Garmin Z80 GPS/Laser Ranger Finder Hybrid - The official thread

[trazy]

Rick Shiels had a video up that to me was basically a big informercial for the Z80. I like his stuff, watch just about every video he puts up - but I couldn't handle this one. It was just a big commercial.

 

I like his stuff too but that video was painful to watch. I couldn't make it past the first minute or so.

[Scottyrocket]

An update from my previous post. I could not get this device to be seen by any computer. I tried two Mac's and two Windows computers. It would charge but just wouldn't be seen. I contacted Garmin and they said send it in or return to the store for a replacement. I turned it into the store but they did not give me a replacement and told me that they would contact Garmin about it. This didn't really bother me as I am not playing for awhile. I will post something when this gets resolved.

[ry1808]

What are the general thoughts on the Z80 now? I love the concept and what it shows but I'm still a little cautions as it is a rev A product. I'll be in the market for a new range finder soon and not sure if I should go GPS & range finder or with this hybrid.

[Hifade]

Recently returned mine and exchanged it for the Bushnell Pro X2. The Garmin was very good (and expensive) but seemed slow and had to "awake" too often. In addition, it was very sensitive too. Slight moves, side to side, were exaggerated and took the target out of view. Due to the technology, it also seemed a bit cloudy or blurred when looking through it. It did have some very cool features, but I was so used to more the point and shoot of the rangefinders and so I went back to that. The folks at Moon Golf, at their Melbourne FL store, were awesome and gladly worked with me. If you are ever in their areas (Melbourne, West Palm and/or Vero Beach....go see them. Their stores are stocked full of everything you can imagine, but more important, with qualified and knowledgeable folks.

[Oufcfan]

After downloading an update for it a few weeks ago, the compass suddenly was way off, so the when lasering the pin, it would show the line as being in a completely different direction. I tried recalibration but it didn’t work, I also redownloaded all maps etc to no avail.

I emailed the customer service and sent the device (just the device itself) back to Garmin and received a new one yesterday with all accessories too. This was 4 or 5 days after sending it back.

 

I’m taking the new one out today so hopefully there’s no other problems but I’ve been impressed with their customer service so far

 

[freddi22cl]

anybody have the SL1 Active Hybrid Laser Rangefinder With Green Undulation?

 

the BUshnell hybrid is bland. Leaning Garmin Z80 or Voice Caddie's SLI.....unfortunately cant find any reviews on the Voice Caddie

[Btpdx]

I have an SL1 and am posting a mini review shortly. Feel free to check it out. Short answer is I recommend it after 10 rounds with it!

[Rimmy7]

Hi,

I have been using the unit for a couple of months and just wanted to let people know that if you put the rangefinder in the case the opposite way (eyepiece facing down) it is much easier to get in and out.

[Morry]

Back to Bushnell - Z80 too gimmicky, sleeps, blurry and too slow. Great idea that needs 2 or 3 generations before ready in my view

[T-3]

Any other long term reviews?

[Muller21QQQF]

to be honest I've purchsed a rangefinder and now I'm confused about its use... How to use rangefinders?

[T-3]

Bumping this question. I see several people have sold theirs - Anyone still using?

[Leroysettle]

I still have and use mine. I think its a great GPS/Range finder. Only thing that sucks is having to plug it in to charge but once you get used to doing that its great. The "sleep" mode and everything people are complaining about in this thread is really no big deal to me. I would definitely get it again.

[Xander_Reigns]

I think this thing is priceless. If any of you share my enthusiasm for exploring parts of the course that are not supposed to be in play, this is the range finder for you. I agree that it is a bit slow; however, i normally walk, and i simply pull it out before i get to my ball. For more advanced players that want/need distance to the front/middle/back for the shots they are trying to execute, this thing is basically like having a caddie. It has also come in handy when playing events at courses i am not familiar with. It provides carry distances off the tee and allows you to set your driver carry distance as a preset. This allows you to see exactly how far your ball will fly and give you a reasonable landing zone.

[JEbrake81]

I just got one, tried to turn it on, nothing. Plugged it in, indicator LED went solid blue and hasn't turned off since I got it and I can't do anything with the device. Won't recognize it on the computer, won't turn on....super disappointing right now

[donuts]

Garmin is a POS company.

I emailed them regarding an idea for the z80. Right now with the slope function on it only shows the adjusted yardage and not the raw number. All other brands show both. It would be an incredibly easy change to software. They were not interested. Garbage customer support and no customer engagement.

[kok]

love the z80 and all its features. only thing is i wish i could scroll through the maps when i am not on the course. Cant do that at the moment.

[Qwiklap]

I am interested in trying this rangefinder. My course has no flag sticks -- so having something with GPS would be awesome. Anyone selling these at a big discount yet? I don't want to pay $500.