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What independent testing reveals
Golf Monthly’s Joel Tadman liked the X5’s clear screen, useful hazard distances and combination of GPS with shot tracking. It offers a practical way to learn from a round while keeping yardages on your wrist. His early test found touchscreen navigation less consistent than the display quality, with physical controls providing a useful alternative.
Source: Golf Monthly — Joel Tadman.
Read the detailed findings and test limitations
Installing tags and wearing the watch on the lead arm were part of the routine. Gripping down could lead to missed tag detections. The report predates later software changes, so do not infer that its early feature omissions still apply.
The report describes the model and software available during its original test. Check the version, current software access and supplied equipment before buying; historical prices are not current purchase terms.
The 30-second verdict
The X5 is the strongest alternative to Garmin for golfers who will genuinely use performance tracking. It offers more improvement-focused value than many premium GPS watches.
Buy it if
- You want automatic shot tracking and useful performance data
- You are willing to wear tags and review your rounds
- You value golf-specific insight over lifestyle smartwatch features
Look elsewhere if
- You want the most polished maps and smartwatch ecosystem
- You dislike tagging clubs or reviewing data after rounds
- You want the simplest possible GPS watch
Why this score
Our score: 91/100. Evidence-led editorial assessment drawing on manufacturer documentation, independent published testing, owner experience where useful, current equipment market information and comparative analysis. The score is our buying judgement, not a measured performance margin.
What supports the recommendation
- Automatic shot tracking included
- No mandatory subscription for core analytics
Main trade-offs: Less polished smartwatch ecosystem; Tags and data review require commitment.
Key specifications
| Display | 1.2-inch full-color touchscreen (MIP), ceramic bezel and crown control |
|---|---|
| Shot tracking | Automatic, with 16 second-generation club tags included |
| Courses | 42,000+ preloaded |
| Battery | 2+ rounds in GPS mode |
| Subscription | None; free app with 100+ stats including strokes gained |
| Size and weight | 43 × 43 × 12 mm; 50 g |
| Warranty | 2 years, with a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Why it stands out
The X5 provides a more useful reason to upgrade than a prettier display alone. Its automatic shot tracking can reveal club distances, scoring patterns and areas of weakness that can shape practice and strategy.
The watch works best when the golfer commits to the system. Tags need to remain on clubs and rounds should be reviewed. That is more involvement than a simple Garmin GPS watch, but the reward is a much richer record of how you actually play.
Pros and cons
What works well
- Automatic shot tracking included
- No mandatory subscription for core analytics
- Strong GPS and performance combination
- Good value against premium Garmin models
What to consider
- Less polished smartwatch ecosystem
- Tags and data review require commitment
- Touchscreen can take familiarisation
- Overkill for golfers who only want yardages
Owning it: warranty, returns and rules
| Manufacturer warranty | 2 years, with a 30-day money-back guarantee (see the specifications above). |
|---|
Warranty and returns terms checked 5 October 2026. Retailers and manufacturers can change them, so check before you buy.
Alternatives to consider
Compare it
Questions buyers ask
Does the Shot Scope X5 require a subscription?
Core Shot Scope tracking and performance features are designed without a mandatory subscription.
Is the X5 better than a Garmin S50?
Choose the X5 for automatic performance tracking. Choose the S50 for a more polished everyday watch and Garmin ecosystem.
Does the X5 track shots automatically?
Yes, using club tags and the Shot Scope tracking system.
Who should buy the X5?
Golfers who will use round data to understand club distances, tendencies and scoring weaknesses.