Review added: Bushnell Pro 1600 w/Slope Rangefinder

[rlheiman]

Here is the most popular rangefinder on the market.  It is big and easy to use.  I'm guessing that a number of you already have this one.

http://www.golfdiscussions.com/yabbse/index.php/topic,41910.0.html

Any questions or comments post here and like always thanks for reading.

[dunnthegunn]

Great review! I have the pinseeker 1500 w/o slope and couldn't play golf without it. I am surprised they haven't fixed the battery door on the 1600 because that was the biggest complaint/problem most people had with the 1500.

Have you used the 1500? If so what differences have you noticed?

Thanks for the reviews

[rlheiman]

Great review! I have the pinseeker 1500 w/o slope and couldn't play golf without it. I am surprised they haven't fixed the battery door on the 1600 because that was the biggest complaint/problem most people had with the 1500.

Have you used the 1500? If so what differences have you noticed?

Thanks for the reviews

I've just used Mr. Divots 1500 and didn't notice any difference at all.

[dunnthegunn]

Good to know. Thanks

[crazyIvan60]

When I decided last year to purchase a range finder, I looked into various brands and settled on a Leupold.  They are famous for their optics, and I found it to be great.  I don't have the slope option they offer since it is illegal, but found the rest of the specs for distance, "pin seeker" capability, etc. to match the Bushnell.  But that is my opinion.  I would love it if you could get your hands on a Leupold and compare the two.

Thanks for the great review, as always.

[rlheiman]

When I decided last year to purchase a range finder, I looked into various brands and settled on a Leupold.  They are famous for their optics, and I found it to be great.  I don't have the slope option they offer since it is illegal, but found the rest of the specs for distance, "pin seeker" capability, etc. to match the Bushnell.  But that is my opinion.  I would love it if you could get your hands on a Leupold and compare the two.

Thanks for the great review, as always.

I did reviews of the Leupold GX-1 and GX-2

http://www.golfdiscussions.com/yabbse/index.php/topic,32641.0.html

I am currently working on the GX-3 and GX-4 review

Not to take anything away from Bushnell, they make a solid poduct.  I think the GX-3 is the best rangefinder out right now.  Awesome optics, pin hunter tech that beeps if prizm on flag, small, the OLED display is amazing.

[crazyIvan60]

My bad.  I missed that one.  Thanks.

[mr_divots]

I did reviews of the Leupold GX-1 and GX-2

http://www.golfdiscussions.com/yabbse/index.php/topic,32641.0.html

I am currently working on the GX-3 and GX-4 review

Not to take anything away from Bushnell, they make a solid poduct.  I think the GX-3 is the best rangefinder out right now.  Awesome optics, pin hunter tech that beeps if prizm on flag, small, the OLED display is amazing.

Only thing I've noticed when using Ryan's Leupolds compared to the Bushnells is that the smaller size and lighter weight make it harder for me to hold it steady. The time it takes to "process" the distance also seems slower. But, it is also a very good rangefinder.

I was paired with a couple guys and we were waiting on the tee for the group ahead to clear. A train was rumbling along the tracks in the distance, and the one guy asks the other, "how many shots do you think it would take to get to the train?" They mulled it over and guessed 10 to 12 shots. Pulled out the Pinseeker 1500 and told them, "It's 867 yards to the train." They thought that was pretty cool. 

[Jim Clark]

Ryan:

I usually like your reviews, and this one was your usual thoroughness.

But I must disagree with your conclusions. Much of what follows relates to personal preference.

Bigger is NOT better. Those 1500 and 1600 Bushnell's are huge. A laser does not have to be big to work well. One of my requirements for a laser or GPS is that I must be able to have it on my belt. My older Nikon 500G and my Skycaddie SG5 both meet that requirement. I used the SG5 for a while but have gone back to the laser. "Sometimes" with the 500G, I have to shoot the pin or other target a couple of times before I get the reading I trust, especially at longer distances, but I always get something I know is right. I do usually need to put 2 hands on the 500G to steady it, but I don't need anything bigger to do that.

