The debate has been going on for the last few years about which device is better for which golfers. Should you get a GPS or should you carry a laser rangefinder. In the end, both devices have their strong and weak points and because of that I have been carrying both for over 2 years now. While it is not the most cost effective measure to get proper distances, in the end, I felt as though it gave me the most accurate yardages on the course from any scenario. That is until now of course.
From the Company
The Hybrid’s GPS function allows users to access more than 16,000 North American golf courses which have been pre-loaded onto the device, making it ready to use right out of the box without ever having to pay any membership fees. The Hybrid’s GPS provides simple, at-a-glance distances to front, center and back of the green. The Hybrid also offers four custom points on a hole that can be extremely helpful to reference on blind tee shots/approaches on a golf course. The GPS distances are also convenient on days when it is “cart paths only” when golfers are deciding what clubs to bring with them. Another great feature is the shot distance mode that makes it easy for the golfer to gauge how far a drive or an approach was hit.
With the Hybrid, you can now acquire exact distances to the flag, lip of a bunker, tree, or any other object on the course. Knowing the exact lasered distance to the flag, as well as the GPS provided distance to the front, center and back of the green, enables the golfer to strategize and hit every approach shot with confidence. Having the ability to use both laser and GPS technologies, the golfer now has the best of both worlds in one unit. The Hybrid is legal for tournament play under USGA decision 14-3/0.5 that permits a committee to establish a local rule that allows a player to use a distance-measuring device to obtain distance information.
Using the Device
Using the device on the course was as easy as any device we have used in the past. Obviously with the laser side of things, it is point and shoot. Bushnell’s Pinseeker mode makes picking up the flagsticks incredibly easy and if you had a chance to try out a Bushnell Tour V2 and liked what you saw in terms of use, then you will love this device as well. Going in, I was concerned about the GPS side of things for this device. Would the device still be small enough or would form factor suffer greatly? Would syncing the device or battery life be a problem that I never feared with my laser and now would have to with this device? Would it give me information that is usable on the course outside of just green measurements?
After spending over a month using the hybrid distance measuring device, I can say that all of my worries are gone. Here are some highlights from the GPS side of things that are definite must need to know.
1. All of the courses are already built in. Get to the course, it tells you where you are and you start playing. No need for subscription fees or remembering to add the course into the library before you arrive (however course updates to come from syncing the device & computer).
2. More than just green distances are found in the unit. Key points of interest such as lay up spots, distances to bunkers, etc can all be found with just the click of one button.
3. Battery life is far better than expected. I am averaging 3 rounds on a single charge and while I would like to remember to bring it in after each round and charge it, many times I forget and this makes up for it.
Overall
After a month with the new Bushnell Hybrid Laser & GPS, I cannot imagine using anything else. It gives me the best of both worlds in one small easy to use package. By keeping the form factor small and easy to hold onto, Bushnell has created a wonderful hybrid device that would benefit so many golfers out there. The price tag on this one is $499 and many immediately balk when they see that, but keep in mind that if you compare having both a GPS and Rangefinder together the cost becomes “clear” and the ability to just have one device is simply something I never thought I would see. You can read more about this new gadget at the company’s website at www.bushnellgolf.com.
Till Next Time
Josh B.
Great review on the product. Sounds like they have a winner on their hands.
I have been pondering a laser but not sure if I wanted to fool with it and my OnPar during a round, so this product could easily be a solution to my problems. Solid review, glad you like it.
Great review JB. I sort of knew from the forum that you were pretty well sold on the unit some time ago.
Great review JB!
Great review JB. I’ve liked this from the first moment this was mentioned on THP. I have not bought any sort of GPS or laser device because neither had the combined features. This solves this problem as you’ve said. I’m seriously thinking of getting one of these.
I currently use a sky caddie sg3 (have since 2007). I had a bushnell laser before the sky caddie but my eyes could not see the distance number without putting on my glasses. Is the distance number large on the laser? Also, what about on the GPS?
Thanks,
Paul
The distance numbers in the viewfinder are similar to that of the Tour V2 from Bushnell.
Excellent review! Having played a couple of rounds with you while you were testing this I can say that it looked very easy and seemed to be spot on every time it was called upon. $500 is the only drawback I see on this device.
Thanks!
Nice review, JB. This really sounds like a great buy. Like you said, cost is high, but you have to consider what you are getting with it.
I have both The Bushnell Pinseeker /wslope & a Golf Logic type GPS. Carrying both , along with back up
batteries is a bit cumbersome. This looks like the ideal unit. My main question is how well it holds
the signal on cloudy & overcast days. My GPS unit freezes up at least a couple times a round.
Great review. I ordered one last Saturday and looking forward to putting it through the paces.
GREAT REVIEW….not many hands on reviews online right now…Thank you! Iordered mine yesterday from TGW.com and saved 54 dollars …Its the best deal I found so far 🙂 Im sure the prices will drop this year but for now you cant beat it. This will be my first gps or laser…I was going to wait for the callaway proU MX but this hybrid is all in one. Thanks again!
This looks like the device for me. I have been contemplating getting a rangefinder and really like both the Bushnell products and the Leupold, however, this just seems to have the whole package. Really great review!
I inadvertently placed 2 orders and received 2 of these devices. Sold one to a golfing buddy and both of us are really happy with the hybrid unit. I previously used the Bushnell V2 and my bud had a Sky Caddie. The review is spot on and I ran the unit 3 and 1/2 rounds before it turned off the GPS function because of low battery. But the hybrid still powered the laser to let me complete the rest of the 4th round using just the laser function (a really smart feature in my view). Small compact unit and shopping around I got the two units at the GPS Store for $374.90 each including shipping.
I got to see JB in action with this sweet thing. I have two separate units.. It would have been a lot cheaper to have one of these…. Nice write JB
5 stars, but still returning the Hybrid …
Turns out I’m a “laser guy.” The Hybrid’s GPS software is simple and effective. No complaints. However, I found the GPS disagreed often with the laser. The GPS is G-I-G-O: garbage in, garbage out. If the inputs are bad (maybe a course has been renovated), the info is inaccurate. This happens A LOT. No fault of the Hybrid itself, but if I can’t rely on the reading, what’s the point?
I’m going to buy a small laser lime the V2. Commence research …
I purchased a hybbrid laser awhile ago and my only problem is the battery life as I only get one round out of it. Is there a way of having a backup battery supply? Or is my battery a dud as nothing worse than being 3 holes in and no power for either laser or gps
I too loved the Hybrid until the battery died one month after my 1 year warranty had expired. Do you know if anyone else has had this problem? Any solutions? Bushnell’s website says that I should send it to them and they’ll tell me if they can fix it and for how much. They also state that if I open it myself that I’m on my own.
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