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Off Map Oscar

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  1. Fire
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Josh Parker in Shot Scope Pro ZR - 2024 Forum Review   
    Shot Scope Pro ZR – Official MGS Forum Review by Off Map Oscar
     
    **Introduction:**
     
    Hello MGS community! My name is Oscar, and I’ve been selected to review the Shot Scope Pro ZR. A big thanks to the MGS team and Shot Scope for this opportunity.
     
    A little about myself: I’ve been reviewing and beta testing products in the automotive and off-road industries for years. Although this is my first time reviewing a golf-specific device, it’s not my first rangefinder review. Years ago, I tested and reviewed the Nikon Prostaff i3, though that review was focused on archery. I’ve been using the Nikon for years with great success for both archery and rifle-related activities. I’ll be using it as a baseline comparison for this test, alongside a budget Amazon rangefinder that works reasonably well but has some shortcomings. Hopefully, the Shot Scope Pro ZR can outperform both and prove to be a solid rangefinder.
    I do have some experience with the Shot Scope brand. I’ve been using their V5 watch since it was released. My first watch had a malfunction, but their customer service was excellent and quickly sent me a replacement. I’m hoping I don’t experience any issues with the Pro ZR, but based on my experience, I can confidently say that Shot Scope’s customer service is top-notch.
     
    About My Golf Game:
    I’ve been golfing for just over a year—1 year and 3 months, to be exact. Some friends invited me out for a round on my birthday last year, and after just 9 holes, I was hooked. I ordered my own set of clubs from Amazon (promptly returned becaue they were terrible 🙄🤣) and I’ve been playing regularly ever since. I started with a 40 handicap but, after practicing a lot, I managed to get it down to 27 by the end of last year. Unfortunately, the winter snow in Northern Utah forced me to take a break.
    When the snow melted, I put even more effort into improving my game. I even set up a golf simulator in my garage. This year, I started at a 27 handicap, and as of my last update, I’ve lowered it to a 10. I’ve played about 58 rounds this year and have been focused on data tracking to pinpoint areas where I can improve. One method I’ve used is creating a wedge card with three different swings for each wedge. Using this card, along with my Shot Scope GPS watch for front and back green distances, and a rangefinder for pin distance, I’ve seen significant improvement. My scores have dropped, and my putting has improved dramatically. The rangefinder has been a crucial part of that success, and I’m excited to see how the Pro ZR performs.
    I’ve been chasing even par for the past few months, and my closest round so far has been a 78 over 18 holes. I recently shot a 38 on a 9-hole round, so I’m optimistic that breaking par is within reach. I’m currently taking lessons, and although I’ve experienced a bit of a slump as I adjust my swing, I’m hopeful for continued improvement.
     
    Q&A:
    **How do you plan to test this product?**  
    I plan to compare the Shot Scope Pro ZR with my other two rangefinders during the two league rounds I play each week.
    **What will you focus on in your review and comparisons?**  
    I’ll be looking at several factors: lens clarity, speed of pin lock, build quality, and ease of use. Specifically, I want to see how the Pro ZR compares to my older Nikon and the budget Amazon rangefinder.
    **What would make this product a keeper after testing?**  
    For me, a clear lens that works well in twilight conditions and the multi-color reticle are key. While the Nikon has excellent glass, it lacks a multi-color reticle and slope capabilities. The Amazon rangefinder struggles in low light and takes a while to lock onto the flag. If the Pro ZR can overcome these issues, it will likely become my go-to rangefinder.
    **Why are you excited to test this product?**  
    I’m excited because I’ve been a fan of other Shot Scope products, and I’ve been looking for an upgrade to my Nikon that includes slope functionality. The Amazon rangefinder was fine for the price, but it’s clearly not a high-end product.
    **What do you already know about the product?**  
    I’ve watched a few reviews and follow Shot Scope on Instagram, so I’ve seen their ads and promotions.
    **What are your expectations?**  
    I hope the Pro ZR is a high-quality product, but if it fails to meet expectations, I won’t hesitate to point that out. As I mentioned earlier, I had an issue with one of their products before, but Shot Scope stood behind it and resolved the problem. However, if this rangefinder also has problems, that might be a bad sign. Only time will tell.
     
