Shot Scope vs Arccos

[Kuya Jojo]

I've been an Arccos user since Gen1, upgraded to Gen2 (360?), and this year replaced failing sensors with whatever Gen they currently sell in their bundles. I've never had to pay for the subscription service, I think because I'm grandfathered into their plan? All I know is I used to worry about a subscription fee popping up, but every time I look, I'm told that my account does not require a subscription.

Functionally, it's not perfect, but I've watched it improve over the years. Yes, those first couple of years were bad, having to carry my phone in my front pocket. Then I got the Link, which took care of that, but lost it within a couple of months. I then got an Apple Watch, but wasn't happy with that performance, plus battery life was an issue. So I got another Link, and proceeded to lose THAT within a couple of rounds. 

I tried to go back to using the Apple Watch register strokes, but eventually succumbed and got a Gen2 Link with the lanyard functionality. It's dumb that I had to buy my own lanyard (honestly Arccos, wtf) but I at least feel a little more secure that I won't lose this one immediately.

Again, it's not perfect, but I honestly don't mind going in after the round to fix any shots that the system missed, adjusting pins/putts, adding penalty strokes, etc. It's part of my evening-after-the-round routine now.

Oh, and hello gang. This was my first post here.

Edited June 9, 2023 by Kuya Jojo

[Clay5477]

I have a Shot Scope V3, and I like it. Well, I hate the fact that I can't lie to myself about how far I'm hitting my irons, but other than that...

A mandatory subscription to use a device I already paid for is a deal-breaker for me, so I will not use Arccos.

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

On 6/5/2023 at 4:56 PM, Jnoble89 said:

If you can get your hands on Gen 2 Arccos sensors, you do not need to use the subscription service. I’m not sure how easy they are to find, though. I have used Arccos for one practice round so far and really liked it. You do have to add in penalty strokes but I found that to be simple. Biggest thing for me to remember is setting the pin location for putting. I also have Apple Watch so it integrates with that and I do not need to carry my phone. You can see distance to the front, middle and back of the green. For early impressions, it seems like something I am going to like. 

 

On 6/5/2023 at 5:21 PM, golferguy2727 said:

Is that true? Someone told me any new accounts automatically go to subscription regardless of sensor version - I’ve been meaning to test that theory but did not get around to that yet 

If that is true, then I likely have some sensors that someone can try out -- can't promise how much battery they have left (didn't check them before removing) or that they'll pair (some wear on the ends from being in my bag), but they did work before I took them off of my clubs. 

However, I think this is tied to the e-mail address and timing of registration, not the sensor version. If you bought gen2 back when they were newer and kept the original sensors going, you would not need to buy into the subscription; however, once batteries started dying and you started replacing individual sensors, they'd eventually require you to get the subscription (I think it was after replacing 4-5 from your original set). I never got that far, because I switched systems. 

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

On 6/2/2023 at 10:02 AM, BKervin said:

Hi family Spies!

I'm curious which you use.

Which you prefer and why?

Which is easiest for you to use?

What have you gained from using it?

I switched to Garmin's sensors last year, but did try quite a few systems before that. I have more detailed posts elsewhere on the forum, but my quick summary: 

Arccos: best stats of the bunch, but didn't like the tracking mechanisms -- phone in pocket felt terrible to me (especially as my phones kept getting bigger), and Link seemed less reliable (and easier to lose), but Link was better for tracking proximity to the hole and putts. Tags felt big/weighty. Neither of the two tracking systems would get me through 36 unless I charged between rounds -- phone tracking drained the battery very quickly, and when I tried, I think Link died around hole 30. Once tracked, though, the system was great. 

Shot Scope: Like the system better overall, but hated the watch. I only tried the older bulky watch, and by the time the smaller, better-looking ones came out, I had moved on to a Garmin watch (and didn't want to swap watches for the round -- my Garmin doubles as golf and full, everyday Smart Watch). Tags were the lightest of any of the options, and shot tracking was reliable as well, both of which moved it toward the the top of my list. With my version, I think I had to download courses onto the watch, which made round setup more difficult than others. The stats were somewhat comparable, but lagged Arccos a bit. Similar to Arccos, I could not get 36 out of the watch. 

