Should you purchase a GPS unit or a Laser Rangefinder. Which unit
is better and more suited to your game? Which is more likely to help
you reduce your scores? This question has been posed for as long as
technology has made it possible to get accurate distances to key points
on a golf course. But first let's look at both technologies.
The laser rangefinder uses a safe laser beam emitted from the device to bounce back to the unit off objects on the golf course. Sophisticated circuitry and a high speed clock measures the time taken for the beam to be reflected and the distance is determined. It is extremely accurate - within 1 or 2 yards/meters.
A GPS unit receives satellite signals that identify its GPS coordinates which are compared to a database of golf course features and the distance to each is calculated. The calculated distances may vary depending on where on earth the unit is situated since the distances between coordinates vary slightly from the equator to the poles.
For the majority of golfers, the accuracy of the unit isn't a big deal since the average golfer off a handicap of 18 does not hit every 5 iron (or any other club) the same distance every time. A professional golfer or more consistent amateur on a lower handicap on the other hand will demand a more accurate measurement since they have a greater ability to hit every shot to a specific distance.
So, having dealt with the accuracy issue, what about other features of each type of device. What are the pros and cons of owning a laser rangefinder over a GPS unit.
Rangefinders - Do not need predefined course maps with pre-captured locations of key features. Just point the device at any feature and a distance is provided.
GPS - All GPS units require a golf course to be pre-mapped with coordinates to specific features on each golf hole. Some devices allow the user to map these features themselves while others rely on downloading this data from an online database.
Rangefinders - If a course changes, these units will continue to work without any changes necessary.
GPS - When a course or hole is remodelled, the new features will have to be mapped and old features removed.
Rangefinders - No yearly fees required
GPS - To maintain the course maps, an annual fee is usually required to keep the course coordinates up to date.
Rangefinders - You select which features you want yardages to on a hole, including the exact pin placement. You don't have to rely on pre-mapped features.
GPS - Will only provide measurements to specific pre-loaded features on each hole and is some cases this may be limited to just the front/back and centre of the green.
Rangefinders - Requires line of sight to give distances - will not work over a hill or around a dogleg if you and the unit can't see the next feature.
GPS - Will work for features on a hole that you can't see - fairway hazards that are over a hill or around a dogleg and obscured by trees.
Rangefinders - Most units will not record your shots for analysis later
GPS - Many GPS (not all) will keep a track of your shots for subsequent analysis. This can be useful when determining how far you hit each club with real balls in competition conditions.
Rangefinders - Accurate to within 1 or 2 yards/metres
GPS - Can be as much as 10-15 yards out with poor satellite signal strength or position on the earth.
Rangefinders - Can be used on the driving range
GPS - Will not work on the range unless you are able to map the driving range permanent features - this requires safe access to the range and a GPS capable of recording new coordinates against a new "course".
Rangefinders - Most rangefinders are legal for play in handicap rounds. Check your local rules for units that also measure gradient (slope).
GPS - GPS units are valid for handicap rounds provided they only measure distances. The use of mobile phones with a GPS capability are usually not legal since most mobiles have the ability to get more information via other sources such as wind velocity etc.
In the end it may come down to cost. Most laser rangefinders are at least $200 or more while you can pick up a less featured GPS unit for under this figure. You will get what you pay for though as the GPS circuitry of cheaper models may give inferior distance measurements.
So there you have it - a reasonably comprehensive comparison between laser rangefinders and GPS units. Either unit will no doubt be useful to any golfer who wishes to improve their course management and inturn improve their scores and handicap. I highly recommend you add one of these units to your equipment. It will improve your game.
The laser rangefinder uses a safe laser beam emitted from the device to bounce back to the unit off objects on the golf course. Sophisticated circuitry and a high speed clock measures the time taken for the beam to be reflected and the distance is determined. It is extremely accurate - within 1 or 2 yards/meters.
A GPS unit receives satellite signals that identify its GPS coordinates which are compared to a database of golf course features and the distance to each is calculated. The calculated distances may vary depending on where on earth the unit is situated since the distances between coordinates vary slightly from the equator to the poles.
For the majority of golfers, the accuracy of the unit isn't a big deal since the average golfer off a handicap of 18 does not hit every 5 iron (or any other club) the same distance every time. A professional golfer or more consistent amateur on a lower handicap on the other hand will demand a more accurate measurement since they have a greater ability to hit every shot to a specific distance.
So, having dealt with the accuracy issue, what about other features of each type of device. What are the pros and cons of owning a laser rangefinder over a GPS unit.
Rangefinders - Do not need predefined course maps with pre-captured locations of key features. Just point the device at any feature and a distance is provided.
GPS - All GPS units require a golf course to be pre-mapped with coordinates to specific features on each golf hole. Some devices allow the user to map these features themselves while others rely on downloading this data from an online database.
Rangefinders - If a course changes, these units will continue to work without any changes necessary.
GPS - When a course or hole is remodelled, the new features will have to be mapped and old features removed.
Rangefinders - No yearly fees required
GPS - To maintain the course maps, an annual fee is usually required to keep the course coordinates up to date.
Rangefinders - You select which features you want yardages to on a hole, including the exact pin placement. You don't have to rely on pre-mapped features.
GPS - Will only provide measurements to specific pre-loaded features on each hole and is some cases this may be limited to just the front/back and centre of the green.
Rangefinders - Requires line of sight to give distances - will not work over a hill or around a dogleg if you and the unit can't see the next feature.
GPS - Will work for features on a hole that you can't see - fairway hazards that are over a hill or around a dogleg and obscured by trees.
Rangefinders - Most units will not record your shots for analysis later
GPS - Many GPS (not all) will keep a track of your shots for subsequent analysis. This can be useful when determining how far you hit each club with real balls in competition conditions.
Rangefinders - Accurate to within 1 or 2 yards/metres
GPS - Can be as much as 10-15 yards out with poor satellite signal strength or position on the earth.
Rangefinders - Can be used on the driving range
GPS - Will not work on the range unless you are able to map the driving range permanent features - this requires safe access to the range and a GPS capable of recording new coordinates against a new "course".
Rangefinders - Most rangefinders are legal for play in handicap rounds. Check your local rules for units that also measure gradient (slope).
GPS - GPS units are valid for handicap rounds provided they only measure distances. The use of mobile phones with a GPS capability are usually not legal since most mobiles have the ability to get more information via other sources such as wind velocity etc.
In the end it may come down to cost. Most laser rangefinders are at least $200 or more while you can pick up a less featured GPS unit for under this figure. You will get what you pay for though as the GPS circuitry of cheaper models may give inferior distance measurements.
So there you have it - a reasonably comprehensive comparison between laser rangefinders and GPS units. Either unit will no doubt be useful to any golfer who wishes to improve their course management and inturn improve their scores and handicap. I highly recommend you add one of these units to your equipment. It will improve your game.
If you are looking for the best laser rangefinder available on the market today, then I strongly recommend you click here.
For more information on the full Bushnell product range visit bushnellrangefindersales.com.
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For more information on the full Bushnell product range visit bushnellrangefindersales.com.
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