    Thanks for reading! I should have the Pro ZR in hand soon—the tracking number was sent yesterday. I’ll add pictures of the two comparison rangefinders and do a full unboxing when it arrives. Stay tuned!
     
    Here is the base line for comparison.  

     
    Unboxing the Shot Scope Pro ZR – First Impressions
    Hello everyone! As part of the MGS Forum review process, I’m excited to share the unboxing of the Shot Scope Pro ZR.
    In this set of photos, you’ll find a detailed look at what’s inside the box. From the moment I opened it, everything was well-packaged and organized. The Shot Scope Pro ZR was securely nestled within, and the presentation was quite impressive.
    First Impressions: Great packaging. Nice letter from the shot scope team. Build quality and general in the hand feel are excellent. 
    I play my first round with it here in about an hour so stay tuned for more updates as I dive into testing the Shot Scope Pro ZR. Let me know if you have any questions or need further details!
     





































     
    Final Review of the Shot Scope Pro ZR
    After using the Shot Scope Pro ZR for five rounds, I feel confident in my assessment of its performance. There are some clear advantages to this rangefinder, but it also comes with a few limitations. Here’s my detailed breakdown:
    Pros:
    Lightning-Fast Performance: The Pro ZR is incredibly fast at acquiring distances—noticeably quicker than the two other rangefinders I used for comparison. It’s so fast that sometimes the slope calculation takes an extra moment to display, but this minor delay is worth it for the overall speed. In fact, I’d say it’s roughly three times faster than my other rangefinders. For those who, like me, double-check their range to ensure consistency, this speed really adds up, making it a big advantage. The budget Amazon rangefinder has flag lock, but it takes much longer to lock in a distance compared to the Pro ZR.
    Strong Magnet: The magnet on the Pro ZR is significantly stronger than the budget model. Normally, I keep my rangefinder in the pouch on my bag rather than on the cart pillar to avoid losing it. For this test, I placed both rangefinders on the cart pillar for the entire round, and it became clear that the cheap model slid down the bar with each hole. While it never fell off, I’m confident that a strong impact would dislodge it, whereas the Pro ZR remained securely in place.
    Superb Lens Clarity: The clarity of the Pro ZR’s lens is excellent. It’s much easier to distinguish details with this device compared to the budget rangefinder, and it even surpasses my Nikon in this regard. The Pro ZR provides a crisp, clear view that enhances usability, especially when locking onto distant targets.
    Top-Notch Build Quality: The Pro ZR feels solid in hand, with a heft that gives it a premium, durable feel without being overly heavy. Although I haven’t dropped it or experienced any rough handling, I’m confident it would hold up well. In comparison, the budget rangefinder feels like it’s made from thinner plastic, and I wouldn’t trust it to survive a fall from a cart onto a hard surface.
    Cons:
    Battery-Driven: The Pro ZR is powered by a replaceable battery, and mine, along with another tester's, arrived with a dead one. After about eight holes, I saw the low battery warning. I would much prefer a rechargeable option, like the one included with the Amazon budget model. While the Pro ZR claims to support up to 40,000 ranges per battery, I’m personally more inclined toward rechargeable devices for convenience and environmental reasons.
    Direct Sunlight Issues: The Pro ZR struggles with lens washout when aiming towards a flag with the sun in the background. This wasn’t an issue with the Nikon or the budget rangefinder. The larger lens or the chrome around the objective lens could be contributing to this problem. Additionally, I noticed that when shooting into direct sunlight, the rangefinder would occasionally provide inaccurate distances compared to my GPS watch. I’m not sure if this is due to the sunlight affecting the laser or if I was mistakenly locking onto the wrong target.
    Aiming Reticle Size: A friend who helped me test the Pro ZR mentioned that he found the aiming reticle too large, making it difficult to lock onto the flag. While he appreciated the bold, easy-to-read distances, the reticle size was a drawback for him. He isn’t someone who ranges every approach shot like I do, so this feature may be less of an issue for more frequent users.
    Overall Thoughts:
    The Shot Scope Pro ZR is a fantastic rangefinder with impressive speed, strong build quality, and excellent lens clarity. However, it does have some limitations, such as being battery-driven and the issues with direct sunlight. These might not be deal-breakers for everyone, but they’re worth considering depending on your playing conditions and preferences.
    Would I buy this? Absolutely. My experience with Shot Scope has been nothing but positive, and I believe they’re on par with major brands like Bushnell and Garmin in terms of product quality. At its MSRP, the Pro ZR is competitively priced, and if you have a budget in the $300 range, I think it’s a solid investment. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are other choices, but you should be prepared for some compromises, which I’ve outlined here.
    Will It Stay in My Bag?
    I’ll leave that up to the Golf Spy leadership. I’m more than happy to pass it on to another reviewer for further testing. Maybe one of the reviewers of the other range finders would want to swap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    The cheap Amazon rangefinder has already found a new home with my buddy, so if this one goes to another reviewer, I’ll be back to using my trusty Nikon. That said, after using a high-quality rangefinder like the Pro ZR, I’ll definitely be investing in a premium model—whether it’s this one or something else remains to be seen. But I can confidently say the Pro ZR is a strong contender for my permanent golf bag spot.





