TRYING to ditch Arccos....

[TexasFullSend]

I've been using Arccos for the last couple of years and my experience has been great and it performs just as it says. However when I first started using it I was more focused on how far I was hitting my clubs since I didn't have a clue. To now I strictly just use it for the apple watch gps function. Although the tags are small I do notice a difference in feel when I don't have the tag on my clubs to when I do. Which is why I want to ditch it. So my question is:

 

What golf GPS do y'all use and do you use the apple watch integration with it? 

[fixyurdivot]

If you don't mind wearing a watch, I really like my Shotscope V2.  It has tags if you choose to use them and there is no annual subscription.  The V3 is even nicer and Garmin has some similar options.  Mine works with my Android. There is a sub-forum thread on the Shotscope that will provide lots of info on these products.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

i just picked up an H4. I didnt want to have another watch but still want subscription free tracking.

[Paul Hedrick]

I just recently switched from Across to Shot Scope V3, and so far I have no regrets.  While I have only 4 rounds with it so far, it has functioned flawlessly for me.  A huge plus for me was there is not annual subscription.

[null]

Bushnell Phantom for me since I ditched Arccos. 

[MadHatter]

On 7/20/2022 at 4:19 PM, Paul Hedrick said:

I just recently switched from Across to Shot Scope V3, and so far I have no regrets.  While I have only 4 rounds with it so far, it has functioned flawlessly for me.  A huge plus for me was there is not annual subscription.

I am receiving my Arccos today. This is my first equipment of GPS/distance data, and I'm hoping they help me dial in my distances (which until now I have been just visually estimating). Outside of the annual subscription (which I agree I'm hesitant about), what did you like different? Did you have to adjust to the sensors being on your clubs?

[Paul Hedrick]

6 hours ago, MadHatter said:

I am receiving my Arccos today. This is my first equipment of GPS/distance data, and I'm hoping they help me dial in my distances (which until now I have been just visually estimating). Outside of the annual subscription (which I agree I'm hesitant about), what did you like different? Did you have to adjust to the sensors being on your clubs?

The sensors on  Shotscope are much smaller than the Arccos sensors, so no, I did not have to adjust to the sensors.  Additionally there are much fewer missed shots and I have found the ones I miss, are usually operator error.  LOL

[BigSissy]

I ditched Arccos (too many potential points of failure) and have been very happy the V1 Game app.  Works really well with my Apple Watch.  Highly recommended.

[nupezb]

On 3/25/2023 at 5:55 PM, Paul Hedrick said:

The sensors on  Shotscope are much smaller than the Arccos sensors, so no, I did not have to adjust to the sensors.  Additionally there are much fewer missed shots and I have found the ones I miss, are usually operator error.  LOL

I'm moving from Arccos to Shotscope as well.  I had the smart grips, which came with four years of access to Arccos.  I recently purchased new clubs and wanted to move to the sensors when I realized my four years of service ended at the beginning of May.  Once I did the math on buying new sensors (even with the member discount), looking to buy an Apple Watch ( to have access to the Arccos data while playing), and paying $160 for the Annual Arccos subscription, it was a no-brainer.  I'm looking at the Shot Scope X5 (will order soon).  I'm using my Garmin S20 to track my club distance, but the Garmin Dashboard lacks details. 

[MadHatter]

I just ditched the Arccos. I really enjoy having data on my shots so I can go back and see what I did it what I can do better, but I got rid of it for the following reasons:

1. When trying to adjust shots (like when I duff a shot and need to add another because it didn't register due to the 5 yd range for practice swings, when I would try to add another shot in, most of the time I needed to zoom in. Whenever I did so, it would move another one of my shots and I'd have to cancel out and go back in and it'd do the same thing most of the time, which just got very frustrating. After this happened multiple times, I just resorted to adding a penalty stroke on the shot to account for it.

