# Help me pick a golf laser rangefinder **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [April 24, 2009, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224 "2009-04-24T15:25:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![luvrbcs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/1 "2009-04-24T15:25:13Z")
I am trying to decide between a Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 w/slope and a Bushnell Tour V2 w/ slope. They are both roughly the same price so that is not a factor. I think the 1500 is an older model with the 1600 replacing it, but it has the same specs. Both also have good reviews. Does anyone have any experiences, good and bad? I may just flip a coin. ---
**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/2 "2009-04-24T23:34:08Z")
Just curious - have you rejected the GPS range finders? ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2009, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/3 "2009-04-25T02:34:58Z")
Don’t use these in a tournament or you’ll get disqualified. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2009, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/4 "2009-04-25T19:37:58Z")
I don’t know the details, but I always favor multi-purpose equipment. I suggest you purchase something that can also guide Paveway bombs and Hellfire missiles. As a bonus, either weapon will considerably increase the size of the hole. ---
**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2009, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/5 "2009-04-25T23:21:38Z")
> [@John\_DiFool](#): > > Don’t use these in a tournament or you’ll get disqualified. Depends. The USGA has sanctioned most types of Rangefinders as legal under Local Rules. So, it depends upon the tournament rules. The only types that are NOT legal are ones that measure wind, slope, etc. i.e. anything other than distance. ---
**Author:** ![luvrbcs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2009, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/6 "2009-04-26T00:10:34Z")
Well, I got anxious and ordered. I got the Bushnell V2 w/ slope. A GPS was not an option, I want to use this to dial in my club distances, and I will be using it at the driving range. Tournaments arent a problem, I doubt I will ever be in one, I’m a beginner. The multipurpose one’s do sound like they would be fun, guilding a Hellfire, hmmmm… ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2009, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/7 "2009-04-26T00:21:26Z")
> [@luvrbcs](#): > > … > The multipurpose one’s do sound like they would be fun, guilding a Hellfire, hmmmm… Don’t forget that you don’t _have_ to aim at the hole. There are other foursomes, for examples. The clubhouse, if it has drinks that are too weak. There are many options outside of the 18 holes. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/8 "2009-04-26T13:41:41Z")
> [@luvrbcs](#): > > A GPS was not an option, I want to use this to dial in my club distances, and I will be using it at the driving range. > > Tournaments arent a problem, I doubt I will ever be in one, I’m a beginner. > > The multipurpose one’s do sound like they would be fun, guilding a Hellfire, hmmmm… You’re a beginner? but you are good enough to “dial in…club distances”? With range balls? You’re best bet is to play golf and learn (by experience) how far you hit a 7-iron, wedge etc. IMO, a laser range finder is should be near the end of your list of purchase priorities. Tiger Woods is precise enough for accurate yardages but 99.9% of amateurs are not. My handicap waivers between 1 and 5, yet I only need a yardage to the nearest 5 yards. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/9 "2009-04-27T13:52:56Z")
A beginner will not need one. There are markers on the holes indicating 150 yds, 200 etc. That is plenty for many years. I wonder if they slow the game down. I see people going to a 150 marker and then pacing the distance to the ball and adding or subtracting to get it exact. Would a range finder be faster? They also take a while to sight in. ---
**Author:** ![luvrbcs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/10 "2009-04-27T15:23:12Z")
Rangefinders do not take long to read, just a few seconds. Even though I am a beginner, I have 2 years under my belt and I have made great improvement in my game since I started. I had a massive slice then. I now shoot about 110 or so, depends on my day. I want to get that down. Even though a rangefinder is not necessary, I can afford one and feel that it will help to improve my game. It is a tool. On the range, I hit my 7-iron about 130 yards. On the course, I hit it further, but I don’t know how far. Playing on a course on a slow day I can hit several balls and figure out how far I can hit. Range markers on a course are handy but they measure to the center of the green, the holes rarely are, usually somewhere in front or back. Also, there are no markers showing distances to hazards; do I try to hit over the water or lay up, a rangefinder will tell me the distance. Besides all that, it is a really cool toy! ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/11 "2009-04-27T16:06:03Z")
That I can not argue with. I like toys too. Many courses have GPS carts that tell you all you need to know. When I was playing Publinx we debated whether we should have them turned off. The decision was no ,since pros have caddies giving them shots to the foot we would leave them on. Welcome to the land of the no buyers resistance. Golfers are such suckers. Almost every golfer with a few years under his belt will accumulate drivers, putters and gadgets. You can not have too many putters. I know guys with garages full of golf stuff. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/12 "2009-04-27T17:04:36Z")
