Major differences between the Golf Buddy WTX+ and Garmin Approach S60
The biggest difference between the Golf Buddy WTX + and Garmin Approach S60 is that only the S60 has slope technology while the WTX only displays straight-line distances. Also only the S60 has shot and club tracking and blind shot assistance but the WTX is much cheaper and both watches will give you distances to hazards and count your steps.
The Golf Buddy WTX + golf GPS watch costs 50% less than the Garmin S60 premium golf watch but it does not have some of the S60’s more advanced golfing features including slope compensation, advanced swing training metrics, and shot and club tracking and the WTX also does not have as many fitness tracking features. Also with the Garmin Approach S60, after downloading the Garmin app and syncing to Garmin connect, the shot tracking feature will map out the shot distance and where the ball landed so that you can get overhead views of all of your shots on a virtual golf course on your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
However, the Golf Buddy WTX does have a slim watch design that offers both golf GPS and smart watch features that you can wear on and off the course with Bluetooth capabilities to update software and sync courses through the Golf Buddy Smartphone app. The WTX is also equipped with Golf Buddy advanced features to improve your game: full target and hazard information, dynamic green view, and pin placement. The Golf Buddy WTX has a fitness tracker that tracks steps, running, and cycling. This watch also supports vibrating Smartphone notifications for Android and Apple smartphones.
There are two different versions of the Garmin S60: Premium and Standard. Both the Garmin S60 Premium and Standard have shot and club tracking and slope compensation. The biggest differences between the Garmin S60 Premium and S60 Standard models are that the Premium has a leather watch band while the Standard has a silicone band and the Premium has a ceramic bezel while the Standard has a polymer bezel.
A cheaper alternative to the Garmin S60 is the Garmin S40. Both the Garmin S60 and S40 do not have heart rate monitors but both can track steps and shots. Also only the S60 has slope and overhead views of each hole but the Garmin S40 has a 15 hour battery life in GPS mode while the S60 has a 50% shorter 10 hour battery life.
The Garmin Approach S62 is the newest Garmin golf watch (released in January 2020). The Garmin S62 has a battery life of up to 20 hours in GPS mode which is the longest of any Garmin golf GPS watch. Both the Garmin Approach S60 and S62 will adjust distances for slope or elevation changes but only the Garmin S62 comes with a heart rate monitor and club recommendation feature.
Also the distances that the Garmin S60 and Golf Buddy WTX will give you are as accurate as the distances from the Garmin G80, G8 and G30 handheld units, but are not as accurate as the distances from the more expensive golf laser rangefinders, such as a Bushnell Pro XE, Bushnell Pro X2 or Garmin Approach Z80, or even the best affordable golf laser rangefinders.
Golf Buddy Aim W10 Review
The Golf Buddy Aim W10 is a much better watch than the Golf Buddy WTX because it has a bigger touchscreen, zoom in and out function that gives you a better view of the green and hazards, and green undulation data to show the gradation of the slope of the green with blue and red colors. The blue color is for the lowest point of incline and red is for the highest. Green undulation is available for 51 percent of US golf courses. Both the Aim W10 and WTX come with distances to the front/center/back of the green, distances to hazards, digital scorecard, manual pin placement and free course updates.
Pros |
Cons |
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• distance calculations to the front, center and back of the green • 1.3” full color TFT-LCD display • Zoom in and out function for greens and hazards • graphical layout of the green • Green undulation shows the elevation changes on the green with blue and red colors • Step Counter • List of Hazards distances • Dual arc distance readings • List of distances to Layup markers and doglegs • Digital Scorecard • Stat tracking |
• No shot tracking • No Club tracking • No heart rate monitor • Slope Compensated Distances only available for Korean courses • Cannot track running, swimming or cycling activities • No Smartphone Notifications • No club recommendation feature |
Golf Buddy aim W10 vs Garmin Approach S60: Major differences between the Golf Buddy aim W10 and Garmin Approach S60
The main differences between the Golf Buddy aim W10 and Garmin Approach S60 are that only the S60 comes with slope compensation for US golf courses while the aim W10 only compensates distances for Korean courses. Also only the S60 has shot and club tracking and blindshot assistance while only the aim W10 comes with green undulation for Korean courses which displays slope changes on the green. Another difference is that only the Garmin S60 will display the distance to any target while the aim W10 will only display the distance to limited locations.
