Leupold GX 1 Digital Rangefinder
Pros: Small, easy to use, accurate
Cons: >$300, fog mode not very helpful
I received the GX-1 as a gift for the start of the season. The unit is very accurate and easy to use. As was indicated in the Sand Trap Review, the best way to use the GX-1 is in scan mode. On the tee, I scan the fairway for hazards to help club selection. Holding down the button give the user a continuous readout of distances.
When approaching the green, you get a read on distance to the flag, traps, and front of green. You also get a great view of the flag location with respect to the slope and ridges in the green, which is very helpful.
Prism lock is a great feature that I only got to use once at a private course. It locks in the distance to the pin very fast.
The unit is small and will fit in the side pocket of cargo shorts. I mostly keep it in the felt lined pocket of my bag. Some other golfers in my league seemed a bit put off at first when I used it. But after a few holes, they were asking for distances. It is a great tool for improving your game and scores.
The only down side for me was the fog mode (only tried it once). For some reason, the unit worked better without it on the one day I played in the fog.
I haven't tried other units on the course, but have looked at them in stores. Most are very good units. I liked this one the best for the view field size and graphics.
