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Do I need a rangefinder?

post #1 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:28am
Thread Starter 
I currently use my blackberry (with GreenFinder) for distance measurement during my rounds (sometimes, like when my phone's battery is low, I just play with the yard marks in the course). My question is, should I spend $300 on a rangefinder? I like the option of having a exact distance to the flag and the scan mode, but I'm wondering if maybe it wont make such a big difference from what I have.
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post #2 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:35am

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

i have found I play better just by eye but rangefinders are sweet and I would definitly use one if I had one. I had a trial app on my phone but it was too much of a hassle to use during a round
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post #3 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:05am

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Definitely useful if you can hit specific yardages. I don't use my golflogix or golfshot on my iphone since it sucks up the battery way too fast. If you got the extra cash, you should definitely invest in one.
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post #4 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:14am
Thread Starter 

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Originally Posted by wrx_junki View Post
Definitely useful if you can hit specific yardages. I don't use my golflogix or golfshot on my iphone since it sucks up the battery way too fast. If you got the extra cash, you should definitely invest in one.
Well, this is exactly my dilema... I don't exactly have extra cash, but I am tempted!
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post #5 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:26am

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Originally Posted by wrx_junki View Post
Definitely useful if you can hit specific yardages. I don't use my golflogix or golfshot on my iphone since it sucks up the battery way too fast. If you got the extra cash, you should definitely invest in one.
I am thinking aobut getting golf shot on my iPhone. I have the new one so battery life is pretty good. Can't decide if its worth 30 bucks or not though.
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post #6 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:33am

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

I money is a issue, I rather spend the money on lessons or golf equipment such as clubs.
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post #7 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:37am
Thread Starter 

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Originally Posted by ks8829 View Post
I money is a issue, I rather spend the money on lessons or golf equipment such as clubs.
I'm ok with my clubs right now, but I am definitevly going to take a few lessons in the very near future
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post #8 of 44
8/16/10 at 12:17pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

No you don't need one. They are nice to have but no where near necessary.
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post #9 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:07pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Originally Posted by halcon View Post
Well, this is exactly my dilema... I don't exactly have extra cash, but I am tempted!
If I had the money sitting around, I'd buy one too.

But don't go out and buy stuff you don't have the money for.
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post #10 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:43pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Only speaking for myself, but I think they are worth it. My phone never lasted and I splurged and got one. Both me and my playing partners all benefit from it. We are all relatively equal players and on average we saved 4-5 strokes per round knowing distance. i think if your distances are pretty consistent then they are a nice benefit. I doubt they would help much if your shots were inconsistent...
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post #11 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:45pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Originally Posted by ks8829 View Post
I money is a issue, I rather spend the money on lessons or golf equipment such as clubs.
That's why I don't have one yet.
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post #12 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:46pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

If you consider what is the best use of your funds regarding golf this is what I would consider.

1) $300 equates to how many round of golf
2) Cost to play including golf balls, gloves, spikes, tees cost per week and month?
3) Will a range finder improve my game and lower my score?
4) How many lesson can I get for $300
5) Would I be happier with lessons or a range finder after the end of the day?


I am sorry to say that I have played with may golfers that I wonder why did you spend money on the range finder when you could of spend it on lessons to improve their game.

If you can not execute the shot what good is a range finder. 5 year ago, we got along without range finders, you could continue to pace off the distance, adjust for wind, up and down hill elevation changes, how you are feeling with your game that day.

I think a range finder is an extravagant purchase in my opinion.
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post #13 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:47pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

its not that bad of an investment but 300 bucks can goto better things for sure
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post #14 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:49pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

I'll go against the morn here but I would definitely invest in one if I could afford it! I took up golf a year ago and bought one just a couple months after starting playing. Even though I'm still a bogey golfer I still find it invaluable. I get a lesson once a month or so but the rangefinder definitely helps me evaluate and play quicker. I'm lost if my battery is down for a round! I love knowing the exact yardage and when I hit a shot the way I'm supposed to and it nestles pin high, I'm all smiles!!
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post #15 of 44
8/16/10 at 5:53pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Rangefinder = cool, but not invaluable. Golf has been played at a high level for a long, long time without rangefinders.
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post #16 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:47pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

I recently had this dilemma and ended up with a used Skycaddie 2.5 for $100 off of Craigslist. I don't care about an exact distance to the flag, but knowing front and back of the green is extremely helpful, mainly because I've learned to stop shooting at every flag. I never would have spent $300 on it, though. I'm not sure if you can find a rangefinder you like for a similar price, but if you can, I think you'll enjoy it.
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post #17 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:49pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

I could live without it, but I would prefer not to. And I do believe that if you can swing the expense, a dedicated one is better than a phone app. Less messing around, less worry about battery life. Only you can say if the cost is worth it to you.
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post #18 of 44
8/16/10 at 6:51pm

Re: Do I need a rangefinder?

Originally Posted by Bug Bunny View Post
I'll go against the morn here but I would definitely invest in one if I could afford it! I took up golf a year ago and bought one just a couple months after starting playing. Even though I'm still a bogey golfer I still find it invaluable. I get a lesson once a month or so but the rangefinder definitely helps me evaluate and play quicker. I'm lost if my battery is down for a round! I love knowing the exact yardage and when I hit a shot the way I'm supposed to and it nestles pin high, I'm all smiles!!
My battery died on the front nine last weekend. I had a dreadful back nine. Still hadn't replaced the battery for last night's round (teed off at 6:00 PM) and did more old school pacing and estimating. Butchered the first 4 holes than played the last 14 at one under. By about hole #6 I was not missing the rangefinder at all. For a new course though - totally invaluable (and cool).
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