Is the Pinned Golf Sound Stick Worth It? An Honest Review!

Remember when golf carts were silent except for the occasional curse word? Yeah, those days are gone. You've probably noticed more carts rolling by with tunes blasting than ever before. Either you're the one cranking the music, or you're wondering why everyone else is turning the course into their personal concert venue.

Golf speakers went from zero to everywhere faster than your buddy's excuses after a triple bogey. Bushnell kicked things off with their Wingman back in 2020, and now everybody and their mother makes a speaker for the links.

So here comes Pinned Golf throwing their hat in the ring with the Sound Stick. These guys took a different approach – they said forget the fancy GPS features, forget the remote control gimmicks, and just focus on making your music sound incredible.

Here's where it gets interesting: grab two of these bad boys and sync them up, and suddenly you're rolling down the fairway wrapped in this crazy good sound bubble. You get actual left and right stereo separation that'll make you feel like you're sitting in your living room, except you're outdoors crushing drives (or trying to).

I've been testing a pair of them, and man, the audio quality caught me off guard. The stereo effect is legit – not some marketing BS. You can actually hear instruments coming from different directions, which beats the heck out of those tinny single speakers most guys are using.

Here's the rub though – at $150 a pop, you're looking at a serious investment for just a speaker. No built-in rangefinder, no app to track your scores, nothing fancy. Just pure, clean sound.

The market's packed with speakers that'll tell you how far you are from the pin while playing your playlist. Some even come with magnets to stick on your cart, remotes to skip tracks from across the green, and enough features to make your head spin.

But sometimes simple works. If you're tired of your music sounding like it's coming through a walkie-talkie and you want something that actually does justice to your favorite tracks while you're lining up that putt, the Sound Stick delivers where it counts.

Ever notice how certain golf products look suspiciously familiar? Well, grab a beer and let me tell you about the Pinned Sound Stick – it's basically Bushnell's twin brother who went to a different school.

You know the Wingman speakers? Yeah, those popular cart speakers everyone seems to have? The Sound Stick borrowed their homework pretty hard. Sure, Pinned went with more of a boxy design while Bushnell kept things rounded, but the buttons and overall vibe? Pretty much identical twins. Not gonna lie – when the market leader gets copied this obviously, you know they're doing something right.

Here's where things get interesting though. Remember how you're stuck with boring black or orange if you want a Bushnell? Pinned said "forget that" and dropped six color options on us. We're talking green, navy, black, red, gray, and pink. Finally, you can match your speaker to your bag or just add some personality to your ride. Your cart, your style.

Built quality? This thing's a brick – in a good way. You could probably use it as a hammer in a pinch (don't actually do that). Feels just as bombproof as that Wingman 2 everyone raves about.

Let's talk about that magnet because holy smokes, this sucker could probably hold up your entire golf bag. Pinned didn't mess around here – their magnet grips just as hard as Bushnell's fancy BITE system. I intentionally hunted down the gnarliest cart paths, bounced over tree roots, and slammed into every bump I could find. The speaker didn't even think about moving.

Now here's the catch for you walkers out there – and it's a big one. See any clips, straps, or loops on this bad boy? Nope, me neither. Your only option is slapping it onto your 7-iron and calling it a day. Sure, that magnet's strong enough to hold it there, but good luck grabbing clubs without knocking into it every time.

Look, I understand they built this for cart life, same as the Wingman 2. And just like Bushnell offers their Mini version for walkers, Pinned's got their Dart 2.0 that's way smaller and lighter. But still, throwing on a simple attachment point wouldn't have killed them.

Bottom line? If you're a cart rider who wants Wingman-level performance with actual color choices, you'll dig the Sound Stick. Walking golfers should probably keep shopping unless you're cool with the iron-mounting method or want to check out that smaller Dart instead.

