Garmin Approach S70 vs Shot Scope X5 Golf GPS Watch

Key Takeaways

• The Garmin Approach S70 ($699.99) is much more expensive than the Shot Scope X5 ($299.99) because it has many more golf features including slope technology, a virtual caddie, and swing tempo training as well as many more fitness features. The Garmin s62 ($499.99) is a pretty good alternative because it is cheaper and has the same golf features but the Garmin s62 tracks much fewer training metrics than the Garmin s70. The Garmin s60 is a cheaper alternative to the s62 but it does not have the virtual caddie or heart rate monitor of the s62.
• The Shot Scope X5 comes with 16 club tracking sensors, enabling it to automatically track all of your shots and clubs, while the Garmin s70 comes with no sensors which is why it will automatically track all shots except for chip shots and putts and you will have to manually enter each club you used. You can buy a set of 14 CT10 club tracking sensors for the Garmin S70 for $299.99.
• The Garmin s70 has a 1.4″ AMOLED display while the Shot Scope X5 has a smaller and less bright 1.2″ LCD display.
• The Garmin s70 has a lot of fitness features found in the Garmin Fenix golf gps and fitness watches including a heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, VO2 max readings, recovery time estimates, and virtual training partner.

Garmin Approach S70 vs Shot Scope X5 Golf GPS Watch

Golfers are more data-driven than ever before. With laser rangefinders, swing analyzers, and GPS devices, we have more information about our games at our fingertips. But which golf GPS watch gives you the most bang for your buck? This is the question on every golfer’s mind when comparing the feature-packed Garmin Approach S70 and the budget-friendly Shot Scope X5.

As a tech-loving golfer who’s always looking to analyze and improve my game through data, I was eager to test out two of the top GPS golf watches on the market – the Garmin Approach S70 and Shot Scope X5. With their robust tracking capabilities and wealth of stats, both watches aim to help golfers make smarter decisions on the course and shave strokes off their scores over time.

These two watches sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. At $699, the feature-packed Garmin S70 sits at the high end of the market with its stunning color touchscreen, virtual caddie insights, and advanced swing training. I was excited to experience the S70’s renowned tech first-hand and see if it lives up to the hype.

The Shot Scope X5 takes a more affordable approach at $299, but still promises comprehensive shot tracking and analysis thanks to the included club tracking sensors. I was keen to put those sensors to the test and see if the X5 could match the bells and whistles of the pricier S70.

Both watches will help you make more intelligent decisions on the course and analyze your stats to improve your game over time. But is it worth splurging on the S70 for the extra perks, or will the X5 satisfy your golf GPS needs? We’ll compare these watches across categories like tracking capabilities, course maps, smartwatch features, design, battery life, and more. Read on to see which device comes out on top for value and performance.

As someone who loves both technology and golf, I couldn’t wait to compare these watches across all categories – from auto-shot tracking and mapping to smart features, design, battery life and overall value. I set out to see if the S70’s premium price is justified, or if the X5 gives you everything you need at a friendlier cost.

After many rounds with both watches, I discovered the standout strengths and limitations of each. Read on for my hands-on perspective to see which reigns supreme in this Garmin vs Shot Scope showdown! By the end of this head-to-head matchup, you’ll have all the details needed to decide which golf GPS watch is the right fit for your game and budget. We’ll even give a final verdict on whether the S70 justifies its premium price, or if the X5 gives you all the essentials at a more palatable cost.

Comparing the Golf Features – How the Features Help My Golf Game

Since they are both dedicated golf watches, I will mainly focus in on the on-course performance and golf features when comparing these two watches. After testing both myself, here’s a more detailed look at how the features impact my game.

Automatic Shot Tracking

The Shot Scope X5 impressed me most here. The X5’s club sensors are a total game changer for my stats and improvement. By flawlessly detecting every shot, my performance breakdowns are incredibly comprehensive. I can analyze any weaknesses and track progress over time. No more guessing which club or shots are costing me strokes! The 16 included club sensors flawlessly detected every shot during my rounds – nothing slipped through the cracks.

