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Review: Callaway’s 300 Rangefinder, GPSync Watch and Eclipse GPS

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“Don’t call it a comeback… I’ve been here for years.” LL Cool J’s assertion might as well be Callaway’s slogan moving forward for its laser rangefinders and GPS units.

On Dec. 31, 2014, Callaway made the decision to discontinue support of the uPRO line of products. With that decision came a lot of questions and some hard feelings from customers who felt left a bit in the lurch. But as with all technology, the only constant is change and products that require ongoing third-party support are more susceptible to market fluctuations than those where the technology simply becomes outdated. More or less, this is current state of affairs with Callaway as the uPRO platform is firmly in the rearview mirror and the road ahead is marked by a partnership with Izzo on two new GPS products — GPSync Watch and Eclipse GPS — and the new 300 Laser Rangefinder

With the 2015 line of laser rangefinders and GPS products, Callaway is back in the conversation, even if they weren’t gone all that long. 

300 Laser Rangefinder 

CallawayLaser_SideFront2

What you need to know: The Callaway 300 is solid in every respect and provides the player a clean and functional optical experience. The 6x magnification places it right in line with competing products at similar price points ($249.99 with current $30 rebate) and the overall range (1,000 yards to any target) is more than anyone reasonably needs. Distances are displayed in yards or meters and the 300 can lock on a single target or scan across multiple targets seamlessly.

Why you should buy it: The optics provided by Nikon on the Callaway 300 are top notch, and it has what Callaway calls P.A.T. (Pin Acquisition Technology). This helps to lock the laser onto flags quickly and displays precise yardages (+/- 1 yard up to 300 yards). If you’ve ever struggled to hit the flagstick instead of the trees behind the green, this is for you.

Why you might keep looking: Currently, this is the only model in the lineup and because Callaway has a price point targeted at the middle, players looking for higher-end features (read: more magnification, varied display colors, slope features, hardshell case) will need to look elsewhere. 

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a rangefinder, chances are you want a product that locks onto pins easily, gives accurate yardages with point-shoot ease, is durable and user-friendly. The Callaway 300 is all that. Nothing more, nothing less.

[wrx_retail_links productid=”43″]

GPSync Watch

CallawayGPSWatch_Angle1_play

What you need to know: There’s a whole lot going on with the GPSync Watch from Callaway. It’s a lot more than a watch, and it’s something beyond your standard golf GPS. It provides basic stat tracking, shot distance measurement, an odometer as well as text/email/call notifications from your bluetooth enabled smartphone. Basically, it’s the seven-layer dip of wearable golf technology. While it doesn’t excel in any one particular area and carries a fairly hefty price tag ($299), there’s enough here to garner a fair bit of attention.

Effectively, it’s a golf GPS wrapped in watch clothing. The standard functions of distance measurement to the front/middle/back of greens as well as hazards and doglegs are accurate, albeit with simple graphics — if a hole has multiple hazards, it’s tough to decipher which distance is associated with which hazard. That said, distances were always within 1-2 yard of my rangefinder and if accuracy is your bottom line, you’ll be pleased with the performance. 

The GPSync Watch comes preloaded with 30,000 courses which should be sufficient, but you’ll want to check the database before you purchase just to make sure. Furthermore, Callaway’s partnership with Izzo means tapping into a greater database of information without any concern of subscription fees moving forward. If you’re going to use this primarily as a GPS on the course, the 10-12 hours or expected battery time might be a bit optimistic. In my experience, 8-9 hours was more realistic.

Why you should buy it: I can’t lie, there is some “cool factor” here. The integration of smartphone technology is appealing and for golfers who routinely wear a watch to the course and/or use a GPS, this sets the GPSync Watch apart from competitors. Not all of us can just ditch the phone for 4+ hours and pray no one calls, texts or sends an urgent email. Thankfully, you can leave your phone in your bag and the GPSync Watch will alert you when this happens. Just hope it’s not in the middle of your swing at a critical juncture in a match against your brother — hypothetically speaking, of course. The distances provided are spot on and the device navigated from hole-to-hole and screen-to-screen with adept agility. 

