Should I buy a rangefinder?......

[sheldonjhacker]

[00ogopogo]

If you are more than recreational do it. Knowing your true yardage and subsequent shot performance, invaluable.

 

With minimum 6x magnification.

[Pearson10M]

I have had both a Handheld GPS and Laser. I got rid of the Laser and am trying to dump my Garmin G6 for a GPS watch that just gives info to the green back, center, front and some info on hazards and lay-up distances.

 

I found that the Laser was cumbersome to use. Drag it out, laser, decide on club, put laser away, grab club, hit. Repeat until near or on green. The handheld GPS was not as bad, as you could quickly pull it out of your pocket, or if using a handcart, leave it mounted on your cart. In the pocket though, some times it turned off or changed screens.

 

I find the GPS is good enough re: distances and accuracy for my needs. I didn't find the Laser Rangefinder any more valuable for the 'hassle', compared to the GPS coupled with course yardage markers. I don't need to know within 1 yard the pin or a location. If I am within 5 yards, that's good for me. I am also very good at estimating distances, usually +/- 5 yards within 150 yards from pin. People I play with are pretty impressed with my ability to do this. Another reason for no real need or desire for a laser.

 

I have played with guys that laser everything, and it sometimes slows play. One foursome I was in, the other three lasered every shot with 200 yds of the pin. Really added time to the rounded, and none of them were even close to shooting par.

 

I like the idea of a simple gps that I can wear to quickly check yardage especially on a new course, but don't think I will every get another laser.

[spring70]

Trying to sell my Garmin S6 and will be picking up a Nikon Coolshot 80vr

 

Bushnell seems to be the standard? what makes you choose the Nikon?

[KCCO]

Borrow a playing partners, or one from pro shop if at a private course and see if it is something you will use more often than not. You may use once to get your irons dialed in, and frequent the same course, then have hanging from your bag and not getting used very often. Or you may use quite often playing a variety of courses, then I would say definitely necessary. Maybe some things to consider

[Precision Pro Golf]

Precision pro is a lower cost alternative that watches these boards closely. Great customer service and my buddy that has one really likes it. Decent rebates right now also.

 

What Cfmgolf said... You can use discount code GOLFWRX for $20 off our rangefinders. :)

[saksittb]

I definitely recommend the Neo Ghost for basic distance calculations. It also has the shot distancewhich can measure your drive and the hazard yardage.