Re: GPS or Laser range finders?

I have used both. I own a laser rangefinder. I don't think the GPS are as accurate and getting accurate maps can be a pain in the butt. With the Laser Rangefinder you can get really accurate readings MOST of the time, but when there is a lake or sandtrap that is out of view (behind a hill or whatever) you are out of luck!! This is the one advantage that GPS has, you can still see the sandtrap or lake or whatever and get a reading.

Also, with the laser rangefinder, if you buy a cheap one you will only have accuracy readings of about 200 yards MAX. What I do though, is if you have a group in front of you, I wait until they are pulling the flag and then I get a reading right off of the guy pulling the flag.

Another problem with the Laser is that you have to have a steady hand!! Don't brush this off. If you have ever tried to look at the stars, planets or whatever with binoculars you know how hard it is to hold it steady. This is true also with the Laser finder. The farther out you are the steadyer hand you need. Sometimes, I will brace myself up against the golf cart in order to get the best reading.

So as you probably guessed, they both have advantages and disadvantages. You will have to make the final choice. These are my inputs. I hope you find some value in them...

Chessbum....

Re: GPS or Laser range finders?

If I could only have one, I'd take the rangefinder.

GPS helps for blind hazards, club selection off the tee, but is only as good as the yardage markers on the course into the greens (Front, middle, back). A laser will tell you what you've got to the flag, you decide whether to airmail and suck back or land short and run up based on the course markers versus your laser reading. And 'pinseeker' technology is a must.