range finders

[Blue_Arc]

I'm getting ready to make the purchase. I thought I wanted laser but now I'm looking at GPS. I'm liking the Garmin Approach G5. I was reading about the Skycaddies and saw some complaints about losing signals with the satellite and we do play in the canyons out here a lot. It seems Garmin's courses are free. I don't know. Anyway, do you gps users have any pros and cons with the unit you have? Thing is, they ain't cheap!

[poe4soul]

I've heard good things about the golf buddy. GolfBuddy GPS Range Finder - Know Your Game No download fees, holds a many courses, etc.

I personally have a range finder. It has the Pinseeker technology which will give you the closest distance measured (the flag in front of the trees and not the trees). I like the idea of being able to shot what ever I want to. Especially around the green. How far to clear the front bunker, how far to the pin, how far to the beer cart, etc. Seriously though, if you play on some courses with large greens the front, middle, back distances might not be enough information. Also some of the distance to hazards might not be enough.

Before you buy a range finder, if you go that way, I would try one out. Some people have issues holding the range finder steady enough to get a distance to a pin further than 150 yards. I've also heard reports that the range finder doesn't work well in hot weather. Not a problem where I live but it might be for you.

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by Blue_Arc

I'm getting ready to make the purchase. I thought I wanted laser but now I'm looking at GPS. I'm liking the Garmin Approach G5. I was reading about the Skycaddies and saw some complaints about losing signals with the satellite and we do play in the canyons out here a lot. It seems Garmin's courses are free. I don't know. Anyway, do you gps users have any pros and cons with the unit you have? Thing is, they ain't cheap!

You are right about the canyon thing. If the receiver can't see enough satellites, it can become quite erratic, or lose the signal completely. No telling when or if you might have that issue. I have both a GolfLogix GPS-8 and a Bushnell Tour V2 laser, and if I had to pick just one, it would be the laser.

[Wazmankg]

I have a range finder and like it for the reasons poe4soul mentioned. Mine is a cheapie... $139 Bushnell, but I use it nearly as much for getting distances other than the green/pin.

[OnePutt]

I have both a GPS and a Laser. I use both on just about every hole. I like the laser when I get close to the green so I know the EXACT yardage to the flag, not just to the front, middle and back of green. You can also use a Laser at the driving range to measure distances to target and know EXACTLY how far you are hitting each of your clubs. And if you HUNT, you can get double duty from a laser when hunting big game. Anothen plus is it's a one time deal cost wise with NO annuel fees, like a lot of GPS units have.

[GolfSavage]

I bought the Bushnell iGolf Neo GPS unit for myself for Christmas. Little thing works great. After rebate it cost less than $80 and then $35 for one year use of their website. Can download up to 100 courses to my computer to use forever. Even after my membership expires, I'll still be able to hook up my Neo to my laptop and swap out courses. Always able to use it to map my courses as well. It gives very basics - distance to front, center, back of green, plus you can add up to two features per hole, say distance to clear a trap or where the turn in a dogleg is, etc. Since I don't see myself getting to the point of going "pin hunting", and am just happy to hit the green with most approach shots, this does just what I need. It has been great for confirming the distance from the tee on par 3s where the posted distance or the one on the card just don't look right. Also, when I've chosen to use an "alternate" fairway than the one everybody else is using, I can get distance to the green through trees, over hills, around houses, through schools, etc.

They (iGolf, owned by Bushnell) also have fancier models with color screens, more info, etc. and they are better priced than SkyCaddie or most others, but the simple Neo does just fine for me, and the price is right.

[Blue_Arc]

Originally Posted by GolfSavage

I bought the Bushnell iGolf Neo GPS unit for myself for Christmas. Little thing works great. After rebate it cost less than $80 and then $35 for one year use of their website. Can download up to 100 courses to my computer to use forever. Even after my membership expires, I'll still be able to hook up my Neo to my laptop and swap out courses. Always able to use it to map my courses as well. It gives very basics - distance to front, center, back of green, plus you can add up to two features per hole, say distance to clear a trap or where the turn in a dogleg is, etc. Since I don't see myself getting to the point of going "pin hunting", and am just happy to hit the green with most approach shots, this does just what I need. It has been great for confirming the distance from the tee on par 3s where the posted distance or the one on the card just don't look right. Also, when I've chosen to use an "alternate" fairway than the one everybody else is using, I can get distance to the green through trees, over hills, around houses, through schools, etc.

They (iGolf, owned by Bushnell) also have fancier models with color screens, more info, etc. and they are better priced than SkyCaddie or most others, but the simple Neo does just fine for me, and the price is right.

That's a good point. I just need to know where the center of the green is at this point. If I can track my club distances and hit the green...it would be great. For pinseeker technology I'll just have to use my putter. Ha! At that price I can actually get both. I have one on the way. Thanks guys.

[Blue_Arc]

Originally Posted by GolfSavage

Also, when I've chosen to use an "alternate" fairway than the one everybody else is using, I can get distance to the green through trees, over hills, around houses, through schools, etc.

[Blue_Arc]

OK...I have the iGolf Geo, which should be here tomorrow and...Ha! Just ordered the Bushnell Medalist. Only 210 bucks and it's got the pin seeker in it. If only I could find a ball with that feature.