Garmin Approach S42

The Garmin Approach S42 is ranked second among the best Garmin golf watches. The S42 delivers the best value and performance in the Garmin golf range, owing to the fact that it can do many of the same things as the S62 while costing two hundred pounds less. The S42 is the successor of the S40, and Garmin has taken everything that was excellent about the S40 and improved it even more. The S42 differs from its predecessor in that it has a battery life of 5 hours longer in GPS mode. In other words, the newer model gives you one extra round of golf.

While the S62 is still Garmin's flagship GPS watch, the S42 has many of the same features as the S62, including smart watch applications such as step tracking, notifications, calorie and sleep monitoring, fitness profiles for various sports, and water resistance. The S62 is still the only place where you can find a heart rate monitor. The S42 is a touchscreen as well, but instead of the three buttons found on the S62, it has a single button operation mechanism that works better than you'd expect and doesn't limit functionality.

As previously mentioned, the S62 has a 'plays like' option that takes into account slope and wind speed when calculating yardages. This is against tournament rules, but unlike the Garmin Approach Z82 rangefinder, there is no visible method to prove that the S62 is switched off, therefore golfers have to rely on the honor system. Because the S42 lacks the 'plays like' feature, it is better suited to competitive golfers. The GPS locator on the S42 is significantly faster than on the S62, which is slightly older and significantly more expensive.

When you arrive at the course and select 'golf,' it instantly recognizes your location. Don't get me wrong: the S62 isn't slow, but the S42 is lightning fast. The 'last shot' function allows you to keep track of each individual shot. This is the same function that the S62 automatically displays on the home screen, but it must be be selected on this model, which can be inconvenient at times. The S42, like all Garmin golf watches, is great for post-round analysis and works with the C10 club sensors (which must be bought separately). This watch is great for individuals who don't want to spend the money on the S62 but still want a watch with a lot of features and usefulness. Overall, this watch provides the best value for money and performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• RRP: £269.99/$299.99
• Courses: Over 42,000
• Battery life: 15 hours
• Screen size: 3cm
• Weight: 43g

REASONS TO BUY

• Stylish and lightweight
• Cutting-edge GPS delivers accurate distances
• Packed with features

REASONS TO AVOID

• Graphics not as flashy as the S62
• No virtual caddie feature

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