Garmin Approach G7 Review

The Garmin Approach G7 has been retired. Check out our current recommendations for today's best golf rangefinders..

We are looking forward to doing our Garmin Approach G7 Review and here’s why…

'Garmin Approach G7'

Garmin Approach G7
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It’s been a couple of years since Garmin released the highly rated Approach G6, which means the improvements in Garmin’s newest models, the G7 and G8, should be noticeable and worthwhile.

Garmin Approach G7 User Rating: 4.17 Stars 4.17 out of 5 (130 reviews)

Score compiled from multiple sources.
Here are the noteworthy new features on the Garmin G7:
  • “Plays Like” distance, that shows the distance to your target, adjusted for elevation change.
  • Club recommendation based upon how far you hit your clubs.
  • Pairs with your iPhone to show text and email messages and other notifications. Now you can keep your phone in the bag and still stay up to date.
  • Big Numbers Mode – this is great for families with multiple users with different needs. Sometimes just having the distance to the front, center and back of the green in Big Numbers is all you need!

The Garmin G7 is the exact same size and weight as G6 and it has the same buttons, which should make it very easy for current users of the G6 to step up to the G7. It has all the same features as the Garmin G6, including full hole views, touch targeting to any point, advanced scorecard and stats, shot measuring and tracking.

Garmin Approach G7 Features and Specifications
Garmin Approach G7
Course Download Fees No
Pre-loaded with Courses Yes
Full Hole Views Yes
Slope / Elevation both
Battery Life up to 15 hrs.
Battery Rechargeable Li-Poly
Size (Width x Height x Depth) 3.7 in. x 2.1 in. x .8 in.
Measure Shot Distance Yes
Screen Size 1.4 x 2.2
Resolution 160x240 px
Display Type Transreflec ColorTFT
Weight 3.37 oz.
Rainproof Yes IPX7
Touch Screen Yes
Touch Targeting Yes
Manual Pin Positioning Yes
Stat Tracker Yes
Digital Scorecard Yes
Computer Analysis Tools Yes
Ground Verified N/A
Alternate Targets Yes
Green Rotates to your shot angle Yes
USGA Compliant (local rule) Yes, when Plays Like distance and Club Advice are turned off.
Notes "Plays Like" distance adjusts for elevation, recommends a club based on how far you hit the ball, displays texts, emails and notifications from your iPhone and has Big Number mode.
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User Manual for Garmin Approach G7

Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Review

The Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt has been retired. Check out our current recommendations for today's best golf rangefinders..

'Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt'

Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt
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If you’re looking for the ultimate laser golf rangefinder, take a look at our Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Review.

Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt User Rating: 4.69 Stars 4.69 out of 5 (66 reviews)

Score compiled from multiple sources.

For many, the price will be an instant deterrent for buying the Bushnell X7. However you should keep in mind that golf rangefinders can last for many, many years. The price per year will likely amount to less than a round or two of golf, no matter which model you choose. I personally own a Bushnell that has survived 17 years of heavy and not so gentle use. Although the technology has improved since then, the laser is still accurate.

Reasons the Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt might be worth the price:
  • It’s currently the only rangefinder being built with 7x magnification. Other rangefinders have anywhere from 0 – 6x and that extra zoom probably makes it easier to lock onto your target, as well as getting a more close up view of the terrain around your target.
  • It’s a little bigger than most rangefinders and can be held easily with two hands. This is probably the easiest model to hold steady, which is a big issue for some users.
  • It’s easier to read than many other rangefinders, because of Bushnell’s VDT technology. The readings show up in very clear red numbers that can be seen easily in any lighting conditions.
  • It has Bushnell’s newly developed E.S.P. 2 technology, which means it’s faster and more accurate than just about anything else on the market. E.S.P. stands for Extreme Speed Precision and this model can accurately give distance to 1/10 of a yard when it’s inside 200 yards.
  • Don’t forget about the Jolt! Once you’ve locked the target, the Bushnell Pro X7 gives off two short vibrating bursts, so you’ll know instantly that the Pinseeker has determined your distance.
Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Specifications
Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt
Slope No
Vibration y
Size (Width x Height x Depth) 1.7 in. x 5.1 in. x 3.7 in.
Weight 12 oz.
Battery 3-Volt 123
Battery Life N/A
Display VDT
Rainproof Yes
Magnification 7x
Maximum Range 550+
Minimum Range 5yd
Notes Available with or without Slope. Jolt technology vibrates in your hand when you've locked onto the target! E.S.P. 2 is so accurate that from 5-200 yards, the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard. VDT makes seeing the display easy in all lighting cond
USGA Compliant (local rule) Yes
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User Manual for Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt

Replacement battery for Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt

Bushnell NEO XS Watch Review

The Bushnell neo-XS Golf Watch has been retired. Check out our current recommendations for today's best golf rangefinders..

