Golf Range Finder
A golf range finder is a great tool for any golfer, regardless of their skill level, because it allows you to measure exact distances, which will help you choose the best club. The two types of golf range finders are the laser and the GPS. They are both accurate to within one yard and they are both small enough to fit into a golf bag. Beyond that, they are considerably different.
Laser Golf Rangefinder
The laser is very simple to use. You look through the viewfinder and point it at the object that you would like to know the distance to, like at the flag on the green, the hole, trees, aprons, hills, bunkers or your opponent’s ball.
The laser will then bounce off of the target and back to rangefinder and will tell you how far the distance is to that object. It can also be used to determine if the group of golfers ahead of you on the course is safely out of range so that you may proceed. Some laser finders will also show the elevation change, or the slope, to the target.
The GPS range finder is more detailed to use. It will compare the golfer’s exact location to an internal database of known objects on a golf course, however, the database for that specific course must be downloaded into onto the GPS. Once it is in the system, however, it is fairly easy to operate and the information is instantly displayed.
GPS Rangefinder
The cursor may be positioned to estimate the distance to a certain location, but the preciseness will ultimately depend on the ability of the operator to actually locate the cursor. The GPS will show distances to preselected points, may provide an aerial view of the hole, and on some models, it will show a virtual fly-over of the entire hole.
With the laser finder, you pay for it when you purchase it, and that is it. The GPS, on the other hand, may require a subscription, for an additional fee, to download different golf courses. Be aware, however, that some courses may not be in the database on certain models and will not be able to be downloaded. There are some smart phone applications that can be purchased that enable the phone to function as a GPS range finder. Many golf courses have GPS systems built into the carts, therefore, you would not need the GPS.
Disadvantage of Laser version
Some disadvantages to the laser finder are that the range is limited, it may not always work in the rain and it may be hard to read some horizontal surfaces, like water or sand. In that situation, you would have to point it at a nearby vertical object and the estimate the difference in distance. The disadvantage with the GPS is some additional information may have to be programmed into the system, such a course yardages. Ultimately, the golf range finder you choose will be based on personal preference. The avid golfer may even want one of each.
Recommended Golf Rangefinder
Here are some our recommendations of golf rangefinder:
- Bushnell Tour V2 with Pinseeker Laser Rangefinder
The new Tour V2 with Pinseeker laser rangefinders rests in your hand with an ergonomic precision that boilds confidence and pride. Its guts are 100% Bushnell laser rangefinder, but the package outside will rival your favorite driver with a custom high-tak grip. - Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
Compact in size but loaded with powerful rangefinding features, the Bushnell Medalist sets a new standard in a complete rangefinder package. - Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport 450 Laser Rangefinder
Let it hinge on a guess, or nail it with this. The shot of a lifetime is a time for certainty. With the Yardage Pro Sport 450, you’re confident to the last yard. - Leupold GX-I Digital Golf Rangefinder
Leupold’s GX-I is a line of sight rangefinder that complies with USGA rule 14-3, making it tournament legal on many courses.
Bushnell Rangefinders
Nikon Rangefinders
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| Nikon Nikon 8350 Callaway Golf Laser LR550Y…
$399.00 |
Nikon ProStaff 550 Laser Rangefinder (Green)
Too low to display |
Nikon 440 ProStaff Laser Range Finder
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| Nikon / Callaway LR550 Golf Rangefinder Pea…
$259.99 |
Callaway Nikon Players Series Rangefinders
$276.99 – $299.99 |
Callaway Nikon Rangefinders
$339.99 – $429.99 |
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| Golf Laser Range Finder Caddy 600 Meter w/B…
$145.99 |
Nikon 8376 Archer’s Choice Max Rangefinder
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Nikon 8377 Riflehunter 1000 Rangefinder
$307.99 |
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