Are rangefinders worth it?

[ClayGolf84]

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiwJa_6q6iU"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=ZiwJa_6q6iU[/url]

This guy thought his uPro Go wasn't worth it...

[KarstenK]

My battery died yesterday in my Bushnell so I played for the first time in years without one. I survived and played well enough but was guessing yardages and felt uncomfortable. It made club decisions harder without it. I had a good day of getting up and down, so my bad approach shots didnt kill me. Love my rangefinder.

[jumpman2600]

I use both golfshot and a laser. The gps with front middle back on the screen would be the best option. They are pricey though.

[tesuquegolfer]

I have used a sky caddie for years which is great for knowing carry distance on bunkers, etc. However, the one thing missing is exact yardage to the flag. A sky caddie lets you approximate where the pin is but if you can't actually see it or don't have a pin sheet, it doesn't help. With that said, I am NOT always pin seeking. In fact, I want to know where it is so I know whether to play for it or play short or long. I figure the more info the better, at least for me as a 4.4 index that plays more course management these days. I just bought a Leupold GX-4 but still use my sky caddie. Both are useful but I would prefer the range finder if I had to choose.

[theshow]

Go with Laser. GPS, downloads, yearly fees, charging, and they aren't very accurate.

[Bronco01]

[quote name='TGutHHSGolfer' timestamp='1314033997' post='3509786']
My home course is pretty well marked off to the center of the green, so I really don't think I need something to tell me how far I am from the center.

So if I'm looking for the pin it is worth it to get the rangefinder? I'm just worried that the Golfshot wont be that accurate in general
[/quote]

All depends on how accurate you want to be. Both have their benefits but if its the short game you're concerned about, my recommendation is laser rangefinder. I first used mine to measure all my iron distances, but most particularly my wedges. The lift in confidence in knowing your wedge distances and the distance to the pin is huge. Plus, I've heard GPS is only accurate to within 10 yards. If thats the case IMO its not good enough for the short game.

[jaskanski]

[quote name='TGutHHSGolfer' timestamp='1313992223' post='3508720']
So I'm on the fence about buying a Rangefinder.

I have an Iphone and could just buy Golfshot GPS for 30$, but I am interested in being able to know exactly how far I am from the pin, but it is some serious extra $$.

For those of you who have tried both, or just have a Rangefinder, should I buy the rangefinder or not? Pro's and Con's would be awesome!
[/quote]


A rangefinder has the advantage of not requiring a signal (or subscription for that matter) to get a distance reading. GPS has the advantage of ease of use - no need to point and shoot.
The main disadvantage to both is if you can't accurately hit the distance given - if your dispersion is bad enough, what's the point of a reading with the level of accuracy that is unacheiveable?

[nitram]

Free Beer, tomorrow

[danavoN7]

After using my Leupold GX-3 for the past couple weeks I would say they are absolutely worth it! They are very easy to use [i](especially if the pins have prisms)[/i] and take all of the guessing out of yardages.

[ChipDriver]

[quote name='jaskanski' timestamp='1319875963' post='3734663']
[quote name='TGutHHSGolfer' timestamp='1313992223' post='3508720']
So I'm on the fence about buying a Rangefinder.

I have an Iphone and could just buy Golfshot GPS for 30$, but I am interested in being able to know exactly how far I am from the pin, but it is some serious extra $.

For those of you who have tried both, or just have a Rangefinder, should I buy the rangefinder or not? Pro's and Con's would be awesome!
[/quote]


A rangefinder has the advantage of not requiring a signal (or subscription for that matter) to get a distance reading. GPS has the advantage of ease of use - no need to point and shoot.
The main disadvantage to both is if you can't accurately hit the distance given - if your dispersion is bad enough, what's the point of a reading with the level of accuracy that is unacheiveable?
[/quote]

Rangefinder for many have the advantage of letting you know that "you don't hit the ball consistently" or that you consistently misjudge your distances.

What I find most interesting is that if you shoot a flag at 160 (for example) and your buddy hits it short....he will tend to muscle it, lengthen his swing, fire his hips harder....rather than slowing down the swing, shortening it, and focusing on better contact.

Funny things happen with "lots more information".

[Fornesto]

Bushnell v2 best investment ive ever made for the money into my game I cannot express how much this one purchase helped take doubt away.