'Bushnell neo-XS Golf Watch'

Bushnell neo-XS Golf Watch
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Our Bushnell Neo XS Watch Review is a summary of observations of comments consistently made in user reviews. Overall the feedback was extremely positive with accuracy and ease of use being mentioned more than anything else. The convenience of having the distance available with a glance at the wrist was frequently noted, as was the size and comfort of this watch.

UPDATE: This is still a terrific watch, but you may also want to check out the newer Bushnell Neo Ion golf watch with similar features, price, and higher ratings!

Bushnell neo-XS Golf Watch User Rating: 4.31 Stars 4.31 out of 5 (1460 reviews)

Score compiled from multiple sources.

Users liked having up to four hazards/layup distances available and the readability of the Neo XS was considered excellent for outdoor use. One cool feature unique to Bushnell that several users really liked was the ability to enter your tee time well in advance, so that the watch would automatically go into GPS mode 10 minutes before tee time and find your course for you.

There were mixed reviews on the battery life. On average, users were getting 1.5 to 2.5 rounds out of a single charge. That’s really pretty good for a golf GPS, but Bushnell claims “up to three rounds”, so some users were disappointed. Also, two or three users mentioned that the watchband did not hold up well. Although that’s a very low percentage of the reviews we read, for those of you who are rough on stuff, I thought you should know.

For the price and features, I think this is one of the best values in a golf watch. There are less expensive watches that either lack comfort or don’t include distances to hazards. The only thing some golfers might miss is a built-in scorecard and for them, I recommend the Garmin S3 or the Garmin S4

*As is always the case with golf GPS devices, there were a few users who experienced occasional problems with accuracy.
**For those who like wearing the XS as a watch (indoor), the black watch with reverse display was not recommended.
Notable Features of the Bushnell NEO XS Golf Watch
  • Small and lightweight.
  • Preloaded with 33,000 golf courses worldwide.
  • Preset tee time so GPS will turn on and find your course 10 minutes before your round.
  • Long battery life – up to three rounds.
  • Distances to the front, middle and back on the main screen.
  • Easy access for up to four layup and hazard distances per hole.
  • Auto course recognition.
  • Auto hole advance.
  • Shot distance calculator
  • Odometer.
  • Comfortable sports watchband.
  • No fees and no required downloads.
Bushnell NEO XS Watch Specifications
Bushnell neo-XS Golf Watch
Course Download Fees No
Pre-loaded with Courses Yes
Full Hole Views Yes
Slope / Elevation N/A
Battery Life 16 hours
Battery Rechargeable
Size (Width x Height x Depth) N/A in. x N/A in. x N/A in.
Measure Shot Distance Yes
Screen Size .91x.91
Resolution N/A
Display Type monochrome LCD
Weight 1.8 oz.
Rainproof Yes
Touch Screen No
Touch Targeting No
Manual Pin Positioning No
Stat Tracker No
Digital Scorecard No
Computer Analysis Tools No
Ground Verified N/A
Alternate Targets Yes
Green Rotates to your shot angle N/A
USGA Compliant (local rule) Yes
Notes Up to four layup targets per hole
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User Manual for Bushnell neo-XS Golf Watch

Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt Review

The Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt has been retired. Check out our current recommendations for today's best golf rangefinders..

'Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt'

Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt
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This is our Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt review, updated in October of 2017. We updated this review because even though the Tour Z6 Jolt is a few years old, we believe it’s the best rangefinder currently available WITHOUT Slope. On top of that, for the features, the price is reasonable – at the time of this writing, it’s around $329. Bushnell is no longer making the Tour Z6 Jolt, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. It just means the price will likely be going up soon.

Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt User Rating: 4.69 Stars 4.69 out of 5 (234 reviews)

Score compiled from multiple sources.

