How much should I be paying for a yardage laser?

[Channing]

Hi,

 

I tend to play the same 36 holes on a regular basis, so I don't think I need the GPS system (although I am not averse to it). The knowledge of everyone on this forum is very impressive, but never having looked at these things before, I find myself very overwhelmed when trying to decide what brand/model/features I need.

 

I am primarily a weekend golfer with a 16 handicap. I'll play my club tournaments occasionally, but usually just play with my group of friends.

 

Can you recommend a good product for me? I was thinking the Bushnell V2, but that is based solely on what someone at the store told me (who was obviously trying to sell me one).

 

I will most likely look for a lightly used model on these forums or EBay, so any guide as to how much I should be paying for whatever you suggest would also be much appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[Channing]

Any thoughts? Also, is there someplace in the classifieds where I can post a WTB? I'm only seeing WTB for the Lefty forum; everything else seems to be WTS.

Thanks in advance!

[gr8blueheronbird]

I would recommend the leupold GX-1 rangefinder. It is very simple to use. Point and shoot. If your course has prisms on top of the flagstick, then this unit will almost always beep to let you know that it has locked on to the target. I found mine for about $165.00 brand new on ebay. There is a WTB section in the forums. It is located below the BST(Buy/Sell/Trade) forum. Good luck! I hope this info helps you out.

[lost&found]

Bushnell and Leupold are probably the most common rangefinders, but Nikon makes a good one also. Try them out in the store (Golfsmith, Golf Galaxy, Dick's Sporting Goods) and find the one that is best for you. A common complaint, especially from older golfers, is the inability to steady the compact rangefinders. Bushnell makes a larger unit that is more like a set of binoculars. The older models were labeled the 1400, 1500, and 1600. The newest is the Pro1M. It is also the most expensive rangefinder on the market. I happen to be one of those older golfers and I use the Bushnell Tour Z6. It is very compact but after a few rounds I was able to lock in on flagsticks without any problem. The Bushnell V2 is an excellent rangefinder. The salesman was not steering you wrong.

[Jon Robert]

They are electronic devices and they will fail eventually. So buy an inexpensive one. I have a functioning Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport450 and a broken Nikon Laser400. The Nikon had a better belt pouch, the Bushnell pouch was a cheaper one that I had to modify/sturdy up with Velcro and a little sewing. Final analysis buy the cheapest one that has the best pouch.

The reviews of the one I own are completely unfounded. I have had no problems with what the reviewers claimed. That is to say do not let them talk you into buying a more expensive one. I think people are just compelled to bash inexpensive (Walmart golf clubs) and sing the praises of things that cost a fortune (Miura golf clubs)

The Bushnell has a common 9v battery the Nikon a more expensive less common battery - a concern.

Used? It may be defective so you are taking chances. Look for sales on new ones. I use mine frequently and the price prorated over the life is agreeable.

[tommy89]

I have the bushnell V2 and swear by it. I'd buy another if it broke.

[Myherobobhope]

Anyone have any experience with using non-golf rangefinders on the course? I'm actually less concerned with the exact distance to the pin than I am distance to the front of the green, or bunkers or water...

Hunting rangefinders are significantly cheaper from my search.

[Jon Robert]

[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1356806845' post='6134509']
Anyone have any experience with using non-golf rangefinders on the course? I'm actually less concerned with the exact distance to the pin than I am distance to the front of the green, or bunkers or water...

Hunting rangefinders are significantly cheaper from my search.
[/quote]

All the same. A laser - and a electronic read out. It is hard to get the flag sometimes. I frequently/mostly target the bunker, tree or person putting more so than the flag. I have the Bushnell which is not a golf specific range finder. I really don't know if the reflectors on the flag help or not as I have never compared a reflector flag to one without. Hunting one is just fine.

[Myherobobhope]

[quote name='Jon Robert' timestamp='1356814179' post='6134885']
[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1356806845' post='6134509']
Anyone have any experience with using non-golf rangefinders on the course? I'm actually less concerned with the exact distance to the pin than I am distance to the front of the green, or bunkers or water...

Hunting rangefinders are significantly cheaper from my search.
[/quote]

All the same. A laser - and a electronic read out. It is hard to get the flag sometimes. I frequently/mostly target the bunker, tree or person putting more so than the flag. I have the Bushnell which is not a golf specific range finder. I really don't know if the reflectors on the flag help or not as I have never compared a reflector flag to one without. Hunting one is just fine.
[/quote]

I'm just shocked how expensive they are across the board... the cheap hunting ones don't have the "Front Target Priority" system... Oh well.