[jaskanski]

[quote name='ChipDriver' timestamp='1320007454' post='3739083']
[quote name='jaskanski' timestamp='1319875963' post='3734663']
[quote name='TGutHHSGolfer' timestamp='1313992223' post='3508720']
So I'm on the fence about buying a Rangefinder.

I have an Iphone and could just buy Golfshot GPS for 30$, but I am interested in being able to know exactly how far I am from the pin, but it is some serious extra $.

For those of you who have tried both, or just have a Rangefinder, should I buy the rangefinder or not? Pro's and Con's would be awesome!
[/quote]


A rangefinder has the advantage of not requiring a signal (or subscription for that matter) to get a distance reading. GPS has the advantage of ease of use - no need to point and shoot.
The main disadvantage to both is if you can't accurately hit the distance given - if your dispersion is bad enough, what's the point of a reading with the level of accuracy that is unacheiveable?
[/quote]

Rangefinder for many have the advantage of letting you know that "you don't hit the ball consistently" or that you consistently misjudge your distances.

What I find most interesting is that if you shoot a flag at 160 (for example) and your buddy hits it short....he will tend to muscle it, lengthen his swing, fire his hips harder....rather than slowing down the swing, shortening it, and focusing on better contact.

Funny things happen with "lots more information".
[/quote]

lol. You got that right. I 've lost count of the number of times players have used rangefinders and GPS to check the distance of marker posts and scorecards. The "rangefinder police", I tend to call them. On hand to check the given yardage on any yardage chart you care buy from the proshop. Even a well known course in Scotland, I'll have you know. Saint something or other. If only Doug Saunders had a rangefinder...history I'm sure.

[2muchclub]

I have had my Bushnell since 1998. I travel a lot and do not leave home without it. It tells me the right distance, and then I know I know the right distance (if you follow me), having that confidence is priceless.

[SurfDuffer]

I am a GPS user and I feel completely lost on the golf course now without one. The same feeling as when you've lost your wallet or car keys. Its amazing how big of a difference this little piece of technology has on your scores.

On the laser vs gps argument, I have tried both and have used some high end lasers. I don't care for the lasers primarily because I am unsteady looking thru the viewfinder. I use the Bushnell Yardage Pro XG GPS and it does a great job for me. I really only use the green view feature and move the cursor to the spot on the green where I want to land it.

[pwrfade]

I have both - Leupold GX4 and a Skycaddie SGX - for me I am getting tired of the recurring cost of the GPS - and with the laser I like not only using it on the course, but also when I practice picking spots on the range to hit to - the GPS does nothing for you in terms of a practice aid

[8orBetter]

Lasers are always correct , no uploading, no battery issues, more versatile, you can look at girls butts and boobs from a hole away through it, see a ball on a green from 300yds away, pick out specific carry distances, I take mine hunting with me and range deer with it before I vaporize their internal organs, and I bet other people have done even more useful things.

[moonshine]

[quote name='pwrfade' timestamp='1324607991' post='3978275']
I have both - Leupold GX4 and a Skycaddie SGX - for me I am getting tired of the recurring cost of the GPS - and with the laser I like not only using it on the course, but also when I practice picking spots on the range to hit to - the GPS does nothing for you in terms of a practice aid
[/quote]
I second this, invaluable at the range as well. There are things you can get yardage of on course that no costly download will tell you. Sometimes, especially at a place you have never been...you may want a yardage to something odd or different.

Also, I saw mention or prisms....if you get the Bushnell you need that NOT! After 5 seasons, very few battery changes, and nothing but perfect performance...I would buy Bushnell and nothing else! Oh, my buddies Skycaddie has been as much as 5-8 yards off...and he hit his shot over the green. I hate fees anyway, of any kind.

[SwingBlues]

Take'em both. The SGX only lasts about 2 rounds and sometimes I forget to charge it and the Bushnell saves the day. I don't see that much of a discrepancy but I'll pay that the laser is more accurate to the pin. The SGX, you're guessing to the pin but on new courses, the SGX is king for those dogleg bends, yardage to rivers/hazards and the odd blind paths where I can't spot the pin.

[Petethreeput]

I have a rangefinder, and love it. A term I haven't heard on this board is the "gadget ho," but a friend of mine ran the gamut of distance gadgets and settled on the rangefinder, so I used his profligacy and just bought the one he liked most.

