SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black)

by Skycaddie

• Full-featured golf GPS with large, color LCD with automatic backlighting
• Includes IntelliGreen technology with full depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach
• Plot greens yourself, or subscribe to one of three SkyCourse memberships for access to up to 16,000 courses
• Water resistant for use in all playing conditions
• Rechargeable battery provides up to 14 hours of continuous use

Product Description

Amazon.com

Ideal for golfers who want top-of-the-line GPS assistance on the links, the SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS is integrated with the very best Swiss engineering to provide unmatched reliability. It features, a large color display with automatic backlighting to ensure easy readability indoors and outdoors, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery (with up to 14 hours of continuous use). It's also equipped with the patented IntelliGreen technology, enabling golfers to measure the full depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach, both on or off the fairway. Part of SkyCaddie's exclusive, professional 4-Star SkyCourses, IntelliGreen graphics provide an eagle's eye view of the green with an indicator representing a direct line-of-play from wherever you are on the course.

With an annual SkyPlayer Club Membership Plan (not included with purchase of device), you can easily download thousands of our professionally enabled SkyCourses. Three different levels of memberships are available, based on how many courses you want to store and play. If you do not want a membership and your course is not already available, you can record the front, center and back of each green with your SkyCaddie's quick set-up module, which takes about 10 seconds.

Specifications:

• Display: 220 x 176 pixels
• Fairway targets: Yes
• IntelliGreen: Yes
• Accuracy: <2.5 yards
• Course memory: 10 courses
• Water resistant: Yes
• Conforms to USGA/R&A ruling
• Compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista (requires USB port and Internet access)
• Power: Rechargeable battery, up to 14 hours of continuous use
• Weight: 5.5 ounces
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.2 x 1.0 inches

What's in the Box?
SkyCaddie SG5, AC charger, USB cable, belt clip

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can the SG5 give me the distance to the pin?
A: The SkyCaddie, using the IntelliGreen graphics found on our professionally recorded SkyCourses, provides more information than just the distance to the pin. Once the line of play is selected on the graphical green outline, it provides the minimum carry to get on the green, the maximum limit you have to the back of the green, plus you can adjust to obtain the third distance of the approximate flag location. All three distances are provided simultaneously from any direction as you approach the green. You can then frame your shot in a much larger target area and select the best club. You will hit more greens and have shorter putts than a single number can provide.

About SkyGolf
SkyGolf is a solutions integrator that leverages the convergence of proven technologies, including GPS, Internet, mobile handsets, and proprietary content to provide an instant answer to the oldest question in golf: "How far?" While respecting the game's traditions and history, SkyGolf is committed to using its advanced technology responsibly to improve pace-of-play, enhance golfers' enjoyment of the game and ultimately increase participation for the good of the game.

The SkyCaddie, developed by SkyGolf, is used on over 14,000 golf courses in 45 countries around the world. Weighing less than 5 ounces, the SkyCaddie utilizes the same global positioning system used by the U.S. military, but in a high portable handheld device, about the size of a cell phone, to compute distances to any point on a golf course. SkyGolf uses professional, high-performance GPS engines, satellite-based accuracy augmentation, plus proprietary accuracy enhancements to provide golfers with the distances needed to play smarter, faster and have more fun.

The proven reliability and accuracy of the SkyCaddie handheld, combined with the precision of SkyGolf's vast course library, gives golfers the trust and confidence they need to play their best golf.

Buying Guide

Amazon.com Golf GPS Guide
Staying Linked in on the Links
Having a golf GPS unit in your bag is a bit like playing with your very own PGA-quality caddie. These little electronic wonders have evolved a great deal since the USGA deemed them legal for tournament play in 2005. Most models these days can provide you with quick and accurate information regarding distance to the hole and other targets and hazards; length of prior shots (often storable for future reference); course layout; distance to the front, middle, and back of the green; and more.

With a wide range of golf GPS device, feature, and subscription choices available on the market today, finding one that's right for you can be like finding the middle of the fairway when the winds are swirling. Amazon.com has put together a list of the top GPS units and their key specifications, below, to help you select your ideal model.

