GPS + Rangefinder?

milfordj · July 26, 2008

I have been happily using the Pinseeker 1500 Rangefinder for past year, but am now thinking of purchasing a GPS to use in addition to my 1500. I know that's one extra "item" to be hauling around with me when playing golf (and I already tote too much "stuff" with me), but feel that it would probably enhance my enjoyment by being able to enjoy the benefits of GPS whenever outside 150 yds (QUICKLY locate hazard distances, distance to center of green, distances when obscured, and ability to easily determine distance of shots I've hit WITHOUT trying to put that tiny aiming circle atop the flag or edge of bunker, etc while trying to block the sun with part of my hand and holding the finder steady enough with my shaky hands). I would still use my 1500 inside 150 yds when I can more accurately determine pin distance and club selection, but am curious to know if others use the combination and benefits / disadvantages that might not be apparent. I am still debating which GPS and constantly read all the forum entries regularly. Rather than trying to decipher abbreviated text messages on the Guru, I am leaning toward the Sonocaddie V-300. My eyesight isn't very good and I feel it would be nice to be able to easily see the hazards layed out on the hole as depicted in their website and in their user manual which I downloaded. Would appreciate any and all comments regarding my choice of whether or not to pursue this further, and whether the V-300 can be carried in pocket from cart on CPO courses (already have towel and insulin pump fastened to my belt) so I don't have to carry it in addition to several possible clubs. My home course just removed the 150 posts and the concrete block markers must be searched for just like the sprinkler heads (I assume for appearance-sake). Thank you for your help.

square · July 26, 2008

The Sonocaddie V300 is small enough to be carried in your pocket. Another option is to use the heavy duty belt clip that comes with the unit.

The screen is large with bright, vibrant color graphics. The yardages numbers are especially large, very easy to read.

I have been happily using the Pinseeker 1500 Rangefinder for past year, but am now thinking of purchasing a GPS to use in addition to my 1500. I know that's one extra "item" to be hauling around with me when playing golf (and I already tote too much "stuff" with me), but feel that it would probably enhance my enjoyment by being able to enjoy the benefits of GPS whenever outside 150 yds (QUICKLY locate hazard distances, distance to center of green, distances when obscured, and ability to easily determine distance of shots I've hit WITHOUT trying to put that tiny aiming circle atop the flag or edge of bunker, etc while trying to block the sun with part of my hand and holding the finder steady enough with my shaky hands). I would still use my 1500 inside 150 yds when I can more accurately determine pin distance and club selection, but am curious to know if others use the combination and benefits / disadvantages that might not be apparent. I am still debating which GPS and constantly read all the forum entries regularly. Rather than trying to decipher abbreviated text messages on the Guru, I am leaning toward the Sonocaddie V-300. My eyesight isn't very good and I feel it would be nice to be able to easily see the hazards layed out on the hole as depicted in their website and in their user manual which I downloaded. Would appreciate any and all comments regarding my choice of whether or not to pursue this further, and whether the V-300 can be carried in pocket from cart on CPO courses (already have towel and insulin pump fastened to my belt) so I don't have to carry it in addition to several possible clubs. My home course just removed the 150 posts and the concrete block markers must be searched for just like the sprinkler heads (I assume for appearance-sake). Thank you for your help.

Viking Golfer · September 14, 2008

Just a BUMP ! to this thread :good:

I intend to carry both a GPS device and a Laser Rangefinder with me on the golf course, as I think I get the best from both worlds here:

■ The Laser Rangefinder is great from 150 yards and in to get the EXACT distance to the pin and for use on the driving range to measure your distances there.

■ The GPS Golf Device is great to use from the tee to measure distances to bunkers and rough in the fairway (so you don't have to laser point bunkers 250 yards out - which demands a VERY steady set of hands) and also great on curved dog leg holes, where a Laser Rangefinder is useless. Also like to keep my score on the built in electronic scorecard on the GPS device.

So all in all - enough reasons for me to get both devices :hi:

mesegrn · September 14, 2008

I have a skycaddie and a bushnell 1500 slope edition. I prefer the bushnell because of the pinpoint accuracy. My buddy says its 207 to a back pin, I say 200. The bomb would be something that does both, you know it is possible!!

Berndog2 · September 14, 2008

i like to use both esp. when people i'm playing with want me to give them their yardage on every shot, i just hand them the gps

Redhaze737 · September 14, 2008

Just a BUMP ! to this thread :good:

I intend to carry both a GPS device and a Laser Rangefinder with me on the golf course, as I think I get the best from both worlds here:

■ The Laser Rangefinder is great from 150 yards and in to get the EXACT distance to the pin and for use on the driving range to measure your distances there.

■ The GPS Golf Device is great to use from the tee to measure distances to bunkers and rough in the fairway (so you don't have to laser point bunkers 250 yards out - which demands a VERY steady set of hands) and also great on curved dog leg holes, where a Laser Rangefinder is useless. Also like to keep my score on the built in electronic scorecard on the GPS device.

So all in all - enough reasons for me to get both devices :hi:

Totally agree. I also use both. They both have a purpose. The laser is more accurate, but the GPS can tell give you distances to obstacles that are difficult to see and/or laser like hidden bunkers and hazards. GPS is especially useful when playing a new course and wondering how far away that bunker/hazard/whatever is when you can't even see the hazard.