Jump to content
IGNORED

Birthday present, which one?


charliek98
Note: This thread is 3513 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Hi, my birthday is in about a month and the only thing I really want is a golf gadget! I'm trying to decide between a bushnell laser, or a GPS watch. My concerns with a watch are that it's not accurate. A friend if mine bought a garmin, and it was up to 40 yards off? My concern with a laser is that I won't use it all the time(because if laziness to go to bag every shot), and if I'm in trees or not able to see the pin, I'll be unable to use. If the watch is accurate to <5 yards, that's fine with me because I'm only a 12 handicap so it's not incredibly important, I just want the right tool to help me, any and all input is encouraged!
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I don't think I'd like golfing with a watch on, so personally I'd get a rangefinder. I don't know why I don't have one yet.

-Rich

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

  • Moderator

If I had to chose one, then the range finder.  There are cheap apps for smartphones that have GPS.  My SkyDroid app was $2.

Scott

Titleist, Edel, Scotty Cameron Putter, Snell - AimPoint - Evolvr - MirrorVision

My Swing Thread

boogielicious - Adjective describing the perfect surf wave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Hands down, the rangefinder.  You'll use it on every single hole of every single round of golf you play.

I have both, and while each has it's place, I seldom even bring the gps along unless it's a course with which I'm completely unfamiliar.

In David's bag....

Driver: Titleist 910 D-3;  9.5* Diamana Kai'li
3-Wood: Titleist 910F;  15* Diamana Kai'li
Hybrids: Titleist 910H 19* and 21* Diamana Kai'li
Irons: Titleist 695cb 5-Pw

Wedges: Scratch 51-11 TNC grind, Vokey SM-5's;  56-14 F grind and 60-11 K grind
Putter: Scotty Cameron Kombi S
Ball: ProV1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I have the Garmin S1. Very accurate. I love the fact I can just look down at my wrist and know the yardage, even when in other fairways. I have always golfed with a wrist watch, so I don't even know it's there. I have yet to golf more than 27 holes with the Garmin, so battery life hasn't been an issue. I hear the Bushnell Neo X has a much longer battery life. We have occasional outings where we play 36 holes and that is close to the Garmin's capacity (if not exceeded). Front, middle back is really all I need. I can't dial my irons in to the exact yardage. I don't think I'd like to reach into the cart and shoot the yardage all the time. If they built a rangefinder into a watch, then we're talking.

Driver.......Ping K15 9.5* stiff 3 wood.....Ping K15 16* stiff 5 wood.....Ping K15 19* stiff 4 Hybrid...Cleveland Gliderail 23* stiff 5 - PW......Pinhawk SL GW...........Tommy Armour 52* SW...........Tommy Armour 56* LW...........Tommy Armour 60* FW...........Diamond Tour 68* Putter.......Golfsmith Dyna Mite Ball..........Volvik Vista iV Green Bag..........Bennington Quiet Organizer Shoes.... ..Crocs

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
GPS need charged too frequently.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I'd get a watch.

I carry my phone with me when I play and out it in my back pocket. It's a pain at times to pull the phone out to find the yardage to the pin... I vote watch.

Chris

I don't play golf, I play at golf. There's a difference.

TM RBZ driver, RBZ Stage 2 Tour 3 wood, RBZ 7 wood, TM Burner 2.0 4-AW, Cleveland CG16 Black Pearl 56* sand wedge, Yes! Golf Valerie putter, Snake Eyes golf balls, TM stand bag

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I disagree with the majority.  I've owned both and much prefer the GPS, but not a watch.  I want more information than the watch can provide, so I have a handheld Garmin Approach  G5 (I believe the newest model is a G6).  The watch can only tell you very limited info, mostly just front, middle and back of the green.  My G5 can tell me every hazard and bunker and most trees, and I can position the pin according the pin location provided by the course (pin sheet or flag color or whatever they use).  It also uses AA batteries so it never needs recharging - I use Energizer lithium and get about 7 rounds per pair.  It also requires no subscription and gets free updates 4 times a year online.

Your friend's experience is not the norm.  I don't know what his issue was but mine had never been more than 2 or 3 yards different from a laser (and usually closer than that), but it can tell me distances when I can't see or focus a laser on the target - over hills, through brush and trees, etc.  It's every bit as accurate as most amateurs need and gives me more information than a laser, so for me it's the best choice by far.

Rick

"He who has the fastest cart will never have a bad lie."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I chose a watch when I was deciding between them. Pulling out a range finder every shot is a pain in the ass for me personally. I don't mind wearing a watch ( I always wear one anyway ) so a quick glance and I get my yardage - and let's be honest - even if it's out a few yards - the majority of us can;t hit to specific yardages anyway.

