Comments on: GPS vs. Laser: What Makes Sense for You? http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you Golf News, Reviews, and Commentary Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:22:25 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: El http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-14442 El Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:41:27 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-14442 The only drawback to laser is the inability of some users to hold it steady. Otherwise, accuracy, course portability, and single price make it the clear choice. Yardage markers of any kind on ranges are innaccurate due to one-piece range ball construction. These balls are built to last, not to perform. Thus, they do and they don't. The only drawback to laser is the inability of some users to hold it steady. Otherwise, accuracy, course portability, and single price make it the clear choice.

Yardage markers of any kind on ranges are innaccurate due to one-piece range ball construction. These balls are built to last, not to perform.

Thus, they do and they don't.

]]> By: iGolf Neo GPS Review | The Sand Trap http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-13357 iGolf Neo GPS Review | The Sand Trap Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:00:16 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-13357 [...] or laser is the better technology wages on in forums in elsewhere (you can find my thoughts in a Trap Five article). Overall, each technology has its pros and cons and like everything else, you should go with the [...] [...] or laser is the better technology wages on in forums in elsewhere (you can find my thoughts in a Trap Five article). Overall, each technology has its pros and cons and like everything else, you should go with the [...]

]]> By: JP http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12536 JP Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:43:11 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12536 I like gadgets and having numbers and such, so I asked my wife for a SkyCaddie for an anniversary gift a few years back. It was one of the most anticipated gifts and golf gadgets I'd ever had. I played lots of rounds with it, but in the end, I decided that it, and any laser devices out there as well, just aren't for me. Do they help? Yes, they do. Having the distances helps, obviously, with club selection, and can avert disaster, like when your eye tells you you need 160 to clear the water and it's really more like 185. But I found I hated the whole ritual that went with it. Keeping it charged...keeping it updated...dealing with the subscription...remembering to bring it (yeah, you can forget it at home, or in your car)...remembering to pick it up off the ground (yeah, you can leave it behind just like your lob wedge), etc. Some say it speeds you up, but I'm not sure. I find that typically you can find a yardage marker somewhere along your normal path to your ball; maybe once or twice a round do I delay looking for a yardage indicator. A laser one would be my advice to a prospective buyer, because it eliminates some of the issues I discussed above, but in general, it wasn't for me. My bottom line is whether something makes my round more enjoyable, and for me, these things don't. I like gadgets and having numbers and such, so I asked my wife for a SkyCaddie for an anniversary gift a few years back. It was one of the most anticipated gifts and golf gadgets I'd ever had.

I played lots of rounds with it, but in the end, I decided that it, and any laser devices out there as well, just aren't for me.

Do they help? Yes, they do. Having the distances helps, obviously, with club selection, and can avert disaster, like when your eye tells you you need 160 to clear the water and it's really more like 185.

But I found I hated the whole ritual that went with it. Keeping it charged...keeping it updated...dealing with the subscription...remembering to bring it (yeah, you can forget it at home, or in your car)...remembering to pick it up off the ground (yeah, you can leave it behind just like your lob wedge), etc. Some say it speeds you up, but I'm not sure. I find that typically you can find a yardage marker somewhere along your normal path to your ball; maybe once or twice a round do I delay looking for a yardage indicator.

A laser one would be my advice to a prospective buyer, because it eliminates some of the issues I discussed above, but in general, it wasn't for me.

My bottom line is whether something makes my round more enjoyable, and for me, these things don't.

]]> By: George P http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12214 George P Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:35:08 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12214 [quote comment="12169"]Aren't distance measuring devices illegal?[/quote] It is confusing, as written, because it basically says it isn't legal but then says it is. If you read a little farther through the rule, though, you'll find: "Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only." http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/pdf/2008ROG.pdf You may also use a device that measures distance (only) for handicap rounds. http://www.usga.org/questions/faqs/rules_answer.asp?FAQidx=49&Rule=14 So in a tournament it is up to The Committee, but for casual handicap rounds you must report rounds played using a device provided it only measures distance (and not slope, etc). So, it is legal for most rounds. Jason said on July 31, 2008:

Aren't distance measuring devices illegal?

It is confusing, as written, because it basically says it isn't legal but then says it is. If you read a little farther through the rule, though, you'll find:
"Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only." http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/pdf/2008ROG.pdf

You may also use a device that measures distance (only) for handicap rounds.
http://www.usga.org/questions/faqs/rules_answer.asp?FAQidx=49&Rule=14

So in a tournament it is up to The Committee, but for casual handicap rounds you must report rounds played using a device provided it only measures distance (and not slope, etc). So, it is legal for most rounds.

]]> By: Jason http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12169 Jason Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:06:24 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12169 Aren't distance measuring devices illegal? USGA Rule 14-3: "...the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an unusual manner: a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; ..." Aren't distance measuring devices illegal?

USGA Rule 14-3:
"...the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an unusual manner:

a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; ..."