The Garmin S70 automatically tracked my longer shots, but, without the CT10 club tracking sensors that cost $300 for a set of 14, it missed many of my shorter shot inclduing chips and putts. Both allow manual shot entry as a backup. I prefer the completeness of the X5’s club sensor approach.

In-Depth Statistics

Both watches provide all the golf stats I could ask for. Both watches provide detailed stats like fairways hit, greens in regulation, number of putts, driving distance, and strokes gained breakdowns, which help me shave strokes by practicing the right distances and situations.

The S70 shines with its virtual caddie analysis using my shot dispersion patterns to provide super personalized club suggestions based on my actual shot distances with each club and wind speed and direction – it’s like having my own digital caddie dissecting my game.

Course Maps and Yardages

The S70 stands out with its amazing full color, zoomable hole maps. I could clearly see every contour of the course.

The S70’s zoomable hole maps are amazing for strategizing. I can clearly visualize each tee and pin location, and pan around to plan my ideal approach. This allows me to attack courses with more confidence and smarter club selection. The X5 takes a more basic approach with top-down hole layouts.

Both watches offer front/middle/back distances, layup markers, and front and carry distances for hazards right on your wrist. However, only the S70 also factors slope into the distances to the green with its “PlaysLike” distance feature.

Additional S70 Extras

A few exclusive features on the S70 really appeal to me like the touch targeting, swing tempo tracking and training, and Green View contours (only available with a premium subscription to the Garmin Golf app for $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually) that told me which direction my putt would break. The swing tempo insights alone have added distance and consistency to my drives.

The X5 is fantastic for core golf needs, but the S70 takes it to the next level with those premium extras.

Bottom line – both watches make golf more informative and way more fun with robust golf tracking and statistics that will no doubt improve my handicap. But the extras like swing training on the S70 take it to the next level for improving my personal strengths and weaknesses.

I Love PlaysLike Distances – Elevation and Conditions Matter

One of my favorite features on the Garmin S70 is the PlaysLike distance readings because they have shaved many strokes off of my score. As someone who has played golf for more than two decades, I know that shots on uneven terrain and weather conditions can affect the true distance reading to the hole. The PlaysLike distance technology accounts for elevation changes on the course, wind speed and direction, and air density. It’s like having a built-in rangefinder on your wrist!

When I’m sizing up a uphill shot, I’ll check the PlaysLike distance on my S70. Let’s say I’m 150 yards away, but the PlaysLike reads 165 yards due to the uphill slope. This adjusted number helps me grab the right club, instead of using the wrong club to hit a shot that falls far short.

Like the other golf gps watches that cost about $250 without club tracking sensors, the Shot Scope X5 doesn’t offer PlaysLike technology. It simply displays the basic yardage to the front, middle, and back of each green. That info is helpful, but doesn’t factor in key variables like elevation, wind speed and direction.

If you want a Garmin golf watch with slope technology, you should expect to pay about $400.

Having tested both watches, the S70’s PlaysLike distances give me significantly more confidence in choosing he right clubs for the most accurate shots. I don’t have to do as much mental math to adjust for conditions.

The PlaysLike calculations are based on the watch’s GPS data and advanced algorithms – not personal shot patterns.

While the X5 provides basic yardages, the S70’s PlaysLike feature is a total game-changer. For me, it’s easily worth the premium price for this advanced capability alone. No more guessing – my S70 has all the distances covered!

My S70 is Like Having a Caddie on My Wrist

One feature that makes the Garmin S70 really stand out is the integrated virtual caddie. Having the perfect club recommendations right on my wrist feels like having a pro caddie by my side!

To use the virtual caddie, I had to first connect my S70 to the Garmin Golf app on my iPhone and upload several rounds of shot data. Now, the watch combines its GPS distance measurements, wind readings, elevation, and my shot and club history to offer personalized club suggestions for each shot scenario.

