Arccos Smart Sensors (Gen 4, Smoke)

Arccos Smart Sensors (Gen 4) twist into the grip end of your clubs and track every shot you hit, then turn your rounds into strokes gained stats and club advice.

Why it made the list

Most golfers guess where their strokes go. Arccos records them. The kit includes 15 Smart Sensors and one putter sensor, 16 in all, and you twist one into the end of each grip. Once they are paired with the Arccos app, your phone, an Apple Watch or the Arccos Air picks up each shot on its own, so you play your round as normal.

After a few rounds the app knows how far you really hit each club. It then uses that data for yardage and strategy advice built on your own game. Arccos is also the Official Game Tracker of the PGA TOUR.

What it does well

• Tracks every shot automatically once the sensors are paired
• Strokes gained analysis compares your game to a target handicap you pick
• Smart club distances show how far you hit each club in different conditions
• AI Strategy gives club picks and targets for each shot
• Setup typically takes less than 10 minutes

Strokes gained is the feature that changes how you practice. It shows whether you lose shots off the tee, on approach, around the green or on the putting green, so you stop practicing the part of your game that is already fine.

Who it’s for

Arccos suits golfers who play often, want to lower their handicap and will look at the stats after each round. It fits players who already carry a phone or wear an Apple Watch, since one of those does the tracking.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you don’t want a yearly fee. The first year of membership is included for new members, then it renews at $199.99 a year. Skip it as well if you play only a few rounds a season, since the insights get better with more data.

Key specs, explained

The sensors are weather and dust resistant, which covers wet rounds and dusty carts. The batteries are not replaceable, but Arccos sends members 5 new sensors when the membership renews. On iPhone it needs an iPhone 8 or newer on iOS 16.0 or later. On Android it works with select devices that have a gyroscope and accelerometer. Apple Watch support is optimized for Series 6 and newer. Arccos lists more than 40,000 mapped courses.

How it compares

The Shot Scope PRO LX+ Rangefinder with GPS pairs a laser with a GPS handheld and shot tracking, and Shot Scope charges no subscription. Choose Arccos if you want tracking from your phone or watch with no extra device to carry. Choose Shot Scope if you want a laser in the box and no yearly bill.

Good to know

The AI GPS rangefinder in the app adjusts yardages for wind, elevation, temperature, humidity and altitude. Arccos says the system is permitted under the Rules of Golf, but adjusted yardages fall under the rules on distance devices, so check before a competition round. Setup needs an internet connection. The box comes in Smoke, Green, American and Euro colors at the same price.

Questions about the Arccos Smart Sensors

Do Arccos sensors need a subscription?

Yes, after the first year. New members get the first year included, and the membership then renews at $199.99 a year, billed annually.

Do I need to carry my phone with Arccos?

Not always. Your phone or an Apple Watch can do the tracking, and the Arccos Air add-on tracks shots without your phone in play.

Can I replace the battery in an Arccos sensor?

No, the batteries are not replaceable. Arccos sends members 5 new sensors at each membership renewal.