Even though the graphics are a little “meh,” the overall user experience is intuitive and pleasantly easy to learn. If you can send an email, you can work the GPSync watch without frustration.

Why you might keep looking: The first generation of any technology has its risks, glitches and room for improvement.

The accompanying free app provides a nice starting point for stat-tracking, but it would be better if you could review past rounds and examine aggregate playing data. Finally, for those wanting an enhanced graphic experience, course mapping imagery leaves quite a bit to be desired. If I’m dropping three bills on a watch-GPS, I want it to blow my mind in at least one area and the GPSync watch, while entirely functional, is a bit underwhelming at this price point.

Final Thoughts: I like this product at $299, but would love it somewhere around $100 less, where comparable products reside. The other option is to bump the price up a bit and offer a product that competes directly with the creme de la creme of GPS-watch hybrids. The ability to get notifications of texts, emails and calls is nice, but you still need to reach into your bag and find your phone if you want reply. The GPS is solid if not unspectacular, however, the robust list of features and options is substantial and attractive. Ultimately it comes down to what you want. If it’s an Apple Watch with GPS functionality, this isn’t it. However, if you want a GPS and watch in a single package and like the idea of bluetooth integration, the GPSync Watch is certainly worth a long look.

[wrx_buy_now oemlink=”http://www.callawaygolf.com/accessories/gps-rangefinders/spr4452433.html” oemtext=”Learn more from Callaway” amazonlink=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S6T0DLS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00S6T0DLS&linkCode=as2&tag=golfwrxcom-20&linkId=UU4BGKNVE6SI4FF6″]

Eclipse GPS

eCLIPse_Angle2_play

What you need to know: The Eclipse GPS from Callaway is the GPSync Watch minus the watch.

The foundational GPS technology provided by Izzo gives you access to 30,000 courses without any annual subscription fees. Syncing and updating your device is relatively simple, although it is a multi-step process. Distances to front/middle/back and hazards are precisely measured and the unit is remarkably easy to use. Added features for basic stat-tracking (putts, GIR, fairways hit) and shot distance measurement put the Eclipse GPS right in line with similar products from competitors.

In a word, the Eclipse GPS is about convenience. From the handy bag clip and diminutive stature to the auto-hole advance and satellite set time/date, there’s nothing about this unit that is complicated or difficult. Wouldn’t it be nice if the rest of the game were this easy!

Why you should buy it: At $199, there’s enough performance here to justify the cost. While many companies have focused on embedding GPS technology into watches or creating handheld GPS units, the Eclipse GPS stands alone. Sometimes less is more and in this case, the smaller size of the Eclipse is a good thing. Attaching and removing the Eclipse GPS from your bag or belt loop is a fluid and simple process, although players might prefer to use the Eclipse as they would any handheld GPS. I was pleased with the convenience of simply glancing at my bag to get distances, although if you have bag tags, towels, keys or anything else already on there, it’s easy to for the Eclipse to get lost in mix. 

Those seeking convenience and function over form are going to find a whole lot to like in the Eclipse GPS.

Why you might keep looking: If you’re looking for a handheld GPS device or the idea of clipping a GPS onto your person or bag seems a bit awkward, you may want to opt for a full-size GPS or the GPSync Watch. If you are going to clip the Eclipse onto your bag, I’d love to see something more substantial with a locking feature. I never could get on with the idea of latching it onto my belt loop, but if that’s your thing that is an option. As with the GPSync, the Eclipse GPS is more graphically basic than you’d think for a device released in 2015. At its core, this product is about providing information, not aesthetics.

Final Thoughts: The Eclipse GPS by Callaway is a no frills, all business, straightforward golf GPS. It does precisely what it proposes to do and if you’ve been waiting for the functionality of a full-powered GPS, but don’t want to wear a watch or operate a hand-held device, the Eclipse is an intriguing option.

