What’s Better a GPS or Rangefinder? Rangefinder vs GPS

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What’s better a GPS or Rangefinder?

To have the best-golfing experience, it is important that you know your yardage. If you are an avid golfer, you must have taken note of the technological advancements that have taken place in the field of golf. If you are new in this field, a popular decision you have to make is whether to buy a golf GPS or a rangefinder. The other problem is that with so many choices present, it becomes difficult to choose the best GPS or rangefinder.

What’s Better a GPS or Rangefinder?

In this post, we have a detailed comparison between these two tools which should help you settle on any one of them depending on your needs. Let’s take a look.

Price Comparison

The main advantage of GPS is its affordability. You can easily install a GPS app on your smartphone and you won’t need to pay for it. Better yet, if you want a stand-alone GPS unit, there are dozens that cost as little as $100. If money isn’t a problem, you can get high-end models at higher prices.

With rangefinders, the prices are a bit higher. The cheapest but quality unit is going to cost you around $200. You can also spend anywhere from $400 and above if you want the best of the best.

If you are on a budget, a gold GPS might be your best option. However, make sure that the GPS or rangefinder you choose to buy has all the features and qualities you need.

Capabilities

A fully-features and high-quality GPS provides the most information. It will not only give you the range to the bunkers and water, but it will also show you the hazards that you can’t see. A GPS also gives you information about the size and shape of the field, which is very important for good course management.

A rangefinder can be used anywhere. You can use it to tell the distance to anything, provided the laser picks the object up. Better yet, a rangefinder gives the accurate distance from you to the pin and to the hazards as well. It also shows the degree of elevation to the slope or target.

Usefulness

Both the GPS and the rangefinder are useful in a golf course. However, a rangefinder can be technically used to show the distance to anything on the golf course. This gives it an added advantage over a GPS that only shows the distance to the greens or hazards.

A hurdle that comes with rangefinders is the pace of play. While a GPS gives you the yardage immediately you get to your ball, a rangefinder has to see something to get a read on it. If you prefer a quick pace while playing, you should get a GPS and not a range finder.

What’s Better a GPS or Rangefinder? Video

Final Thoughts

Both the GPS and the rangefinder are very useful in the golf course. Both products have transformed the game for most golfers for the better and they may transform it for you as well. so narrow down your needs and get the product that meets those needs.

See Also: How Accurate is a Rangefinder?