iamcaddie golf range finder

ok pple ... i got some members of my team on leave so looks like GR will get the review first before I post it on the main website

Noted the request for the table ... but no time lah ...

The commonly available devices designed to provide distance information can be grouped into 2 broad categories, 1) GPS Based or 2) Optical Range Finding Based

In general, GPS systems are not as accurate compared to Optical RF systems, but are more convenient to use and if paired with a visual display, can provide useful bird’s eye views of the hole you are playing to facilitate course management.

Optical RF systems are very accurate, with advanced models even allowing for slope and gradient, to provide you with the exact distance to the target. However, they are restricted by line of sight and require a very steady hand to operate, especially if the target you are aiming at is far away.

This is because Optical RF’s require the user to manually aim at a target and then press a button to generate a distance reading. At longer distances, it is a challenge to settle the aim point exactly on a small target, e.g. A flapping flag at 170m, which could result in an incorrect reading if the device picks up an object slightly behind what you are aiming at.

Over the course of 2 games at Marina Bay Golf Course and Orchid Country Club, I tested the following devices:
1) Iamcaddie (GPS Based – Audio/Voice)
2) Golfshot Mobile App (GPS Based - Visual)
3) Bushnell Tour V2 Slope (Optical RF Based - Visual)

1) iamcaddie
A relatively new product to Asia but established in the US, iamcaddie is part of the family of GPS devices that provide information via voice instructions, i.e. they will tell you the distance to the middle of the green from where you are.

iamcaddie is a small, circular lightweight GPS device that clips on easily to your cap or visor and is operated by pressing the main button (there are 2 other minor ones for adjusting settings).

Once activated, distance information is provided instantly by pressing the silver button up till 30m from the center of the green, whereby it is replaced by a standard message mentioning that you are near the green.

What I liked:
Ease of use on the course.
Switch it on, wait about 2-3 minutes for the device to pick up a satellite connection, and everything else is automatic. The Golf Course is selected automatically along with the relevant Tee Box (triggered once you are in the physical proximity of the tee box). As you complete a hole and move to the next tee box, the device automatically recognizes the next hole.

Lightweight and Portable.
Clipped to my cap, distance information was available instantly and at all times with just a small gesture, even from some of the more adventurous locations I found myself in (I was not having a good day with the Driver). There was no need to remember to take it with me from the buggy, and it did not clutter my pockets.

Good Battery Life.
After my game at MBGC on a Monday, I forgot to charge it for Sunday’s game at OCC. However, the device lasted throughout the entire 36 holes (18 at MBGC and 18 at OCC).

What I did not like:
Having to remember how to change settings.
Since there is no visual display, you need to memorize how to manually change the settings, e.g. Yards to Meters, or manually changing the tee box back to the correct hole if you hit a wayward shot onto the next tee box. I have provided them feedback that visual cover containing basic instructions should also be included along with the 3 or 4 other different coloured covers that are provided.

Not knowing the distance to the front and back of the green.
While a voice based system cannot be expected to provide as much information as a visual map based system, sometimes just knowing the distance to the middle of the green is not enough.

Device needs regular updates.
The update system is standard for modern gadgets, i.e. plug into a laptop or computer, download a client manager from host website, install software and then plug in device occasionally to get updates. Although you can miss a few updates and still have the device working, if left for too long, the device will not be able to detect golf courses in its proximity. While this is easily fixed by plugging it in and running the update, it can be an unpleasant experience if you find out about it only on the course.

Other Points:
As with other GPS devices, if the course you play on is not mapped, you can write in to request for it. As there is a local team supporting this, courses in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia can be updated pretty quickly.
Accuracy is comparable to other GPS systems. When tested against a laser range finder, the deviation was within 3 meters.



Golfshot Mobile App
A visual GPS system that can be downloaded to your smart phone. Aside from providing distances, a visual map of the hole being played is normally available (satellite image). Golfshot also has functions to record scores and track your game statistics

What I like:
Sufficient Information Provided.
Information regarding; the front and back edge of the green, how far to the bunker, how much to carry the water hazard, etc, are all captured.

