Both of these new products are currently on sale under pre-release on the main Shot Scope website, and I’m hoping to get my hands on them within the next few weeks so that I can record an unboxing and first-look video for you guys. However, until then, here’s some detailed information to let you know what to expect from the Shot Scope X5 golf watch and PRO L2 laser rangefinder.
I’ve also created separate posts for each of these new products in case you’re only interested in finding out more about one of them in particular
Shot Scope X5 GPS and Shot-tracking Golf Watch
The X5 is Shot Scope’s first golf watch release in nearly 3 years, building on the success of their hugely popular and award-winning Shot Scope V3 golf watch – a product I absolutely love. Visually, the Shot Scope X5 undoubtedly has a much more premium look about it, thanks largely to its 1.2” full-colour touch screen, stylish scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and silicone dust-free interchangeable strap (other colours sold separately). There’s no doubt in my mind that visually, the X5 is a huge improvement on the V3 and will sit perfectly alongside the other premium GPS golf watches on the market.
On the course
On the golf course, in terms of its core functionality, the Shot Scope X5 has all of the fantastic features found on the V3 including dynamic yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, automatic shot tracking, carry distances and locations for hazards, and last shot distance tracking. However, the X5 also benefits from some really exciting new features that many Shot Scope users have requesting for a while now.
On the golf course, in terms of its core functionality, the Shot Scope X5 has all of the fantastic features found on the V3 including dynamic yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, automatic shot tracking, carry distances and locations for hazards, and last shot distance tracking. However, the X5 also benefits from some really exciting new features that many Shot Scope users have requesting for a while now.
Green View
The brand new Green View feature means that for the first time on a Shot Scope watch, you’ll be able to see an illustration of the green on the hole you are currently playing, and you’ll be able to drag and drop the pin to its correct location using the touch screen. Whilst the watch will only show a view of the green and not the entire hole, this is a really exciting and useful addition to the watch.
On Course Scoring with Digital Scorecard
Another new feature that some Shot Scope users have been waiting for is the Digital Scorecard. This will allow you not only to view your score for the hole or round but you will also be able to edit and update your score mid-round. Whilst I personally prefer just to play golf and edit my score afterwards, I can see the benefit of being able to make changes or at least confirm the correct number of strokes have been recorded before moving on to the next hole.
Layup points and doglegs
In addition to showing the distance to 100, 150 and 200 yard layup points, the X5 will now also show the distance to doglegs on the golf course. Given that the watch will not display a visual of the hole (only the green) you are playing, highlighting doglegs is the next best thing and will definitely be useful when playing blind holes or holes you are not familiar with.
Off the course
As was the case with the V3, the X5 has been designed to be worn both on and off the golf course. As well as the fact that the X5 looks like a really nice-looking watch, there are a couple of other new features that may also encourage you to wear it when you are not golfing.
Step Counter
One thing that I’m delighted to see built into the X5 is a step counter which will allow you to track your steps both on and off of the golf course. This is something I’ve long hoped that Shot Scope would include and will definitely encourage me to wear the watch when not on the golf course.
Interchangeable straps and watch faces
As is the case with the V3, the silicone strap on the X5 will be available in a range of different colours and because it’s interchangeable, you’ll be able to buy and fit replacement straps purchased directly from Shot Scope. Remember, the RFID technology is built into the Shot Scope straps so only genuine Shot Scope straps will work with the G3/V3 and X5 watches.
Similarly to smart watches, the X5 will also allow you to change the display of its clock face so that you can find something a little more in keeping with your style.
Shot Scope PRO L2 Laser Rangefinder
The Shot Scope PRO L2 laser rangefinder is the third laser rangefinder that Shot Scope has released, following on from the PRO LX which was released around this time last year.
The PRO L2 is seen as an upgraded version of the entry-level and very affordable PRO L1 laser, released in 2020, and will sit nicely in between the PRO L1 and PRO LX in terms of price and features.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the PRO L2’s key features and find out what you can expect from this new rangefinder.
Anti-slip Grip and integrated Magnet
Designed to be comfortable and easy to hold in all weather conditions thanks to the anti-slip rubber grip, the PRO L2 also benefits from an powerful integrated magnet – perfect for those of you who use golf carts and want to stick it to the cart whilst it’s not being used.
Rapid fire and Target-Lock Vibration
Unlike the PRO 1 and PRO LX, the PRO L2 doesn’t appear to have red and black dual optics, however, its precision clear lens and x6 magnification should help make it easy enough to zap those pins.
Just like the more expensive PRO LX model, the PRO L2 also has rapid-fire detection and target lock vibration – two features I’ve found to be really useful in the past to obtain distances quickly and accurately.
Speaking of accuracy, the PRO L2 claims to be accurate to within 1 yard, something I’ll be sure to test out for my full equipment review, and has a range of 700 yards – about 400 yards more than any rangefinder realistically needs.
Adaptive Slope technology
Something that is great to see is that the PRO L2 has built-in adaptive slope technology, meaning that elevation changes on the hole can be taken into account to ensure you’re always getting the most precise and compensated distances possible.
As is the case with most rangefinders with slope technology, this option can be enabled and turned on or off using the Slope button on the side of the laser if you are playing competitively and want to ensure the device conforms to the rules of golf.
4 - Waterproof carry case
Finally, the PRO L2 also comes with a waterproof carry case so that you can clip and carry it on your golf bag.
Final thoughts
So there you have it, it looks like Shot Scope has done a fantastic job of bringing to market two really exciting new products. As a huge fan of the Shot Scope V3 golf watch, I’m really excited to get my hands on the X5 and think the new features such as the Green View and step counter are going to be incredible, not forgetting the fact that the watch looks stunning.
They also look to have done a nice job of creating a new laser that is visually, a sort of hybrid between the PRO L1 and PRO LX and is packed with all of the features the average weekend golfer will need – all of this achieved at an affordable and very competitive price. I think that the PRO L2 having the built-in magnet makes this laser particularly appealing to those of you who play golf using a golf cart.
As soon as I get my hands on both of these products within the next couple of weeks I’ll record and upload an unboxing and first-look video to my YouTube channel, so be sure to check that out. Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts on these new products so drop a comment below to let me know what you think.
Andy