:tmade: SLDR X-Stiff 12.5°
:nike:VRS Covert 3 Wood Stiff
:nike:VRS Covert 3 Hybrid Stiff
:nike:VR Pro Combo CB 4 - PW Stiff 2° Flat
:cleveland:588RTX CB 50.10 GW
:cleveland:588RTX CB 54.10 SW
:nike:VR V-Rev 60.8 LW
:nike:Method 002 Putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


This is a personal decision that is relative to your own unique personality. No one can tell you which will work best for you until you've tried both.

I am a nine handicap and have both devices, but prefer the GPS watch. I have a Garmin S1, and like vangator, find it very accurate. I also like the feature that gives you the time with just a press of a button. I hate wearing watches, as a general rule, but had no problem adjusting to wearing the GPS watch.

My friend, Jim, an 18 handicap, likes the rangefinder, and doesn't mind getting it out of his bag, shooting the pin, putting it back in his bag, and finally selecting a club. It can be a pain, as stated by Kieran123, but my friend, Jim, prefers the specific feedback of a rangefinder, and he does not slow down anyone in the process.

However, my personal opinion is that, as a general rule, the low handicappers would prefer the rangefinder because of their level of play. After about a 5 or 6 handicap, the GPS device is more than sufficient.

Best wishes on your selection.

Drivers: Bag 1 - TM R11 (10.5°); Bag 2 - Ping G5 (9°),
Fairway woods: #1 - TM RBZ Tour (14.5°) & TM System 2 Raylor (17°); #2 - TM Burner (15°) & TM V-Steel (18°)
Hybrid: #1 - TM Rocketballz (19°); #2 - Ping G5 (19°)
Irons: #1 - Ping i3+; #2 - Hogan Edge  (both 4-pw, +1" shaft)
Wedges: #1 - Ping i3+ U wedge (52°) & Ping Eye 2+ BeCu (60°); #2 - Ping ISI Sand BeCu (52°) & Cleveland CG11 lob (60°)
Putters: Ping B60i & Anser 2, Odyssey White Steel 2-Ball & White Hot XG #9, Lamkim Jumbp grips
Golf Balls: Titleist Pro V1, Bridgestone B330, Callaway SR1, Slazenger Grips: Lamkin Crossline
Golf Shoes: Footjoy & Adidas; Golf Glove: Footjoy StaSof®; Golf Bag: Ping Hoofer
I love this game! :-D

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I prefer the rangefinder and have tried GPS's in the past. I prefer the rangefinder as I can shoot different targets around the hole, like bunkers, hills, trees and other features. I like to shoot the flag and get the distance of that then also the front edge of the green if I can see it when the flags are on the front. For example if I shoot the flag and reads back 129 yards and the front edge is 115 I pull a PW, if the front edge was 129, I would pull the 9 iron. I always try to get my yardage as others are hitting their shots so I don't slow anyone down. A few of my friends have given me crap about using one but yep, they all have asked "What's the yardage to....." at one point or another.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I prefer the rangefinder and have tried GPS's in the past. I prefer the rangefinder as I can shoot different targets around the hole, like bunkers, hills, trees and other features. I like to shoot the flag and get the distance of that then also the front edge of the green if I can see it when the flags are on the front. For example if I shoot the flag and reads back 129 yards and the front edge is 115 I pull a PW, if the front edge was 129, I would pull the 9 iron. I always try to get my yardage as others are hitting their shots so I don't slow anyone down. A few of my friends have given me crap about using one but yep, they all have asked "What's the yardage to....." at one point or another.

I do like the feature to shoot different objects particularly for layups. I have several friends that have rangefinders and I ask them to shoot specific things all the time. My GPS is general front, middle, back unless you get the fancy models (bigger bucks and I'm cheap). I find my GPS is spot on the sprinkler heads in the fairway which shoot he middle of the green. So I'm happy. My iron game has really improved by knowing the distance to the pin.

Driver.......Ping K15 9.5* stiff 3 wood.....Ping K15 16* stiff 5 wood.....Ping K15 19* stiff 4 Hybrid...Cleveland Gliderail 23* stiff 5 - PW......Pinhawk SL GW...........Tommy Armour 52* SW...........Tommy Armour 56* LW...........Tommy Armour 60* FW...........Diamond Tour 68* Putter.......Golfsmith Dyna Mite Ball..........Volvik Vista iV Green Bag..........Bennington Quiet Organizer Shoes.... ..Crocs

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Hi, my birthday is in about a month and the only thing I really want is a golf gadget! I'm trying to decide between a bushnell laser, or a GPS watch. My concerns with a watch are that it's not accurate. A friend if mine bought a garmin, and it was up to 40 yards off? My concern with a laser is that I won't use it all the time(because if laziness to go to bag every shot), and if I'm in trees or not able to see the pin, I'll be unable to use. If the watch is accurate to <5 yards, that's fine with me because I'm only a 12 handicap so it's not incredibly important, I just want the right tool to help me, any and all input is encouraged!

I never thought I'd like the feel of golfing with a watch on but turns out it never bothered me. I have the garmin watch (1st one) its great. never had problems with it. Now they have ones that give yardage to layups so thats even better. As you said its not always convenient using a range finder compared to a quick glance at your watch but the range finder would work better on the driving range. If you're going to spend around $350 get the garmin approach s4 maybe its the s3 the latest one with the layups on it. I think you'll love it and find it tracks more then just yardage. It can tell you how far you drove the ball how many steps you took. Its a great watch

in my :tmade: 25th anniversary r7 bag,

Driver: :tmade: r7 superquad,

Fairway metal: :tmade: rbz stage 2 15*,

Hybrid: :tmade: rbz 3 hybrid,

Irons: 3-pw :tmade: tour preferred,

Wedges: :tmade: atv 54* 58*,

Putter: :odyssey: white ice #9 custom painted

Balls: :tmade: rocketballz urethane

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Wow. This is a hard decision! What is the best rangefinder for the price?

This is the one I use and would not trade it for anything, but it was $399 supper clear and fast.  Leupold GX3i2 Rangefinder.

I did golf with a guy the other day that used Golf Buddy VOICE GPS $119 that seemed to really work great, he had it clipped to his hat.

Mike M.

Irons G30's 4-U.

Hybrid's Callaway X2Hot 3 and 4.

Vokey Wedges SM5 Tour Chrome, 54*, 58*.

Putter Greyhawk, G25 4 wood, G25 Driver.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 3513 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Popular Now

  • Posts

    • Makes sense.  Like I said, I wouldn't have been upset at their original offer either, and based on the fine print it seems like they've held up their end of the deal.  
    • If you've only had to adjust retroactively one time in 8 years and have around 5 people each year without handicaps, that's like 40-50 people total so it sounds like you're doing a pretty good job. I think your questions give enough to go off of. This might be a good way to get new people to actually post a few scores during the 6 weeks leading into the first event. Something like "New members will be eligible for tournament money once they have at least 3 posted rounds in GHIN" or something like that. If they can get 3 rounds in prior to their first event, then they're eligible. If not, they'll soon become eligible after an event or two assuming they play a little bit outside of events.
    • This is a loooooong winded narrative so if you don't like long stories, move on. 😉 Our senior club typically gets about 25 new members each year. We lose about 25 members each year for various reasons (moved to FL/AZ, disabled, dead, too expensive). Of the new members, usually 20 have an active GHIN handicap. About 5 each year do not have a GHIN handicap. When they join our club, we give each member a state association membership that includes GHIN handicapping services. We play a series of handicapped tournaments over the summer. When we sign up a new member who does not have a GHIN handicap, we attempt to give them an estimated index until they have sufficient scores posted to have an actual GHIN index.  Our first event typically is around May 15 so, in theory, a new member has about 6 weeks to post a few scores. Posting season in the Mitten starts April 1. Inevitably, several of the unhandicapped individuals seem  to either not play until the first tournament or can't figure out how to enter scores (hey, they are seniors). That situation then leads to my contacting the new member and asking a series of questions: a. Did you ever have a GHIN handicap? If yes, which State and do you recall what it was? b. Do you have an alternate handicap through a non-GHIN handicap service or a league? c. What do you think your average score was last year (for 9 or 18) d. What was your best score last year? Where did you play and which tee was used? e. What do you consider a very good score for yourself? Based on their responses I attempt to give them an index that makes them competitive in the first couple events BUT does not allow them to win their flight in the first couple events. We don't want the new members to finish last and at the same time, we don't want someone with a "20" playing handicap to win the third flight with a net 57. In the event some new member did shoot a net 57, we also advise everyone that we can and will adjust handicaps retroactively when it is clear to us that a member's handicap does not accurately reflect their potential. We don't like to adjust things retroactively and in the 8 years I have chaired the Handicap Committee, we have only done it once. So here are the questions to the mob: Any ideas how to do this better? Any questions one might ask an unhandicapped individual to better estimate their index/handicap? Would it be reasonable to have a new player play once (or more?) without being eligible to place in the money?
    • Wordle 1,013 4/6 ⬜🟨⬜🟨🟨 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
    • Awesome! I got that a while back with my start word! Wordle 1,013 4/6 ⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨 ⬜🟨⬜🟩⬜ ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...