I GOTCHAJAWZ Compact Golf Ball Retriever

This is not my first ball retriever, I've tried almost every type on the market. This one works as good or better than any I've used. The fact that I have worn out so many is another story, lets don't go there.This retriever grips the ball by friction or you can scoop the ball out of soft muddy bottoms. So far, it is doing just as it's supposed to do. If you can put the ring on top of the ball with a little bit of pressure, it will grip the ball pretty securely. It doesn't require much pressure to firmly grip the ball and it's small enough to dip a ball from soft stuff.All that's left is to see how the shaft does long-term. I've had problems with shafts from this company a few years ago but they were very responsive, so I'm optimistic that this one will hold up and if there is a problem the company will make it right.After a few months use, here is additional information:I have the 18 foot "reach" which is 14 feet long fully extended. Collapsed, it is 19 7/8 inches, the handle is hefty at 1 1/8 diameter. The device weighs just more than a pound. It can be used in two ways, either scoop a ball or press down on top of the ball which will grip it fairly well if the ball is on firm ground or rock. It is made of 16 sections of steel nested so as to extend to any length up to the maximum. The smallest section is only about 1/4 inch in diameter and I try to avoid extending it unless necessary. The construction allows extension of any section or sections to obtain the desired length. In other words, you can make it, for example, ten feet long without extending the smaller sections.The retriever is sturdy enough but I try to avoid extending the smallest sections unless trying to reach the maximum distance, preferring the strength of larger sections rather than taking a chance of bending the tip sections.Some of the large sections are tight but can be extended and sprayed with lubricant occasionally, making them very usable on the course.So far, it is the best retriever I've had and I have used many over the years. I don't carry my bag any more and wouldn't recommend it for a carry bag, only because of the weight. It fits easily in a bag to use on a cart or push cart.

I bought the 14' version to scoop out of small creeks about 4-6 feet across. inexpensive & light weight (half the weight of the 18' version. It paid for itself the first time I used it - collected 8 balls in the creek, including 4 pristine ProV1's! Super simple to use (only moving part is the telescopic handle). I mostly only need about 6-8' to reach balls, and it is perfectly sturdy at that length. I did try fully extending to reach a ball about 15 ft across a wide creek. While I was successful in grabbing the ball in mud on other bank, it was a bit bendy and felt much flimsier and harder to manage. If there had been a foursome behind us, I would have had to abandon the effort!!If you plan to use this to reach more than 10' frequently, I'd suggest looking into getting the longer version.

Stores really well in my golf bag and very easy to use. Very pleased with this product.

A little flimsy but does great for the price

I have owned numerous ball retrievers. I have tried the one that is spring loaded, and a bunch of others. This one really works, fits in my bag great, and it does what it is supposed to do. I gave it to a friend who immediately said he had to get one as it was way better than any he has tried. I have the 14 foot one and that seems to be a good size and it pretty easy to use even extended.

Worked as described

I like the retriever however in very a short time span I have broken three of them as they are flimsy made - at first I thought it was me but now I am convinced that they can easily break when retrieving the ball

I have had and lost several ball retrievers over the past 40 years or so. This one is the best. Hides away in the bag until needed then an easy grab. Only problem is when you leave it on the cart, it does not find its way back to your bag. Just bought my second I Gotcha and I'll try to keep better track of this one.