I can be used at any course, skycaddy, etc have courses which are not available. Laser finders need to have reflectors in the pins.

I find it most useful when I am within 150 yards on the course, and I use it extensively on the practice area when I am trying to figure out distances.

[Scorer099]

I've used range finders, GPS on carts, GolfLogix on iphone, and good old sprinkler heads. The iPhone app killed my battery before most rounds finished. Cart GPS is pretty accurate, usually no more than 2 yards different from a rangefinder. rangefinder is obviously the most precise. But i tell you what, the old fashion sprinkler head and paceing off is really the way to go if time and pace allows it and i think many would be better off going with middle of the green yardages more times than not, plus it's amazing how your body tends to pick or drop a little distance needed when you do pick the middle of green club.

[gxDD]

[quote name='TGutHHSGolfer' timestamp='1314042739' post='3510275']
[quote name='Delman' timestamp='1314037928' post='3510006']
[b](little tip when you shop....don't limit yourself to "golf only" retailers. I purchased my brand new Bushnell from a merchant marine online store in Massachussets for $240)[/b]
[/quote]

I think I'm going to go this route if I go with a rangefinder.

My experience with GPS is that it's usually 3-7 yards off and occasionally more then 10. 7-15 yards DOES make a huge difference in club choice. I dont think the battery thing is a huge issue but unreliable yardages and second guessing seems like a bad bad combo

From what I can tell basically everyone says go rangefinder. Thanks alot!
[/quote]

Glad we could help! How is the LRF working for you? It takes a few rounds to learn how to shoot the pin with an unsteady hand. But you'll get it over time...you'll need to, cause on windy days you won't have a choice. Helps using it at the range i might add. Cheers!

[chicgolf19]

[quote name='TGutHHSGolfer' timestamp='1313992223' post='3508720']
So I'm on the fence about buying a Rangefinder.

I have an Iphone and could just buy Golfshot GPS for 30$, but I am interested in being able to know exactly how far I am from the pin, but it is some serious extra $$$.

For those of you who have tried both, or just have a Rangefinder, should I buy the rangefinder or not? Pro's and Con's would be awesome!
[/quote]


I got a Callaway/ Nikon rangefinder for Christmas two years ago. If you are an avid golfer I'd say get one! I think it is one of the best presents I have recieved. I love it! No questioning yardage anymore, they are very simple and easy to use.[color="#ff0000"] [color="#000000"]I have also found GPS off by a bit also. [/color]* BUT be aware of the slope rangefinders if you play tournaments, you cannot use those if any rangerfinder at all. [/color]

[SurfDuffer]

On the courses I play I find little difference between my gps and my friends laser measurements. We compare all the time. 6 of 1, half a dozen of another as the old saying goes. Its all just personal preference. and on the internet everyone is going to claim that what they use is the best. For me I like gps.

[Janet Pendergrast]

Oh, I know I'd be lost without mine. I use a golf logic gps. I wear glasses, and laser's are just worthless to me. My logic has nice big numbers.

[Janet Pendergrast]

[quote name='ClayGolf84' timestamp='1317674499' post='3620101']
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiwJa_6q6iU"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=ZiwJa_6q6iU[/url]

This guy thought his uPro Go wasn't worth it...
[/quote]

This guy being you, Clay Simpson, of madison ms, employee of skycaddie.

http://www.oobgolf.com/golfers/GolfinHawg

http://ngf.org/cgi/businesssearchdetail.asp?BID=1519531

[jaskanski]

[quote name='Janet Pendergrast' timestamp='1325098216' post='3997167']
[quote name='ClayGolf84' timestamp='1317674499' post='3620101']
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiwJa_6q6iU"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=ZiwJa_6q6iU[/url]

This guy thought his uPro Go wasn't worth it...
[/quote]

This guy being you, Clay Simpson, of madison ms, employee of skycaddie.

[url="http://www.oobgolf.com/golfers/GolfinHawg"]http://www.oobgolf.c...fers/GolfinHawg[/url]

[url="http://ngf.org/cgi/businesssearchdetail.asp?BID=1519531"]http://ngf.org/cgi/b...asp?BID=1519531[/url]
[/quote]

Shameless busted emoticon opportunity. Well played.