Shot Scope V5 GPS Golf Watch Review - Everything You Need To Know

By Niro Shan

Published: Monday, January 8, 2024

The Shot Scope V5 golf watch, launched in April 2024, is a budget-friendly yet feature-packed GPS and shot-tracking golf watch. Priced at a fraction of the most premium options on the market, it promises advanced technology at an affordable price. But does it live up to the expectations of golfers who want accuracy, convenience, and detailed performance analysis?

I have used the Shot Scope V5 for over six months and tested its features, performance, and usability. It was also featured in our best gps golf watches article which is a great read if you want to take a look. In this review, I will give you essential information about the design, setup, GPS accuracy, shot tracking, and battery life. Whether you're a casual golfer or someone who relies on data, this review will help you decide if the Shot Scope V5 is right for you.

Let’s dive in!

Jump to section quickly:

Design & Build Quality

Initial Setup & Ease of Use

GPS Performance & Accuracy

Shot Tracking Capabilities

Additional Features & Smart Functions

Post-Round Editing & Data Insights

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

The Shot Scope V5 has a sleek, minimalist design that closely resembles its premium counterpart, the Shot Scope X5. However, one key difference is the matte bezel, which many golfers, including myself, find more attractive than the X5’s glossy finish. This subtle but important change helps prevent distracting reflections on sunny days.

Unlike modern smartwatches, the V5 doesn’t have a touchscreen. Instead, it relies on four well-placed buttons, making it easy to navigate—even in wet weather, where touchscreens often fail. The button-based system might feel outdated to some, but it ensures a reliable and frustration-free user experience.

Weighing just 50g, it feels light on the wrist, and the silicone strap is both secure and flexible. An interesting aspect of the strap is its reversed design, which may initially surprise new users. However, this design is intentional and ensures accurate shot tracking.

Overall, the V5’s build is durable, stylish, and well-suited for golf.

Accurate Distance Measurements for Better Shots

Setting up the Shot Scope V5 is quick and simple. Start by downloading the Shot Scope App (available for both iOS and Android). Create an account, then sync the watch via Bluetooth. You can personalize settings, including measurement units, preferences, and club data. Attach the provided tracking tags to your clubs for shot tracking.

The entire setup takes roughly 20-30 minutes. For optimal performance, it's recommended to charge the watch before your first round fully. While the watch has some initial battery life, charging it with the included USB cable ensures you’re ready for uninterrupted play.

Tip: Since the charging cable is specific to the V5, store it safely to avoid misplacing it.

Once the setup is complete, the interface is intuitive, even for those unfamiliar with GPS watches.

GPS Performance & Accuracy

The Shot Scope V5 offers two distinct playing modes for versatility:

GPS Only Mode: Provides distance measurements without tracking shots.
GPS + Track Mode: Displays detailed course data and tracks your shots.

Boasting over 36,000 preloaded courses globally, this watch ensures accurate mapping for virtually any course you play. It connects to GPS quickly, often in under a minute, ensuring you can start your round with minimal delay.

Once connected, the V5 delivers precise measurements for the front, middle, and back of greens, helping you make informed decisions with every shot. Whether you’re playing a familiar course or exploring a new one, the Shot Scope V5 offers reliable performance and accurate GPS data, enhancing your game every step of the way.

Key Features:

Precise GPS Accuracy: Provides highly accurate GPS readings, typically within a few yards, thanks to advanced laser rangefinders.
Hazard Distance Menu: Easily measures distances to bunkers and water hazards, allowing for more strategic shot decisions.
Layup Guide: Offers a helpful layup guide, enabling you to plan your shots effectively based on course layout.
Hole Overview Map: Enhances course navigation with a detailed hole map, giving you a clear view of the layout for better planning.
Green Map with Pin Location Adjustment: Offers a green map feature with adjustable pin locations, helping you approach the green with precision, although it can be slightly slower due to the button controls.

The only minor drawback I experienced was the occasional inaccurate yardages. However, Shot Scope addressed this by allowing course re-mapping requests to correct any discrepancies, ensuring more reliable data for future rounds. This feature makes it a valuable tool for golfers looking for precision and strategic insight throughout their game.

Shot Tracking Capabilities

Shot tracking is where the Shot Scope V5 truly excels.

How Does Shot Tracking Work With The Shot Scope V5?

The watch pairs with 16 club-tracking tags screwed into your club grips.
As you swing, the watch automatically detects your shots.
Automatic tracking means no need for manual input—just focus on your game!

Tracking Accuracy:

At first, the V5 occasionally missed a few shots, but with regular use, its tracking accuracy improved significantly. The main issue tends to occur when taking multiple shots from the same location, such as bunker shots. In these instances, the watch sometimes records just one stroke instead of each individual shot.

