50 Words or Less
The Shot Scope H50 GPS is loaded with advanced features like green maps and shot tracking. Quick and accurate. Affordable purchase price and no annual fee make it a great value.
Introduction
It used to be rare to see a handheld golf GPS device because they were expensive, the pinnacle of golf technology. Now they’re rare because they’ve been largely replaced by rangefinders, GPS watches, and smartphone apps. The Shot Scope H50 makes the case that more golfers should go back to the handheld GPS. With a large touchscreen, deep feature set, and affordable price, its case is a compelling one.
Set Up & Ease of Use
Like everything in the Shot Scope ecosystem, the H50 requires virtually no set up and is very easy to use. In the box, you’ll find the handheld along with a quick start guide, charging cable, carabiner, and cleaning cloth. Plug it in and let the battery fill up.
Once you’re powered up, connect the Shot Scope H50 to the Shot Scope app. This only takes a couple of taps, and it will enable you to do the firmware updates so that your H50 has all the latest features and improvements. Over 42,000 courses are pre-loaded, but you can check to see if your courses have any updates from within the Shot Scope app.
On the course, the Shot Scope H50 does everything you could want intuitively via the 4.3″ touchscreen. Power it on, tap “Play Golf,” select a course, and you’re on your way. The commands within the round are fairly intuitive, but there are so many features that you’ll need to do a little experimenting. After a few holes, you’ll have nailed down the features that you want to use, and you can get to them all within a tap or two. [See Price / Buy]
Accuracy & Features
Let’s start with the most important basics before diving into the depth of features. As we’ve come to expect from Shot Scope, the H50 is accurate and quick. Compared to on-course measurements, it’s almost always within 2 yards and often right on. The yardages change as you walk or drive, and are always accurate by the time you stop and look down at the device.
What elevates the Shot Scope H50 above their GPS watches [G6 review HERE] and most GPS apps is the depth of features. You can set it up to display simple front-middle-back yardages [apologies for the use of stock photos, but my pictures of the screen didn’t do the H50 any justice]. You can see the entire hole. You get green views for your approach shot. And one of the best features is green contour map display. This gives you a detailed view of the slopes of the green so you can hit a smart approach shot and roll in the putt.
I’m not even close to done listing features, by the way. The Shot Scope H50 can measure the distance of your shot. It can keep your score, and the score of every player in your group. It can give you the distance to hazards. And finally, you can do shot tracking on the H50. It’s a fully manual process and not super fun, but you can do it. If you really want shot tracking, just get the Shot Scope V5 [review HERE].
The device itself is well-designed and well-built. It weighs just 60 grams but still feels sturdy. It’s covered in rubber to give you a good grip, and it’s rated IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can survive full immersion for a short time. The battery life is also excellent, lasting two rounds in GPS mode without shot tracking.
Another nice feature of the Shot Scope H50 is the built-in cart magnet. As the name implies, this is meant for sticking the unit on your riding cart, and that feature works very well. I found a slightly unorthodox use case: sticking the H50 to the clubs in my pushcart.
The only complaint I have with the Shot Scope H50 is that the touchscreen is not as responsive as an iPhone. That’s not a fair comparison – one device costs $200, the other costs over $1,000 – but it’s the standard that most people are used to. The H50 isn’t slow, but you can’t rapidly tap-tap-tap and expect it to respond how you want. Back on the positive, it is bright and easy to read in all light conditions.
Value
The Shot Scope H50 GPS retails for $199. You can support Plugged In Golf at no additional cost by buying it HERE.
Comparing the H50 to the other big name handheld GPS units, it’s much more affordable. At the time of this writing, the current SkyCaddie units are $300 and $350, and the Garmin G82 is $600. Depending on what features you value, those units could make sense, but it’s hard to argue that the H50 isn’t the best value.
As with all Shot Scope products, one of the most important things is that there is no subscription fee. This separates them from virtually every other GPS company or app on the market and makes their products a great value. The Shot Scope H50 also comes with a two year warranty and the purchase includes firmware updates and new features at no additional cost. [See Price / Buy]
Conclusion
If you go to the course to get away from your phone, but you still want detailed course information, the Shot Scope H50 is the best choice for you. This easy to use handheld delivers all the data you need to shoot low scores without emptying your pockets. [See Price / Buy]
The Shot Scope H50 GPS Handheld features detailed hole maps on a large full touch screen. This is the ultimate caddie in your pocket, delivering fast and accurate GPS distances, plus “plays like” yardages to any point on the course, making club selection a simple task.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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79 Comments
I was so ready to buy one of these as my G80 broke. The greens view cost extra on the G80 and comes stock on the H50. You touched on why I didn’t buy and it is because they left out shot tracking. That’s a huge oversight for a company that already has the hardware in the Connex system. So with this I would have carry a handheld gps and still wear a watch to service my needs. For now I’m going to try my Galaxy Watch with the 15th Club app.
