Epix Pro Gen 2 vs. Approach S70: Which is the Best GOLF WATCH?

[@Hillbillyspree]

Sam's ub has the regular epix Gen 2 for $450. The s70 is $700 everywhere. Should I pull the trigger on the epix? I will be using it for golf a lot.

[@dougdog360]

Hey Sean, love your videos. I just wanted to point out a couple of tips. If you don' t have the CT10 sensors you don't need to go back to your phone to add each club you used. If you enable Club Prompt setting (under activities and app settings) the watch is going to give you a subtle vibration every time is senses you hit the ball to ask you what club you used. You just need to add your clubs in your gear section so it can prompt you with them in the list. Also according to Garmin Virtual Caddy will provide recommendation based on the hole, wind data and past performance with each club, however you need to play at least 5 rounds with the watch and accurately select each club you used on every stroke.

[@prototype43608]

Thx for that Info. I just want to ask for it. 'Cause I'm still an s60 User and would be suprised if the newer versions doesn't have this Feature anymore.

[@cdh79]

Great video, I just wanted to comment that you can actually enable wind-compensation in the “plays like” functionality via the settings. So it’ll be “wind” and “slope” that the Epix Pro can handle (at least on my watch, FW 15.77 in Dec. 2023 and I believe it’s been there since I bought it a few months ago)

[@MAVIE95]

This is exactly the breakdown i was looking for! Thank you

[@gabos7892]

Epix has a light! I use the light everyday!

[@FavstaRGaming]

Does the Epix Pro integrate with the R10 launch monitor?

[@jeffmalosiecki8070]

My apple watch broke and now I am thinking Garmin will be my next smart watch. I use arccos but I am thinking about going to Garmin watch for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. I know you are a fan of arccos also. What are you plans? Move to the C10 sensors. Keep using arccos with your phone or belt link system. Just curious. I have not deceived on my solution yet but I am not sure I want to loss the arccos data I already have.

[@sw-sq5gk]

Golf watch, ok. But these people actually believe the health data has any relevance….

[@jkbuckway]

Thank you for this! Been wondering about this very thing since the S70 came out.

[@dank5495]

Thank you for your review! I was trying to decide among the Epix Gen 2, S70 and 965. The Gen 2 is on special and fits all my needs …Thanks!

[@CarsonSedun]

Really helpful Sean! Loved this. Torn between a Garmin (S70 vs 62 vs Epix) which will sync with the Z30 rangefinder OR the Apple Watch with Arccos. But not sure if Arccos is still good without the Apple Watch app. Anyway this was super helpful man! Thank you!

[@lidzior]

Without sensors its works same, only you have to confirm club after shot.

[@michaelhoak]

The latest beta software (14.36) ports all of the S70 features to the Epix 2 and Epix Pro except swing tempo. The beta software has the updated map graphics, more detailed plays like distances/factors, the s70’s virtual caddie interface, etc.

[@Bigdog8337]

Interesting. I read your comment and I’m keen to have those new golf features on my Epix2 so I went and signed up for the beta software and downloaded it, started a game of golf but nothing had changed. Any ideas?

[@MrRO56]

Hello, can you confirm that ? Because I want to buy a watch for the golf but also to in others sports. I don't know which one to choose

[@_chjno]

@@Bigdog8337how’s the update?

[@hassanszaidi9]

I wonder why swing tempo has been left out?

[@tacticaledc]

So, here's a question...have you tried the golf app with the Tactix 7? Looks like it apparently does all the same thing the Epix Pro does, but more, including the AMOLD display. Would love to hear your thoughts if you tried it and if you plan to try one. Outstanding reviews, BTW.

[@airspeedaudio]

great review, thanks for getting through all the differences. HOWEVER, I'd love to hear your opinion on the so called "wind" feature on the S70 or even Garmin's rangefinder. IMO, it's a crock of Sh*t. If the device is getting wind info from the internet, there's no way it's measured exactly where you happen to be standing. It's probably measure at an airport miles away. So it's useless in my mind. Now, if they put a wind sensor on a rangefinder or on the watch (not sure where or how), then that might be useful. Thoughts?

[@breakingeighty]

It’s similar to how your phone can tell you “it should start raining at your location in 7 minutes…”. It’s not measuring it directly from your device, so yes, it’s not going to be quite as accurate as if it were. But in my experience and testing, it general gets pretty close. May be a few mph off but in most cases have found the direction to be pretty spot on.

