Bushnell Hybrid Laser-Gps Rangefinder Review
Rangefinder Review: The Bushnell Hybrid Golf Rangefinder & GPS is the second rangefinder I have owned. After my Bushnell Jolt Z6 Tour Rangefinder was lost to never be found I went to work trying to decide on my next purchase. This rangefinder combines the best of both worlds, the precise accuracy to the pin when a clear shot is available, and the front-center-back readings for blind shots into the green. You also get a bit of added accuracy on distance-to-clear hazards through the GPS system. To top off the fact that this unit has both the laser and GPS, it is also very affordable. The price has ranged from $499 when first released in 2013 down to as low as $199. Finding the Bushnell Hybrid at the low end of that price range makes it a good purchase if you’re looking for a rangefinder with the GPS.
Bushnell Hybrid Golf Rangefinder Review Considerations
Accuracy:
Manufacture Listed Accuracy:
+/- one yard of accuracy
Field Test Accuracy:
Field test results for our comprehensive 10+ unit golf rangefinder review coming in October of 2017.
Price:
Expected price range is $219 – $249 on Amazon.
Range & Speed:
Manufacture specifications:
Range finding performance of 10 to 1,000 yards; 300 yards to flag.
Magnification x Obj. Lens: 5x 21mm
Field Test Speed:
Field test results for our comprehensive 10+ unit golf rangefinder review coming in October of 2017.
On-the-course:
Accuracy: This has been in my bag for the past 70+ rounds. The device works quickly and seems to be accurate, or at least consistent inside 200 yards. I have issues when I start to extend that number outside of 200 yards, and 250 yards it’s not even worth trying to get a pin measurement. The positive side of this is that there are the GPS readings on the side. When you’re more than 225 yards out is more than accurate. If you hit your irons far enough it would be helpful on a long par to know whether the flag is at 200 or 210. This unit is hit or miss whether I can pick up the flag. If getting accurate to-the-flag readings 200+ yards out is imperative to your game, I would not suggest the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder.
Speed: While this device doesn’t have issue picking up the flag, it is a touch slower than the Bushnell V3 and the Nikon Coolshot 40i that I tested in this side-by-side course test at shorter distances.
Durability:
This rangefinder has a standard plastic outer shell, with no signs of metal anywhere. It feels well built and has taken the abuse of being dropped in the parking lot a handful of times and even took a tumble to the cart path off the top of a golf cart, nothing but a few scuffs in the white cover. The rangefinder comes with a carry case that handily clips onto your golf bag for quick access and helps protect the unit when moving your golf bag around.
Is it tournament approved?:
Yup! The Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder does not include slope measurement. It is tournament and GHIN handicap approved.
Size/weight:
Manufacture Specifications:
Dimensions:2.1×2.6×4.3 in
Weight:8oz
This rangefinder has a bit more side bulk to it due to the added GPS unit, but it’s overall weight and other dimensions are in line with the Bushnell rangefinders. It is only a couple ounces heaver than the lightest units out there. My hands are a ML golf glove, and this rangefinder fits comfortably in my hand. I’ve never had any issues using it with one hand, or adding a second hand for stability if needed.
From left to right: Bushnell Hybrid, Bushnell Tour V3, Nikon Coolshot 40i.
Battery Life:
Battery Type: Internal Lithium-Ion
I typically charge the rangefinder ever few rounds, playing more than 4 using both the GPS and laser is starting to push it. Depending on pace of play you can probably squeeze as many as 6 or 7 rounds on a single charge. Once there is not enough power left to use the GPS portion, you can continue to use the laser function for about 9 holes of golf. There is a specific Bushnell external battery pack available for those who are forgetful on charge, but very unnecessary if you remember to plug the rangefinder in every few rounds.
Overall:
As my go-to rangefinder for the past 70+ rounds, I would recommend this unit for the right golfer. Someone who doesn’t frequently need accurate to-the-pin readings from outside of 200 yards, and someone who doesn’t have a separate golf GPS unit as their go to for longer shots. The optics are good, it fits easily in the cup holder of a golf cart and comfortably in my hand. Overall I’m a bit disappointed in the speed of locking onto the pin, and the rage to easily flag a pin. If you are looking for a dual-purpose rangefinder, this one will do, if you only need the rangefinder itself, I would not recommend this unit. There are better single purpose rangefinders out there, but the convenience of having GPS attached is a huge perk for me.
Bushnell Golf Hybrid Rangefinder
Pros
- Integrated GPS with 30,000 pre-loaded courses
- Tour Approved
- Good optics, easy viewing
- Rechargeable Battery
Cons
- Hard to lock in on pin outside of 200 yards
- Larger than non-GPS enabled devices
I bought the Bushnell Laser Hybrid 3 years ago and battery life has shortened to less than 4 hours. I can’t seem to find a replacement battery nor can I find instructions on how to replace it. Any ideas?
The Bushnell Hybrid Laser GPS has a rechargeable battery that is charged by USB cable or a standard 1 wall outlet with adapter.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that Bushnell sells replacement batteries. I would suggest contacting Bushnell directly to see what your options would be: http://bushnell.com/global/customer-service/contact-us.