rangefinders.

[golfersam]

hi guys i am really sorry to post
yet another thread on rangefinders/gps, but as i am reletivly new to golf
i would like to now, wat ones are the best basic ones, i dont need ones that choose clubs and all that, what the difference is between gps and rangefinder, how u use them, the pros, the cons, and really any think else you guys have to say on the subject, thanks in advance.
sam

[PiKapp23]

As you have either noticed or correctly guessed, there are numerous posts on this very subject. You can find those easily by going to SEARCH option at top and entering search work of "rangefinders".

This is a subject of great debate for many reasons. The first being 'which techology is better - rangefinder (laser) or GPS? After that such questions as which of these is easier and faster to use and which is more accurate.

Once you're decided which technology best fits what you want and fits your needs best, then you can look at specific brands and models in each. At that point it comes down to price, features, ease of use, accuracy, adaptability, etc. to decide which specific model is for you.

My advice is to look over the other posts, then if possible do actually look at some of these in a retail golf store if possible and see for yourself which you like best. There are numerous reviews online for just about every model available for both rangefinders and GPS units. I personally carry a GPS unit that I am fairly happy with (iGolf Neo), but it does the minimum (and thus has low cost). Some GPS units will do just about everything short of hitting shot for you (I'm sure they're working on that, too).

The biggest complaint with GPS units is usually related to accuracy, how the course was mapped and the fact that the mapped points are static. Biggest plus is simplicity and line of site not required. Rangefinders major complaints consist of some being hard to lock on target and they can be slower to use (experience helps improve this). Most common advantages are adaptability/dynamic targeting and accuracy (they tend to be potentially more accurate by a few yards). Most of these points are discussed in depth between the other posts.

Good luck.

[golfersam]

thanks very much will follw ur advice!

[Clubchucker]

There was also an article on this in I believe Golf Digest this month (that or Golf...I get both and don't remember). They compared GPS devices for their "best" but I also seem to remember them talking about the differences on GPS vs range finders. Might be able to find that article on golfdigest.com

Myself...I chose GPS for ease of use. No steady hand required, no worries about getting a false reading from a tree or not being able to get one because of no direct line of sight, etc. And I'm a 10 handicap....the 2-3 yards more accurate the range finder might be isn't going to matter to my skill level. True, I do have to pay a yearly subscription fee but that's about the same as buying a box of balls.

All comes down to personal preference.