Golf tracking technology has come a long way in recent years. Systems like Arccos and Shot Scope allow golfers to get detailed analytics on their game by tracking every shot.
But which one is right for you?
Here we’ll compare the key features and performance of Arccos and Shot Scope to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Arccos | Shot Scope |
| Setup | Sensors screw into each club grip | Tags attach onto grips |
| Shot Detection | Excellent using AI and sensors | Excellent using motion sensors |
| Ease of Use | Requires phone for full functionality | Can be used standalone |
| GPS Distances | Dynamic yardages shown in app | Requires manual tap for yardages |
| Statistics | Very detailed, full analytics | Solid overall stats and trends |
| Additional Features | Lessons, caddie, premium options | Awards, leaderboards, basic extras |
| Watch Integration | Limited – Garmin only | Designed primarily for its watch |
| Pricing | $199 + $99 annual fee | $199 one-time cost |
| Analysis | Comprehensive reports and insights | Simple histograms and charts |
Overview of Arccos and Shot Scope
Arccos and Shot Scope are both “shot tracking” systems that use small sensors attached to your grips and clubs to automatically record shot data like distance, accuracy, etc.
This allows you to see your shot patterns and trends over time without manually entering info like you would with a traditional GPS device.
Arccos uses tiny sensors that screw into the butt end of each club grip.
It then uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze your shot data and generate insights.
An accompanying app displays stats, handicap tracking, shot mapping, and more.
Shot Scope takes a slightly different approach with sensors on the club grips that detect motion to record your shots. The data uploads to Shot Scope’s app and web dashboard for analysis. Their tags on each club also enable automatic club recognition.
Key Differences Between Arccos And Shot Scope
Both tools provide detailed statistics and performance tracking to help improve your golf game over time. Now let’s look at some key differences.
- Accuracy and Detection
One of the most important aspects of these systems is properly detecting and recording every shot you take. Arccos and Shot Scope use different technologies to achieve this.
Arccos tends to have a high detection accuracy rate, catching most full shots along with penalties and putts. The sensors screw tightly into place so they don’t move around or fall off.
The added artificial intelligence helps Arccos determine mishits and irregular shots as well. However, some users note the occasional missed detection or misattributed shot.
Shot Scope also records shots with a high rate of accuracy. The club tags are secure and shake detection identifies even small chips and putts. Shot Scope claims near 100% accuracy. But some users feel Arccos holds a slight edge in reliably catching every type of shot.
For the most part, both Arccos and Shot Scope will pick up the majority of your shots during a round without issue. But Arccos may have a minor advantage in detection based on reviews.
- Ease of Use
How easy is it to setup and use these golf tracking systems on the course? Let’s look at each.
Arccos requires screwing sensors into each club grip which can take time and effort. This process needs to be done carefully to attach them firmly. Thankfully, assistance is available if you need help with installation.
Once attached, Arccos sensors require no interaction. They automatically detect and record shots using built-in technology.
However, you will need to have your phone in your pocket for Arccos to sync during the round.
Shot Scope takes a quicker approach by simply attaching tags onto each club grip.
The tags slip into place and click to fasten. This process is simpler and faster than screwing in Arccos’ sensors.
Shot Scope also doesn’t require having your phone present to track shots. The tags record data and sync next time you open the app. However, you’ll need to tap the tag before each shot for automatic club recognition.
Overall, Shot Scope offers a bit more convenience for getting started and use on the course. Arccos isn’t difficult to implement but Shot Scope has a simpler process.
- Shot Tracking and Statistics
The depth and detail of shot tracking data is where Arccos and Shot Scope really differentiate themselves.
Arccos captures an incredible amount of shot information covering every club in your bag. It registers shot length, dispersion, greens in regulation, fairways hit, sand saves, putts per hole and beyond. Post-round you can analyze your performance broken down by club type over time.
The app displays shot plotting and heatmaps to visualize your rounds hole by hole. Arccos statistics and metrics are comprehensive for understanding total performance and dialing in your game.
Shot Scope also tracks all shots taken and generates plenty of stats. You’ll see fairways hit, greens in regulation, number of putts, penalties and more. It even factors in elevations for adjusted distance readings.
However, Arccos takes shot tracking a step further for a more complete picture of your play. While Shot Scope excels at ease of use, Arccos shines when it comes to advanced analytics.
- GPS Distances and Mapping
In addition to shot tracking, both Arccos and Shot Scope offer GPS rangefinder features:
Arccos provides exact yardages for hazards, targets and more all within the app. The distances automatically update as you move without needing to tap anything. You’ll also see an overhead map view of each hole with points marked where your shots landed.
Shot Scope has a rangefinder function as well, but it requires opening the app and manually tapping targets to see yardages. There is no overhead mapping of your shot locations, making Arccos’ capabilities more robust.
For basic GPS distances, Shot Scope fits the bill. But Arccos gives you dynamic yardages plus visual shot plotting for a more complete on-course experience.
- Scoring and Statistics
Recording and analyzing your scores is a major benefit of Arccos and Shot Scope. Let’s compare how each platform handles scorecards and statistics.
