I have been doing some research on laser rangefinders because I really need a helpful tool on the course to help reduce my strokes. There are also models using GPS technology on the market, they seem to need a membership and with fee’s attached, right away not for me.

Therefore, if it is not going to be the GPS it is going to be the laser variety. This is what I found when I went looking for info on laser rangefinders.

The main purpose of the golf rangefinder is to get the distance to the flag with as little effort as possible. Actually to find the distance to any object on the course even the cabana boy (for the women) or the cart girl (for the guys) see they have multipurpose use already. Close as I can tell, the Laser rangefinder is top of the line for accuracy compared to the GPS type.

The biggest problem I found when doing my research was they all seemed to do pretty much the same thing, at least what I could tell. One would have PinSeeker Technology and swear the accuracy to the flag with no reflectors was within +/- 1yard at 300 yards, no background clutter straight to the flag.

The next golf rangefinder review I was reading said the same thing just that it was not PinSeeker Technology it was called first target priority mode or something like that. It did the same thing as the other.

There seem to be variations in the different modes each manufacturer offers, fog mode, scan mode, and slope to mention some of the more popular modes. They all have their purpose on the course; it really depends on your needs. Some are waterproof some are just water-resistant, do you play in the rain?

If you play tournaments some golf rangefinders are sanctioned for use, some are not. There is a difference between the slope models and the models without. The one without the slope mode is in most cases ok with tournament play, not the slope mode. I am not sure why, but that seems to be the general rule.

Those golfers that use the slope mode, or purchase a model with this mode, say they like it and use it often.

One thing that most turned me off on the laser rangefinders is that they can be hard to hold steady. They need a clear shot without bush or bends in the way to target the pin to take your shot. Pending the course you play on that might make a big difference on you picking a GPS or a laser rangefinder. Some models were easier to hold steady than others, it really depends on you.

Concluding from reading 25 or more golf rangefinder reviews and searching 10 or more golf forums. The Bushnell V2 and the Leopold Gx-3, Gx-4 seem to be the most popular models that golfers are using on the course. They are both laser rangefinders and have excellent accuracy and many of the same features. The GX-3 seems to be the favourite model, seems to be the most reliable unit and gets the best review.

The course you play on makes a big difference on selecting a laser or GPS rangefinder.

For my purposes, I am going to go with the laser rangefinder, because of the accuracy and the fact that there are no membership fees. Most units come with the battery included and can be used on most any course right out of the box, I like that. Pick one up, see how it feels, hold it up to your eye, check out the optics ,to make an informed decision you may want to read another golf rangefinder review.