Seasoned players know the importance of golf rangefinders, and the best golf rangefinder can accurately measure distances within a yard or two. By getting the right estimate of where your target is, you can then make a proper assessment as to which club will be best suited to attempt that shot. Through this blog, I wish to present a guide on choosing the right rangefinder.
What is a golf rangefinder?
In a nutshell, they are a useful piece of equipment that measures the distance from the ball to the target in the most accurate way possible. Based on how different golf clubs work, you can choose one amongst the five different golf clubs that are usually found in a golfer’s bag. Every club has a unique application, and it covers different distances. So to have a good time on the turf, you will require the best equipment that precisely decides the distance between you and your target. Just like a binocular, rangefinders can usually be spotted by veteran golfers at the course who are looking towards their target.
Types of rangefinders:
GPS rangefinder – Advanced by nature, these rangefinders rely on GPS satellite triangulation, and show you distance within 5 yards of your target. Not being the most accurate, these are often overlooked by veteran golfers. It comes equipped with a GPS rangefinder device, and an onboard map showing different locations on the course. Manufacturers of these equipment work in association with course authorities to regularly update their systems. After switching on the device, the rangefinder will connect to one of the available GPS satellites, and show the turf accurately.
Laser Rangefinder – Most commonly used amongst seasoned players, these types of rangefinders use a laser beam to adjudge the distance between you and your target. Your target usually has a reflective surface, and this helps in attaining high levels of accuracy for your shots. With laser rangefinders, there is no need to download any map and get connected to the internet. You can attain highly accurate results in a fraction of a seconds, but on the downside, this rangefinder does not work if it is not able to trace the reflective surface.
Optical rangefinder – Unlike other rangefinders, this one does not rely on laser or GPS. They use lenses to measure distances, and you can zoom into your target, and convert the height to measure distances. Being clunky and inaccurate, these kinds of rangefinders are avoided by most veterans.
Choosing the right golf rangefinder –
Try and opt for a laser rangefinder, because they tend to be the most accurate and although pricey, they should comply with regulations in competitions and tournaments. Depending on your budget, you should aim to get the best value for your buck. If you are on a limited budget, optical rangefinders might suffice your needs. Nonetheless, spending money to get a laser rangefinder is a worthy option.
Accuracy is another key criterion, as it tells you the distance from your target which is of high importance in Golf. Based on the distance, you can either choose a fairway wood, a hybrid, or a short iron. It’s okay if you compromise on digital readings and aesthetics, but accuracy should never be compromised.
It’s also important for the rangefinder you intend on getting to last long, and so it has to be highly durable. Construction of materials used like metal should always be preferred over plastic. Also, it is always a good option to have a rangefinder that is waterproof or water-resistant so that it is of use in all weather conditions.
The display on the rangefinder should be bright for daylight, and you should not find yourself struggling to figure out the readings on your rangefinder. Battery life should never be given an afterthought, as both GPS and laser rangefinders are battery-operated, and if you feel your batteries are draining out, it’s always a good idea to carry spare batteries.
The rangefinder should also offer a decent range so that it does not fall short of locating the target. Not all golf courses lie on the same gradient and they might differ in elevation. This leads to uphill and downhill shots which brings us to the slope-measuring feature. And it becomes all the more important to get a rangefinder that does not miss out on this feature.