For example, on a 185-yard par 3 over water, my S70 recommended a 4-iron after figuring out that’s my most consistent club from that range. It also showed a graphic of my typical 4-iron shot dispersion area, so I knew I could carry the hazard, and the average number of strokes for me to par the hole. There were also options to see the dispersion areas of other club recommendations including 5- and 6-irons.

The Shot Scope X5 doesn’t have any virtual caddie capability or on-watch visuals. I’d have to rely solely on the yardage and my memory to pick the right club.

With the S70’s caddie, I feel extremely well-informed standing over every shot. It gives me a recommended club, expected strokes to reach the green, and data on my shot tendencies with that club.

Having this advanced analysis on my wrist gives me a lot more confidence and takes the guesswork out of shot selection. It’s like having my own golf pro analyzing my game in real-time and advising me on every swing!

For me, this revolutionary virtual caddie tech is a slam dunk reason to choose the S70 over the X5. It feels like I’m virtually cheating by having so much insight right on my wrist!

Shaving Strokes By Improving My Swing Tempo with the Garmin S70’s Golf swing training features

As a high handicap golfer, I’m always looking for ways to improve my golf swing and lower my scores. That’s why I was excited to learn that the Garmin S70 has built-in swing tempo training. This feature has genuinely helped me develop a more consistent, efficient swing.

The S70 has a Swing Tempo feature that will monitor my backswing time and downswing time and provide my overall swing tempo measurement. The goal is a consistent 3:1 ratio, but the watch lets me customize the timing.

After hitting some balls with my S70 on, I could immediately see my trends. I never realized it before, but my downswing was far too rushed compared to my nice and steady backswing. The S70 revealed my average tempo was around 2.5:1, not the ideal 3:1 ratio. I could see this clearly in the S70’s color graphs after each swing.

Armed with this data, I spent 2 months doing daily tempo training with my S70. I’d hit about 3 buckets per week and focus on grooving that perfect 3:1 tempo.

It was incredibly helpful getting real-time feedback on my timing. Within a few range sessions, I could feel the improvement. My ball striking got better overnight. I was making crisp contact and my mishits dropped significantly.

After those 2 months ingraining the right tempo, my consistency has skyrocketed. As the S70 shows, my average tempo is now 3.1:1 – right on target. My driving distance is up over 15 yards thanks to increased clubhead speed. And I’m hitting way more greens in regulation.

The proof is in my scores. I recently shot a new personal best of 82. By fixing my tempo issue, I’ve shaved about 5 strokes off my average score. The S70 gave me the data I needed to develop a textbook, repeatable swing. I can’t imagine how long it would have taken to improve without it!

Using the Tempo Training app, I’m able to ingrain the proper timing into my muscle memory. It gives instant feedback after each swing, gradually helping me achieve that ideal tempo.

The Shot Scope X5 doesn’t offer any swing analysis or training tools. I’d have to use a separate sensor and app to monitor my swing tempo.

Having this capability built right into the S70 has been fantastic for honing my technique. I can track my progress during practice sessions or even warm up right on the course.

By helping me identify and fix a flaw in my swing, the S70 has genuinely improved my ball-striking consistency and control. I can already see the benefits in my shot shapes, distance control, and lower scores!

Golf Apps That Dive Deep into My Stats

One area where the Garmin S70 and Shot Scope X5 are on equal footing is the accompanying golf apps. Both provide a wealth of post-round statistics to analyze every part of your game.

After each round, I sync my S70 watch with the Garmin Golf app on my phone. It uploads the full scorecard plus each individual shot mapped on the course.

The app displays stats like fairways hit, greens in regulation, total putts, and penalties. I can break it down further to my driving accuracy, approach shot proximity, number of putts by distance, and more.

There are even advanced metrics like Strokes Gained to highlight my strengths and weaknesses. I can compare rounds over time to see true improvement.

The Shot Scope app offers very similar detailed statistics and performance trends based on uploaded scorecards from the X5 watch. It’s quite comprehensive for an affordable golf watch.