[wrx_buy_now oemlink=”http://www.callawaygolf.com/accessories/arccos-gps/spr4452434.html” oemtext=”Learn more from Callaway” amazonlink=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S6T0G4W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00S6T0G4W&linkCode=as2&tag=golfwrxcom-20&linkId=TBKEZ54735LQN4UK”]

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I didn't grow up playing golf. I wasn't that lucky. But somehow the game found me and I've been smitten ever since. Like many of you, I'm a bit enthusiastic for all things golf and have a spouse which finds this "enthusiasm" borderline ridiculous. I've been told golf requires someone who strives for perfection, but realizes the futility of this approach. You have to love the journey more than the result and relish in frustration and imperfection. As a teacher and coach, I spend my days working with amazing middle school and high school student athletes teaching them to think, dream and hope. And just when they start to feel really good about themselves, I hand them a golf club!

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Jeff Carlson

    Sep 14, 2015 at 11:39 pm

    The best rangefinder I have ever used. It is light weight, waterproof, and compact. The pin seeking and scanning modes are great for the average golfer. The yaradages appear very accurate, even from long distances. Callaway 300 is ready to use right out of the box. Hands down 5 stars. I am very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend it!!

  2. jamessaylor

    Sep 8, 2015 at 4:54 am

    Thanks for nice posting !

  3. dscvrrstl

    Jul 31, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    300 Rangefinder works really well. Quick lock on the pin and other targets. Best feature, after you lock on one target, just hold button down and shift to any other targets within 8 secs and it keeps reading those distances also. Don’t have to keep hitting button over and over like other range finders.

  4. Darwin Howard

    Jul 30, 2015 at 12:40 am

    Paid for unlimited used of the Upro, now what there some G.P.S. with Callaway name on it NO THANKS. Still have credit I have not use on the Upro.

  5. Upro owner

    Jul 28, 2015 at 1:49 am

    The above poster is spot on I purchased a upro with Mitch excitement just to have battery issues ( callaway did send me an extra battery ) and to have the up and stop supporting the device . Had callaway not burned me on my upro I would buy the watch quickly but I know they will stop supporting and leave me out in the cold AGAIN NO THANKS !!

  6. IZZO Golf

    Jul 27, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Please don’t confuse Callaway’s past history with uPro with the newest Callaway distance measurement devices. The source is entirely different as the newest offerings are manufactured and supported via a licensing relationship with IZZO Golf. IZZO has been in the Golf Electronics category for 7+ years and its solid track record of product quality and support should speak for itself.

    Thank you,
    IZZO Golf

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Accessory Reviews

Insider photos from Tiger Woods’ launch event for his new “Sun Day Red” apparel line

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On Monday evening, inside the swanky, second-story “Coach House” event center in the Palisades Village, just minutes down the road from the 2024 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, Tiger Woods and TaylorMade officially announced their new apparel/footwear/accessory line, called “Sun Day Red.”

The Sun Day Red website officially launched on Monday night during the event, and the products are set to go on sale starting May 1.

The “Sun Day Red,” or “SDR” name will be self-explanatory for most golf fans, since he’s been wearing a victory-red shirt on Sunday’s for his entire professional career, but Woods explained the meaning of Sun Day Red at the launch event:

“It started with mom. Mom thought – being a Capricorn – that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red; Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

The Sunday Red outfit has worked to perfection for his 82 PGA Tour victories, including 15 majors, so why not make an entire apparel line based on the career-long superstition?

As I learned at Monday’s launch event, the new Sun Day Red line includes much more than just clothing. To go along with a slew of different golf shirt designs and colorways, there were also windbreakers, hoodies, shoes, hats, headcovers, ball markers and gloves on display.

The upscale event was hosted by sports media personality Erin Andrews, with special guests David Abeles (CEO of TaylorMade) and Tiger Woods himself.