You're not supposed to post scores when using the 1600 and it can NOT be used in tournaments. As a former handicap chairman, I have a major problem with people using the 1600 in practice rounds and not posting those scores. It is akin to always playing 2 balls in practice rounds or always playing those rounds with more than 14 clubs (cannot be posted). The handicap committee of a "golf club" may sanction a player (handicap adjustment or withdrawal) who repeatedly commits those offenses. The use of ANY range-finding device MUST be set by the "golf club", it is a local rule.

Regarding the latest lasers, the Nikon Monarch 800 would be my choice. It is also sold as a Callaway for a premium price. As you pan around, it finds the nearest target (usually the pin). It's basically the same size as my 500G and can be worn on your belt.

Sorry Ryan, you got this one wrong.

[mr_divots]

From the review:

While slope is not USGA approved for scoring rounds, it is a nice feature to have when playing recreational rounds on those extremely hilly courses.

Nothing wrong with that statement that I can interpret. I have to believe more and more people simply don't have the time to play in a men's club and keep a handicap these days. (I stopped a few years ago, as I cannot find an 18 hole men's club that doesn't tee off at the crack of dawn.)  If you are a recreational player and just play for fun, the 1600 might appeal to you. I can see it being very beneficial in situations where you might never return to a course and only play it once (like on vacation) yet you still wish to play well, and determining how many clubs up or down hill is tough to calculate sometimes on one's first pass through a course.

As to the size/heft of a rangefinder, I personally like a larger one for the stability/ease of aim, just as you like it for wearing on your belt, Jim. There is no "right or wrong" with either of those preferences. 

[Rye]

I have the 1600 w/o slope, and I really like. Takes a lot of guessing out of the game, and saves time as well.

[Jim Clark]

From the review:

Nothing wrong with that statement that I can interpret. I have to believe more and more people simply don't have the time to play in a men's club and keep a handicap these days. (I stopped a few years ago, as I cannot find an 18 hole men's club that doesn't tee off at the crack of dawn.)  If you are a recreational player and just play for fun, the 1600 might appeal to you. I can see it being very beneficial in situations where you might never return to a course and only play it once (like on vacation) yet you still wish to play well, and determining how many clubs up or down hill is tough to calculate sometimes on one's first pass through a course.

As to the size/heft of a rangefinder, I personally like a larger one for the stability/ease of aim, just as you like it for wearing on your belt, Jim. There is no "right or wrong" with either of those preferences. 

You need to look at the rules regarding the definition of a "golf club". It is normally a golf course where you frequently play (private or public). But it can be a "club" not associated with a particular course. For a golf club to issue handicaps, they must meet a specific list of requirements. If you just want to play recreational golf, you don't "need" a handicap. If you want to play occasional tournaments, you need that handicap.

I could go on forever on this subject. But I'm too tired right now. Maybe I'll chime in later.

[mr_divots]

You need to look at the rules regarding the definition of a "golf club". It is normally a golf course where you frequently play (private or public). But it can be a "club" not associated with a particular course. For a golf club to issue handicaps, they must meet a specific list of requirements. If you just want to play recreational golf, you don't "need" a handicap. If you want to play occasional tournaments, you need that handicap.

I could go on forever on this subject. But I'm too tired right now. Maybe I'll chime in later.

No need. The "club" I play at had a local rule allowing rangefinders w/o slope for handicapping purposes and even for the club championship when I played in the mens club.
I am also aware of "clubs without real estate."  You're making a lot of assumptions and making an issue out of a non-issue. Nothing factually incorrect was posed in the review.

[SPY ZINGER]

No need. The "club" I play at had a local rule allowing rangefinders w/o slope for handicapping purposes and even for the club championship when I played in the mens club.
I am also aware of "clubs without real estate."  You're making a lot of assumptions and making an issue out of a non-issue. Nothing factually incorrect was posed in the review.

