What Rangefinder?

[seochris]

Thinking of getting a rangefinder but not sure which one....leaning towards the Bushnell tour V2 but the one with 'slope' looks interesting! Is it legal in competition?

All views and advice welcome.

 

[fundy]

Slope is illegal in competition

Most people seem to swear by the V2, if buying new maybe worth waiting a few weeks as Bushnell have a couple of new models out at the end of April (Pro1m and i think the Z6) so the V2 may be cheaper

 

[seochris]

Slope is illegal in competition

Even if its switched off.....!

 

[fundy]

Yep, illegal if it has the capability, whether turned on or off is irrelevant

 

[TheJezster]

Do all of these GPS devices require a subscription? Or can you buy ones which dont?

 

[Bobmysterkaymer]

I have the bushnell pro tour 1600 without slope. Extremely good!

 

[fundy]

Do all of these GPS devices require a subscription? Or can you buy ones which dont?

Difference between rangefinders (laser) and gps. None of the lasers require subs, some not all gps do

 

[Foxholer]

V2 is definitely 'the standard'.

Nikon 350G has better optics (6* vs 5* an lens seems clearer) but operation is not quite as good imo. My one also no longer attaches to pins further away than about 90yds - but that is a fault with the unit. 350G is waterproof as opposed to V2 being rainproof. Higher priced Bushnell models are waterproof.

Just remember to stay within view of the pin - otherwise a GPS might be more useful.

And correct. Slope feature means unit is illegal for comps - even if turned off.

 

[Foxholer]

Do all of these GPS devices require a subscription? Or can you buy ones which dont?

No. Some GPS don't require subscription. But OP-er appeared to be querying (Laser) rangefinders.

Advantages/disadvantages to both methods, so down to personal needs/taste really.

 

[seochris]

V2 is definitely 'the standard'.

Nikon 350G has better optics (6* vs 5* an lens seems clearer) but operation is not quite as good imo. My one also no longer attaches to pins further away than about 90yds - but that is a fault with the unit. 350G is waterproof as opposed to V2 being rainproof. Higher priced Bushnell models are waterproof.

Just remember to stay within view of the pin - otherwise a GPS might be more useful.

And correct. Slope feature means unit is illegal for comps - even if turned off.

Then why would anybody buy one with slope as that's the time you surely need it the most?

 

[fundy]

Then why would anybody buy one with slope as that's the time you surely need it the most?

If I was a pro using it to measure the course and make my yardage book pre a tournament then Id def want the slope edition, likewise if I only played friendly games I suppose

Would be good to use one with slope a few times to see just how different the yardages it gives are, and to adjust personal judgement when using normal

 

[Foxholer]

If I was a pro using it to measure the course and make my yardage book pre a tournament then Id def want the slope edition, likewise if I only played friendly games I suppose
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Absolutely agree. Though in the larger comps, there are pre-measured/calibrated course guides available - that have adjustments for slope on them. The wind tends to have more effect than any 'error' from allowing a club or maybe half a club for slope - except in really extreme cases (like 17ths at Gullane 1&2).

 

[swanny32]

I know the V2 is a big favourite on here but I can highly recommend the model down in the Bushnell Range, the "Medalist"......used my pro's V2 and mine side by side and there is no difference what so ever, Medalist is a bit cheaper. Don't see why anybody would bother paying the extra for the V2.

 

[fundy]

I know the V2 is a big favourite on here but I can highly recommend the model down in the Bushnell Range, the "Medalist"......used my pro's V2 and mine side by side and there is no difference what so ever, Medalist is a bit cheaper. Don't see why anybody would bother paying the extra for the V2.

the main difference is the quality of the optics and the magnification. the medallist is only x4 compared to the V2 at x5. I believe the top end one that comes out at the end of the month has x7 magnification which in theory should make it easier to use

 

[G1BB0]

will this make a massive difference for the average club golfer? Only asking as fancy one of these gizmo's myself although the hillman is probably still my 1st choice

 

[fundy]

think initially you may be better off with gps than a rangefinder Gibbo, the argument as to how beneficial it will be depends on knowing how far you hit and the level of consistency in that, hence the gps being more aimed at higher handicappers and lasers at lower handicappers (tho both can have their uses for all golfers)

 

[G1BB0]

yeah but my course isnt on barely any gps units so a gps would really only be used on away days, as most are just friendly knocks then I have golfshot on my iphone.

I understand the reason why a better player would benefit as they are more consistant with their yardages but for a quick scan when unsure a laser would be better imho for me personally

 

[fundy]

what course you at currently?

 

[G1BB0]

RAF Henlow and plan to be there for a couple more years due to finances. Golfbuddy I think is the only one and they are quite pricey

 

[swanny32]

I'm an 18 handicapper and not the most consistent striker of the little white ball but the addition of the Medalist has really helped my game. Takes all guess work out of the equation allowing you to focus on making a good shot. Can't recommend one highly enough to golfers of all abilities.