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Distance is one of the most important pieces of information on any golf course. Knowing how far you are from where you need to be can heavily impact your performance. When you have a clear understanding of where you stand relative to the pin, it becomes much easier to estimate both power and direction to score under par. Most traditional golfers will either go with their gut or consult a caddie, but there are better, more accurate ways to figure out distance.
Even the best budget golf rangefinder can give you essential information to help you navigate the course. Serving you carefully calculated measurements, these devices won’t only help with accuracy but might even speed up your game.
Let’s be real - golf gear isn’t cheap. And the same goes for golf rangefinders. These days, countless options with more and more advanced technologies and features have compounded the cost of a trusty rangefinder. Unfortunately, not everyone is keen on buying such an expensive piece of supportive golf equipment. So if you were hoping to stay within budget without sacrificing the quality of your brand new gadget, consider these factors.
A GPS device will rely on pre-loaded maps and satellites to determine your distance from various key points on the course. They can be relatively accurate, but may also be off by a few yards depending on a variety of conditions. That’s because they’ll have to detect where you stand and then calculate the distance based on your standing point versus the detected elements on the course. They can be convenient however, and they can log all sorts of information including average swing distance and club choice.
On the other hand, the laser rangefinder will detect your distance from key points by physically measuring it out. These rangefinders are pointed to pins, bunkers, trees, and whatever other elements you might find on the course, and they calculate distance in real time. They’re far more accurate in clear weather, but they may tend to sputter and lose some of their precision in cloudy, overcast, or rainy conditions.
TYPE | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|
GPS Rangefinder | ||
Infrared Laser Rangefinder |
On average, GPS and infrared rangefinders will fall within the same price range. Many of these devices can even clock in at under a hundred, making them particularly affordable for even the most budget-conscious golfers. When all is said and done, prices will depend on the extent of the features that the device offers, as well as the brand behind it.
Expect more rugged rangefinders to come at a more expensive cost. Even then, it is possible to find a durable choice within the budget category. Most of those that are priced lower will feature durable plastic bodies that make them especially resilient to moisture damage. On the other hand, it might be important to consider how well a plastic body might hold up against heat, since higher temperatures have been known to damage the internal workings of these devices.
Rangefinders can come with a variety of functions and features to enrich your user experience. The more features it has, the more expensive it’s likely to be. Fortunately, even the most cost-effective rangefinders can come with a wealth of functions that make them efficient on the course despite the light price tag. In general, you should want something that can calculate distances while factoring in other elements like slope.
GPS rangefinders tend to come with more functions that relate to your game, and these can heavily impact prices. Most devices will come with several tens of thousands of maps. Others can keep track of your score, your average distance, and the total time you spend on a round. Certainly, they can be intuitive functional elements, but if you’re really hoping to save up on your purchase, bare minimum functionality can still help you perform on the course.
A budget-friendly favorite, the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder touts a 540 yard detection range. This lets you hone in on a target with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. In effect, you get an especially precise reading that can help you truly fine-tune your swing for professional performance. Lightweight and portable, the VPRO500 weighs no more than 185 grams, and comes with a convenient carrying case and wrist strap for convenient portability. With its ultra-clear lens display, this device lets you lock in on a target or scan the surroundings with real-time distance adjustments.
Able to measure distances in both meters and yards, the Wosports Laser Golf Rangefinder lets you estimate distance based on the metric you’re used to. The flagpole lock feature zeros in on your pin target and maintains the reading on the object you’ve chosen, letting you get an accurate reading even if you’ve got a case of shaky hands. As the device can measure distances of up to 650 yards at 6X magnification, you can be certain that the Wosports Laser Golf Rangefinder will help you make precise shots even on long pars.
The Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Golf Rangefinder is a laser rangefinder that provides excellent performance on both sloped and flat surfaces. The handy, pocket-sized device features a 400 yard detection range. Its 6X magnification power can accurately detect flags, hazards, and other objects on the course to help you get a precise distance reading even with a shaky hand. In case you were wondering, the device comes with a lifetime battery replacement, which means you’ll never have to worry about finding replacement batteries when juice is running low.