Both apps also include leaderboards, achievements, and social features. I love having all this intel to analyze my game and track progress over time. It really helps sharpen my practice.

For the data-driven golfer, either Garmin or Shot Scope provide all the stats you could ask for. I’d call it a tie for these excellent accompanying apps!

Never Missing a Shot with X5’s Sensors

When it comes to automatically tracking every shot, I give the edge to the Shot Scope X5 because this watch comes with 16 club tracking sensors that attach to the end of your grips.

Once paired with the X5, these sensors automatically record each and every shot I take during a round. The GPS locates the shot while the sensor IDs which club I hit the shot with. Nothing slips through the cracks.

The Garmin S70 relies solely on wrist detection to auto-log shots. It inevitably misses some of my shorter shots including my chip shots and putts. I have to manually enter those after each hole to get complete stats.

Unless I buy the additional $300 set of fourteen CT10 club tracking sensors, the S70 just can’t provide the comprehensive auto-tracking of the X5. Those grip sensors give me peace of mind that every stroke and club is being accounted for in my stats.

For the obsessive stat-hungry golfer, having flawless shot detection is a huge benefit. The X5 certainly delivers in this regard, capturing my full round without fail. The included sensors are a major differentiation compared to the S70’s more basic auto-tracking capabilities.

When it comes to shot tracking, the X5 has raised the bar. I get robust stats and analysis with no effort thanks to those club sensors automatically recording my entire game.

Counting Steps and Catching Zzz’s

In addition to robust golf features, the Garmin S70 also doubles as a full fitness tracker complete with step counting, sleep tracking, and inactivity alerts.

I wear my S70 all day long, and it records my steps, distance traveled, and calories burned. It even reminds me to keep moving if I’ve been sitting too long.

At night, the S70 automatically detects when I fall asleep and enter REM cycles. In the morning, I can view my light, deep, and total sleep duration.

This helps encourage me to maintain good sleep habits and meet daily activity goals – perfect for any health-focused golfer.

The Shot Scope X5 focuses purely on golf tracking. It counts steps taken during your round, but doesn’t have 24/7 activity monitoring or sleep tracking like the S70.

For me, having that deeper health and wellness tracking is really beneficial. The S70 provides a more complete picture of my lifestyle alongside my golf game.

Keeping Tabs on My Health with heart rate and pulse ox technology

A handy wellness feature exclusive to the Garmin S70 is the onboard heart rate sensor and pulse oximeter. This gives me valuable health data at a glance.

The S70 uses a wrist-based monitor to track my heart rate continuously throughout the day. I can check my current BPM during a round to gauge exertion.

At night, it also measures my blood oxygen saturation levels while sleeping. This helps identify any breathing abnormalities.

Having this biometrics data makes me more in tune with my body. I can better manage exercise intensity and catch early signs of illness.

The Shot Scope X5 lacks any heart rate or pulse ox capabilities. It focuses solely on golf performance metrics.

While not golf-specific, having these health tracking sensors built into the S70 provides peace of mind. The watch looks out for my well-being 24/7, not just on the course.

Access to 3 Satellite Networks – Locked-On Across the Globe

When it comes to pinpoint accuracy anywhere on Earth, the Garmin and Shot Scope golf watches have you covered.

Both the S70 and X5 utilize multiple satellite positioning systems to track your location. Along with GPS, they also connect to GLONASS and Galileo satellites.

I’ve used both watches while golfing in 3 different countries now. Whether I’m teeing off in North America, Europe, or Asia, these watches quickly lock onto all 3 satellite networks to mark my position.

The accuracy is seriously impressive. The distances to hazards and the green are spot on no matter where I’m playing. The shot tracking for tee shots also perfectly maps my ball position for post-round analysis.

Even on remote courses far from major cities, both watches reliably locate me and provide precise yardages. Their multi-network satellite access ensures I get the right distances and data to strategize my game.