     
  2. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from RickM71 in Shot Scope Pro ZR - 2024 Forum Review   
    Shot Scope Pro ZR – Official MGS Forum Review by Off Map Oscar
     
    **Introduction:**
     
    Hello MGS community! My name is Oscar, and I’ve been selected to review the Shot Scope Pro ZR. A big thanks to the MGS team and Shot Scope for this opportunity.
     
    A little about myself: I’ve been reviewing and beta testing products in the automotive and off-road industries for years. Although this is my first time reviewing a golf-specific device, it’s not my first rangefinder review. Years ago, I tested and reviewed the Nikon Prostaff i3, though that review was focused on archery. I’ve been using the Nikon for years with great success for both archery and rifle-related activities. I’ll be using it as a baseline comparison for this test, alongside a budget Amazon rangefinder that works reasonably well but has some shortcomings. Hopefully, the Shot Scope Pro ZR can outperform both and prove to be a solid rangefinder.
    I do have some experience with the Shot Scope brand. I’ve been using their V5 watch since it was released. My first watch had a malfunction, but their customer service was excellent and quickly sent me a replacement. I’m hoping I don’t experience any issues with the Pro ZR, but based on my experience, I can confidently say that Shot Scope’s customer service is top-notch.
     
    About My Golf Game:
    I’ve been golfing for just over a year—1 year and 3 months, to be exact. Some friends invited me out for a round on my birthday last year, and after just 9 holes, I was hooked. I ordered my own set of clubs from Amazon (promptly returned becaue they were terrible 🙄🤣) and I’ve been playing regularly ever since. I started with a 40 handicap but, after practicing a lot, I managed to get it down to 27 by the end of last year. Unfortunately, the winter snow in Northern Utah forced me to take a break.
    When the snow melted, I put even more effort into improving my game. I even set up a golf simulator in my garage. This year, I started at a 27 handicap, and as of my last update, I’ve lowered it to a 10. I’ve played about 58 rounds this year and have been focused on data tracking to pinpoint areas where I can improve. One method I’ve used is creating a wedge card with three different swings for each wedge. Using this card, along with my Shot Scope GPS watch for front and back green distances, and a rangefinder for pin distance, I’ve seen significant improvement. My scores have dropped, and my putting has improved dramatically. The rangefinder has been a crucial part of that success, and I’m excited to see how the Pro ZR performs.
    I’ve been chasing even par for the past few months, and my closest round so far has been a 78 over 18 holes. I recently shot a 38 on a 9-hole round, so I’m optimistic that breaking par is within reach. I’m currently taking lessons, and although I’ve experienced a bit of a slump as I adjust my swing, I’m hopeful for continued improvement.
     