Garmin Approach S60 Features not found in the Golf Buddy aim W10
– Slope compensation for all US courses
– Touch targeting (distance to any target)
– Sleep monitor
– Automatic shot tracking
– Manual club tracking
– Apps for running, swimming, rowing, skiing, snowboarding, XC skiing and stand up paddle boarding
– Countdown timer and stopwatch
Golf Buddy WTX+ Features Comparison to the Golf Buddy aim W10 and Garmin S60
– Display Size: 1.2″ (WTX+) vs 1.3″ (aim W10)
– Display Resolution: 240 x 240 pixels (same as the Golf Buddy WTX and Garmin S60)
– Simple and fast touch user interface
– Slim, lightweight design (weighs only 2.2 ounces which is a little heavier than the 1.8 ounces of the Garmin S60)
– Zoom in/out function allows you to get a closer look around the green and hazards on the course (only found in the Golf Buddy aim W10 and Garmin S60)
– In-depth hole view with dual arc distance readings (only found in the Golf Buddy aim W10 and Garmin S60)
– Casting to GOLFBUDDY Smart App via Bluetooth
– Manual pin placement
– Digital scorecard (only found in the Golf Buddy aim W10)
– Automatic course updates via Bluetooth with GOLFBUDDY Smart App
– Up to 13 hours of battery life in Golf Mode (10 hour battery life for aim W10 and S60)
– Green undulation (only found in the Golf Buddy aim W10)
– Course update via Bluetooth with GolfBuddy Smartphone app
– Vibrating Notifications sync from your smartphone (the S60 also comes with vibrating smartphone notifications)
– Activity tracking: Pedometer activity tracker & sedentary timer
– Multi-sport apps including running, walking, cycling (the S60 has these sports apps as well as apps for swimming, skiing and rowing)
– Hole layout view with current position of the player
– Preloaded with over 40,000+ courses worldwide with free updates
– Automatic course and hole recognition
– Distances to the front/center/back of the green from the golfer’s position
– List of distances to hazards from the golfer’s position (the Garmin S60 does not come with a list of hazard distances so you will have to get the hazard information manually by touching the screen and getting the hazard distance information that way)
– Dynamic Green View changes the shape of the green depending on your angle of approach with distance readings from the golfer’s position
– Manual shot distance measurement (the Garmin S60 will give you automatic shot distance calculations)
– Interchangeable outer screen allows for added personalization
– Dual green distances display
– USGA/R&A complaint – legal for handicap & tournament play
– Smartphone app – Bluetooth notification & Smartphone finder
– GolfBuddy App – allows you to connect your smartphone with any GolfBuddy Bluetooth enabled device. You can update your favorite golf courses with the latest course data on your GolfBuddy Bluetooth enabled device from any location (Internet and GPS satellite connection required) via Bluetooth and also search nearby golf courses. This app also comes with a pedometer that will track your steps, distances traveled, calories burned, and transforms this information into easy-to-read info graphics. You can also use your GolfBuddy App to find your GolfBuddy device (which needs to be connected via Bluetooth) within a close range by making the screen light up and the unit vibrate.
– Rechargeable lithium-ion battery: 8 hours in GPS mode
– Connectivity: USB PC Interface
– Size: 2.32”(H) × 1.65”(W) × 0.52”(D) (47.5 × 13.4 mm) (similar in size to Garmin S60 (1.9″ x 1.9″ x 0.6″ inches (46 x 46 x 14.5 mm)))
– Weight: 2.2oz / 62g (Garmin S60 weighs only 1.8 ounces)
– Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1-Year
– Brand: GolfBuddy
– Country of Origin: Imported
– Water Resistance: Water resistant
Golf Buddy WTX+ vs aim W10 vs Garmin Approach S60 – Golf GPS Watch Comparison Chart
Features and Specifications | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
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Strong Points (Best Features for Each Watch) | *List of hazard layup and carry distances to the front and back of the nearest hazard along the fairway for par 4 and 5 holes | *List of hazard layup and carry distances to the front and back of the nearest hazard along the fairway for par 4 and 5 holes | *List of hazard layup and carry distances to the front and back of the nearest hazard along the fairway for par 4 and 5 holes |
Weak Points (Missing Features in Each Watch) | *No slope adjusted distances | *No slope adjusted distances | *No Heart Rate Monitoring |
Hole View - Displays Current hole number; Distance to the back, middle and front of the green from the player's position; Par for the hole | |||
Green View - Green View shows you the true shape and layout of greens so even if you have an obstructed view, you’ll know where to aim. Also you can touch the display and drag the pin or flag to position it to the days’ location where you see it for even more accurate yardage. | Yes | ||
CourseView - Get full-color hole-by-hole details for more than 40,000 courses around the world. Preview doglegs, hazards and green shapes from wherever you are on the course, or even from the clubhouse. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Viewing Hazards - View the distances to the front and back of the nearest hazard along the fairway for par 4 and 5 holes. Hazards that affect shot selection are displayed individually or in groups to help you determine the distance to layup or carry. You can use the up or down button to view the other hazards for the current hole. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Viewing Layup and Dogleg Distances - View a list of layup and dogleg distances for par 4 and 5 holes. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Slope adjusted distances (PlaysLike distance) - displays the adjusted distances to the green by accounting for elevation changes on the course | No | No | Yes |
