Golf technology has advanced to a point where most golfers have access to devices that allow them to hit the golf ball more accurately. The golf rangefinder is one such device as it measures the distance to the green, flag, or other markers on the golf course.
These tools are very popular in the golfing community, but there are many different types out there. Investing in one of these cool gadgets may be worth it, but it’s important to recognize that they are not all created equal.
By reading this article you can learn everything you need to know to answer the question how do golf rangefinders work, and so make an informed decision on if they are right for you.
How Do Golf Rangefinders Work?
A golf rangefinder is a device that provides distances to objects on the golf course. They are handheld and use a laser beam to calculate the distance. This is incredibly helpful, especially for most amateur golfers who do not have a caddy and have to estimate the distance manually. This can help with lining up the shot correctly, which will help you to manage your power and produce better shots with well-informed golf club selection.
Golf rangefinders come in different types with Laser rangefinders, GPS rangefinders, and Optical rangefinders. The Laser technology for a laser rangefinder uses a laser beam to detect distance while the GPS system uses satellite signals to provide accurate information about your location. GPS units and laser rangefinders rely on different technologies, so they have their advantages and disadvantages. GPS units require the golf course to be mapped while laser rangefinders such as the Callaway Pro don’t. Laser rangefinders provide measurements from a distance without the need for golf courses or maps because lasers can measure distances automatically.
With technological advances in golf rangefinder technology, manufacturers have taken the technology to the next level by making different versions with varying levels of complex tech. To add to this in recent years it has become much easier to use these devices, with the most advanced options using just one touch to get an accurate reading for your golf shots as well as offering access to advanced features such as slope measurement technology (GolfVisory).
Should I Choose Laser Rangefinders or GPS Rangefinders?
When choosing a golf rangefinder, it is important to first ask yourself what you need the device for and look at several factors (Medium). Do you need it to help with accurate yardages on the golf course? If so, then a GPS rangefinder would be best for you. If you are looking for a device that can be used as a personal training tool to measure shot distances, then a laser rangefinder would be your best option. This is because laser rangefinders are not dependent on pre-mapped golf courses and can provide accurate readings from any distance.
Find Out More In Our Complete Guide: Golf GPS Vs Rangefinder
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Golf Rangefinder
Golf rangefinders can be a great asset to any golfer. However, they are not all built with the same features or quality, and it is important that you know what’s going on behind your lens before using them.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re getting the best possible performance out of your equipment:
- Cleaning: Clean the lenses and eye holes of your device after every use. This will ensure that you have optimal conditions when using your golf rangefinder.
- Light: Make sure that you have enough light to get an accurate reading. If you can’t see well, the accuracy could be compromised.
- Battery: Store an extra battery in case one runs low. The batteries should be replaced at least once a year to ensure they are not losing their charge.
- Distance Measurement: Your device will provide a distance measurement, but it is important to double-check that you are actually getting the distance that is printed on the device by cross-checking the reading against your own intuition.
- Temperature: A rangefinder will not work correctly if it gets too hot. This is why it is important to store your device in a case or glove compartment on hot days.
What Features Should I Look For When Choosing A Rangefinder?
When choosing a golf rangefinder you should always pay attention to the features, technology, and price. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Accuracy: This is what determines how useful the device will be for your golf game. It is a waste of money to buy a rangefinder that can’t get accurate distances. Make sure the rangefinder you choose will provide you with accurate measurements.
- Durability: You will be carrying your rangefinder around all day, so you want to make sure it is built well enough to handle the wear and tear that you will be putting it through.
- Ease Of Use: Make sure you choose a model that is easy to use and simple. If you can’t figure out how it works, it will be a waste of money.
- Battery Life: You will want a device that has a long battery life so you can use it for many rounds of golf. It would be a nightmare scenario to have the battery run out on you when you are getting ready to take your shot.
- Range Distance: This is a very important feature. Make sure that your rangefinder offers a long range distance in order to get an exact measurement of the distance of your shot. This is especially important for professional golfers, but is very useful for all players, especially on longer holes.
- Weight: Make sure that the weight of your device is appropriate for the type of golf bag you will be using. You don’t want to carry a heavy device around all day, so make sure you get one that is lightweight and easy to handle.
- Display: You should ensure that your golf rangefinder has large displays that are easy to read and see. There should be no hassle in lining up your shot, so the size and quality of the display is important.
- Slope Measurements: It is important to choose a product that will show you the incline or decline on the green so you can adjust your shot as needed. Having a rangefinder with this feature will help you make better calculations for your next shot and help with your golf club selection on your approach shots to the green.
Which One Should I Choose?
If you’re starting out and are looking for a great all round option that comes at a good price then the Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder is a great entry level rangefinder. It will give you everything you need to get started so that you can start measuring accurate distances as part of your golf game. You can read our full review here.
This is a great all round rangefinder that offers great accuracy as well as slope technology while providing good value for money.
- Affordable
- Accurate
- Waterproof
FAQs
How Accurate Are Optical Rangefinders?
Golf Rangefinders are pretty accurate however they are not 100% accurate due to things like trees, buildings, hills or any other factor that may alter the laser beam. The accuracy of a rangefinder is typically measured in yards, meters or feet and it varies from device to device. In general, most models are very accurate and it is often stated that they have up to a 3% error margin.
What Do You See Through A Golf Range Finder?
Range finders have an eyepiece which is a magnifying lens that sits just in front of the user’s eye. With this, users can see objects from long distances and get a better understanding of how far they are away from them.
Which Is Better A Golf Rangefinder Or GPS?
A Golf GPS is more accurate than a rangefinder because it uses satellite signals to provide yardage to the target. Rangefinders however can be used on any golf course and do not need to have pre-downloads, which makes them more convenient than GPS devices. In turn this makes GPS rangefinders and their GPS technology easier to use as they do not require any additional set-up or download of a golf course database.
Conclusion: How Does A Golf Rangefinder Work?
In Summary, golf rangefinders have become very useful in the game of golf. They help players get an accurate distance reading so they can choose their best club and make the right swing to achieve a good shot each time with more accurate distances.
There are many factors to consider when finding the best golf rangefinders such as price, size, and durability. To add to this you need to be able to bring your rangefinder out on the course every day in all types of weather, so it must be durable and well-built and able to withstand the test of time.
There is no doubting that in the modern game a rangefinder is a golf accessory worth buying and could change your game for the better. They will help you track the yardage on the course, and make correct club selections which leads to a better score and can help you to improve your golf handicap.