> [@luvrbcs](#): > > Even though a rangefinder is not necessary, I can afford one and feel that it will help to improve my game. It is a tool. On the range, I hit my 7-iron about 130 yards. On the course, I hit it further, but I don’t know how far. Playing on a course on a slow day I can hit several balls and figure out how far I can hit. Range markers on a course are handy but they measure to the center of the green, the holes rarely are, usually somewhere in front or back. Also, there are no markers showing distances to hazards; do I try to hit over the water or lay up, a rangefinder will tell me the distance. > > Besides all that, it is a really cool toy! Agreed, it is a cool toy, and somewhat useful too, even outside of golf. You need to realize that it is a toy. But, please don’t expect to improve your game because of it. The knowledge that you “ **can** ” hit a 7 iron 145 yds does not mean that you **will** hit it 145 yds. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/13 "2009-04-27T17:17:00Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Don’t forget that you don’t _have_ to aim at the hole. There are other foursomes, for examples. The clubhouse, if it has drinks that are too weak. There are many options outside of the 18 holes. But aiming at the hole does have an advantage : who needs accurate putting when one has a howitzer battery to turn the whole green into a smoking crater ? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/14 "2009-04-27T18:30:32Z")
Want to help your game ,buy a Medicus. ---
**Author:** ![luvrbcs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2009, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/15 "2009-04-27T18:54:00Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > Want to help your game ,buy a Medicus. Got one. I am at that stage where I want to start fine tuning, in a rough sort of way. I am 10 years from retirement (hopefully) so I have that long to become a 20 handicapper, that is all I really need. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/16 "2009-04-28T00:16:50Z")
You swing a Medicus and still shoot 110. Damn .that thing should put you on plane and give respectable distance… Where are you burning strokes? ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/17 "2009-04-28T01:19:05Z")
He didn’t say that the Medicus did not break down. There is a guy at my Country Club who I used to play a lot of golf with. He swing is very unorthodox however he used to play very respectable golf, occasionally shooting in the low 70’s. Over the last 5-8 years, his swing has really deteriorated and he can hardly break an egg. He struggles to break 90 these days. His swing is so fast that I say that I hear a "sonic boom’ on his backswing. Every other shot is a chunk or a top or a shank or a toe job. he still has a very good short-game which saves his round from going into the 100’s. It is really sad to watch him play so poorly after being a very decent golfer. Last year he went a got his swing analyzed to get fitted for clubs. Hooked up with camera to measure swing speed, ball velocity, spin rate etc. I advised against it as his game was in such disarray. When he gets back, the technicians said that he had the most amazing consistent swing. Of course he bought the clubs and insists on playing their golf ball for optimum initial velocity and spin rate. Anyone thinking of PT Barnum?!! I played with him the other day. he made a coupld of miracle pars and shot 95. There are no miracle cures in golf, just hard work and practice. You cannot buy a better game. ---
**Author:** ![luvrbcs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/18 "2009-04-28T12:41:07Z")
I didn’t use the medicus much, didn’t like it. My problems are many and I am working on them: Shoulders tense on setup; fixed that but now I am tense on downswing, causing my shoulders to rise and topping the ball. Finally relaxing now. Not following through often. Not concentrating. Taking stroke and distance when it is smarter to just drop. Bad shots (course management). Other stupid stuff. The earlier scores were from the past two years, I actually shot a 54 for 9 holes the other day. I am working on my short game, that should help me lower my score, my chipping sucked but is now looking better. Bottom line, I guess I learn slow. But, I have time on my side and I enjoy playing. All in all, not a bad deal. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/19 "2009-04-28T14:54:20Z")
I taught my son via Medicus. He has a solid golf swing and hits it far. It was not around when I started. Trust it. It will get rid of most swing flaws. I will give a hint for chipping. When you are next to a green visualize throwing a ball on the green and rolling toward the hole. You would throw underhand and just follow through to maintain line. Then duplicate that feeling with your swing. Also put your weight on the front foot when chipping. (qt least 80 %). When a person jabs at a chip ,it is equivi. to an abbreviated underhand throw ,that stops and shoots the ball out. No distance control and less line control. ---
**Author:** ![luvrbcs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224/20 "2009-04-28T15:34:28Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > I taught my son via Medicus. He has a solid golf swing and hits it far. It was not around when I started. Trust it. It will get rid of most swing flaws. > I will give a hint for chipping. When you are next to a green visualize throwing a ball on the green and rolling toward the hole. You would throw underhand and just follow through to maintain line. Then duplicate that feeling with your swing. Also put your weight on the front foot when chipping. (qt least 80 %). When a person jabs at a chip ,it is equivi. to an abbreviated underhand throw ,that stops and shoots the ball out. No distance control and less line control. Thanks, I may consider it again. Yeah, chipping better can knock several strokes off. Thanks for the tips. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-golf-laser-rangefinder/494224.md?page=2)