Navigating Your Options
Unit	Available Courses/Capacity	Membership Fees	Screen	Battery Type/Life
Bushnell Golf GPS 368100 Yardage Pro	12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10	$34.99 annually	Black and white backlit LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours
Bushnell Neo Golf GPS	12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10	$34.99 annually	2.1-inch, black and white backlit LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours
Bushnell Yardage Pro Golf GPS	12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10	$34.99 annually	Black and white backlit LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours
Bushnell Yardage Pro XG Golf GPS	12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/20	$34.99 annually	2.2-inch, high-contrast black and white LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours
Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC Golf GPS	12,000 (download up to 100 annually)	$34.99 annually	2.2-inch, high-resolution backlit color LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours
Callaway Golf uPro Golf GPS	18,000/50	None	320x240 high-resolution color LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours
Callaway Golf uPro Go GPS	18,000 pre-loaded	One-time $49.99 activation fee	240x320 high-resolution color LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/10-12 hours
Garmin Approach G3 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld	12,000/unlimited	None	160x240 transflective color TFT touchscreen	Two AA batteries/up to 15 hours using NiMH or lithium
Garmin Approach G5 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld	12,000/unlimited	None	240x400 transflective color TFT touchscreen	Two AA batteries/up to 15 hours using NiMH or lithium
GolfBuddy Plus GPS Rangefinder	Over 14,000/1,000	None	High-resolution black/white LCD	Rechargeable lithium-polymer
Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder	All available courses in North America/20,000	None	High-resolution black/white LCD	Rechargeable lithium-polymer with AAA backup
Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder	All available courses in North America/20,000	None	Backlit color LCD	Rechargeable lithium-polymer with AAA backup/14 hours
GolfLogix GPS by Garmin (2008 Model)	15,000/20	$39.95 annually	1.25-by-2.25-inch backlit black and white LCD	Two AA/22 hours
GolfLogix GPS Smart Phone Membership and Ultimate Retail Accessory Kit	24,000/varies by smartphone	$39.95 annually	N/A	N/A
GPS Golf Guru 4 Precise GPS/PDA Golf Rangefinder with Multi-application capabilities	20,000/200	None	3.5-inch full color touchscreen	Rechargeable/14 hours
IZZO Swami 1500 Golf GPS Unit	12,000/10	$9.99 annually	Black and white LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours
OnPar Golf Touchscreen GPS	13,000/300	None	Full color backlit touchscreen	Rechargeable lithium ion
SkyCaddie SG2.5 Golf GPS (Black)	16,000/varies based on membership plan	$29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan	120x80 backlit black and white LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours
Sky Caddie SG3.5V GPS Unit	16,000/20	$29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan	High-resolution 2.2-inch backlit color LCD	Three AAA
SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black)	16,000/10	$29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan	220x176 high-resolution backlit color LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours
SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS	30,000 pre-loaded	$29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan	Three-inch, high-resolution transflective TFT-LCD screen	Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours
Sonocaddie Auto Play Golf GPS	Pre-loaded with 18,000/30,000	None	220x176 high-resolution backlit color LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours
Sonocaddie V300 Color GPS Unit	22,000/30	One-time $29.95 or $49.95 fee, depending on plan, or $5 per course after first five free downloads	2.2-inch high-resolution backlit color LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/15 hours
Sonocaddie XV2 Personal Golf GPS	22,000/20	One-time $29.95 or $49.95 fee, depending on plan, or $5 per course after first five free downloads	Black and white LCD	Three AAA/10 hours
Sureshot GPS Golf System	14,000/10	$29.95-199.95 annually, depending on plan	Full color backlit LCD	Rechargeable lithium ion/typically lasts for 36 holes

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 3.2 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Origin: Made in USA
• ASIN: B0015UYEE2
• Item model number: SG5
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,044 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #15 in Sports & Outdoors > Exercise & Fitness > Fitness Technology > Sports & Handheld GPS > Golf Course GPS Units

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

209 of 223 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Better GPSs are out there August 26, 2009

By The Gadgetman

I was one of their early adopters (way before USGA and R&A made them legal) and had their original SkyCaddie. Back then, it was a technological breakthrough and I benefitted (and my buddies) on the course. And last year I started my quest to find the latest golf GPS. Of course, the first place to look was at SkyCaddie. SG5 was their first color display, improved GPS reception, bigger display...but nothing really new in terms of features. I guess they figured they had the market cornered as their competition was range finders. Meanwhile, I was starting to get tired of their limitations such as I can only load 10 courses at a time, their customer service (or lack of) and their annual membership.

However, while they sat on their rear, this product sector evolved and other competitors jumped in. This year there are whole suite of new GPS with next generation features. I looked at uPro Golf (now owned by Callaway). Cool flyby like what you see on TV, but noticed from other users that it had several common issues mostly with their display and battery life. So my search continued. I then looked at OnPar Golf. It looked like my iPhone with the similar touchscreen and icons. That UI works for iPhone, but not for golf GPS. Then I looked at Bushnell Yardage Pro XCG. I thought this was it. It had everything I wanted, no major issues mentioned by other users/reviewers. One of my buddies bought one and I had a hands-on experience on a course. I was actually one click away from owning it (from Amazon, of course) and I decided to make one last google...and then I found Garmin's Approach G5 unit. Yup, it's most expensive GPS unit but it's made by Garmin, the GPS expert. I've been very happy with their Nuvi GPS units. They currently have 9,400+ courses and they're FREE.... NO ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS! You simply download new courses from their web site and you can load all those courses on your unit so no more shuffling courses onto my unit. Best of all, it's waterproof! Unlike Skycaddie, you're not limited to the 40-targets on each hole (though,I typically only see a handful). You just drag a circle with your finger on a birds-eye-view and it will tell you how far you are to that. It also keeps scores up to 4 and you can download it to your PC afterwards. I also like that you use batteries instead of rechargeable. I lost count of time I forgot to charge my SkyCaddie and when my buddies call me last minutes I couldn't use it the whole round. Now, I just keep spare batteries in my bag.

