Garmin Z82 vs Bushnell Pro XE / Pro X3

[Walkerdb7]

Anyone used both? 
 

Would expect Bushnell to have better accuracy and be easier because it uses a normal battery 

 

Garmin has more data? Might be cluttered to look at and it’s an extra thing to charge? 
 

hoping some real world insights have something more in depth to break the tie? 

[Howie]

If durability is important, Bushnell products do not measure up. I've had two lasers and one watch- all lightly used- fail just outside their warranty period and the best they would do is offer a small discount off a new product.

 

I've moved on to better products. 

[Miker20890]

really enjoy my z82 which the hole graphic on the screen and easy to find lay up numbers.

[Walkerdb7]

On 4/8/2023 at 12:03 PM, Howie said:

If durability is important, Bushnell products do not measure up. I've had two lasers and one watch- all lightly used- fail just outside their warranty period and the best they would do is offer a small discount off a new product.

 

I've moved on to better products. 

I’m replacing a tour V3 which was a tank. Lasted me a solid decade 

[SwingBlues]

On 4/9/2023 at 8:49 PM, Walkerdb7 said:

I’m replacing a tour V3 which was a tank. Lasted me a solid decade 

Yeah, my Medalist laser, still going strong, more than a decade 👍

[Walkerdb7]

Used the X3 last week. First time with slope. Granted I am not playing not playing in Colorado, but it's Chicago. We have wind and weird temperatures..

 

I was disappointed how frequently the "plays as" number was the same as the flag number... felt like I bought something I almost didn't need, haha

[Wardonation]

So if I get the new XE rangfinder. Can i use slope without the elements or is it automatically combines?

[Walkerdb7]

I believe elements comes from the Bluetooth connection to the phone app. I would suspect that you could do it by not connecting to your phone and that slope is native on the device.

[Wardonation]

On 5/5/2023 at 5:28 AM, Walkerdb7 said:

I believe elements comes from the Bluetooth connection to the phone app. I would suspect that you could do it by not connecting to your phone and that slope is native on the device.

Thank you.. I am going to get it then. I play a lot fo tournament golf and I just want the "raw slope" number. How many up or down the shot plays. I love the red optics and the X3 is the only Bushnell finder that has it anymore.

[Walkerdb7]

I can also say, the tech on the Garmin is super cool... but I find the screen and and delay in locking on the target brutal. If Bushnell could make something with Garmin like features, that would be the goat.

[Armidoro]

I've been using the Bushnell Pro XE for almost 5 years now, and it's been amazing. The slope feature is great and really helps when you play in different countries  

[chinaski]

On 5/7/2023 at 8:37 AM, Wardonation said:

Thank you.. I am going to get it then. I play a lot fo tournament golf and I just want the "raw slope" number. How many up or down the shot plays. I love the red optics and the X3 is the only Bushnell finder that has it anymore.

 

You can't use the slope in Tournament play. You have the option to turn it off though. I have the V4 Shift. IMO slope is subjective due to height and spin. I would prefer a better GPS with Green view and FMB than slope. Hoping Garmin releases a better version and/or Bushnell comes out with their own.

 

I will add that I am a little disappointed in the V4. I have gotten plenty of misreads where I pick up the trees beyond the flag. Sometimes I have to spend more time than I would like making sure. 

Edited March 15 by chinaski

[Redbird]

I’ve had both.  The Z82 is finicky locking onto the flag.  Yes it’s packed with data and the GPS in the view finder is nice, but it struggles as a range finder.  I would wager the X3 paired with the Bushnell app is probably the most complete package.  Plus you don’t have to worry about charging the finder after every round.  

[Walkerdb7]

Yes, I ended up buying both, trying them both and quickly pivoting to the X3... I thought I had the latest and greatest and Bushnell drops another new one!

[chinaski]

On 4/11/2023 at 2:12 PM, SwingBlues said:

Yeah, my Medalist laser, still going strong, more than a decade 👍

 

I lost my medalist and replaced with a V\5 shift. The medalist actually did a better job picking up the flag. I have had a few misread with the V5 that had cost me shots by over shooting the green. I now make a point to at least know the center of the green distance before commiting. 

 

It has made me want to try the Z82. 

Edited March 22 by chinaski
V5 not V4

[Pepperturbo]

I have been using a Garmin Z82 since it was introduced.  It's very dependable, accurate and does provide a lot of data.  I especially like the full hole image on the inside left with various yardages, and that it finds yardage to the pin when it's out of sight, thanks to GPS and Laser functionality.  However, I caution people who are technically challenged, Z82 has a learning curve and it's not cheap.  Maps are regularly upgraded, and it connects to Garmin Golf on my iPhone.

 

I haven't found charging to be an issue as I also wear a Garmin Fenix Pro 6x Sapphire watch that provides yardages on 40k+ courses around the world.  Typically, both are charged at the same time.

[chinaski]

I just noticed the Z82 was on sale. I haven't been paying attention. Is there a new model coming out?

[Redbird]

On 3/22/2024 at 10:17 AM, chinaski said:

I just noticed the Z82 was on sale. I haven't been paying attention. Is there a new model coming out?

I chatted with Garmin. The CS reps are unaware of any upcoming product releases. 🤷‍♂️

[chinaski]

11 hours ago, Redbird said:

I chatted with Garmin. The CS reps are unaware of any upcoming product releases. 🤷‍♂️

Something has to be in the works. It was released in 2020.

[Redbird]

14 minutes ago, chinaski said:

Something has to be in the works. It was released in 2020.

Or they’re finished making range finders. 🤷‍♂️