Mobile Updates.
Updates done without having to plug into a laptop.

Scoring Records and Analysis.
The scoring function allows the golfer to analyse which aspect of his game needs work by recording other information aside from how many total strokes for the hole, e.g. penalty shots, number of putts, etc.

What I did not like:
Drains battery power.
Running on an iphone 3GS, this application drained the battery to death before 18 holes were completed both times. Running on an iphone 4S, it managed to complete the round but managed to drain a fully charged phone to a red bar.

Distance updates are quite slow.
It appears to take a while (5-10 secs) for the distance reading to stabilize.

Manual Scoring.
To support the game analysis function, the scoring function is set up to capture more information. After each hole, and for each player you are taking score for, you have to enter values for up to 6 variables and then manually go to the next hole. Fun at first, a real pain after a while.

Satellite Maps.
The scale is not big enough to see anything, especially when viewed on a mobile phone. And since it is an actual satellite photographs, the contrast is not enough to clearly see where or even what the hazards actually are.

Other Points:
As with iamcaddie, accuracy (once stabilized) is consistent with other GPS systems. Within 5 meters when compared with a laser rangefinder.

Bushnell Tour V2 Slope
An Optical (Laser) Rangefinder with an inbuilt program to compensate for the target being higher or lower than the golfer, effectively providing the required distance to play. Slightly larger than a standard soft drink can, the golfer looks through the lens and aims at whatever object he wants a distance reading to, clicks on the button and gets the reading in the lens.

What I like.
Accuracy and correction for slope.
The margin of error with Optical Rangefinders for absolute distance is negligible when applied to golf. The impressive part is the slope correction. OCC Aranda Hole 2 tee box is significantly higher than the green. Distance Marker on the tee box says 186m. It was a red flag that day. The Bushnell supplied an adjusted reading of 145m. Although I did not believe it, I played 150m and true enough, finished about 4m past the flag putting for birdie.

Versatility.
Rangefinders allow you to get a distance to any object as long as you can see it. Be it a bunker face, edge of the water, etc.

What I did not like.
Line of Sight Limitation.
If you are blocked by obstacles and cannot see where you want to hit to, there is no easy way to get a distance reading.

Need for a steady hand.
I struggled to aim the bushnell accurately at the flag on occasion and the repeated attempts increased my frustration level. However, my flightmate had no issues with this, perhaps because of more practice aiming the device.

Size.
The device does not fit readily into your pocket so you have to remember to take it from the buggy if you intend to use it. If you have a buddy that is always driving the buggy off to look for wayward shots, it can be quite taxing to keep reminding oneself to take it from the buggy to use and put it back after use.

My overall experience with these different devices was pleasant. Although I was not too impressed with the Golfshot GPS, there are other specialized visual GPS devices on the market that provide a much better product experience, albeit at a much higher cost.

I also do not think it is fair to say which device is the best, or even what type of system, i.e. Voice GPS, Visual GPS, Optical RF is the best. It really depends on your needs and what type of golfer you are.

Optical RFs are very accurate, but need discipline and a steady hand to use. Quality models that can correct for differences in height are usually also relatively expensive, with prices for brand new models costing more than $500.

GPS systems are not as accurate as Rangefinders, but a 3-5 meter variation on occasion is not going to make much difference to the vast majority of social golfers. Visual systems provide more information, and if paired with a good course map, can be invaluable. However, they also tend to be more expensive than Voice systems.

Voice systems are light, fast and basic. Arguably the easiest type of device to wear around and use, and probably the quickest device to get used to. However, there is a limit to how much useful information can be provided by a Voice system is a practical amount of time.

My personal choice would be to always have a buddy with a steady hand and a good Optical Rangefinder sitting beside me. I would get accurate information, not have to deal with my unsteady hands, and best of all, it’s FREE (since the Rangefinder is not mine).

