CaddyTalk Cube Rangefinder

[Pexeter]

I just received my silicone case and it did snug up the tightness a smidge, but like I said before I had shortened the strap by opening the metal case, cutting strap in two, and then overlapping them.  

 

24 minutes ago, kramerica said:

I have used my cube for a few rounds now, and sometimes it will give wildly inaccurate distances. For example, yesterday at TPC Scottsdale, I was 145 yards from the pin based on the cart, but the cube was measuring over 300 yards. There was also a hill directly behind the green so I know it wasn't measuring something in the distance.

Other times, it would measure 10-15 yards longer than what the GPS in the cart and my friends range finder would measure.

I've reset the device a few times by holding down the two buttons for three seconds and then setting it down on a table, but no luck.

 

I just came from a Bushnell V5 that was like this, I hated it.  My cube shoots fast and so far after about 2 months of use haven't had any misreads.  

[kramerica]

1 minute ago, Pexeter said:

I just received my silicone case and it did snug up the tightness a smidge, but like I said before I had shortened the strap by opening the metal case, cutting strap in two, and then overlapping them.  

 

 

I just came from a Bushnell V5 that was like this, I hated it.  My cube shoots fast and so far after about 2 months of use haven't had any misreads.  

I'm glad to hear that so many are loving theirs. I'm hoping mine is just a defective unit.

[izzi]

Now that everyone's had their cubes for a while. What are your thoughts? Positives/Negatives/etc? Have a Bushnell needing to be upgraded and wanted opinions on this new device.

[VA golfer]

Update: I have about 8 rounds now using this range finder and I love everything about it from the smaller size, to the durability to the accuracy.

The caddy feature is very accurate and is a great feature on holes that are cart path only. I think it can compete with all of the big name range finders.

The only gripe I would have is it does not have a magnet to hold it to the cart. Mine has fallen out of the cart 4 times each time it has been in its pouch/case. That is why I mention durability because one of those times was on the cart path at full speed and it took quite a tumble. Each time i noticed it right away so I never lost it.  All in all i highly recommend this range finder.

Side note about the magnet it might not be possible for them to put one on this range finder because it has a built in gyroscope of some sort it was mentioned in the owners manual there is a reset procedure if you start getting unusual yardages. Maybe the magnet would interfere with the gyroscope I dont know.

[izzi]

Thanks for the update. Really think the measure from ball to flag would be huge. 

[Golfcrzy]

I’ve got mixed opinions about the Cube. Mine came with a Green silicon sleeve included in the packaging. 
 

For me, it worked great when the points were approximate, and accuracy was easily double checked. For example, mapping out the backyard for a new fence with CaddyMode. Interface was easy to use once learned, and bright. I also like the side display bc I am one of the many who forgets my number immediately after I read it somehow. 
 

I found it difficult to measure a specific point, let alone point to point, in any replicable manner that I would have confidence in relying upon. Many times, the measurements were dead on. Other times, not so much. I don’t like how large the target dot is in the viewfinder, either - that contributed to many misreads for me. 
 

I attribute much of this to the fact the Cube is extremely light and I do not have the steadiest of hands. I really do need Image Stabilization in a rangefinder, especially one that is so light. While my demo Garmin Z82 can depict a line across the hole view to the distance of the object you just measured, there is no similar confirmation from the Cube if you can’t rely on your hands to get an accurate reading. 
 

Ultimately, the Cube didn’t stick, the demo Z82 remains for more testing, and if I weren’t searching specifically for a device with GPS, the Nikon CoolShot ii would be my choice due to the excellent stabilization. 
 

Bottom line here is I didn’t find it steady enough for this particular Archer to rely on it. If they can stabilize this thing, I’d have one specifically for CPO days as the feature is truly useful. I’ll wait for the next iteration. 

Edited June 7, 2023 by Golfcrzy

[Doaner84]

Before this came out I was just using my regular bushnell with a Pythagorean Theorum app. Worked well. Has anyone done like me and now have cube?  Is it good. 

[Imslimjim]

On 5/7/2023 at 1:44 PM, kramerica said:

 

Which bluetees strap are you using? 

 

I bought this but it was too big so I returned it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WFS78F7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

This one just barely fits, but it is still slightly loose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B76FGRRX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

 

Just an update: I found a perfectly fitting magnetic strap from Spigen (yes that cell phone case manufacturer) that makes a magnetic strap specifically for golf rangefinders. The magnet is strong enough after three rounds, and the strap width is narrow enough so it doesnt impede/block the power/shooting button and the side display. Depending how tight you tension the strap it can be a pretty snug fit compared against other third party straps (ie Blue Tees one where the magnet sucks, and other no namers). I got it off of Amazon for $16 which it still is as of today.

