SkyCaddie has become my favorite GPS device for any racing situation. After experiencing the power of the SkyCaddie Pro 5X last season, I was officially hooked. The Pro 5X is SkyGolf’s flagship and I found myself using it every round. There was only one thing I would change: the size. SkyGolf’s engineers must have been listening, because the SkyCaddie Pro 4X debuted this year with the same functionality, but in a smaller package.
After a season of use, I would like to share my experience with the Pro4X and why it may be worth the investment.
Get started
Whether you’re new to the SkyCaddie ecosystem or have used their products before, the Pro4X is very easy to set up. I would start by setting up an online account on the SkyCaddie website. There is one membership requirement to use any of the SkyCaddie products. When you purchase a device, you get a one-year membership with it, after which plans start at $29 per year (well worth it in my opinion).
To get the actual installation of the unit, there are several tutorial videos that I highly recommend watching. SkyCaddie has done a great job with their printed and digital instructions, so even those who are not tech savvy will have no problems. Check the “videos” section of the Pro 4X page.
One feature I didn’t set up or take advantage of until after my first round was club spacing. You can configure your SkyCaddie profile with your average stroke length for each club in your bag. This process must be done on your phone or computer and then synced with your computer Pro4X. You can see in the image below how this distance can help you plan shots during your round. I found myself making over 10 shot adjustments per round based on this data. Please note: this is a non-compliant feature for any tournament game.
On the course
If you’re like me, you’ll want to use your new gadget right away. When you start the device on the first tee you should have a clear view of the sky and within about 1-2 minutes you will be notified to select a nearby course. The SkyCaddie Library is one of the most comprehensive I’ve seen, with over 35,000 mapped courses available.
The size and shape of the The SkyCaddie Pro 4X really made this a handy companion throughout the round. Put the Pro 4X in your pocket or easily store it in the shopping cart. The sides and back are protected with a rubber coating that immediately gave me the impression of robustness, but the screen is exposed glass, so be careful. The device is also water resistant for those who venture out in the rain.
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. To be on the safe side, I usually charge mine after two rounds. I did find the battery draining, as with most electronics, if left in the bag for a long time between rounds, so be sure to check this before you start. USB C charging makes finding a cord to charge the device easy.
The Pro4X offers a lot of possibilities, so don’t let that distract you while you play. Take your time and figure out which settings work best for you and how you want to use everything to your advantage. A new feature that I really used in my play this season was the IntelliGreen Pro.
IntelliGreen® Pro
IntelliGreen® Pro has the ability to display large levels, contours, false fronts and hills from your approach to the green on certain courses. By moving the IntelliGreen reticle to the edge lines on the green’s image, you can instantly find distance and depth information for large layers and false fronts. With IntelliGreen Pro you always know what to expect, no matter where you are on the hole, even if you can’t see the green!
Another notable feature is the ability to track recordings. It helps you track your shots and distances, provides valuable insights into your game and helps you identify areas for improvement. At this time, your tricks and clubs must be recorded manually on the device as you play. While I personally haven’t used this feature much, a player looking to analyze their batting performance and club stats would find this very useful. The summary via your online profile was easy to interpret.
The video below gives a good overview of some additional Pro 4X features.
The wish list
While I thought the Pro 4x was just as easy to set up and use. There are a few things I would change. First, I wish it had a built-in magnet for mounting instead of requiring a separate device holder. I’m thinking of gluing a magnet to the back for next season so I can mount it on the cart for easy access. Secondly, there are some settings, such as club distances, that can only be updated via your online profile and then synced to the device. Third, the black color is nice and sleek, but I left the device in the car’s cup holder twice. It matches very well with the typical black dashboard of a golf cart. Finally, starting up and locating the track can take some time (it was about 2 minutes when I averaged my laps), so plan accordingly and don’t mess around when it’s your turn to tee off.
GameTraX 360
SkyCaddie has also been released GameTrax 360 Super Tags with which you use your Pro4X to the next level. I had a chance to test this at the PGA show and was immediately impressed. I’ve had tracking tags before, but these are next level. In addition to tracking your club data, they also provide swing analysis, both on and off the course. The putting feedback alone makes these tags worth it as you can see your stroke, alignment and impact. These are ideal for indoor practice for anyone stuck in a simulator waiting for the snow to melt.
Key features summarized
- High-resolution touch screen: The 4X has a vibrant, easy-to-read display that allows seamless navigation through its intuitive interface, even in bright sunlight.
- Preloaded courses: Access to thousands of carefully mapped golf courses around the world, with no annual fees. The SkyCaddie team explains each course to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Dynamic hole views: Get detailed hole layouts that change as you move, with real-time distances to hazards, greens and other critical points.
- Smart rangefinder technology: The Pro 4X includes advanced features like IntelliGreen® and Digital Scorecard so you can make informed decisions on the course.
- Shot tracking and statistics: Analyze your game with detailed stats and shot tracking features so you can identify areas for improvement.
- Durable and waterproof: Built to withstand the rigors of the golf course, the Pro 4X is both rugged and weatherproof, ensuring reliable performance in a variety of conditions.
- Long battery life: Enjoy long-lasting use on the course with a powerful battery that lasts multiple rounds without needing to be recharged.
Final thoughts
The SkyCaddie Pro 4X is a top of the range GPS device in the SkyGolf range. I found that it delivers both functionality and performance and the small size makes it so much more convenient. Its advanced features, including detailed course maps, pin placement adjustment and shot tracking, make it a valuable tool for golfers looking to improve their game. The SkyCaddie GPS units have become indispensable to my playing and I personally liken it to having a Caddy on call. The Pro 4Xs accuracy and features make it a worthwhile investment for serious players.
If you’re looking for a high-quality golf GPS device that offers precision and reliability, the SkyCaddie Pro 4X should definitely be on your radar.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links that, at no cost to you, help support WiscoGolfAddict through a small commission on purchases
Related
Discover more from WiscoGolfAddict
Subscribe to receive the latest posts by email.
#SkyCaddie #Pro #Review #Big #Features #Small #GPS #Package