First, let’s take a quick look a the main features of the Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt

  • It has 6x magnification that makes acquiring distances easier and also gives you a little better look at the area around your target. The Bushnell Tour V4 only has 5x.
  • The red VDT display (Vivid Display Technology) makes it easy to read in all lighting conditions.
  • The Jolt technology causes the unit to vibrate when it’s locked onto the target, increasing user confidence.
  • The E.S.P. 2 (Extreme. Speed. Precision) technology acquires distance easily and quickly. Accurate to within 1/2 of a yard. Of course, that’s more information than any of us need!
  • Adjustable diopter.
  • Waterproof.
  • 2 Year Warranty

Below is a chart of the current competition. There is really only one model rangefinder without Slope that equals the Z6 Jolt in features and that is the Leupold GX-3i2. The other models do not have the red numbers on the display. Some are only 5x magnification and are not fully waterproof.

The second table below shows models that match the features of the Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt in the Slope category. Most of these models now can turn OFF the Slope feature making them legal under the USGA local rule permitting distance measuring devices.

Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt
Slope No
Vibration y
Size (Width x Height x Depth) 2.9 in. x 1.3 in. x 4 in.
Weight 8 oz.
Battery 3 Volt CR2 Lithium
Battery Life N/A
Display VDT
Rainproof Yes
Magnification 6x
Maximum Range 1,300
Minimum Range 5
Notes Jolt technology vibrates in your hand when you've locked onto the target! E.S.P. 2 is so accurate that from 5-125 yards, the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard.
USGA Compliant (local rule) Yes
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User Manual for Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt

Replacement battery for Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt

Izzo Swami Golf Watch Review

The Izzo Swami Golf Watch (v.2) has been retired. Check out our current recommendations for today's best golf rangefinders..

'Izzo Swami Golf Watch (v.2)'

Izzo Swami Golf Watch (v.2)
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Our Izzo Swami Golf Watch Review is based not only on user reviews, but on-course testing by our editors. Although this watch has the same name as the first golf watch released by Izzo, it’s a totally new watch.

Izzo Swami Golf Watch (v.2) User Rating: 4.21 Stars 4.21 out of 5 (33 reviews)

Score compiled from multiple sources.

Overall, the new Izzo Swami watch performs well… The distances seem to be as good as any of the golf GPS watches that we’ve tested and the price is better than most. We like that it has a scorecard feature and it’s reasonably easy to use, but Izzo could have saved us a few steps if they had started with par as the default score for each hole, rather than zero. As it is, you have to hit the up button for each shot you hit on a hole.

The Izzo Swami watch is an incredible value. Prices change fast in this market, but at less than $100, this is a great pick if you’re on a tight budget. You won’t find a slick touchscreen or any layup or hazard distances on the Swami Watch. The fonts are a little small, which could be a deal-breaker for those requiring +2 or higher reading glasses, but for a solid performing golf GPS watch with a scorecard feature and low price, you have to consider this one a top contender. For golf watches with layups and larger fonts, take a look at our list of Best Golf Watches.

Notable Features of the new Izzo Golf Watch
  • Preloaded with over 30,000 golf courses worldwide.
  • No fees ever.
  • Distances to front, middle and back of every green.
  • Large 1.3 inch display.
  • Auto course recognition.
  • Auto hole advance.
  • Measures shot distance.
  • Digital Scorecard.
  • Rechargeable Li-polymer Battery holds 6-8 hour charge in GPS mode.
  • Watch mode provides time and date, alarm and odometer – battery lasts 40 days in time mode.
  • Durable & Waterproof
Izzo Swami Watch Specifications
Izzo Swami Golf Watch (v.2)
Course Download Fees No
Pre-loaded with Courses Yes
Full Hole Views Yes
Slope / Elevation N/A
Battery Life 6.5 hrs GPS/40days
Battery 300mAh coin rechargeable
Size (Width x Height x Depth) N/A in. x N/A in. x N/A in.
Measure Shot Distance Yes
Screen Size 1"
Resolution N/A
Display Type Transreflective
Weight 2.12 oz.
Rainproof Yes IPX7
Touch Screen No
Touch Targeting No
Manual Pin Positioning No
Stat Tracker No
Digital Scorecard Yes
Computer Analysis Tools No
Ground Verified Yes
Alternate Targets No
Green Rotates to your shot angle N/A
USGA Compliant (local rule) Yes
Notes Has a digital scorecard. Also allows editing of front, middle and back green locations.
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GolfRangefinderShop.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you buy anything after clicking through, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep the site up and running, so thank you! We work very hard to obtain the correct information about product features, but cannot make any guarantees about the accuracy. Please double check with the merchant or manufacturer before making a purchase.