Golf Rangefinder Review

A brief description of how a laser rangefinder operates. The unit sends an infrared light towards a target, the time that light takes to get to the target and back is the distance to the target. The information on the view screen will be in feet or meters. Since the speed of light is constant, it is directly proportional to the distance.

Having several pulses sent to the target is one way a laser rangefinder improves its accuracy. Battery power also has an effect on the accuracy of the unit; a fully charged battery will give the unit its utmost accuracy. That is a brief explanation of the workings of a Laser Rangefinder.

 Have you ever given any thought to why hunters and golfers have their own laser rangefinders, don’t they do the same thing; get you the distance to an object?

Well you would be right they do get you the distance to objects with speed and accuracy but they have different software governing their operation.

Rangefinders | Hunters

They have many modes that parallel each other, and maybe just a few that actually set them apart.  The modes that set them apart make the difference between owning one for golf and one for hunting. 

Second Priority Mode

Perhaps one of the biggest differences in the targeting of each unit, a hunters rangefinder has a second priority mode (different manufactures may have various names for this). 

Taking the distance of an object (deer) in the background instead of the trees, boulders or some brush instead, giving you the distance to the game for an accurate shot, not a branch.

They are usually a bit longer in maximum yardage up to 1300-1600 yards, they may be a bit smaller (not by much if any) but I have found no golf laser rangefinder that is bullet proof like the models for hunting. 

•          Rifle mode – giving you the bullet drop and the holder information in inches
•         Bow mode – gives you the horizontal distance from 1-100 yards

Rangefinders | Golf

Let us look at the differences between the two rangefinders but this time we will look at the golf model.

First Target Priority

The hunting model has a second target priority mode a golf rangefinder has a first target priority mode. 

The difference being that the golf rangefinder is going to give you the distance to the first target it acquires which would be the flag and not what is behind it. 

These may be the biggest differences between the models, different manufactures will have various modes that will enhance your game such as slope modes that will give you the distance to the flag taking into account the slope of the course, say like a bunker shot.

In Conclusion

Both laser rangefinders will get you the distance to your object in relatively no time at all and accurate to +/- 1 yard or even better at 1/10 of a yard with newer models with newer technologies. 

One gives you the first target that is taken and not background noise and the other gives you the background object and not the branches or brushes in front of the object.

The big question is can one do both, yes they can.  In choosing, one that will do both you must first make sure that they each have a separate mode for the first target priority and another mode for the second target priority.  

 Make sure you read the specifications when looking for one that does both.  It may cost a bit more than just a single unit used for golf or hunting, but will be much cheaper than buying one laser rangefinder for each sport.

Taking it to practice is one of my best-kept secrets, I say that because I don’t see many people taking them to the practice range, just to the golf course. It is just great for this, too many times at practice the yard markers have been moved so many times, who knows if they are accurate or not.

Taking precision readings is essential to getting better at your golf game.  Not knowing is not the answer, think of your rangefinder as a tool a learning tool.  A learning tool that takes some time to get the hang of.

It is best to teach yourself at home before taking it out, the instructions are easy enough to tackle as they are user friendly.

Ten Advantages

1.        They are much more accurate than their cousins the GPS models
2.        No memberships fees
3.        Scan the course and take distances as you scan, get the lay of the land
4.        Ease of operation
5.        Open the box install the battery (most come with battery) and use it right away
6.        You can take the laser rangefinder to  any course in the world and be able to use it
7.        Level the playing field and get the competitive edge on your fellow golfers
8.        Check to see what the cart girl is doing
9.        You can get various models with different specialized modes like slope mode or a fog mode
10.    Makes choosing the right club easier
11. Bonus…they will help you lower your score in time

Some say that they are useless and not needed, well in reality I guess they are not really needed.  You can always play golf without one but it makes it easier to know your distances you get from different clubs. You can get to know what you can do with each one of your clubs, now you know what distance you can get out of a three iron. If they were, useless companies like Bushnell would be spending a lot of money on nothing then.

Well if you get the laser rangefinder with the slope mode, no more guessing at how the slope of the field is going to affect your shot.  The slope mode will make quick diagnoses of the situation and give you the correct distance taking into account the slope of the course.  Giving you the actual distance to the flag, the slope is quite hard to calculate.

Well chalk it up to bad advertising, did you know Leupold had enhanced their already popular GX 3 & 4 golf laser rangefinders for 2012.  Talking to a Leupold associate, he told me that they launched them in January 2012, beginning of the year.  I looked and seen no media release for these two rangefinders.

