Laser Range Finders

[intheholebill]

Hello folks,

I am just reasonably new to the game. I am just wondering what peoples views are on lazer range finders? do many people use them? are they worth investing in? I was told I should get one but I just wanted to check before purchasing thank you

[UncleRobot]

It is the best investment you could make. (Along with a series of Lessons).

How far you think you hit it and actually how far you hit it are different and without a method of calculation (Laser Rangefinder) you will be in the dark. You might look into one that has a calculation of slope (not legal for tournament use though) as you will see that not every 150 or 100 yard shot is the same. You would actually be surprised at how many yards they differ depending on the incline or decline of the fairways/greens. You will definitely become a better golfer with it.

[intheholebill]

thank you for your response, sounds like I need to get one!

[HazardMagnet]

"Reasonably new to the game"... Handicap index = 12, wow, great question.

Love mine though... 169yd carry on that lousy 18th hole. Just found that out back on Tuesday. Now that lake really doesn't look as big as it seems. Tin Cupped two into the drink before I cleared it. It was late in the day and I saved that ball!

Welcome to the Sand Trap!

~Tom B.

[jamo]

I've only had mine about a month (Bushnell Tour V2), but I love it. HIghly recommend getting a laser. I've used GPSes before too, but definitely prefer the laser.

[WUTiger]

I wish I had a laser rangefinder whenever I play a new course. There's always a couple of holes where a ridge in front of the green cuts off the bottom part of the flagstick from view. This usually leads to an approach shot that's too long because I over-estimate how far the distance is.

Our home course has on-board GPS systems in the carts, useful except on rainy days. When it's cart path only, you have to guess on "distance to center" because your cart + GPS is 30 yards away from the ball.

One thing I would use it for is calibrating my wedges... quarter, half swing, etc.

[Pretzel]

I wish I had a laser rangefinder whenever I play a new course. There's always a couple of holes where a ridge in front of the green cuts off the bottom part of the flagstick from view. This usually leads to an approach shot that's too long because I over-estimate how far the distance is.

This is the best use I've found for my rangefinder yet. It's a real stoke-saver when you're playing at an unfamiliar course for the first time because you can figure out exactly how far that corner, tree, water hazard, or bunker is etc. Other than that I only use it on my home courses when there's not a yardage marker that I can plainly see next to my ball.

[TourSpoon]

My rangefinder was the best golf purchase I have ever made. It has out performed any club I have ever bought!

[rrobb911]

Yes, buy one if you can afford it. You never realize how much you will use it until you have one.

I bought mine for work and now use it whenever I golf, especially new courses. They are extremely helpful on driving ranges as well if distances aren't marked well.

[TourSpoon]

Yes, buy one if you can afford it. You never realize how much you will use it until you have one.

I have had mine for just over 3 years. I bought the V2 for 299 in 2010. That is like .25 a day. Who can't afford that? I say you can't afford not to have one. Here is the thread I started back then.

I love my Bushnell Tour V2 Rangefinder

[LettucePray27]

I have a leupold gx-3. I absolutley love it. The red led display makes it very easy to read in any condition. It has Improved my approach shots immensely by allowing me choose my clubs more wisely. The course yardages are often far off from the ground marker.

[dsc123]

I always used a GPS app on my phone and loved it, but since I'm trying to play in more tournaments I just bought a refurbished Bushnell V2 Tour on ebay for $180 shipped.  I also think it could be helpful when working at the driving range.  I don't really trust that the distances marked are accurate.

[grubby98]

I never had one until last year when I got back into playing golf serious again. I cant play around without any more. Battery went dead on me during a round and I fell apart, lol. I carry extra batteries now. Not only does it give you yardage, but it speeds up play. No more walking yardage off. Thats the first investement I tell people that want to start playing golf and improving.

[tefunk]

I used a SkyCaddie in the past and was happy with it, but didn't want to pay $40 a year anymore for a subscription. So I purchashed a Leupold range finder this past Spring and have been very happy with it. And I don't have to pay any subscriptions ever again! To echo everyone else who said it, its great for the practice range as well for working with irons and wedges.

[sigfan2340]

Its great for the practice range as well for working with irons and wedges.

This is the number 2 reason I bought my Bushnell Tour V3 this year. So far none of the ranges I went to the yardage markers matched, some where as much as 15 yards off. I would be more pissed if someone stole my V3 than I would be if they took any of my clubs....

[TJBam]

Great question.  I have used a GPS watch in the past and still do occasionally.  But when you need to know, you need to know.  A laser is the way to get you there.  Also it's the best tool for the range as the yardages are never accurate.  Just remember to multiply your yardage by about 1.15 because of the distance control effect of range balls.  That way you REALLY know what you hit, with every club.  Perfect!

[dsc123]

Great question.  I have used a GPS watch in the past and still do occasionally.  But when you need to know, you need to know.  A laser is the way to get you there.  Also it's the best tool for the range as the yardages are never accurate.  Just remember to multiply your yardage by about 1.15 because of the distance control effect of range balls.  That way you REALLY know what you hit, with every club.  Perfect!

I was wondering about this.  I've read that range balls go about 85% of the distance of a real ball.  So if I laser my distances and account for that, do you all think that's accurate enough to really know your distances?

The only alternative I see is to measure the distance of balls you hit during play.  But my course probably has 5 holes that are flat enough to do this, and 2 of them are par 3's.  So that doesn't leave many opportunities unless I'm alone, not playing for handicap, and just spend 10 minutes hitting balls from all different spots.

[TourSpoon]

I never had one until last year when I got back into playing golf serious again. I cant play around without any more. Battery went dead on me during a round and I fell apart, lol. I carry extra batteries now. Not only does it give you yardage, but it speeds up play. No more walking yardage off. Thats the first investement I tell people that want to start playing golf and improving.

Always!