Mike-

I think this is what Jim is referring to:

"Two basic premises underlie the USGA Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review. The player and the player's Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises."

What I think he is saying is that people should be playing and posting each round in the spirit of a "qualifying round" when you belong to a club and have a handicap.  That is, he has an issue with people playing a self imposed two ball scramble and using a non-conforming range finder thereby picking and choosing rounds by which to enter by making it a disqualifying round.

No, there are no factual errors in the review.  I think Jim just has an issue with the device as it relates to having a HDCP.

My response:  Jim-life is too short to always play under the blanket of the USGA.

[SPY ZINGER]

BUSHNELL LASER RANGEFINDERS REMAIN OVERWHELMING CHOICE FOR GOLFERS ON LPGA TOUR


Latest Darrell Survey Report Reveals 96% of golfers on LPGA Trust Bushnell for Yardage Readings and Reinforces Claim of No. 1 Rangefinder in Golf

Overland Park, KS, July 28, 2010 – Bushnell Golf, makers of the No. 1 laser rangefinder, is the preferred distance measuring device on the LPGA Tour, according to a recent Darrell Survey report taken at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, June 18-20, at Dolce Seaview Resort in Galloway, NJ. Considered the official equipment tracking authority in golf, the recent Darrell Survey report found that a staggering 96% (139 out of 145) of LPGA players employ a Bushnell laser rangefinder during their practice rounds to calculate distance to the pin to accurately update their yardage books.

“There are so many equipment choices available to touring pros these days and its great to know that the one piece of equipment that goes unchanged is the Bushnell laser rangefinder,” said Jason Seeman, National Sales Manager for Bushnell Golf. “Our team works hard to ensure we are developing the best distance measuring devices and we take pride in the fact that our lasers are relied upon the most across all major tours.”

The findings at the ShopRite LPGA Classic display an increase from the 92% of pros who used Bushnell products at the 2009 Jamie Farr Owens Classic, and the 92% who kept them in their bag at the 2008 McDonald’s Championship.

With the conclusion of this Darrell Survey report, Bushnell products have now been the No. 1 rangefinder on the PGA, Champions and LPGA Tours for over a decade.

The most popular Bushnell rangefinder amongst tour pros is the Pro 1600, which is offered in both a Slope and Tournament Edition. Both Pro 1600 models work without a locating reflector device and the unit can start obtaining accurate distances to any object right out of the box, with no downloads necessary.

The more sophisticated of the two rangefinders is the Pro 1600 Slope Edition, which features a built-in inclinometer to provide the golfer with a compensated distance based upon the degree of incline or decline. This patented Slope Technology means when you are aiming at an up-hill or down-hill target, the Pro 1600 with Slope +/- will adjust the yardage reading for the angle and distance to help golfers with accurate club selection.

Engineered for golfers who play competitively, the Pro 1600 Tournament Edition is legal for tournament play. Like the Slope Edition, the Pro 1600 TE is capable of ranging distances from five to 1,600 yards and it is accurate within +/- one yard.

Bushnell, the number one choice of professional golfers, offers a full range of laser rangefinders, which continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance.

For more information on the complete lineup of Bushnell industry leading rangefinders, visit the company’s website at www.bushnellgolf.com.

[mr_divots]

Mike-

I think this is what Jim is referring to:

"Two basic premises underlie the USGA Handicap System, namely that each player will try to make the best score at every hole in every round, regardless of where the round is played, and that the player will post every acceptable round for peer review. The player and the player's Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for adhering to these premises."

What I think he is saying is that people should be playing and posting each round in the spirit of a "qualifying round" when you belong to a club and have a handicap.  That is, he has an issue with people playing a self imposed two ball scramble and using a non-conforming range finder thereby picking and choosing rounds by which to enter by making it a disqualifying round.

No, there are no factual errors in the review.  I think Jim just has an issue with the device as it relates to having a HDCP.

My response:  Jim-life is too short to always play under the blanket of the USGA.

