Which Laser Range Finder

[edgey]

Hi

I am sure this may have been asked before but...

I have some Xmas money that i want to spend on a Laser Rangefinder. My choices appear to be between a

Bushnell Tour V2 or a Nikon 350G

I would like a Leupold but i cant find a UK supplier. Anyone got any first hand experience or know where i can get a Leupold from?

Thanks for your help

Edgey

PS I have a Skycaddie before the GPS/Laser debate begins

 

[Chrimbo]

Look in this months mag as they have a test on various laser rangefinders and GPS units.

 

[Up_Point_1]

I was in exactly the same quandry before Xmas. I tested both the Nikon and the Bushnell rangefinders on the course and personally found the Bushnell slightly easier to use.

I did some digging around on the net and managed to get one for £199 which is the cheapest i've seen anywhere. Have had it for a month now and have to say it's a great bit of kit.

UP1.

 

[Macster]

Bushnell Tour V2 for me, VERY easy to use.

 

[SharkAttack]

Still not sure about these. I know they give you exact measurements to the flag but only if you can see the flag or for that matter the ditch or bunker you may want lay up short of.

How are they in the wind? I mean when the flag is moving about.

 

[Ethan]

I have a Nikon. Very easy to use, in my opinion, but dunno if the Bushnell is better. I expect there is not a huge difference.

 

[ColinR]

Still

How are they in the wind? I mean when the flag is moving about.

Even easier as the flag is stretched out.

 

[ColinR]

Bushnell Tour V2 for me, VERY easy to use.

Same as.

 

[SammmeBee]

Bushnell Tour V2 for me, VERY easy to use.

Same as.

Thirded....

 

[rickg]

Haven't tried the Nikon..... I have the Bushnell V2. Superb, even in windy conditions...the pinseeker mode picks up the flag in a flash.

 

[TRS30]

I have the Bushnell 1600 slope and find it excellent.

 

[didsbury_duffer]

Simple - none. Trust your own eyes and ability. Spend the money on either lessons or upgrading some part of your kit instead.

 

[SammmeBee]

I have the Bushnell 1600 slope and find it excellent.

No good for playing competitions though.....

 

[TRS30]

No good for playing competitions though.....

I'm going to show my ignorance here, why not?

 

[SammmeBee]

No good for playing competitions though.....

I'm going to show my ignorance here, why not?

You can only use ones that measure distance only - not slope in comps....from R&A:

The R&A and USGA first allowed the use of distance-measuring devices in January 2006.
Prior to this, while the use of yardage books was allowed, the use of distance-measuring
devices was prohibited by Rule 14-3. The change introduced in 2006 permitted the
committee in charge of a competition or course to introduce a Local Rule allowing distance measuring
devices. A very important proviso of this permission is that the device must
measure distance only; it must not measure other conditions such as wind speed or
direction, the slope of the ground or the temperature.

 

[TRS30]

Thanks SammmeBee.

I think they might be banned in comps in my club in general. Didn't get it for comp really anymore, more practice round etc.

Good to know though...

 

[rickg]

Simple - none. Trust your own eyes and ability. Spend the money on either lessons or upgrading some part of your kit instead.

The pro's use them for practice rounds prior to a competition so they can accurately mark the course planners. If they don't trust their eyes and ability, then I don't see why I should have to.
My game has definitely improved as result of owning a laser device. I will still have lessons and I will still upgrade my equipment as and when necessary. I don't see why it has to be a choice of either/or.

 

[ColinR]

Simple - none. Trust your own eyes and ability. Spend the money on either lessons or upgrading some part of your kit instead.

Winner of the poorest advice so far in 2010.

 

[SS2]

Simple - none. Trust your own eyes and ability. Spend the money on either lessons or upgrading some part of your kit instead.

Winner of the poorest advice so far in 2010.

Some people don't need yardage devices. A good friend of mine plays off 3 and has the natural abilities to (a) accurately assess the distance to the pin and (b) hit the ball that distance. I, meanwhile playing off 13, can determine the distance using my Sky Caddie but usually fail to hit the ball the right distance.

 

[USER1999]

I think that is partly the difference between golfers with a real feel for the game, and those who go by the numbers. I have a mate off about 5, and he will hit whatever club he feels like, pretty much any distance. 125 yard 4i being the classic. As a result, to him, a distance measurement is almost irrelevant, as he plays it as he sees it.

For me, I like to know the yardage, so some sort of DMD is useful (also avoiding the usual lazer/gps argument).