In the realm of golf gadgets, the Blue Tees Golf Ringer GPS emerges as a noteworthy contender, striving to bridge the gap between technology and the timeless sport of golf. With its compact design and a host of sophisticated features, the Ringer GPS seeks to transform the golfing experience. This review delves into its functionality, design, and overall value to determine whether it stands out in the crowded market of golf GPS devices.
Design and Build Quality
The Blue Tees Golf Ringer is elegantly crafted, boasting a sleek, user-friendly interface with a 2.5-inch touchscreen that is both bright and responsive. The screen’s clarity is commendable, though it falls slightly short of smartphone-quality displays like that of the more expensive SkyCaddie SX550. Nevertheless, it provides all the necessary information clearly and crisply, enhancing usability on sunny days.
The device itself is remarkably sturdy, featuring a textured back that ensures a good grip and a built-in high-powered magnet. This magnetic feature is particularly useful as it allows the Ringer to be securely attached to a golf cart or trolley, providing easy access to its functionalities while on the move. Its IPX4 water resistance is another testament to its durability, ensuring that it can withstand various weather conditions, from scorching sunlight to rain showers.
Performance and Features
Equipped with over 40,000 preloaded courses worldwide, the Ringer GPS offers comprehensive coverage and is incredibly quick with auto-course recognition, loading your golf course data as soon as you arrive. The accuracy of the GPS is noteworthy, usually falling within a yard or two of some of the best golf rangefinders available, a critical feature for any golfer looking to improve their game precision.
The array of features packed into this compact device is impressive. From providing yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, to hazard distances and a dynamic green view with pin placement, the Ringer covers all bases. Advanced scoring options and a detailed analysis of each hole enhance strategic decisions, while the shot tracking feature records every swing, aiding in post-round analysis to refine strategies and improve performance.
Battery Life and Portability
One of the standout features of the Ringer is its battery life. With over 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, it comfortably covers more than a full day’s round, and possibly even two, depending on the length and speed of play. Its compact size means it can be easily stored in a pocket or mounted on the bag, making it both unobtrusive and handy.
Integration with Blue Tees Game Mobile App
Syncing the Ringer with the Blue Tees Game mobile app unlocks a plethora of additional features. The app not only offers visual flyovers of each hole but also supports detailed shot tracking and analytics. Although the app integration enhances the device’s capabilities, it can also introduce a layer of complexity that some users may find detracts from the straightforward nature of a handheld GPS. For those deeply engaged in enhancing their technical skills, these features will be invaluable, but casual players might find the basic device functions sufficient.
Pricing and Value
Priced at $199, the Blue Tees Golf Ringer offers significant value given its robust build and extensive features. It competes well with higher-priced models, providing most of the essential services without the hefty price tag. However, full utilization of its capabilities, especially those linked with the mobile app, requires a premium membership at $49.99 annually. While this represents decent value, it’s worth considering how much you’ll use these enhanced features before committing to the subscription.
