Golf is no different. It’s a sport that generates debates. Tiger Woods, or Jack Nicklaus, is the best golfer of all time? Which would you prefer to play at, Pebble Beach? Which would you prefer to win: the Masters or U.S. Open?
Many golfers are also unsure about which device to buy: a laser rangefinder, or a GPS golf device?
Many golfers who have started to play in the last three seasons are discovering how much fun it can be. They now decide to invest in their own equipment rather than relying solely on the borrowed or used gear they acquired. This includes not only clubs and balls, but also accessories that will help you lower your scores. For example, a distance measuring device.
It can be difficult to choose between a GPS or laser rangefinder, as both devices are capable of measuring distances. However, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. Discover how each distance-measuring tool works, and consider a few common situations to help you make an informed purchase.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser rangefinders? All laser rangefinders work on the same principles. The unit emits a beam of laser light which hits the object and bounces back. The device measures the time taken for the light to bounce and, because light speed is constant (at the very least in terms of practical rangefinder use), it can calculate how far away the object is.
The main differences between laser rangefinders are the speed of calculation (all units are fairly quick), the quality of the images in the viewing screen, the magnification level in the viewer and any extra features like water resistance.
Many laser rangefinders have a feature called “slope”. They can determine if a target is downhill or uphill and then calculate the distance, angle, and distance to produce a distance to play that may be greater or smaller than the straight-line distance. These features are legal for recreational players, but they are not allowed in tournaments. Golfers can disable slope features on laser rangefinders for tournament play by sliding a button.
They are usually equipped with a protective carrying case that can be snapped onto a golf bag. Many also have a magnet on one side, which allows players to attach them safely to a golf cart’s roof supports for easy access. Many come with a carrying case which can be snapped onto a bag. Others have a magnetic side to allow players to attach the device to the roof support of a golf cart for easy access. Some laser rangefinders have Bluetooth technology, and they can be tethered to a smartphone in order to get weather and atmospheric conditions. This will make it easier to measure distances.
Laser rangefinders are great for many reasons, but they also have two drawbacks.
You need to have a clear line of sight. On the tee of a par 3, or on the fairway, it is not a big deal. But if you’re off the fairway or can’t see your flag or if trees are blocking your view, then a laser won’t work.
It can also be difficult to get accurate distance measurements from a laser for bunkers, hazards, and other features of the course. You can zap a bunker’s lip or a creek but you have to take several measurements to determine how far away the hazard and how much distance you must hit to clear it.
For pros and experienced players, these shortcomings are minimal. They use yardage book in tournaments and frequently scribble notes on laser rangefinders in yardage books. Lasers provide them with the accuracy they want, down to the flag.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of golf GPS devices?
Wearable golf GPS units, like a wristwatch, are also available. Handheld units, which look similar to smartphones, are also available. GPS devices work by connecting to satellites that orbit the Earth. After connecting with multiple satellites simultaneously, GPS devices then use internal software in order to determine which course you’re playing and where you’re located on that particular course. Map software can tell you how far away from bunkers, water features, and other parts of the course you are.
Basic GPS units display yardage from your current position to the front middle and rear of the green. But some GPS devices have colorful touch screens with sophisticated software that allows them to do so much more. The GPS devices can show the distance and yardage to a bunker. You can touch the screen and determine the distance to a layup area on par 4s or par 5s. Some allow you to adjust the location of the hole on the screen.
This information can be reassuring for inexperienced players and simplify club selection. If you’re a golfer who has trouble breaking 90 or 100, it is better to know the distances to the front middle and back of the putting green than the exact distance to your flag.
GPS devices have this shortcoming. The GPS devices can’t pinpoint the exact location of a hole. This is a deal-breaker for many of the better players.
What game should you choose?
Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and the relationship between laser rangefinders, golf GPS devices and your game can help you choose the right device.
A laser rangefinder is a great choice if you’re an experienced golfer who plays the same course every time. You will appreciate having precise numbers for your approach shots. If you know the course well, you can judge the layup area and recovery shot if necessary, even if your tee-shot goes into the trees. Lasers are a great way to know exactly how far away the flag is on par-3s and fairways.
A watch-style GPS or handheld GPS is a great option for golfers who play many courses and want to be able to calculate the distance to hazards and bunkers from the tee.
Consider these models:
