Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch Review
All Garmin GPS Golf Watch, But 1/2 the Price, 1/2 the Size and 1/2 the Features
Garmin makes the best GPS golf watches. However they also carry a fairly high price tag. The Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch offers all the best golf features that Garmin GPS watches have without the bells and whistles in a lightweight model at 1/2 the price.
For the budget conscious golfer this is the ideal blend of features, design and price. I wore this watch everyday for 4 weeks straight and tracked my sleep, my steps, my golf scores as well as had access to the Garmin Golf app connectivity.
The bright AOLED screen was clear and easy to read, while the smaller design, lighter weight and nylon band made it comfortable for golf and every day use.
This is my official Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch Review.
All Golf Features
The AMOLED screen of the Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch is kind of the engine that makes it all work so well for golf.
This touchscreen is very bright and easy to see on the golf course.
The GPS is accurate and connects quickly to satellites and with 43,000 courses preloaded, you are going to have a hard time finding a course that isn’t on the watch.
It keeps score, it gives you the length of your previous shot, it has green views, pin movement, bunkers, water hazards, front, back, middle, it offers hole overviews and easy mostly automatic function.
It get a Garmin Golf Membership you can get more detailed views.
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Slim and Lightweight
The Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch is 1/2 the thickness of the S70 or fenix 8 meaning it also weighs considerably less.
The screen is also smaller making it a great fit for smaller wrists, but also less noticeable while golfing since it rarely rubs against a golf glove nor do the button get pushed accidentally while swinging.
The trade off is features, but if are not a watch person and are thinking about an entry point GPS watch, this is going to be one of the best combination of features, price and size.
ComfortFit Nylon Strap
The Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch comes with a ComfortFit Nylon Strap.
It is what I would call a loop over “Velcro” strap what is slim, lightweight and has just a little stretch.
When you loosen the closure and open it wide to put it over your hand, it is a little on the tight side and almost needs to be completely pulled out of the loop.
If you have big hands you might think about getting a different strap, but it is perfect for smaller hands and wrists.
The “loop and hook” strap was easy to adjust and get comfortable every time you put it on and it never came undone while golfing, walking or sleeping.
Battery Life
The Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch is rated for 10 days of use with 15 hours of GPS battery life.
In real life that meant I could wear the watch for a week before it needed recharging.
I could play golf up to two times during that week and wear it every day while walking, sleep or working for the week before the battery ran out.
While this is less than other Garmin watches, it is still much longer than most competitors.
The recharging only takes an hour so you can slip it off one morning while getting ready and your good for another week.
Budget Features
“So what am I missing out if I get the Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch compared to other models?”
The S70 and fenix 8 have more non-golf features, a bigger face, longer battery life and more detailed golf maps and options.
So it comes down to a matter of your budget and needs.
I could easily enjoy the S50 GPS golf watch as my every day and every golf round watch.
It has just enough and just the right features to track the majority of things I want to know about; sleep, steps, weather, and golf.
Even with a few less golf details on the screen, you still get bright and clear distances and maps.
Summary
Garmin offers all their great golf GPS in a slim, lightweight, comfortable watch at 1/2 the price.
If you are looking to start wearing a watch for golf, this is just about the best combination of features and price you can buy.
The Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch hits the sweet spot of “just right” for features, size and price.
Obviously if you want every Garmin features the S70 or fenix 8 will blow you away with how much a watch can do, but I’ve been happily impressed by the comfort, features and battery life of the S50.
For more information: Garmin Golf Website
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