Yes, I am totally aware of handicapping requirements. If I wanted one, I'd keep one.  Handicaps in tournaments are often useless, as many here have attested many times. Too much sandbagging, and the handicaps are only as good as the club and its handicap chairman. Usually, in my experience- not very good.  It was explicitly stated in the review that it is NOT legal for handicap purposes, and in no way told people to pick and choose which scores they enter to determine their handicap (should they choose to keep one.) Telling people they are "wrong" and "need to look up the rules" is pretty odd. So you like smaller rangefinders. Great. So you post all your scores. Again, fine. The slope version is not for you, and glad you are happy with your choice in rangefinder. It does not make anyone "wrong" or "unaware of the rules of golf."
The game of golf needs players right now. I care NOT if people chose to belong to a club or keep a handicap. I think recognizing not everyone is a totally devout golfer will go a long way to welcoming more into the game. We need everyone we can get these days. 

[ShaneNZ]

How may golfers use these ? Never once seen a golfer with one down here. I know if someone at our course used one they would cop some shit  

[Divot Dan]

Yes, I am totally aware of handicapping requirements. If I wanted one, I'd keep one.  Handicaps in tournaments are often useless, as many here have attested many times. Too much sandbagging, and the handicaps are only as good as the club and its handicap chairman. Usually, in my experience- not very good.  It was explicitly stated in the review that it is NOT legal for handicap purposes, and in no way told people to pick and choose which scores they enter to determine their handicap (should they choose to keep one.) Telling people they are "wrong" and "need to look up the rules" is pretty odd. So you like smaller rangefinders. Great. So you post all your scores. Again, fine. The slope version is not for you, and glad you are happy with your choice in rangefinder. It does not make anyone "wrong" or "unaware of the rules of golf."
The game of golf needs players right now. I care NOT if people chose to belong to a club or keep a handicap. I think recognizing not everyone is a totally devout golfer will go a long way to welcoming more into the game. We need everyone we can get these days. 

Well put!

[Jim Clark]

How may golfers use these ? Never once seen a golfer with one down here. I know if someone at our course used one they would cop some shit  

A lot of people in the US use them, either lasers or GPS. They are very convenient.

[Rye]

A lot of people in the US use them, either lasers or GPS. They are very convenient.

I see more and more of them over here as well.

[bailey]

How may golfers use these ? Never once seen a golfer with one down here. I know if someone at our course used one they would cop some shit  

I have had a 1500 since they came.  I play a lot with strangers.  They consistently have 2 response - can you shoot my distance and where did you buy it.

I don't know how old you are, but to me using a range finder was kind of like using a microwave for the first time.  I thought, why haven't I been using one of these all along.

[Divot Dan]

I have had a 1500 since they came.  I play a lot with strangers.  They consistently have 2 response - can you shoot my distance and where did you buy it.

I don't know how old you are, but to me using a range finder was kind of like using a microwave for the first time.  I thought, why haven't I been using one of these all along.

Not to jack this thread, but I just got a gps and have a question: When your fellow players find out you have a distance-finder (scope or gps) do they pester you to check their distances all round long?

[idiotbox]

Not to jack this thread, but I just got a gps and have a question: When your fellow players find out you have a distance-finder (scope or gps) do they pester you to check their distances all round long?

I have never had anyone ask me for distance. I offer to shoot it if our shots are near. On Par 3s, I shoot the distance and give it to the others. They still have to hit the shot so I don't see myself giving them an advantage.

[bailey]

Not to jack this thread, but I just got a gps and have a question: When your fellow players find out you have a distance-finder (scope or gps) do they pester you to check their distances all round long?

They do ask for their distances, some more strongly than others.

[mr_divots]

I see more and more rangefinders/GPS all the time across all ages. Today, I walked on and paired up with a couple guys. I'd give them a yardage if they looked like they were searching for a sprinkler head, or if I was nearby. Tends to speed things up a little, which is nice. I really haven't had anyone ever "expect" to get yardages. Never been a problem at all.