50 Words or Less
The Arccos Link Pro takes a small step forward with its improved battery life, better app connection, and a somewhat less complicated user experience.
Introduction
Arccos continues to be a leader and innovator in the stat tracking category. Their club sensors and multi-platform compatibility make it easy for golfers to customize the experience. This year, Arccos released the new Link Pro, and I put it through the wringer on our latest PIG golf trip to see how well it performs.
Set Up & Ease of Use
Right out of the box, the Arccos Link Pro only needed a quick charge in the charging case and it was ready to go. Just like the previous Link, the only setup needed is an Arccos app update. From there, the app recognized the Link Pro, and I could start my round.
The biggest change for the Arccos Link Pro is that it’s no longer a belt clip. It sits in your pocket for each round. This is a step backward in my opinion, because it makes it harder to access the Pin button used to mark the pin location. Also new for this version: the power button and pin button are separate which simplifies the user experience.
Positives
There are a lot of new and positive changes for the Link Pro. The first is the battery life is way better. During my recent golf trip, we played 36 holes each day and the Arccos Link Pro never needed a charge between rounds. My previous Link [review HERE] never survived more than one round. While I charged the Link Pro each night, I think it could have gone even longer without charging it. Additionally, the charging case can wirelessly charge the Link Pro on the go. This gives you the ability to play several rounds without having to connect to a power outlet.
The Arccos Link Pro also seemed to have a quicker connection to my phone app and better GPS signal throughout the round. I never once had to reconnect the Link Pro to the app. As far as shot recognition, it didn’t seem to pick up any more or any less shots than previous Link versions. There was still some round editing that had to be done post round.
Negatives
I am a long time user of Arccos and have been a proponent of their stat tracking software as well as the system. That said, getting rid of the belt clip and forcing users to put the Link Pro in their pocket is a negative. Searching my pocket each time I have mark the pin is less convenient than the original Link which sat right on my belt for easy access. Plus, I simply don’t like extra things in my pockets on the course.
The Pin button also needs some work. When you mash it down, there is no feedback to ensure it locked onto the pin location. Adding a vibration, or even a more definitive “click” to the button, would give users some peace of mind.
Value
At $225, the value proposition of the Arccos Link Pro depends on where you are at in your Arccos user experience. If you already own a Link, the Link Pro is not a necessary upgrade unless you need the extended battery life and wireless charging capability.
However, if you’re a newer Arccos user, the Link Pro is definitely worth considering. It gives you additional freedom from your phone and the ability to easily mark the location of the pin, allowing for more precise stats.
Conclusion
Although it isn’t a significant upgrade over previous Link versions, the latest iteration in the Arccos Link Pro device gets rid of the belt clip, improves battery life, and makes the user experience a little less complicated.
Buy Arccos Link Pro HERE
- Yale Golf Course Gets a Restoration - October 11, 2024
- The 2024 BMW Championship Recap - August 26, 2024
- The 2024 Olympic Golf Recap - August 4, 2024
5 Comments
Sorry, Zach, but I completely disagree with your take on losing the belt clip. I had 3 of the flimsy clips break on the old model and actually lost a Link because of that. I just don’t keep anything else in my left pocket and it works flawlessly. Misses far fewer shots in my experience as well. I think it is a very positive upgrade.
Steve,
Glad you are enjoying the newer version. Thanks for the different perspective.
Zack
you can get the same thing from arccos for free from 18birdie. Plus 18birdie doesnt drain your battery to damn near 10 percent from playing one round like arccos does. arccos is nothing special and is just there to make rich people feel better about shooting 90.
Kyle,
This is a bit misleading. Arccos sensors are free with almost any new golf club purchase and even if not, can be had for less than $50 on the second hand market. A $100 per year Arccos subscription is for the full suite of stats like strokes gained. To get similar features in the 18 birdies app, you would have to upgrade to the premium subscription which is $100 per year.
The shot tracker (as seen in this review) that can range in price is separate from a phone and app and will always track your shots on the course hands free so even if the Arccos app doesn’t work or your phone dies, this still keeps your stats. I know a common complaint for 18 birdies (& other similar apps) is that it resets or intermittently won’t connect.
Hope this helps!
Zack
18Birdies subscription is not any cheaper and you can’t just play, but rather you have to select and verify the club each time. Irritation with 18Birdies is why I switched to Arccos. I do wish Arccos had the greens maps like 18 Birdies, but I guess us “rich” people with just have to use our eyes to read greens.