BatteryĪlthough the power consumption of these devices is relatively low, we prefer lithium batteries over alkaline counterparts because of their longevity. Target acquisition or target lock technology uses terms like pin seeker, flag-lock, jolt or pulse to describe enhancements that help you focus on the target more quickly and then receive physical feedback through a haptic vibration through the device to let you know you’re successful. If you’re playing in poor light conditions, OLED displays are brighter and easier to read because each pixel is lit rather than using a backlit array. Most rangefinder displays are either LCD, LED or OLED. However, these features aren’t allowed in tournament play, so it’s essential to be able to switch them off. There’s a considerable difference between an uphill or downhill target, so better rangefinders offer the additional benefit of slope and elevation calculations. Two golf-specific features, in particular, are available in better rangefinders. Golf rangefinder features AccuracyĮven cheap golf laser rangefinders are usually accurate within one yard, but the best ones are accurate within half a yard. One professional we consulted believed that no golf rangefinder was accurate beyond 300 yards, but that’s sufficient for virtually all golf shots. The headline figure indicates how far the laser will travel, while the pin measurement is how far it can maintain accuracy. Some rangefinders claim 1,000 yards or more but give a much-reduced distance for actual pin measurement. It’s essential to be careful when checking range information. Good optics are expensive, so it’s reasonable to assume that the lens quality is one factor differentiating a cheap golf rangefinder from premium brands. Lens quality is difficult to judge, but coated lenses are generally better than uncoated, though there are many different coating possibilities and not all manufacturers clarify this. Less than that, and you’re probably not getting the focus you need down range. Magnification should be between five times and seven times. The two considerations here are magnification and lens quality. A digital clock inside the rangefinder records the time, which is used to calculate the distance. Once you’ve done that, press a button to project a focused beam of light toward the target, which travels in a straight line, hits the mark and bounces back. To use a rangefinder, you only need to look through the eyepiece and line up the reticle with a target. An eyepiece and screen combination is mounted above the laser projector in the same compact, handheld unit. A laser rangefinder doesn’t need an eyepiece, but to be of practical use to golfers, some viewing or targeting apparatus is required. What to consider before buying a golf rangefinder How golf rangefinders workĮvery laser rangefinder works in the same way. Lock-on: We tested how quickly the rangefinder can lock onto a target 5 to 1,000 yards away and whether it takes multiple tries to accomplish it.Slope technology: We tested slope technology on a Par-3 hole with an elevated tee box.Build quality: We tested the water resistance in the rain and the temperature resistance in desert weather conditions.Accuracy: We tested multiple targets several hundred yards away and compared readings with other rangefinders and cart GPS to determine accuracy.Instructions: We read the instructions front to back to determine how to tweak the rangefinder to suit personal preferences and perform at optimal conditions.
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