Garmin (not on your list, but my current system): it's OK. I like it because it's reliable shot tracking and syncs with my everyday watch, and it's the only system that I could use for a full 36 holes in one day (because it's fully dependent on watch battery, and my watch will last). Stats are just OK, but the UI is nice when looking back through rounds and seeing individual shots. Putt tracking is weak on this, though -- actual putt tracking is not great on any of them, but on this one, there is no way to modify number of putts on a hole once you finish the round (I think others you can say "no, this was actually a 2-putt", but Garmin requires that you get it right before submitting). Sensors are about the size of Arccos, but battery in the sensors seem to drain quickly (maybe that's because I don't store my clubs upright? Sensors might be overly active because I store them on their side) -- but, one bonus is that the batteries in the Garmin sensors are easily replaceable, and the batteries are cheap and easy to find (I tried to look up replacing Arccos batteries, and it seems possible, but fairly difficult). 

[SteveGH7]

Haven't used Arccos (mainly due to the subscription and having to use it through my phone during the round), but I've been overall happy with Shotscope V3.  It does occasionally miss shots, and the putting distances seem to be way off sometimes, but overall it works well.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

22 minutes ago, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

 

If that is true, then I likely have some sensors that someone can try out -- can't promise how much battery they have left (didn't check them before removing) or that they'll pair (some wear on the ends from being in my bag), but they did work before I took them off of my clubs. 

However, I think this is tied to the e-mail address and timing of registration, not the sensor version. If you bought gen2 back when they were newer and kept the original sensors going, you would not need to buy into the subscription; however, once batteries started dying and you started replacing individual sensors, they'd eventually require you to get the subscription (I think it was after replacing 4-5 from your original set). I never got that far, because I switched systems. 

When I created a new account, it made me sign up for the subscription even though they were gen 2. Based on Arccos website, this should not happen. But, I had an account tied to an old email, logged into that and synced the same sensors and it did not require subscription. So kind of hard to say. I have been liking it so far, but I don’t think I’d pay a yearly fee for it. 

[EMacK1961]

I have been using the shot scope X3 for about a year and a half now. I currently have the new X5. As with any new tech, there are some growing pains. Having said that, I have found the shot scope works well for me. It tracks shots with a fairly high degree of accuracy. I might need to add in a penalty shot or a bunker placement here or there, but overall the system works. I have confirmed what I suspected. I need to work on my approaches from 100yds and in. I tend to miss left. I used to miss short as well, but have adjusted. My strength is my putting. I rarely 3-putt. As with most golfers, I need to hit the fairway more. Shot Scope has helped me with my game and I would recommend it for use. As with anything, try it for yourself and see if it works for you.

 

[LebanonOz]

I use Shot Scope and upgraded from V3 to X5 when it was offered to existing customers at a discount.  The aesthetics definitely beat the V3 but for a month or so I was thinking about going back to the V3 due to annoying bugs but the watch is working pretty well now.

What I don't like is that lately they seem to be introducing quite a few bugs into the browser app that is used to edit and Sign Off on the rounds.  I have reported them and they seem to be a lower priority and are taking a long time to respond/resolve/tell me they aren't going to fix them.  I get it, the buggy firmware kept the support team busy but I don't understand why bugs keep popping up in the browser app when it applies to all of the ShotScope tracking.  It's kind of annoying to have to change workflow to get around UI bugs (or just accept them) for the time being.  Hopefully they will get the UI straightened out soon.

[DechamBRO]

Just canceled my arccos and got a refund (it renewed this week), and ordered the shot scope pro lx+!! Also get 15% off with code PLUGGEDIN, from their review of said product!!

[jkfults69]

I'm not a fan of either but especially the Arccos. I couldn't get it to work consistently and found them both distracting to my game. To each their own though.

Edited June 9, 2023 by jkfults69

[alanbass]

I used Shot Scope for a while. I didn't really find it useful - anything it recorded I could see happening on the course anyway. I found it more useful and less distracting (and more fun) to just use the old fashioned method of analyzing shots visually and adjusting as needed. Also, I've never liked playing golf with a watch on, lol.

