Trevor Ng
Golf rangefinders are innovative tools that provide golfers with precise distance information to improve their game. They come in various shapes and styles, but their fundamental purpose is to offer yardage measurements to greens, hazards, and other course features. The two primary types of golf rangefinders are laser and GPS devices, each with unique advantages. Laser rangefinders, such as the PRO LX+, utilise laser technology to calculate distances by measuring the time for the laser to reach the target and reflect back. On the other hand, GPS rangefinders determine distances by tracking the user's location on the course and the hole they are playing. While GPS devices often provide distances to the front, middle, or back of the green, laser rangefinders offer more flexibility in targeting specific objects like hazards or the flag. Golfers can benefit from the features of both types, such as accuracy, ease of use, and additional functionalities like slope adjustments and performance tracking, to make informed decisions and enhance their golfing experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Laser, GPS, and Hybrid |
| Mechanism | Laser rangefinders send out a laser to the target to calculate the distance. GPS rangefinders, on the other hand, calculate the distance by tracking the location of the user. |
| Advantages of Laser Rangefinders | Can be aimed at anything and see how far away it is; more accurate than GPS devices; can lock onto a pin with haptic feedback; can provide precise yardage to the hole with elevation adjustments. |
| Advantages of GPS Rangefinders | Provide layouts of the holes and distances to other features like bunkers; no need to recharge often; can be paired with a smartphone app for additional information like shot tracking and statistics. |
| Brands | Bushnell, Nikon, Garmin, Precision Pro, Leupold, TecTecTec!, Blue Tees, Shot Scope, Voice Caddie SL3. |
| Price Range | Basic units start at $100, good ones range from $150 to $300, and hybrids with advanced displays can cost up to $600. |
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What You'll Learn
Laser rangefinders
To use a laser rangefinder, you need to first turn on the device and stand next to where you are hitting from. You then aim the rangefinder at your target, which could be the flag, a hazard, or another feature on the course. You then press a button to lock onto the target, and the device will display the distance to it.
Some laser rangefinders have additional features, such as the ability to lock onto a specific target, like the pin, and provide a vibration to confirm that you are locked on. Others may have scan modes that continuously update the distance to wherever the laser is pointed. Certain rangefinders also come with slope technology, which provides the golfer with a second yardage that considers the elevation of the target.
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GPS rangefinders
Golf distance or range finders are available in three types: laser, GPS, and hybrid. GPS rangefinders are popular among golfers as they are lightweight, convenient, and easy to use. They are also known as Global Positioning System rangefinders.
These devices use satellite technology to determine the user's location and provide yardages to various targets on a golf course, such as the front, middle, and back of the greens, bunkers, water hazards, and even specific holes. They offer layouts of the holes and can calculate the yardage of a shot, taking into account uphill or downhill angles.
While GPS rangefinders are generally less accurate than laser rangefinders, they provide a good estimate of distances. They are also advantageous because they do not require a steady hand or a direct line of sight to the target, as is the case with laser rangefinders.
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Rangefinder accuracy
Rangefinders are generally considered to be more accurate than GPS devices. They work by shooting a laser at an object and measuring the time it takes for the beam to bounce back, which is used to calculate the distance. This means that, unlike GPS devices, they can be aimed at any object and provide an accurate distance reading.
However, the accuracy of a rangefinder is dependent on the steadiness of the user's hand. To improve accuracy, golfers should aim at larger targets, such as the flag rather than the stick. Some flagsticks and hazard stakes have reflective material that makes them easier to target, and some rangefinders have a feature that allows them to lock onto a pin, often with haptic feedback. Golfers can also keep their rangefinder steady by placing the elbow of their raised arm against their chest, using both hands, or resting their elbow on a solid surface.
The accuracy of a rangefinder is also dependent on its range and magnification features. Different models have varying ranges, so it is important to check the product specifications. While having a long range may sound impressive, magnification is more important as it allows the user to zoom in and lock onto the target, providing a more reliable distance reading.