[@airspeedaudio]

@@breakingeighty hmmmm. Well admittedly, I'm sure that getting better at predicting the weather exactly where I am....so ok, it's evolving. Your reviews are really interesting because you don't sugar coat things. I actually went with a rangefinder vs. a golf watch based on YOUR overall reviews (and I watched a bunch). It's easy to use a range finder, doesn't hold me captive to swiping screens and looking at a watch (and i do have an old Garmin vivoactive 4 that has rudimentary hole distances), and....wait for it - it's EXACT. Based on your unbiased reviews of those I purchased the Blue Tees Series 3 Max which for me, is perfect. I don't need to be a better tech user, I need to be a better golfer. Thanks!!

[@Garysalunatic]

Obviously it can’t tell you the wind where you are on the ground or with the effect the trees will have on the wind you feel. If you hit the ball anywhere above the trees of even close to that hight the wind will be more like the nearest weather sensor is indicating. Never exact but better than tossing grass clippings into the air. I notice that the wind my Epix tells me will make a difference as expected for “plays like” changes

[@MichaelJones-ff9gb]

CT10 Sensors are costly and poorly designed, they will fall off on mid to long irons. I've mentioned this before, this is widely known among CT10 users - you have been warned. The ShotScope system is both cheaper and far superior for golfing. The virtual caddie is a gimmick that does not work as intended. What if you use a 9 iron to chip on the green? Well, it will factor that into it's yardage and VC recommendations. In addition, most amateurs do not hit their irons consistently, which will skew the VC recommendations. Those who hit consistently know the gap and distances of their irons. IMO, the VC is a useless gimmick. Full disclosure, I currently use the Epix Pro Gen 2 with a full CT10 set. I've already had one courtesy replacement of a lost CT10 sensor that flew off my 7 iron during a round of golf . If I have to buy a single sensor, it will be approximately $75 a sensor. The Garmin system replaced a ShotScope H4 and full sensor package. I used the ShotScope last year and the sensors never require any mucking about once setup. They never needed tightening, and I never thought of them again. If Garmin could fix the sensors, then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Garmin. The Epix watch is very attractive and excellent for those who plan on tracking additional activity metrics in addition to their Golf. Soley for golf, look elsewhere.

[@PJo336]

What version software does the epix pro have? it looks like an oncoming version will update the golf app so I think epix/epix pro will get the same interface in the near future, but i am not 100% on that Also, I will note, it doesnt show you the distances based on wind on the older epix, but it does show you where to aim and that is using wind to calculate. There's a little red aim indicator the virtual caddy shows

[@PJo336]

The epix software currently in beta lists: Added Golf “Plays Like” improvements. Added Golf Biomes support for OLED products. Added new Golf Virtual Caddie interface.

[@breakingeighty]

Yeah I noticed the beta release notes after I shot this. Will update when they roll out the new software and see how much it’s improved.

[@ryanofthevalley]

Did the Epix 2 (non-pro) update all these features?

[@PJo336]

@@ryanofthevalley yup it’s on both pro and non pro alike. Personally though, my gps distances (particularly with slope) have been off since this update though

[@vincespeziale3956]

what a fantastic review! though I still have no idea what to buy..I am past my workout days as a late 50's guy, but I want a stylish watch that gives me great features, primarily at golf... I just don't want to feel like I "settled" for the S70 when I will be wearing it daily... analysis paralysis for sure...argh! I love golf and I love fishing/boating....does that change things?

[@sirthomasjordan]

Thank you! Love my Fenix 6 for golf and everything else, Have you done a review on the CT10s? I've been very curious to how they compare to Arccos,, the subscription thing with arccos is not for me

[@breakingeighty]

Yeah you can find it here: breakingeighty.com/garmin-ct10-sensors-review

[@sirthomasjordan]

Has your opinion on the CT10 sensors changed at all now that you seem to be using Garmin watches more? Are you still using Arccos every round?

[@tubeyouman1009]

How does the watch get wind data?

[@shawnsponds]

There's no way wind data can be calculated ...

[@gary24-7]

Hi, how do you add the direction of your drive (left, center, right) after you hit your driver on your S70? Just got my S70 and I'm still learning how to use it.

[@breakingeighty]

You might need to turn on the extra statistics in your settings, can’t remember exactly what that setting is called off hand.

