Shot Scope V5 GPS Golf Watch

The Shot Scope V5 is a button-controlled GPS golf watch with automatic shot tracking, full hole maps and no subscription fees, ever.

Why it made the list

Some shot trackers charge a fee or need your phone in your pocket. The V5 needs neither. It comes with 16 second generation tracking tags for your clubs, and the strap uses Shot Scope’s Power-Sense technology to detect each shot. The watch shows a message when it records a shot, so you know it worked, and you play your round without tapping or tagging anything.

After the round, your shots sync to the free Shot Scope app over Bluetooth. You get stats on tee shots, approaches, short game, putting and scoring, with every shot plotted on an overhead map of the course. Shot Scope guarantees its software, maps and updates are free of subscriptions for life.

What it does well

• Automatic shot tracking with 16 tags included in the box
• Full hole maps with front, middle and back yardages
• Front and carry distances to hazards, plus layup and dogleg points
• A free app and dashboard with no subscription fees

The data is where the V5 earns its place. You can break your stats down by lie, distance, club, proximity, round and season, and see how far you really hit each club.

Who it’s for

The V5 is for golfers who want to know where they lose strokes and would rather not pay a yearly fee to find out. It suits players who like simple button controls and want useful numbers on the course, then real analysis at home.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want a touchscreen. Four buttons are simple, but they are slower than tapping a spot on a map. Golfers who never plan to look at their stats can save money with a watch that has no tracking.

Key specs, explained

The display is a 1.2-inch daylight readable MIP (memory in pixel) color screen with a backlight, at 240 x 240 pixels. MIP screens stay clear in bright sun. You can pick from five color themes: blue, orange, red, pink and green. The case measures 43 mm across and 12 mm thick, and the watch weighs 50 grams.

Battery life in golf mode is rated at 2+ rounds. The silicone strap has a UV and dust resistant coating and a metal buckle, and Shot Scope sells other strap colors. There is also a built-in step counter for steps on and off the course.

How it compares

The Shot Scope G6 GPS Golf Watch costs $149.99 and has the same no-fee approach with full hole maps, but no automatic shot tracking. The Garmin Approach S44 GPS Golf Smartwatch costs $299.99 and has a touchscreen, but shot tracking with Garmin needs CT10 sensors sold separately. Choose the V5 if you want tracking at the lowest price.

Good to know

The V5 is $209.99 at Shot Scope right now, down from $249.99. Shot Scope covers it with a 2 year warranty. Other features include green view with pin placement, a last shot distance button and a scorecard that totals your score against par as you play. MyStrategy in the app lets you overlay your Shot Scope data on a course you have never played to plan your round.

Questions about the Shot Scope V5

Does the Shot Scope V5 need a subscription?

No, the V5 has no subscription fees. The app, maps and updates are free for life.

Do I need my phone on the course with the V5?

No, you don’t need your phone during the round. The watch records your shots, then you sync the round to the app by Bluetooth afterward.

How many tags come with the Shot Scope V5?

The V5 comes with 16 second generation tracking tags. That covers a full set of 14 clubs with two spares.