So, the bottom line is before you consider SkyCaddie units, research the other GPS models before plunking down your hard earned money. I'm confident that you'll find one with much better features for a similar price. If you're interested in the Garmin G5, there are ton of videos on YouTube so check them out! If money is not an option, then definitely go with Garmin Approach G5. Otherwise, the Bushnell Yardage Pro XCG is your best bet.

Also, for those that own iPhone 3G/3GS there are quite a few apps you can use to make your iPhone into Golf GPS. I've been tinkering with Golfshot (the $29.99 version. Don't bother with their 99 cent version) and I have to say it's damn good app. It even comes with statistical report so you know which part of your game you should be working on. But I'm sticking with my Garmin G5, because the Golfshot depletes my iPhone battery like crazy. My iPhone is not rugged and waterproof either so I'll use it as my backup, but not as my main golf GPS. Read more ›

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Performs exactly as advertised March 13, 2009

By S. Vidmar

I'll admit it...I tried a cheaper product made by Garmin. It locked up every three or four rounds. After trying three units I gave up and bought the SG5. It works great. The color screen is very easy to read in the sun. The charge lasts longer than I expected, usually three full rounds at least. My only complaint is that it's a little bigger than some of it's competitors. You can't slip it into your pocket to take a swing. But I've used it for six months and it's performed flawlessly. If you are thinking of saving a little money, I would not recommend any of the models with black and white screens (SG2.5, SG3, SG4). They are very hard to read in the sun; you have to constantly rotate the screen around to catch just the right angle. Although it lacks the features of the higher models, the SG2, with it's black-on-green screen, is easier to read. If you are thinking of buying anything but the SG5, I'd strongly recommend that you find someone who has the model you're considering, and check out the screen in the bright sunlight.

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm the envy of all my Golf Buds ! April 24, 2008

By Mary IJ

Highly recommended. I read the previous comment and can not understand why he had any problems.

This unit is wonderful. Loaded like a charm. The Subscription was about $40 for a year and you can load 10 courses for this rate. There are higher subscription rates if you'd like to have more courses or even international courses. Change courses as often as you like.

This even had the specs for my favorite "remodeled" course which was finished in February. Very up-to-date info.

Accurate! Will measure to the center of the green and will even measure your drive distance. Problem is, when other people on the course see my skycaddie that all want to "play" with it. It can slow down the game.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Still The Best GPS For Accuracy December 19, 2009

By Frank R.

I had an SG3 that served me well for 2 years, but I wanted to upgrade to the color SG5. I have been using it now for about 4 months and really can't say anything bad about it. Lately the foursome I have been playing with 3 of us have a GPS unit and 1 has a Laser System. I'm the only one with a SkyCaddie, the other 2 GPS units are different brands but are new color models in the $300 to $400 range, and both have the touch screen features. I won't name those brands,since I don't own them, and to be honest I'm glad I don't own them. What we started to notice is that about 75% of the time the 3 GPS units all had different yardage, anywhere from 3 yards to up to a max of 14 yards. The one constant was that my buddy with the laser always had the same yardage as me with my SG5. What was also interesting is that when we all used our 3 different GPS units to mark the distane of one of our shots, we all got the same distance for the shot, no variance. The other 2 GPS units don't charge a yearly fee for their course database, I do pay an annual fee of $29.95 for all the courses in CA. The other 2 guys started to do some investigating why their units seemed to be inaccurate at times. The conclusion that we all reached is that SkyCaddie is the only manufacture that actually has people out there walking the courses and recording the data based on where they are standing in relationship to the GPS readings they get. Seems the other companies base their measurements on ariel data and mapping programs. Here is a quote from one of those manufacturers in their FAQ section regarding how they collect their data: "The (product name) golf course data is collected from aerial and satellite imagery from various vendors. We then use that imagery to digitize the course feature.... Once complete, course routing and scorecard information is assigned for each hole". Also if you read the fine print that free course data without a fee could someday have a fee, "At the current time, we are offering map updates to include new and updated courses at no charge. At some point in the future, it is possible that (company name)will begin to charge a nominal fee for course updates". Again they aren't saying you will defiantly be paying a fee someday, just that it is possible. Probably the lawyers had them throw that in just to cover their butts, so its probably not a concern. Last Saturday the other 2 guys both showed up with a new SG5 (bought on Amazon), their other units are now listed on Ebay. And we all have the same yardage now all the time. Our buddy with the laser gets his measurement to the pin and it takes in account the slope, nice if you can see the pin. Also my hands shake too much when using the laser. The SG5 won't improve your game if you don't have consistent distances nailed down with your clubs, but if you do you will see more balls on the green, not short or off the green.

One other thing is all these guys that complain about how the SG5 won't load up on their computer or freeze up and have too be returned. I don't pay attention to those reviews, some of these folks have messed up or old systems or aren't computer literate to follow directions. And yes calling SkyCaddie support is not a pleasant experience, if you do more talking then listening. I have found that if I email in my question support gives me a detailed and accurate answer within anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple hours.

My experience and that of my friends is that free course data may not be as accurate as the information from SkyCaddie, it's worth $29 a year to get accuracy. Read more ›