When you’re improving your game, it’s crucial to understand the distance between you and the flag. Knowing the exact numbers can make all the difference between a win and a loss. The rangefinder is a game-changing device that takes the guesswork out of your shots and helps you master the course.
If you want to improve your game, consider browsing through the assortment of golf rangefinders that provide precise distances to the flag and other key points on the course. Names like Bushnell, Garmin, and Sureshot offer a variety of models, each packed with features to enhance accuracy and ease of use. Known for their high-quality optics and advanced laser technology, Bushnell models deliver quick and precise readings, making them a favourite among pros.
How Do They Work?
Understanding how a golf rangefinder works can enhance your appreciation of these high-tech golf tools. When you press the button, a pulse of infrared light shoots out, bouncing off distant objects before returning to the device. It then calculates the time taken for the light to return and translates this into a distance reading, which you see alongside the aiming reticule.
These devices typically feature three lenses. The objective lens, positioned opposite the eyepiece, captures light to create the image you view. The size of this lens determines the amount of light entering the device, influencing the brightness and clarity of the image. The light-receiving lens captures the returning infrared light, using this data to calculate and display the distance to your target. Finally, the eyepiece lens is where you look through to measure the distance.
This technology offers golfers precise measurements, helping them select the right club and strategy for each shot. It’s fascinating how such a compact device incorporates advanced optics and computing to significantly improve your game.
Golf vs Hunting
People who both hunt and golf often wonder if they can use the same device for both activities. While this is possible, it’s essential to ensure the unit has the right features. Golf rangefinders prioritise the nearest target, typically the flag, and often include features like club selection assistance or slope measurement.
Hunting models, on the other hand, focus on distant targets to ignore brush or branches and may include ballistic data for accurate shooting. If you’re looking for a dual-purpose device, it should be able to switch between near and distant target modes. However, choosing a device tailored specifically for your primary activity offers a better experience and you’ll avoid unnecessary frustration on the course or in the field. This way, you can ensure you have the most suitable features for your needs.
How Do You Choose a Golf Rangefinder?
Distance
When looking for golf rangefinders online, the maximum distance they can measure is crucial. It’s wise to pick one with a range that exceeds your typical needs by a few hundred yards. This ensures accuracy, even at your longest distances. These devices have two distance measurements: one for reflective targets, like some golf flags, and one for non-reflective targets, such as deer.
Reflective ranges are significantly longer due to the enhanced light return. So, if you’re hunting deer at distances up to 400 yards, look for a device that can measure up to 600 or 800 yards for non-reflective targets. Similarly, for golf, ensure the maximum range exceeds the longest hole you play. This approach guarantees you won’t struggle to get an accurate reading when you need it most.
Magnification
Magnification in golf rangefinders in Australia determines how much larger the image appears compared to the naked eye. For instance, a 6x magnification means objects appear six times bigger, which helps in precisely targeting and obtaining accurate distance measurements.
However, higher magnification can result in a darker image and a narrower field of view. For most users, 6x magnification strikes an ideal balance, offering clear visibility and precision. Whether you’re on the golf course or out hunting, this helps you see your target clearly and measure distances accurately.
Size
You should find a model that feels comfortable in your hands and offers easy access to its controls. If you have larger hands, a small, compact device might be uncomfortable and challenging to use.
Consider other aspects like portability or the size of your pack, but prioritising a comfortable fit for your hands will ensure a better user experience. This balance between size and usability will make your device more effective and enjoyable to use on the course.
Modes
Modern rangefinders often come with various modes to enhance your accuracy and improve your game or shot:
- Scan mode: Continuously measures distance as long as you hold the button, perfect for tracking moving targets;
- Angle compensation mode: Adjusts for inclines and declines, providing a more accurate distance by accounting for elevation changes. While useful, this mode is not permitted in most golf tournaments but can usually be disabled;
- Rain or fog mode: Corrects for weather conditions that can otherwise affect the accuracy of the distance reading, ensuring reliable performance in wet or foggy environments;
These features, while not essential, can offer valuable extra information to refine your performance.
