In order to understand how GPS golf units and golf range finders differ, you must have a general idea what they are. Golf GPS units use the same technology as regular car GPS units to determine the distance and positions of hazards on the golf course. All the units work by receiving signals from a number of satellites in earth orbit. As long as there are 4 or more of these satellites in range (5 preferably) then a reasonably accurate position can be calculated (normally accurate to less than 5 meters).

Once the position is known then the Golf GPS systems can compute the distance to the various hazards and green positions which are stored in the database for each club.

A golf range finder is a device that uses a laser beam to determine the distance between two points. Distance is calculated by the amount of time it takes for the narrow beam to reach and reflect off the target in the distance and makes its way back to the rangefinder. A laser rangefinder could be described as the cross product of a speed gun and a pair of binoculars.

GPS Golf Units

GPS golf units keep the user informed of hazards such as water, sand traps, trees, and foliage. The systems also warn of other hidden hazards around the green, while giving information on green gradients and wind speed and direction. With a GPS unit the course has to be mapped and saved it in the unit before it can be used for the course. Most GPS units come with many courses already mapped and the user has to pay a monthly subscription for the unit to stay active.

Another factor that must be considered with the golf GPS units is that in order for them to work the user must be able to get a satellite signal.

If there is anything blocking the signal or causing the satellite to be weak, then the GPS unit will be more difficult to is, that is, if you will be able to use it ay all. An advantage that the GPS units have is that the user doesn’t have to hold it steady to measure distance. Because there is a picture of the course on the screen, the user can simply look down at it and see the course from there.

Golf Rangefinders

Laser rangefinders differ from GPS golf units in that the user is able to choose the target and use a scope to hone in on it.

Golf rangefinders aid golfers in their ability to accurately deduce the distance between shots or their current lie and flags, hazards, and other notable course features. The range of most golf laser rangefinders vary significantly based on the model and type but nearly all of the laser rangefinders are accurate (+ / – 5 yards) from a distance of 5 yards to well over 1000 yards.

With a laser rangefinder the object has to be able to be seen by the user in order for it to measure distance. Also, rangefinders don’t have to have golf courses loaded and there is no subscription fee.

These devices come ready to use, right out of the box. Unlike the GPS unit, the user has to hold the rangefinder steady and focus in order to get an accurate read.

These devices have become widely popular for golfers over the last few years. And, with technologies improving each and every year, golf rangefinders are improving and more helpful features are being added as well.

Conclusion

As evidenced by the preceeding information, there are several ways in which the handheld GPS Golf Units differ from the Golf Laser Rangefinders.

These differences do not make one better than the other, they just give the users features that play on their preferences.

K and Salena Alston are the owners of The GPS Golf Store. A web-based eCommerce store that, at present, specializes in the same of Sonocaddie GPS golf units. They have expanded their inventory to include name brands such as Garmin, Leupold, and Bushnell. Nikkon, Izzo, and many others are to be added in the near future.

We urge you to visit our website at http://www.thegpsgolfstore.com/ to learn more about the products that are in stock right now.

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