SkyCaddie Linx GPS watch review
Has SkyCaddie got the Linx effect?
READ: Best golf GPS 2015 test
Name: SkyCaddie Linx watch
Weight: 45 g
Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.1 x 1.8 (without wristband)
Touchscreen: No
Battery life: Up to six hours (GPS mode)
Course maps: Pre-loaded with 35,000 TrueGround course maps
Colours: Black, White
RRP: £200
Key features
- Precise yardages - accurate distances to front, centre and back of green based on the golfer's angle of approach
- TrueGround target list - layup targets from tee to green
- Bluetooth-enabled with new complimentary SkyGolf Mobile app - digital Scorecard syncs to SkyGolf Mobile app for further stat analysis
- Intelligent automation - auto-course recognition and auto-hole advance
- Fitness - stopwatch and odometer features
Ease of use
A total of six buttons for a watch seemed a little too many on first look, but after getting used to the product, it quickly became second nature.
We found the product to be light, comfortable and small enough on the wrist not to be a distraction in the swing or putting stroke.
Best features
The best feature of the SkyCaddie Linx is how the yardages to the front, middle and back of the green are based on the golfer's angle of approach - perfect for when finding yourself playing an approach shot from the adjacent fairway.
We also appreciated the "Shot Distance" measurement to find out how far we "really" hit that drive.
In addition to telling the time and helping with your golf, there are several fitness features included in the Linx that make it not only an every-day watch but also fully functional for multiple sports.
A built-in odometer tracks location, distance, time, laps, speed, pace and calories burned during walks, runs, or bike rides.
In terms of slight niggles, the SkyCaddie Linx took a little longer than ideal to pick up our local course and the user is required to splash out on annual fees to enjoy full access to all the targets, hazards and green shapes available.
Setup
The SkyCaddie Linx can be paired with either your computer or your smart phone, but we recommend siding with the latter option as it is much easier.
Once your phone is paired with the Linx, you will be able to easily add courses, upgrade your membership and receive notifications from your phone on your watch.
While a six-hour battery life is decent enough, it does fall short against some of the others in this test.
Conclusion
Arguably the most fashionable golf GPS watch on the market right now, as well as one of the most effective with its precise distances to the front, middle and back of the green.
For your £200, you receive all the basic features and distances, plus layups, but to unlock some of SkyCaddie's hidden gems such as new "IntelliGreen" technology featuring the actual green shape and "TrueGround" target list, you have to pay an additional annual fee of £40.
While these additional features add to the full GPS experience and are certainly worth the extra money, this decision will likely depend on how seriously you take your golf.
For more information visit www.skygolf.com
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