]]> By: fish http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12160 fish Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:45:29 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12160 Anyone who plays with a laser long enough will discover numerous instances when the GPS is off, by as much as 7 or 8 yards. You need to know that GPS has a fundamental precision that is looser than the laser. All GPS units that I know of use the WAAS variety of GPS. This provides a base accuracy of +-3 meters, 95% of the time. The unit calculates your distance using a first measurement, made by the map maker, which has this level of precision, and a second measurement, made by the unit at the time of the measurement. Because of these two sources of error, the expected 95% of the reading is about +- six meters. Anyone who plays with a laser long enough will discover numerous instances when the GPS is off, by as much as 7 or 8 yards. You need to know that GPS has a fundamental precision that is looser than the laser. All GPS units that I know of use the WAAS variety of GPS. This provides a base accuracy of +-3 meters, 95% of the time. The unit calculates your distance using a first measurement, made by the map maker, which has this level of precision, and a second measurement, made by the unit at the time of the measurement. Because of these two sources of error, the expected 95% of the reading is about +- six meters.

]]> By: sullivan http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12136 sullivan Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:50:00 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12136 I got a SkyCaddie a few weeks ago and it's great for my game. I'm a 13 handicap, so I don't need absolutely precise yardage to the flagstick. I use the GPS to get the yardage to the back edge of the green, and I pull the club that will get me there with a good swing. That way, if I hit the green, I'm usually in the middle or back half of the surface. Sometimes, even a mishit will get me to the front of the green using this method. I got a SkyCaddie a few weeks ago and it's great for my game. I'm a 13 handicap, so I don't need absolutely precise yardage to the flagstick. I use the GPS to get the yardage to the back edge of the green, and I pull the club that will get me there with a good swing. That way, if I hit the green, I'm usually in the middle or back half of the surface. Sometimes, even a mishit will get me to the front of the green using this method.

]]> By: Keith http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12126 Keith Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:25:05 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12126 Personally I have enjoyed the SureShot GPS which you have pictured above. When I was searching for one the SureShot stood out as the one I thought would give me the most use and enjoyment...it has not disappointed. I can get the yardage, it recommends clubs, keeps score and I can upload and anlalyze each round. I did not find any of the others could do that. It does have the annual subscription of $20 but that is still about half of the others. I bought mine over a year ago and at the time it was the only one availble in color. I have been playing golf for just over a year and my rounds are so much more enjoyable with the SureShot. Keith Personally I have enjoyed the SureShot GPS which you have pictured above. When I was searching for one the SureShot stood out as the one I thought would give me the most use and enjoyment...it has not disappointed. I can get the yardage, it recommends clubs, keeps score and I can upload and anlalyze each round. I did not find any of the others could do that. It does have the annual subscription of $20 but that is still about half of the others. I bought mine over a year ago and at the time it was the only one availble in color. I have been playing golf for just over a year and my rounds are so much more enjoyable with the SureShot.

Keith

]]> By: Jay W. http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12125 Jay W. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:48:42 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12125 Bought a Bushnell Tour V2 laser rangefinder on eBay last month. I liked the idea of exact yardage to the pin instead of front, middle & back of the green estimates, no subscription, no variances due to whoever mapped the golf course and most importantly, the flexibility to range any point that I want. Occasionally, it is difficult to get the correct range to the flag in Pinseeker mode, even under ideal conditions. But understanding how the unit works and having a general idea what the yardage is, avoids any problems. No regrets for choosing a laser rangefinder nor any inclination to check out a GPS unit. Bought a Bushnell Tour V2 laser rangefinder on eBay last month. I liked the idea of exact yardage to the pin instead of front, middle & back of the green estimates, no subscription, no variances due to whoever mapped the golf course and most importantly, the flexibility to range any point that I want.

Occasionally, it is difficult to get the correct range to the flag in Pinseeker mode, even under ideal conditions. But understanding how the unit works and having a general idea what the yardage is, avoids any problems. No regrets for choosing a laser rangefinder nor any inclination to check out a GPS unit.

]]> By: Will http://thesandtrap.com/columns/trap_five/gps_vs_laser_what_makes_sense_for_you#comment-12115 Will Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:47:23 +0000 http://thesandtrap.com/?p=2566#comment-12115 I got a Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Tournament Edition for my birthday last April, and I love it. It was perfect for my High school tournaments, as they were often on courses I had never played before, and, as I was walking, a distance measurement was not necessarily close or convenient. I love it and use it on almost every hole. It's quick and easy, (though blind shots are occasionally a problem, but if the shot is blind your probably laying up anyway...). I recently played at a course with the built in GPS on the carts, and I will admit it was really cool, but I'm still happy with my laser. Besides, what if it's cloudy and you can't get a signal? I got a Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Tournament Edition for my birthday last April, and I love it. It was perfect for my High school tournaments, as they were often on courses I had never played before, and, as I was walking, a distance measurement was not necessarily close or convenient. I love it and use it on almost every hole. It's quick and easy, (though blind shots are occasionally a problem, but if the shot is blind your probably laying up anyway...). I recently played at a course with the built in GPS on the carts, and I will admit it was really cool, but I'm still happy with my laser. Besides, what if it's cloudy and you can't get a signal?

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