Rangefinder or GPS

[Shortknocker]

Thinking of these 2 Rangefinders which would be better blue Tees max 3 or Coolshot ii pro stabilized? 

Also is a Rangefinder better than GPS or other way around? 

[cnosil]

27 minutes ago, Shortknocker said:

Thinking of these 2 Rangefinders which would be better blue Tees max 3 or Coolshot ii pro stabilized? 

Also is a Rangefinder better than GPS or other way around? 

IMO,  the Nikon.   
 

Better depends on what you are trying to accomplish.   GPS systems can give you a hole overview, hazard distances, and  front, middle, back green distances.   Rangefinders only give you distances to a physical thing it can scan like a flag.  

[CrazyGolfNut]

I use both Range Finder and GPS.  The Precision Pro unit works really well and you get free batteries.  The Bushnell Phantom 2 has very large numbers so it is very easy to read. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

I use a rangefinder as well as Arccos, which I use with my apple watch. The range finder and Arccos distances to my watch are typically anywhere from 5-9 yards different, but Arccos doesnt't go directly to pin, just front/middle/back. I tend to trust the range finder more often.

[Shortknocker]

I have a GPS with my Garmin Vivoactive 3. It's gives FMB and hazards. I guess I need to just use a RF with it and call it all good. My vivo does Score and Stats as well. 

[TSauer]

Out of those two options, I would go with the Nikon. I personally use a Precision Pro, with no gripes. As far as GPS or rangefinder, they both have their pros and cons. If you tend to play a lot of the same courses over and over, a rangefinder would suffice as you probably know the layout and everything by now, and you can just pull and shoot. On the other hand, if you're venturing out and playing in new areas, the GPS can be a great thing.

[Golf2Much]

I use a range finder and GPS.  I have a Shot Scope Pro LX+ which includes a solid range finder and the H4 GPS unit.  Included are club tags so you can record each shot and get very insightful data on your golf game.  The swing analytics are free and do not require any kind of subscription.  They both can be purchased today in the Pro LX+ package for around $280, so it's a great deal.  The H4 GPS unit, tags and analytics can be purchased separately if you wish for about $130.

[Shortknocker]

7 minutes ago, TSauer said:

Out of those two options, I would go with the Nikon. I personally use a Precision Pro, with no gripes. As far as GPS or rangefinder, they both have their pros and cons. If you tend to play a lot of the same courses over and over, a rangefinder would suffice as you probably know the layout and everything by now, and you can just pull and shoot. On the other hand, if you're venturing out and playing in new areas, the GPS can be a great thing.

My home course (9 hole hybrid) I do play about 90% of the time but I have 3 more courses within 45mins of me that I play occasionally but I've played them enough I know them as well 

[berkeleybob]

I had a Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized, and it was terrific. Unfortunately, someone stole it, so I got a Blue tees 2. I miss the stabilization, for sure. It’s definitely a nice feature, but I get by with my Blue Tees well enough. I’ve used phone apps with GPS, and I’m trying out 18 Birdies now. The GPS is okay for the moment, but I find I like using the range finder.

[tdroma98]

My preference is the rangefinder.  Once in a while I'll the 18 Birdies GPS, along with the rangefinder.  

I've been using BobLov rangefinders for several years, after my Bushnell ($225) died.   I paid $69 on Amazon and it works great!  Has vibration when you hit the target, you can use meters, it's a nice size and rechargeable batteries! 

[Grasmere5]

I find they are both necessary tools but used differently,

GPS is simply an ‘overall’ picture of the hole and ‘approx’ i.e. +/- 5 to 10 yards at best, best used for getting to the point where you next want to hit the green or deliberately play short/long regarding hazards etc.

Rangefinder is then your “precision tool” for pure accuracy (especially with slope function) BUT it’s only of real benefit if you have mapped your clubs. If you don’t know your precise club distances or you’re inconsistent in playing them then a rangefinder has no more benefit than the gps numbers.

I ALWAYS use rangefinder from under 200 even to even as short as pin at 40yds, as I may want to actually play that shot to 35 short or to 45 long - then I play the number - it gives great confidence !

[ctg44]

On 7/27/2023 at 10:05 AM, Shortknocker said:

Thinking of these 2 Rangefinders which would be better blue Tees max 3 or Coolshot ii pro stabilized? 

Also is a Rangefinder better than GPS or other way around? 

I am a big fan of my CoolShot II Pro.  The little beep combined with vibration when it locks onto the pin is even better than the response from the CoolShot Pro (original model) or even the Bushnell Pro XE.  I do also use the SwingU app on my phone / watch, but that's more for tracking strokes gained data than it is to get distances.

[GolfSpy_BNG]

I’m very late to this but as a tester of the Voice Caddie SL2 a few years ago, I’m a huge fan of the hybrid Rangefinder/GPS combo. Especially when playing new or lesser known courses. I tend to stick to just the rangefinder at my home course but I’ve played it so many times I tend to end up in the same spots over and over lol

[GolfSpy_APH]

Sadly my range finder crapped out so I'll be in the market for a new one. It was a cheap one and nothing special, but I'll wait and see what comes over the next little while and maybe there will be some black Friday deals soon!