[B_R_A_D_Y]

12 hours ago, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

….  (and easier to lose), but Link was better for tracking proximity to the hole and putts.

My Link fell off my belt twice … luckily got it back both times. So I fashioned a loop from an electrical tie so I now thread my belt thru it … slides on & off easily. The clip on does not work with fatter braided belts. Back to the drawing board people. 

Edited June 10, 2023 by B_R_A_D_Y
Added photo

[RwsGolf1]

Still cannot get my link to work.  One phone said all good but did not work.  The second phone I tried...kept getting error that "NO GPS SIGNAL"  Hard to believe that storm radar works but, the LINK does not?

[1puttpar]

I tried the Arccos sensors when Ping ran a promo to get a set if you bought a Ping club. While not a fan of the subscription model, what I really hated was the bad information I was collecting.  The sensors do not take into account half shots, knock downs or bump and runs while they are collating the data. I use a variety of clubs from off the green so when I would check my distances on the app, my “average’” 7 iron, for example, was going 120 yards. Same held for the rest of my scoring clubs. Classic case of garbage in, garbage out.

Edited June 9, 2023 by 1puttpar

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

13 minutes ago, B_R_A_D_Y said:

My Link fell off my belt twice … luckily got it back both times. So I fashioned a loop from an electrical tie so I now thread my belt thru it … slides on & off easily. The clip on does not work with fatter braided belts. Back to the drawing board people. 

Yep, saw a bunch of people doing things like that. I dropped it a few times but never actually lost it. I chose to give up instead of trying to manipulate it. 

[Svthelen]

I have used Arccos for at least 6 years and while there have been times that it doesn't pick up shots and sometimes have to adjust putts, I love the data it provides and ability to go back and edit if need be. Also, with its updates, editing is easier as it shows where you walked on the green as well as stopped on the course to help figure out where you most likely hit a shot/putt that wasn't recorded. I don't mind carrying my phone and the quick read for distances to the center of the green I find easier than a rangefinder.

[RwsGolf1]

5 minutes ago, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

Yep, saw a bunch of people doing things like that. I dropped it a few times but never actually lost it. I chose to give up instead of trying to manipulate it. 

 

[RwsGolf1]

Would like to see a pic of your contraption.  I will attempt to use the Link again tomorrow morning if the rain will stop long enough.  After losing one of them, I hate to do it again.

[Mike B]

I've had my shot scope for a couple years now and really do like it. I have never tried Arcos so no real help there. The Shot Scope is easy to use, and you can use it to track shots or just for distance. 

[Dean M]

Only saw one other reference to Garmin sensors.  I have used both Garmin and Arccos sensors.  The Garmin were a bit more reliable than the Arccos.  And while i really liked the data they provided, they were just too much work making corrections.  When someone makes a shot tracking system that is at least 99% reliable, I'll definitely buy it. For now, i am using a Skycaddy SX400 and can use it to manually track shots when i want.

Edited June 9, 2023 by Dean M

[PhilM75072]

I had the OG Game Golf and when they started having all their problems I looked for a replacement. I considered Arccos, but didn't like the size of the tags and the fact that they take batteries. At that time, they didn't offer the Link and you had to carry your phone in your pocket. I tried that with Golf Pad for a brief period and that was not a good experience.

I came across the Shot Scope V3 as it was being introduced, got that, and I've been a happy Shot Scope user ever since. There were some issue when it got introduced, as there has been with the X5, but eventually the V3 became very reliable and the X5, with the latest firmware update, is getting better and better.

Never having been an Arccos user, I have no idea how their data is presented, but can't imagine it is that much better than Shot Scope. I find the Shot Scope Dashboard for editing easy to use, the data is broken out in detail and SG data is there, to include on a by shot basis for each round.

[tbirds16]

On 6/7/2023 at 6:48 PM, Dean M said:

I tried Arccos and really disliked it.  It was just too inconsistent in picking up the shots.  It was particularly useless for Puts.  I just had to spend too much time on the course trying to correct the data.  Have not tried the Shot Scope, yet.  But it uses RFID club sensors that should be completely reliable... as long as you remember to register the club prior to your shot. 

