Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker Review: Unleashing the Power
I. Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker: Enhancing the Golf Experience with Music and Precision
In the constantly evolving realm of golf technology, there’s always a gadget that promises to redefine the game. However, few truly merge the thrilling pulse of music with the precise art of golf, quite like the Bushnell Wingman GPS speaker. Tailored for the passionate golfer, this device not only serves as a conduit for your favourite tunes but also as a steadfast guide, offering key yardage details from its vast reservoir of preloaded golf courses. Melding entertainment with cutting-edge technology, this review aims to delve deep into the nuances of the Bushnell Wingman, assessing its features and performance to ascertain if it’s the game-changer it claims to be. As we traverse its design, audio quality, GPS accuracy, and more, you’ll garner insights that are both comprehensive and enlightening.
II. Overview of the Bushnell Wingman
The Bushnell Wingman GPS speaker is a first-of-its-kind product that combines a Bluetooth speaker with built-in GPS distances to provide music and yardage conveniently in one device. Here are some of the key features that make the Wingman stand out:
A. Bluetooth Speaker and GPS in One
The Wingman pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth to play music through high-quality stereo speakers. At the same time, the built-in GPS provides front, middle, and back yardages for over 36,000 preloaded golf courses.
B. Magnetic Cart Mount
A strong magnet on the back lets you securely attach the Wingman to your golf cart so you can easily listen to and view the yardages on the course.
C. Bushnell Golf App
The free Bushnell golf app lets you get even more precise GPS distances, track stats, and visualize holes using flyover previews. It seamlessly connects to the Wingman.
D. Audio Distance Readouts
With the push of a button on the remote control, you can get audible front, middle, and back yardages from the Wingman speaker without taking your phone out.
E. Customizable Audio
The Wingman has a unique feature that lets you record customizable audio clips that can playback on command through the speaker.
III. Design and Build Quality
On the design front, the Bushnell Wingman features a compact, rugged build that feels substantial and durable. Here is an overview of its design attributes:
A. Portable Size
Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the Wingman is sized to be portable enough to carry around the course. It measures 5.6 x 5.2 x 2.2 inches.
B. Durable Construction
The housing is made of thick plastic with rubberized ends and an integrated metal grille to protect the speakers. It feels solidly built to withstand regular use.
C. IPX3 Water Resistance Rating
The Wingman has an IPX3 rating, which means it is protected against spraying water, making it suitable for use in light rain.
D. Integrated Carabiner
It comes with an integrated carabiner and D-ring at the base to easily attach it to your golf bag when walking.
E. Magnetic Cart Mount
The strong magnet allows you to securely fasten the Wingman to the frame of your golf cart without worry of it falling off from vibrations or movement.
Overall, the Wingman has a robust design made for extensive use on the golf course. The portable size and mounting options make it easy to use while walking or riding.
IV. Audio Performance
A key aspect of any Bluetooth speaker is how good it sounds. Here is an evaluation of the audio performance of the Bushnell Wingman:
A. Loud Volume Capability
With 10 watts of power, the Wingman can play at volumes loud enough for outdoor use even at high speeds in a golf cart. The audio remains clear and undistorted at higher volumes.
B. Solid Stereo Sound
Dual speaker drivers produce very good stereo sound that projects cleanly and widely. The mid-range and treble are well-defined.
C. Emphasized Bass
The Wingman delivers an emphasized bass response that adds warmth and punch to the music. The downside is that it lacks sub-bass and sounds slightly boomy.
D. Decent Sound Quality for Portable Speaker
While audiophiles may notice some distortion and lack of clarity, the overall sound quality is very good for a compact portable speaker. It excels for casual listening.
E. Suited for Outdoor Use
The Wingman can easily provide sufficient volume and sound coverage for outdoor use on the golf course with a group. Its audio profile suits these environments well.
For a speaker of its size, the Wingman delivers pleasing sound quality and loudness to liven up your golf rounds with music.
V. GPS Features and Performance
Now we turn to evaluating the key GPS features and distance accuracy of the Bushnell Wingman speaker:
A. Preloaded with 36,000+ Golf Courses
The Wingman comes preloaded with an extensive database of more than 36,000 golf courses worldwide with no additional subscriptions needed.
B. Provides Front/Middle/Back Yardages
On each hole, you can get precise yardages to the front, centre, and back of the green updated in real-time.
C. Excellent GPS Signal Locking
We found the Wingman quick to initially lock onto satellites and provide accurate yardages within a few seconds outside. It rarely lost signal during testing.
D. Seamless Bushnell App Integration
Connecting to the Bushnell golf app provides even more robust GPS distances, scoring, and hole visualization.
E. Convenient Audio Distance Readouts
With the remote control, you can trigger the Wingman to audibly announce distances, keeping your phone in your pocket.
The Wingman offers excellent GPS performance and features to provide you with the on-course yardages you need. The audio distance readouts make getting yardages extremely convenient.