    Q&A:
    **How do you plan to test this product?**  
    I plan to compare the Shot Scope Pro ZR with my other two rangefinders during the two league rounds I play each week.
    **What will you focus on in your review and comparisons?**  
    I’ll be looking at several factors: lens clarity, speed of pin lock, build quality, and ease of use. Specifically, I want to see how the Pro ZR compares to my older Nikon and the budget Amazon rangefinder.
    **What would make this product a keeper after testing?**  
    For me, a clear lens that works well in twilight conditions and the multi-color reticle are key. While the Nikon has excellent glass, it lacks a multi-color reticle and slope capabilities. The Amazon rangefinder struggles in low light and takes a while to lock onto the flag. If the Pro ZR can overcome these issues, it will likely become my go-to rangefinder.
    **Why are you excited to test this product?**  
    I’m excited because I’ve been a fan of other Shot Scope products, and I’ve been looking for an upgrade to my Nikon that includes slope functionality. The Amazon rangefinder was fine for the price, but it’s clearly not a high-end product.
    **What do you already know about the product?**  
    I’ve watched a few reviews and follow Shot Scope on Instagram, so I’ve seen their ads and promotions.
    **What are your expectations?**  
    I hope the Pro ZR is a high-quality product, but if it fails to meet expectations, I won’t hesitate to point that out. As I mentioned earlier, I had an issue with one of their products before, but Shot Scope stood behind it and resolved the problem. However, if this rangefinder also has problems, that might be a bad sign. Only time will tell.
     
    Thanks for reading! I should have the Pro ZR in hand soon—the tracking number was sent yesterday. I’ll add pictures of the two comparison rangefinders and do a full unboxing when it arrives. Stay tuned!
     
    Here is the base line for comparison.  

     
    Unboxing the Shot Scope Pro ZR – First Impressions
    Hello everyone! As part of the MGS Forum review process, I’m excited to share the unboxing of the Shot Scope Pro ZR.
    In this set of photos, you’ll find a detailed look at what’s inside the box. From the moment I opened it, everything was well-packaged and organized. The Shot Scope Pro ZR was securely nestled within, and the presentation was quite impressive.
    First Impressions: Great packaging. Nice letter from the shot scope team. Build quality and general in the hand feel are excellent. 
    I play my first round with it here in about an hour so stay tuned for more updates as I dive into testing the Shot Scope Pro ZR. Let me know if you have any questions or need further details!
     





