With golf being a global game, having complete worldwide satellite access is a major asset. Both brands check that box.

S70 Packs More Advanced Hardware

When it comes to built-in sensors, the Garmin S70 has the edge over the Shot Scope X5.

Both watches utilize accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to detect movement for automatic shot tracking. This allows them to record shots taken with any club.

But the S70 also includes a compass and barometric altimeter. The compass gives me important directional readings if I ever get lost while the altimeter measures elevation changes on my long hikes up a mountain trail.

This extra environmental data allows the S70 to factor air pressure into its club recommendations via the Virtual Caddie.

While both watches have excellent GPS accuracy, the S70’s extra onboard sensors give it greater context about my surroundings during outdoor activities.

Activity tracking outside of golf with the S70

While the Shot Scope X5 focuses solely on golf, the Garmin S70 also doubles as a multi-sport fitness smartwatch.

The S70 includes specific activity tracking profiles for running, cycling, swimming, hiking, climbing, paddleboarding, and more, enabling me track my performance in each sport right on my wrist.

For example, on a run, the S70 provides my pace, distance, splits and heart rate data. After a swim, I can view my stroke count, efficiency and laps completed.

For cycling, the S70 has a dedicated mountain biking activity profile. It tracks my speed, distance, elevation gain, and route mapping when I take my bike off-road on trails.

For hiking, the watch monitors my total ascent, descent, elevation peaks, and provides distance and pacing over the course of my hike.

When I’m rock climbing at the gym or crag, the S70 tracks each route attempt and grades completed. It records ascent time and vertical distance climbed.

The X5 has no capability to track non-golf workouts. It’s designed specifically and only for golf use.

I love that the S70 doubles as my adventure watch for biking, climbing and hiking while also covering my golf rounds. Having those extra sport profiles makes it significantly more versatile.

S70 Helps Me Train Smarter

The Garmin S70 goes far beyond just golf tracking and provides many advanced training metrics to optimize my workouts. The Shot Scope X5 focuses solely on golf performance.

After outdoor runs and rides with my S70, I can view my VO2 Max and training load scores. VO2 Max indicates my aerobic endurance, while training load shows if I’m overreaching.

The watch also provides a recovery time suggestion after tough exercise. If I’ve really pushed myself, it may say to take 1-2 days off before my next hard workout.

By monitoring these metrics over time, I can better periodize my training and avoid overtraining injuries. The S70 gives me a deep understanding of my fitness.

The X5 provides no athletic training features beyond basic golf activity tracking. It’s not designed as an all-around fitness watch.

S70’s Vibrant AMOLED Screen

When it comes to display quality, the Garmin S70 is the clear winner over the Shot Scope X5.

The S70 uses a bright, vibrant 1.4″ AMOLED touchscreen display. The colors really pop, providing excellent clarity indoors and out.

With a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, the screen is incredibly sharp. Icons and text are very crisp. You can see every detail on the full-color hole maps.

The S70’s lens is made out of durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to resist scratches and damage. Even after months of wear during rounds, it’s held up flawlessly.

The X5 has a smaller 1.2″ LCD display with a lower 240 x 240 pixel resolution. Its lens is constructed from a less durable hard mineral glass. The screen has decent visibility but lacks the “wow” factor of the S70.

For me, the S70’s stunning AMOLED display is perfectly sized and easy to navigate. The X5 screen gets the job done, but has plenty of room for improvement.

S70 Delivers Longer Battery Life

When it comes to battery performance, the Garmin S70 lasts significantly longer than the Shot Scope X5.

As an avid golfer who loves getting in 36 holes whenever I can, battery life is essential for my golf watch. I’ve found the Garmin S70 has far superior battery life compared to the Shot Scope X5.

In my experience using GPS mode on the course, the S70 consistently delivers over two full days or up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. I can play 3 rounds over 2 days with no problem.

The X5, on the other hand, lasts for approximately 10 hours in GPS mode. It needs to be recharged after just 2 rounds of 18 holes.