If you were more interested in a GPS rangefinder, the Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS is one of the top performers. Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for WiFi-free updates, the design comes pre-loaded with 36,000 different maps of golf courses in 30 countries from around the globe. With simplified controls, auto course recognition, long battery life that lasts up to 2 rounds, and hazard detection on each hole, the Bushnell Phantom Golf GPS promises to ease your experience on the course and improve your performance overall.
Garmin has long been known for their wearable tech, and the Approach S10 GPS Golf Watch is among their most noteworthy golf gear essentials. Designed to be worn like a watch, the Approach S10 is pre-loaded with 41,000 maps of courses worldwide. This gives you ample information on the various holes and hazards littered across some of the most popular courses you frequent. Aside from its extensive database of information, the S10 also features a 12 hour battery life, score keeping functionality, and total distance and time played.
The short answer is yes, you might be able to use a hunting rangefinder for golf, but there are specifics.
For the most part, you’re going to have to consider the unique features that make hunting and golf rangefinders different from one another. A golf rangefinder works with nearest or first target priority. This technology simply means that the device will pick-up the first nearest target within its view. So when trying to capture the flag, the device will automatically disregard any trees or objects behind the flag.
With a hunting rangefinder, the device will likely use distant target priority. When you find yourself in the brush with lots of obstructions in front of your game, you’re going to want a device that can scan beyond the obstacles to lock in on a target that might be hiding behind trees and bushes.
When using a hunting rangefinder on a golf course, you might find it difficult to lock on to a pin. This is especially the case if there are more distant objects behind it that the device might prefer. If you want the best of both worlds, you’d be smart to look for a device that can switch between first and distant target priority technology.
Another thing worth considering is that golf rangefinders are designed to factor in things like slope. A rangefinder with slope detection features can calculate distance while considering the topography of the land you’re stepping on. Most hunting rangefinders won’t really have to account for slope, but they will come with angle compensation. As such, it measures the distance around an obstacle to get to your prey.
Finally, it’s worth knowing that golf rangefinders can come with features that can aid your performance on the green. Some laser rangefinders can tell you what club to use for a specific distance, and others can even keep track of your average launch distance. Sure, these aren’t essential features, but if you were hoping to get a truly efficient aid for your performance on the course, a hunting rangefinder might not provide you the necessary supportive tools to improve your game.
While there are definitely a lot of viable golf rangefinders out there, so too are there countless choices that might not match your needs. As much as possible, any golfer should try to avoid these kinds of rangefinders.
A common complaint you’ll hear about some golf rangefinders is that they can be so full of features that they end up steering your attention away from the game. A rangefinder should provide you with essential information to optimize your game, and nothing more. If you end up relying on the thing like your performance depends on it, then you might end up too invested in the device and not actually in the sport.
They’re called ‘golf rangefinders’ for a reason. While you might think that you’re saving up by using the same rangefinder for your hunting hobby and your golf expeditions, you’ll find that having a separate device for each activity can be far more helpful to your performance in both spheres.
With so much gear already in your bag, an additional hefty rangefinder just might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Avoid buying anything that doesn’t fit your wrist or pocket. A rangefinder that’s too big and bulky will soon find its place in storage as you attempt to minimize your load for more streamlined play.
A rangefinder can be a fine piece of golf equipment that can provide you with the essential information to make the perfect shot. Designed to take out the guesswork, rangefinders can find their place in the arsenal of both beginners and experts hoping to become more efficient on the course.
While a lot of rangefinders can be expensive, the best budget golf rangefinders can provide satisfying performance that can easily improve your game. On our list of the best cost-effective picks, the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder comes out on top. Designed with a range of features that optimize performance for all sorts of golfing conditions. Hence, the TecTecTec is a device you can rely on for consistent results across all of your favorite golf courses.