As explained by Abeles, the Sun Day Red brand is an independently-run business under the TaylorMade umbrella, and is based in San Clemente, California (rather than Carlsbad, where TaylorMade headquarters is located), and it’s run by a newly-formed, independent group. Brad Blackinship, formerly of Quiksilver and RVCA, is the appointed president of the new brand.

As for the logo itself, obviously, it’s made to look like a Tiger (the animal), and is comprised of 15 tiger stripes, which correspond with Woods’ 15 major championships. While the logo may need a 16th stripe if Woods adds a major trophy to his collection, it makes perfect sense for the time being.

The golf/lifestyle line is meant to combine premium precision and athletic comfort, while still having plenty of wearability and style off the course. Like Woods said on stage at the event, he wants to be able to go right from the course to dinner wearing Sun Day Red, and that was exactly the aesthetic on display at the event on Monday.

Following the official announcement from Woods and Abeles, they revealed multiple pieces of clothing, accessories and footwear for the event-goers to ogle (and photograph). Check out a selection of product/event photos below, or head over to our @GolfWRX Instagram page for video coverage…OR, head into our GolfWRX Forums for even more photos and member discussion.

Enjoy this exclusive look at Tiger Woods’ new Sun Day Red apparel lineup below.

See more photos from the Sun Day Red launch event here

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Accessory Reviews

GolfWRX Spotlight: Motocaddy M7 Remote and M5 GPS DHC electric cart review

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I have been thinking about electric golf push carts, or trollies, ever since I started playing in my league seven years ago.

Motocaddy has been making high-quality electric, and non-electric, carts since 2004 and has a couple of great options for the golfer who loves to walk. Motocaddy was nice enough to get their M7 Remote and M5 GPS DHC in my hands to try out on the course for a few weeks.

I have had a lot of people stop me to ask about the carts, and the one thing I keep telling them is that these carts are just flat out fun to use on the course.

Motocaddy M7 Remote

The M7 Remote was very easy to get set up right out of the box. All you have to do is charge the battery, install the wheels, and you are pretty much ready to go. The M7 folds up pretty small, just a little larger than the 3-wheel pushcart that I had been using for years. Getting it to the course should be no problem with just about any trunk space. Now, the one downside to an electric cart is the weight when moving it around, and both carts come in at around 35 pounds each. Even with that extra weight, I didn’t have much trouble lifting them in and out of the back of a pickup.

The M7 unfolds quickly with the flick of two levers and extends the front wheels automatically. Once unfolded, you drop in the battery, plug it in, and secure your bag. If you own a Motocaddy bag, they have developed a really nice system called EasiLock that involves two metal studs that fit into the bottom of the cart. This system also includes a molded base that prevents the bag from rotating at all, even on the roughest terrain. You can still use the M7 with almost any other golf bag as it includes elastic straps that wrap around the top and bottom of the bag.

As soon as you plug in the battery the LCD screen comes to life and you are ready to go. You can use the M7 without the remote by using the dial on the handle to control the starting, stopping, and speed. But the M7 has a remote that is activated by a simple press of the power button to get going. The remote is very simple with just five buttons to control where the M7 goes.

Getting a feel for the M7 takes no time at all and by the time you drive it from your car to the 1st tee you will be in complete, and confident, control of the cart. You simply press the “+” button to start moving forward and the cart takes off gently without any rattling of your clubs, and you can press that same button again to increase the speed. The cart will go from a slow crawl, for bumpy or tight areas, too, as fast as I could run with just a few presses of the button. The big red “stop” button in the center stops the cart immediately, and when stopped it is locked in place, even on steep hills. You don’t have to worry about remembering to set the brakes or anything because it is done automatically.

Steering is just as easy: simply press the right or left button to turn the cart. Small, quick presses will just slightly adjust the cart as it moves down the fairway while a long hold of the button can make it turn on a dime to the right or left.

Almost everyone asked me how stable the cart was and if it would tip over. I can proudly say that it has stayed upright even on some unseen bumps at maximum speed. Side hills, ruts, and even curbs are handled with ease with the help of the small rear wheel.

I really enjoy strolling down the fairway with nothing but the M7’s remote in my hand — it just makes golfing more fun!

Motocaddy M5 GPS DHC

After using the M7 and its fancy remote, I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t like not having it. But to be honest the M5 was just as fun to use, but for a different reason.

As the name suggests, the M5 has a built-in GPS with 40,000 courses preloaded into it. The screen is a good size, pretty responsive to the touch, and easy to read in direct sunlight. Having the GPS directly on the cart is great, you drive up to your ball and immediately have yardage to the front, back, and center of the green as well as bunkers and hazards. You can easily toggle between screens on the GPS and it offers a couple of different views to help navigate the hole. The M5 can also keep score and let you know shot distances right on the screen. Motocaddy even includes nice little touches like a screen protecter kit to ensure durability.

Driving the M5 is just as easy as the M7 with using the dial on the handle. And speaking of the handle, the grips have a great tacky rubber that grips well even in hot and humid conditions. To start the M5 you just press the dial down and the cart will gently start down the fairway. You can turn the dial to increase or decrease the speed — I found between 5-6 to be the most comfortable for me. But the speed can go up to a very fast pace if you are looking to set a record for fastest round of the day.

As you walk down the fairway, or rough, stopping the cart is as simple as pressing he dial again. When stopped the M5 engages a parking brake automatically so you don’t have to worry about it running down a hill without your approval. The M5 has tons of power to go up just about any hill and the Down Hill Control (DHC) keeps the speed consistent even when going down a steep decent.

Since the M5 has so much power, and it is a little heavy, I thought steering would be a little bit of a challenge. It wasn’t, at all. Guiding the M5 took very little effort and slight adjustments going down the fairway were very easy. Really tight turns took a slight bit more effort as the torque can want to go forward a little more than turn. Again, once you get the M5 from the car to the first tee, you will be a master at driving it.

Overall, Motocaddy has created two great carts that provide additional enjoyment to walking your favorite 9 or 18. Having the ability to walk without carrying or pushing your bag, clubs, and whatever else goes with you. I like them so much that it is going to be hard to get the M7’s remote out of my hands when I go play!

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Accessory Reviews

GolfWRX Spotlight: Crossrope weighted jump rope & app

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An 18-hole round of golf averages out to just under five miles of walking, which on its own is a good workout. Once you throw in some potential uphill trekking you get some serious cardio too, but if you all looking for a quick workout between rounds of golf look no further than Crossrope.

Crossrope – The details

Crossrope is a system of the weighted jump rope that allows you to quickly switch the weight of the ropes you are using to boost your workout—they range from 1/4 lbs all the way up to 2 lbs depending on the kit you start out with. There is an accompanying app that helps you go through multiple workout routines and is available free, or you can upgrade to the entire library of workout routines along with more workout tracking options.

This is NOT your middle school jump rope

The handles are heavy duty and feature precision bearings to allow the rope to move smoothly around as you go through a routine. They are also ergonomic and fit into your hand naturally, which making gripping easy, something that is really nice when you’re swinging a 2 lbs coated steel cable around. The handles also come with a fast clip system to make changing cables depending on your selected workout easier too.

The ropes themselves are made from braided steel and are almost impossible to tangle, allowing them to be easily transported and stored when not in use. All in you are getting a premium piece of workout equipment that is effective and easy to store—hard to same the same thing about a treadmill.

When it comes to a workout, skipping rope is one of the most effective cardio workouts you can do, and with Crossrope, you can get both cardio and low impact weight training when using the heaviest ropes, and follow along with the guided workouts.

As someone that hadn’t used a jump rope in over a decade, starting out lighter was a nice way to ease in before moving up, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy and fun some of the workouts in the app were. If you are looking for a fun way to add something to your workouts, or you just want to try something new to get you into golf course walking shape, this could be right up your alley. To learn more check out crossrope.com

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