GolfBuddy Rangefinders

This spring, you'll find several new GolfBuddy measuring devices gracing the shelves of your local golf retailer. No matter which one you choose, you'll be rewarded with accurate measurements delivered to you in a couple of different ways.

GolfBuddy recently introduced their new VoiceX talking smart GPS system; it's an updated version of the popular Voice models. It's extremely easy to use and course data can be updated wirelessly and automatically through Over the Air (OTA) transmission. Course data is synchronized wirelessly via Bluetooth with the smartphone GolfBuddy app.

VoiceX can be as easy to use as clip it and forget it. Clip it onto the brim of your hat or your belt; anytime you want yardage to the front, center or back of the green, simply press the button and listen; VoiceX will audibly tell you the yardage.

The VoiceX has 5 function buttons. The top left button is the Main/Menu button and lets you toggle between Golf Mode, Pedometer, Tracker and Settings. It's also used to turn the device on and off. The bottom left button is the Back/Exit button. The top right and bottom right buttons are Toggle buttons and are used to choose between menu options, changing holes and settings. The button in the middle right is the Voice button. Simply press it to hear your yardage. It sounds a lot more difficult than it is; the buttons are ergonomically designed and easy to use. You'll be used to them after just a couple of rounds. Worst case scenario, just learn where the Voice button is!

After opening and checking the charge on your new GolfBuddy VoiceX, you'll want to go to GolfBuddyGlobal.com and download the management software (GB Manager) to your desktop or laptop computer. Follow the instructions on screen to set up an account and register the unit. You'll also want to download the GolfBuddy Smart app on your phone. Once these two steps are done, you're good to go and won't have to download anything else.

VoiceX can be so much more than a simple voice GPS; the screen is dynamic and offers a lot of useful information. You can use it to measure shot distances and the large display is easy to read. It will also give you distances to targets and hazards. VoiceX comes preloaded with over 38,000 courses around the world and can be set up with either a male or female voice. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 hours in golf mode. Retail price on the GolfBuddy VoiceX is $179.99.

Laser Rangefinders

Laser rangefinders are far and away the most accurate way to measure distance on the golf course. This year, GolfBuddy has introduced a couple of new laser rangefinders, the LR7 and LR7S with slope feature. Both are compact and have an easy to use Pin Finder feature. Each one offers four targeting modes (Standard, Scan, Pin, Pin finder). Standard mode provides distance to the target; Scan and Pin mode allows you to continuously scans for 10 seconds and shows distances to varying targets will Pin Finder mode does essentially the same thing with a vibration alert that lets you know you're locked onto the target. The LR7S model displays two numbers: the actual yardage and the slope-adjusted yardage. It will also give you the height of the slope you are working with. An on/off feature makes the LR7S model tournament legal. To turn the slope feature on or off, simply hold down the Mode button (M) for 5 seconds. The LR7S makes it easy to select the right club for both uphill and downhill shots, which helps to speed up play.

Both models have a battery saving feature that shuts the unit off after 10 seconds of inactivity. This makes the LR7 model good for between 3,000 - 5,000 actuations and the slope-adjusted model good for 2,000 - 3,000 actuations. They are both accurate to +/- 1 yard and can display either meters or yards. The 6x monocular eyepiece can be adjusted for clarity. Whether you choose the LR7 or LR7S, you'll find them lightweight, compact and easy to use. In fact, both the Pin Mode and Scan Mode can be activated with just a single click. Both units weigh in at under 8 oz. and are water resistant, but I wouldn't take them swimming.
Although the casing on both models is plastic, GolfBuddy has done a good job of using a silicone rubber grip on the right side to give it a more professional look and feel. A wrist strap is included for added security.

Each unit comes with the main unit, a CR2 battery, microfiber cloth, a carrying case, wrist strap, and a quick start guide. To get started using your new GolfBuddy laser rangefinder, first insert the battery into the battery compartment. Follow the diagram on the correct way to insert the battery, replace the cover and you're off to the races.

Once you're ready to put the new unit to use, simply press the power button on the top. Pick which mode you want to use and head to the first tee. You can change modes by pressing the Mode button. Each mode produces crosshairs in the center, which is your focal/aiming point. When you're scanning on the S model, the larger font number is the slope adjusted yardage. An H also appears to give you the height you will be conquering. A battery icon is always visible at the bottom of the screen.

Operating each mode is simple. In the standard setup, all you need to do is aim at the target, fire the laser, and the measurements will instantly appear in their respective place on the screen. In scan mode, just press the POWER button and the device will automatically update the distances as you move past various objects and stay visible on the screen for 10 seconds.

Either of these rangefinders will prove to be an invaluable tool and help you speed up play. The LR7S is available on the GolfBuddyGlobal.com website for $229.99 while the slope adjusted model LR7S can be yours for the unbelievably low price of $279.99. I think that makes it one of the lowest priced slope-adjusting models on the market.