How They Work: Golf Rangefinders – GPS & Laser
Posted on May 23, 2018
The game of golf has evolved quite a bit from the days of Old Tom Morris hitting ‘featherie’ golf balls with hickory sticks in the late 1800s. While the essence of the game remains the same, the equipment and tools have vastly improved. Golf clubs are now composed of steel or graphite and golf balls have rubber cores. Golfers are now reaping the benefits of technology to help with the age old question: “How far is it?” The golf rangefinder is an exquisite piece of technology that can help a player determine the distance to an object on the course.
There are three styles of golf rangefinders currently available to assist your game. There’s GPS based rangefinders, Laser rangefinders and Hybrid rangefinders. Let’s take a look at how each type of rangefinder works and the advantages and drawbacks each one presents.
GPS Rangefinder
The GPS, Global Positioning System, Rangefinder uses a network of satellites to establish the distance from the device to a certain place on the course. The distance is determined by the GPS rangefinder receiving a signal from a series of satellites which then calculate where the device is and extrapolates the distance to the target. Using satellite mapping, some GPS rangefinders offer an overview of the course layout.
Before using a GPS rangefinder on a particular course, you must first make sure the course mapping is loaded on your device. Some devices come pre-loaded with thousands of courses while others will require you to download them from their website. Some GPS rangefinders even require a membership fee to access course maps.
When you load a course it will give you distances to the pin on each hole. Some provide further detail which include distances to hazards, front and back of the green, or landmarks on the course. Others even allow you to define a point on the course you want to know the distance of.
A key advantage to the GPS rangefinder is that it is based off satellite mapping and doesn’t require you to aim the device at a target. Meaning you can figure out the distance between you and the pin even with a group of trees in the way, something you can’t do with laser. On the flip side because it is based on satellite imaging of the golf courses then you’re restricted to what the manufacturer of the device has in their database.
Laser Rangefinder
The Laser Rangefinder uses a laser beam aimed at the target to determine its distance. A laser is beamed to the target, like the pin, and reflects back to the rangefinder. The time in which it took the laser to reflect back to the device is used to calculate the distance.
Some laser rangefinders include an internal ‘inclinometer’ which can determine the slope of your target area. Slope is determined by the distance from level the reflection is upon returning to the device. Another feature some have is a ‘PinSeeker’ ability which allows the device to focus on the pin and not background objects. To aid in the golfers targeting with the laser rangefinder many are equipped with up to five times magnification lenses.
The big advantage of the Laser rangefinder is its flexibility and ability to allow the golfer to pin point any object on the course and define its distance. As well there is no need for downloading course maps as you may need to with some GPS rangefinders. Laser rangefinders tend to be slightly more accurate than GPS rangefinders. However since you have to have a direct line of sight to the target you’re measuring it may become cumbersome when stuck behind trees or another obstacle on the course.
Hybrid Rangefinder
Take advantage of the best of both worlds with the Hybrid Rangefinder, which combines GPS and Laser technology. This type of rangefinder provides a player with GPS satellite course mapping and the flexibility of having laser sight targeting.
Do you use a Rangefinder? What kind do you prefer, GPS, Laser or Hybdrid? Tell us on our Social Media: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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