VI. Connectivity and Battery Life
In terms of connectivity and power, here are the key factors to consider with the Bushnell Wingman:
A. Bluetooth 4.2 for Wireless Audio
Bluetooth 4.2 provides a stable connection to your phone for wirelessly playing music within about 30 feet. Older phones may experience some intermittent cutouts.
B. USB Charging
The Wingman charges via an included USB-C cable. A full charge takes around 3 hours and provides up to 10 hours of battery life.
C. Battery Life Suitable for Most Golf Rounds
While not the longest battery life, the Wingman lasts long enough for a full 18-hole round plus a few extra hours of music playback.
D. Wireless Remote Control
The remote control connects wirelessly to the speaker via Bluetooth to provide control up to about 30 feet away.
The Wingman offers the essential wireless connectivity needed for using it as a golf speaker. Faster Bluetooth 5.0 would improve connectivity range, but the current specs suffice.
VII. Pros and Cons
Here is a summary of the main pros and cons that emerge from our testing and evaluation of the key facets of the Bushnell Wingman GPS speaker:
Pros
Cons
Overall, Wingman’s pros of combining robust GPS features with very good sound quality in a portable package outweigh the cons for most golfers.
VIII. Customer Reviews and Feedback
In addition to our own testing, looking at customer reviews reveals more real-world perspectives on using the Bushnell Wingman speaker:
A. Ease of Use Praised
Many reviews praise how easy the Wingman is to set up and use right out of the box, especially the seamless pairing.
B. Excellent Sound Quality Noted
Numerous golfers highlight the excellent audio quality and volume of the Wingman for its compact size.
C. GPS Accuracy Applauded
Reviews mention the GPS provides precise yardages and works great even when moving around the course.
D. Most Would Highly Recommend
The vast majority of reviews give the Wingman a full 5-star rating and say they would highly recommend it to fellow golfers.
The overwhelmingly positive customer feedback indicates that Wingman delivers on providing a blend of entertainment and technology that enhances the golf experience.
IX. Conclusion
Our extensive testing and review finds that the Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker lives up to its promise of unleashing a powerful combination of music and golf technology in one portable device.
The Wingman excels at delivering accurate GPS yardages through a seamless app experience while also letting you listen to high-quality audio on the course. Thoughtful touches like the magnetic cart mount, audible distances, and customizable audio make using the Wingman even more convenient.
While there are some minor drawbacks like battery life and Bluetooth range, the Wingman proves itself as the top golf GPS speaker currently available. If you want the versatility to play music from your phone and get yardages without taking your phone out, the Wingman is a fantastic option well worth the investment.
It receives our strong recommendation as a great way to enhance your golf experience with entertainment and technology perfectly blended together in a portable package built for golfers.
Bushnell Wingman FAQ
1. What is the Bushnell Wingman?
The Bushnell Wingman is a GPS speaker specifically designed for golfers. It combines a high-quality Bluetooth speaker with a built-in GPS to provide golfers with distance information, music, and other features while on the golf course.
2. What are the key features of the Bushnell Wingman?
The Bushnell Wingman offers several features, including:
- Built-in GPS for accurate yardages
- High-quality Bluetooth speaker for listening to music
- Compatibility with the Bushnell Golf app
- Ability to attach to a golf cart magnetically
- Provides golf course information and hole layouts
3. How does the Bushnell Wingman work?
The Bushnell Wingman works by connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth and syncing with the Bushnell Golf app. It uses GPS technology to provide accurate yardages and other golf course information. Additionally, it functions as a high-quality Bluetooth speaker, allowing you to listen to music while playing golf.
4. Is the Bushnell Wingman compatible with all golf courses?
Yes, the Bushnell Wingman is compatible with virtually all golf courses. It utilizes GPS technology to provide accurate yardages no matter where you are playing.
5. How is the sound quality of the Bushnell Wingman?
The sound quality of the Bushnell Wingman is excellent. It features a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that delivers clear and crisp audio. You can enjoy your favourite music or podcasts while on the golf course.
6. What is the battery life of the Bushnell Wingman?
The Bushnell Wingman has a long battery life, allowing you to play multiple rounds of golf without needing to recharge. On average, it can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
7. Can I use the Bushnell Wingman solely as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, you can use the Bushnell Wingman solely as a Bluetooth speaker. Even if you’re not playing golf, you can connect it to your smartphone or other devices and enjoy your favourite audio content.
8. How do I pair my smartphone with the Bushnell Wingman?
To pair your smartphone with the Bushnell Wingman, follow these steps:
- Turn on the Wingman by pressing the power button.
- On your smartphone, go to the Bluetooth settings and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- On the Wingman, press and hold the Bluetooth button until the indicator light starts flashing.
- On your smartphone, search for nearby Bluetooth devices. The Wingman should appear in the list of available devices.
- Select the Wingman from the list and follow any on-screen prompts on your smartphone to complete the pairing process.
- Once the pairing is successful, you should see a notification on your smartphone confirming the connection.
- You can now use the Wingman to play music from your smartphone and control it using the Wingman’s controls.
