Unlock the Power of Precision Golf with Shot Scope V5: Expert Review
Shot Scope V5: One-Minute Review
If you can afford it and want one of the best golf watches, there are other options out there. However, if you’re not looking to spend upwards of $500/£500/AU$900 on a watch that you’ll only wear for golf, the V5 is a solid choice. It offers features you wouldn’t usually find in its price range.
In addition to basic front, middle, and back yardage numbers, the V5 provides additional useful functions, such as accurate distances to hazards, layups, and doglegs. It comes with 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide and full maps of each hole, allowing you to see what lies ahead as you plan your strategy on the tee.
The V5 operates via buttons, not a touchscreen, which may seem old-fashioned but is arguably more practical and efficient, especially in wet conditions or with gloves on. The button system is straightforward to use once you get familiar with it, making it simple to scroll through hazards and record your score on each hole.
The V5 stands out particularly in its post-round shot tracking and analytics. It comes with 16 individual club tags that attach to the butt of a club’s grip and track data from each shot. After the round, you can access a wealth of useful data to help you improve specific aspects of your game. Other brands offer similar features, but often charge extra for the tags and/or a yearly subscription. Shot Scope provides everything at a reasonable single price point.
Shot Scope V5: Specifications
| Component | Shot Scope V5 | Garmin Approach S70 (42mm/47mm) | Garmin Approach S62 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99 | $649.99 (42mm), $699.99 (47mm) / £549.99 (42mm), £599.99 (47mm) / AU$1,099 (42mm), AU$1,199 (47mm) | $499 / £479 / AU$799 |
| Dimensions | 43mm x 43mm x 12mm | 42 x 42 x 12.6mm / 47 x 47 x 13.4mm | 47 x 47 x 14.8 mm |
| Weight | 50g | 44g / 56g | 61g |
| Case/Bezel | ABS | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Display | 240 x 240 pixels, 64 colours – Hardened Mineral Glass | AMOLED, 390 x 390px / 454 x 454px | 260 x 260px |
| GPS | GPS 1, Galileo E1, Glonass L1 | GPS+GLONASS+Galileo | Unspecified |
| Battery Life | Around 5 days / or (in GPS mode) two rounds of golf (approx 10 hours) | Smartwatch mode: 10 days / 16 days; GPS mode: 15 hours / 20 hours | Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days; GPS mode: up to 20 hours |
| Connection | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Water Resistant | N/A | 5ATM | 5ATM |
How I Tested the Shot Scope V5
I played two full rounds and an additional nine holes using the Shot Scope V5, experiencing varying weather conditions, including heavy rain. I compared the GPS numbers to my Garmin Approach S62 and used a laser for more precise yardage. The Shot Scope V5 was usually within two yards of the laser and matched the Garmin’s numbers, demonstrating its accuracy.