You know how everyone's got their own pre-round ritual? Some guys stretch, others hit a bucket of balls, but lately, you've probably noticed more folks rolling up with speakers clipped to their bags. It's just how golf goes these days - music's part of the game for tons of weekend warriors.

Now look, I'm not saying you gotta blast AC/DC on every tee box. There's definitely a time and place for soaking in the sounds of nature. But when you're out there with your regular foursome on a Saturday afternoon? The right tunes can turn a decent round into one you'll remember. Gets everyone loose, takes the edge off those first-tee jitters, and honestly just makes everything more fun.

Here's the thing though - most golf speakers try to be Swiss Army knives. They'll give you GPS distances, take phone calls, maybe even order your hot dog at the turn. The Sound Stick? It basically flips the bird to all that noise and says, "I'm here to pump out incredible audio, period."

And man, does it deliver on that promise. We're talking room-filling, concert-quality stereo sound from something you can clip on your push cart. Hook up two of these bad boys? You'll swear you brought your home theater to the fairway.

The trade-off's pretty clear though. While your buddy's speaker is telling him he's got 147 to the pin, you're just getting pure, unadulterated music. No fancy features, no built-in scorecard, nothing but sound.

Is that deal worth taking? Depends what matters when you're out there. If you want crystal-clear audio that'll have your playing partners asking what you're using, the Sound Stick's your guy. But if you need all those bells and whistles other speakers offer at this price point, you might wanna keep looking.

Time to dig into what this thing actually brings to your round.

Let me tell you what's really impressive about the Sound Stick setup.

You can actually hook up two of these bad boys to create genuine stereo sound - we're talking real left and right channels, not some fake doubled-up audio. Once you've got them paired, you'll notice one speaker has a blinking light. That's your left channel marker right there.

Here's where it gets good. Stick one speaker on each side of your golf cart, and boom - you've created your own little concert venue on wheels. Park yourself right in the center seat, and you'll hit what audiophiles call the "sweet spot." Basically, the speakers work together to place instruments and vocals exactly where they should be in the mix.

The audio quality? Way better than you'd expect from golf course speakers. You're getting this warm, full sound that doesn't skimp on the details. Each speaker packs dual subwoofers, so your bass lines have some real punch without turning everything into a muddy mess. Think of it like a well-struck 7-iron - solid impact without overdoing it.

Volume-wise, these things can crank. You won't be setting off car alarms in the parking lot, but you've got more than enough juice for cruising the fairways or hanging at the 19th hole.

Now, I'll be straight with you - getting both speakers synced up is a bit like reading greens at a new course. First, you've gotta unpair them from your phone, then pair them to each other, then reconnect everything back to your phone. Takes an extra minute, but once you know the drill, it's no big deal.

You're gonna notice right away what's missing from this speaker. It doesn't have GPS for distances. There's no remote control either. You won't find a built-in mic, and it definitely doesn't work with any apps. Want to change the volume? You'll need to walk over to the speaker or pull out your phone.

That missing remote really bugs me. You know how it is when you're rolling up on another group - you need to turn the tunes down fast. I'm always scanning the course, making sure I'm not that guy blasting music when someone's trying to putt three holes away.

Without a remote, you're stuck. Sure, you could keep your phone handy, but who wants to play with a phone bumping around in their pocket? So when things get loud, you're literally running back to the cart to hit the volume button. That's a pain in the butt.

They did nail one thing though. If you've got two speakers linked up, they sync their volumes automatically. Hit the button on one, and they both adjust together. Pretty slick for keeping your sound balanced, and it beats fumbling with two separate controls.

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room - no GPS. Can you really market this as a golf speaker without distances? It's basically just a regular Bluetooth speaker that happens to stick to your cart with a magnet.

Here's the thing though - I'm not convinced it matters. Look around next time you're out there. How many people actually check distances on their speaker? Most guys I play with are rocking a rangefinder, GPS watch, or using an app. The speaker's for vibes, not yardages.

