How to Buy a GPS Unit
By Jamie Lisse
Golf GPS units differ from those used in cars in that they offer specialized data for golfers. Features vary by make and model but can include the length of your last shot and distance to and location of the hole, targets, hazards, and the front, middle and back of the green. Thousands of courses have been mapped for golf GPS units. There is a lot to choose from in the golf GPS market, but with a little homework you can make sure you are buying the best unit for your game.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Determine what your price range is. In 2009, new golf GPS units can cost anywhere from $125 to $600. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase accessories like a cart mount for the unit, a carrying case or a charger.
Decide if you want to pay for a course database. Some units, such as the Garmin Approach G5 and the OnPar Golf GPS, come preloaded with courses. Other units, like the SkyCaddie SG5 and the Sonocaddie V300, charge for course maps. Course databases can be priced per download or as a yearly membership. Some memberships are broken up into pricing tiers, starting with maps for a single state and offering, at the top tier, maps for all of the world's courses.
Look at battery life as advertised by the manufacturers. Some units are rechargeable while other require batteries, typically AAs. Your best bet may be a unit like the Golf Buddy Pro GPS, which has a lithium-ion rechargeable battery with backup AAA batteries power.
Evaluate the memory in the unit. Golf GPS units vary in the number of courses they can hold in memory at one time. In most units, a 27-hole course is broken up into three memory items, which reduces the total number of courses held in memory.
The display screen size can vary. If you wear glasses or oterwise have some vision problems, you may want with a large display screen. Some units feature an anti-glare screen for those sunny days as well as a back-light for any low light conditions you might be playing in.
Take a unit for a test drive with GolfGPSRental.com. This site is like a Netflix for golfers. It allows you to rent a GPS unit before you buy it to make sure it meets your needs. As of 2009, they have all of the available SkyCaddie and GolfLogix models available for rental. Rentals can be for periods from three to 30 days. Only one golf course map is included with your rental.
About The Author
Jamie Lisse has been writing professionally since 1997. She has published works with a number of online and print publishers. Her areas of expertise include finance and accounting, travel, entertainment, digital media and technology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English.
