By Andrew B.
Golf Laser Range Finders allow the user to look through a viewfinder to aim at a flag stick or other target, push a button and obtain highly accurate distance information to the target. Some devices will even adjust the distance reading based on the slope between the user and the target, the temperature, or the altitude. Still, there are a number of questions surrounding the devices and their use. CriticalGolf.com offers you these insights on golf laser range finders and how to choose one.
Are They Legal?
With the USGA’s ruling in Decision 14-3/0.5, laser range finders that measure distance only (as opposed to other conditions such as the slope of the ground, temperature, altitude or otherwise) may now be permitted by a Local Rule. Most courses have adopted such a rule, but if you are competing in a tournament, you should check to see if a laser range finder (or for that matter, a golf GPS device) may be used. Note that the USGA Handicap system requires players to post scores when a device (that measures distance only) has been used, regardless of whether or not a Local Rule has been permitted allowing the use of the device (Rule 14-3 and Decision 5-1f/2 of “The USGA Handicap System” manual).
Devices that adjust for slope (or temperature or altitude) cannot be used in a tournament or in round that is posted to your handicap. They are, however, extremely useful practice devices to learn how much the slope (uphill or downill) between the user and the target affects the distance a ball will travel.
What are the Advantages of Laser Range finders Over Golf GPS Devices?
Laser range finders provide a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages when compared to golf GPS devices. The pros and cons include:
Pros of Laser Range finders
Most accurate method (+/- 1 yard)
Ability to get precise distance to the pin, false fronts or different tiers on the green
Provides distance reading to any point on the hole (provided an unobstructed view is available)
No additional fees beyond purchase price
Some units provide the slope from the player to the target (not permitted in tournament play)Cons of Laser Range finders
Need a clear line-of-sight to the target to obtain distance – if you have a blind approach, you are out of luck
Readings will be impacted by fog, rain (including sprinklers on the course) and extreme light conditions during the day and at dusk – any factor that degrades the overall air clarity
A steady hand may be required to get accurate readings How Should I Evaluate a Golf Laser Range finder?
Golf laser range finders can provide highly accurate distances, and quickly become an invaluable tool to their users. But how can you choose between different makes and models?
Criticalgolf.com evaluates golf laser range finders based on 5 categories:
Accuracy: The most accurate laser range finder readings are obtained when targeting highly reflective objects with bright colors under moderate daylight (overcast days are best). Larger targets, and ones that create a 90 degree angle to the line of sight, will receive the best readings. But almost all laser range finders provided an extremely precise level of accuracy. Where they often differed was in how easy it is for the user to “lock on” to a target, something which is covered in “Ease of Obtaining Readings” below.
Ease of Use: How easy is it to locate targets, read the yardages and graphics on the screen, and navigate between different modes?
Features: Laser range finders all offer the ability to provide line-of-sight distance to targets, but vary in how the user interacts with the device to get the distance reading and the different ways to take readings (such as scanning a course or focusing on a flagstick). Most laser range finders offer a “pin-locating” mode. When such a mode is engaged, if the device detects multiple objects when the laser is fired, it will provide the distance to the closest object. As a result, if the user is targeting a flagstick in front of a grove of trees, a “pin-locating” mode should help the device return the distance to the flagstick, which is closer. In addition, laser range finders that provide slope information vary widely in terms of features, ranging from the bare minimum of providing adjusted distances based on the degree of incline/decline to more advanced units that provide advice on what club to hit based on not just the incline/decline, but factoring in the altitude and air temperature.
Ease of Obtaining Readings: Some of the ways in which laser range finders differ include: how the user activates the device to receive distance readings (do you press-and-hold a button, press-and-release, etc.), the magnification of the viewfinder (which impacts how easy it is to pick out a target at a distance), weight and how the device is designed to be held (with two hands or one hand). All of these factors can impact how easy it is for the user to obtain a reading. We tested each device at different distances, and with different color flags, to determine if certain units stood out (both good and bad).
Cost/Value: Price alone isn’t an indicator of value – does the device provide good bang for the buck?
Where Can I Find Reviews of Golf Laser Range finders?
We’re biased, but we would suggest going to http://criticalgolf.com to see reviews of Bushnell, Callaway/Nikon, Leupold and Opti-Logic devices. There are also a number of forums like GolfWRX.com where individual users post their experiences with specific devices.
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