As someone who owns a lot of hunting and golf rangefinders, I am often asked whether a hunting rangefinder can be used for golf. The answer is yes, it is possible to use a hunting rangefinder for golf, but it will not have all of the features of a golf-specific rangefinder. The cheaper hunting rangefinders often lack the specific features required for golf, such as the “slope” feature that accounts for the angle of a shot on uneven terrain or the pinseeker mode that locks onto flagsticks even in crowded backgrounds like trees or other obstacles. However, tThese are several high-end hunting rangefinders that have different targeting modes and slope/angle compensation, making them suitable for both activities. It’s important to note that in many amateur golf tournaments, rangefinders are legal for use only if the slope feature is disabled. Ultimately, while it is possible to use a hunting rangefinder for golf, I recommend investing in a golf-specific rangefinder for optimal accuracy on the golf course.
What is a Hunting Rangefinder?
For those of us who love stalking game, having the right gear can make all the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. One piece of equipment that’s become indispensable for hunters nowadays is the rangefinder.
Modern hunting rangefinders are compact devices that tap into advanced laser technology to measure distances with spot-on precision. They work by firing a laser beam to your target and timing how long it takes to bounce back.
Since the speed of light is constant, the rangefinder can calculate the exact distance based on this time of flight. The resulting measurement is then displayed on the unit’s digital display, giving you distances down to the exact yard.
Armed with accurate distances to your prey or other objects, you can dial in your scopes for dead-on shot placement. No more estimation or guesswork. Rangefinders take the uncertainty out of the equation.
And advanced models offer extras like ARC compensation to automatically adjust for angled shots. There are also scanning modes to continuously range moving targets.
So whether you’re bow hunting whitetail or going after larger game, an efficient rangefinder in your pack can really maximize your chances of scoring that prized bullseye shot. Compact yet powerful, it’s the perfect fusion of technology and skill.
Long Range
They are designed with a range of 1000 yards which is longer than golf rangefinders because hunters cannot get more than 400 to 500 yards of a target without scaring the animal away.
Angle Range Compensation and Last Target Priority Mode
The best hunting rangefinders, such as the Leupold 1500i TBR/W and Bushnell BoneCollector 850, have Angle Range Compensation technology that will adjust distances for targets at a steep angle and a Last Target Priority Mode that will lock onto distant targets even if there is a lot of grass or twigs in the way, providing accurate distance measurements for hunting in any environment.
Durable
Hunting can be tough on equipment, and a fragile rangefinder won’t last long in the field. When you’re out in the wilderness tracking game, your gear better be up for the challenge. A hunting rangefinder needs to power through tough terrain and less-than-ideal weather.
Rangefinders designed for hunting tend to use premium materials to handle the demands of the environment. Things like rubber armor, strong composite casings, and waterproof seals protect the sensitive optics and electronics inside.
Most brands use magnesium alloy or aerospace-grade aluminum for the housing of the device that ensures its lightweight while making it sturdy. Another material commonly used is polycarbonate plastic which provides shock resistance while being light in weight as well.
Also many manufacturers equip their hunting rangefinders with waterproofing technology which protects them from water damage when exposed to rain or snow.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is a key feature that every serious hunter needs in their rangefinder because harsh weather conditions can affect the accuracy of your measurements. Weather conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly when out on a hunt.
Water-resistant coatings applied to the lenses of hunting rangefinders prevent water droplets from settling on its surface, ensuring visibility even during heavy rainfall.
One common weatherproofing feature found in hunting rangefinders is fogproofing. Hunters often venture out into the early morning hours when humidity levels are high, causing moisture to accumulate on their equipment. This moisture can cause fogging on lenses, making it difficult or even impossible to read distances accurately. Fogproofing technology uses special coatings and seals that prevent moisture buildup on lenses, ensuring clear visibility even in humid environments.
Camouflage color
Nearly all hunting rangefinders come with a camouflage color. Whether I am hunting in a dense forest or on an open plain, using a rangefinder that blends in with my surroundings is of utmost importance. A camo-covered rangefinder allows me to remain hidden from my prey and enables me to acquire targets discreetly.
Similarities and Differences between Hunting and Golf Rangefinders
While both types of rangefinders measure distance, they prioritize different features. For example, golf rangefinders come with a flag lock mode and internal magnet while hunting rangefinders have a longer range and camouflage color.
LCD and LED displays
Both golf and hunting rangefinders offer units with LCD and LED displays just in case you are faced with a low-lighting environment.
Slope
Both golf and hunting rangefinders have a feature that will adjust distances for targets on an uphill or downhill slope. Even the most affordable golf laser rangefinders under $100 have slope technology.
Range
One key difference lies in their range. Golf rangefinders only find objects under 400 yards, while hunting rangefinders can cover up to 1000 to 1500 yards. The main reason for this disparity is due to the nature of the two activities. In hunting, it’s essential to be able to accurately determine distances at long ranges since hunters often take shots from a distance that can be over 500 yards away. By comparison, golfers typically only need accurate measurements up to about 400 yards or less because no hole on any Standard Golf Course measures beyond 550 yards from tee-to-green.
