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What Is A Rangefinder?

In a process called ranging, a rangefinder is used to measure the distance from the observer to the target and from the observer to that target.

Golfers will be able to use a rangefinder to measure the distance between the tee and the hole, making it an indispensable tool of the game.

In addition to a rangefinder being hassle free, it also doesn’t require any prior experience in order to use it. Rangefinders have the most important function of providing you with an accurate distance between you and your target, thus eliminating the need for guess work.

Every golfer should have a rangefinder as it is an essential piece of equipment.

The goal of this article is to explain everything you need to know about a rangefinder and how it can benefit your game of golf.

Furthermore, we will share any hidden information that might be useful for you so that your skills as a golfer will be improved.

There is no doubt that this piece of equipment will improve your golfing experience in many ways.


Why is a Rangefinder Important?

Within the last 10 years, golf rangefinders have become one of the most desirable golf gadgets on the market. Among the most valuable pieces of golf equipment that can be acquired by golfers to improve their game is a rangefinder.

It is also important to note that a rangefinder is an excellent tool to be able to see targets which would otherwise be difficult to see with the naked eye.

They are basically used as a set of binoculars that you can use to see if the group in front of you is at an appropriate distance for you to hit your next shot.

Rangefinders are the most convenient way to measure distance between yourself and the hole.

“How golf rangefinders work in simple terms” by T-time Golf on YouTube.

Factors of a Rangefinder

Golf laser rangefinders need to be updated regularly because there is so much information and new equipment available.

In addition, if you are an amateur, then the following are some of the crucial and essential things you should look for in each device before making your purchase.

The more experienced golfers will understand each of these factors that make up a good rangefinder.

Accuracy

One of the most important functions of a rangefinder is the ability to measure distances. For your intended shot to be successful, you need to know how many yards you need.

This is one of the most important features in the game since it will determine the outcome.

Distance Range

By using this device, you will be able to get closer without having to move an inch. It is also very easy to use a rangefinder, which is another great advantage of using one.

In order for you to understand how this device works, you do not need any prior experience or hours of practice. Golfers only need to point their lasers at the target to shoot. From there, the rangefinder will do the rest.

In the end, however, a long Rangefinder is useless unless you can see the target. For viewing distant targets, make sure you have a large magnification.

Battery Life

There is almost no concern with this as it is well established that most batteries can last six months to a year compared to wearable devices like a golf watch.

In addition, some companies, such as Precision Pro, offer free batteries for life when you register with them.

Thus, before buying a Rangefinder, it is advisable to check the capacity of the battery to make sure it will provide an excellent performance and that it is original.

Slope Measurement Capability

Despite the fact that a rangefinder does not tell you the exact distance, it can tell you if you are shooting uphill or downhill.

Furthermore, they are not allowed to be used during competitions so it is strongly recommended that they are turned off during competitions.

However, they can be used during practice. In general, they tend to be a bit more expensive, but certain models do come with slope compensating features.


Examples Of Good Rangefinders

Bushnell Tour V5 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell Tour V5 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder. Image source: Bushnell Golf

It is without a doubt one of the most powerful and best rangefinders available on the market at this time.

With JOLT Technology, it has the typical but special pinseeker, enabling it to be as accurate as possible to the nearest yard.

It ranges extremely far with 5x magnification and it’s fast focus system helps for it to be the perfect rangefinder in your collection.

Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder

Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder
Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder. Image source: GoGoGoSports

With +/-1 meter high accuracy and a 6x magnification, the measuring range is from 5 to 650 yards.

It is the most cost-effective golf rangefinder you can find on the market that delivers great results when you’re on the golf course.

It is highly accurate and can deliver great detail in the distances and slopes.

Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder

Callaway GPS 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder. Image source: Callawaygolf

It provides accurate slope measurement using a high-quality laser rangefinder that accounts for elevation changes and measures the angle of incline/decline in order to calculate the slope-adjusted distance.

The best bit is it is legal for tournament play so take advantage of this whilst you still can! 

Summary

Having a rangefinder in your collection is the ultimate thing you should own if you wish to improve your performance on the golf course.

I hope that now you have a better understanding of what a rangefinder is and all the benefits that come with owning one.

We have explained all you need to know about what a rangefinder does and why so many people use them all the time here in this guide.

As a matter of fact, we have even recommended three rangefinders that we believe are at the top of the market and will do exactly what you want them to do.

In the coming days, it will be time to go out there and get yourself one of these and experience it for yourself by taking it out on the course.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rangefinders

Do Rangefinders Need Slope?

The slope feature on a rangefinder comes in very handy when you are using it during practice rounds. For accurate yardage measurement, the more advanced yardage devices consider the trajectory of the shot, including whether it is uphill or downhill, and factor in the slope as well.

Do Pro Golfers Use Rangefinders?

Generally speaking, there is a widespread belief that pro golfers do not use rangefinders on the golf course because they are not required to do so. However, this could not be further from the truth. A seasoned golfer or professional player can, indeed, estimate their distance by referring to a spot on the course. Nevertheless, sight is not always a reliable method for estimating distance. Professional players will often train with it.

Are Rangefinders Accurate?

As far as the rangefinder is concerned, it actually has an advanced clock that tracks the time it takes for the light to travel and be reflected back. This implies that the longer the time it takes, the greater the distance is. This device can generally get an accuracy of plus or minus 1 yard most of the time.

Why Do Rangefinders Need Long-Lasting Batteries?

It is important to choose a device that has a sufficient amount of battery life for the game you will be playing. In case you are used to playing on a course that offers 5-6 hour round rotations, then you should look for the longest-lasting battery on the market. When considering the battery life, check the manufacturer’s specifications before making a purchase.

Why Do Some Rangefinders Cost More Than Others?

The reason that some cost more than others is because they can cover greater distances and give you more accurate results. In terms of price, the slopes are certainly an additional factor that drives up prices, but each rangefinder will still supply you with quality results.

By Andrew Barrett

Hi, my name is Andrew Barrett, and I have been a keen golfer for the last 15 years. As a teenager, I used to attend my local golf club and resort with my father, and I quickly realized that it was the perfect sport for me. From here, I decided to take the sport more seriously, and have been playing regularly with family and friends since.

Over the years, I have picked up many useful skills and tips about golf. I have decided to set up my site, Golf Link, as a way to share my knowledge and tips with other keen golfers. Through this site, I will be talking you through general golfing knowledge, and I will also be reviewing golf clubs and equipment too.