Some of the most accurate rangefinders on the market include the Bushnell Tour Z6, the Inesis Golf 900, the Garmin Approach Z82, the Pro Titan, and the KLYR.
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Rangefinder cost
Rangefinders are not overly complicated to use, and they can make a significant difference to your golf game. They are also not very expensive, with basic models available for as little as $100. Most good ones are priced between $150 and $300, while the hybrids with more advanced displays can cost up to $600.
The Voice Caddie SL3, for example, is a hybrid laser rangefinder and GPS that typically costs $599. However, you can get it for over $200 off retail as a Breaking Eighty reader. The Voice Caddie TL1 is a solid alternative that is significantly cheaper.
The Garmin Approach Z82 is another GPS rangefinder with a video screen that offers a lot of additional information. It is pricey but considered worth the money. The Pro Titan is a more affordable option with excellent features like MySlope and Find My Precision Pro. The KLYR is also accurate, fast, and offers features such as target lock and slope.
The Nikon rangefinder is known for its crystal-clear image stabilization. The Bushnell rangefinder is another premium laser rangefinder with a lot of cool features, including a wind speed and direction function. The Bushnell Pro X3 is another top-rated model that includes launch monitor data from Foresight launch monitors. The Cobalt Q6 Slope is one of the most underrated rangefinders, offering consistent results down to the 1/10th of a yard.
The Inesis Golf 900 is a high-quality rangefinder that provides great value for money, boasting similar accuracy to leading models at a much lower price. The Laser Fit Rangefinder is another affordable option with a minimalist, lightweight design and long battery life.
In summary, there are a variety of golf rangefinders available at different price points, ranging from basic models under $100 to more advanced models costing several hundred dollars. The specific features and functionality offered can vary between models, so it is important to consider your needs and preferences when making a selection.
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Rangefinder use
Golf rangefinders are used to provide golfers with useful distance information to greens, hazards, and other course features such as doglegs. This enables golfers to make informed club selections and strategies. Rangefinders can be laser-based, GPS-based, or a combination of both. Laser rangefinders work by shooting a laser at a target and measuring the time it takes for the beam to bounce back, thus calculating the distance based on that time. They can be pointed at any target, such as the flag, a hazard, bunkers, or the front or back of the green. Laser rangefinders are generally more accurate than GPS devices and offer more flexibility in terms of target selection. They are also simple to use, with users needing to turn on the device, stand next to where they are hitting from, look through the viewfinder, aim, press the button, and read the display.
GPS rangefinders, on the other hand, calculate distance by tracking the user's location. They have numerous courses pre-downloaded and determine the user's location on the course and the hole they are playing. GPS devices are more useful for dogleg holes as lasers can only show distances to what they can physically see. They are also generally less accurate than lasers, as they usually give distances to the front, middle, or back of the green rather than specific targets like the flagstick.
Some golf rangefinders can be paired with a smartphone app, providing additional information such as shot tracking, scorekeeping, and statistics. Hybrid rangefinders combine GPS and laser technologies, offering the benefits of both systems. For example, the Voice Caddie SL3 has a GPS component built into the unit, with a display next to the eyepiece showing additional yardage, a map of the hole, and a heat map of the greens.
When using a rangefinder, it is important to have a grasp of how far you hit each club to make the most of the yardage information provided. Rangefinders with built-in performance tracking can aid in club selection and provide post-round analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, some rangefinders offer stabilization technology and slope adjustments, which can be crucial when playing on hilly terrain.
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Frequently asked questions
The two main types of golf distance finders are laser rangefinders and GPS devices.
Laser rangefinders send out a laser to the target to calculate the distance. The rangefinder measures the time it takes for the laser beam to bounce off the target and return to the rangefinder, and then calculates the distance based on that time.
GPS rangefinders calculate distance by tracking your location. They have numerous courses pre-downloaded into their software and can provide distances to the front, middle, and back of the green.
Laser rangefinders can provide distances to specific targets such as hazards, fairway runouts, and the precise distance to the hole itself with an elevation-adjusted number. They are also generally more precise than GPS devices.