Arccos enables you to track completed hole scores during your round as you would on a paper scorecard. You can also log penalty strokes and other details. After the round, Arccos calculates your total score.
The app then compiles your scores over time to generate in-depth handicap and game statistics. You get insights like birdie conversion rate, GIR percentage, strokes gained, handicap differentials and more. Comprehensive analytics help identify strengths and weaknesses.
Shot Scope makes keeping score quick and easy by letting you increment your total on the watch with a swipe or tap. You can add penalty strokes as needed too. It’s a streamlined scoring interface that syncs to the app.
Your score history and differentials get tracked like Arccos for maintaining a handicap index and analyzing progress over time. However, Arccos once again edges out Shot Scope when it comes to deeper performance analytics.
- Additional Features and Offerings
Beyond core shot tracking and statistics, Arccos and Shot Scope each offer additional capabilities:
Arccos has partnered with several top instructors to provide AI-generated lesson plans tailored to your game. There is also a caddie feature that makes strategy suggestions for each hole based on your clubs and past performance.
Added perks include Smart Distance club gapping analysis, wedge optimization, and handicap projections. Arccos 360 is a premium subscription that includes strokelab putting analytics and more tools.
Shot Scope focuses mainly on the shot tracking experience but includes a few helpful extras. The Virtual Caddie feature recommends the best club for approaching the green based on your past shot lengths.
There are also fun social modules like post-round trophies, achievements and leaderboards for some friendly competition. However, Arccos provides more performance-driven add-ons and premium features.
- GPS Watch Integration
Some golfers may prefer having shot data display right on their wrist:
Arccos Caddie Link is a tiny module that pairs with select GPS watches like the Garmin S62 to show Arccos distances and shot tracking on your watch face. Currently, only Garmin watches are supported.
Shot Scope is actually designed around the idea of wearing a golf watch to see your stats. After each shot, you can glance at your V3 watch to view distance and club averages. Your round scores get tracked right on the watch too.
So Shot Scope may be ideal if you like having golf data accessible on your wrist throughout the round. Arccos offers watch integration too, but it’s limited to certain Garmin models at this time.
- Pricing and Value
With these advanced golf improvement systems, you’ll want to consider the pricing and overall value:
Arccos Golf starts at $199 for the sensors alone.
To unlock full app capabilities and analytics, it’s $99 annually for Arccos 360 membership.
So the buy-in for a year is around $300. Additional sensors are $14.99 each if needed.
Shot Scope V3 is currently priced at $199 for the watch and tags covering 14 clubs.
No recurring fee is required, so that covers everything. Additional tags are $2.99 if you need more than 14.
Both provide solid value considering the depth of data provided. Arccos has a higher annual cost but justifies it with the most comprehensive shot tracking and analysis. For tighter budgets, Shot Scope packs great value into a lower one-time price.
- Ease of Analysis
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much data you collect if you can’t understand and leverage it:
Arccos delivers tons of metrics, but presents them in clean, intuitive reports and dashboards. The insights are categorized nicely so you can focus on sections for driving, approaching, chipping, sand saves, and putting. No guesswork required.
Shot Scope puts key stats front and center in simple histograms and charts. The focus is more on snapshotting recent performance rather than long-term trend analysis. Provides helpful information, but Arccos goes much deeper.
In terms of making your data truly useful for improving areas like driving accuracy, Arccos really excels at turnkey analysis and presentation.
Also Read: Is Swing Caddie SC300i Better Than Garmin R10 Golf Launch Monitor?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Arccos is widely considered the superior system, but mainly for golfers who value comprehensive analysis and tracking. The amount of data and depth of insights Arccos provides is greater. However, Shot Scope is more affordable and offers greater convenience.
Absolutely – Shot Scope provides excellent accuracy and is a great value for the price. If you want basic shot tracking with an emphasis on simplicity, Shot Scope has everything you need at an affordable cost.
Shot Scope claims near 100% shot detection accuracy. Independent tests and customer reviews confirm it rarely misses a shot. Sensors pick up most full swings, chips and putts successfully.
Yes, Arccos uses mini sensors screwed into your club grips to track every shot you take automatically. It records the club used, distance, accuracy, location and more. It’s one of the most sophisticated shot trackers available today.
Final Verdict
For most golfers seeking a serious game improvement system with robust analytics, Arccos stands out as the top choice. The accuracy and amount of shot data captured is unmatched.
Premium features like personalized lesson plans, smart caddie assistance, and putting analytics provide immense value as well.
Shot Scope is ideal for golfers who prioritize simplicity and convenience. The tags make setup fast and seamless. And having your stats readily viewable on your wrist is perfect for some. But Arccos gives you bigger picture insights with regards to total performance.
Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget. If you truly want to master your game through hardcore analytics and tracking, invest in Arccos. If you seek a streamlined system to help tighten your shot consistency, Shot Scope hits the mark.
Either way, both Arccos and Shot Scope are fantastic options for taking your golf skills to the next level using technology.