I checked the golf stores around home and nothing; they did not seem to know anything about the new models at all. 

That made me wanting more, so I took off to my favorite golf forums and checked them out.   Sure enough first, one they were talking about the GX3i and most were wondering the differences between the two, so was I, after all how old are the GX3 models.

This is the scuttle butt I gathered in the forums they were reported to be more accurate, faster acquisition, accurate to 1/10 of a yard, besides that they are pretty much like their cousin GX3.

Talking to Chuck an associate from Leupold and he confirmed what I have been reading that the new GX 3i models are equipped with up to date circuitry that enhances the older models.  I just had to ask about the web site and the media releases, he told me that they were behind in the website updates, so they are. 

Well the next thing is what do these cos,t well I went to four or five outlets on the internet as no store in my area seem to carry them.   The best price I seen was $385.00 compared to $399.00 at all the other sites I went to so the price range seems to be close from retailer to retailer.

In conclusion, is this new model with enhanced circuitry worth the extra money comparing to their counterparts GX3 and the GX4 models? 

I do not think they are I really do not go in for new electronic gadgets every year so if I had a GX 3 already would I upgrade no.   Would I buy a 3i over a GX3 looking at them side by side and knowing what I do about the Gx3, as I have use one.  GX3 are around the $320.00-350.00 most places no I would go for the already proven to be top of the line golf rangefinder the Leupold GX3.

That’s me, maybe you will want the newest updated electronics and do not mind the extra cost, and hey, that’s ok too.  I guess we will have to wait a bit longer for real reviews from golfers using the new GX3i and the GX 4i models, giving them a bit more time to get around and talked about. 

Have you used one like it, not really sure, lets us know leave a comment, where did you get yours they are not everywhere just yet.

Here it is 4 months into 2012, almost 5 as May is near; let’s look at what is new for the 2012 line up of golf rangefinders from Bushnell. 

Pro 1M

Bushnell brought out the Pro 1M earlier in the year and as I have not really been on the golf course this year, but I have been at the driving range haven’t seen any in use yet.  That sent me looking for what I could find out about the Pro 1M.

Well it wasn’t a lot but then again it hasn’t been on the market for a year yet.  Here is what I found out, it is a very expensive unit and for sure is for the person with a deeper pocket book than I have, it is up in the range of $599.00, wow I know expensive.

So is it worth the extra cost, the only thing that I found out is the owners of them like them very much.  Some seem to like the much-improved optical quality; others seem to like the ease of use of the unit.  They all do agree that it is a supureior model than previous Bushnell rangefinders.  I wonder sometimes how much better do we need them to be, yet they keep them coming, although new technology has always been a big draw for about anything these days, I guess.

Still maybe too early to tell the full outcome of this new rangefinder from Bushnell, but it seems the ones willing to go the extra yard on cost have high reviews for the unit calling it a top of the line rangefinder.  I think the cost factor gets a lot of golfers second guessing themselves on this unit, but the ones that spring for this model like it.  Who knows?

Tour Z6

Not to stop there Bushnell has another golf rangefinder, which is just hitting the market about now I believe, I have no real news on the exact date it became available to the public sometime in May, I think.

Another rangefinder do we really need one I guess the folks at Bushnell thought so; this one seems to be taking the place of the Tour V2 or at least compete against it.  This unit is just on the markets so no reviews on this rangefinder as of yet, not that I found but there seems to be golfers are talking about them.  

The best I can tell is that it has enhanced electronics faster and more accurate than the V2 model, one real difference I noticed is that the Z6 model has a rubberized armored metal housing making it a bit more rugged I would think.  Making it 100% waterproof is what I read I would imagine the rubber housing helps that.

What’s next for golf rangefinders, do we really need more to choose from, I found my V2 just fine and still going strong.  Just as anything the technology for anything-electronic moves at a rapid pace, what is new today can very be old by the time tomorow gets here. At the same time making their counter parts obsolete in time, is it just a marketing ploy.

I guess it depends if you have owned a prior Bushnell before, any way we will have to wait for more time to pass before we can get a good handle on the reviews from the Z6.

If you have used either unit please leave your comment on the unit behind and lets us all know how they are preforming out there on the golf course.

Ok when I seen this I just had to write about it, I never knew it was this much.  I knew it was a lot but my lord, this is some pile of money these guys make and still are.

Golf, the money it generates is astounding; it boggles the mind the amount of money that is made from golfing.  Never mind the other money that is made from food to television crews and advertising.

