subject: Golf Rangefinder Checklist - Learn What You Need [print this page] Golf rangefinders are the rage amongst both amateur and professional players, which is a far cry from the days when it was first introduced. Then, its use was limited to a few professionals and amateurs with money to spare. But as with all things in golf and in life, rangefinders eventually became an essential part of a golfer's arsenal to shoot the ball into the hole.
Also, rangefinders now come with a wide variety of features at affordable prices. Golfers have no excuse not to purchase one for their own use on the greens. And speaking of purchase, how exactly do you choose the best golf rangefinder?
Consider the Budget
You have to consider your budget simply because a golf rangefinder is not as important an accessory as, say, the golf shoes. You want to purchase the rangefinder with the most value for your money - more useful features at a reasonable price coupled with durability.
Start with rangefinders in the amount of $150 and then move up the scale for comparisons. Just keep in mind that just because a rangefinder is the most expensive on the shelves does not necessarily mean that it is the best for your needs.
Consider the Features
While considering the purchase cost of the golf rangefinder, you also have to take into account the after-sales costs. These are costs necessary to keep the rangefinder in useful condition including the easy availability of maps about the golf courses in your area. Your considerations will include the features in each type of rangefinder. As you probably know by now, there are two basic types - lasers and global positioning system (GPS).
Let's start with the laser rangefinder that, obviously, use laser to calculate distance to an object. Its most notable merits include its extreme accuracy to within a yard, two at most, as well its wide flexibility in working at every golf course. You can use the unit out of the box - no computer hookups, no membership fees and no subscription plans.
However, a laser rangefinder has its demerits. You should have a steady hand as the laser should be accurately aimed at the target although it cane easily be overcome with practice. Also, what you cannot see, you cannot measure so much so that hills are the Achilles' heel of the laser rangefinder. Plus, you have to deal with limited features that are standard on the GPS models.
Now, moving on the GPS type, you have the benefit of many features depending on the model chosen. Just to name a few of these features:
* Distance can be measured in virtually all sides of the green - front, middle and back
* Any target can be pinpointed and the distance calculated regardless of physical obstacles along the way.
* Overhead view of the target hole is easily available
* Scores and stats can be kept and tracked
On the downside, GPS models are less accurate their laser counterparts. You also have to pay for subscription fees to the maps of the golf courses, which add to the initial purchase cost. Take note, too, that not all greens are available from the service provider, which means that you may well revert to the laser rangefinder.
