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GPS or Rangefinder?

 

rangefinder

GPS or Rangefinder

GPS or Rangefinder? When it comes to finding yardages which is best? Getting distances by using on-course yardage markers is time consuming and, often, inaccurate. Plus, with today’s yardage technology, why would you? The technology on the market today – golf GPS systems and laser rangefinders – are great options for accurately determining your yardages, but both have advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at each option’s pros and cons to decide what’s best for you: GPS or Rangefinder.

GPS

Pros

  • Provides front, middle and back of green distance.
  • Steadiness is not required. A GPS gives distance without having to aim and accurately “hit” the target.
  • Users can obtain the distance of targets, even when they can’t see it.
  • Fully featured models provide bonus features, like hole layouts, scorecards and statistics.
  • A GPS can be cheaper, especially if it is a smartphone app.

Cons

  • While many come preloaded with courses, users are usually still required to register them online before use, regularly update the device via the computer, as well as download newly added golf courses as needed.
  • With all the features available, and the ongoing updates required, the learning curve for use is much bigger.
  • Less accurate than a rangefinder. Weather, trees and other satellite interferences can affect GPS readings.
  • Short battery life. Users must remember to charge it after each round.

Rangefinder

Pros

  • No need to download courses, register the device online or stay on top of updates.
  • The learning curve is much smaller than that of a GPS.
  • More accurate. A laser will give almost exact yardage to any target that can be seen, including the actual flag.
  • Substantial battery life.

Cons

  • More susceptible to human error – steady hands are required to ensure the user “hits” the right target for a reading. Windy weather and distance can complicate this.
  • Unable to measure the distance of objects that can’t be seen.
  • Rangefinders are usually more expensive.
  • No front, middle and back of green distance. While you may be getting the exact distance to the pin, it’s not always apparent where on the green the pin is located.

My hands are steady, therefore I enjoy using a rangefinder. However, very windy conditions do make it more difficult to hit the target. Most courses have reflecting devices on the flag stick to make the measurement easier to attain. Because the yardages are so accurate, I am able to get an exact reading to “the back edge of the bunker” or the “front of the green”. Furthermore, the view in a laser is magnified greatly so I can easily see where the pin is located.

In the end it’s up to you. Either choice will get you the important yardages that are necessary to play great golf.