Which is the Best Golf Rangefinder? Guide for Choosing the Best Golf Range Finder

In this guide we show you how to choose the best golf rangefinder and also recommend the top best golf rangefinder for 2014.

Most golfers are looking for the best golfrangefinder for their game. However, considering the good amount of option to choose from, it becomes difficult to decide which is the best golf rangefinder and even sometimes we end up  choosing a very bad product that we don’t really like. So in this article or guide I will give point and highlight also what you need to look out for so you can choose the best golf rangefinder. 

Golf Range finders are the solution to the most critical aspect of golfing, therefore the needs to have the best gadget or best golf rangefinder is increasingly becoming popular. Knowing the yardage measurement to the target point with optimum accuracy requires a very precise or best golf rangefinder. Be it amateurs or experienced golfers,  players are increasingly using gps or laser range finder for golf to plan their shots and improve their  game. There are two types of golf range finders available in the market: Laser range finders and GPS golf range finders. Both are devices to measure distances between the player and target point, however, both differ in the way they are operated.

Laser range finders calculate the distance by measuring the time taken by the invisible beam of laser to travel from the rangefinder to the target and back. GPS golf range finders determine the distance to the target points through satellite signals. Since the operation techniques of the rangefinders are different, the factors to consider while choosing the best GPS or laser range finders also vary.

Following are the guides and features to choosing the best laser golf rangefinder:

1. Maximum Range and Accuracy – When it comes to the best golf rangefinder, you must consider the accuracy and range of the device. The maximum range coverage of laser range finders usually vary between 800-1600 yards. The maximum range of the range finder largely depends on the reflectivity of the target, which in turn is affected by a variety of factors (like, size, shape colour, surface finish, etc.) of the target.  Under optimal condition, laser rangefinders usually claim to have an accuracy of within +/- 1 yard. The top rated or best golf rangefinder in the market have an accuracy of up to +/- 0.5
2. Ease of Use - The ease of operation of the device by the user depends on the specifications of the device such as dimensions, weight, form, battery life etc. The dimensions and weight of the device help to decide the comfort in handling and carrying the device. The user’s comfort also depends on his preference for the form of device like some may find vertical devices more comfortable, some may prefer horizontal form for better grip in hands for use. The battery life which determines the operating time of the device is also an important factor to be considered while buying a laser rangefinder.
3. Magnification - There are laser rangefinders in the market with no magnification as well as products with magnification as high as 7x. To choose the best golf rangefinder you must consider this point.  Magnification make the objects seem to look closer than seen with unaided eyes. Hence, higher the magnification, higher will be the visibility of the target and chances to hit the target.
4. Cost and Warranty - The price of the laser rangefinders usually range from $200 - $700. The cost of the device largely depends on the features of the product. Better the technology used, higher is the price. Most of the range finder manufacturers offer 1-2 years warranty for the product. If you want the best golf range finder you should be able to spend up to $400
5. Features - With range finders being continuously updated with modern technologies, today the top or best golf rangefinders are equipped with various features to make golf play much easier and faster. Scan, Pinseeker and Slope are the three modes available in laser range finders. Rangefinders with the scan mode on scans all the targets in the range of the device attempting to lock the right target to the distance. With Pinseeker technology,  a golf rangefinder can accurately sense and point to the flagstick ignoring the background clutter like trees that may have stronger signal strength. The Pinseeker technology is also known as PinHunter, First Target Priority and Line of Sight modes. Slope technology aids the measurement of pins at an uphill or downhill.  This feature makes it possible to calculate distances more accurately by taking into consideration the elevation changes towards the target on the golf course. However, devices with slope technology are not permitted for use in tournaments. The users can, thus, choose the device with the appropriate technology according to their requirements.

Factors to consider before buying a GPS golf range finder:

1. Set Up and Operation of Device: For starting setup, the GPS range finders either require installation on a computer or registration on a website and in some cases both. GPS golf devices are mostly not much sophisticates technologically as laser range finders. Hence, they should have only one or very few buttons to operate the device
2. Features: There are GPS golf rangefinders providing various kinds of features and functionality. Some GPS range finders can only measure and display distance to the front, middle and back of the green, while some with advanced features like aerial fly-over maps of each hole, scorecards with analysis etc. most of the GPS golf rangefinders run on rechargeable batteries so the operating time of the battery is also to be considered. Users can choose devices according to their expectation and requirement for the play.
3. Course Availability and Updates: GPS golf range finder devices need to be pre-loaded with courses for it to be able to deliver its function of showing distances to targets. If a course is not mapped in the device, it cannot calculate and display yardage measurement of the targets on that course. Most of the golf GPS rangefinder manufacturers offer more than 20,000 preloaded courses on the devices and also provide for further download of updates to the device. The number of courses preloaded in the device varies from brand to brand. Golfers who play on many courses require GPS golf range finder which has more number of preloaded courses with a provision of more downloads.
4. Cost and Warranty:  Golf GPS devices usually have a price range from $99 to $500. Many manufacturers also charge additional fees for addition of courses to the device. The warranty given by the manufacturers on these GPS golf devices lies between 3 months to 1 year.

Going for a golf Laser range finder or golf GPS range finders completely depends on the user’s preference in terms of ease of use, individual requirements from the device and their passion for Golf. However, choosing the best golf rangefinder require you understand the points mentioned above. Additionally, a critical golf rangefinder reviews would also help you in deciding or choosing the best ranger. You should use a golfrangefinder comparison table for checking features and similarity. For players who prefer a less sophisticated and smaller device, GPS golf rangefinder would be a superior option. Similarly the desires from the device of players would differ depending upon if they are playing golf as a fad or career and whether the player is a fresh or veteran player. Golfers who play for their hobby or are new beginners would fancy a cheaper device than a pro golfer who may want sophisticated device for perfection of his game. Golf Laser range finders being pricey compared to GPS devices would be generally more preferred by experienced and amateur pro golfers.