Of course, you'd still want GPS if the price was the same, right? Even if you never planned to use it, having the option would be nice.

Which brings us to the real issue with Pinned Golf's Sound Stick.

Both speakers ring up at $149.99, which puts them head-to-head in a pricing battle that doesn't favor the Sound Stick. Here's the thing - the Wingman 2 packs in a bunch of extras you won't find on Pinned's offering.

You're getting GPS distances called out to you, a remote control you can customize, compatibility with Bushnell's golf app, and even a mic for taking calls. Oh, and you can still link two units together for that sweet stereo setup on the course.

Now let me be straight with you - you might not care about half those features. But when you're dropping the same amount of cash either way, it's tough to ignore what you're leaving on the table.

Pinned really shot themselves in the foot with this pricing strategy. They could've positioned themselves as the budget-friendly option for golfers who just want solid tunes without all the bells and whistles. Instead, they're asking for premium money without premium features.

Most golfers I know are gonna look at these two options and think, "Well, if I'm spending $150 anyway, might as well get the one with more stuff." It's just human nature - we love getting more bang for our buck.

Plus, Bushnell's been in the golf game forever. They've built trust over decades while Pinned's trying to break into a tough market at the exact same price point. That's like trying to outdrive Rory with a 7-iron.

Here's where things get interesting though - if you're all about that sound quality, the Sound Stick actually delivers the goods. The audio beats the Wingman 2, and it's not even close. Those dual bass drivers (one up top, one below) pump out rich, full sound that'll make your playlist pop.

You've also got way more style choices with the Sound Stick. Bushnell gives you one look - black and orange, take it or leave it. Pinned? Six different colors to match your bag, your style, or whatever mood strikes you that morning.

You get a bit more juice from the Sound Stick compared to the Wingman 2 - we're talking 15 hours versus 14. But honestly? Both will keep pumping out tunes way longer than you'll need. Think about it - even if your foursome takes forever and you're out there for four-plus hours, you've got enough battery for three full rounds before plugging it in.

The battery indicators sit on the bottom of the unit, which sounds fine until you're actually trying to check them on a sunny day. You'll find yourself squinting and tilting the thing around like you're trying to read a putt from every angle.

Charging couldn't be simpler though - just plug in the USB-C cable when you get home. Give it about two hours and you're back to full power. Pretty standard stuff, but it means you can juice it up overnight and forget about it for the rest of the week.

You know what's killer about the Sound Stick? You can literally take this bad boy anywhere and it'll keep pumping out tunes. We're talking about a speaker that's built like a tank but shaped so you can grab it and go without thinking twice.

Picture this - you're hosting a BBQ after your Saturday round, and boom, stick it right on your grill's side panel with that built-in magnet. Yeah, it's got a magnet that's actually strong enough to hold. Want to crank some music while you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Slap it on your fridge. Heading to the 19th hole at someone's backyard? This thing's coming with you.

The waterproofing on this speaker is legit too. It's got an IPX7 rating, which basically means you could dunk this thing underwater and it'd still work perfectly. Remember the Wingman 2 everyone was raving about? That's only IPX6 rated, so the Sound Stick actually beats it in the water department.

Here's where it gets interesting for us golfers - you could totally bring this to the course if you're playing a casual round with the crew. Some courses are cool with music these days, and having something this portable and weather-resistant means you're not babying your speaker when the morning dew kicks in or if you get caught in a pop-up shower.

The magnet feature is clutch. You can stick it to your cart, and unlike those clip-on speakers that bounce around, this thing stays put. Plus, if you're really going all out, you can pair two of them together for stereo sound. Imagine rolling up to your group with that setup - you'd be the hero of every scramble tournament.

Bottom line? Whether you're using it for golf outings, beach trips, or just chilling by the pool after a round, this speaker's gonna handle whatever you throw at it. The combination of tough construction, smart design with that magnet, and serious waterproofing makes it perfect for golfers who want their tunes wherever the game takes them.