That is exactly what was happened to me. I would go to the next hole and realize the shots didn't register on the right hole. I was getting to the point where I was not having fun playing and more time adding shots that were missed. I returned them and got my money back.

[Mav0095]

I upgraded from the Garmin s12 to the Shotscope x5. Wish I hadn't bothered to be honest. The shot tracking is clunky, the editing afterwards is a bit of a pain also. I think I preferred the simplicity of the S12- I probably should've just kept the S12 and bought a companion range finder. For me the most annoying thing about the X5 is when you input all your scores and get, say, 77... you then sync your scores and bam: 71- you then have to trawl through to correct the missed shots etc. I wish it would just take your original score but highlight in the edit where the discrepancies are. 

[LinksgolfFever]

So for me, the subscription for Arccos was the nail in that coffin, on top of the sensor issues that I had sporadically. 
I purchased the shotscope V3 about two years ago and I have got a lot of good data from it.  I have also found they are quick to respond when you have issues with the equipment or there are updates needed at golf courses.  I took it with me when I played in the UK last year and it worked seamlessly.  I am considering an upgrade to the pro Lx+ so I can get laser data as well, and I don’t like wrist watches….I have used the V3 for more than 200 rounds and the missing/dropped/not counted shots are probably less than 1%. This really helped gauge my distances for my clubs at various courses in all kinds of weather.   Definitely a shotscope supporter.  Good luck.

[CudaKota66]

@BKervinit's a literal coin-flip as to which you go with.

I was solely a SS customer, but new Ping irons introduced me to Arccos over this past winter. So Arccos has been up-to-bat....errr, swing first this season. The X5 is on-deck due to needing 5 rounds for Arccos Caddie activation. Round 5 is tomorrow. Then I will don the X5 for the rest of this season. At the end of this season, one will remain in my 'golf purgatory' section in the office/garage, never to be heard from again.

SS: wins with Customer Service, ability to pick-up 'all' shots - I've never had a missed putt with the V3 & the X5 will be put into service shortly, and with no subscription fee

Arccos: wins with analysis detail & sheer database size. The Link2 records most shots but still misses many putts. The annual fee will only increase (just like everything else in this world). 

SS desktop is better for post-round editing. Arccos gives better insights into your game & what to work on. Arccos has the Caddy feature. SS doesn't demand you refer to your phone throughout a round. And back-and-forth, on-and-on.....

As @tony@CICsaid in a post, some people choose Android whereas other choose Apple iOS. Some choose Windows & others swear by Mac.

All told, I will likely stay loyal to SS - the David vs Goliath in this shot-tracking space (IMO). I'll always support an 'underdog' that produces/provides a quality product/service.

The Arccos app on a Samsung watch is balky (at best). I find it very unfair to have to pay for an annual subscription when it's too cold & snowy to play here in Indiana 4 months of the year. If Arccos offered a 'pay for play' plan, I might be swayed. But they don't (read-as "won't ever" based on my conversations with them).

ShotScope got caught with their pants down (a bit) on the X5 but are working diligently to get it right. I don't need a Caddy (as I thought I might) - good/bad decisions on shots are on me - I detest having to refer to my phone during a round. Heck...I golf to get away from my phone & the world for 4 hours, not closer!

Apple watch user, don't mind looking at your phone throughout a round, & willing to pay while you don't/can't golf? Choose Arccos.

Samsung fan, don't mind wearing a device on your wrist while you play, and want to pay-once-and-go? Choose ShotScope.

Best of luck!!

[tony@CIC]

13 minutes ago, CudaKota66 said:

@BKervinit's a literal coin-flip as to which you go with.

I was solely a SS customer, but new Ping irons introduced me to Arccos over this past winter. So Arccos has been up-to-bat....errr, swing first this season. The X5 is on-deck due to needing 5 rounds for Arccos Caddie activation. Round 5 is tomorrow. Then I will don the X5 for the rest of this season. At the end of this season, one will remain in my 'golf purgatory' section in the office/garage, never to be heard from again.