2. I liked the caddie feature, but it didn't work half the time, just throwing an error. And you can't see your average club lengths while you're mid round without stopping the round. If I'm gonna pay a subscription for a feature I should be able to use it consistently. I found it not the case.

I'm thinking about going to the shot scope since you don't have to pay a subscription, because I do like the data that the sensors provide.

[Kwalks18]

Tbh I love Arccos. I think the stats and the distance really helps my game along with the gps. I’ve used other GPS apps in the past and I find them not as in depth as Arccos.

The down side Arccos is EXPENSIVE. I understand that they give you a lot of product but why does everything in golf have to be expensive! Also I hate they give you no warning when your membership is about to renew I’ve had to ask for my money back this past year when the membership renewed in the middle of winter (here in Canada no golf is played from October to March) 

overall Grade for Arccos=B 

overall a decent service, but price and unethical business practices has me staying away 

 

 

[Golf2Much]

Here's another vote for the Shot Scope H4.  It clips to your belt, tagging is easily incorporated into the pre-shot routine and the tags are RF so no need for batteries.  I've been using mine for about nine months and love it.   I just saw this morning that a couple of golf retailers have it on sale for $130 ($20 off).  Couple that with free downloads of scores and analysis and it's a great value.

[Springveldt]

Another Shot Scope user here. Switched from Garmin to Shot Scope V3 2.5 years ago and do not regret it at all. Can be annoying having a separate watch just for golf but the stats Shot Scope provide are brilliant and there is no annual fee. It rarely misses a shot (usually user error when I've just chunked one 5 yards in a bunker etc), I don't even notice the tags and it takes about 5 minutes after a round to edit it and sign off. Usually have to adjust some putts as GPS just isn't accurate enough but I can remember the distance of most of my putts as I usually pace them out and know how far each step is.

I have had to buy a new strap for the watch as the old one suddenly stopped capturing the tags (the receiver is in the strap) but compared to Arccos, £40 for a new strap in 2.5 years is much cheaper than the yearly £130 subscription fee. 

[tony@CIC]

On 7/20/2022 at 1:27 PM, fixyurdivot said:

If you don't mind wearing a watch, I really like my Shotscope V2. 

V2? Do you still have a rotary phone at home as well? . V3 is a big improvement and X5 display even better. 

[Shank Aaron]

Started using Arccos in year 2 of my golf journey (during Covid), and for the most part I've really enjoy/benefitted from what it does for my game. With the expansion of the company, however, it seems like more and more issues crop every round. I don't have any patience whatsoever, less so when I'm paying for it. Enter the common Angel/Devil on my shoulders debate. 

 

I want to ditch Arccos for the following reasons-

A) The Link (Gen 2 purchased in July, and the Gen 1 before that) continuously disconnects from my phone during a round regardless of course. Even after troubleshooting the Gen 1, replacing it with a new Gen 2, AND T/S'ing the Gen 2 it's still doing this while support emails are answered with solutions on "missing shots". 

B) The ever increasing annual subscription.

C) The app does crash here and there.

D) Is that "BETA" version on the desktop site ever going to get integrated?

E) There are other, cheaper, more efficient options on the market now.

 

I want to keep Arccos because-

A) For what it is, it delivers on how it improves my game, and give me practice areas to focus on. 

B) Being able to know and track ACTUAL club distances, FIR%, GIR%, and other important metrics instead of relying on my inflated dream world numbers.

C) The course preview option is one of the most important tools I have at my disposal.

 

I'm waiting to hear back from Tech Support about Link connection issues round #3, and I think the outcome will determine my next move, but for me personally, it's been a mostly love relationship with the hate side creeping up only recently. Hopefully this can be fixed, but that's my Arccos story. 

[WaffleHouseTour]

1 hour ago, Shank Aaron said:

 

A) The Link (Gen 2 purchased in July, and the Gen 1 before that) continuously disconnects from my phone during a round regardless of course. Even after troubleshooting the Gen 1, replacing it with a new Gen 2, AND T/S'ing the Gen 2 it's still doing this while support emails are answered with solutions on "missing shots". 

