Right here’s a fact that golf must reckon with: nothing divides golfers fairly like music on the course. Not gradual play. Not mulligans. Not even the correct interpretation of Rule 18-2b.
Music.
For some golfers, a Bluetooth speaker has develop into as important as tees and a ball marker. It’s the soundtrack to an informal Saturday spherical with mates, a solution to hold vitality up throughout a five-hour slog or just how they’ve all the time loved leisure golf.
For others, it’s the audio equal of exhibiting as much as a wine tasting in jorts and a Monster Vitality hat. It’s proof that golf’s conventional values have been overrun by the identical crowds who turned the Bethpage Ryder Cup into what seemed like a tailgate social gathering that by accident wandered onto a golf course. These golfers would reasonably play 18 holes in full silence than endure a single bar of “Hit Em Up” echoing from three fairways over.
There isn’t a center floor on this subject. You both assume music belongs on the course otherwise you’re fairly certain it alerts the top of civilization as we all know it.
Bushnell Golf is firmly within the first camp. With the brand new Wingman HD, the corporate is doubling down on what has develop into a surprisingly profitable class: GPS-enabled Bluetooth audio system.
What’s the Wingman HD?
The Wingman HD is Bushnell’s newest GPS golf speaker and it represents a big improve over earlier fashions within the lineup. The standout function is a 3.5-inch shade HD touchscreen that shows visible distances (entrance, heart, again), plus as much as six hazards per gap. You additionally get entry to GreenView and HoleView by the Bushnell Golf cell app.
On the audio facet, the Wingman HD packs two 15-watt audio system with passive radiators for what Bushnell describes as “clear and immersive sound” with 360-degree protection. There’s additionally a dynamic audio adjustment function that routinely will increase quantity as your cart hurries up—as a result of apparently somebody at Bushnell was uninterested in their music getting drowned out by wind noise. This can show significantly helpful whenever you’re making an attempt to make sure your total group can correctly sing alongside to “Cotton Eye Joe.”
Different notable options embody:
Audible GPS distances (should you’d reasonably not have a look at the display)
Customized audio options like first-tee intros and private soundbites (for whenever you need to really feel like a tour professional)
“Live performance Hyperlinks” pairing that allows you to join as much as 100 Wingman HD items (for when your common foursome turns into a full-scale golf pageant)
IPX67 waterproof and dustproof ranking
Bushnell’s BITE magnetic cart mount
Indoor/Outside EQ modes for vary, simulator or yard use
On-device scoring when linked to the app
The GPS you didn’t know you wanted
For golfers who embrace music on the course, the Wingman HD does one thing surprisingly sensible: it eliminates the necessity for a standalone handheld GPS system.
Sure, handheld GPS gadgets nonetheless exist. I used to be as shocked as you’re.
We just lately examined handheld GPS items and, whereas they work completely tremendous, it’s onerous to argue they’re not a little bit of a relic. Why carry a separate system that does one factor when you could possibly carry a speaker that does the identical factor plus retains you entertained between photographs?
The Wingman HD shows all of the important distance data you’d get from a devoted handheld GPS—entrance, heart, again, hazards—proper on that 3.5-inch shade touchscreen. And in contrast to these chunky handheld items that stay in your bag till you want them, the Wingman HD sits in your cart, all the time seen, all the time accessible, all the time taking part in no matter questionable playlist your taking part in associate insisted on cueing up.
The sleeper function: Bushnell’s GPS app
Right here’s one thing most golfers don’t know: each Bushnell system, together with the Wingman HD, provides you free entry to Bushnell’s GPS cell app.
And actually? It’s lowkey top-of-the-line GPS apps available on the market.
For fundamental GPS and scorekeeping, it’s in all probability my favourite. The interface is clear, the distances are dependable, and it doesn’t attempt to upsell you on premium options you don’t want each time you open it. It’s the type of app that simply works with out making a fuss about it.
With the Wingman HD linked to the app, you get entry to GreenView (for pin placement visualization), HoleView (full gap flyovers), shot distance monitoring and scoring—all without having a watch or carrying your cellphone in your pocket.
The underside line
The Wingman HD is for a particular kind of golfer. You recognize who you’re.
If you happen to’re the sort who thinks music enhances the golf expertise, that is arguably the best-equipped GPS speaker available on the market. The touchscreen is a respectable improve over earlier fashions, the audio high quality seems to be stable and the function set is complete.
If you happen to’re the sort who believes music on the course is an indication of society’s decline, effectively, the Wingman HD isn’t going to vary your thoughts. However no less than now you’ll know precisely what technological monstrosity is liable for ruining your Sunday morning.
The Wingman HD can be obtainable in mid-October at choose golf retailers and BushnellGolf.com for $199.99.
For extra data, go to BushnellGolf.com.
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