Which is Better? A Laser Rangefinder or GPS for Golf

The following outlines the pros and cons of both golf GPS units and laser range finders, illustrating their advantages. No Matter of which device you use, they can give you an correct reading of distance, but they follow different design concepts that can be both good and bad.

Essentials of Rangefinder Use

Rangefinders work a lot differently from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) based units. The range finder is an visual device, and is someplace between binoculars and the kind of laser device the highway patrol officers utilize to check accelerating drivers out on the street. You can use the optical scope to aim at the place that you want to find the range of and distance to, like a flag, and use the laser system to measure distance. The golf range finder will shoot a 'safe for the eyes' laser at the chosen point, and is able to measure the time it takes the laser to rebound off the target area and return to the rangefinder. The system measures at this delay between firing and returning to measure the distance.

Learning How a Golf GPS System Functions

Essentially, golf GPS systems are based on satellite maps received from orbit. The GPS system will pinpoint its precise fix by talking with the orbiting satellites above our planet in order to figure out exactly where you are in relation to the target; this can be the green or some obstacle of your the latest hole, or the pin you want to knock down.

GPS for Golf Pros

You don't need to aim a device at your point to get an accurate reading. The GPS can work at measuring distances for targets which hidden from view to you, such as greens around a dogleg or places you can't see because of a bush. You might not trust the accuracy with a rangefinder, making the GPS system preferable to a range finder, as you'll be able to see a bird's eye view.

Some Advantages of Laser Range Finders for Golfers

The current range finders have a magnification of up to 7x. This will not only help you for when you are evaluating your target with the laser, but also for recognizing places to avoid in your landing areas like a or a downhill lie.

For example, at 175 yards it would be out of the question to use your naked eye just to locate a ridge you could avoid. Using the range finder device, you'll be able to see it and successfully avoid it, allowing you to shoot a better score in your rounds. You can also hit the driving range to determine how correct you are with the golf club.

The quick answer is that neither the range finder nor the GPS is better than the other one, they are definitely similar, but they each have different weaknesses and strengths. The best way to bypass this dilemma is to buy both! However, that's not always practical or realistic, so do your homework, consider carefully, and see which one is best for your level.