Customer Reviews

Bushnell Yardage Pro Tour XL Laser Rangefinder

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a low handicapper and rely on accurate yardages to pins, bunkers, and layup areas. This rangefinder is an outstanding tool for golf. When properly used, it can easily take the place of GPS systems found on carts at many golf courses. I can easily sight in a pin/flag inside 220 yards within 1-2 seconds. I have sighted in a flag from 258 yards while leaning against my bag for steadiness in about 4-5 seconds. Bunkers, trees, or hills can be sighted in immediately from further away than Tiger or John Daly can hit. If yardages are important to you, this is a very helpful product.

My golf partner had this particular model and I became dependant on playing with him. When we were not playing together, I could estimate fairly close to the distance, but sometimes frustrating when I was off. Many range finders that are on the market were not designed for golf, but for hunting. It was too difficult for many of them to determine distance using the flag stick. Before I purchased this range finder, I did some research to find the best device for the least cost, and one that was designed specifically for golf. I first purchased a less expensive model, however even on par 3s, it had trouble ranging on the flag. Not a problem with this model. It is outstanding! Many golf shops sell this model for $400+tax. Stop by a few of your local golf shops, ask for this model number, and check out their price, then go back on line and order one for $125 less. If you want a range finder that was designed specifically for golf, you will not be disappointed. It's a great deal, and worth the investment.

I've had my Bushnell Yardage Pro Tour XL for 2 months/12 rounds and it works as advertised. I really like it. On par 3's my playing partners wait for my yardage call. I usually sight in on the flag but slopes, bunkers, and trees work well also. The flag becomes quite small sighting from around 200 yds, and I usually find sitting down helps me steady the rangefinder better when sighting the flag at longer distances (sighting bunkers are no problem). This is a great device for driving ranges, and it is now much easier to play courses I've never played with better scores because my approach shots are stopping closer to the hole. Now I usually don't bother consulting course posted yardages and this speeds up play. A golfer who hits most shots solidly would probably benefit most from this device (my hdcp index is 3-5). Also, this model uses a common 9 volt battery which costs about $1. After numerous trips to the driving range,I have not changed batteries yet. So far, it is rugged enough to be unaffected by all the jostling it gets. Long term durability is unknown. Currently you can't use this device in tournaments because it is illegal under USGA rules. We hope in the future that the USGA will listen to common sense and allow range finders because yardages on golf courses have become common knowledge. Most amateur tournaments give front/back to green and pin yardages and pro caddies always use exact measurements to bunkers, pins, and greens. With this device you will always swing knowing the exact yardage.

My new Bushnell range finder is a super investment and does everything I need very well. An earlier review referenced a battery problem when put in the case, the case presses the "on" button and runs the battery down. I had this problem but fixed it by glueing a garden hose washer (just exactly the right size) around the button, this keeps anything but my finger away. my problem is solved

This is an excellent device that gives accurate distances on the golf course. It will measure to the pin, a bunker, or any other surface perpendicular to the direction in which you want to go.

BUT.....

The on off switch is positioned in such a way as to be activated when the unit is in its case. So the only way to prevent it from eating batteries is to either not use the case, or to paste a thick washer around the switch to prevent the case from contacting it.

Very cumbersome to use. It is so big you have use both hands to hold it steady, you also have to remove your hat because it will not fit under the bill of a golf/baseball hat. Forget about putting it in your pocket or clipping it onto your belt....you would not be able to swing. I felt like I was bird watching on the course the few times I used it...though it did provide accurate yardages.

I don't have any big problem with its technical specs. My Pro Tour XL works, but its design is flawed. Because its power button is bumped and very sensitive, the device can get powered on very easily in the maker-supplied carrying case. You notice every time you simply put it back in the carrying case, the device turns on. I'm sure that it gets on whenver I grab it or it's packed with other stuff in a golf bag. As a result, battery drain is significant. One battery lasted only two months for just a few rounds of play. At this rate, costs of batteries can quickly surpass the price of this device!