GPS & Rangefinders
Golf Range Finder Advice
There are two types of golf range finders, also known as distance finders. A writer for Golf.com says that as of 2011, over 30 percent of avid golfers owned a range finder. "Rangefinders have been the hottest selling item in an otherwise down golf economy and competition is fierce," wrote Gary Van Sickle. If you are searching for a range finder, you have a choice between a laser device and a GPS device. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
How to Buy a GPS
Golf GPS systems have become increasingly popular since their legalization by the USGA in sanctioned play. A Golf GPS system will help you lower your golf scores by providing instant feedback on the distance to the hole, hazards and other desired locations on the course you are playing. The lower cost the Golf GPS system, the less advanced features and supported courses will be on the unit. The more advanced golf GPS systems will even let you track what clubs you hit on each shot in order to determine the optimal range for each of your golf clubs.
Golf Distance Finder Instructions
Golf distance finders let you measure the distance from your golf ball to the pin or other target area on the golf course. By having accurate distance information on the course, you can choose the appropriate golf club to use for your next golf shot. Most golf range finders measure distances from 300 yards and closer on the course. The three types of range finders used by golfers are laser, reflection and GPS.
Comparing Golf GPS Systems
GPS systems are a wonderful tool to aid your golf game. They provide a clear display of information about the hole, can suggest which club to use and help identify hazards. The technology can take your game to the next level, provided you have a device that you know how to use.
More GPS & Rangefinders Picks
How to Compare Golf GPS Systems
Golf GPS systems have evolved significantly since they were first introduced. No longer is the GPS device only meant to tell you about the distance to the hole and other parts of the approach. Now, high-end golf GPS devices can show you a full-color overview of the hole in order to let you identify potential areas on each hole to avoid. They also provide assistance with your overall golf course management with the goal of helping you lower your score over a round. Golf GPS devices have been legal per USGA (United States Golf Association) rules since 2005.
Golf Rangefinder GPS vs. Laser
Buyers of golf rangefinders must choose between a global positioning system unit that knows the positions of major features on the course and computes their distances, or a laser device that measures the return time of a beam reflected off an object. Laser scopes have been available since the 1990s, but GPS systems are becoming the more popular choice. There are also applications for smart phones that allow them to function as GPS rangefinders.
How to Use a Rangefinding Reticle
While there are other high-tech options, such as laser-sighted monoculars, or lower-tech options, such as built-in course yardage markers, a basic, reticle-based rangefinder is an excellent option for determining the distance to the pin. A rangefinder will give you an accurate read on how far it is to the pin, allowing you to always choose the perfect club.
Definition of a GPS Track Angle
Global positioning system tracking has become quite popular in the game of golf. Such GPS systems allow players to gauge distance, depth and slope in determining what club to use on a particular shot, where to aim and how hard to swing. Of course, GPS brings with it plenty of terms that may be foreign to GPS novices, among them, "track angle."
How to Buy a GPS Navigation System
GPS navigation systems allow golfers to calculate driving distance and course topography. They are invaluable for any high-tech golfer. However, if you don’t know what to look for in a GPS system, you may end up with little more than a fancy paperweight. While some GPS systems work fine for driving your car, they may be utterly useless for golfers. It is important to keep certain factors in mind when buying any new GPS system for golf.
The Key Features to Look for When Buying a GPS Device
A handheld GPS device is frequently used by drivers and hikers to help them find their location or their destination. Taking advantage of the technology, there are now GPS units for golfers to help them get information specifically for their sport. Like all gadgets, these units vary widely in what they can do for your game and what they cost. Consider some of these features as you search for the model that best fits your needs when you're on the course.
How Does a Golf Rangefinder Work?
There are two types of rangefinders available on the market for you to use to aide you on the golf course: GPS and laser rangefinders. GPS rangefinders require less time to determine your distance to the hole or other points on the golf course because they use measurements to known points about the course. They require the course to be mapped and sometimes require you to pay a monthly subscription fee, depending on the type of service that you choose. Laser rangefinders, on the other hand, do not require the course to be mapped. They can take longer to get a distance measurement than a GPS-based rangefinder and are only as accurate as the golfer using the device.