I do know that the PGA and most players and caddies are involved in one or more charities; they all seem to have a few that hit home.  That is the way it should be, giving much of that hugely gross amount of money back to society where it will do some good, not just another yacht.

Any ways let’s get to the nittty gritty here and look at the big money earners in the game of golf and the number one money leader should not be a surprise.

1.        Tiger Woods –$ 95,516,542.00
2.        Vija Singh – $ 65,932,544.00
3.        Phil Mickelson – $ 65,286,308.00
4.        Jim Furyk – $ 49,320,903.00
5.        Ernie Els – $ 41,500,876.00

This could go on for a while you get the idea an insane amount of money is made by golfers playing the game all over the world, nice job.  Send your kid to college or get him or her involved in golf at an early age if they show promise, kick it in gear.

Just saying not a bad career move.

Back to this insane amount of money, crazy isn’t it. I guess other sports make more or as much but I tell ya, its nuts as others in the world starve and drink from mud puddles.  We spend millions on games……….

These stats are from 2012 PGA Tour money leaders, as of the WGC-Cadillac Championship, March 11/2012.

Bushnell Tour V2

When first starting to play golf it can be somewhat confusing, you may think that after you spend most of your money on clubs and a bag your done.  There are a few more things that you may not be aware of that you may not really need, but is going to make your golf day, better, because clubs are not enough.

What respectable golfer would be out on the course or been seen taking his/her shot without a glove, a golf glove.  How are you going to clean your clubs after you dig up the course, you are going to need a towel, not just a towel, a golf towel.

You can’t just wear your old tee shirt and blue jeans to this sport, well most golf clubs will expect you to be dressed accordingly.  You guessed it golf clothes, golf shirts and pants, matching if possible. 

Get out of the sun or get out of the rain, an umbrella is useful and yes, of course there are golf umbrellas just for you.  Do what I do, I bring compact rain gear, cost about $2.50 and fits in your bag no problem.  If it is raining out that hard, time to go.

You need covers for the heads of your clubs, oh yeah they cover the heads up.  They come in all shapes and sizes too, wait until you start looking for these, if you do, I don’t.

Well, you are going to need some beverages while out playing, of course you have the cart girl and places to refresh your thirst, but what about in-between these places.  On a hot day it is recommended that you take a drink every 20 minutes or so, as not to dehydrate yourself in the heat.  You need a cooler bag oh yeah you guessed it a golf cooler bag.

Of course, you cannot be outside in the heat without a hat or visor, of course, they have golf hats anything else would stand out, who cares.    I never go out without my sun lotion on, not sure, if they have golf lotion, I am sure they do somewhere.

Wait not done yet, shoes of course, you really do not need them, and most clubs don’t require golf shoes.  They do come in handy though, making you feel very sure footed when taking your shot.

You see clubs and a bag are not enough, not even close.  If you look around at your favorite golf store, I am sure you will find other golf related products on the shelf.  Some of the stuff is nice to have, like a glove and golf shoes are nice, but not necessary, you can play fine without them, or can you.

Is there anything I left out, is there something that you need every time you go out.  Something that just makes your day on the golf course that much better, leave a comment don’t keep it to yourself let us all know.

In reality all you really need are clubs and a bag o yeah some balls may help, see it never stops, the course fees another thing.  An expensive sport this golfing can be, then you need a golf rangefinder, it never stops.

I have them and I know you do too, things that just bother the hell out of you when you are out trying to have a nice relaxing game of golf.  People get in the way of your enjoyment. 

Some of these peeves are mine, some are things that I have read and come across in many of the golf forums I stay in touch with, and I find some of these funny and most are so true.  So let us get to it, the first peeve is mine.

The one in your foursome that forgets a club, can’t find it, it was there yesterday.  Not a club he can do without a club he needs like the putter or the sand wedge.  Drives me crazy every time it seems it is always the same person.  Ok it happens occasionally, but all the time, get with it and prepare.  Next time they do without.

This is one I have heard a few times, the golfer that craps on every shot you make, enough already funny the first time, maybe a few times after.  On every shot all day, shut up, what made you such a pro, go home and give your kids s…t or something, just get away from me.

One guy says he hates all the duck turds on the course and all over his clubs, what.  All over your clubs, what are you doing with the duck turds??

I like this one if it wasn’t so annoying it would be funny.  The pre shot warm up, too much Honeymooners late at night I think.  I know a couple of warm ups and then shoot, what the game is on the line, get with it already the wife wants me home before dark.

