App vs Rangefinder

[Gnucastle]

Hi all, 

Curious if any of you folks have and use both on the course and which one do you prefer? I primarily use the SwingU app and really like it, but it is reliant on how good of a signal you are getting on the course. I do not have a rangefinder yet but am considering it for use at the range and on the course if I get better/faster readings. 

[Pepperturbo]

I use Garmin 6X sapphire watch, which is amazingly accurate along with Garmin Z82 Laser & GPS unit which provides outstanding hole images, and yardages, plus very accurate, except it costs more than other rangefinders.  Both provide fast and accurate yardages and functionality.  Also, have Garmin's Golf app on my iPhone, but it's only used to provide windage to the Z82. 

 

What's best or better than depends on what a person wants to pay.  Good luck.

[betarhoalphadelta]

I use a Garmin Fenix 5X watch, but also carry a rangefinder. The watch only gives me front/middle/back of the green, whereas the rangefinder will give me true distance to pin and distance adjusted for slope. 

 

I don't shoot *every* pin with the rangefinder for approach shots, i.e. if it's a flat hole and I can see where the pin is sitting on the green I'll often go off just the watch. But it's useful enough--especially with the slope feature, than I use it more than enough to be worthwhile. 

 

I don't pull out a phone app for distances. It's annoying to pull out my phone any more than I need to on the course--right now I only pull it out to enter scores in The Grint between holes. 

 

My rangefinder is the CaddyTek model sold by Costco online. There are better models on the market, and there are cheaper models from companies I've never heard of on Amazon, but IMHO it's one of the better values available if you don't want to throw down the cash for Bushnell or Leupold or something like that. 

[AlohaPineapple]

Getting back into golf after several years and GPS/rangefinders are completely new to me.  Have been using golfpad GPS app and haven't really found a need for rangefinder.  Especially in scenarios in which you can't visually see the target area.  Was tempted to buy a rangefinder during black friday but haven't really found strong justification for it.  The slope function/true distance is interesting but technically not allowed in competition (not that it matters to me but I like following those rules)

Edited December 14, 2022 by AlohaPineapple

[Gnucastle]

22 hours ago, Pepperturbo said:

I use Garmin 6X sapphire watch, which is amazingly accurate along with Garmin Z82 Laser & GPS unit which provides outstanding hole images, and yardages, plus very accurate, except it costs more than other rangefinders.  Both provide fast and accurate yardages and functionality.  Also, have Garmin's Golf app on my iPhone, but it's only used to provide windage to the Z82. 

 

What's best or better than depends on what a person wants to pay.  Good luck.

I sort of like the idea of a connected experience on the course between the rangefinder/watch and app. Sounds like that is what you are talking about, right @Pepperturbo? Do all devices sync with each other and how is the Garmin App for stat tracking and score keeping? 

[SE Gamer]

I added a rangefinder this year. Nothing special. Harry Taylor Red Series that was on sale for $149. 

Having used apps previously, the rangefinder is absolutely more convenient. GPS could be as accurate, but I still think the rangefinder is easier and more reliable in respect to that accuracy. 

I still use an App on occasion. For example, I hit a pretty poor tee shot that was compounded by a bad kick off a tree. Ended up by another hole's tee box. Had to either punch back to the fairway or go over some trees. No view of the green. Which had a forced carry due to water in front. Rangefinder was useless in that scenario. GPS gave me a good number and confidence that if I did my part, the shot was doable. 

Short answer. I think there's room for both, but personally far prefer using a rangefinder.

[Is Golf Fun or Work]

Our carts have GPS, so we use rangefinder, they're usually pretty close within couple yards.

[Pepperturbo]

5 hours ago, Gnucastle said:

I sort of like the idea of a connected experience on the course between the rangefinder/watch and app. Sounds like that is what you are talking about, right @Pepperturbo? Do all devices sync with each other and how is the Garmin App for stat tracking and score keeping? 

Sort of, yes.  My 6X watch may have a slightly different yardage than Z82, but usually the same.  The Z82 has functionality beyond my watch.  I use yardage to obstacle and cover obstacle/hazard, water or bunker, score keeping and when finished, it passes some finished data back to my watch, to Garmin Connect and Garmin Golf app.  Though the Garmin Golf app is always open on my phone when playing, I have never looked at it so can't say if it's always the same as Z82 and or 6X watch.  Honestly, at times it's just too much information to look at while playing, so I don't.  However, IMO each is quite accurate and dependable.  The only thing is Z82 and 6X have a learning curves for none technical people.

 

My 6x watch keeps stats, and offers more stats than I actually use.  The Z82 keeps the same stats only more visual, and Golf app does as well.  Garmin App stats are quite thorough, including club distances, SS, left/right of fairways, FIR, GIR, up and downs and putts, plus graphics are really nice.  What I liked is no subscriptions and map, software and firmware updates are easily done when at home and each unit is plugged in to my laptop.

[MattM97]

I like a rangefinder I can shoot various things either off the tee or into the green to know what I need to clear, what danger could be, etc. Plus like others said a lot of carts these days have GPS on them so no need for 2 GPS units.

[Moss Hopper]

I use GolfPad and have for years. Great for stats like FIR, GIR, putts, etc...  I don't use the shot tracker.  Found it to be super accurate.

 

Added a range finder last year and found it to be a distraction. Especially on approach shots when it tempted me to go for the pin too often rather than just shoot middle.

 

This year I plan to use it only for sub100 shots where I need exact yardage and generally go for the pin.

