GPS vs Range Finder

[pjcedog]

Due keep in mind that the Neo does not give any other distances other than green distances. It will not give you yardages to hazards or anything like that if you are looking for those features.


Our review of the unit is on the home page.

You are correct but I really only use it for shots into the green so that works for me.

 

[Fourputt]

You are correct but I really only use it for shots into the green so that works for me.

Hmmm... I use my GPS as much for layups and hazard avoidance as for green approaches. I'm more likely to use my laser when I'm going for the green, and my GPS from tee until I get to to the approach area. I also use the laser to get the distances to trees beyond a dogleg and such so I can safely pick a club to keep me short of them.

Do you just guess about the distances to hazards and such? I should think that would be one of the most valuable uses for any range finding device. :confused2:

 

[pjcedog]

Hmmm... I use my GPS as much for layups and hazard avoidance as for green approaches. I'm more likely to use my laser when I'm going for the green, and my GPS from tee until I get to to the approach area. I also use the laser to get the distances to trees beyond a dogleg and such so I can safely pick a club to keep me short of them.

Do you just guess about the distances to hazards and such? I should think that would be one of the most valuable uses for any range finding device. :confused2:

I will print out google earth screen shots for golf courses I am not familiar with and plan my shots for each hole ahead of time. Making my own yardage book with some basic measurements and notes tells me which holes I can be aggressive on and where I have to play it safe. Once I have played any golf course two or three times I have a pretty good idea what shot or club I can hit from where.

 

[d_macko]

I have found the uPro from Callaway to be very good. The color screen is nice and so are the satellite images of the hole you are actually playing. I used to have SkyCaddie, but I think they've been surpassed.

 

[Timbao]

I ve got a question to the Skycaddie users.
My Wifie, will be in usa in february for business. she could bring a skycaddie sg5 with her since its only the half price compared to germany. is it possible to switch the language to german?

Unfortunately for the bushnells, which i would prefer, are almost no german courses available.
Any Experiences with sonocaddie??

 

[coughlin03]

Anyone use the iPhone software?

 

[cauley]

Leupold GX-1

Leupold GX-1

My Leupold GX-1 just came in the mail today -- I'll post a review after I've had some time to play with it.

I opted for laser for a few reasons:

• Accuracy (probably overrated given my swing)
• No subscription fees
• Ability to get distances on groups ahead of me, in addition to the normal list
• It's using lasers... how cool is that?:wink:

Granted, these were fairly uneducated reasons, and based on this thread there are plenty of pluses to the GPS systems. I opted for Leupold over the other laser options after reading a lot of reviews on Amazon... hopefully it works out for me.

 

[rcncgolf]

My Leupold GX-1 just came in the mail today -- I'll post a review after I've had some time to play with it.

I opted for laser for a few reasons:

• Accuracy (probably overrated given my swing)
• No subscription fees
• Ability to get distances on groups ahead of me, in addition to the normal list
• It's using lasers... how cool is that?:wink:

Granted, these were fairly uneducated reasons, and based on this thread there are plenty of pluses to the GPS systems. I opted for Leupold over the other laser options after reading a lot of reviews on Amazon... hopefully it works out for me.

I have a upro and leupold. Use both. Leupold for 100 in. I trust you will like it. Small easy to use once you figure how to steady your view, I pull elbows to chest and that helps, locks on quickly, did I mention small for factor....

 

[cauley]

leupold gx-1 review

leupold gx-1 review

In list form....

• Really nicely built, great rugged feel, comes with a hook to hook onto your golf bag.
• Super easy to understand/use.
• Works really well overall, especially on courses with reflective things built into the flagpole.
• Doesn't work as well without the reflective areas.
• Can have some trouble if there are lots of trees behind the pole, especially w/o the reflective area.
• My home course has old-school flagpoles w/o reflection.

Without the reflective things (do they have a name?), effective range is pretty limited, especially if you don't have surgeon's hands. I like that I can get numbers to random things (the group ahead of me, random tree in the distance, etc). Trees do cause interference though -- I think the first time I used it, I hit an 8-iron from 115 yards because it said 143 (probably to the tree behind the green). Some context awareness or reality check is needed, but only an idiot wouldn't do that. Oh wait... :laugh: I'd say positive review overall, but d*** I wish my home course would install the reflective flagsticks.

