Shot Pattern App vs. Arccos Golf Full Comparison

Data and insight tools have changed the way golfers understand their games. Instead of guessing where shots are going or reacting after a bad round, modern shot tracking systems give you real information you can use to make better decisions on the course and in practice.

Two of the most talked-about options right now are Shot Pattern and Arccos. Both have dedicated user bases, strong analytics, and real value—but they go about tracking, reporting, and teaching in very different ways.

Shot Pattern vs. Arccos

In this comparison, we’ll break down what each system actually does, their strengths, where they fall short, and how to decide which one suits your goals. Whether you’re chasing more consistent ball-striking, smarter club decisions, or meaningful practice feedback, knowing how these stack up will help you spend your money wisely and improve your scores faster.

Shot Pattern

Shot Pattern is an app-based shot tracking system built around simplicity, accessibility, and immediate insight. Unlike hardware-heavy options that require sensors or add-ons, Shot Pattern uses your phone’s GPS for real-time data. 

The idea is straightforward:

• Open the app.
  
• Select course + tees.
  
• Get instant data to bunkers, penalty areas, etc. 
• Track stats if you want to learn even more about your game. 

Over time, Shot Pattern builds a visual map of your rounds — including:

• Average distances
  
• Miss patterns to avoid blowups
  
• A heatmap you can actually read
• Tactical tendencies (e.g., left/right miss frequency)
  

The result is a simple, visual, and actionable way to see where your misses cluster, where you’re strongest, and where you’re leaving strokes on the course.

What makes Shot Pattern especially appealing is:

• No install on clubs required
  
• Easy and quick tracking
  
• Visual round maps that show patterns instantly
  

This simplicity is also the biggest reason many golfers prefer it: you don’t need sensors, swing tags, or extra hardware—just your phone and a willingness to tap as you play.

Pros 

• Minimal setup and maintenance
• Easy to use once you get in the habit
• No hardware required—the phone alone is enough
• Visual shot maps make patterns instantly understandable
• Works well for course strategy and improving course management

Cons

• Relies on phone GPS (accuracy may vary)
• Not as automated as sensor-based systems
• Requires manual taps for each shot (can feel repetitive)
• Limited integration with other performance metrics (e.g., club data)

Read my full Shot Pattern review to learn more now.

Arccos  

Arccos is one of the most established shot-tracking ecosystems in golf and for good reason. It combines automatic shot detection sensors with robust analytics and AI-driven insights to give you a detailed picture of your on-course performance.

Once you install the Arccos Smart Sensors in the grips of your clubs (or buy custom grips) and pair them with the app, the system automatically records every shot you hit. From tee to green, Arccos captures:

• Proximity to hole
• Club distances
  
• Miss direction tendencies
  
• Strokes gained stats
  
• AI-powered insights that help you set smarter goals
  

Where Shot Pattern relies on manual tracking, Arccos delivers a largely hands-free experience that works in the background, letting you focus on playing rather than tapping your phone.

The real strength of Arccos shows up over time — as more rounds are tracked, the analytics become richer and more actionable. The integration with strokes gained analysis and club DNA charts means you can pinpoint exactly which clubs and distances are costing you strokes, which is valuable for both practice planning and course strategy.

Pros 

• Automatic shot tracking—no tapping required
• Deep analytics including strokes gained
• Club distance profiles that help dial in practice
• AI recommendations that guide practice focus
• Works great for golfers who want data-heavy insights

Cons

• Setup and sensor upkeep required
• Upfront cost of sensors or custom grips—plus annual app subscription
• Can feel overwhelming for players who just want simplicity
• Less visual than pure course map apps if you prefer visuals over data tables

Read my full Arccos Golf review to see more features of this epic golf app. 

How to Choose

Both are great options and ones I personally recommend to my audience of “wicked smart golfers.” It’s just finding which one is best for you:

Here are quick signals to guide your choice:

• You want simple, visual miss-pattern maps → Shot Pattern
• You want advanced analytics + strokes gained + club performance → Arccos
• You like tracking everything without thinking about it during the round → Arccos
• You want a low-cost entry with no hardware → Shot Pattern
  

They both help you play smarter golf — just in different ways. And of course, you can always do both too. 

My Experience

I like both systems for different reasons and different types of players. 

Shot Pattern is great when I want a quick, visual snapshot while preparing for a round and during the round (unlike yardage books, you get immediate data). I t’s fast, minimal, and gives me exactly the overview I want.

Arccos, on the other hand, is a go-to when I want data that drives practice decisions—especially when setting goals, analyzing strokes gained trends, and evaluating club distance profiles over time. It’s richer, deeper, and more automated, which is great for long-term improvement. 

In practice, I find myself using Shot Pattern for quick course reads and pattern spotting and Arccos for deep-dive analytics and performance planning. They’re different tools with different strengths, and there’s real value in both if you use them intentionally. 

You might also consider the DECADE Golf system or watch my video below. 

Closing Thoughts 

Neither system is objectively “better” for all golfers—but they are better in different contexts.

If you want an easy, visual way to understand your miss patterns, Shot Pattern delivers immediate value with minimal setup. If you want advanced analytics that help you plan smarter practices and quantify your improvement over time, Arccos is hard to beat.

The right choice depends on how you like to learn and how much data you actually want to use. Some players thrive with deep numbers, others just want clearer patterns. And some—like me—enjoy having both in the toolbox.

At the end of the day, the best tracking system is the one you actually use consistently. Data only matters when it leads to action—better practice, smarter decisions, and ultimately, lower scores.

Use these tools the way they were designed:

• Shot Pattern for visual understanding and course management. My code 'WICKEDSMART" saves you 15% on your subscription. 
• Arccos for performance insights and more data about your game. My code "WICKEDSMART" saves you 10%.
  

Both are wicked smart approved and can help you learn more about your game than ever before.