Laser rangefinder decision?

[andybarc]

Hello all,

Having settled on wanting a laser rangefinder rather than a sat nav device, I am now left with the question as to which one?

I recently used the Easygreen 800, which I didn't get on with. Even when I managed to hit the flag, I never felt confident I was getting an accurate reading rather then the trees in the background. With this in mind I've been looking at maybe buying the V3 by Bushnell (without slope for use in comps). Does anyone have experience of this product? Is it simple enough to use and accurate?

Id id feel more confident knowing others had experienced some joy with it before I she'll out!

Happy golfing,


Andrew

 

[USER1999]

I've got a V2, so can't really answer, but I've never had any issues with it, and given my peroni addiction, that's something! I don't have the steadiest hands, particularly early doors, and it's been fine. You won't go far wrong with bushnell in my opinion.

 

[hovis]

Welcome to the forum. I use a bushel v2 and is spot on accurate and easy to use.

 

[andybarc]

Thanks guys. From what I can see, the major difference between v2 and v3 is the "jolt" thingy, which should make me feel more confident that I've hit the target. I'm not sure if it has a scan option. Does the v2?

 

[BTatHome]

Surely a little common sense will tell you if it's the flag or the trees that are 20/30 yards behind? At least when I had a Nikon that was how I knew if the flag was picked up from longer ranges.

 

[andybarc]

I'm capable of knowing the yardage is obviously wrong, but it makes it a real faff constantly trying to get focus on the flag and can become time consuming. TBH I don't think the instructions on that GreenEasy were any good. I never knew what to point at! Should I aim at the pole? Or the flag? I ended up aiming at the ground at the base of the flag or a nearby bunker and adding yards. Where should you aim the laser?

 

[markgs]

go for nikon coolshot

 

[chrisd]

I've got a v3 and a great bit of kit it is! It vibrates as it locks on which is a bonus and I love it

 

[NorfolkShaun]

I have a nikon, it is a cracking bit of kit love it.

Friend had a bushnell and to be honest I did not see too much between the two

 

[Jackooo]

I've got one of the snooper rangefinders, is perfect. I don't think its as accurate locking onto pins but like BTatHome says, common sense prevails if it picks up the trees behind. What i like about rangefinders as opposed to GPS is that you can get a yardage on anything you want, great for laying up to specific yardages.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

only needs to be as accurate as the rms spread of your shots

 

[pbrown7582]

I've a snooper 500 half the price and great entry level laser. Well worth considering IMO.

 

[3565]

I got the V3 with slope, and when it hits the flag it vibrates. I also have the Bushnell 1500, but go V3. You won't regret it.

 

[Foxholer]

I've had the Nikon 350G,and Bushnell Medalist and V2.

V2 was easiest to use, but didn't indicate when battery was starting to die. I always carried a spare anyway and could check on an early long hole - it tended to pick up bushes 20 yds behind the hole rather than the pin. Nikon system better for me and better magnification, but just a tad fiddly! Medalist was too bulky - and was eventually stolen from bag in clubhouse!

Snooper do a couple of versions that compete and are significantly cheaper than either. Still good quality.

Make sure you get one with Pinseeker or equivalent (Nearest/First Target Priority).

 

[NorfolkShaun]

I've had the Nikon 350G,and Bushnell Medalist and V2.

V2 was easiest to use, but didn't indicate when battery was starting to die. I always carried a spare anyway and could check on an early long hole - it tended to pick up bushes 20 yds behind the hole rather than the pin. Nikon system better for me and better magnification, but just a tad fiddly! Medalist was too bulky - and was eventually stolen from bag in clubhouse!

Snooper do a couple of versions that compete and are significantly cheaper than either. Still good quality.

Make sure you get one with Pinseeker or equivalent (Nearest/First Target Priority).

This is a point I forgot to add about the V2 my friend said his went through a few battery's.

 

[andybarc]

I am feeling happy with the V3 option. The jolt should help me enormously. At my club, there are a few greens with quite some foliage not far through the back which I think causes me the doubts. Hopefully the jolt will overcome this. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'm looking forward to knowing just how off my guesstimates are.

 

[need_my_wedge]

I've got the Nikon, great bit of kit

 

[USER1999]

My v2 goes through a battery every 3 months, but I play quite a lot. I carry a spare one, so I have 6 months worth, so it's not an issue.

It does have a battery low indicator, but it comes on a millisecond before it dies.

Carry a spare, what's the problem?

 

[need_my_wedge]

I've had the Nikon for three seasons, does a battery a season. Like Murph, I carry a spare and replace it once the last spare goes in.

 

[Foxholer]

My v2 goes through a battery every 3 months, but I play quite a lot. I carry a spare one, so I have 6 months worth, so it's not an issue.

It does have a battery low indicator, but it comes on a millisecond before it dies.

Carry a spare, what's the problem?

That's exactly the symptoms I, and everybody else that I know who has a V2, experienced. As I posted earlier, it pays to have a 'reference' or calibration hole that can indicate when battery is on the way out. That was one good thing about the Medalist - I could use rechargeable ones.