Two different types of golf Rangefinders can be purchased and used on the golf course to help improve your game: GPS rangefinders and laser rangefinders.
GPS rangefinders require you to download the course maps of the course you are playing and often will require a monthly subscription fee. GPS rangefinders are one of the easiest and best options to help improve your golf game.
On the other hand, laser rangefinders are designed to use lasers to measure different objects on the course so that you can tell the distance between you and objects. Laser rangefinders work by aiming the device at the object you are determining the distance of, pulling the trigger of the tool and waiting for a read out of the distance information.
While laser rangefinders don’t require maps or a subscription fee like GPS rangefinders do, they take longer to give a readout and are only as effective as the golfer using them.
If you’re considering purchasing a GPS rangefinder, make sure that your favorite course is mapped out for GPS or the rangefinder will prove to be useless. If you’re considering a laser rangefinder, ask your favorite golf course if they added laser reflectors to the flag sticks throughout the course. While not necessary, reflectors will make it much easier to get an accurate read.
The following are some features that I pointed out. These will help to purchase a laser rangefinder to buy the one that can help the most and provide you with the most benefits.
Maximum Range
Golf rangefinders have ranges of anywhere from 1 to 1500 yards on the course. The majority of golfers will find that a 550-yard readout on their rangefinder will be more than enough.
Most rangefinders can determine distance whether the object is close or far away, but it’s helpful if the unit can distinguish the target from other objects.
For example, if the rangefinder can tell the difference between the flag on the green and a tree in the background, you will get a more accurate readout.
The majority of rangefinders will have this feature, but depending on the name brand, the feature has different names. Bushnell refers to this feature as Pinseeker; Nikon refers to it as First Target Priority Mode and Leupold calls it PinHunter. Picking a rangefinder with this feature will help provide more accurate readouts and make it easier for you to succeed.
Maximum Magnification
It should come as no surprise, but the better the rangefinder can magnify, the easier it will be to use to help improve your golf game. Some rangefinders will have no magnification at all, while others will have a maximum magnification of 7 times.
When the magnification is at its highest, it’s easier to locate your target, and you can do so more accurately. If you’re not familiar with using a rangefinder, the higher magnification can be of great benefit when you’re first starting to use it.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your golf rangefinder don’t necessarily factor into how well it performs, but it does play a big part in the comfort you have when using it. Rangefinders that are either very small or bulky and heavy can prove to be difficult to hold and can cause trouble getting an accurate reading.
Wide models are useful. You can hold them with both hands, which helps hold the rangefinder steady to get an accurate reading. While features and specifications of the rangefinder are important, comfort should take top priority when picking out your rangefinder.
Durability
It’s not something that you would typically think of when buying a golf rangefinder, but the robust nature of the unit is necessary. Mainly, it’s important to make sure that you find a unit that is weatherproof to help protect against water and fog. In a perfect world, you would only golf when it’s sunny and 75 degrees outside, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way.
That’s why it’s important to find a rangefinder that can deal with all types of conditions that may be thrown at you. Fog or water on your lens can mess with your accuracy and can cause your unit to be damaged if it is not weatherproof.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important factor to consider when it comes to picking out the right golf rangefinder for you. Most rangefinders have a battery that lasts through the entire season, but depending on how often you use it and what you use it for, the battery life can vary.
On average, the battery should last long enough to get you through an entire year of golf, however, don’t be surprised if you purchase a unit and end up needing to change the batteries more frequently. Using the scan feature on a rangefinder will cause the battery to drain a lot quicker than normal. As a result, you’ll be needing a replacement sooner than you think.
Price
Obviously one of the biggest influences in which golf rangefinder you buy is going to be the price. If price weren’t a factor, you would just go out and buy the best and most expensive product on the market. But it doesn’t work like that. Odds are you have a budget in mind and know exactly what you want to spend on your new rangefinder.
Good news is, no matter what your budget is, you’re in luck! There are plenty of high-quality rangefinders available no matter what price you’re looking to spend. Just because there may be more bells and whistles on the more expensive models, doesn’t mean the less expensive models are any less efficient.
When you go to purchase a rangefinder, make sure you take price into consideration while doing so. The most expensive rangefinders aren’t necessarily always the best ones. Take your time to compare prices and decide if it is worth it.
While the above features are important to consider when purchasing a rangefinder, it’s equally important that you avoid making the following mistakes that will have you regretting your purchase.
Not Researching
There’s simply no excuse to purchase a golf rangefinder without doing extensive research. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the different features discussed above so you know exactly what you should be looking for in a rangefinder. The more research you do, the happier you are going to be once you purchase.
Neglecting To Read Reviews
After you think you’ve found a rangefinder that fits all of your needs and qualifications, read reviews about the product! There’s no reason to purchase a product without reading about it from the people who already own it.
Reading reviews can provide you with information that can only come from someone who has used the product personally. It’s beneficial to take the time and read reviews from a couple of different sites so you can get a solid understanding of how people feel about that particular rangefinder.
Buying An “Off Brand” Rangefinder
While there is nothing wrong with the purchase of a cheaper model golf rangefinder, it’s important to make sure that you are still buying a rangefinder from a reputable brand. If you buy one from a lesser known brand, your odds are good that you will receive a product that doesn’t work as well as it should.
Always buy from reputable brands whenever possible. In the long run, it will cause less hassle and give you a better rangefinder.
Making Sure It’s Legal
Some rangefinders have a slope feature that will measure the difference in elevation between the golfer and the target. It measures the approximate distance a shot can go and also the actual distance to the target.
This feature has been banned for use in tournaments and rangefinders with this feature cannot be used. If you plan on purchasing a rangefinder to be used in tournament play, make sure to find one without the slope feature as you will not be able to use it as an aid during the tournament.
To sum up, if you’re looking for a way to help improve your golf game and take your skill to the next level, investing in a laser golf rangefinder would be a smart decision. The rangefinder can help in providing the distance between you and your target and can aid you in your shot.
While some rangefinders can be costly, there are plenty of practical and reasonable rangefinders on the market. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding the mistakes mentioned, you will be able to purchase a rangefinder that fits all your needs and helps improve your play.
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