Laser Rangefinders, User Tips?

[CosmosMpower]

I've always used GPS but my wife bought me a Leupold GX-3i for my birthday this year. I really like it but still trying to figure out how to use it efficiently. It's pretty small and somewhat difficult to hold steady to get a reading. Also the flag poles are so skinny it's hard to shoot at so I usually try and shoot at the flag but it's hard to tell if you're picking up the flag itself or something behind it.

 

The GX-3i has a feature that beeps when you lock onto a prism on a flag pole but I've only had success a few times even when it feels like I'm dead on the prism. Any tips from you long time rangefinder users on how to best use this tool would be much appreciated.

[avgjoe]

here's a basic one: leupold is push & release, not push & hold-

[ew25950]

I have the same model as you Cosmos, push and hold is how I use mine 99% of the time. Push and hold is scan mode, you will either lock on the prism and hear the beep (if your pins have them) or just look for the lowest number. Where is the prism on your pins? I would swipe over the pin where the prism is and if that fails shoot the flag. If there is no prism just shoot the flag.

I definitely had a learning curve with my GX-3i for the first few rounds. I wear a ball cap while playing and will anchor a finger or 2 on my hat bill to stabilize if needed. Until you get more comfortable with your laser, I'd also recommend knowing roughly how far you are before you shoot it. I don't mean to walk off distances, but simply have an idea if you can see the 150, 100 or other course markers.

Good luck and let us know how you like it when you get further into using it.

[golfingchuck]

Just takes some rounds to get used to it. I have the Nikon laser and I don't have very steady hands but have gotten better at it. On courses with the prisms it pretty easy but with out them I just have to try and hit the flag.

[CosmosMpower]

I have been shooting the flag but in the strong TX wind that can be inconsistent as well. I also tend to get 10 yard differences shooting the flag itself and the base of the pin.