     
    Final Review of the Shot Scope Pro ZR
    After using the Shot Scope Pro ZR for five rounds, I feel confident in my assessment of its performance. There are some clear advantages to this rangefinder, but it also comes with a few limitations. Here’s my detailed breakdown:
    Pros:
    Lightning-Fast Performance: The Pro ZR is incredibly fast at acquiring distances—noticeably quicker than the two other rangefinders I used for comparison. It’s so fast that sometimes the slope calculation takes an extra moment to display, but this minor delay is worth it for the overall speed. In fact, I’d say it’s roughly three times faster than my other rangefinders. For those who, like me, double-check their range to ensure consistency, this speed really adds up, making it a big advantage. The budget Amazon rangefinder has flag lock, but it takes much longer to lock in a distance compared to the Pro ZR.
    Strong Magnet: The magnet on the Pro ZR is significantly stronger than the budget model. Normally, I keep my rangefinder in the pouch on my bag rather than on the cart pillar to avoid losing it. For this test, I placed both rangefinders on the cart pillar for the entire round, and it became clear that the cheap model slid down the bar with each hole. While it never fell off, I’m confident that a strong impact would dislodge it, whereas the Pro ZR remained securely in place.
    Superb Lens Clarity: The clarity of the Pro ZR’s lens is excellent. It’s much easier to distinguish details with this device compared to the budget rangefinder, and it even surpasses my Nikon in this regard. The Pro ZR provides a crisp, clear view that enhances usability, especially when locking onto distant targets.
    Top-Notch Build Quality: The Pro ZR feels solid in hand, with a heft that gives it a premium, durable feel without being overly heavy. Although I haven’t dropped it or experienced any rough handling, I’m confident it would hold up well. In comparison, the budget rangefinder feels like it’s made from thinner plastic, and I wouldn’t trust it to survive a fall from a cart onto a hard surface.
    Cons:
    Battery-Driven: The Pro ZR is powered by a replaceable battery, and mine, along with another tester's, arrived with a dead one. After about eight holes, I saw the low battery warning. I would much prefer a rechargeable option, like the one included with the Amazon budget model. While the Pro ZR claims to support up to 40,000 ranges per battery, I’m personally more inclined toward rechargeable devices for convenience and environmental reasons.
    Direct Sunlight Issues: The Pro ZR struggles with lens washout when aiming towards a flag with the sun in the background. This wasn’t an issue with the Nikon or the budget rangefinder. The larger lens or the chrome around the objective lens could be contributing to this problem. Additionally, I noticed that when shooting into direct sunlight, the rangefinder would occasionally provide inaccurate distances compared to my GPS watch. I’m not sure if this is due to the sunlight affecting the laser or if I was mistakenly locking onto the wrong target.
    Aiming Reticle Size: A friend who helped me test the Pro ZR mentioned that he found the aiming reticle too large, making it difficult to lock onto the flag. While he appreciated the bold, easy-to-read distances, the reticle size was a drawback for him. He isn’t someone who ranges every approach shot like I do, so this feature may be less of an issue for more frequent users.
    Overall Thoughts:
    The Shot Scope Pro ZR is a fantastic rangefinder with impressive speed, strong build quality, and excellent lens clarity. However, it does have some limitations, such as being battery-driven and the issues with direct sunlight. These might not be deal-breakers for everyone, but they’re worth considering depending on your playing conditions and preferences.
    Would I buy this? Absolutely. My experience with Shot Scope has been nothing but positive, and I believe they’re on par with major brands like Bushnell and Garmin in terms of product quality. At its MSRP, the Pro ZR is competitively priced, and if you have a budget in the $300 range, I think it’s a solid investment. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are other choices, but you should be prepared for some compromises, which I’ve outlined here.
    Will It Stay in My Bag?
    I’ll leave that up to the Golf Spy leadership. I’m more than happy to pass it on to another reviewer for further testing. Maybe one of the reviewers of the other range finders would want to swap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    The cheap Amazon rangefinder has already found a new home with my buddy, so if this one goes to another reviewer, I’ll be back to using my trusty Nikon. That said, after using a high-quality rangefinder like the Pro ZR, I’ll definitely be investing in a premium model—whether it’s this one or something else remains to be seen. But I can confidently say the Pro ZR is a strong contender for my permanent golf bag spot.





     
  3. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from William P in My Golf Spy Forum Headcovers!   
    Neat!
  4. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from tony@CIC in Shot Scope Pro ZR - 2024 Forum Review   
    Shot Scope Pro ZR – Official MGS Forum Review by Off Map Oscar
     
    **Introduction:**
     
    Hello MGS community! My name is Oscar, and I’ve been selected to review the Shot Scope Pro ZR. A big thanks to the MGS team and Shot Scope for this opportunity.
     
    A little about myself: I’ve been reviewing and beta testing products in the automotive and off-road industries for years. Although this is my first time reviewing a golf-specific device, it’s not my first rangefinder review. Years ago, I tested and reviewed the Nikon Prostaff i3, though that review was focused on archery. I’ve been using the Nikon for years with great success for both archery and rifle-related activities. I’ll be using it as a baseline comparison for this test, alongside a budget Amazon rangefinder that works reasonably well but has some shortcomings. Hopefully, the Shot Scope Pro ZR can outperform both and prove to be a solid rangefinder.
    I do have some experience with the Shot Scope brand. I’ve been using their V5 watch since it was released. My first watch had a malfunction, but their customer service was excellent and quickly sent me a replacement. I’m hoping I don’t experience any issues with the Pro ZR, but based on my experience, I can confidently say that Shot Scope’s customer service is top-notch.
     
