Golf Rangefinder vs Golf GPS – Best Choice for Golfers

There was a time when only professional golfers could have proper access to the exact distance to the next flag. This was possible with the help of a yardage book. On the other hand, regular golfers had to be happy with the yardages that were stamped on various white stakes and sprinkler heads on a golf course. Thankfully, those days have become history. Today, golfers can use laser rangefinders and GPS to find out about the exact yardage to the next golf flag. There are various devices that come with GPS facilities. These include smartphones and smartphones.

There are also several manufacturers of laser rangefinders in the market. Although there are several choices for a modern-day golfer, it can easily prove to be confusing for a player to choose between a GPS and a laser rangefinder.

Pros and Cons of A GPS and A Laser Rangefinder

When you compare a GPS with a laser rangefinder, you will notice that each has its own pros and cons. these have been discussed below for your knowledge.

GPS

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of using a GPS is the price of the technology. You will find several GPS apps that can be used on your smartphones. Most of these apps are free to use. Even if you opt for a standalone GPS device, it will cost you somewhere around $100. However, there are costlier GPS options, as well.

Another advantage of using GPS is the wide array of forms that they normally take. You can easily get your yardages on your watch, phones or even on a hat clip. This will let you use any device that is convenient to use and gives you fast results.

If you use a GPS device, you will get several information pertaining to the golf course. This proves to be very important especially for golfers who play on a golf course for the first time. Using a GPS technology will give you the distance to the next flag, as well as, the various hazards that are invisible to you on the course.

Cons

When it comes to using a GPS, the primary problem you may face is the accuracy. Although there are several new GPS models that are far better than the older versions, there are still times when the accuracy is not as good as a laser rangefinder. There are several units that can show you a movable flag. However, a GPS unit will fail to provide you with the exact distance to a flag.

GPS units can only be used on a golf course that a company has already mapped. Although there are thousands of golf courses shown on a GPS unit, it will not solve your purpose if the course you are currently playing on is not shown to you.

Laser Rangefinder

Pros

Using a laser rangefinder will give you more accurate readings than a GPS unit. Whichever model you choose, the accuracy level of a laser rangefinder will always be accurate to maximum a yard. There are also some models that provide accuracy levels up to half or even a tenth of a yard.

Laser rangefinders can be used anywhere. It is very convenient to use and can be used on every golf course on earth.

Cons

When you talk about the negative aspects of a laser rangefinder the first thing that comes to your mind is the price. Even the cheapest model will cost you around $200.

Sometimes, you may also face a problem with the pace of play. You have to aim the rangefinder at a flag in order to get the reading. GPS do not have such problems.

Which device you wish to use is entirely based on your budget, requirement, and preferences. Some users find GPS useful and some find the rangefinder better.