This is the ultimate in my opinion and others have complained about this one.  Garbage, beer bottles, water bottles whatever.  You bring it you can bring it back, why should you be able to throw that in the bush or wherever, if there is no container around, put it back where you got it from.  No one, I repeat no one wants to see your garbage on his or her golf course.  Give me a break, even at the golf course, shame.

Well a few things could get you going on the golf course and ruin your day.  Can you think of any more that just drives you crazy on the golf course, leave a comment, come on let us in on it, we won’t tell the folks you golf with, promise.

Bushnell Medalist

The start of the LPGA Tour takes hold on February 9 – 12/2012 at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open the inaugural event surely will be one to watch.  Ten of the top LPGA players will attend at this first time event.

We will have the pleasure to watch players such as Yani Tseng number 1 in the world right now for the LPGA.  Lexi Thompson is the youngest women ever to win an LPGA event at the age of 16 years at the Navistar Classic in September of 2011.  A World Golf Hall of Famer is going to participate in the special event Karrie Webb inducted into the Hall in 2005.  A very impressive record, she should be a danger on the course; you could do a 1000 words on Karrie alone.

The LPGA Tour is back from dismal times, as everything we now know must involve money and of course, golf is no stranger to money, and its woes.  Mike Whan has the privilege of bringing the LPGA Tour back to being viable.  Increasing the numbers for television and getting back eight of the Tour’s contracts renewed that was to run out in 2011.

Some would say that the LPGA is not as important as the PGA Tour’s is and the purse reflects the stature of play.  The purse for the inaugural event is at 1.1 million dollars, compare to the 5-6 million of the PGA.  The talent is not as good and the whole event does not hold enough interest to watch or care about the LPGA.

 I have had deep discussions over a few drinks over this and some go nuts when you mention the LPGA.  Like women should not be playing golf, not really sure of his reason but I think maybe the beer made him regress into something, not sure what.

I have heard other sane people even shut the LPGA for not being worthwhile to watch, I forget the reasons because I usually just stand and look like I am interested because I would rather watch the women hit the ball around the course, myself that’s just me.

She is another Tiger, she has a record to be very proud of at her age, and at 23, she has five majors under her belt.  She won seven events last year on the LPGA Tour and if that is not enough, this Hall of Famer in the making has 12 titles around the world and the Player of the Year for two years in a row.

Why wouldn’t you want to watch this kind of quality golf sounds like quality stuff to me and besides who doesn’t want to watch women play golf, if you’re a guy anyways?

Therefore, what do you think of the LPGA, I think myself that this is going to be great golf, and very worthwhile watching, I know I am going to watch. 

Callaway LR550

Before you go out to the golf course next time stop and think. Did you know that too much sun is bad for you?

There can be many effects of too much sun let’s start off with heat exhaustion, even though golf is not an overly physical sport the heat can still cause humans problems, some more than others. Heat exhaustion is too real of a symptom and if not acted on it will lead to a more serious condition, heat stroke.

Let us look at the symptoms of heat exhaustion first. Your body can no longer cool itself thus causing heat related injuries, if you start to feel weakness, nausea, or a sudden headache comes on or muscle cramps and you start to sweat uncontrollably.

Stop what you are doing, get out of the sun, and ask for help. Cool down with water or sport drinks that will rehydrate you. Stay in the cool area until you feel that you are again feeling ok. If heat exhaustion is gone undetected it may go to the next level and become heat stroke, this could be fatal.

Heat stroke or sunstroke can cause a person to stop sweating thus increasing sharply the body temperature with no way to cool itself down which is another form of hyperthermia. Other symptoms include:

• Disorientation

• Confusion

• Strange behavior

• Hallucinations

• Rapid pulse

• Breathing is difficult

• High body temperature

If you notice anyone in your golf party acting in any way unusual and the heat of the day is on (12:00-1:00 hottest time of the day) or any time get them out of the sun immediately, call emergency services as soon as possible.  Start to rehydrate if possible, make them comfortble until medical attention arrives.

Most if not all heat related illnesses are avoidable by drinking water, keeping yourself hydrated is the key to surviving the dog days of summer. Therefore, before you and your foursome get out to the course make sure you have taken into account the weather for the day. Bring enough water for the whole party for the day or have plans to refill your water supply.

Wait no need for water on your course because the cart lady always has a cold beer for you. Well the problem with that is alcohol will, for a fact dehydrate the body. A cold beer will do you no good in the fight of heat related illnesses.

Heat related problems are most severe for the elderly and the very young, do not let that fool you the heat can affect anyone.  Be careful no need for a great day to turn into a bad day.

Leupold GX-3