SS: wins with Customer Service, ability to pick-up 'all' shots - I've never had a missed putt with the V3 & the X5 will be put into service shortly, and with no subscription fee

Arccos: wins with analysis detail & sheer database size. The Link2 records most shots but still misses many putts. The annual fee will only increase (just like everything else in this world). 

SS desktop is better for post-round editing. Arccos gives better insights into your game & what to work on. Arccos has the Caddy feature. SS doesn't demand you refer to your phone throughout a round. And back-and-forth, on-and-on.....

As @tony@CICsaid in a post, some people choose Android whereas other choose Apple iOS. Some choose Windows & others swear by Mac.

All told, I will likely stay loyal to SS - the David vs Goliath in this shot-tracking space (IMO). I'll always support an 'underdog' that produces/provides a quality product/service.

The Arccos app on a Samsung watch is balky (at best). I find it very unfair to have to pay for an annual subscription when it's too cold & snowy to play here in Indiana 4 months of the year. If Arccos offered a 'pay for play' plan, I might be swayed. But they don't (read-as "won't ever" based on my conversations with them).

ShotScope got caught with their pants down (a bit) on the X5 but are working diligently to get it right. I don't need a Caddy (as I thought I might) - good/bad decisions on shots are on me - I detest having to refer to my phone during a round. Heck...I golf to get away from my phone & the world for 4 hours, not closer!

Apple watch user, don't mind looking at your phone throughout a round, & willing to pay while you don't/can't golf? Choose Arccos.

Samsung fan, don't mind wearing a device on your wrist while you play, and want to pay-once-and-go? Choose ShotScope.

Best of luck!!

Good review. I would add one additional benefit (for me): Shotscope’s choice for editing/review - phone app or pc dashboard. I’m in the camp of editing on the phone (just finished editing todays round while watching a tv show).   

 

[BKervin]

6 hours ago, alanbass said:

I used Shot Scope for a while. I didn't really find it useful - anything it recorded I could see happening on the course anyway. I found it more useful and less distracting (and more fun) to just use the old fashioned method of analyzing shots visually and adjusting as needed. Also, I've never liked playing golf with a watch on, lol.

I don't like wearing a watch golfing either

[BKervin]

4 hours ago, Dean M said:

Only saw one other reference to Garmin sensors.  I have used both Garmin and Arccos sensors.  The Garmin were a bit more reliable than the Arccos.  And while i really liked the data they provided, they were just too much work making corrections.  When someone makes a shot tracking system that is at least 99% reliable, I'll definitely buy it. For now, i am using a Skycaddy SX400 and can use it to manually track shots when i want.

I have the SkyCaddie SX400 but there is bo data for tracking.  Do you have any trick to get data @Dean M?

[Dean M]

21 hours ago, BKervin said:

I have the SkyCaddie SX400 but there is bo data for tracking.  Do you have any trick to get data @Dean M?

Sure.  Here is the link to the video that shows how to do "shot tracking" on a SkyCaddy SX400 or SX550.   It actually works pretty well and is not that much trouble.  Frankly, I found it easier to use than making constant corrections to Arccos or Garmin sensors. 

SkyCaddy Shot Tracking

All in all I really like my SX400.   I just wish it had a Slope correction feature. 

Edited June 10, 2023 by Dean M

[jhadcones]

I have only used Arccos, This will be my 3rd year using it. 

It gave me the stat tracking I was looking for and also uses the stats to show you what your positives and negatives are in your game. This can be used for each round or over several rounds in the app and the website. If you want the best experience it is worth getting the Link it works much better than phone in your pocket, but it is one more thing that you have to keep charged to be able to take advantage. 

I know having Arccos has made me want to play more golf because it gives me instant feedback at the end of the round if I've improved on what I have been working on in practice.

I wouldn't recommend if you don't like going back and check you round, at its best it usually needs 3-5 corrections a round ( which I do while playing) but for me this is much easier than filling out a scorecard with all the stats I wanted to track.