Laser Rangefinder or GPS Unit? Which One Should You Buy?
If you buy a GPS unit or a Laser Rangefinder. What device is best for your game? Which will help you lower your scores more likely? For as long as technology has made it possible to accurately distance key points on a golf course, this question has been posed. But let’s look at the two technologies first.
A protected laser beam generated from the system is used by the laser rangefinder to bounce back to the off target detector on the golf course. The time taken to represent the beam and the distance is calculated by advanced electronics and a high speed clock. It is extremely precise-within 1 or 2 metres.
A GPS unit collects satellite signals marking the GPS coordinates relative to a golf course function index and measuring the distance to each. The distances calculated may vary depending on where the unit is located on Earth as the distances between coordinates vary slightly from the equator to the poles.
For most golfers, the unit’s precision isn’t a big deal as the average golfer off an 18 handicap doesn’t drive the same distance each time a 5 iron (or any other club). On the other side, a professional golfer or more reliable novice with a lower handicap may need a more accurate measurement as they have a better ability to hit each shot at a particular distance.
And, having dealt with the issue of precision, what about increasing system type’s other apps. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a laser rangefinder over GPS.
Rangefinders-Do not require predefined maps of courses with keyfeatures pre-captured locations. Simply point the unit to any function and provide a gap.
GPS-All GPS units require pre-mapping of a golf course with coordinates for the specific characteristics of each golf hole. Many apps allow the user to map these functions on their own while others focus on importing the data from an online database.
Rangefinders-These systems can continue to operate without any necessary changes if a route shifts.
GPS-The new features will have to be mapped and old features removed when a course or hole is reshaped.
Rangefinders-No annual fees needed for GPS-Usually an annual fee is required to keep the course location up to date in order to maintain the course charts.
Rangefinders-You select the features you want on a hole, including the exact positioning of the pin. You don’t need to rely onfeatures pre-mapped.
GPS-Only includes measures of different pre-loaded features on each hole and in some instances this may be limited to the front / back and middle of the course.
Rangefinders-Requires line of sight to provide distances-if you and the machine can not see the next element, they won’t work over a hill or around a dogleg.
GPS-Works with functionality on a field you can’t see-fairway threats over a slope or a dogleg being blocked by foliage.
Rangefinders— Many systems will not monitor your shots for later GPS review— some GPS (not all) will keep track of your shots for later analysis. This can be useful in determining how far in playing situations you are hitting each club with real balls.
Rangefinders— Accurate to 1 or 2 yards / m GPS — Can be as much as 10-15 yards out with poor satellite signal strength or earth position.
Rangefinders-Can be used on the GPS driving range-Unless you can chart permanent driving range features-this includes safe access to the range and a GPS capable of recording new coordinates against a specific’ road.’
Rangefinders-In injury games, most rangefinders are legal to operate. Check for units that also measure gradient (slope) in your local rules.
GPS-GPS devices are appropriate for rounds of disabilities as long as they only assess distances. Use mobile phones with a GPS feature is typically not acceptable, as most mobile phones have the ability to obtain further details through other outlets such as wind speed, etc. The bulk of laser rangefinders are at least $200 or more while under this number you will pick up a less equipped GPS unit. You’ll get what you’re looking for as cheaper versions ‘ GPS circuitry will offer lower distance measurements.
So there you have it-a contrast of laser rangefinders and GPS systems that is fairly detailed. Every golfer who wants to improve their course management and inturn would certainly benefit from either unit enhancing their scores and impairment. I highly recommend that you add to your facilities one of these devices. It’ll make the game better.