[Preeway]

If money isn’t an obstacle, the new X3 from Bushnell is nice. But usually there are several companies doing good deals around Black Friday. I know Blue Tees usually has good deals at that time.  

[Big moose]

I use a GPS the greens at the course I play are so small that I usually don't have a putt over 20 feet even if I hit a shot on the opposite side of the green. I can change the flag position on my GPS if they put the hole in a different spot or if I play a different course, I am not good enough to worry about the exact yardage to the flag.

[RockerFCC]

I mostly use GPS, but if I need a more accurate number to clear something, pin spot etc I use the RF. Not that i am good enough for that to matter much. Well, usually 

[Shrek74]

On 7/27/2023 at 10:05 AM, Shortknocker said:

Thinking of these 2 Rangefinders which would be better blue Tees max 3 or Coolshot ii pro stabilized? 

Also is a Rangefinder better than GPS or other way around? 

I believe it's good to have both as the GPS isn't always the best for non-fairway distance and especially for not at the flag distances. I try to stay out of the rough or try not to cross over into the fairway next to me. GPS (watches or other types) doesn't always do the best there. That's why I like to have a backup with the rangefinder. Plus if I want/need to lay up or want a distance to a tree or rock or whatever may be in my shot path, the rangefinder works there where the GPS may not depending on how fancy (and costly) it is.

I use the ShotScope H4 for my GPS (and tracking) and use the ShotScope Pro L2 for range finding. The costs were low and the quality is high. But that's just what I did. Others will have opinions on other products. But both of these combined were less than one rangefinder, which was another great benefit for me. Just sharing my thoughts on the topic along with my experience as I went through the same internal discussion. Not trying to sell you anything.

[sabramFL]

I  used GPS for many years, but switched to a range finder a few years ago. I prefer the rangefinder especially for wedge shots where precision is key as I find the rangefinder to be more accurate than my gps. Not sure if some holes weren't mapped correctly or if courses made renovations that changed the layout since they were mapped. 

My first range finder was an expensive Bushnell that was stolen from my cart. I replaced it with a very inexpensive Woweek, which has worked perfectly and is very accurate.

Edited October 17, 2023 by sabramFL

[Preeway]

48 minutes ago, Shrek74 said:

I believe it's good to have both as the GPS isn't always the best for non-fairway distance and especially for not at the flag distances. I try to stay out of the rough or try not to cross over into the fairway next to me. GPS (watches or other types) doesn't always do the best there. That's why I like to have a backup with the rangefinder. Plus if I want/need to lay up or want a distance to a tree or rock or whatever may be in my shot path, the rangefinder works there where the GPS may not depending on how fancy (and costly) it is.

I use the ShotScope H4 for my GPS (and tracking) and use the ShotScope Pro L2 for range finding. The costs were low and the quality is high. But that's just what I did. Others will have opinions on other products. But both of these combined were less than one rangefinder, which was another great benefit for me. Just sharing my thoughts on the topic along with my experience as I went through the same internal discussion. Not trying to sell you anything.

I also use both GPS and a rangefinder. I think I use my GPS more often and rely on the rangefinder more often from the fairways under 200 yds and on Par 3s.

[Bradka13]

The GPS -vs- rangefinder is an interesting question that I have been thinking about lately.  I have and use both but have used the rangefinder almost exclusively for the last several years.  The only time I use the GPS is at an unfamiliar course or when I am a couple fairways off course and can't see the pin.  I have always thought that the rangefinder is the better option since it is giving me exact distance to the pin.  Recently, I have been wondering if this is flawed logic.  I keep hearing that most golfers, especially crappy ones like myself, should almost always be aiming at the middle of the green instead of the pin.  If that is true, is it possible that using the exact distance to the pin may be costing me strokes?  If so, then the GPS is probably the one I should be using most of the time.  Any opinions on this side of the GPS/rangefinder question?

[Preeway]

I think you are asking the perfect question. It is vital to know what information you truly need and what is the best way to get that information. Even as a 3 handicap I use my GPS more than my rangefinder. The biggest use for my rangefinder is to be slightly more accurate when I can't tell if the pin is front, middle or back. GPS give me better information when teeing off and needing to know the location and distance of hazards like fairway bunkers or even the dogleg. It more often than not is better at telling me how far away the bunkers are the green as well. Both tools have their purpose but if your big goals are to keep the ball in/near the fairway and to hit the middle of the green, you will be better off typically using GPS the majority of the time.

[GolfSpy_BNG]

11 hours ago, Big moose said:

I use a GPS the greens at the course I play are so small that I usually don't have a putt over 20 feet even if I hit a shot on the opposite side of the green. I can change the flag position on my GPS if they put the hole in a different spot or if I play a different course, I am not good enough to worry about the exact yardage to the flag.