Edited December 17, 2022 by Moss Hopper

[Phreddy]

For a long time I lived off a Garmin watch.  The equivalent of an app without the signal issues.  If it read 180 to the back of a green and 150 to the front I could pull a club between those numbers, hope to get on, take my two putts (please) and move to the next tee.  Honestly, my eyesight is not what it once was.  From 150+ out I can't really tell a front from a middle from a back pin easily.  Now I carry a range finder to supplement the watch and my club selection has been enhanced leading to fewer putts.  One guys experience.

[TourSpoon]

I have been using rangefinders since they became popular years ago. I have always said it's the best club in my bag. I have a score keeping app on my phone that has my course yardages on it, but I don't ever look at it. My rangefinder gives me distance to targets, bunkers, pin, and front of green. The only time I will ask my friend with his watch is when I need back of the green. I think there is value in GPS front, back, middle, but it has never intrigued me enough to buy a device. If I did get something it would probably be simple like the Bushnell Phantom 2. 

[Gnucastle]

1 hour ago, Moss Hopper said:

I use GolfPad and have for years. Great for stats like FIR, GIR, putts, etc...  I don't use the shot tracker.  Found it to be super accurate.

 

Added a range finder last year and found it to be a distraction. Especially on approach shots when it tempted me to go for the pin too often rather than just shoot middle.

 

This year I plan to use it only for sub100 shots where I need exact yardage and generally go for the pin.

Thanks @Moss Hopper. I was at the range yesterday dialing in my >100 yard wedge game. I can see where using the rangefinder would be helpful there for sure. 

 

I think I am going to get an entry level rangefinder at first (Blue Tees, Costco, etc) to see if I use it on a regular basis. Got two rounds coming up in Palm Springs and Scottsdale (during a roadtrip). May be a good test.

 

I do find that my SwingU app is accurate and tracks the stats I like. Maybe there is a spot for both in my game - if so then I'll likely invest in a higher end rangefinder with all the bells and whistles. 

[Binson]

As a walker, GolfPad app with a Smartwatch is how I prefer to play. Easy to track your shots and keep score for yourself or the group as well without the need for the tags. Comes at a really affordable annual price. 

 

I can also pull up the map to see the layout, tap on different areas to get distances to hazards, or the corner of a dogleg.

 

I can guesstimate close enough what it is to the pin from 150 in based on the front, middle, and back numbers.  Hitting it accurately though is another matter.  

 

I have a rangefinder, but I never used it so I no longer carry it. 

[NCDuffer]

6 hours ago, Binson said:

As a walker, GolfPad app with a Smartwatch is how I prefer to play. Easy to track your shots and keep score for yourself or the group as well without the need for the tags. Comes at a really affordable annual price. 

 

I can also pull up the map to see the layout, tap on different areas to get distances to hazards, or the corner of a dogleg.

 

I can guesstimate close enough what it is to the pin from 150 in based on the front, middle, and back numbers.  Hitting it accurately though is another matter.  

 

I have a rangefinder, but I never used it so I no longer carry it. 

Pretty much the same until par 3s…when I get delusional and just have to pull out my range finder as if a 5 yard difference really matters for me.

[firehole]

Rangefinder for me as I don’t want to be constantly looking at my phone when I’m trying to get away from it. 

[TimGru]

I have a rangefinder and a Shotscope watch and rarely use my rangefinder now after getting the watch. I also don’t pin hunt so the front, middle, and back distances are great for me. I mainly use the rangefinder at the driving range now and to see how far people are out from the tee box to know if it’s safe to tee off.

[jomatty]

I have a laser that I use if I need an exact distance.  Otherwise I find the GPS on my phone (Grint) to be quicker.  No worries about shooting the wrong target (not that it is a big worry) and very easy to find distances of intermediate targets or whatever.  Inside 100 yards where exact distance because of pin placement is likely to make a difference I grab the range finder.  I suppose I just got used to using an app before I had a rangefinder so it’s quicker for me, or at least feels that way.

[jordan2240]

Tried a phone app once and couldn't stand it.  Had to do too much fiddling with the phone to get it to wake up and also not very convenient for a walker.  Already had a rangefinder so just stuck with that until I decided to get a dedicated GPS just because I hadn't purchased any golf-related equipment for a while and was going through withdrawal symptoms.  Went with the Bushnell Phantom II in my favorite color of orange.  Now it's my primary distance-finding tool.  Just clip it to the bag and watch the distances change as I walk up to my ball.  Only had one round out of many where I thought the readings were off, so I still carry the rangefinder just in case and also to shoot distance to other objects like trees.

 

So in short, if you are primarily interested in shooting distance, a dedicated GPS is more convenient than a rangefinder, but I like having both.

[Boricua Golf]

Rangefinder for me (Bushnell Tour V5 shift), we do use 18 Birdies for the group play and hole layout (if I haven't played the course), 99% of the time I use the rangefinder...

[596]

I use 3 different

 

Bushnell range finder 

Bushnell gps watch 

Bushnell app 

 

I only use 1 at a time.  All depends on what I bring to the course and whether I'm carrying or using my remote cart.  All three are very fast and accurate. I use the watch the most and the rangefinder the least. 

 

 

 

 

 

[RainShadow]

I use Golfshot app for F/M/B of green and hazards/bunkers.

Use range finder for flag stick.

[CDLgolf]

I use a rangefinder or a GPS. 

 

This might not be a popular opinion but any time someone picks up their phone it just slows the game down. I watch the guys I play with who use an app check it for a yardage then see an email or text they missed so they have to read it and respond. It doesn't happen every hole but it does happen a few times a round.