There are two main kinds of waterproof handheld GPS unit : mapping and non-mapping.  A non mapping unit will be fine for easy tasks such as locating your way back to the vehicle following a day hiking.  You’ll need a mapping GPS unit if you’d like to map your trails or plan your walks ahead of time.  A mapping unit allows you to download maps from your PC so that you can have them with you during your travels.  You can not do this with a non-mapping unit.   

When selecting the right water resistant handheld GPS unit you’ll need to give some thought to how it will be used.  The built in antennas on some units are better than others and you need one which will be able to pick up the satellite wherever you travel.  Bear in mind that if you’re in deep brush just about all GPS units will have a problem.  You can always add on an external amplified antenna that may be worn on the top of your hat or backpack if you find that you need one.  When choosing a water-proof GPS unit think about the amount of internal memory the unit has.  This will determine the quantity of detailed maps that it is going to be able to hold.

GPS navigation for travel have been around for quite some time but it is only fairly recent that major GPS sytem manufacturers have started producing golf GPS systems.  The basic benefit of the golf GPS receiver is that it will tell the user the exact location of user in relation to any feature on the golf course.  Nothing could help the user more with course management then knowing quickly, the distance to the green or how far that huge sand trap is from his position and all provided with just one look at his golf GPS.  Golf GPS has definitely brought the game into the 21st century.  No more having to guess on positioning and distance and most importantly, no more taking that precious extra time of searching for markers and estimating ball location.  The new Golf GPS systems do all the hard work for you and allows you to simply enjoy the game.

These new devices are easy to use and quite affordable.  The basic uses allow you to instantly know the yardage to the front of the green and the back of the green but they are capable of much more.  If you want to determine the distance to bunkers, water hazards, or fairway boundaries, just look at your golf  GPS instead of guessing the distance yourself.  As newer models are released they seem to provide you with more and more options.

The majority of golf courses in the United States have already been mapped so the advantage of using the GPS is obvious.  If you happen to find an obscure course which hasn’t been mapped, it just takes a bit of time and you can actually map it yourself.  You simply walk the course before you play the course, you’ll be all set.

The Sky Caddie GPS SG5, GolfLogix, uPro, Sonocaddie, iGolf, and the Golf Buddy are among the most familiar golf GPS receivers.  These popular GPS units all provide the basics of finding distance but they also offer many additional functions that can aid you in your round of golf.  Unfortunately you still have to find your ball, but from that point on, play becomes so easy you’ll have nothing to do but enjoy your game.  You simply travel to your ball, glance at your golf GPS and select the club of your choice.  Swing away and enjoy the play.

There are many reasons that golf GPS units are now the most sought after golf accessory.  They not only make your game more enjoyable but easier and faster to play.  So its a pretty good bet that you’ll enjoy and benefit from any GPS you chose, just take your time and check out some reviews to decide which is the best golf GPS for you.  A good suggestion is to compare models within the same price range.  There are additions to the golf GPS line every month so jump in and enjoy your game