As I mentioned earlier I have the VC SL2 and it’s a hybrid with both GPS and Rangefinder. While both have their individual uses they are great together. I get the I’m not good enough for exact yardages argument but here is my thought on that. Using both can help lower scores. For example GPS shows front middle back yardages.  Pair that with a flag distance and we know if the it’s better to land short and release if it’s on the back of the green or go right at it if it’s on the front since there is room behind.   It’s helped me lower my handicap from an official 8 2 years ago to a non official scratch.  
I love having the combo and honestly don’t know what I’d do without them

[Preeway]

I think you nailed what I was alluding to. It isn’t just about your handicap but rather what information is important to you. I also tend to play more the way you were describing based on front pin and back pin locations. Less about the exact yardage and more about distance to my preferred landing spot. This also holds true for tee shots and/layup shots as well. 

[MaxEntropy]

I am strongly considering a range finder these days. I have started to question the accuracy of Arccos and I know it has cost me strokes a few times in the last couple months by being just flat out wrong (by 10+ yards). For example, a few weeks ago, Arcoss told me I had a "plays like" distance of 145 to the middle with a back pin. That should be pretty close to a standard 8i for me. I hit a good shot and ended up ~5 yards past the green and after the fact, Arccos said I hit that 8i 142?!?!? I know I am not a good enough ball striker to worry about a couple yards but being that far off is bad. I don't need that kind of help. I have read the HQ rankings and reviews and am leaning towards the Nikon.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

28 minutes ago, MaxEntropy said:

I am strongly considering a range finder these days. I have started to question the accuracy of Arccos and I know it has cost me strokes a few times in the last couple months by being just flat out wrong (by 10+ yards). For example, a few weeks ago, Arcoss told me I had a "plays like" distance of 145 to the middle with a back pin. That should be pretty close to a standard 8i for me. I hit a good shot and ended up ~5 yards past the green and after the fact, Arccos said I hit that 8i 142?!?!? I know I am not a good enough ball striker to worry about a couple yards but being that far off is bad. I don't need that kind of help. I have read the HQ rankings and reviews and am leaning towards the Nikon.

I have always found issues with anything related to GPS. It all depends on the mapping, and most is done remotely these days via satellite. I rely primarily on a laser. I have switched back and forth and sometimes carried both. But for me the laser is the best. What you see is what you get. I was fortunate enough to be selected to test the Cobalt Q6 laser rangefinder last season. It has blown away others that I have had or tried. It's not cheap but it is the Cadillac. I gave away my other lasers and GPS units if that says anything.  

[KC Golf]

4 hours ago, MaxEntropy said:

I am strongly considering a range finder these days. I have started to question the accuracy of Arccos and I know it has cost me strokes a few times in the last couple months by being just flat out wrong (by 10+ yards). For example, a few weeks ago, Arcoss told me I had a "plays like" distance of 145 to the middle with a back pin. That should be pretty close to a standard 8i for me. I hit a good shot and ended up ~5 yards past the green and after the fact, Arccos said I hit that 8i 142?!?!? I know I am not a good enough ball striker to worry about a couple yards but being that far off is bad. I don't need that kind of help. I have read the HQ rankings and reviews and am leaning towards the Nikon.

I use Arccos and a Bushnell rangefinder.  I find the adjustments from Arccos helpful then I add the precision of the distance to the flag.  

It seems to help me add that extra level of precision.

[ctg44]

4 hours ago, MaxEntropy said:

I am strongly considering a range finder these days. I have started to question the accuracy of Arccos and I know it has cost me strokes a few times in the last couple months by being just flat out wrong (by 10+ yards). For example, a few weeks ago, Arcoss told me I had a "plays like" distance of 145 to the middle with a back pin. That should be pretty close to a standard 8i for me. I hit a good shot and ended up ~5 yards past the green and after the fact, Arccos said I hit that 8i 142?!?!? I know I am not a good enough ball striker to worry about a couple yards but being that far off is bad. I don't need that kind of help. I have read the HQ rankings and reviews and am leaning towards the Nikon.

I've had a few rounds now with my now replaced rangefinder (some dirtbag in the cart barn has now stolen 2 of them...1 was my fault and the other was left on the cart by my wife).  My 1st one was a refurbished Bushnell Pro XE and my 2nd was a Nikon CoolShot Pro (version 1).  I replaced that with a refurbished Nikon CoolShot Pro II.  I really like the new beep / shutter sound function when you lock onto the pin. My son still has his Bushnell Pro XE and we checked distances against each other's units last night and found them to be almost identical every time (maybe off by 0.2-0.5 yards).  One thing I do like in his unit is that it gives both the actual and "plays like" or slope distances, but other than that, I prefer the Nikon.

[MaxEntropy]

2 hours ago, KC Golf said:

I use Arccos and a Bushnell rangefinder.  I find the adjustments from Arccos helpful then I add the precision of the distance to the flag.  

It seems to help me add that extra level of precision.

That is the direction I am thinking.

[davidsmith]

I am using the Pinpoint Golf app during my play sessions. Its stats are more accurate and help me to improve my game. This app is easily available on both Apple Store and Google Play Store.