I do appreciate that both watches can make it through my typical 18 hole round without issue. But I love that my S70 keeps going for 36+ holes if I want to golf sunrise to sunset.

The S70 has a gorgeous AMOLED display that can drain the battery quicker. But even accounting for that, its much larger overall battery capacity really provides incredible longevity and outweighs that drawback.

As someone who hates remembering to plug in devices, the S70 gives me serious peace of mind. Once it’s charged up, I know I’m covered for multiple long days on the links, never having to worry about the watch dying mid-round.

When it comes to golf watches with marathon battery life, the S70 is the undisputed champion in my book. I can just focus on my game while my watch keeps going and going.

S70 Plays Tunes on the Course

Another area where the Garmin S70 pulls ahead of the Shot Scope X5 is music storage and playback.

The S70 has the capacity to store and play over 2,000 songs right from your wrist, providing some inspiring tunes as you walk the course. You do need wireless headphones since it lacks a speaker.

I love being able to download playlists and podcasts to listen to without taking my phone. It’s surprisingly freeing to leave the phone in the car and enjoy music from just my watch.

The X5 has no ability to play audio files during your round. It focuses solely on golf functions.

Being able to walk and golf to my favorite motivating music really enhances the experience and gets me in the zone. The S70 delivers this capability, while the X5 does not.

For me, music is a must-have for enjoyable rounds. With onboard storage, the S70 delivers.

S70 Keeps Me Connected on the Course

As a busy professional, I sometimes have to take important calls or reply to texts even when I’m out on the golf course. The Garmin S70 keeps me connected with smart notifications, unlike the golf-focused Shot Scope X5.

During rounds, my S70 displays call and text previews right on my wrist if my iPhone is nearby. For critical calls, I can take the call right from my iPhone to avoid missing anything urgent.

While it lacks a microphone for calls, the S70 allows me to conveniently read and quickly reply to text messages using canned responses. This allows me to handle time-sensitive messages without interrupting my round.

Just yesterday, I got a text from a client requesting a proposal while I was on the back nine. Thanks to my S70, I could let him know I’d have it ready within the hour after I finished up.

The music storage is also a nice perk for listening offline. But being able to discretely handle important notifications is the S70’s key advantage for me. It keeps me connected even when I’m on the links.

My Final Verdict: Garmin’s Premium Features vs Shot Scope’s value

After testing both watches myself, I think the choice between the Garmin S70 and Shot Scope X5 comes down to advanced features vs price.

The Garmin S70 feels premium in every way, from its stunning AMOLED screen to its beautiful overhead views of each hole. I loved the virtual caddie insights, slope technology, music storage, and swing tempo training. But those high-end features come at a steep $699 cost.

The Shot Scope X5 delivers robust shot tracking and statistics at a more affordable $299 price point. The included club sensors truly impressed me with their flawless shot detection. While it lacks some of the premium extras like slope, virtual caddie, and swing temp, the X5 focuses on fantastic core performance for an affordable price.However, it lacks some of the premium extras like slope, virtual caddie, and swing tempo training and the LCD screen is just okay. The X5 also lasted only about 10 hours per charge in my experience.

For me, the S70’s touchscreen and smartwatch connectivity are important. I don’t mind paying extra for the virtual caddie and integrated music since I find good value in those features. I’d rather have the S70’s long 20+ hour battery life too.

But for golf traditionalists who just want the core golf tracking features, the X5 absolutely delivers excellent performance and shot analysis for the money. It really comes down to your budget and desires.

In the end, I’m partial to the S70’s advanced golf features, multi-sport capability, and battery efficiency. But I can absolutely see the appeal for golf purists who want the X5’s tracking capabilities and stats in a more affordable package. If your primary goal is enhancing course strategy through statistics and distance information, the affordable excellence of the Shot Scope X5 gets the job done. But if you see golf watches as sleek hi-tech accessories with cutting-edge capabilities, then the premium Garmin S70 will satisfy your needs in high style.