If you’re not familiar with the Shot Scope V5 and its key features, it might be worth watching my short Shot Scope V5 First Look video (below), where I look at what comes inside the box, discuss its key features and compare it with the Shot Scope V3 watch.
V5 and X5 prices
At the time of writing this article, the Shot Scope V5 is available for £199.99. The premium X5 model is slightly more expensive at £279.99.
The good news is that you can save 15% on these products by entering my code ‘ANDYSGOLF‘ at checkout.
So, there’s only around £40 difference between the two watches, but how do they compare in terms of looks and construction?
Looks and construction
At first glance, both watches look very similar. They have the same casing, meaning they’re equal in terms of width and depth, and, they’re both as light as a feather, each weighing only 50g. The V5 has a more muted look with a matt black bezel surrounding its face, compared to the X5 and its shiny polished ceramic bezel, which is designed to give the watch a more premium look.
Both watches have a 1.2” daylight readable colour display with hardened mineral glass, however, the V5 is controlled using four buttons located on the outer casing whereas the X5’s display is a touchscreen.
In my opinion, whilst it’s OK, the X5’s touchscreen isn’t quite as responsive as I’d have liked and it does struggle a little in wet conditions, although Shot Scope has suggested a future firmware update will improve this. With the V5 not being a touchscreen device, there are no such concerns with responsiveness or using it in wet conditions.
Finally, both watches are fitted with the same high-quality and comfortable dust-resistant silicone strap, with the V5 available only in black and the X5 available in a range of five different strap colours.
General watch mode
In general watch mode, both devices allow you to choose between 5 different clock faces, track your step count, and switch off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity when not being worn, helping to preserve the battery.
In my experience, when it comes to battery life as a day-to-day watch, the V5 lasts around 5 days from a single charge, with the X5 managing around half that time.
One feature currently found on the V5 that isn’t yet available on the X5, but is coming soon, is the ability to change the device’s display colour. V5 users can choose from either blue, pink, orange, green or red to personalise their display.
Now that we’ve discussed general watch mode, let’s see how their on-course features compare.
On-course features
On the golf course, both devices come pre-loaded with over 36,000 golf courses worldwide and allow you to automatically track your performance data using the watch and the tracking tags provided, which are screwed into each of your clubs.
Having finished tracking and editing your round, you can then access over 100 tour-level statistics about your golf game through your web browser or the Shot Scope mobile app. The following video shows some of the many stats available via the Shot Scope online dashboard.
In terms of GPS information, both watches can display distances in meters or yards to the front, middle and back of the green on the hole you are playing, show layup distances, dogleg information, allow you track and see how far you’ve hit your last shot, and have a built-in digital scorecard.
An overview of the green you are playing to can also be accessed on both watches, allowing you to not only see its shape but also move the pin location to give you a more accurate distance. In my experience, the process of moving the pin is much quicker and easier on the X5 due to the touchscreen, rather than having to continuously press the up and down buttons as is the case on the V5.
One area where the X5 offers a useful feature not found on the V5 is when it comes to hole overview maps. On both devices, you’ll be able to see a birdseye view of the hole you are playing, allowing you to see the shape of the hole, any hazards, and the distance to the pin. You can also move a distance line up and down to find out how far you have to hit to reach that specific position on the hole from your current location.
However, the X5 takes this feature one step further by overlaying your club performance average for your three longest clubs based on your last 10 rounds. This allows you to quickly check whether or not you have enough club in hand, or perhaps too much to reach your intended target.
Although V5 users still get access to this performance data via the dashboard or mobile app, having it displayed on the watch during your round is useful, and as it conforms to the rules of golf, it’s a tournament-legal feature.
Finally, when it comes to battery life on the golf course, I’ve found the V5 uses around 30% for 18 holes and can comfortably manage two rounds from a single charge. The X5, however, uses around 50% of its battery for 18 holes, and in truth, really does struggle to last for two rounds, especially if you’re interacting with it on most holes.
