Are range finders worth the investment?

[Workit_r2l]

Anyone own one that can justify not needing it or vice versa? Been thinking about buying one due to their popularity amongst golfers these days.

[Bravcon]

Short answer, yes. I always got by with a GPS app on my phone, which I still use occasionally off the tee if it's a blind tee shot. But for getting a yardage to the flag or to carry a bunker, it's so much faster with a rangefinder. Helps with pace of play. I have a Leupold, which works great and is easy to use.

[bmellisen]

Yes worth it. I play a lot of courses that don't have yardage marked very well. Good to use to find needed carry on shots. Helps figure out how far you actually hit shots. Many advantages to having one.

[JStang]

I used to swear by my SkyCaddie or GPS watch and it still serves its purpose but having exact distance to the flag is worth it. A few skins and it's paid for!

[Jsjones]

YES

[Ryan5508]

I always used a gps watch but wanted a range finder.

 

They are worth it. great for giving you exact info the watch cant always give you. A certain tree, group ahead, slope or exact pin distance.

[Shambles]

Reading a distance with reasonable accuracy is way way important to your game and, to my mind, nothing is so easy to use as a rangefinder regardless it's a bit on the bulky and clumsy carry size, even the smallest ones I found. Lets you know how you actually performed and how far the target truly is.

 

 

 

Shambles

[cgasucks]

Absolutely yes.

[kess13]

Yes. Best golf purchase I've made.

[nicoy3k]

Yup

[SetTheBarrHigh]

Agreed with the best golf purchase I've made. It's fast and reassuring.

[casey_0507]

I'd give up the driver if they counted rangefinders as clubs. 125 and under it is worth its weight in gold

[ryan84]

Adding to this, how does quality vary? Is a 200 dollar one that much worse than a 400 dollar one?

[Sean2]

Yes. I finally broke down and purchased one a couple of years ago. It has been invaluable.

[CCTxGolf]

Very much worth it. Can't play without one now.

[Shizeman]

I just bought one after using a GPS for years and wondered if the rangefinder would really help.

 

It's really helped me to hit the correct shot more often on approaches. The GPS to the front/middle/back is ok, but the variation in pin placements can sometimes be a 1/2 club to a full club. For me, knowing the exact yardage let's me be more precise in picking a club that allows me to miss where I need to. Let's you leave that uphill putt when you aren't swinging your best

 

[sheldonjhacker]

Once ya go rangefinder, you'll never wanna play without one! :air_kiss:

[Thrillhouse]

Yes.

 

It really is that simple.

[SubaruWRX]

The overwhelming consensus is correct

[KARL M]

If you play partial swing shots totally by feel with no regard to measured distance, then a laser may not be that beneficial to you. For full swing shots from the fairway or tee box, course markers may be sufficient for you.

 

On the other hand.

 

If you are more analytical, a laser will provide an exact distance. I have carry and roll yardages using an 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 10 o'clock, and full swing with 3 of my 5 wedges. I only have to factor in slope and pin position to decide which club and swing I want to use.

 

The only advantage of a GPS has over a laser, is on an unfamiliar course where you can't see the details of the course. There is nothing as disappointing as hitting a great shot, only to have it end up in a hazard that you were unaware of.

[C_rad]

I honestly have a cash reserve in case mine broke. Just in case. I cant see how i could play without it.

[craz-e]

One of the best investments I ever made with regard equipment, up there with investing in lessons

[buzlin]

Yes. Absolutely worth it.

[Mukky]

I had one that I would use a lot until I got my Garmin S20 watch. It hasn't been used since. The GPS watches are the far better way to go. Way more practical than a range finder

[DivinDave]

I'm a traditionalist, the last of the mohicans, old school and old timey. A rebel. I dont own a gps or a smart phone (thank god).

 

I have fought the battle against golf high-technology and I lost. The light was shown down on me by way of my brother who has a range finder and opened my eyes, if no more than at least a little.

In the process of this metamorphasis, I purchased my own range finder, and it even buzzes when the pin is struck with the laser beam. Its just too good to be true. Along with perhaps making my HCP and couple of stokes lower, so goes the direction of my bank account.

 

Is a rangefinder worth it? Absolutely it is.

[tareatingrat]

I'll echo the above sentiments. Yes, they're nice. I use my GPS watch more often, but when I'm unsure or things look off, it's nice to have.

 

My suggestion: find a used one on Kijiji (or Craigslist or whatever).

[MaitriMike]

Yasssss.

[scrap22]

YES. I use it almost as much as my ball...

[Coheed]

Absolutely...love my leupold; and so do my playing partners ?

[SubaruWRX]

Just bought a new Bushnell Pro X2 as a gift for $369.