Also golf courses usually don’t have many obstacles or terrain variations that would require extreme distance measuring capabilities.
Golf rangefinders have a shorter range than hunting rangefinders because of their specific requirements for accuracy and measurement. Golf requires precise measurement to the nearest yard, while hunting can be measured in larger increments. This means that golf rangefinders must be optimized for short-range measurements with high precision.
Pinseeker
Also golf courses are often cluttered with obstacles that can interfere with a rangefinder’s accuracy. Trees, bushes, and other natural elements can scatter laser beams and cause inaccurate readings. To minimize these errors, golf rangefinders use advanced technology like PinSeeker and Jolt technologies to isolate targets and reduce interference from background objects. Pinseeker mode’s pinpoint accuracy is not as crucial for hunters since they are targeting much larger animals than golfers’ flags.
Longer Battery Life
One of the significant differences between hunting and golf rangefinders is battery life. Golf rangefinders typically have a longer battery life than hunting rangefinders, and tThese are several reasons behind this.
The primary reason that golf rangefinders have a longer battery life than hunting rangefinders is due to their usage patterns. Golfers typically use their rangefinder sparingly, only turning it on when needed for a shot or measurement. On the other hand, hunters often leave their rangefinder on for extended periods while scouting or tracking game. This constant use drains the batteries quickly and reduces the overall lifespan of the device. This means that golfers can conserve more power since their device does not need to run continuously.
Secondly, many golf courses have fairy accurate signage. These signs assist golfers in navigating the course by indicating proper shot alignment and noting hazard locations. This signage enables players to get around without completely depending on their rangefinder.
Why you can use a hunting rangefinder for golf
Golf rangefinders and hunting rangefinders are two completely different tools that serve two distinct purposes. Golf rangefinders are designed for measuring distances on a golf course while hunting rangefinders are used to gauge the distance between the shooter and the target in hunting scenarios. However, both types of rangefinders come equipped with slope compensation technology.
Slope compensation allows the rangefinder to get a more accurate measurement of the distance to the pin because it will take into account changes in elevation between their position and the green when measuring distances for uphill or downhill shots.
In hunting scenarios, slope compensation is even more critical as it can mean the difference between a clean shot and missing your target entirely.
Benefits of using a hunting rangefinder for golf
As an avid golfer, I was hesitant to try using my hunting rangefinder for a round of golf. However, after giving it a try, I found that there were actually several benefits to using my hunting rangefinder on the course. Firstly, hunting rangefinders often have a much longer range than golf rangefinders, which means I can accurately measure distances from further away. Secondly, hunting rangefinders are often fogproof and rainproof which makes it easier to see my target in inclement weather.
Also hunting rangefinders are generally designed to be more durable and rugged than golf rangefinders because they are generally used in harsh conditions. This means they can easily withstand the knocks of the rough and tumble of a golf bag.
Drawbacks of using a hunting rangefinder for golf
After I used my hunting rangefinder for several rounds of golf, I discovered that tThese are several drawbacks. Firstly, hunting rangefinders do not come with a Pinseeker mode which made it harder for me to get an accurate distance reading of the flagstick because it is such a small target.
Secondly, hunting rangefinders do not come with an internal magnet because there are no metal surfaces in the forest to attach the device to while you are stalking your prey. This means if you want to attach your rangefinder to the golf cart, you will have to buy a separate magnetic strap for about $20.
Alternatives to using a hunting rangefinder for golf
I know that some golfers use their hunting rangefinders for their golf matches just to save some money. However, most hunting rangefinders do not have the most important feature that golfers need on the golf course, namely, pin-lock technology. This means that hunting rangefinders will have a tougher time getting an accurate distance measurement to the flagstick. For this reason, I recommend sticking with a golf-specific rangefinder for optimal performance on the course.
Why use a golf GPS watch instead of a hunting rangefinder
I strongly recommend using a golf GPS watch instead of a hunting rangefinder for yardage measurement on the golf course because it is so much more convenient. While rangefinders may offer accurate data for each shot, they tend to slow down the pace of play and require more effort than a GPS watch. With a GPS watch, I can quickly and easily access accurate distances to hazards, greens, and other landmarks on the course.
Also GPS watches come with score-keeping and shot distance tracking which can improve my chances of choosing the right club for a shot. While a hunting rangefinder may have some advantages, such as its ability to show the distance to anything, it is not specifically designed for golf and may not provide the same level of accuracy and convenience that a golf GPS watch does.
Conclusion: Is it worth using a hunting rangefinder for golf?
After playing many rounds with a hunting rangefinder, I have come to the conclusion that a hunting rangefinder is good enough to use for your next golf game. Both types of rangefinders provide accurate yardages and they cost about the same. Also hunting rangefinders are usually much more durable and waterproof, meaning they can withstand any weather conditions.
