Golf Range Finders vs Golf GPS Systems

There are 2 types of golfing devices that can help you improve the score of your game of golf – Golf range finders or golf GPS systems; there is now GPS golf rangefinder apps for smartphone like iPhone or android phone.

Should You Buy Golf Range Finders?

To answer this question first you  must look at the following, perhaps then you will know which one you should get.

Difference Between Golf Range Finders and Golf GPS Systems

The first thing you should look out for would be the features that you really need. Golf GPS systems is one that display the distances between a set of pre-selected points and some even offer an aerial view of the hole you are targeting. Golf range finders like the laser rangefinder type, on the other hand, measures the distance to any object that reflects light including hills, trees, bunkers and aprons; this enables you to determine an accurate measurement of the distance to the object wherever you are. Good GPS golf range finders app for smartphone functions very much like a golf GPS unit build specially for that purpose.

Having said that, if you are using a flagstick to read the distance then golf range finders will only give you an accurate distance if the flagstick has a reflector present. Also, golf range finders does not read horizontal surfaces very well and its performance will also degrade in rainy condition, thus if you want to read the distance on a horizontal surface like water and sand you would have to measure the distance of the nearest vertical object.

On the other hand, for golf GPS systems the yardage is generally predefined in the system and allows user to position the cursor to estimate the distance to any specific point.

Ease of Use

The next thing to look for is the ease of use and ease of mastering its functions. Golf range finders operate very much like a point and shoot camera with no special setting required while golf GPS systems require more configuration like installing the golf course that you need, and if you have more than 1 course in the system you will have to select the course that you need and even down to the point where you have to select the hole that you are after. In other words, the work to get golf GPS systems working for you on the course is a lot more but once all the settings are done using the device is simple.

Final Consideration

One last word on consideration, if you are looking for a device that allows you measure the distance of almost anything then a Golf range finders or laser rangefinder would be the answer. However, if you need an overview of each hole and quick distances to prominent features then golf GPS systems will be better.

Beware of Hidden Cost

Also remember that if you are buying a Golf range finders or laser rangefinder your investment is only once off but if you are buying a golf GPS systems or a golf GPS rangefinder app then there is likely to be regular subscriptions in order for you to get regular updates on the software and golf courses. Typically the initial investment for Golf range finders is between $200 to $500 and that for golf GPS systems will be between $150 and $300 and a golf GPS rangefinder app for smartphone is between $0 to $50 but this normally would require a monthly subscription.

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