But given the above is not a practical solution, I would probably choose the Voice system. While the visual system provides more information, I hate cluttering my pockets and normally keep my phone and other things in the golf bag. Even during the test, I kept leaving the Bushnell and the phones in the buggy. The iamcaddie device though, clipped to my cap, was always easily accessible.

Derek wrote:

It was a red flag that day. The Bushnell supplied an adjusted reading of 145m. Although I did not believe it, I played 150m and true enough, finished about 4m past the flag putting for birdie.

so solid...

mUAr_cHEe wrote:

Derek wrote:

It was a red flag that day. The Bushnell supplied an adjusted reading of 145m. Although I did not believe it, I played 150m and true enough, finished about 4m past the flag putting for birdie.

so solid...

4m past and 7m left lah ... even though long 25 foot putt still considered birdie putt mah ...

Oh yes I forgot ... it was a lucky shot

Derek...try the
Bushnell 1600 / Pro1M
Leupold G3X1
Callaway Razr Rangefinder


all offer 6-7x zoom, which means at 200m out the flag stick is easiest to spot and get a reading compared to the 3x zoom on V2

Derek wrote:

Oh yes I forgot ... it was a lucky shot

Bluff. Poor back-peddling effort.

bro Derek +1 super review! Concise and to the point no pussyfooting about...
already charging the iamcaddie unit for tomorrows game LOL
think as u say its probably the best option for the social golfer as 3m difference in accuracy is not going to be making much difference to our games considering the enormous advantages in long battery life, lightweightedness (clipped on to hat/ cap), handsfree just press choice of 3buttons, no fidgetting adjusting scope trying to focus whilst hot and bothered whilst on the move and only costs $159! Think the truly ideal solution to game assist would be paying for a quality caddie who is knowledgeable and can use the best devices out there eg the bushnel rangefinder and report to the golfer the exact distances and angles....

Nice review Derek... Thx...

Btw, just to share one experience today with the Bushnell V2...

Going for a shot at 150m marker to green with red pin. Normally, I will just go with 7i. I took the V2 from my fren n checked showing 122m. Replace my 7i to 9i, telling myself to trust the V2 distance. Swing thru with normal impact with slight headwind, ball went directly to pin landed 2 feet to green at fringe(abt 5m to pin).

I was surprised as iirc, its my 1st time hitting from exactly 150m with a 9i with red pin. I was thinking if not for the slight headwind, I would have gotten near to the pin. AND, asking myself wat will happen if i just proceed with my 7i????

So I guess, I will go with the V2. Having said that, thats just my option n individual preference. Not saying that the other device is not good. So pls dun flame me, just sharing...

3131T wrote:

Btw, just to share one experience today with the Bushnell V2...

Going for a shot at 150m marker to green with red pin. Normally, I will just go with 7i. I took the V2 from my fren n checked showing 122m. Replace my 7i to 9i, telling myself to trust the V2 distance. Swing thru with normal impact with slight headwind, ball went directly to pin landed 2 feet to green at fringe(abt 5m to pin).

I was surprised as iirc, its my 1st time hitting from exactly 150m with a 9i with red pin. I was thinking if not for the slight headwind, I would have gotten near to the pin. AND, asking myself wat will happen if i just proceed with my 7i????

So I guess, I will go with the V2. Having said that, thats just my option n individual preference. Not saying that the other device is not good. So pls dun flame me, just sharing...

Wa....
Better dun buy u?
If so, 3-3 u re givg me liao!!

hkhamateur wrote:

3131T wrote:

Btw, just to share one experience today with the Bushnell V2...

Going for a shot at 150m marker to green with red pin. Normally, I will just go with 7i. I took the V2 from my fren n checked showing 122m. Replace my 7i to 9i, telling myself to trust the V2 distance. Swing thru with normal impact with slight headwind, ball went directly to pin landed 2 feet to green at fringe(abt 5m to pin).