 

"Spigen Universal Magnetic Rangefinder Strap, Wrap, Mount, Securely Holds Golf Laser Rangefinders to Carts - Black"

https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Universal-Magnetic-Rangefinder-Rangefinders/dp/B0BR6BDLQB?th=1

 

In terms of performance its worked well over the past three rounds. I wish it had stabilization especially since this is my first time owning a rangefinder. Within Caddy Mode I wish I could do the continuous scan (hold down button mode) when I need to shoot the pin after shooting my ball/first reference point as I've gotten some slight misreads (as opposed to non Caddy Mode just straight rangefinding). However from a large sense Caddy Mode is extremely useful as I played this weekend where it was cartpath only. 

Edited June 12, 2023 by Imslimjim

[kramerica]

57 minutes ago, Imslimjim said:

 

 

Just an update: I found a perfectly fitting magnetic strap from Spigen (yes that cell phone case manufacturer) that makes a magnetic strap specifically for golf rangefinders. The magnet is strong enough after three rounds, and the strap width is narrow enough so it doesnt impede/block the power/shooting button and the side display. Depending how tight you tension the strap it can be a pretty snug fit compared against other third party straps (ie Blue Tees one where the magnet sucks, and other no namers). I got it off of Amazon for $16 which it still is as of today.

 

"Spigen Universal Magnetic Rangefinder Strap, Wrap, Mount, Securely Holds Golf Laser Rangefinders to Carts - Black"

https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Universal-Magnetic-Rangefinder-Rangefinders/dp/B0BR6BDLQB?th=1

 

In terms of performance its worked well over the past three rounds. I wish it had stabilization especially since this is my first time owning a rangefinder. Within Caddy Mode I wish I could do the continuous scan (hold down button mode) when I need to shoot the pin after shooting my ball/first reference point as I've gotten some slight misreads (as opposed to non Caddy Mode just straight rangefinding). However from a large sense Caddy Mode is extremely useful as I played this weekend where it was cartpath only. 

Awesome. Can you share a picture with the magnet strap on it?

[Pexeter]

On 6/12/2023 at 6:44 AM, kramerica said:

Awesome. Can you share a picture with the magnet strap on it?

 

Spigen & Blue Tees

 

 

[kramerica]

1 hour ago, Pexeter said:

 

Spigen & Blue Tees

 

 

Thanks! Looks great.

[RagnarD]

I returned mine Saturday. I liked the small pocketable size, and the caddy mode was nice when it worked, but in most of my rounds and too many holes, the rangefinder just wouldn't lock on the flag, whether in caddy mode or direct. It seemed to perform really poorly if there were trees behind the flag, where I could shoot it 5 or 6 times, trying the pole, the flag itself, and it just wouldn't give any yardage. Fortunately I wore a golf watch, so would just go for the center reading when I had to give up on the rangefinder and hit. Long press, short press, didn't matter. Same thing, in caddy mode, it always grabbed the ball but often couldn't capture the flag to calculate it out. I also thought that the lens was a bit smaller and harder to look through and the target dot superimposed on it was bigger and fuzzier than I'm used to. 

So it seems like a good concept, but I found it frustratingly weak in its core job of locking on/measuring flags.

I wonder if some mainstream rangefinder brands can figure out how to incorporate a caddy mode.

[RMGC_NV]

No one talking about the humidity/temperature/altitude feature? Lol what gives?

[CougarRed]

On 6/11/2023 at 7:51 AM, Doaner84 said:

Before this came out I was just using my regular bushnell with a Pythagorean Theorum app. Worked well. Has anyone done like me and now have cube?  Is it good. 

Old school!  Love it!

[oskrwgrls]

I just got my Caddytalk Cube this week and have been looking forward to testing it out on the course, not just in the backyard. Yesterday I finally got out and to be honest, my experience was quite underwhelming. I am still very much positive to the rangefinder, but I didn't get the Caddy Mode to work properly, the readings could get quite weird numbers (e.g. 300m when it was more like 65m). But those things aside (could honestly be just me shooting the flags weird), since the main problem for me was the sights in the viewfinder. I can't see them at all, neither the crosshair, the numbers, or anything = I'm pretty much shooting the targets on where I think the crosshairs might be in the viewfinder. I have already made sure to turn the brightness up to 3 (highest setting there is, even though I read of someone having 4 settings in this thread), the battery was at 50% and nothing else indicated that it should not be working properly.

 

Now I'm just checking in with you guys to see if this is something anyone else has experienced before I contact the reseller/Caddytalk?

