Range Finder vs watch vs apps

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By DK

  • 1 Like
  • 20 Replies
  1. DK

    DK
    Northeastern, PA

    I'm looking for some help here. I am an 8 handicap and currently use a Garmin Approach X10 golf GPS band. (It's the one that looks like a fitbit).

    I am looking for an upgrade and don't know what direction to go. Is it better to use a rangefinder, upgrade to another GPS watch, or use one of the many GPS apps on my phone like Swing U?

    Any recommendations are appreciated. I'm looking for on that also includes slope factor. Of course this is switched off for tournament play.

    Thanks everyone.

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Personal preference but I carry both the Bushnell Neo GPS and a Nikon rangefinder. I lean on the GPS most of the time but occasionally I will have a course not in the system or want to be more accurate by scoping a pin or a bunker.
  3. Alex N

    Alex N
    Florida

    Military
    I guess it depends on what you’re looking to use and what works best for you. Personally, I wear a GPS watch and also use a rangefinder. I mostly use the rangefinder because I also like observing the green and surrounding area with the scope of the rangefinder. I mainly use the GPS watch for shot tracking purposes. But there are occasions where I might have a blind shot where it’s easier to look down at the yardage on my watch because I can’t shoot the pin. I use the all-new X5 watch from Shot Scope and the NX10 rangefinder from Precision Pro.
  4. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Have always used Bushnell rangefinders and come to rely on them. I have been using the Pro X model for the past few years and really enjoy it's features and dependability. I had a Tour V5 for years before moving up to the Pro model. Passed it on to a friend who is still using it. Check out the models to see which would meet your needs.

    www.bushnellgolf.com/.../
  5. Guy W

    Guy W
    Statesville, NC

    Distance to the pin I use my Bushnell Tour V5. Doesn't have slope. Can't use it in competition so I don't use it. That way I don't get dependent on it. For longer distances I'll use my 18 Birdies app or the GPS on the cart if it has one. Sometimes I'll find a sprinkler head if I'm feeling nostalgic.
  6. I wear a Tag heur watch and carry a nikon rangefinder

    I normally use the rangefinder as it is so quick and easy and if I am playing a new course I can pick targets for lay up shots
  7. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    derek b said:

    I wear a Tag heur watch and carry a nikon rangefinder

    I normally use the rangefinder as it is so quick and easy and if I am playing a new course I can pick targets for lay up shots

    Am a Breitling guy for the Golf course. Of course neither helps with our shots, only pace of play. The Rolex stays at home. =)
  8. JYoung

    JYoung
    Ohio

    I use my Garmin fenix 7 solar for my yardages. It works pretty well. I'm not good enough any more to where I think I need to know to the exact yard how far something is. As long as it is close I know what to hit.
  9. Jason R

    Jason R
    Ottawa, ON

    I wear a Garmin Fenix 6 daily and use it in the course. It is a great front/middle/back instant read. That said I also carry a Bushnell and will range a pin if I think it is getable. Ranging to a bunker carry is also something that happens quite a bit.

    So I would say 100% watch and 30(ish)% rangefinder for each round.
  10. Jim V.

    Jim V.
    St. Marys, GA

    I have carried the Bushnell Pro XE for almost 3 years and love it!
  11. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Diego, CA

    Military
    Love my Skycaddie, especially for a course Ive never played and not knowing if they have GPS on the cart.... My g-to range finder is Leupold, best optics out there!
  12. Jonathan Smith

    Jonathan Smith
    Charlotte, NC

    I just use my Bushnell Z6 (still working great). I tried a few apps in their infancy and just ended up getting frustrated with them and never went back. I will use cart gps when it is available…
  13. Dan S

    Dan S
    Westchester, IL

    I wear a GPS watch and also use a rangefinder. Probably 75% watch 25% rangefinder (when I need to be precise).
  14. Keith M

    Keith M
    Acworth, GA

    I prefer rangefinders as I find the GPS on our carts isn't always in sync with the pin positions, so it can easily be off by 10 yards or so.

    I also don't wear a watch (or similar) while playing and hate fiddling with my phone. That's just my preference, but whatever works best for you is the right solution. As far as the rangefinder goes, I use a Leupold GX-3c. Love the solid construction and the optics, which I prefer to other brands.
  15. Tyler_S

    Tyler_S
    Cypress, TX

    I have a Nikon ProShot 50 Stabilized. Love it. works great, give me all the information I need. Use GPS devices in the past, they work well but the ones I used only gave me front, middle and back green numbers. With my rangefinder, I can get to the flag and any slope adjusted figure.

    As it has been said a few times above, just depends on what you are looking for and what works for you.
  16. Teedz

    Teedz
    Fresno, CA

    It's really a personal preference when it comes down to it. I use both a watch and a range finder. The range finder is always attached to my bag, so in case I forget my watch, I can still get my distances. Also, if I hit my drive into another fairway, it will think I'm playing another hole, so that is another reason why I got a cheapish rangefinder!

    I love the watch though. I got the Voice Caddie A2 Hybrid watch when I sold my iphone to Verizon a few years ago haha. Absolutely love it! Works very well!
  17. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    I think its all personal preference! I like to use the rangefinder. Technology is wild though and some of those gps devices are unbelievable with what they can show you
  18. JGutierrez

    JGutierrez
    New City, NY

    I use GPS but Im in the market for a rangefinder now. I would like to have both when Im out there.
  19. I wear a Garmin Approach S20 watch, and also use a Raythor rangefinder. I shoot the yardage, and use the watch to determine distance in front and behind pin for in between clubs. I also use it to track shots. It works well for me.
  20. Ron T

    Ron T
    Grapevine, TX

    I have had an off brand range finder for several years, and the GHIN app with GPS. However, I recently purchased the Bushnell v5 and so far it's been quite a bit different from both the app and the off brand range finder. Just something I found out recently and it's pertinent to the topic. It could be that the app isn't refreshed or updated all that often... or it could be something else but there was a distinct difference.
  21. Andrew S.

    Andrew S.
    Selden, NY

    I use the Garmin Approach S40 and have a range finder in the bag but rarely use it. The Garmin gives distances to layups, doglegs, and hazards.

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