    About My Golf Game:
    I’ve been golfing for just over a year—1 year and 3 months, to be exact. Some friends invited me out for a round on my birthday last year, and after just 9 holes, I was hooked. I ordered my own set of clubs from Amazon (promptly returned becaue they were terrible 🙄🤣) and I’ve been playing regularly ever since. I started with a 40 handicap but, after practicing a lot, I managed to get it down to 27 by the end of last year. Unfortunately, the winter snow in Northern Utah forced me to take a break.
    When the snow melted, I put even more effort into improving my game. I even set up a golf simulator in my garage. This year, I started at a 27 handicap, and as of my last update, I’ve lowered it to a 10. I’ve played about 58 rounds this year and have been focused on data tracking to pinpoint areas where I can improve. One method I’ve used is creating a wedge card with three different swings for each wedge. Using this card, along with my Shot Scope GPS watch for front and back green distances, and a rangefinder for pin distance, I’ve seen significant improvement. My scores have dropped, and my putting has improved dramatically. The rangefinder has been a crucial part of that success, and I’m excited to see how the Pro ZR performs.
    I’ve been chasing even par for the past few months, and my closest round so far has been a 78 over 18 holes. I recently shot a 38 on a 9-hole round, so I’m optimistic that breaking par is within reach. I’m currently taking lessons, and although I’ve experienced a bit of a slump as I adjust my swing, I’m hopeful for continued improvement.
     
    Q&A:
    **How do you plan to test this product?**  
    I plan to compare the Shot Scope Pro ZR with my other two rangefinders during the two league rounds I play each week.
    **What will you focus on in your review and comparisons?**  
    I’ll be looking at several factors: lens clarity, speed of pin lock, build quality, and ease of use. Specifically, I want to see how the Pro ZR compares to my older Nikon and the budget Amazon rangefinder.
    **What would make this product a keeper after testing?**  
    For me, a clear lens that works well in twilight conditions and the multi-color reticle are key. While the Nikon has excellent glass, it lacks a multi-color reticle and slope capabilities. The Amazon rangefinder struggles in low light and takes a while to lock onto the flag. If the Pro ZR can overcome these issues, it will likely become my go-to rangefinder.
    **Why are you excited to test this product?**  
    I’m excited because I’ve been a fan of other Shot Scope products, and I’ve been looking for an upgrade to my Nikon that includes slope functionality. The Amazon rangefinder was fine for the price, but it’s clearly not a high-end product.
    **What do you already know about the product?**  
    I’ve watched a few reviews and follow Shot Scope on Instagram, so I’ve seen their ads and promotions.
    **What are your expectations?**  
    I hope the Pro ZR is a high-quality product, but if it fails to meet expectations, I won’t hesitate to point that out. As I mentioned earlier, I had an issue with one of their products before, but Shot Scope stood behind it and resolved the problem. However, if this rangefinder also has problems, that might be a bad sign. Only time will tell.
     
    Thanks for reading! I should have the Pro ZR in hand soon—the tracking number was sent yesterday. I’ll add pictures of the two comparison rangefinders and do a full unboxing when it arrives. Stay tuned!
     
    Here is the base line for comparison.  

     
    Unboxing the Shot Scope Pro ZR – First Impressions
    Hello everyone! As part of the MGS Forum review process, I’m excited to share the unboxing of the Shot Scope Pro ZR.
    In this set of photos, you’ll find a detailed look at what’s inside the box. From the moment I opened it, everything was well-packaged and organized. The Shot Scope Pro ZR was securely nestled within, and the presentation was quite impressive.
    First Impressions: Great packaging. Nice letter from the shot scope team. Build quality and general in the hand feel are excellent. 
    I play my first round with it here in about an hour so stay tuned for more updates as I dive into testing the Shot Scope Pro ZR. Let me know if you have any questions or need further details!
     





































