Garmin Approach S4 review

The Golf Monthly team brings you its Garmin Approach S4 review, revealing all you need to know about this golf GPS device

Garmin Approach S4 review

Overall rating:

Garmin Approach S4

Pros:

Very easy to set up and use straightaway after the first charge. Email, text and missed call alerts are handy for those who don’t want to be separated from their phone, but want to leave it in their bag. A green view button means you can move the pin to get a more accurate idea of distances. There is stat collection available on the device for those who want to use it. The number of worldwide courses on the device is very impressive. Green distances were accurate throughout the round.

Cons:

Distances to hazards need to be manually entered into the device. This is one of the more expensive models available and those after straightforward distances should look at other units.

Manufacturer:

Garmin

Price as reviewed:

£269.99

Key technology: Garmin Approach S4 review

Preloaded with 38,000 golf courses around the world, the S4 is a touchscreen watch design. The extra-long battery life lasts 25% longer than previous versions with up to 10 hours in GPS mode and six weeks in watch mode. The device gives distances to the front, middle and back of greens as well as lay-up and dogleg distances. It can receive information from a smartphone, including emails and text messages.

Verdict

This is by no means a cheap GPS watch, particularly compared to some of the stripped-back models currently available, but there are plenty of added extras. These include stat collection and the ability to receive information from a smartphone. You need to think about whether you will get the most out of these extras in order to work out whether the device is value for money. If you use them the watch is well made and easy to use once you have worked out what all of the buttons do. The yardages on offer were consistently accurate.