Corey,
The H50 does do shot tracking, it’s just done manually as opposed to with club tags.
Best,
Matt
I should have elaborated, but automatic shot tracking is what I’m referring to. That’s why I mentioned the Connex system. They should have integrated that functionality with it.
Dear Matt,
I was an early buyer of the H50. It’s a fantastic tool, but the green contour map display is completely inaccurate. When I raised this issue with Shot Scope, they told me that the feature relies on data provided by Google, so there is nothing they can do about it. That was quite disappointing, as one of the reasons I purchased the H50 was precisely because of this feature….
Franco,
That is disappointing. I’ve used the H50 on five different courses and have found the green maps to be solid, but I understand that the expectation is that they’re right 100% of the time.
Best,
Matt
For 2 bills its very accurate and it seams easiest device to use .
I like the size pretty hard to lose.
I have a V5 and was wondering if the H50 will sync to my already installed app. If so will the handheld will sync to the courses I have already picked in my app. Thanks
Kevin,
Yes, everything in the Shot Scope ecosystem works on the same app, all the data goes to the same place, etc.
Best,
Matt
Thank you ⛳️⛳️
Great idea to use the scope to get away from the phone. It,s do easy to be disturbed on the course.
#SecretGiveawayH50
The complaints I have read about this is how slow it is to connect to the satellites. I bought one, ran all the firmware updates, took it to my course and it took forever to get it to connect the first time. I had to fiddle with it, turn it off, turn it on stand on my head and finally it connected. I then disconnected it restarted it just to see what would happen and it was much faster the next few times I had it connect.
I will be using it on a golf trip in a few weeks and will get a better idea of how slow it is to connect.
Always looking for a new handheld GPS system. This looks great!
#SecretGiveawayH50
Seems to compare ratheer well to Garmin device
Still trying to figure out how to ever the competition 😂
The built in magnet is a game changer. I would love to get the watch off my wrist and attached to my push cart!
This would be great, I like my watch but a bigger screen would really help.
This looks great. You guys do awesome work!!
#SecretGiveawayH50
Sadly not available in South Africa??
Never seen it here sadly – hopefully it gets launched here.
Great review. I appreciate the reviews. #SecretGiveawayH50
Looking for a nice handheld GPS.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Once upon a time, handhelds were the rage for GPS. It’s funny how history is repeating! I’ve been tempted and this unit would be at the top of the list.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Matt,
Sorry if I missed this. Can you pick a spot to get exact yardage. I.e, tee to bunker or from approach shot to pin? #SecretGiveawayH50
Great review as always!
Patrick,
Yes, you can use the touchscreen to get a yardage to any spot on the hole.
Best,
Matt
Not sure. I haven’t tried that. I’ll have a go next time at at the range.
Looks as if the H50 is a very good tracker. #SecretGiveawayH50 is a deal. Thanks for the heads up!
I like the way you present info on all the products you review. Short and to the point. This looks like a very useful product.
#SecretGiveawayH50
I have an V5 watch which I really like. I also have a Garmin G80 which I tend to use on the practice range to monitor carry etc.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Long-time reader of your reviews. Love the fact that you include comments that refer to limitations or problems with products. Also a ShotScope user and this would be an excellent upgrade. #SecretUpgradeH50
I’ve been using a Bushnell Phantom Buddy for years. It is simple to use and easy to set up and is perfect for us non tech baby boomers. That said, there are many times I wish I had a few more features — like a picture of the hole to determine yardages to certain spots. I never take my iPhone on the course. I’m very tempted to give this a try. I’m curious — what is the return policy?
Chuck,
The Shot Scope website says there is a 30 day return policy if you’re not happy with the product.
-Matt
Fantastic review as always. Thank you for all you do and keeping us up to date and your honest thoughts on all the new products.#SecretGiveawayH50
I love the reviews and generosity.
Thanks guys!
#SecretGiveawayH50
Thanks for the review. If it had automatic shot tracking, it would pretty much be a must buy for me.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Love the reviews. Thanks guys.
#SecretGiveawayH50
the HP50 features of green mapping preloaded courses combined with super accurate distance equals great value SecretGiveawayH50
I have never been one for gadgets (and believe that the course is a chance to get away from tech) but for this item, I may make an exception!
