Another rangefinder? Absolutely.
This time though, it is a well-known launch monitor company in FlightScope which is diving into the crowd, albeit with a different focus than most. Given their realm of prior expertise, it might not surprise you to find out that there is a unique link from that world colliding with the device.
With the new i4 rangefinder, FlightScope is looking to tie in their knowledge of how the environment which we all play in impacts our golf game and simplify that relationship.
Quick Take
The i4 is an impressive entry into the segment for FlightScope, while it may not be ideal for those needing image stabilization, it makes up for it with the AI Smart Gapping system and Environmental Optimization. The device is lightweight and lighting fast, not to mention incredibly intuitive in how it implements its FS Golf app based integration.
The Basics – FlightScope i4 Rangefinder
Looks and Size
FlightScope certainly put a lot of thought into their new i4 rangefinder. The black and grey motif is a safe one and it shows off the ergonomics of the device. Button placement leaves functions easily accessible in a natural motion/use of the i4 as well and the addition of a red LED at the top-front which illuminates when slope is in use was also well thought out.
Weight
The FlightScope i4 comes in at just under 6.5 ounces, and in hand it stands out. Much of that is due to the material makeup being fully plastic with no type of metal/alloy casing involved. How will that affect durability long term? That will of course come down to the user. Additionally, the i4 also features a magnetic surface which has become a bit of an expectation, although it is surprisingly strong given the light weight of the device itself.
Battery
FlightScope went with an internal USB C-Type setup which allows recharging. The company claims you can get 15,000 clicks before a recharge, but we can say that during testing over multiple rounds the longevity definitely seems to be there. Bluetooth can be turned off to save power, but if you are constantly using the connectivity we will get into momentarily, then you will certainly appreciate the ability to plug in and recharge rather than replacing a CR2 all the time.
Performance – FlightScope i4 Rangefinder
Basic use and speed
The i4 is a lightning fast device, in fact it is one of the quickest I have tested. There is a solid vibration upon locking onto your target through the optics as well, with no delay in feedback. Optically, the quality is strong. FlightScope claims up to 1,000 yards and during testing that was confirmed. Two things worth mentioning here though are that the glass does seem a bit dark compared to some other devices, and though the single color black display is clear, there can be a lot of information on screen to digest at once.
The Tech – FlightScope i4 Rangefinder
That of course brings us to the real tech behind the i4 and why FlightScope developed such a device. While the basic distance and slope information is available at all times, using the FS Golf App unlocks the FlightScope Environmental Optimizer Engine.
Now you may be thinking, oh great, another app, but the FlightScope app is quite good and intuitive. Setup is a breeze, and not cumbersome at all. Linking the i4 is as easy as you would hope and very little effort is needed on the user side of things thanks to how the app walks you through things.
What exactly is the FS EO? Well, it is the company’s take on an intuitive solution for being able to implement launch monitor data along with the active environmental information to give the golfer a built in caddie of sorts. Yes, there is another major brand which has recently released a similar concept, but FlightScope has certainly put its own twist on it with their i4 AI Smart Gapping.
If you are a Mevo (or other FS launch monitor) user, then you can import a completed FS Gapping Session into the “Club Mapping” on the app in order to have your specific club distances. If you don’t have access to those, then fret not, you can also manually enter your carry numbers (it is really simple) or even import a CSV file from another launch monitor. With this data entered, when you connect the app and i4 via Bluetooth, you will not only get distances on the screen, but also the recommended club for you.
While that was fun to play with, it was the Environmental Optimizer that was even more interesting. The app will also consider the current weather conditions where you are playing. Not only does it account for elevation, temperature, and various pressures, but also the current wind speed which you can then orient with a single button while using the device. Displayed on the screen is a “wheel” which you can then use the mode button to pick the direction the wind is coming from.
The i4 and FS Golf app then use your gapping data to provide more accurate club recommendations. Being here in Oklahoma with the crazy wind we get, this was put to the test, and it was impressive how good it was about accounting specifically for being downwind or into a headwind. Club recommendations for me were very good, in fact most of the time they were spot on with what I would have pulled if going for a stock full-swing.
Obviously, it won’t be perfect, but even then, there is much more usefulness to the FS EO and i4 AI Smart Gapping than anticipated. Honestly, it is the type of thing which could benefit a lot of golfers who just don’t take into account their environment and how it effects their “stock yardages”.
The Details
There is a LOT of information available here for those who want or need it. The integration with data from FlightScope’s other devices like the Mevo is a smart play by the brand, as is offering packages now for golfers to purchase both at a discount. The goal is to help golfers and the i4 can very well accomplish that. Is it perfect? No, but for a first attempt, it leaves you curious where they can take it from here.
The FlightScope i4 Rangefinder is currently available from various retailers nationwide as well as directly at www.flightscope.com. Pricing for the device is $499.00.