However, this is a minor inconvenience since missed shots can easily be edited after the round. This feature allows for quick adjustments, ensuring that your round is accurately logged. Over time, as the device adapts to your playing style, tracking becomes more reliable, and these occasional lapses become less frequent.

Additional Features & Smart Functions

In addition to GPS and shot tracking, the V5 offers a range of helpful features to enhance your game:

Digital Scorecard: Easily track strokes and putts for each hole, making it simple to monitor your performance throughout the round.
Shot Distance Measurement: Get precise measurements for how far each shot travels, helping you make more informed decisions on the course.
Penalty Stroke Menu: Conveniently add penalty strokes manually to ensure accurate scoring.
Step Counter: Keep track of your daily steps, though note it doesn’t log them for long-term tracking.
Customizable Watch Faces: Personalize your device with a variety of display themes, allowing you to choose one that suits your style.

These additional functions make the V5 not just a golfing tool, but a smart companion on and off the course.

Downside? The step counter resets at midnight without saving data—a missed opportunity for fitness tracking.

Post-Round Editing & Data Insights

Once you sync your round to the Shot Scope app, you have the option to review and edit your data for improved accuracy. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Adjust Shot Locations – Fine-tune your shot placements for greater accuracy in your stats.
Quick Sign-Off Mode – If precision isn’t your priority, you can skip the editing process and move on quickly.
Leaderboard & Competition Mode – Engage with fellow golfers by comparing your performance on leaderboards and joining competition modes.

While editing usually takes 10-20 minutes, the valuable insights you gain are worth the effort. By refining your data, you can track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make more informed decisions for future rounds.

What's the benefits with the V5 golf watch?

Affordable: This device offers excellent value for its price, making it accessible without compromising on quality.
No Subscription Fees: With a one-time purchase, you can enjoy all features without worrying about recurring costs, ensuring long-term savings.
Lightweight & Comfortable: Designed with a secure silicone strap, the device is comfortable to wear for long periods, offering a snug fit during your round.
Reliable GPS Accuracy: You can rely on the device for consistent, accurate GPS distances, helping you make better decisions on the course.
Automatic Shot Tracking: The device automatically tracks your shots, reducing the need for manual input and letting you focus on the game with minimal effort.
Advanced Performance Analytics: Gain valuable insights into your game with detailed performance stats that help you identify areas for improvement.
Long Battery Life: The battery can easily last through at least two rounds of golf, ensuring it won’t let you down during your game.

What are the drawbacks with the watch?

Non-Touchscreen: The device uses a button-only interface, which may feel less intuitive and require more effort to navigate compared to touchscreens.
Fiddly Pin Positioning: Adjusting the pin location on the green can be a bit slow, making it less efficient when you need quick adjustments.
Dim Display: The screen lacks brightness control, which can make it difficult to read in bright lighting conditions.
Basic Step Counter: The step counter feature is quite basic, with no tracking history or ability to log your steps, making it less suitable for users looking for advanced fitness tracking.

Despite the cons, this device provides great value and a reliable experience for golfers seeking a feature-packed, budget-friendly option.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

The Shot Scope V5 is a solid choice for golfers looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable golf watch. While it doesn't feature a touchscreen or an advanced step counter, its strengths lie in its accurate GPS tracking and advanced performance analysis tools.

The watch offers precise shot tracking and provides detailed statistics, which can help golfers assess their performance and work on areas for improvement. These features are especially valuable for players who want to take their game to the next level without breaking the bank.

If you prioritize functionality and value over premium features like touchscreens, the Shot Scope V5 is a great option. It’s a straightforward, no-frills golf watch that delivers where it counts, making it well worth considering for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shot Scope V5 Golf GPS Watch?

The Shot Scope V5 is an advanced GPS golf watch that offers precise distances to greens, hazards, and doglegs while also featuring automatic shot tracking to help golfers analyse and improve their performance.

How is the Shot Scope V5 different from the previous models (V3 and H4)?

The V5 improves upon the V3 by offering a larger and higher-resolution screen, better battery life, enhanced GPS accuracy, and a more intuitive user interface. Unlike the H4, which is a GPS handheld, the V5 is a wrist-worn device.

Is the Shot Scope V5 legal for tournament play?

Yes, the Shot Scope V5 is legal for tournament use when in GPS mode. However, if the "strokes gained" or performance-tracking features are enabled during play, it may not be legal in some competitions. Always check with tournament rules.

What GPS features does the Shot Scope V5 offer?

Front, middle, and back yardages to greens
Distances to hazards and doglegs
Automatic hole advancement
Over 36,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide

How accurate is the GPS on the Shot Scope V5?

The V5 utilizes advanced GPS technology, offering accuracy within a few yards. It provides precise distances that are comparable to leading rangefinders.

Does the Shot Scope V5 track shot distances?

Yes, the watch automatically tracks shots when used with the included tracking tags. It records club distances and provides post-round insights through the Shot Scope app.

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