LCD screen
- SkyGolf’s IntelliGreen technology
- digital scorecard
- interactive, zoomable HoleVue
- stores up to 30,000 pre-loaded course maps
- dual navigation
Click here to view more product features.
SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS Review – Pros & cons
Pros
The SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS has a large transflective screen which is easily readable in direct sunlight. You won’t have to squint or angle the device “just right” to be able to view the brilliant color display.
Accuracy is of course a critical factor when choosing a golf GPS unit, and many customers agree that this is one of the best devices in terms of accuracy.
One of the most common praises for the SkyCaddie SGX is its motion-sensor feature, where you can change views by simply turning the device from the upright position to either left or right. The following are snippets from just a couple of Amazon.com testimonials by customers impressed with this feature:
“…One really cool feature that was unexpected is the ability to roll the device. In portrait mode it gives the info that one would expect. When rolled on one side it brings up the score sheet, and when rolled the other way it give a view of the green. Sweeet!!!…(continued)”
“…This device is simply fantastic. It has enough information available to you to make a very well informed decision with every shot. The joystick is sensitive but not overly sensitive. The screen is easy to see especially in direct sunlight. I absolutely love the fact you can turn it to the right and get the green view information and turn it to the left to get scorecard information…(continued)”
The following video demonstrates the use of the GPS unit.
Cons
Though SkyGolf has been fairly popular and praised over the years for their solid golf GPS units, they made quite a few mistakes for the initial launch of the SkyCaddie SGX back in April 2010, and was understandably met with a lot of criticism. This was thanks to initial bugs, problems with registration and syncing (particularly with then recently-launched Windows 7), as well as reportedly poor customer support, which was no doubt overwhelmed by the surge of customer complaints. Although many of these problems and bugs have since been rectified, the initial distaste has unfortunately left a permanent mark in the form of quite a few negative reviews on Amazon.com.
This unit is packed with features and is likely not suitable for anyone who’s just looking for a barebones GPS unit to improve their game. If you are not tech-savvy, you may find that the device has a fairly steep though rewarding learning curve.
In spite of the negative reviews during the initial launch of the unit, many other customers have since found their purchase to be more than satisfactory. Take for example, the following snippet of testimonial from someone who still recommends the unit in spite of its limitations.
“…I found the ranges accurate which are what this rangefinder is really about and is the reason I did not get any of the satellite mapped rangefinders…The biggest negative for me is the learning curve. It takes a while to learn all the features and how to use them. All in all, I like the unit and recommend it…(continued)”
SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS Review – The Bottomline
If you are fairly tech-savvy and willing to put in some effort to learn to navigate the user interface, or already own an older SkyCaddie model, the SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS does live up to its advertised features and offers some of the most accurate values for a rangefinder, so it would be well worth the price for you.
Click here to check out Amazon.com for great discounts on the SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS.
Filed under: SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS.