Garmin G12 Vs Bushnell Phantom 2 Comparison Review
The Garmin G12 and the Bushnell Phantom 2 are older golf GPS models but they still provide a lot of value for the modern golfer.
The Garmin G12 and the Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS devices have remained so popular for all these years because they offer no-nonsense golf data that you actually need on every course.
In the following comparison article, we are going to be walking you through some of the key features and advantages of each device.
Garmin G12 Overview
One of the coolest things about the Garmin G12 is that you can read the screen no matter what the weather conditions are like.
One of the things that annoy us the most is when you can’t even read your golf GPS watch or device. That’s not something you have to worry about with the Garmin G12. The Approach G12 features a 0.9” x 0.9” display screen.
The numbers and readouts displayed on the screen are also large enough to read even in direct sunlight. Oh yeah, and the screen of the Garmin G12 reduces glare on it’s own. The Garmin G12 can clip to your belt and it also comes with a lanyard.
It’s very lightweight and can easily fit into the accessories pocket of your bag. Of course, it’s loaded with more than 42,000 courses from around the world and can connect to your smartphone.
One of the things we noticed first between the Garmin G12 and the Phantom 2 was that the Approach G12 actually had better battery life.
Bushnell Phantom 2 Overview
The Bushnell Phantom2 GPS device is similar to the Garmin G12 in many ways.
First of all, it is also a handheld golf GPS device with a large numbers mode for easy reading. The Phantom 2 can also connect to the special Bushnell golf app for more robust data analysis.
The display size is 37mm x 37mm so it’s still large enough to read easily without being too big to fit in your pocket or your golf bag. The Phantom 2 also has an on-board magnet so it can be attached to your golf cart or even your club heads!
Though similar in many ways, one key disadvantage of the Phantom 2 when compared to the Approach G12 was a significantly shorter battery life.
Garmin G12 Golf GPS Device In 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Garmin G12 is one of the most reliable handheld golf GPs devices currently on the market.
Bushnell Phantom 2 In 20 Words or Less
In 20 Words Or Less
The Bushnell Phantom 2 is a great, entry-level handheld golf GPS device that is very easy to use.
Garmin G12 – First Impressions
The first thing we noticed about the Garmin G12 was the button-operated interface.
To be honest we were a bit disappointed that this wasn’t a touchscreen device but it won us over in other ways as we tested it.
Key Features
The Garmin G12 automatically detects which course you are on and pulls up vital par information and even maps of the greens.
It also has a “green view” which shows you distances to the back, middle and front of the green. It will also tell you how far you are from layups and doglegs on any given hole.
If the pin needs to be moved, you can do that manually with the Garmin G12. Of course, the Garmin G12 comes with a digital scorecard that keeps track of important stats like putts per round and fairway shots.
You can also connect the Garmin G12 to the Garmin golf app for more detailed course maps and even shot distance data.
While operating the device with the 4 side-mounted buttons can take some getting used to at first, you pick it up pretty quick.
Bushnell Phantom 2 – First Impressions
Navigating the menus on this device was a bit awkward at first but we quickly got used to it.
You’ll surely have to play around with the Phantom 2 for a little bit before you hit the course to get a good feel for it but once you do, it’s a great asset to have on the links.
Key Features
The Phantom 2 will automatically keep up with you as you advance from hole to hole.
We really liked sticking this thing to our cart and not having to worry about manually changing holes.
The Phantom 2 also has a distance tracker based on how far you walk to your ball after each stroke.
The Phantom 2 can be paired with the Bushnell Golf app if you want to archive your round data. It also has a green view that allows you to see the distance to the front, middle and back of the green.
The Phantom 2 was actually a bit quicker about detecting which course we were on and pulling up the info.
The Bushnell Phantom 2 is a bit pricier than the Garmin G12 even though they have almost all the same features.
Garmin G12 Selling Points
- 30 hour battery life
- Charges quickly
- Shot distance calculator
- It can be paired with Garmin Approach club trackers
- Easily readable
- Distance to hazards
Bushnell Phantom 2 Selling Points
- Quick course map loading
- 4 colors available
- On-board magnet
- Charges quickly
- 1-year warranty
- Automatic hole advancement
Who is the Garmin G12 for?
The Garmin G12 is a great choice for anyone looking for an entry-level golf GPS device.
It’s compact and provides all the pivotal data you will need on the course.
Pros:
- Clean design
- 42,000 preloaded courses
- Auto-updates
- Exceptional battery life
Cons:
- Course loading takes a while
- Shot distances aren’t totally accurate
Overall Score: 95/100
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Who is the Bushnell Phantom 2 for?
The Phantom 2 would be great for mid to high handicappers.
The data is pretty basic so it would be best for players who don’t necessarily need advanced shot metrics like spin rates and club head speed.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Includes carabiner
- Easy to read
- The ‘Bite’ leaves device in a prominant position
- 3 hours to full charge
Cons:
- Poorer battery life
- Easy to drop
Overall Score: 95/100
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