Best Rangefinder?

[Scott@84]

What's the best rangefinder out right now?

[bytehoven]

Bushnell 1600 TE is the benchmark standard and the 1500 TE seems just as good.

For smaller size, I like both the Leupold GX-1 and Nikon Monarch 800. I have had both and currently have the Nikon, and while the Leupold picks out and locks on the pin just a little faster the Nikon has a better image. I like that the Nikon has both 1st Target and Distance ranging modes, so the Nikon works well in the field.

For best optics, the Leica CRF 800/900/1200 are best of class, but I'm not sure about their ability to target a PIN as well as the others. There is a new Leica PinMaster unit due any day, and it should offer excellent optics as well as golf specific range finding.

I tried the Bushnell V2 and the Leupold and Nikon are cheaper and better, IMHO.

I have not tried the Nikon/Callaway 550, but it seems once you hit $200/250 the Leupold & Nikon are the best bang for the buck.

Below $200, look for a good deal on a well maintain used unit.

Happy shopping

[sidewinder]

[quote name='Scott@84' post='1891253' date='Aug 16 2009, 08:47 AM']What's the best rangefinder out right now?[/quote]
GPS or laser?

I like both but prefer GPS now. Of the GPS models, I prefer the SkyCaddie SG5.

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[woods991]

skycaddie SG5 is the best going right now. I tried the upro, do not like, hard to use, more toys on it but most of them useless. sold it for a big loss. now using the skycaddie sg5 and love it, if you can find the SG4 last year model it is actually just as good in my opinion as the SG5, I actually like the stick on it better.

[bjackson]

Bushnell Pro 1600 Tournament Edition and don't look back.

[sidewinder]

Here is something I wrote for another psot and it is even more pertinent here:

I used to be a strong proponent of laser rangefinders over GPS units. I still think they are great devices. I even plan on keeping my Bushnell Pinseeker 1500TE in the bag for a while. Once I become comfortable using the SkyCaddie SG5, I will probably sell my 1500TE.

As I have become a better golfer...make that a more intelligent golfer, I find that I am not just whacking the ball as far down the fairway as I can. I score better having full shots into the green and plan for them now. I am hitting irons off of some tees that I used to use driver or 3 wood. Often I am using mid irons where I used to use long irons. Layup information has become critical. On par 5's, I used to always try to reach in two or hit as far as I could. I'd end up in some pretty bad spots more often than not. That does not happen nearly as often now that I am laying up with a plan. A plan that the SkyCaddie makes possible.

Also, I no longer aim at the flag on every shot to the green. Knowing the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green on my target line is critical as well. The IntelliGreen feature is incredible. It makes it easy to plan the best shot into the green. If I have left myself a full shot into the green, it can make it easier to safely pin hunt. Especially with a 9 iron or less.

I am scoring better than ever. Part of that is improvement in my ball striking. But most of it is because of better course management. Course management that really isn't possible with a laser rangefinder.

S-