For all the avid golfers out there, Garmin has introduced yet another GPS device i.e. their latest Garmin G10 handheld GPS. After using their approach G8 for years, I was a little reluctant to downgrade to a relatively cheaper GPS device. But all my anxiety vanished after my first run with this device.
I would not say that it is better or equivalent to a high-end device like G8. But that does not mean that it is any less. Let me explain my point with a feature by feature review of this amazing piece of equipment.
1.Display
The display of a GPS device is just as important as the display of a high-end Television. Without a proper display, a GPS device is of no use. No matter how many features it has, if the display is uncomfortable or small then you cannot focus on your game properly.
Garmin G10 being the king of golf apparatus understands this. That is exactly why even the cheapest of their models can easily beat any other high-end expensive device.
The black and white LCD screen makes it easier for the reader to read the calculations in the glaring sunlight. The display minimizes the effects of sunlight thus effectively displaying all the readings on the screen.
The dimensions for the display area are 0.9″ x 0.9″/23 x 23 mm. Orientation of the display can also be changed through settings very easily.
2. Small Size
The device is quite small in size. You can easily hold it in your hands without having to worry about its weight or size distracting you from your golf game. It is smaller than many other GPS devices I have used in the past.
I do not know if this reduction in size has anything to do with the downgrade in the budget. I just know that I am liking it very much. Despite being small, the screen effectively shows the readings without me having to squint my eyes and that is all I need to be honest.
The weight of this GPS device is 28 grams only.
3. Manual Pin Placement
Pin placement is manual in this device. So, you can properly place the pin yourself according to your game requirement. What I like to do is just clip this Garmin G10 into my belt and move from one hole to another without having to worry about its settings. It automatically adjusts itself with each hole.
4. Battery Life
For occasional golfers, who play golf scarcely, battery life might not be as important as it is for me. And let me tell you how astonished I was when I took it to an overnight golfing competition with my brother in law. And it’s battery survived for more than 10 hours of golf.
I haven’t tried the 15 hours battery time as claimed by Garmin G10. I tend to put my device on charging after short use. But I am sure that it can survive for 15 hours as well.
You do not need to put it on charge for more than 2 to 3 hours. This period is more than enough for its charging.
5. Button
For a smaller device, you would expect the buttons to be small too. But no that is not the case at all. Buttons are big enough for people with big or fat fingers to press without any inconvenience.
6. Price
I know that by now you must be thinking yes _ your name___, we know it has a quite low cost. But let me tell you I can not emphasize enough its affordability. I mean yes it has its flaw but they would not matter if we compare them to its price.
Above all, Garmin G10 does not deceive their customers with hidden prices like subscription charges or updates or all those shams. Once you buy it, everything else is completely free. Almost forty thousand gold courses come preloaded with the device. So, you would not need to download anything new in it. For a 100 dollars device, I would say that’s not bad.
7. Durability
The Garmin approach G10 is quite durable thanks to the sturdy material and well-made finishing. The gadget is weatherproof as well as waterproof, so you can play golf even in the pouring rain without worrying about any damage.
8. Accurate Reading
After I buy a new device, I have this urge to compare its results with other readings and that is exactly what I did with this one. I compared its readings with not only my G 8 but also with laser and all of the readings were fairly accurate so it is safe to say that I completely trust this device.
Garmin G10 Takes your Golfing experience to the next level
The wonderful features of this device take your golfing experience up a notch. How? Well first of all it will display all the distances of your green including front, mid, and back. You can easily see its shape and structure and on the basis of that, you can manually place the pin.
Not only this, but it will also locate any hidden traps on the field. These include any sand or watery area that can harm your shot.
Shortcomings of G10
Although G10 is a perfect device for anyone who does not have the capacity to spend a lot of money on a simple GPS device. It is also the best golfing GPS for beginners. But, it also has its shortcomings. First of all, the display is black and white and not multi-colored.
Secondly, it does not have a big number mode like its expensive sister device by Garmin i.e G8. It does not have the true swing compatible feature as well.
It measures the distance in yards unfortunately there is no system for converting the yards into meters in this device. Some users have also complained about some issues regarding quality. But all in all, it is a good device with a proper value for money.
FAQS:
What are the quality issues that I might get with G10?
Even though during my personal use, I did not face any such issue but some users have complained that their device stopped working after a few uses only. Others had connectivity issues. For some people, the user manual is not clear enough and results in a lot of confusion.
How to charge this device?
The charging process is very easy and swift, all you need is to connect it with a wall charger through the USB port, you can also charge it with your PC or laptop.
Can we use this device in tournaments?
The GPS device is totally legal to use in tournaments and competitions. Although, you might want to prefer other Garmin G10 models with versatile features for serious competitions and tournaments.
Does it have a voice feature?
No, unfortunately, it does lack a voice feature that is present in almost all of the latest golf GPS devices. So, if you are looking for that feature you might want to buy some other GPS device.
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