     
    Final Review of the Shot Scope Pro ZR
    After using the Shot Scope Pro ZR for five rounds, I feel confident in my assessment of its performance. There are some clear advantages to this rangefinder, but it also comes with a few limitations. Here’s my detailed breakdown:
    Pros:
    Lightning-Fast Performance: The Pro ZR is incredibly fast at acquiring distances—noticeably quicker than the two other rangefinders I used for comparison. It’s so fast that sometimes the slope calculation takes an extra moment to display, but this minor delay is worth it for the overall speed. In fact, I’d say it’s roughly three times faster than my other rangefinders. For those who, like me, double-check their range to ensure consistency, this speed really adds up, making it a big advantage. The budget Amazon rangefinder has flag lock, but it takes much longer to lock in a distance compared to the Pro ZR.
    Strong Magnet: The magnet on the Pro ZR is significantly stronger than the budget model. Normally, I keep my rangefinder in the pouch on my bag rather than on the cart pillar to avoid losing it. For this test, I placed both rangefinders on the cart pillar for the entire round, and it became clear that the cheap model slid down the bar with each hole. While it never fell off, I’m confident that a strong impact would dislodge it, whereas the Pro ZR remained securely in place.
    Superb Lens Clarity: The clarity of the Pro ZR’s lens is excellent. It’s much easier to distinguish details with this device compared to the budget rangefinder, and it even surpasses my Nikon in this regard. The Pro ZR provides a crisp, clear view that enhances usability, especially when locking onto distant targets.
    Top-Notch Build Quality: The Pro ZR feels solid in hand, with a heft that gives it a premium, durable feel without being overly heavy. Although I haven’t dropped it or experienced any rough handling, I’m confident it would hold up well. In comparison, the budget rangefinder feels like it’s made from thinner plastic, and I wouldn’t trust it to survive a fall from a cart onto a hard surface.
    Cons:
    Battery-Driven: The Pro ZR is powered by a replaceable battery, and mine, along with another tester's, arrived with a dead one. After about eight holes, I saw the low battery warning. I would much prefer a rechargeable option, like the one included with the Amazon budget model. While the Pro ZR claims to support up to 40,000 ranges per battery, I’m personally more inclined toward rechargeable devices for convenience and environmental reasons.
    Direct Sunlight Issues: The Pro ZR struggles with lens washout when aiming towards a flag with the sun in the background. This wasn’t an issue with the Nikon or the budget rangefinder. The larger lens or the chrome around the objective lens could be contributing to this problem. Additionally, I noticed that when shooting into direct sunlight, the rangefinder would occasionally provide inaccurate distances compared to my GPS watch. I’m not sure if this is due to the sunlight affecting the laser or if I was mistakenly locking onto the wrong target.
    Aiming Reticle Size: A friend who helped me test the Pro ZR mentioned that he found the aiming reticle too large, making it difficult to lock onto the flag. While he appreciated the bold, easy-to-read distances, the reticle size was a drawback for him. He isn’t someone who ranges every approach shot like I do, so this feature may be less of an issue for more frequent users.
    Overall Thoughts:
    The Shot Scope Pro ZR is a fantastic rangefinder with impressive speed, strong build quality, and excellent lens clarity. However, it does have some limitations, such as being battery-driven and the issues with direct sunlight. These might not be deal-breakers for everyone, but they’re worth considering depending on your playing conditions and preferences.
    Would I buy this? Absolutely. My experience with Shot Scope has been nothing but positive, and I believe they’re on par with major brands like Bushnell and Garmin in terms of product quality. At its MSRP, the Pro ZR is competitively priced, and if you have a budget in the $300 range, I think it’s a solid investment. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are other choices, but you should be prepared for some compromises, which I’ve outlined here.
    Will It Stay in My Bag?
    I’ll leave that up to the Golf Spy leadership. I’m more than happy to pass it on to another reviewer for further testing. Maybe one of the reviewers of the other range finders would want to swap ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    The cheap Amazon rangefinder has already found a new home with my buddy, so if this one goes to another reviewer, I’ll be back to using my trusty Nikon. That said, after using a high-quality rangefinder like the Pro ZR, I’ll definitely be investing in a premium model—whether it’s this one or something else remains to be seen. But I can confidently say the Pro ZR is a strong contender for my permanent golf bag spot.