 

[glennQNYC]

Anyone use the iPhone software?

I use GolfShot GPS, and also own and have used View Ti Golf on my iPhone. I prefer GolfShot's layup targets, statistics tracking, and superior graphics over the View Ti app, but both work really well. The only issue to be aware of is that you will need an auxiliary iPhone battery to make it through 18 holes.

 

[Fourputt]

In list form....

• Really nicely built, great rugged feel, comes with a hook to hook onto your golf bag.
• Super easy to understand/use.
• Works really well overall, especially on courses with reflective things built into the flagpole.
• Doesn't work as well without the reflective areas.
• Can have some trouble if there are lots of trees behind the pole, especially w/o the reflective area.
• My home course has old-school flagpoles w/o reflection.

Without the reflective things (do they have a name?), effective range is pretty limited, especially if you don't have surgeon's hands. I like that I can get numbers to random things (the group ahead of me, random tree in the distance, etc). Trees do cause interference though -- I think the first time I used it, I hit an 8-iron from 115 yards because it said 143 (probably to the tree behind the green). Some context awareness or reality check is needed, but only an idiot wouldn't do that. Oh wait... :laugh: I'd say positive review overall, but d*** I wish my home course would install the reflective flagsticks.

My course doesn't use the reflectors and I can pick up a flag from 250 yards with my Bushnell Tour V2. It's not like I have the nerves of a 20 year old either (I'm 63). When shooting from long range, I do try to verify my sightings with course markings to be sure that I'm in the ball park. When I'm in short iron range, then it's no problem.

I agree that it sure is nice to play a course with the reflectors though.

 

[bert]

Rangefinder vs GPS

Rangefinder vs GPS

I am planning on purchasing either a rangefinder or gps unit. What are the pros and cons of each? Please give me your thoughts.

 

[SeeMoreGuy]

I have both and enjoy them for different reasons. I use my Bushnell rangefinder the most now to pick up exact distances and no downloading of courses. However, Bushnell has come out with a hybrid unit that incorporates both which is very cool. You should check it out. I recall a review being on THP not too long ago. It was just introduced at the PGA Merchandise Show a few months ago.

 

[Bushwood CC]

I also use both a GPS and a rangefinder - however, if I could only have one it would be the rangefinder. Its nice to not only know the distance to the pin, but also distances to (for example) a tree that is in a dogleg that defines the edge of the fairway, or the lip of a fairway bunker that you must clear. One thing you may want to consider, if you have a "smartphone" - there are several pretty nice GPS apps for the iPhone, blackberry, etc that are either free or less than $30. One piece of advice I will offer you...after beinga Skycaddie customer for over 5 years, I would not recommend them to anyone. The unit works fine - but between (a) a high price, (b) the ANNUAL fee, and (c) the whole "downloading" thing ...I just found them a pain to deal with. So....my advice, buy a Callaway (Nikon) rangefinder for $299, and if you have a smartphone , download a golf GPS app for it. Hope that was helpful...

 

[knox co mike]

Hello Bert. I purchased a Bushnell Tour V2 rangefinder and I love it. It has 6X magnification (I believe) which is handy and I have found it to be very accurate. This size is compact and I find it easy to use. Once golf season is over, it goes up into to the treestand with me for archery and I also use it for firearms instruction. It has been a very useful tool.

 

[pjcedog]

Get the one with both in one unit, I don't remember who makes it - you can probably find a review here on THP though. I use both every time out.

 

[Sean]

Get the one with both in one unit, I don't remember who makes it - you can probably find a review here on THP though. I use both every time out.

Bushnell makes the unit. It comes with a Neo attached to the rangefinder.

 

[GrantD]

I would have to agree with Bushwood on the go with the rangefinder and get a smart phone app. The rangefinder will give you the precise distances and the smart phone app will help you out on the layup and doglegs.

 

[JNRadio]

I'm a fan of gps, I keep mine in a cradle on my push cart or cart so I can see it instantly. I wouldn't want to constantly be picking up and putting down a rangefinder. With the better gps units you can get distances to anywhere on the hole as well not just preset targets.

