I've been golfing for a few years now, and getting to the point in my game where I know pretty much what I can do with each of the clubs in my bag, and where measuring exact distances on the course is actually helpful.Price:
The Bushnell Tour V2 sells at most golf shops and online golf retailers for between $300 and $350.However, patience and a diligent internet search will probably find you one at about $250.That's about what I got mine for.
Case:
It comes with a really beefy nylon case, which can be used in several ways.There's a sturdy swivel snap-hook for hanging it on your golf bag, and just below the snap-hook, a loop for attaching it to your belt.The lid of the case opens and closes with an equally beefy zipper, but so you don't have to hassle with opening and closing the zipper a dozen times during your round, you can also leave the zipper open, and the front flap of the lid is also equipped with a magnet that holds the flap against a matching magnet/metal strip sewn into the front of the case.Nice touch.Also included in the box is an owner's manual and a small lens cloth.
Size:
The unit itself is actually pretty small and lightweight, and fits easily into the palm of one hand (men or ladies) ... about the same size as a palmcorder.It might feel a little bulky, but it's small enough to carry it in a loose front pocket, without any discomfort.
Construction/Features:
The unit is constructed of a tough, lightweight plastic polymer, with a rubberized armor coating on the top and bottom, so there's no problem getting a firm grip on it with one hand.It looks pretty cool ... a kind of gunmetal gray, with black rubberized armor.
Unlike some cheaper rangefinders, the Tour V2 has a diopter on the eyepiece, which allows you to adjust the focus to compensate for corrective lenses or other focus issues you might have with your viewing eye.Also a nice touch.
I found the optics to be clear, bright and well-defined, and the LCD display within the field of view to be simple and easy to read.You can set the unit to measure in meters or yards, and the model with "Pinseeker" has a feature that allows you to more easily differentiate between the pin, and other objects near/behind the pin that might otherwise interfere with your reading.
How It Works:
You hold the eyepiece up to your eye; you push the power button on the top of the unit; an LCD display appears in your field of view, with a little target in the middle.You center the target on the flag at the top of the pin (or any other object you want to know the distance to), push the power button again; the unit shoots an invisible laser beam at the object, a microprocessor inside the unit instantly measures the length of the beam, and the distance to the pin (or other object) is displayed at the bottom of your field of view.You let go of the power button, and the thing turns itself off a few seconds later.Easy as pie.
Accuracy/Range:
This particular rangefinder can accurately measure pin distances up to about 300 yards (+/- 1 yard), with much longer accuracy ranges for larger objects.So that just about covers any distance one might want to measure for playing golf.I mean, if you're "going for the green" at any distance over 300 yards, you don't need a rangefinder ... you need a sports agent.
I used mine for the first time this morning, and found it very easy to use and very helpful, even on my "home" course.Golf is all about "information management," and knowing the EXACT distance to the pin from the EXACT spot your ball is lying is always better than trying to figure that out from just the course markers, the color of the flag, your eyes, and maybe past experience.
Battery:
The microprocessor and laser are powered by a cylindrical 3-volt lithium photo battery.I've heard the unit goes through these batteries pretty quickly, but I haven't seen that myself yet, since I just got mine.I've also heard, however, that battery efficiency has been substantially improved in the V2, in comparison to earlier Bushnell models.
USGA Rules:
On a final note, while all the sales copy on these things suggests that they are "legal for tournament play," you should be aware that's not entirely true.While the use of rangefinders is becoming more and more commonplace, USGA Rule 14-3 still provides that use of measuring devices like rangefinders is generally NOT allowed, and may subject a player to DISQUALIFICATION.However, the USGA recently amended Rule 14-3 to allow local pros/courses/tournament "committees" to permit use of rangefinders in their tournaments, e.g., by "local rule."THAT's what the sales copy is talking about.In other words, if you want to use this or any other rangefinder during a tournament you plan to play in, be sure to ask the local pro or other tournament "committee" member if it's OK to do so before you get started, or you might find yourself disqualified, e.g., when the trash-talking blowhard you edged out by one stroke "drops a dime" on you after the tourney's over and it's too late for you to do anything about it.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Bushnell Tour V2 Slope Edition Rangefinder with Pinseeker
Product Description:
Confidence has a new look and feel.It's like perfect feel in putting, just 1,000 yards long.The Tour V2 with PinSeeker laser rangefinder rests in your hand with an ergonomic precision that builds confidence and pride.It's guts are 100% Bushnell laser rangefinder, but the package outside will rival your favorite driver with a custom high-tack grip.The V2 sets a new standard in the complete laser rangefinder package-looks, feel and performance.A package that may see players starting to waggle their V2 before the range with their targets.Includes built in tripod mount, 3 volt battery and premium carrying case.
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