Pros
Accurate GPS yardage
Good battery life
Easy to read in sunlight
Comfortable and stylish design
Simple setup and easy to use
Additional fitness tracking features
Fast recharge
Tracks club shots and scorekeeping effectively
Waterproof
Cons
Initial setup can be difficult
Poor instruction manual
Touchscreen can be erratic in rain
Main Product Advantages
10 Accuracy
Highly accurate GPS readings, verified against other methods like sprinkler heads and laser rangefinders.
9 User Interface (UI)
Very easy to use and understand. Intuitive interface that can be quickly learned even without manual.
9 Score Keeping
Efficient score-keeping feature that tracks stats and allows round play without phone use.
9 Club Shot Tracking
Accurate club shot tracking without the need for additional sensors. Allows review and adjustments post-play in the app.
9 Battery Life
Strong battery life, lasting for multiple rounds of golf. Fast recharge capability.
8 Satellite Acquisition
Quickly acquires satellites (2-3 minutes) after first use if done in an open sky area. Less time for subsequent uses.
8 Display Visibility
Very visible in all lighting conditions with sharp graphics, though suffers during heavy rain unless the screen is locked.
8 Comfort
Comfortable band that fits over different clothing layers, although band length might be an issue for larger wrists.
8 Smartwatch Functions
Includes various smartwatch features like step tracking and multiple clock faces. Integration with Garmin Connect app for health tracking.
7 Screen Brightness
Uses transflective screen which provides better visibility in direct sunlight compared to OLED/AMOLED screens, though resolution is not as high.
5 Initial Setup and Manual
Difficult setup process and poorly written instructions. Many users had to experiment or seek additional resources to fully understand the watch’s capabilities.
Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch Review
The Garmin Approach S42 is a fantastic addition to any golfer's gear, providing an array of features both on and off the course. This GPS golf smartwatch delivers a multitude of functionalities right on your wrist, starting with information from over 42,000 CourseView maps worldwide. Users can access detailed distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards and doglegs thanks to its Green View feature, which also allows for manual pin positioning.
One of the standout features of the Approach S42 is the AutoShot round analyzer, which measures and auto-records detected shot distances. While the accuracy of this feature may be influenced by the lie and ball contact, it's a crucial tool for tracking performance. Additionally, for players seeking more comprehensive tracking, the Approach S42 can be paired with optional Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.
Another significant advantage is its compatibility with the Garmin Golf app. When downloaded on a compatible smartphone, this app provides strokes gained analysis, participation in leaderboards and tournaments, and further insights into your game. This makes it not just a watch, but a comprehensive tool for improving your performance.
Beyond the golfing features, the Garmin Approach S42 is designed to be worn all day, offering smart notifications and estimated activity tracking when paired with a compatible smartphone. This makes it a versatile smartwatch suitable for everyday use.
Conclusion
The Garmin Approach S42 is a lightweight, feature-rich GPS golf smartwatch that excels in providing detailed course information and performance tracking. Its integration with the Garmin Golf app and the availability of optional additional sensors enhance its capabilities further. Combined with smart notifications and activity tracking, it makes an excellent all-in-one wearable for golfers looking to improve their game both on and off the course.
