First Look: Bushnell’s Advanced Distance Measuring Devices

Bushnell has been a leader in GPS and laser rangefinders for golf and other outdoor activities like hunting for years. Electronic distance measuring devices have been a part of my golf routine for so long, I can’t even remember the last time I played a round of golf without one. Using a laser rangefinder or GPS speeds up the game so much, especially for low handicap and pro golfers that usually take more time getting yardages, that I still don’t understand why golf’s governing bodies haven’t accepted their use in high-level events. In any case, Bushnell has some new devices to show off this season, and they won’t disappoint! Here’s a sneak peek:

Bushnell Hybrid: MSRP- $399.99

Description – The Hybrid combines the latest in Laser and GPS technologies to provide better data so golfers of all levels can make better decisions on the course. The new Bushnell Hybrid rangefinders utilize precise laser and GPS yardages allowing the golfer to see distance like never before. The new Bushnell HYBRID takes the guesswork out of the game by displaying the lasered distances to the pin and GPS provided front and back yardage readings within the LCD.  Additionally, Bushnell has incorporated exterior GPS front, center and back yardages to assist with correct club selections when golfers have cart path only or blind shots.

Key Differentiators

• 1^st ever integrated Laser/GPS display
• Dual Battery source (CR2 for Laser, USB for GPS)

HYBRID Laser Features

• PinSeeker w/ JOLT Technology
• Accurate to 1 yard
• 5X Magnification
• Ranges 400 yards to a Flag
• Fast Focus System
• Stable-Grip Technology
• Tournament Legal

GPS Features

• Exterior Front/Center/Back Readouts
• Up to 4 hazard distances per hole
• Bluetooth for auto course updates
• Auto course recognition
• Auto hole advance

Bushnell Phantom: MSRP- $99.99

Description – Phantom GPS Rangefinder, rounding out a robust collection of products comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses and provides simple measurements to the front, center and back distances of the green – along with up to four hazard/layup distances per hole.  The Phantom unveils “Bite Technology.” Equipped with a high powered magnet the Phantom can easily attach to a cart bar or any metal surface, providing quick and easy yardage readings. Additional features include auto course and auto hole recognition, shot distance calculator and long battery life (play up to two rounds before charging).

Bushnell Pro X2: MSRP- $499.00

Description –The Pro X2 has rubber armored metal housing that makes the device fully IPX7 waterproof, incredible range capabilities of up to 1,300 yards (450+ yards to a flag), 2^nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) and PinSeeker with JOLT Technology.  Dual Display Technology allows users to easily toggle between the bright red display featuring VDT (Vivid Display Technology) or the crisp black display. Bushnell Golf also included JOLT Technology amongst the host of features offered in the new Pro X2. When the golfer aims the Pro X2 at the flag, JOLT Technology will provide short, vibrating bursts to reinforce Bushnell’s advanced PinSeeker Technology has isolated the target and locked onto the flag. The vibrating bursts provided by JOLT Technology will assure golfers have the exact distance to the flag. The Pro X2 is also equipped with 2^nd generation E.S.P. technology.  E.S.P. provides yardage five times faster and more accurately than ever before. Not only has the acquisition speed been increased to a lightning fast level, E.S.P. provides 1/2 yard accuracy from five to 125 yards, and the distance is displayed to 1/10^th of a yard.  Having more accurate distances creates the confidence the golfer to hit every shot with confidence.

Pro X2 Features

・      Slope-Switch Technology

・      Rubber Armored Metal Housing

・      IPX& Fully Waterproof

・      Dual Display Technology

・      PinSeeker W/ Jolt Technology

・      Accurate to 1?2 yard

・      6X Magnification

・      Ranges 5-1,300 yards; 450+ to a Flag

・      2^nd Generation E.S.P.

・      Fast Focus System

・       Stable-Grip Technology

Conclusions

You really can’t go wrong with any of Bushnell’s offerings. My current rangefinder of choice is the Pro X2, and I’ve been using it for over 8 months as of this writing. It’s fast, accurate, compact, and the display is easy to read. That’s basically everything you’re looking for in a laser rangefinder. I’ve also used the predecessor to the Phantom and loved it’s compact size and simplicity. The new model is magnetic, which addresses the only complaint I had with the old model, which was what to do with it once you broke the flimsy plastic clip it came with. Now you can simply stick it on the roof supports on your golf cart or the handle of your push cart. Easy peasy!