Can you quantify the value of a rangefinder, similar device, to your game?

[GSDriver]

Might save a couple shots, depends on player's skill mostly.  Playing old school by sight and feel is how I used to roll.

 

Only real advantage is quick distances to pin and say the edge of a bunker.  Still need to hit the shot though.

 

I've used SkyGolf GPS and had same Callaway branded Nikon laser for about 10 years now...got it on sale for like $200 when newer models came out.  Had Bushnell previously, it died.

 

As others mentioned, don't spend a ton of cash on a laser, cheap ones are nearly just as good as 'golf specific' big brands...in fact, the Bushnell I had was a hunting model, turns out same internals as their twice as expensive golf model.

[nsxguy]

On 11/25/2020 at 3:40 PM, bladehunter said:

Hate to say it. But I fed that thing batteries for 2 seasons.  Was buying in bulk from amazon.   Sounds incredibly dumb now. ( it was ) but I hadn’t ever owned a modern type finder.  I truly thought it was normal.   
 

worst part is from last convo I don’t think they are going to warranty it.  $500 down the tube.  Plus batteries of who knows how much.  Fingers crossed they can repair it.  The last step alternative is a discount on buying a new one.  I’ll refuse to do that and offer them bad press for it.  I hate to be that guy.  And rarely leave a bad review. But these things are relatively expensive.     If they repair it etc I’ll say the customer service was perfect.  Balls in their court.  

 

I'm a bit surprised you didn't look into battery life after your 2nd or 3rd battery died so quickly on you.

 

I originally had an old Cally RF. It seemed to work just fine but the LCD readout wasn't always so easy to read. Black numbers on a grey background in some light situations can be difficult to read.

 

So I went to the Bushnell Z6 w/Jolt. The red LED readout was much brighter and easier to read and while the Jolt was seldom necessary it was nice to have as flag confirmation.

 

I now have, for the last 2 years, a Nikon Coolshot Pro. Also red LED numbers but instead of Jolt it shows a bright green LED circle around the yardage number. Sort of Christmas-y. 

 

But the downside to LED vs LCD is power consumption. That said the Bushnell, and now the Nikon, still lasts 2 months or so of roughly 3 rounds per week before needing a new battery.

 

Later

 

[bladehunter]

4 hours ago, nsxguy said:

 

I'm a bit surprised you didn't look into battery life after your 2nd or 3rd battery died so quickly on you.

 

I originally had an old Cally RF. It seemed to work just fine but the LCD readout wasn't always so easy to read. Black numbers on a grey background in some light situations can be difficult to read.

 

So I went to the Bushnell Z6 w/Jolt. The red LED readout was much brighter and easier to read and while the Jolt was seldom necessary it was nice to have as flag confirmation.

 

I now have, for the last 2 years, a Nikon Coolshot Pro. Also red LED numbers but instead of Jolt it shows a bright green LED circle around the yardage number. Sort of Christmas-y. 

 

But the downside to LED vs LCD is power consumption. That said the Bushnell, and now the Nikon, still lasts 2 months or so of roughly 3 rounds per week before needing a new battery.

 

Later

 

Lol. Yep in hindsight, I agree.   I guess I just got used to it being dead.  
 

 

side note.  Bushnell won’t get any $ from

me. They aren’t covering it under warranty, just offered a discount towards another one.  This is a tour  V4 , jolt slope etc.  

 

meanwhile the $99 Amazon no name is still trucking.  

[Old Tom Morris]

I love the Garmin GPS.  More important nowadays to have some sort of device as most courses have not been diligent in replacing damaged yardage markers on sprinkler heads since the devices became popular.

[Emthree]

I think they've done more for golfers than any club/ball tech in the last decade.

 

You used to hit a drive, look for a coloured post/plaque and then guess, if you were offline you had to triangulate off that post (an even worse guess) and pull a club. You'd then flush your 7 iron 20 yards over the back of the green and think why the F you were out here playing this game.

 

Rangefinders and radar equipped ranges for gapping mean you can never hit the wrong club, only make a bad swing, so half the battle is won already.

 

Don't need to spend mega $$$ on a Bushnell, just buy the Milessy one from Amazon, it matches the Bushnell to +/- a couple of yards and it probably comes out of the same factory but with last gen Bushnell internals.