Health and Fitness

This article will look into the pluses and minuses of the new GPS for golf systems compared to laser range finders for golfers. Although both of these devices were made to supply all golfers with correct yard readings, the systems work quite differently while each holds an advantage over the other type.

Essentials of Rangefinder Use

Side by side to GPS, range finders are different animals. Rangefinders are optical devices which are fundamentally a cross between a laser gun, such as the ones used by highway patrol to measure the speed of a driver, and a set of binoculars. The optical system, just like a telescope, enables you to lock onto an object that you want to measure the distance for (for example a pond behind the putting area). The rangefinder beams an ‘eye safe’ laser on your target while evaluating the time that it takes for the laser of the range finder to bounce off your place and reflect back to the range finder. Measuring the time delay, it then precisely determines a distance for your point.

How Golf GPS Units Function

To put it in elementary terms, golf GPS systems are fundamentally a satellite mapping system. The GPS unit will pinpoint its own exact fix by talking with the orbiting satellites above the Earth in order to understand exactly where it is in relation to the object; this can be the green or some obstacle of your desired hole, or the flag you want to reach.

Golf GPS Systems Pros

For one thing, there’s no need to aim it at any place to get your yardage reading. If you can’t quite see the place you want to measure – if you’re on blocked by a knoll, for example – this is perfect. Also, you don’t have to have a perfectly steady hand or precise eye to need to align a GPS unit like you need with a range finder.

Some Advantages of Laser Rangefinders for Golfers

You can focus in up to 7x closer with modern range finder models. This can be extremely helpful for locating your targets, as well as for guiding the laser to get you correct yardage measurements to your target area.

For example, at 145 yards it would be impossible to use your eyes just to locate a bump you would be better to avoid. If you use a rangefinder a rangefinder you will be able to easily spot it and then play safely to the some other side of the green – giving you the option of a much simpler birdie putt. Another benefit to using a laser range finder is that you can also take it with you when you are on the practice range so you can discover how far you hit each club.

Finally, both types of systems are great for improving your game; it actually depends on individual taste. If you can swing it the best way to avoid having to make a choice is just get a rangefinder AND a GPS! If that’s not possible, borrowing one or the other to determine which system will work best for you.