The Ultimate Golf Watch — Shot Scope’s V5

Playing Through: Shot Scope has established itself as one of the top shot tracking / analysis companies. The Shot Scope V5 GPS watch takes this another step further with a full-color screen. In addition to GPS and shot tracking capabilities, the V5 is equally capable off the course thanks to its stylish design, different watch displays, and step tracking. The culmination of the enhancements makes the V5 Shot Scope’s best, but perhaps the most valuable on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Shot Scope debuted the V1 shot-tracking watch back in 2016. In the nearly ten years that have followed, Shot Scope has established itself as one of the leaders in shot tracking and analysis. But unlike the majority of its competitors, Shot Scope remains committed to offering its users high-value products that come without never-ending subscription fees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The V5 is Shot Scope’s newest iteration in its V-Series. Although there was never a V4 model, the V5 follows the release of the H4—a GPS handheld that could be used as a standalone product or in tandem with the PRO LX laser rangefinders—and X5—a touchscreen GPS watch. Like both of these offerings, the V5 comes with 16 club sensors that easily screw into the butt of each grip. By adding the sensors, you’re ready to immediately start tracking shots after launching a round on the V5.

This, of course, isn’t something new, as Shot Scope’s GPS watches have been doing this since the V2. However, the V5 is a case where the culmination of the numerous small enhancements and refinements come together and form a robust, comprehensive offering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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As this Shot Scope comparison chart shows, the V5 comes equipped with a full-color screen:

The larger display not only means that the invaluable GPS data is more easily viewable but also that the full hole can be displayed in a birds-eye view. No longer are you guessing how the hole twists and curves or how the various hazards cut or neighbor the fairway or greens, respectively. While this would be invaluable on its own, the V5 also allows you to scroll through various distance points on each hole so you can plan what club to go with next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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And because the V5 is an independent device (it doesn’t need to be tethered to your cell phone or a smartphone app), it works regardless of whether you are. Never do you need to worry about whether or not you have a cell signal when traveling, or fumbling with your phone (and the endless distractions caused by phone calls, texts, e-mails, app notifications, etc.). The V5—like many of Shot Scope’s other devices—can work directly out of the packaging (provided there’s a sufficient charge) due in part to the fact that it comes pre-loaded with over 36,000 courses located around the world.

When you’re not playing, the V5—thanks to its circular redesign that makes it look more like a traditional watch—also offers plenty of features off the course, with five different color themes, different clock face displays, a built-in step counter, and a battery that’s rated for two full rounds or 5-days when used as a watch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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However, since we’re a golf website, I’ll finish this product review by focusing on the V5 golf-specific functionality. In addition to being able to do everything on the course—the ability to provide and display every GPS data point in color, track data for each and every shot you hit, and record your scorecard—the V5’s value shines when you Bluetooth-load your round to the Short Scope Smartphone App and Desktop Dashboard, where you can access analysis on every shot you’ve hit. And I mean every, as the app and dashboard both allow you to sort, review, and compare data for different clubs (including those currently in the bag and those since retired) by different date ranges (week vs. week, year vs. year) and each and every course you’ve played.

This invaluable not only lets you identify your strengths and weaknesses (and how strong or weak you are compared to a higher or lower handicap golfer), but also can be shared with your coach through Shot Scope Academy (which is also free for your coach to access), who can then use it to develop a much more refined, focused-lesson play for you.

At any all-in, one-time price of $250, the Shot Scope V5 undercuts most of its competitors, offering fewer features. Add in that Shot Scope doesn’t require you to pay any membership or paywall fees to unlock its most valuable or desirable features, and it’s clear that the V5 offers the most value of any option on the marketplace.

So whether you’re just looking to try out a new GPS watch or start dipping your foot in the world of shot tracking and analysis, the Shot Scope V5 should be somewhere near the top of your list—if not the first option you’re considering.

Cover Image via Shot Scope