Smartphone Notifications - This feature will display smart notifications including texts, emails or alerts. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
AutoShot Round Analyzer with Garmin Connect - The AutoShot round analyzer tracks shots, measures distances for each club and records shot locations for post-round analysis on Garmin Connect. It automatically detects and records your shots along the fairway. You can view the details for each round or analyze your cumulative stats over time or by club, and view your swing data. | No | No | Yes |
PinPointer blind shot assistance - Gives you a directional arrow to the green. Now you can know where to line up your shot, even if you are in the woods or deep in a trap. | No | No | Yes |
Customized Target Distances - These watches already give you the distances to the front, back and center of the green, as well as distances to doglegs. This feature will allow you to input and save customizable yardage points — such as water hazards or bunkers — from anywhere on the course. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Digital Scorecard - Easily keeps track of your score throughout your round. When you’re done, you can save, review and even use the Garmin Connect Mobile fitness app with your smartphone to upload and share that great round with your golfing buddies online. | No | No | |
Handicap Scoring Options | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Activity Tracking - Reminds you to stay active on or off the course with move bar alerts. Displays steps, calories burned, distance and time of day, plus it monitors hours of sleep. (includes Step Counter, Sleep Monitor, Calories Burned, Distance Traveled, etc.) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Heart Rate Monitor | No | No | No |
SwingStrength - Allows you to compare how hard you swing with your normal full swing. This can be used on the driving range to practice consistency or on the course if you’re preparing to take a little off your shot. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
TempoTraining - Conveys the ideal 3:1 upswing to downswing times with audible tones to which you can synchronize your swing. Re-synch your tempo on the driving range and even on the tee box. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Truswing Compatible - When paired, Garmin TruSwing golf swing sensor provides metrics to improve your swing consistency | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Clock Features (includes time, date, GPS Time Sync, Automatic daylight saving time, Alarm clock, Sunrise/sunset times) | Yes | Yes | |
Multi-sport apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
QuickFit watch bands - change your stylish watch band without tools to match your activity | No | No | Yes |
41,000+ Courses and Free Lifetime Updates - Before you play golf, you must wait until the device acquires satellite signals and calculates your location, which may take up to 30 to 60 seconds. Then you can select a course from the list. You will get access to more than 40,000 courses, free lifetime course updates and you will not have to pay any annual membership fees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Smartphone Notifications for incoming calls, texts and other alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Display Size | 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter | 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter | 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter |
Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
Display type | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
Product Dimensions (in inches) | 2.32”(H) × 1.65”(W) × 0.52”(D) (47.5 × 13.4 mm) | 2.32”(H) × 1.65”(W) × 0.52”(D) (47.5 × 13.4 mm) | 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.6 in 46 x 46 x 14.5 mm |
Weight (in ounces) | 2.2 oz / 62g | 2.2 oz / 62g | standard: 1.8 oz (52 g) |
Color display | |||
Touchscreen | |||
Running Features | |||
Preloaded run profiles | Yes (Running, Indoor Running) | Yes (Running, Indoor Running) | Yes (Running, Indoor Running) |
GPS-based distance, time and pace | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Foot pod capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yardage to front, middle and back of green | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yardage to layups/doglegs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Auto course recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Auto hole advance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Round odometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Touch-targeting (touch target on display to see the distance to any point) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PinPointer blind shot assistance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dedicated Green View button with manual pin position | No | No | No |
Custom targets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Stat tracking (strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit and average shot distance) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Preloaded Golf Course Maps | 41,000+ worldwide golf courses | 41,000+ worldwide golf courses | 41,000+ worldwide golf courses |
Course preview (see detailed, hole-by-hole preview) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SwingTempo | No | No | Yes |
Tempo Training | No | No | Yes |
TruSwing compatible | No | No | Yes |
Memory/history | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
Free Lifetime Course Updates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Annual Fees Or Subscriptions | None | None | None |
Battery Life | Smart: Up to 10 days GPS mode: 8 hours | Smart: Up to 10 days GPS mode: 8 hours | Smart: Up to 10 days GPS mode: Up to 10 hours |
Legal For Tournament Play | Yes | Yes | Yes |