I was surprised as iirc, its my 1st time hitting from exactly 150m with a 9i with red pin. I was thinking if not for the slight headwind, I would have gotten near to the pin. AND, asking myself wat will happen if i just proceed with my 7i????

So I guess, I will go with the V2. Having said that, thats just my option n individual preference. Not saying that the other device is not good. So pls dun flame me, just sharing...

Wa....
Better dun buy u?
If so, 3-3 u re givg me liao!!

U r the champ lor...

3131T wrote:

hkhamateur wrote:

3131T wrote:

Btw, just to share one experience today with the Bushnell V2...

Going for a shot at 150m marker to green with red pin. Normally, I will just go with 7i. I took the V2 from my fren n checked showing 122m. Replace my 7i to 9i, telling myself to trust the V2 distance. Swing thru with normal impact with slight headwind, ball went directly to pin landed 2 feet to green at fringe(abt 5m to pin).

I was surprised as iirc, its my 1st time hitting from exactly 150m with a 9i with red pin. I was thinking if not for the slight headwind, I would have gotten near to the pin. AND, asking myself wat will happen if i just proceed with my 7i????

So I guess, I will go with the V2. Having said that, thats just my option n individual preference. Not saying that the other device is not good. So pls dun flame me, just sharing...

Wa....
Better dun buy u?
If so, 3-3 u re givg me liao!!

U r the champ lor...

Bro....u don't buy, how to win champ....

No worries neighbour, I know how to deal with him....

3131T wrote:

No worries neighbour, I know how to deal with him....

Ok...our next game, i follow yr ball n u read e distance fr me hor!

Still on range finder or gps ?

Mygolfspy did a review of the best top 10 for 2012 and top place was not a Bushnell

http://www.mygolfspy.com/2012-best-golf-gps-rangefinders/

ha ha... blur liao...

iamcaddie Review update...

was at Orchard yesterday.... iamcaddie whole day searching but couldnt locate the course... sigh! "ladyvoice kept repeating searching for course..searching for course" what a big disappointment.. Assumed since got presence in Sg the co. would hv all the JB course in its stable....
prob my bad as didnt bother to check their website re JB courses available only to check this morning and Orchard wasnt there.. together with many others like Bukit Banang, Kukup, Christine (more obscure ones albeit)
anyways hv reported to the company @ http://www.iamcaddie.com.sg/ to see if they would update the current JB listings as per below to include Orchard...:

did u just undate the GPS with latest map?

I did an update and experience the same thing, searching for golf course.
cannot find the golf course
.

and I bought it back to the shop, and discover that my update was not done properly.
and theres ZERO golf course date in the GPS.

So shop did the update for me and after that everything is GOOD

Ok folks ... I am caddie does not work in legend ... Orchard has not been updated too ... So I've got this device tat does not serve any purpose thus far ...

Can anyone share the AA promo code for the online purchase of Imcaddie ?

haiz... my unit is still not WORKING!!

pippin wrote:

haiz... my unit is still not WORKING!!

Can bring back to seller rite? Still under warranty!

Did anyone buy the gadget online utilising the AA promotion code? If yes, how much was it?......and can share the promo code?

how would you rate this in comparison to a laser range finder?

pure convenience is the clincher for me.. just press button and it tells u how far in m or yds you are from the pin (centre) from anywhere on the course, even when theres no line of sight eg behind bunker or in trees or other fairway.. prob in terms of accuracy not as accurate as laser range finder but sufficient for a social golfer eg within 5-10m

I have tried similar product "Voice Caddie VC200" and used for about 2 month mostly TP A, B and C courses. Like Jeffman88 I bought this gadget for convince as I liked idea of press button for yardage to middle of green.

So far I am not very impressed as time to time its giving terrible yardages, this happens much more in C course. I am not sure if this is mapping issue or ....

From my experience I would not recommend this product.

Cheers
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