D) Is that "BETA" version on the desktop site ever going to get integrated?

 

Wow - I've had shots missed (mostly putts) but I've never had the Link disconnect from my phone. I've lost the LInk (often wants to slip off the pocket of my rainpants).  But I've never had it disconnect from the phone.  Thats weird.  If it happened w two different Links I'd guess it has to do w the phone's bluetooth.

I've been wondering the same thing about the Beta desktop, my hunch is they just devote all of their energy and time to the mobile app.  But yeah, you'd think after a couple years they'd finish it off.  

[Shank Aaron]

13 minutes ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

Wow - I've had shots missed (mostly putts) but I've never had the Link disconnect from my phone. I've lost the LInk (often wants to slip off the pocket of my rainpants).  But I've never had it disconnect from the phone.  Thats weird.  If it happened w two different Links I'd guess it has to do w the phone's bluetooth.

I've been wondering the same thing about the Beta desktop, my hunch is they just devote all of their energy and time to the mobile app.  But yeah, you'd think after a couple years they'd finish it off.  

See, and that's exactly what I thought too with the phones Bluetooth. I did some experimenting on the fly and it played out like this.

 

I seriously needed to upgrade my old Galaxy Android phone, so I did. I got the latest and greatest S23 the day AFTER I ordered the Gen 2 Link and had the phone 3 days before the Gen 2 arrived. Hoping my problems were solved I hit the course the day after I got the Gen2. Nope, same issues. As a matter of fact, the link disconnected right after my approach shot on #1. I thought maybe it was an Android issue, or the Link not liking Android's type problem. So, me being me, I downloaded the Arccos app on my work iPhone 13 Pro. Nope there as well. I was honestly relieved that it did the same thing with both phones, if I'm honest. 

[Shank Aaron]

20 hours ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

Wow - I've had shots missed (mostly putts) but I've never had the Link disconnect from my phone. I've lost the LInk (often wants to slip off the pocket of my rainpants).  But I've never had it disconnect from the phone.  Thats weird.  If it happened w two different Links I'd guess it has to do w the phone's bluetooth.

I've been wondering the same thing about the Beta desktop, my hunch is they just devote all of their energy and time to the mobile app.  But yeah, you'd think after a couple years they'd finish it off.  

And I respect this guy for being consistent, if nothing else. 

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

The best thing I found for those that don't like a phone is get a smaller older iphone and just use that. It works well, not big and you hsrdly even feel it. 

The link is supposed to work better, but in all the testing we have had and seen from our members it picks up fewer than a cheap phone. Ditch the link if you want arccos imo.

[funkyjudge]

On 7/20/2022 at 12:04 PM, TexasFullSend said:

I've been using Arccos for the last couple of years and my experience has been great and it performs just as it says. However when I first started using it I was more focused on how far I was hitting my clubs since I didn't have a clue. To now I strictly just use it for the apple watch gps function. Although the tags are small I do notice a difference in feel when I don't have the tag on my clubs to when I do. Which is why I want to ditch it. So my question is:

 

What golf GPS do y'all use and do you use the apple watch integration with it? 

I have resisted using ARCCOS since it came out for several reason: cost, need to carry my smartphone on the golf course (which I almost never do), and another subscription to maintain among them.  Once I got my Garmin Approach S62 GPS watch, I never again even thought about using ARCCOS. The reason is that my Garmin watch gives me accurate shot distances for every shot, plus tracks all other stats that I am interested in (fairways and greens hit in regulation; left, right, short, and long misses; number of putts, etc.).

[WaffleHouseTour]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

The best thing I found for those that don't like a phone is get a smaller older iphone and just use that. It works well, not big and you hsrdly even feel it. 

The link is supposed to work better, but in all the testing we have had and seen from our members it picks up fewer than a cheap phone. Ditch the link if you want arccos imo.

