Golf Rangefinder: Nice Gadget or Must-Have?

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If you are fond of playing golf, you must have wondered whether you need to get a rangefinder to improve your game and handicap? Even the best in the business use such a device, so why not try it out on your next game as well?

If you’re tired of guesstimating your shots and the type of club you need to use, then it’s possible that a good rangefinder will bring your game one or even two levels higher. So is it a novelty device or something you really need? Let’s find out why this particular tool is a hot item amongst the pros.

Golf Rangefinders Facts

Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf Rangefinder - dual display technology
Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf Rangefinder

The device is designed to give golfers precise distance readings to objects on the course by means of a laser. The rangefinder fires off an optical-safe laser at the target then quickly calculates the time it will take for the laser to reflect the target and back. The device will then verify the distance of the target, and removes the usual guessing and estimating that golfers usually do during the game.

The newest, high quality rangefinders of the device now include formidable 5x to 7x-magnification monocular. This feature is very helpful because it can help players track down landing spots other than leading the laser to acquire precise yardage dimensions. In addition, this device can be used by golfers on the practice range to check out how far the player is striking with his or her club.

Lofthouse ProScope 400x golf rangefinder with case
Budget model: Lofthouse ProScope 400x golf range finder

Models for this device differ in terms of ranges. Superior models can be employed starting from a small 5 yards to bigger yards measuring up to 400 while other budget models might only provide accurate readings up to 200 yards.

One crucial facet of the device that every golfer must know about is the monocular’s magnification. Magnification means expanding images so users will be able to view the image in greater detail. An effective rangefinder usually has 5x to even 7x-magnification.

Golf rangefinders and golf GPS are not one and the same. The former is visual equipment used in golf to calculate the distance between the golfer and the target object. Like a rifle scope, the device lets players focus on the target and view the distance from where they are positioned to the focused target.

Garmin Approach S6 Golf GPS Watch - golf hole information
Garmin Approach S6 Golf GPS Watch

Meanwhile, the golf GPS is a satellite-centered mapping tool. It keeps in contact with satellites that locate an individual’s accurate positioning on earth. The GPS then makes use of areas on the course that are mapped beforehand to measure the distance between the golfer’s crucial spots adjacent to him or her. The golf GPS devices comes in golf GPS watch or golf GPS handheld. There are also hybrid GPS devices, the so-called clip-ons, that can be used as a handheld or to clip-on your golf cart, golf bag or shirt, but also as a watch. It’s good to compare the type of golf GPS before buying one.

Advantages of Golf Rangefinders

Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Slope distance explained
Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT: slope distance correction

Using a golf laser rangefinder has its list of benefits. Players will be able to get an improved understanding of how far they can hit their clubs. There will be no front bunkers for the player who uses the device because if they hit those great shots, they will be compensated by staying there on the green.

Those days of muddled decisions and being unable to make up your mind with regards to what clubs you should use will be over once you get the hang out of using the device. In addition, there is no need for the player to look for a distance marker since he or she will always have the measurements needed. Regular use of the unit will make players see an improvement on their scores in a reasonably short period of time.

Keep in mind though that the device is only useful if it can read and identify distances with accurate precision, so decide first what type of rangefinder you want.

Looking for a Good Model

Review of bushnell tour v3 slope edition golf rangefinder
Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Edition

As mentioned before, the level of magnification matters. Excellent models feature 7x magnification while cheaper ones may only provide 3x. In addition, the dimensions of the lens will help verify the amount of light coming in through the lens, which can make the device simpler to use.

Range is also an important factor to consider. The best models offer up to 400 yards while low-end ones only give out precise readings up to 200 yards.

Size should be tackled as well while looking for a model. Several models are bulky and can be too bothersome to take along on every game. Battery kind and battery life should also be taken into account because nobody likes to use a device that goes out on them in the middle of a game.

In Conclusion…

It seems like rangefinders are indeed a must-have for serious golfers who want to improve their game. The market is packed to the brim with different brands and styles with varying prices. Invest on a good golf laser rangefinder if you want accurate readings, or if you can’t afford the high-end models, you can also look for a second hand device online or search for discounts on brand new ones.