 

[tvrepairex]

0. One piece of advice I will offer you...after beinga Skycaddie customer for over 5 years, I would not recommend them to anyone. The unit works fine - but between (a) a high price, (b) the ANNUAL fee, and (c) the whole "downloading" thing ...I just found them a pain to deal with. ...

I agree with that.You can't just load one new course,you have to reload all of your favorites if you want to add one and the annual fee sucks.Of course, a playing partner compared the fee to buying a cell phone and paying a monthly charge but I still don't agree with the fee.

 

[Jeanthemachine]

Hello Bert. I purchased a Bushnell Tour V2 rangefinder and I love it. It has 6X magnification (I believe) which is handy and I have found it to be very accurate. This size is compact and I find it easy to use. Once golf season is over, it goes up into to the treestand with me for archery and I also use it for firearms instruction. It has been a very useful tool.

This answers a question I have had but not asked. Are all rangefinders equal in ability to transition from golf to hunting/target shooting and other distance finding activities?

Are there some features that are specific to golf and would be distracting for other activities?

Are rangefinders REALLY effective at ranging bunkers, trees etc? Some seem to require reflectors on the flagsticks.

Another feature of GPS that I like is showing hidden hazards and providing layup yardages. Can a rangefinder adequately address these concerns?

(I have neither and friends who have both)

 

[m-910]

Neither...I'm not investing in one till I can consistently sit in the 80's. I've got way to many things to worry about in my game and exact distance is not something else I want to add to the queue.


BUT...if I was in the 80's I'd prob buy a range finder. It makes more sense for me to have yardages for specific locations on the course versus an overview. That way I can focus on where I want the ball to land.

 

[Snap Hook]

GPS vs Rangefinders. I Got a GPS app on my iphone while my buddy has a Bushnell Laser and I have another friend who has the Callaway UPro

Differences I have found between the two/three:
Speed - Iphone app takes roughly 20 seconds from screen saver mode to "lock in" it's location.
U pro takes roughly 10 seconds. Laser takes 1 milisecond.

Laying Up/Course Strategy - GPS app/units have screens that allow hole layouts/overviews and can give you distances to an arbitrary spot. Perfect for laying up to a spot and deciding course strategy. A laser can do that if you can get someone to go out there and stand where you want to layup I guess. Or if there's a hill or something for the laser to bounce off.

Uphill/downhill - Both options are very accurate but I have noticed a discrepencey on severe uphill/downhill holes. The Laser is a direct line from where you are standing to the pin. While the Gps units is "as the bird flies" Its the only times I've noticed differences in distances. Not really a big deal I guess, you just ahve to adjust for it.

Battery Life - GPS app drains about 50% of my iphone's battery in 18 holes. But I'ld like to see you make a phone call with your laser rangefinder.

 

[jmingt]

Uphill/downhill - Both options are very accurate but I have noticed a discrepencey on severe uphill/downhill holes. The Laser is a direct line from where you are standing to the pin. While the Gps units is "as the bird flies" Its the only times I've noticed differences in distances. Not really a big deal I guess, you just ahve to adjust for it.

Ahhh wait....I've never really thought about that before. So if I have a severe downhill shot and the yardage marker says 200yards, the GPS would say 200 but the rangefinder will say more?

Actually, that makes perfect sense, I just never thought about it before.

 

[Snap Hook]

Ahhh wait....I've never really thought about that before. So if I have a severe downhill shot and the yardage marker says 200yards, the GPS would say 200 but the rangefinder will say more?

Actually, that makes perfect sense, I just never thought about it before.

Neither did we until we were standing on the 7th at Red Rock. Its 210 yards but severely downhill. My buddy had just bought his laser rangefinder and we were comparing everything. Usually we were within 1-3 yards away from each other but that time we were about 12 yards. Couldn't figure it out until one of our smarter/less inebriated friends gave us a refresher in geometry.

Funny story from that day. Lots of houses border the course. I see a pretty girl sun tanning in her back yard. I say "look at the girl" My buddy says "Yup she's exactly 178 yards away" Good laugh.