Wow, I'm not disputing, but I have the exact opposite experience.  I was about ready to quit before the Link came out.  For me the LInk was a game changer.  FWIW I clip it to my pocket so if I have on a jacket or something it's still below that and is unobstructed.  

[Shank Aaron]

24 minutes ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

Wow, I'm not disputing, but I have the exact opposite experience.  I was about ready to quit before the Link came out.  For me the LInk was a game changer.  FWIW I clip it to my pocket so if I have on a jacket or something it's still below that and is unobstructed.  

I agree with you 100%. I bought the Gen 1 Link roughly 2 years ago and LOVED it after carrying my phone in my pocket for the 1st 6 months of my plan. I didn't have a single issue with it until this summer when they determined my Gen 1 was dying. The problems have continued with the new Gen 2, and a new phone. Wish it wasn't this way, but it is. 

[HikingMike]

My newest club is a Cobra King Speedzone 3 wood which came with Cobra Connect/Arccos sensor in the grip. So there was an offer to get other sensors and do a trial of Arccos. It was intriguing, and sounds like Arccos has fantastic stats and presentation, but there was no way I would pay that high subscription price. 

Since my Callaway GPS watch broke this year, I've been looking up other options and read a lot, watched videos, etc. I really like Shot Scope from what I've seen, and they have a new X5 this year. It sounds like they have great stats, have made a lot of improvements, and I would love not having a subscription. But it's $300, I think double the price of their previous watch. I see them sell used on ebay for $200. And I know the V3 is less at $150, but I'd want to get the X5. I kind of had my heart set on it, but I realized $300 could get me many years of a subscription on an app. So maybe I'd try an app and see how that does. I already have an Apple watch so golf would be a good new way to use it. I remember when I got that watch, I looked up golf apps, and the options were bad. But now, there are definitely some options, some with tons of features now as well. It has really changed. I also was worried about getting my Apple watch all sunscreen/sweat gummed up, but I got a new band (not a weave) and it's been a few years so it won't bother me as much if it takes some wear.

Previously I used the GolfPad app to just keep my score and save them, and nothing else. Solid app. But having all these extra stats, club distances, strokes gained, swing characteristics - that really got me interested as I started geeking out a bit.

Now after reading up on apps, I've been using Golfshot Pro for 3 rounds. I bought a 1 month subscription for $15. I'll try it out for a month or two, and buy the year for $60 if I like it. If not, I might go for the Shot Scope X5 after all. The Golfshot app doesn't have club sensors/tags of course, so I have to choose the club. I expected that. But I think it will start picking the right club fairly often once it learns my distances. It does know when I hit/swing, seems to do that pretty well. It did take these few rounds to get a good hang of it, and I also asked their support some questions, and they readily helped. I have to be careful to not forget to tell it my club or to finish the hole and that's mostly it. I have a feeling I'll buy that $60/year subscription. At $60/year, that would be the equivalent to buying a Shot Scope X5 and using it for 5 years. That's a pretty long time. As much as I hate to say it, the subscription model actually makes more sense here, all else equal.

So I bring my phone in the golf cart, and use my Apple watch for most things. I am not going to carry my phone in my pocket when playing - that was a downside to all the apps and even Arccos a short couple years ago. My goal was to use my watch over my phone as much as possible, and it seems to do that well. But I can still go to my phone if I want to drag my target around on the hole map and see distances. I can edit a hole afterward to correct which club I used as well, or put in whether I was right or left off the tee. I haven't started tracking putts with it yet, just how many, but that could be really cool. 

I don't have enough rounds in yet to get good distances on my clubs as I have it in fully auto mode, or strokes gained. Though I should be there pretty soon. And the SwingID swing characteristics are cool but might be off for one or two stats. I hope SwingID isn't using my practice swings. 

[higherplane]

I use Golfshot with Apple Watch SE.  What I like is the on-course hole information that is on the watch.  Find it much easier to use than looking at your phone.  Btw, also shoot holes with rangefinder as part of routine.