GPS or Laser

[Bert]

Apologies if this has been covered before. What are the pros and cons on both? What would you recommend? With christmas nearly upon us and me catching the golf bug, I like the idea of getting something, especially as i am a gadget man. Thank you.

 

[Val]

I have both and I use both, If I had the choice of 1 only it would be GPS.

Main yardages are distance to bunkers or water etc and front, middle, back of greens

 

[apj0524]

I have simple GPS Garmin S3 and Range Finder, generally I use the GPS more, but found the Laser really useful during Greens work when Temp Greens were in play

 

[ScienceBoy]

Laser for its flexibility.

GPS for its convenience and speed.

Try and borrow one of each and see which is best. Personally I like the flexibility of a laser, I can measure anything, anywhere and I have learnt to do it quickly.

GPS will probably always be easier to do without disturbing other playing partners and quickly. Until you are used to it a laser can be annoying to others and take more time than a GPS to get a distance.

 

[Nosevi]

What I've done is use a laser range finder but also have a GPS golf App on my phone - kind of best of both worlds but only forking out for one (think the app cost £20 or so). I use the Golfshot Classic app which saves my scorecards and tracks stats (driving accuracy, scrambling, GIR, putts etc) and then just pull the laser when I want to get pin distance or distance to a given tree. Also means I'm not faffing with scorecards and pencils and once you get used to it entering details so it can track your stats takes quite literally 3 or so seconds. Works well for me

 

[guest100718]

Laser doesnt work in the mist

 

[Bert]

Thanks for the replies. Would you say lasers are for the more accomplished player? I have been using swing by swing on my phone which is good for free.

 

[Nosevi]

Thanks for the replies. Would you say lasers are for the more accomplished player? I have been using swing by swing on my phone which is good for free.

I wouldn't necessarily say so - I used a laser before a GPS. I think both have their merits. The point about lasers sometimes not working well in misty conditions is a good one though.

 

[guest100718]

Thanks for the replies. Would you say lasers are for the more accomplished player? I have been using swing by swing on my phone which is good for free.

they ae for anyone who wants to know the correct distance.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Thanks for the replies. Would you say lasers are for the more accomplished player? I have been using swing by swing on my phone which is good for free.

Remember what I said about 1/2 and 3/4 swings and good pitching, I found a laser essential for practice ground work. It nailed down shots from 30-120 yards using all clubs from LW to 7 iron. I can hit an 8 iron 100, 120 or 140. I can hit my 52* 50, 70 or 90 yards.

Pretty much means I have every 10 yards covered from 30 to 110.

Getting close enough to 2 putt from within 140 yards is the key to capitalising on a solid tee shot or layup.

 

[Dan2501]

Garmin G3 for me. Like the idea of a laser, but for me, having a visual representation of the hole, and being able to quickly see what's behind blind corners, or blind tee-shots is very useful. I've not had my Garmin long, but love using it, has saved me shots on a number of ocassions because picking a club out of the bag is so much less guesswork than it used to be. Can't go wrong with the price of the G3 either, it's a great little machine.

 

[Smiffy]

I used to have a Garmin S1 GPS wristwatch but sold it when I "gave up" about 18 months or so ago. I found it very useful.
Now that I am getting back into it again, I have just ordered myself a Bushnell Neo XS watch. This one is a little more sophisticated as it gives distances to up to 4 hazards on each hole, something the S1 didn't do.
I find a GPS watch much easier as it it so light you don't even realise you are wearing it. And it will give me any information that I could possibly require.
I've tried using a range finder before, but unfortunately after my many years of fornication my hands aren't as steady as they used to be and I end up scanning the horizon for ships. Wobbly ships at that.
So I'll stick with my wristwatch.

 

[duncan mackie]

Apologies if this has been covered before.

excellent earlier thread

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/sh...-use-a-gps-and-a-range-finder&highlight=laser

 

[ScienceBoy]

excellent earlier thread

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/sh...-use-a-gps-and-a-range-finder&highlight=laser

If we never repeated any topics we would probably only have about 40 threads in the lounge (minus current event posts of course, as these would die away quickly).

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

If we never repeated any topics we would probably only have about 40 threads in the lounge (minus current event posts of course, as these would die away quickly).

SILH wakes up with a start! What? Did I hear mention of GPS and laser? Looks around and decides that it's not worth the candle so goes back to sleep.

 

[hines57]

GPS for ease and speed of use. Mine sits on a holder on the golf trolley so is right there every time it's needed.

 

[Bert]

Thanks folks. Sounds like GPS is the way to go so will take a peak on Garmins & Skycaddies website.

 

[chrisd]

I mainly use a Bushnell laser and wouldn't be without it

 

[Imurg]

I have a Garmin G3
It's pretty good.

A couple of months back I decided I wanted a laser so found a Bushnell V2 at a good price.

I used both for a while but have gradually been veering towards using the laser more than the GPS.
Will keep the GPS for when I play away courses but, for now anyway, the laser will be on the bag.

 

[Soft hands]

Im undecided what to get for Xmas was just between a watch or a rangefinder,but with something like the Garmin G3 are they small enough for you to keep in your pocket?