[stevestrike]

On 7/26/2023 at 12:25 PM, RMGC_NV said:

No one talking about the humidity/temperature/altitude feature? Lol what gives?

I'd love to hear more feedback from those of you who have been using their CUBE for a few weeks now.  Anymore troubles or have things been working smoothly?

[stevestrike]

CaddyTalk is offering a pretty decent discount on their website right now, so I figured I'd buy one a try it out.  I had to read the manual a few times through because this product operates a little differently than any other rangefinder I've used previously.   A couple of points to note in no particular order:

 

The slope adjusted yardage shows up as the main (big) number, and the straight number is the smaller number below. This is opposite of how Bushnell devices work, so I had it wrong all day today.  Also, the bottom number alternates between the straight number and the slope %... It's an odd design decision.

 

E-slope gives you the regular slope, called Magic Slope, plus the adjustments for the Environment, i.e., Temperature, Altitude & Humidity. Unfortunately, I had mine in M-slope all day after misunderstanding the manual so I'll have to test that feature out more in the future.  Also, "Magic Slope" is about the dumbest name I can think of.

 

The manual states that the CUBE uses "a gyroscope sensor that "may be distorted by the surrounding environment (i.e. magnetic field, temperature, etc.)". So I don't know if a magnetic strap is a great idea if you plan to use the Caddy Mode.

 

On that note, I tried using the carry pouch on my belt while playing today.  I didn't expect much because that's not really my thing, but this unit is so small and light that it really didn't bother me.  It also felt safer knowing it was in it's case the entire time.  So no worries about forgetting it when you leave the course and your rangefinder is still stuck on the golf cart and then the cart boys steal it and claim they never found it.  (I'm looking at you, Adam).   Anyway, I bought a couple of magnetic straps but I really don't like the way they fit so I will probably stick with wearing the pouch for now. 

 

There are 3 brightness levels, not 4.  1 for night, 2 is normal, and 3 is for insane people who want to burn out their retina.

 

You don't "shoot the pin" like someone above said they were trying (and failing) to do.  Instead, you sweep slowly back and forth while holding the button down to lock on the to closest target.  This is not dissimilar from how other rangefinders work, like Bushnell.

 

The side panel shows the battery percentage while it's charging, which is nice, but there's no way to view or check it without it being plugged in to charge.

 

We had one discrepancy on a short par 3 when I shot 133 with the CUBE and my buddy got 137 with another brand.  That's a big difference, so we asked the other two guys to measure with their own (Bushnell) rangefinders and they both got 133/134 also.   So the CUBE was as accurate as the Bushnell devices in our group.

 

Last but not least, I almost forgot to write about Caddy Mode.  I guess that's a good sign because there's not much to report back other that it worked, and the numbers it gave me were accurate.  Turn the CUBE on, press the button on the bottom and it's in Caddy Mode.  You shoot the ball, the top display blinks, then shoot the flag and it spits out a number.  It's a fast process that worked surprisingly well.  I tried it several times--on two CPO holes, checking my ball on the opposite side of the hole while waiting for my buddy to hit his shot, and even hitting the par 3 holes without having to walk up to the tee box.  I shot some forward and some backward (ball ahead or behind me) all the number were within a few yards when I double-checked them again while standing at the ball.  Most readings were spot on, a few were within 3-5 yards and I could probably fault my aim for that.

 

 

Hope this helps!

Edited August 13, 2023 by stevestrike

[oskrwgrls]

Managed to get some photos of my viewfinder the other day, and the lacking brightness that is showing. Not at all that "scorching" your eyes (sadly) as mentioned above. Again, anyone else experienced this problem?

 

 

[MattM97]

41 minutes ago, oskrwgrls said:

Managed to get some photos of my viewfinder the other day, and the lacking brightness that is showing. Not at all that "scorching" your eyes (sadly) as mentioned above. Again, anyone else experienced this problem?

 

 

 

That would drive me insane, instant return. 

[stevestrike]

7 hours ago, oskrwgrls said:

Managed to get some photos of my viewfinder the other day, and the lacking brightness that is showing. Not at all that "scorching" your eyes (sadly) as mentioned above. Again, anyone else experienced this problem?

 

 

 

Agree with above, RMA that thing ASAP.  Assuming you've already cycled through the different brightness levels, there's something wrong with yours.

[oskrwgrls]

9 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

That would drive me insane, instant return. 

Haha just about, yes.

 

2 hours ago, stevestrike said:

Agree with above, RMA that thing ASAP.  Assuming you've already cycled through the different brightness levels, there's something wrong with yours.

Yeah, I’ve tried brightness levels, reseting it, charging it completely.. pretty much anything I can come up with.

 

But thanks, I’ll definitely return it then!

Edited August 15, 2023 by oskrwgrls

[Pexeter]

My OSD is blinding bright, but the outer display can be hard to see.  I also haven't had any ranging issues as of yet but caddie mode can bit slightly off sometimes, I always re-range once at my ball though.

[CharlesHillier]

Hei

 

I have a caddytalk cube, and struggle to get pin locks!  

 

I keep getting background distances.  Sometimed it takes 3-4 tries to get the pin.

 

I push power to start, then hold down on power to get the pin lock.  Wrong technic?

 

Caddytalk mode is do cumbersome I hardly try it any more. (Double the pain).

 

Dealer says it  works fine!

 

Any help?

 

Thnx Charles 

[stevestrike]

On 9/10/2023 at 11:27 AM, CharlesHillier said:

 

I push power to start, then hold down on power to get the pin lock.  Wrong technic?

 

Caddytalk mode is do cumbersome I hardly try it any more. (Double the pain).

 

Dealer says it  works fine!

 

Any help?

 

Thnx Charles 

Hold down the power button and sweep the red dot slowly back and forth across the flag (staying inside the green circle!). Aim for the flag itself, or the reflectors on the stick if your course has them.  I'm usually in the habit of shooting it twice because it's not as quick to lock on like the Bushnell units are. 

[oskrwgrls]

On 8/14/2023 at 10:20 PM, MattM97 said:

 

That would drive me insane, instant return. 

 

On 8/15/2023 at 4:57 AM, stevestrike said:

Agree with above, RMA that thing ASAP.  Assuming you've already cycled through the different brightness levels, there's something wrong with yours.

 

On 8/19/2023 at 2:00 AM, Pexeter said:

My OSD is blinding bright, but the outer display can be hard to see.  I also haven't had any ranging issues as of yet but caddie mode can bit slightly off sometimes, I always re-range once at my ball though.

Returned it after your input and the supplier deemed it faulty and sent me a new one - I totally get the blinding bright display now haha

 

Thanks all for your input!

[JRJ-2028]

I just scooped one of these up for my son from Martin Chuck via Tour Striker because of the technology in it and they had a great deal selling it for $297 with the Silicone Case.  Unfortunately I am having the same issue as oskrwgrls.  Inside the reticle is nice and bright but once I take it outside in natural sunlight the reticle becomes transparent and I can not see what I'm targeting.  Looking at the images he posted was huge to let me know I wasn't nuts.  Everyone talks about it being really bright in reviews and Martin Chuck even has a video where he talks about he brightness so I already had an inkling something was off.  At this point I don't know if I should just return it for a refund or get a replacement.  I am really hoping  they don't ding me for shipping costs since it arrived defective.

[oskrwgrls]

20 hours ago, JRJ-2028 said:

I just scooped one of these up for my son from Martin Chuck via Tour Striker because of the technology in it and they had a great deal selling it for $297 with the Silicone Case.  Unfortunately I am having the same issue as oskrwgrls.  Inside the reticle is nice and bright but once I take it outside in natural sunlight the reticle becomes transparent and I can not see what I'm targeting.  Looking at the images he posted was huge to let me know I wasn't nuts.  Everyone talks about it being really bright in reviews and Martin Chuck even has a video where he talks about he brightness so I already had an inkling something was off.  At this point I don't know if I should just return it for a refund or get a replacement.  I am really hoping  they don't ding me for shipping costs since it arrived defective.

I don't know how shipping works where you are, but as mine was faulty I wasn't charged with nay additional shipping costs (as it should be imo). Either way, that thing should get sent back to the manufacturer to they can see whats wrong and adjust for future production.

Hope it works out well for you and merry christmas and a happy new year!

[Matt_S]

On 8/14/2023 at 12:38 PM, oskrwgrls said:

Managed to get some photos of my viewfinder the other day, and the lacking brightness that is showing. Not at all that "scorching" your eyes (sadly) as mentioned above. Again, anyone else experienced this problem?

 

 

Yes, I am having the same problem except much worse. I can’t see anything when it comes to the crosshairs. 

[oskrwgrls]

18 hours ago, Matt_S said:

Yes, I am having the same problem except much worse. I can’t see anything when it comes to the crosshairs. 

Not sure if it’s possible for you, but I got a new one when I returned mine as faulty. 

[Golfcrzy]

My problem was the exact opposite. The reticle overpowered the screen and you couldn’t see beyond the red dot. Was this after a firmware update?