     
  5. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Byrnzee in My Golf Spy Forum Headcovers!   
    Neat!
  6. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Swood1994 in My Golf Spy Forum Headcovers!   
    Neat!
  7. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Dweed in How'd you play?   
    Not my best and not my worst. Honestly I've been unable to practice this week so I'm lucky to have hit this well 
     

  8. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from BIG STU in Most Underrated Clubs   
    Bombtech makes great clubs for the beginner 
  9. Like
    Off Map Oscar reacted to Northern Monkey in MGS VCT Season 3 - Week 21   
    I’ve not been able to get out much for the last couple of weeks but off to Portugal for a golf trip next week so will make up for it then
  10. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from cksurfdude in My Golf Spy Forum Headcovers!   
    Neat!
  11. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Northern Monkey in My Golf Spy Forum Headcovers!   
    Neat!
  12. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Shankster in MGS VCT Season 3 - Week 21   
    How does a person join this 🤔 
  13. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Rasmaniandevil in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Oh that's a good point. I have occasionally taken my ipad with me and had a live event playing. Keep it low so you can only hear it in the cart. Formula 1 usually or when the fedex cup was on we watched it. 
  14. Fire
  15. Haha
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from William P in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Twice in the same thread is exactly what I expect out of a grumpy old man.
  16. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from William P in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Dude. We get it. If none of your playing partners enjoy music then that's great for you. How about just scroll past threads that don't apply to you?
  17. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from William P in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Ever since Toby Keith passed I've been on a 90s country kick.
  18. Love
    Off Map Oscar reacted to Indy_Oz in How'd you play?   
    Today I played Harbor Shores GC, Benton Harbor, Michigan. First time visiting the club. It was the venue for the PGA seniors championship and the course is a Jack Nicklaus design. 
    The course plays like a mix of links and parkland, in my opinion. Loads of bunkers, firm and lightning fast greens that are all heavily contoured. Fringes are short and firm too, so plenty of opportunity to putt from off the green or bump and run. Lots of creativity possible and sometimes needed. 
    photo dump:



    The course is well worth a visit. Challenging, but very manageable if you hit straight. 
    Fortunately, the new big stick was behaving impeccably today. Didn’t miss a fairway with it until late on! Reliable fade and some straight. Exactly what I was hoping it would give me. I kept speed down a little trying to find fairways more and not worry about distance- a wise move!

    I played off the back (black) tees. Because why not. I was playing solo and I hit the ball very well today. I don’t often get the chance to test myself of the back couple of tees and I’ve played well lately so thought, why not. 
    Both big stick and flat stick were my huge positives today.
    Black tees , slope: 73.6/ 146. Par 71.
    Score: 78/ +7
    FIR: 11/13 (10/11 with driver!!)
    GIR: 8/18- longer par 3s weren’t great tee shots and gusting wind led to a few coming up short  but at least I scrambled fairly well!

     

    I usually score worse on the back 9 than front, so I’m delighted with today’s round, particularly for a first time playing the course!
    Currently I’m further north in Michigan, enjoying a late filet mignon dinner with Old Fashioned to celebrate a good day! 

    Early work start tomorrow…
  19. Like
    Off Map Oscar reacted to Rosas4653 in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Forgot to add The Spectrum as well
  20. Like
    Off Map Oscar reacted to Erin B in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    I listen to SXM and usually turbo or go completely 180 and play country. Sunday I’ll have the 9ers on. 

  21. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Rasmaniandevil in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Back to topic. 
    I used the start a radio station based in this artist option in YouTube music today and it was great. Mellow Alternative Country based on Devil Makes Three made for a calm and relaxing 18 today.
  22. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from Rasmaniandevil in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Dude. We get it. If none of your playing partners enjoy music then that's great for you. How about just scroll past threads that don't apply to you?
  23. Haha
    Off Map Oscar reacted to Shapotomous in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    I think you just drove past our house
  24. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from JohnSmalls in Best music to listen to while golfing?   
    Ever since Toby Keith passed I've been on a 90s country kick.
  25. Like
    Off Map Oscar got a reaction from cksurfdude in How'd you play?   
    Not my best and not my worst. Honestly I've been unable to practice this week so I'm lucky to have hit this well 
     

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