#SecretGiveawayH50
I haven’t used a GPS since getting a laser rangefinder about 8 years ago but this looks really nice. Price seems totally reasonable without the subscription fee as well. #SecretGiveawayH50
This would be a great addition to my Arccos setup. #SecretGiveawayH50
this would be an awesome little tool for me! buying greens books for every course gets too costly. additionally i’d nerd out and A/B with the greens books to see the accuracy. thanks for the opportunity!
#SecretGiveawayH50
I’ve been using for a while now and prefer it over my V5 watch, it seems fairly accurate and very easy to use can highly recommend it.
#SecretGiveawayH50
I always enjoy the new technology that can be used for Golf
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#SecretGiveawayH50. Love to try the green contour feature.
I’ve tried a few of the competitors and the H50 looks solid. Thanks for the content and giveaways, they always come in handy!
#SecretGiveawayH50
I always look forward to reading your reviews!
#SecretGiveawayH50
This looks like a good form factor. Like the visuals to hazards and course features. Green reading would be nice to try. #SecretGiveawayH50
Matt, thank you so much for another great review! This is just what I have been looking for to help my game. Being retired means one must be cautious of what they spend. Three big advantages are that is no subscription cost, green contours are provided and 42,000 course maps are available at no cost. Wonderful job, Matt, I look forward to each publication of your reviews!!
#SecretGiveawayH50
Already have the V5. Can never have enough Shotscope in the bag.
#SecretGiveawayH50
nice prize
#SecretGiveawayH50
Thanks. #SecretGiveawayH50
Nice review. May make the switch from a Garmin watch!
#SecretGiveawayH50
I was a Shot Scope H4 user up until this season when it fell out of the belt holder on a round. I’m now in the market for a replacement and this may just fill the bill. Too big to lose, I hope. And I will get shot tracking back which would be nice. The screen size on the H50 looks great. There is one thing about Shot Scope I love, the incredible value from their products.
#SecretGiveawayH50
I’m looking to replace my old Callaway hand held device and with modern-day technology this is right up my alley. New, sleek, simple, and up-to-date technology it’s all about for me. I don’t need all the bells and whistles from some commenters here, just simple features.
Thanks for sharing the review Matt. Once again, it’s great to read a review on a product the author actually tested themselves. Unlike other equipment reviewers who simply copy and paste their review from the product website and then top it off with their opinion, pluggedin is my go to for all things golf.
With all the features the H50 offers along with the surprising low price and no annual fee, this is a must have device.
I might have to switch from the V5 watch to one of these. I don’t mind the manual shot tracking (at least in theory haha). #SecretGiveawayH50
I forgot the #SecretGiveawayH50
I do wonder if they’ll ever integrate it with the LM1 or other products in their lineup to have their ecosystem fully connected. I have the LM1 and V5 and am considering this guy for when I walk.
#SecretGiveawayH50
I use a Garmin watch, which basically only gives me front/middle/back of green distances. I also use slope adjusted distances. This is generally good enough for me. However, I can rarely tell if the pin is front, center, or back. Also, would love to have slope adjusted for wind.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Great article! Shot Scope makes awesome products. I own the G6 GPS watch but it looks like the H50 is a must have upgrade. Thanks for the review.
Matt, great article! Shot Scope makes awesome products. I own the G6 GPS watch but and the shot tracking tags but it looks like the H50 is a must have piece of equipment. Thanks for the review.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Looks like a Nice Unit
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#SecretGiveawayH50
I am so awful with range finders something like this looks amazing. Will be checking it out.
ShotScope have done it again. Brilliant review.
A high quality, competitively priced product with no subscription model. What’s not to like?
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Ian
The Shot Scope looks like an awesome product and I liked the thoroughness of your review. Thank you. Ben
#SecretGiveawayH50
Thank you for the great review. I haven’t pulled the trigger on a range finder but this is now at the top of my list. #SecretGiveawayH50
Looks like a nice complement to the Shotscope watch – bigger display and easy to mount on a cart
Appreciate the review. Always wanted a gps range finder, and this price point and no fees, makes it possible.
Looking forward to trying it.
#SecretGiveawayH50
Perfecto
Finally! This makes so much sense. I can put this on my push cart, not on my phone, and play unrestricted, knowing yardages and hazards without having to run down the phone. This would work nicely and seamlessly. #SecretGiveawayH50
Great review.
I like that it has a larger screen .
#SecretGiveawayH50
Yup.
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The green books are sooooo good!
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Another great review..thanks..
Portable..affordable…light..
Perfect..
Thanks for this review and all that you do. #SecretGiveawayH50
Great information. Would love one of those
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Looks OK. In reality all the information the average golfer needs in a well priced item.
This sounds like the most helpful product to have by your side!
#SecretGiveawayH50
The HP 50 looks to be a terrific GPS, but it is out of my price range