[@Garysalunatic]

That will enter itself when you take the next shot. The gps records each shot and pins each one where you were at. You don’t have to enter it yourself. You have to tell the watch which club you hit if you don’t have the ct10 sensors

[@nicolasbitcoin2549]

As a golfer/runner… love my epix

[@McNultyoh]

You going to pick up the latest Garmin 8? Worth it?

[@orangeblack1285]

Is there any relevant difference between the epix 2 and the epix pro gen 2?

[@breakingeighty]

Not really for golf. Better heart rate sensor and flashlight on the Pro. But those are the main things.

[@orangeblack1285]

@@breakingeighty Thanks! I bought the epix 2 saphire back then for hiking, good to know its just as good as the pro. Or, well just as bad. Not sure whether its because I'm a lefty or don't hit the ball hard enough yet, but the watch never realized when I hit a club (I got the prompt maybe twice). And it counts funny when I enter it manually. But its great for distance control.

[@SamGes-b6r]

According to the spec, the S70 has a wider screen, does it make a real difference?

[@Tony91177]

@PJo336 - It gets the wind data from you phone

[@GrumpyGolf4]

I have a question about these sensors. How useful is that data really considering it cannot give you carry distances? That seems like a limitation that could be a deal breaker...that goes for Garmin, Arccos, and Shot Scope. I'll be interested in hearing your take on that "weakness". You always give a reasonable, well thought out, point of view on such inquirie and we appreciate you buddy.

[@aaronforrester3968]

What size s70 do you recommend?

[@ryanallen3941]

Hey Sean, thanks for the review. I’m in the market to buy something new 👏🏾👏🏾. Which would you choose the Garmin z82 or the Garmin S70? If you could only have one. Love to hear your thoughts.

[@nicolasbitcoin2549]

I would buy a cheap range finder on market place + s70

[@GregElwell-m6j]

The major thing for me, having had the S70 and returning it, is that the distance to hazards and layup font on the S70 is so small that I can't see it on the course. I now have the Epix, it's great because i can scroll through hazards and layups with the buttons and see them.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

You have typo. What watch do you have now?

[@shawnsponds]

Grest job

[@prototype43608]

Love your Videos. Please Jeep going

[@247geoffers]

Can you get green contour maps on both? I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure Ive seen it on the s70

[@andrewferguson1013]

Yes, it's definitely on S70, BUT you do need to pay an annual subscription fee for this I'm afraid! Note also that not every course green contours will be available I believe, so be weary about paying extra IF your course greens don't show it!?

[@mpoppins880]

Une fonction presente que sur la s70, c est la detection du coup qui permet "automatiquement" de mesurer la distance du coup. 😎

[@nicolasbitcoin2549]

Non.. détection auto sur epix aussi.

[@mkadamsti]

Sean, I bought a S70 a few weeks ago and you can change the watch bands. I actually ordered a new bracelet style watch band the same day I ordered the watch and received the band before the watch.

[@breakingeighty]

Nice! How do you like the different band?

[@mkadamsti]

Sean, I love the new band. It is a bracelet style where you can take out or add links to get to the correct size. I have a metal one now, but may try a resin band which would make the watch a little lighter. They are also quick change bands if you like to change styles. For me personally, I find the bracelet style to be more comfortable, easier to put on or take off, and just look a little classier. Google or Amazon search will get you lots of options. And finally, Thanks for the site and videos.@@breakingeighty

[@paulsteeleiii5893]

Tried both - love that the epix buttons scroll the yardage - the s70 made it real tough to scroll layup yardages

[@breakingeighty]

I haven't found it that difficult to scroll on the S70, but I agree, I definitely prefer having the physical buttons.

[@thomashughes1518]

I bought the S70 and sent it back within 2 days… Clearly it has more features than the Apple Watch, however the overall clunkiness was frustrating. It also feels much cheaper than an Apple Watch. I wanted something more than the Apple Watch, so far the S70 isn’t there, and the Tag Connected E4 has a rubbish battery.

[@PJB920]

Difference #1 and #2 are fixed when you sign up for beta firmware on your epix 2, works perfect so far, and yes green contours works with Garmin subscription. What actually is missing is the Garmin Swing Tempo app.

[@GregElwell-m6j]

There's a Tempo Training app but not the tempo of your shots when playing as far as I can see.