IZZO Swami 1500 Golf GPS Unit

Don’t really want to spend hundreds of dollars on a gadget but want to improve your game? Well, then the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit just might be the answer for you. Whether you are just beginning or are a pro-golfer, this simple, easy to use GPS unit is a fun gadget that can help improve your game.

Effective

If you are looking for a golf GPS unit with all the bells and whistles then the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit is probably not your best choice. Instead, you would likely be happier with the Callaway uPro Golf GPS. The Callaway uPro does everything you could ever want and then some, as long as you are willing to invest a few hundred dollars to get it.

However, if you are looking for an inexpensive unit that simply calculates the distance to the front, center and back of the green (but no other obstacles) then the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit is definitely the way to go.

Actually, because the Izzo is powered by the latest SIRFStar III chip and equipped with Insta-Lok technology, it is known to be great at instantly calculating the distance to the front, center and back of the green on more than 12,000 courses all across the United States; and the best part is that the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit is accurate!

GPS vs. Laser Rangefinder

I think most agree that there are pros and cons to both GPS units and laser rangefinders. If you are trying to decide between the two and are leaning toward the rangefinder, I highly recommend the Bushnell Golf Pinseeker which is the best rangefinder out there.

However, I prefer the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit. The Swami is a powerful tool that is easier to use and more accurate than a rangefinder. While a rangefinder can only measure to certain defined objects that are within its sight, with the Swami you don’t need a direct line of sight to the target in order to get an accurate read. So, even if you are shooting over trees, buildings, or other such obstacles, you can get an accurate yardage read. Also, while a rangefinder’s accuracy is dependent on your distance from the target, the GPS technology of the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unitgives accurate distances instantly regardless of the distance!

A Ton of Courses

There are currently over 12, 000 courses already available for the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit; you will likely not have any trouble finding the course you want. Another feature that users love about the Izzo Swami is that it stores up to 10 courses at a time, and the moment you turn it on, it recognizes the course you are currently on.

Although the Swami is priced right at less than $100, a yearly subscription of $35 gives you access to all the courses. Actually, Izzo really made it a win/win; they made the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit inexpensive but then implemented a yearly subscription which is affordable for the user.

Simple to Use

A feature that all golfers appreciate is the Swami’s ease of use. The Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit is incredibly light, in fact it is one of the lightest GPS units available. It can easily be thrown in your pocket or attached to your belt for easy travel. As well, it has simple to use buttons with a large display, making it a breeze to cycle from hole to hole.

The Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit has an internal lithium ion battery that is rechargeable. The battery can be charged in several ways: by plugging the Swami into a wall outlet using the USB AC converter,  by USB when plugged into your computer, or with your car charger.

Critiques

Something to keep in mind if you are a Mac user is that the Swami is not compatible, I am sad to say. However, you can run Windows on your Mac which solved the issue for me.

Also, there has been some talk that the Izzo Swami is not as accurate as others such as the Garmin Approach G3 GPS. However, others, such as myself find the unit to be very accurate.

The Bottom Line

Overall, for less than $100 bucks, you won’t find a better unit than the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS unit. For a few extra dollars, you can get the Izzo Swami 1500 Golf GPS Bundle which also includes the car charger, case, and screen protectors.

Keep in mind though, the Swami is a simple, no frills GPS unit that does not have any of the extra features that the more expensive models contain. So, if all you need is an accurate read from the front, center, and back of the green then the Izzo Swami 1500 golf GPS is the unit for you!