If you’re trying to improve your putting game, two smart golf balls stand out: GEN i1 and PuttLink. These tools use advanced sensors to track your putts and provide data to help refine your skills. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- GEN i1: Focuses on detailed stroke analysis with an on-club sensor. Tracks metrics like face angle, stroke tempo, and ball speed. Costs $119 but has usability issues, such as frequent tracking failures and a hard ball feel.
- PuttLink: Offers gamified training modes, real-time feedback, and a user-friendly app. Tracks roll distance, speed, and entry pace. Costs $199 and occasionally misses putts but is more reliable overall.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | GEN i1 | PuttLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119 | $199 |
| Setup | Requires on-club sensor | Wireless, no sensor needed |
| Tracking Accuracy | Frequent failures | Misses 1 in 10 putts |
| App Features | Basic data, lacks fun elements | Gamified drills, competition mode |
| Ball Feel | Hard feel | Slightly hollow feel |
Verdict: PuttLink is better for consistent, engaging practice and long-term improvement. GEN i1 offers more metrics but struggles with usability. If you’re serious about improving your short game, PuttLink is worth the investment.
Puttlink Smart Ball
1. GEN i1
The GEN i1 brings a fresh perspective to putting analysis by combining a smart golf ball with an on-club sensor. Together, they capture data on both the ball’s movement and the club’s performance.
Performance Metrics
The on-club sensor tracks key details like face angle, stroke tempo, and stroke length. Meanwhile, the ball sensor focuses on metrics such as speed, skid/skip distance, and total distance.
App Experience
The GEN i1 app pairs seamlessly with the ball and sensor, presenting the collected data in a clear, user-friendly interface. That said, some reviews mention that while the app provides a lot of data, it doesn’t always translate into actionable advice.
User Feedback
While the GEN i1 excels at delivering detailed technical insights, critics have pointed out its lack of interactive features to make training more engaging. This makes it a better fit for golfers who are comfortable analyzing and applying detailed performance data on their own.
2. PuttLink
PuttLink takes a different approach compared to the GEN i1 by focusing exclusively on improving your putting through a mix of gamified training and precise ball-tracking technology. Its goal? To make every practice session both enjoyable and productive.
Performance Metrics
PuttLink delivers highly accurate data to fine-tune your putting game. It calculates true roll distance – even on breaking putts – tracks cup entry speed to match your stroke style, and measures stimp readings to assess green speed. These metrics provide a clear picture of your performance and areas for improvement.
Training Modes
PuttLink uses these detailed metrics to create structured training modes that cater to various skill levels. Its standout feature is the ability to tailor practice sessions using two main modes, each designed to target specific aspects of your game.
- Drills Mode: This mode offers a step-by-step approach to skill development. As The Left Rough describes:
"In Drills Mode, start with accuracy and distance control for different length putts. Then move on to making putts at firm or soft pace. As you progress, take on the Slope Drill to train for various green slopes."
- Competition Mode: Adding a social twist to practice, this mode lets you challenge others. According to The Left Rough:
"The PuttLink app has a competition mode that allows you to compete with other players with ease. You can practice different modes like who can make the most amount of putts in five attempts and various other challenges."
App Experience
The PuttLink app takes the data it collects and turns it into actionable insights, helping you focus on specific challenges and measurable goals. Its user-friendly interface tracks your progress across various drills, making it easy to spot improvements over time. Plus, the app’s built-in competition features keep things fresh and engaging, ensuring practice never feels like a chore.
sbb-itb-bcd8bdd
Advantages and Disadvantages
Building on the earlier insights about performance and app functionality, here’s a head-to-head comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the GEN i1 and PuttLink smart golf balls across key performance areas:
| Feature | GEN i1 Advantages | GEN i1 Disadvantages | PuttLink Advantages | PuttLink Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup & Connection | Quick and simple setup; connects ball and sensor in seconds | Requires an additional on-club sensor component | Effortless wireless Bluetooth connection with a sensor-free ball design | Needs an optional IR emitter for indoor or low-light conditions |
| Ease of Use | App is easy to use for basic connections | Ball must be positioned correctly to register putts; many strokes fail to register | Hands-free features like audible distance feedback and auto-practice modes | Misses tracking about 1 in 10 putts |
| Ball Feel | Closely resembles a standard golf ball in appearance and texture | Feels overly hard during use | Smooth transition from premium balls | Slightly hollow feel compared to traditional golf balls |
| App Features | Displays data in a clear and organized manner | Lacks the advertised games and personalized drills | User-friendly interface with modes for drills and competitions | Limited tracking for putt distances |
| Data Quality | Offers six metrics, including club face angle and stroke tempo | Provides limited actionable insights; some data points lack practical value | Real-time data with useful details like roll distance and cup entry speed | Data visualization is basic, relying on simple graphs and tables |
These comparisons highlight where each product shines and where they stumble, offering a clearer picture of their performance during actual use.
