Pros
Long battery life
Accurate and consistent readings
Easy to see in bright daylight
Convenient and easy to use
Lightweight and comfortable
Good value for money
Multiple-face display configurations
Easy charging process
Over 42k preloaded courses
Cons
Battery life could be longer
Not very intuitive; requires reading the manual
Visualization of fairways and hazards not as good as expensive models
Main Product Advantages
10 Course Availability
The watch excels in picking up courses, with users noting that it has a wide range of courses preloaded and is quick to locate them.
9 Accuracy
Accuracy is a strong point for this watch, with several reviews noting its precision in providing distances that are comparable to more expensive range finders and golf cart GPS units.
9 Visibility
The display is praised for being easy to read in bright daylight, which is a critical feature for outdoor use.
9 Value for Money
Considered relatively inexpensive for the functionality it offers, the watch provides good value, especially when compared to more expensive models with similar accuracy.
8 Comfort
The watch is described as lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to forget that you are even wearing it, which is ideal for long rounds of golf.
8 Convenience
The convenience of having quick, wrist-based access to distances and yardages makes this watch a preferred choice over handheld devices or relying on others.
8 Durability
The watch has shown good durability with prolonged usage over years without significant issues, indicating a strong build.
7 Ease of Use
While generally considered easy to use, the watch is noted to have a non-intuitive user interface that necessitates reading the instruction manual. Some functionalities require multiple steps which may be cumbersome.
6 Battery Life
Many users find the battery life to be adequate, generally lasting for multiple rounds of golf. However, some users feel it doesn't last as long as expected and could require frequent recharging.
6 Extra Features
While it includes useful features like stroke entry and scorekeeping, it lacks certain advanced functionalities that some users miss, such as fairway and hazard visualizations.
Garmin Approach S12: Easy-to-Use GPS Golf Watch
The Garmin Approach S12 is a highly functional golf watch designed to enhance your golfing experience. As soon as you tee off, this watch provides you with key yardages to the green, hazards, and doglegs on over 42,000 preloaded courses worldwide. This feature is especially useful for golfers who play in different locations and need accurate distance information.
Key Yardages and Course Information
One of the standout features of the Garmin Approach S12 is its ability to give you essential yardages. This functionality is critical for making informed decisions on the course. Whether it's the distance to the green or noting hazards and doglegs, this watch has got you covered.
Scorekeeping and App Integration
The Garmin Approach S12 allows you to keep your score directly on the watch. You can then upload your scores directly to the Garmin Golf™ app when paired with a compatible smartphone. This integration is not only convenient but also allows you to participate in weekly leaderboards and track your progress.
Compatibility with Approach CT10 Sensors
For those looking to take their game to the next level, the Garmin Approach S12 can be paired with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors (sold separately). These sensors add another layer of automatic game tracking capabilities, making it easier to analyze your performance and improve over time.
Impressive Battery Life
Battery life is often a concern with GPS devices, but the Garmin Approach S12 delivers reliably with up to 15 hours in GPS mode. This means you can play longer without worrying about the watch dying mid-round.
Conclusion
In summary, the Garmin Approach S12 is an excellent GPS golf watch that offers a range of features designed to improve your golfing experience. From key yardages and scorekeeping to app integration and extended battery life, this watch is a dependable companion on the course. If you're looking to enhance your game with reliable technology, the Garmin Approach S12 is a solid choice.