Golf GPS Systems vs. Golf Laser Rangefinders by Joseph Bill
This subject has been a long and heated debate in the golf community since they were invented. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and I think it just comes down to personal preference. Below I will go over the strengths and weaknesses of GPS and laser rangefinders and let you decide for yourself which is better for you.
Rangefinders are very accurate with ranges at plus/minus one yard compared to GPS which are accurate at plus/minus three yards. GPS units can also be off by as much as 10 yards sometimes depending on how the course was mapped.
With a laser rangefinder you can get the distance to just about any object you desire whereas a GPS unit you only get yardages to the front, middle and back of the green. Some of the more expensive units have yardages to hazards and layup spots.
Since GPS systems only show yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, laser rangefinders are a lot more useful for yardages under 100 yards since you can get distances to the pin. GPS systems don’t work very well when the green is very large since it only tells you the yardage to front, middle and back. GPS systems use lots of power and require a new set of batteries almost every round whereas laser rangefinders only require new batteries once a year.
Laser rangefinders can be tiresome since you have to pull it out of your pocket or bag, remove the case and aim at the desired target. This can be very tiring after you do this 40 or 50 times a round. Compared to a GPS unit which you can strap to your bag or cart; all you have to do is glance at it and you have the yardages. This makes GPS systems very convenient and easy to use.
With GPS systems you have to download the course before you play and there is a fee every time you download a course. Also, some GPS systems like the SkyCaddie have yearly fees as well. A laser rangefinder must have a clear line of sight to work compared to a GPS which must have a clear view of the sky to function.
One of the biggest advantages of a laser rangefinder, in my opinion, is that they can be used on a driving range while a GPS system only works while on the golf course. Also, one attribute that is often overlooked is laser rangefinders have magnification which allows one to survey the green for possible trouble.
If you can afford it, I would get both a GPS system and a laser rangefinder. Laser rangefinders are great for using for shots under 100 yards so you can get exact yardage to the pin. Rangefinders are also very useful for measuring yardage to hazards so you can avoid them. Rangefinders are great for using on the driving range as well. GPS systems are very convenient and make measuring distance effortless and will really speed up your play.
Joseph Bill is an avid golfer who is always looking for ways to improve his game. To learn more about laser rangefinders such as the Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Slope Edition check out his website Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Slope Edition
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Golf-GPS-Systems-vs–Golf-Laser-Rangefinders/469494
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