The GEN i1, while offering detailed stroke analysis, struggles with usability. Matt Saternus from Plugged In Golf noted its limitations, stating:
"It’s not easy or fun to use, and much of the data it provides has marginal utility"
On the other hand, PuttLink, despite missing about 10% of putts, is generally reliable and well-received. Reviewers have commented that it:
"helps make practice fun and easy to spot your tendencies"
The apps for both devices further underscore their differences. Eric Benzenberg from Golficity criticized the GEN i1 app, saying:
"the app currently available has none of the games or fun features that the website shows"
Meanwhile, PuttLink’s app has been praised for its simplicity and clarity:
"very easy to use and provides clear data"
Ultimately, the GEN i1’s gap between its marketing claims and actual performance – especially regarding its app – is more noticeable, impacting its overall appeal compared to PuttLink.
Final Verdict
After diving into the comparisons and testing, it’s clear that PuttLink stands out for golfers serious about improving their putting game. Yes, it comes with a higher price tag at $199 compared to the GEN i1’s $119, but that extra investment pays off in reliable tracking, meaningful data, and practical features that can genuinely help lower your scores.
PuttLink is designed with intermediate golfers in mind, focusing on putts within 15 feet – a range that’s crucial for those aiming to break 80 or shave strokes off their handicap. Its real-time feedback on roll distance, speed, and entry pace offers insights you can actually use to improve. While it’s not perfect and might occasionally miss a putt, such instances are few and far between.
On the other hand, the GEN i1 struggles to deliver. Despite boasting six metrics and a lower price, it’s plagued by usability issues like the need for precise ball positioning, frequent tracking failures, and an unnatural, hard feel. These shortcomings make it tough to recommend, even for beginners. In fact, many might find traditional putting drills more effective than wrestling with the GEN i1’s quirks.
For anyone considering their first smart golf ball, PuttLink offers better long-term value. Its straightforward setup, consistent performance, and focus on key putting distances make it a solid choice. While the $199 price may seem steep, it reflects the quality and functionality you’re getting – something the GEN i1’s lower price just doesn’t deliver.
If improving your putting stats is a priority, PuttLink provides the consistency and insights needed to see real progress. For casual golfers or those on a budget, though, sticking to traditional practice methods might be the better route.
FAQs
How does the tracking accuracy of the GEN i1 compare to the PuttLink smart golf ball?
The GEN i1 stands out for its precise tracking capabilities, measuring six critical data points: club face angle, stroke tempo, impact force, initial direction, speed, and ball rotation. This level of detail makes it a dependable choice for evaluating putting performance.
Meanwhile, PuttLink emphasizes metrics such as distance, speed, putts made, entry pace, and Stimp readings. Although it delivers helpful insights, some users have noted occasional missed putts during tracking, hinting at a touch less consistency compared to the GEN i1.
How do the GEN i1 and PuttLink apps compare in terms of usability and features?
The GEN i1 app keeps things straightforward with its clean, easy-to-use interface. It’s designed to help users quickly find the key data they need without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details. Perfect for those who prefer a no-fuss approach.
In contrast, the PuttLink app packs in more advanced features, delivering detailed metrics like roll distance, speed, and make percentage. It even provides real-time updates during practice sessions, making it a great fit for golfers who want to dive deep into their performance stats.
Essentially, GEN i1 is all about simplicity and ease, while PuttLink appeals to those seeking advanced analytics and enhanced training tools.
Is PuttLink worth the higher price compared to GEN i1 when it comes to features and performance?
The PuttLink smart golf ball comes with a price tag ranging from $149 to $200, offering features like wireless app connectivity and real-time putting analytics. On the other hand, the GEN i1 is a more budget-friendly option, priced at approximately $119, with optional upgrades available for an extra $30. While both balls are excellent at tracking putting performance, PuttLink stands out with its advanced app integration and in-depth data analysis – ideal for golfers who want detailed insights. If you’re primarily looking for solid core functionality without breaking the bank, the GEN i1 delivers similar results at a more affordable price.
Related posts
- Best Budget Golf Rangefinders: Top 5 Picks for 2025
- Top 7 Laser Putting Aids for 2025
- Top 5 Putting Boot Camps for Golfers
- How Tech Enhances Junior Golf Swing Analysis
