Laser range finder yardage varies second to second

[playit]

I have a Shot Scope L1, it costs about $200 now. I note that when I first shoot a flag, it will read whatever and if I do it again, the yardage will vary 2-3 yards. Which one do you think is more accurate, first or subsequent? I have an old Bushnell somewhere if I can find it. I don't recall it varying like this but it's been many years since I have used it.

[MattM97]

Shoot a third time and see what you get. If the flag doesn't have a prism it might be catching something else giving that variance. 

[Klubster]

If I could control my shots to 2 yards, my caddie would be giving me the distances.

[rooski]

Never experienced that with a rangefinder. Every one I've ever had shoots exactly the same number everytime

[playit]

5 hours ago, rooski said:

Never experienced that with a rangefinder. Every one I've ever had shoots exactly the same number everytime

Makes me wonder if it needs a new battery, the battery is probably 3 yrs old. Need to try that.

[2Down]

Maybe a slope number?  Shoot high then low on the flag the slope will change. 

[Socrates]

My Bushnell (Tour V4) does that too.  Sometimes it locks in on a number.  Sometimes it varies.  I usually pick the one in the middle.  If I was really good, I would care more, but it's still more precise than a GPS.  I might get a yardage (say 134 y).  I will think 135 and pick a club that gets me where I need to be (i.e. flag is front so I need to be 145 to cover the false front or flag is 140 and back edge is 142 so I need to be 135ish).  For me it's more important to get me into the right quadrant on the green rather than have a precise yardage to a flag.

[Titleist87]

On 10/7/2024 at 3:37 PM, Klubster said:

If I could control my shots to 2 yards, my caddie would be giving me the distances.

Quote I read about Payne Stewart when he asked for the yardage and his caddie replied. Payne then asked if that was to the front or back of the cup.

[playit]

I got a new battery in, couldn't find one locally, and it appears to have solved this.

[st1800e]

2 hours ago, Titleist87 said:

Quote I read about Payne Stewart when he asked for the yardage and his caddie replied. Payne then asked if that was to the front or back of the cup.

When Payne started on tour his veteran caddie gave him approach yardages on the first few holes , 135, 170, 195, 110……Payne finally asked “Why are all the yardages in 5 yard increments?”

 

Caddie replies “you’re not that good”.