Let's talk about whether the Sound Stick makes sense for your game.

You're looking at two speakers priced exactly the same - the Sound Stick and Bushnell's Wingman 2. Here's the thing: the Wingman 2 packs way more golf features into that same price tag, which makes the Sound Stick a harder sell for most weekend warriors like us.

But hold up - there's definitely a group of golfers who'll love what the Sound Stick brings to the table.

Want the best audio quality on the course? The Sound Stick wins that battle hands down. When you're jamming to your pump-up playlist on the back nine, you'll notice the difference. The bass hits cleaner, vocals come through crisper, and your music just sounds better overall. That's what a speaker should do best, right?

Then there's the style factor. You know how some guys show up with custom headcovers or funky ball markers? The Sound Stick comes in colors that'll let you express yourself on the course. While everyone else is carrying the same boring black speaker, you can match your gear or just pick something that stands out.

Here's another angle - maybe you're tired of seeing the same Bushnell speaker clipped to every cart in your foursome. Sometimes it's cool to have gear that's different from what everyone else is using. The Sound Stick gives you that uniqueness without sacrificing performance.

Now, if you're the type who wants built-in GPS distances to every hazard and green, plus a remote control for easy volume adjustments mid-swing, you'll probably want to stick with something like the Wingman 2. Those golf-specific features really do come in handy when you're trying to break 80 (or 90, or 100 - we don't judge).

Bottom line? The Sound Stick works best for golfers who prioritize killer sound quality and want something that looks as good as it sounds. But if you need all the bells and whistles for course management, other options might serve you better.

You know how some golf speakers promise the world but sound like they're playing through a tin can? The Pinned Golf Sound Stick actually backs up its claims with seriously good audio. Hook up two of these bad boys in stereo mode and you'll be blown away by the sound quality coming from something that clips to your golf bag.

Here's what makes it work so well. The thing's built like a tank with magnets strong enough to stay put even when you're bouncing over cart paths. Plus, you're not limited to using it on the course - take it to the beach, your backyard BBQ, or wherever you need tunes.

Now let's talk money. At $150, you're looking at a premium price tag, especially when you realize what's missing. No GPS to tell you how far you've got to the pin. No remote control when you want to change songs from across the green. None of those extra features you'd expect at this price point.

Here's where it gets tricky. Other speakers in this price range come loaded with golf-specific features that actually help your game. You're basically paying top dollar for sound quality alone, which might leave you feeling like you left strokes on the table.

Absolutely, while the Pinned Golf Sound Stick is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Superior Audio Quality - The dual subwoofers deliver rich, full sound that beats most golf speakers, especially when you pair two for true stereo separation

• Bombproof Build with Strong Magnet - This thing's built like a tank with a magnet that won't budge, even on the roughest cart paths

• Six Color Options - Finally, a golf speaker that comes in more than boring black, letting you match your style or bag

Cons: 

• No GPS or Remote Control - At $150, you're missing features like distance callouts and remote volume control that competitors offer

• Walker-Unfriendly Design - No clips or straps mean walkers are stuck mounting it to their iron or choosing a different speaker

• Complex Pairing Process - Setting up stereo mode requires unpairing and re-pairing devices, which can be a hassle mid-round

Look, the Pinned Golf Sound Stick is like that scratch golfer who only uses blades - it does one thing exceptionally well but isn't for everyone. If you're all about having the best-sounding speaker on the course and don't care about GPS or remotes, this thing absolutely rips. The stereo setup is legit game-changing, and those color options let you stand out from the sea of black speakers. But here's the deal - at $150, you're paying top dollar for audio quality alone while competitors throw in every feature imaginable. My advice? If you're a cart rider who values killer sound over gadgets and wants something different from what everyone else has clipped to their bag, grab the Sound Stick. Everyone else should probably stick with something that'll help their game along with their playlist.