Golf Rangefinder vs. GPS: What’s the Difference?
Golf technology—like rangefinders and GPS—has changed the golf game, especially for those looking to shave extra strokes off their round. Both a golf rangefinder and GPS can help you determine the distance to the green, but each works in a slightly different way. Our Golf Experts share the differences between golf rangefinders and golf GPS devices to help you decide which one works best for your game.
Golf Rangefinders
Golf rangefinders are handheld devices that use laser technology to measure the distance to the pin. You simply look through the lens, aim at the flag, and press a button to get an accurate reading. One main benefit of a golf rangefinder is its accuracy within one to two yards. You do need to have a rather steady hand, however, in order to get the most accurate reading. This makes them great for players who have a dialed-in game where even a few yards will make all the difference.
✔ Great for familiar courses and new courses because you can get specific distances to clear a water hazard or bunker as well as pin distance
✔ Offers accurate distance to the pin, greenside bunker, water hazard, hill, or tree
✔ Simple and easy to use
✔ Battery life allows you to use the rangefinder for more than one round
✔ Slope availability on some models. If you’re playing in tournaments, a rangefinder with slope is not allowed, so it’s important to get a model that the slope can be turned on and off.
Trending Golf Rangefinders
Golf GPS
A golf GPS speaker or watch uses satellite technology to provide a layout of the course and hole. The key difference between GPS units and rangefinders is that GPS provides distances to the front, center, and back of the green. Using a golf GPS watch or device allows you to see the hole and course in its entirety so that you can make an informed decision based on your play. One main benefit of a golf GPS is that they don’t require any manual use or a steady hand like a golf rangefinder. There are golf apps you can use on your phone that utilizes GPS and can display a heat map of where golfers have played on that day. Using this data will help you understand how the wind or slope of the green is influencing each shot.
✔ Great for new, unfamiliar courses
✔ Offers a greater view of the course
✔ Quicker to use compared to a rangefinder
✔ Hunting Lumbar & Fanny Packs
Trending Golf GPS Devices
Choosing between a golf rangefinder and golf GPS unit really comes down to personal preference and the variety of courses you play. By understanding these key differences, you’ll be able to find the best golf rangefinder or golf GPS for you. If you have additional questions about golf technology, stop into your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with a Golf Expert today!