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Review on ⛳️ TLink Golf Activity Tracker TLG42213 by Michael Godo

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Smart device works as advertised

This small and lightweight device connects flawlessly to my phone. Meters change as you walk, even when your phone is asleep. My iPhone 6s Plus battery lasts longer when I use tLink than when I just use the phone. You also have quick access to your exact footage without having to wake up your phone and have it stop reading, which I did before I got tLink. The tLink system appears to be fairly accurate, although I would like to point out that neither the device nor anything the tLink app does has anything to do with accuracy as tLink uses your phone's GPS and the app uses course maps of the same large one Provider uses supplies other golf GPS providers. I used a trial version of the stat tracking feature during a 9 hole round and it worked almost flawlessly. There were two holes where he didn't know I had finished the hole and I had to press the forward button. The on-screen instructions indicate this possibility. However, as soon as I did so, the device asked for my score for holes, shots, etc. All of this data was neatly presented to me at the end of my round, along with my total score. Pretty cool. I'll probably use the 99 cents per round stat tracking feature from time to time. Subscription pricing options aren't cost effective unless you play golf more than twice a month, which I don't. It took me some time to decide between buying the tLink or a standalone GPS wearable. After reading about problems updating standalone devices via USB, as well as breaking and the need to repair proprietary bracelets (at least for watches), I thought that tLink had some advantages. Easy update via the app, and the in-app course database is updated more reliably too, just to name a few. (Smartphone apps usually update with no problem.) Also, if a bracelet breaks, a new one can be bought cheaply, although I've mostly opted for a belt clip (more on that below). The tLink is very light and smaller than most other portable golf GPS units, although others are shrinking in size and price. (A refurbished Garmin S1 golf watch costs the same price.) Of course, if you don't want to play golf with your phone, one of the standalone devices is what you need, tLink won't work. Now for something else. minor disadvantages. First, while the tLink is smaller and lighter than other golf GPS devices, it's still larger than any watch I wear. After wearing it on my wrist for a while for the pedometer function, I decided it was too big. I was also a little concerned about stories of the device popping out of the bracelet while playing golf. I switched to a belt clip. However, the belt clip keeps the device firmly on the belt. To see the yardage you need to grab it and turn the belt up so you can see it. In my opinion tLink ideally needs more hip belt. I have some shorts that I sometimes wear golf in that have little loops that I've been using for a while and I've also made something like a lanyard out of a key clip. (See photos.) I hope tLink releases other mounting options. Second, I think the application needs to be improved. If you've disabled location services on your phone, either to save battery or protect privacy, the app won't even launch properly for you to see your stats. While this isn't a problem, when you're out of range of your tLink (e.g. if you want to show someone your stats at work) you'll be presented with a bunch of unwieldy menus and the only way to access the stats is is by clicking the Help button. with just the right time. Even then, as far as I can tell, you can only access golf stats, not pedometer data. As a result, there is no way to print anything (other than screenshots). Overall I am satisfied with this purchase. And since the device is a simple remote display, other features, mounting options and app functionality could theoretically be easily and inexpensively upgraded, which may be tLink's biggest advantage over a dedicated device. Time will tell if the guys at tLink can make good use of this opportunity.

Pros
  • Approximately 3 laps of battery life on a single charge and reading in direct sunlight
Cons
  • Expensive