Equipment tips and buying advice: Laser rangefinders for golf

For many purists, golf rangefinders were a no-go on the green for a long time. But guessing distances is now a thing of the past - today we measure. The practical little electronic aids have long since established themselves and are also officially permitted in DGV association competitions. However, the condition applies here that the laser rangefinders may only display distances. Other features such as the determination of height differences remain prohibited. Rule 14-3 ("Use of artificial aids") stipulates exactly which devices or functions are permitted in competition.

Laser rangefinder: Where is the golf rangefinder used?

Golf rangefinders are basically used for orientation on the golf course. The laser measuring device determines how far away a target is - be it a tree, the edge of a bunker or the flag. With a laser measuring device for golfers, distances of up to 1300 meters can be measured with an accuracy of around one meter. Devices that work with GPS technology have to make slight compromises in terms of measuring accuracy. Today, a golf rangefinder is part of the Golf equipment of all ambitious golfers, with no distinction being made between men's and women's models.

Golf rangefinder: GPS technology as an alternative to the laser rangefinder

Golf rangefinder GPS or laser? For many people, this is the initial question when it comes to buying their first golf distance meter. The following options are generally available.

• Golf laser
• GPS golf watches
• GPS rangefinder

The different Devices each have advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy, ease of use and price.

Buying a golf rangefinder: Laser and GPS in direct comparison

There is no question that the laser measuring device is the more established rangefinder on the golf course. So let's give the competitor with the three letters the edge for a moment. Because: GPS devices are simply a tad quicker to hand. It hardly makes a difference whether the golf distance meter is worn on the wrist as a watch or clipped to the golf bag in smartphone size. Laser devices are used in much the same way as binoculars, almost impractical in direct comparison.

However, once you have the laser rangefinder in your hand, it quickly shows its advantages. The golf laser can detect the flag precisely and determine the distance to within one meter - top devices are even accurate to within one decimetre. With GPS tools, the flag position has to be estimated. In addition, there is sometimes a problem with the satellite signal in moderate weather. However, GPS devices often offer useful functions (e.g. scorecard, shot distance, time) that the purist laser competition lacks. But your smart golf watch also needs energy for these features and therefore regular battery charges. The laser's battery usually lasts for years.

That leaves the question of price. A good laser is rarely available for less than 200 euros, GPS watches are cheaper. If you opt for the latter, make sure that the software of your new companion is really designed for use on the golf course.