Now that we’ve compared the two devices, it’s time to talk about which one I’d recommend. But, before I do that, if you’ve got any questions about either of these great golf watches, be sure to drop them in the comments are below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
V5 or X5 - Which one should you buy?
In terms of looks, although the X5 is seen as the more premium offering of the two, I actually prefer the more subdued look of the V5 and think it’s a slightly nicer-looking watch to wear both on and off the course, although, I do still really the look of the X5. Looks are subjective, though, so it does come down to personal preference.
With the V5, I like that Shot Scope has gone with a button-controlled display, and I must admit, I do prefer it to the X5. That said, if Shot Scope does manage to improve the responsiveness of the X5’s screen and work out a way to help it better perform in wet weather conditions through future firmware updates, then there really will be very little to separate the two.
One area where there is a very clear winner, however, is the battery. Although I seldom play two rounds from one single charge, the better battery life found on the V5 both on and off the golf course is appealing, and who doesn’t want to have to charge their devices less often?
Whilst it may look like the V5 is running away with it here, the fact that the X5 allows you to view personalised performance data on top of the hole overview maps and that it’s available in a range of co lour options does almost help to balance the books.
But, at a slightly cheaper price point, with a longer-lasting battery and no screen-related issues, the V5 just edges it for me.
Order the Shot Scope V5 or X5
If after reading this article you’re interested in purchasing a Shot Scope V5 or X5, hit the button below to visit the official Shot Scope store and enter my code ‘ANDYSGOLF‘ to save an extra 15% on their current prices.
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Now that we’ve got you sorted out with a brilliant GPS golf watch, perhaps it’s time to add a laser rangefinder to your bag too, and at just a smidge a smidge over £100, the Shot Scope PRO L2 is hard to beat. Find out why in my full Shot Scope PRO L2 rangefinder review.
7 responses
So based on this review is it fair to assume that you wouldn’t suggest I sell my X5 and buy the V5?
Hi Martin,
If you own an X5 and are happy with it, I’d stick with it in all honesty, unless the battery life and responsiveness of the screen annoy you so much you’d like to buy a V5 for £200. I used the X5 for many, many rounds and found it to be a great watch, I just prefer the button control and battery life offered by the V5. That said, the updated maps with personalised info on the X5 are cool.
For those who are looking to buy one or the other, I’d lean towards the V5 but both great offerings.
Thanks
I am not unhappy with the X5 although would be just as happy with buttons rather than touchscreen. So I guess no need to spend more money given that I still have the V3 in the cupboard too!
Took the V5 out yesterday for a single 18 hole game and was very disappointed that I only had 20% left, hardly any different to the V3. Clearly would not be sufficient for 2 rounds. Still getting to grips with. All the additional features over the V3.
Sorry to hear this, Mike. 100% get in touch with shot scope if you’ve gone from 100% to 20% after a single round on the V5. I’ve used my V5 numerous times since release and it hasn’t ever gone below even 60% from a full charge. I think the lowest I’ve seen it has been 72% after 18.
In terms of differences to the V3, the V5 has many, many feature improvements including map overlays and digital scorecard to name but a few. I’m assuming you’re suggesting the lack of difference between them in terms of battery, but just in case anyone else is reading this I thought I’d highlight that fact that there are many improvements between the two.
As above, though, if your battery has drained by 80% from one single round then definitely contact Shot Scope as that isn’t right. They’ll sort you out, though.
support@shotscope.com
Cheers,
Andy
Article was very informative and on the basis of the article purchased theV5 but disappointed with the erroneous information on battery capacity.
Thanks Mike. Please see my reply to your previous comment. Your battery depreciation of 80% sounds like there is an issue with your watch and is not an issue I’ve experienced with the V5 having used it over 20 times since release. The V5 should manage two rounds without issue from a full charge, so it definitely sounds like an issue with your watch rather than the V5 in general. It’s definitely worth reporting to Shot Scope as they’ll replace the watch if the battery isn’t performing as it should.