Updated February 2024 to update current pricing information.
When it comes to playing your best golf, having accurate yardages and pulling the right club is a must. Before the advent of GPS and distance measuring devices, this was difficult.
However, thanks to modern advances in technology, it’s never been easier to find accurate distances to your targets out on the golf course.
Some golfers like laser rangefinders, while others prefer more compact distance measuring devices like GPS watches.
Whatever your preference, there are more than a few options on the market to choose from. For those that prefer a GPS watch, I’ve yet to find anything better than the Bushnell Ion Elite GPS golf watch.
Let’s take a closer look at all the cool stuff the Ion Elite has going for it.
Key Features
- More than 38,000 preloaded courses eliminate the need to constantly download new courses.
- Patented Slope Technology accounts for uphill and downhill slopes and gives you adjusted yardages.
- Hole View feature lets you get precise yardages to any point on any hole.
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Who Should Buy the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf Watch?
The Bushnell Ion Elite GPS golf watch is a great choice for golfers that don’t like the bulkiness of laser rangefinders, but want the very best when it comes to functions and features in a distance measuring device.
The Ion Elite is one of the most technologically advanced golf watches on the market. If you’re looking for a GPS golf watch that has only the most basic functions, the Ion Elite might not be for you. However, if you like having all the information you can get to plan your way around the course and give yourself the best chance to play well, this is the watch for you.
Design and Technology
When we’re talking about all the tech and design features in the Bushnell Ion Elite, it’s hard to find a particular place to start.
Maybe the most logical is the fact that the watch comes preloaded with more than 38,000 golf courses. While some GPS golf watches require you to download a course every time you play someplace new, such isn’t the case with the Ion Elite. Just turn the watch on when you get to the course and you’re ready to go.
With the Ion Elite, you can get yardages to any point on the golf course. To begin, patented Slope Technology gives you yardages that account for uphill and downhill slopes along with the true, raw yardage you have to the target.
But that’s just the beginning. When you switch over to the hole view screen, you’re provided a bird’s eye view of the entire hole. This allows you to see all the features from the tee all the way to the green. The touch screen allows you to pinpoint any spot on the hole and it gives you a yardage from your current position.
Most GPS watches give you the yardages to the front, middle, back of every green only from the middle of the fairway. But what about if you’re in the left rough or right fairway bunker? Those yardages change. Thankfully, the Ion Elite adjusts these yardages based on the angle you have into the green.
After you’ve hit the ball down the middle of the fairway, you’ll want to switch the screen on the Ion Elite to green view. Not only does this view give you a complete layout of the green, it allows you to use the touch screen to pinpoint exactly where the pin is. Just like hole view, you’ll then receive a yardage from your position to the pin.
If you decide to purchase the Bushnell Ion Elite, you’ll want to download the Bushnell Golf app to your smart device as well. The app gives you access to enhanced features to help you improve your game. It also makes updating the watch easy.
Believe it or not, we still aren’t done talking about the Ion Elite’s capabilities.
Additional features include auto hold advance, a shot distance calculator (see how far you hit your previous shot), auto course recognition, and a scorekeeping feature.
Suffice it to say, the Bushnell Ion Elite is arguably the most technologically advanced GPS golf watch on the market.
Specs
The Bushnell Ion Elite measures 46mm wide, by 53mm high, by 15mm thick. The display is 1.28” in diameter. It weighs 36 grams. The watch band length is 22mm wide and 211mm long.
The watch is rated IP67 water resistant. Its battery life is 12 hours, and it takes less than three hours to recharge. A one-year warranty is included with the Ion Elite.
Bushnell has long been a name you can trust when it comes to distance measuring devices. The Ion Elite GPS golf watch only furthers that reputation. If you’re a fan of using the latest technology to get all the information you can to help you play your best, the Ion Elite is a great option. It’s highly functional, and sure to be an affordable investment that will only help you play your best golf.
- Price point is modest compared to other, similar GPS golf watches.
- Different views allow you to see all the important features on every hole.
- More than 38,000 courses eliminate the trouble of having to continually download new courses.
- Some golfers don’t like the updates that may be required.
- Product availability can be an issue because of its popularity.
- Shipping times can vary.
Our Experience
When I first heard about the Bushnell Ion Elite, I was a little worried it would be too complex for me to use as I’m not exactly great with tech. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Even though this watch has a ton of tech and features, it’s easy to operate, and the data it provides is hugely beneficial.
And considering the fact that other watches cost a lot more money than the Ion Elite, it has my full endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Be Used for Other Sports or Activities Besides Golf?
Yes, the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS watch is versatile and can be used for multiple sports and activities. It’s compatible with fitness activities, offers outdoor adventure tracking, and provides activity tracking features for a well-rounded experience.
How Does the Touchscreen Technology on the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Work and What Sets It Apart From Other GPS Watches?
The touchscreen technology on the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS watch is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate the user interface. Its accuracy, along with outstanding battery life, sets it apart from other GPS watches.
How Accurate Is the Battery Life Estimate of 12+ Hours and How Does It Hold up During Extended Use on the Golf Course?
I’ve found the battery life estimate of 12+ hours to be quite accurate. During extended use on the golf course, it holds up well. The touchscreen technology is intuitive, and compared to competitors, it stands out for its reliable performance.
What Additional Features Does the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Offer Besides Basic GPS Functionality?
The Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS watch offers more than basic GPS functionality. It features a color touchscreen with smartwatch capabilities, making it versatile for multi-sport compatibility. The sleek design and ease of use make it a top choice.
Are There Any Lesser-Known Drawbacks or Limitations to Consider When Purchasing the Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch?
Honestly, the Bushnell iON Elite Golf GPS Watch is a game changer, but let’s not overlook some minor drawbacks. While the touchscreen technology is impressive, occasional charging issues and offline hiccups might occur.
Conclusion
Bushnell has long been a name you can trust when it comes to distance measuring devices. The Ion Elite GPS golf watch only furthers that reputation.
If you’re a fan of using the latest technology to get all the information you can to help you play your best, the Ion Elite is a great option. It’s highly functional, and sure to be an affordable investment that will only help you play your best golf.
