Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS Review
There are few Garmin Approach G8 golf GPS reviews out yet because this Garmin is a new arrival to the golf enthusiast in spring 2014.
The G8 is Garmin’s most feature rich golf GPS and offers some exciting features such as the club suggestion feature, free lifetime updates and the pin pointer that tells you where the pin is, even if you can’t see it. These are just a couple of the features that were not available on some less expensive models.
If you are looking for an advanced golf GPS then this new model should be on your short list.
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Read the rest of the Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS Review:
Table of Contents (click ahead!)
GPS Functions Display Details Mapping Features
Extra Features Customer Reviews Pros & Cons
Basic Garmin G8 Golf GPS Functions
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Complicated and difficult to operate GPS devices can be more difficult to use initially as they have a higher learning curve than a basic distance to the green model. But there are advantages once you become familiar with the GPS operation.
With the Garmin Approach G8 golf GPS you get all the basics such as distance to the front center and back of the green, plus a whole lot of advanced features.
The G8 allows golfers to select distances to the target, and when you need help, this GPS can give golfers those distances to the target, adjusted for uphill or downhill shots
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Garmin Approach G8 Display Details
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Choose from a 2.6 inch screen or the larger 3.0 inch screen size that utilizes a color TFT touch screen display and 240 x 400 pixels of resolution.
If you have trouble reading the display then to make viewing easier you can use the “Big Numbers Mode” to increase the font size when showing the distances to front, back and center.
There is also a display brightness adjustment and back lighting allowing this GPS to be read in dim or bright conditions. And for easier viewing, Big Numbers Mode increases the font size of the front, back and center distances.
Garmin G8 Golf GPS Control Method
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This advanced model golf GPS device includes a full color high resolution touch screen. Just think, you can target in on the pin and just tap the flag on the map to zoom in.
You will find many advanced and touch friendly feature operations in this GPS.
There are two buttons that are also used for score measurement and for changing views.
Approach G8 Mapping Features
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Garmin has preloaded the G8 model with more than 30,000 international courses and continues to update their library.
Once you have purchased this GPS you will never have to worry about paying for a subscription ever, as Garmin provides free lifetime updates! And you can update over Wi-Fi instead of messing with cables.
Garmin Approach G8 Battery Type and Charging
This is a full featured golf GPS and it’s no surprise to find an internal rechargeable lithium polymer battery. Each battery charge can power the device for up to 15 hours and that is good for several rounds of golf.
The cable interface type is a USB connection which is standard connection, so if you need a cable replacement or longer cable finding another cable is easy.
Garmin Approach G8 Dimensions
Depending on the size option you choose, the standard screen is 2.6 inches or the larger screen unit measures 3.0″ diagonal.
The GPS dimensions are:
2.6″ screen option: 2.1″ x 3.8″ x 0.6″ (5.8 x 9.7 x 1.4 cm).
3.0″ screen option : 2.1″ x 4.4″ x 0.6″ (5.8 x 11.2 x 1.4 cm).
With a weight of 3.97 oz (112.6 g) this is a smaller sized device that is well suited for clipping to your belt, bag or taking along on the riding golf cart.
Garmin G8 Golf GPS Advanced Features
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The Garmin Approach G8 golf GPS has so many advanced features that we should first summarize them to get a quick overview:
- Receive emails, texts and alerts right on your handheld
- Find the pin, even if you can’t see the flag
- Touch screen controls
- Touch target on display to see the distance to any point
- Manual pin positioning for precise yardage
- Course preview to see detailed, hole-by-hole preview
- Tracks stats including putts, greens & fairways hit, and distance
- Digital scorecard for up to four players
- Computer scorecard to save and review scores on computer
- Distance advisor, adjusted for uphill or downhill shots
- Golf Club suggestion
- Large text number display mode
- Slot for optional memory card
A feature I really like is shot distance. Your Garmin G8 golf GPS can track how far you hit each club and makes a recommendation based on that shot distance. If you are not sure how far you really hit your club then you can use the G8 to help remove the guesswork and dial in your clubs.
How many times has the pin been out of view around a dogleg or because you ended up in the woods and need to walk around or guess where the flag is? Then you will love this great feature that lets you know which way it is to the pin even if you cant see it.
Forgot to grab a scorecard? Well, don’t worry because Garmin’s Approach G8 also provides a digital scorecard feature for tracking scores for up to four players. Choose from several scoring options (Stroke Play, Stableford, Skins and Match Play) or use adjustable handicaps.
If you are a fan of visuals, then you are in for a treat with the full color layup arcs. Choose from varying distances including100, 150, 200 or 250 yards. Now you can choose exactly how far to hit the ball whether laying up or going long.
A targeting system also lets you touch any point and show the exact distance to that spot. No more guessing how far to that hazard, landing area, or green.
This is a smart GPS that allows you to receive email, texts and alerts right to your G8 handheld device from your iPhone® 4s or later smartphone. I personally don’t see much value in this but it is still an interesting feature.
If you are interested in your golf statistics like I am, then you can keep track of your fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts per round. Your golf stats can be viewed on the Garmin GPS or if you prefer you could download and print them from your computer. This could really give you some insight into your game and tell you where you need or improvement, and where your strengths lie. This is a very nice feature indeed.
Garmin Approach G8 Accessories
This GPS includes a universal serial bus (USB) charging cable, the Approach G8 GPS, and an AC adapter.
A clip is also provided allowing you to attach the device to your belt, pocket or to your bag. Lastly a product manual is also provided.
Garmin Approach G8 Customer Reviews
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Customer reviews are mostly for the G6 model, however most users like the accurate distances, the touchscreen features and good connectivity. It has even been referred to as the best golf GPS available.
The Garmin G8 extends on the capabilities of the Garmin G6 and should become a favorite with a four star or better rating.
” The G8 is small but packs a lot of features. I really like the fact that when I get to the course and turn it on it lists the courses near my location…(read more here: Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS Review)”
“I finally received the G8 and it is light years away from any other device! The touch controls are very sensitive and responsive (much better then the G6 or any other golf device…(read more here: Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS Review)”
Amazon [rating:4.0/5]
Garmin G8 Pros & Cons
Pros:
There are numerous user reviews on the Garmin G6 model, which is the earlier model to the G8 and users are overall very satisfied with this GPS.
The numerous pros are all the basic and advanced features.
Further, this GPS provides free lifetime course updates, has a water resistant rating to 1 meter, and is very easy to read sunlight with large fonts for front center back display or a back light when needed.
The Garmin Approach G8 Golf GPS has a unique set of very convenient and advanced features that make using this GPS a snap even for the technically challenged.
Cons:
The Garmin Approach G8 is an advanced model with a ton of features, but it is not without some flaws.
The included USB cable is short at only 18 inches in length so may not be long enough to reach your connections.
During charging with the USB you may not be able to see the chaging status, bur this isn’t an issue with the AC adapter.
And lastly, it is a more expensive model at almost $400 dollars.
Check current pricing discounts:
Amazon occasionally offers special discounts on this model. Click on the link below for more info and to see today’s SPECIAL PRICE.
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Features Overview:
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