Updated on March 29th, 2023 at 03:12 pm
Years ago, golfers had no option but to walk off yardage based on sprinkler heads and their own subjective calculations. You couldn’t rely on a golf tech device with pin seeking features, but instead, you would speculate where the pin was or hunt for a sprinkler head and hope you locked onto the pin correctly.
These days, the first thing most golfers do when they get to the golf ball is bust out a rangefinder and shoot the yardage to the pin. With the right rangefinder in tow, your golf game will be better than ever. Now all you have to do is make sure you choose the best hybrid rangefinder for you.
Hybrid rangefinders – Review
Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder
Best value
Can’t choose between a Laser rangefinder and a golf GPS device? You can have both! The best of both worlds is combined in the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder! As the first golf rangefinder and golf GPS device in one, you have a hybrid rangefinder that pulls its weight. With a polished, textured body plate and an eyepiece with a rapid focus system and jolt technology, the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder can instantaneously range out to 400 yards and be locked onto the flagstick.
Outcomes are solid, useful, and comprehensible on the ample LCD side array with five huge buttons. As a perk, the Bushnell hybrid rangefinder is pre-loaded with Bushnell’s 36, 000 courses, meaning you’ll always be able to find your golf course. If you want a GPS and laser rangefinder (also known as a Hybrid Rangefinder) that offers the best of both worlds without compromise, the Bushnell Hybrid rangefinder is a fantastic place to start.
Notable Features
- PinSeeker with Jolt Technology
- First-ever laser rangefinder integrated LCD display
- Exterior GPS readout
- Accurate to within 1 yard
- Range to a flag: 400 Yards
Pros
- First hybrid rangefinder
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Tournament legal
- 36,000+ course database
- Fast focus Bushnell system
- CR2 battery
- Super easy to use golf laser rangefinder
Cons
- Not great in foggy conditions
- Bushnell rangefinder support can be lackluster
Callaway Hybrid Laser GPS Rangefinder
Best on a budget
Can one gadget display two independent technologies? The Callaway Hybrid GPS laser Rangefinder 2018 does just that. By incorporating the exactitude of a pin-seeking mega-laser with the numerous advantages of a satellite driven GPS device, this laser rangefinder with 6x magnification is one complete package.
Whether you intend to tote a bunker off of a tee or strike a shot right to the heart of golf courses, you can maximize span intelligence and swing your golf club with certainty. This laser rangefinder with GPS device boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, 6x magnification, and comes pre-filled with some 38, 000 courses globally.
Whether you’re an outright pro or just getting trying to play your best golf, the Callaway Hybrid laser rangefinder with a GPS device might deserve a place in your golf bag.
Notable Features
- Unique pin acquisition technology with notable 6x magnification
- GPS rangefinder with various distances to the front and back of green
- A generous LCD display on the reverse of the range finder
- GPS device packed with 38, 000 courses globally
- Dual function power design featuring laser and GPS function
Pros
- Accurate distances straight to the layup or hazards, as well as the front and back of the green
- Best auto-hole advancement
- No download or subscription fees
- 10 hours of uninterrupted battery life
- CR2 battery
- Water and fog-resistant golf laser rangefinder with a GPS device
- Measure in yards or meters
Cons
- Requires some battery charging after each use
- Can be tough to lock onto the pin
Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder
Best with viewfinder – Target integration
There’s a reason why the Voice Caddy Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder with a GPS device is our best pick. This two-in-one parcel precisely employs lasers and fixed GPS data to scrupulously and strictly measure distances to the pin, bunkers, and hazards.
Unlike comparable devices, the Voice Caddy GL1 Hybrid laser rangefinder with a GPS device utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as first-class lenses and drool-worthy processors. Each provides you with the efficiency you enjoy while ceding long battery life and a polished compact design. With this golf laser rangefinder, you’ll lower your score with the overall accuracy and precision only the pros typically get to enjoy on golf courses.
Notable features
- The truest hybrid GPS/Laser Rangefinder on the market today
- Super easy to use golf laser rangefinder
- GPS pin assist with accurate GPS data to filter background and home in on the pin
- Bunker and hazard information
- The tag on/off mode with slope engaged/disengaged to make it tournament legal
- Vibration on Target capture mode
Pros
- High-clarity lens for visibility in all conditions
- The golf laser has continuous scan mode
- USB Charging and data transfer
- Provides distances to bunkers, hazards, and the front and back of green
- Highest quality processors
- Long battery life (can last 25 days on laser mode)
Cons
- A bit more expensive than other GPS golf rangefinders
- Not as user-friendly as simpler golf rangefinders
Garmin Approach Z80 Golf Rangefinder [with GPS] Power Bundle
Best features
The best golf rangefinder should give every golfer, novice or pro, an edge on the green. The Garmin Approach Z80 integrated with GPS laser does just that. With this device, every measurement is detailed and precise, with picture stabilization to keep your focus steady as you measure. No shaky hand issues with this pro laser GPS device! Easily lock onto the flag and gauge distance from the green view, every round.
With optional Greenview overlay, you can garner both the flag and background distance rather than measuring separately. Enjoy laser precise calculations of 10 feet from the flag. Utilize the PlaysLike distance feature and play like a pro. You can even turn off-slope adjustment and club recommendations for tournament play.
Notable features
- Accurate laser distance measurements within 10” to the flag, up to 350 yards
- Full-color 2-D course mapping which is overlaid on the viewfinder
- More than 41,000 courses available worldwide
- Image stabilization to reduce shakiness, making it easy to find the flag and play your best golf
- Green View Mode automatically shows distance to the front and back of the green
Pros
- Tournament legal golf gps device
- Adjusts distance readings based on uphill/downhill slope
- 6x Magnification
- Laser Range Arc with 2D course Map
- A wealth of information in a small compact package
Cons
- Not very budget-friendly range finder
- Battery life can be an issue
Best hybrid rangefinder is…
Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder
If you’re looking for the best golf rangefinder, look no further than Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder! Overall, the Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder w/Viewfinder Target Integration delivers value, technology, and has all the right feature to ensure you play every round of golf as a pro! Accurate and precise, this golf laser rangefinder comes with key features such as image stabilization, continuous scan mode, bunker/hazard information, and GPS pin assist.
While most golf rangefinders offer basic features like distance to the front, center, and back of the green, the Voice Caddie takes things a bit further with notable laser precise GPS technologies that far outpace what the average hybrid laser rangefinder is capable of doing. Regardless of your budget or skill level, the right hybrid laser rangefinder can bring you some of the best advantages out on the links. Don’t let your skills lag; let a golf rangefinder lead you to that perfect score.
How to choose
Start by asking yourself what you want out of a golf rangefinder. Are you focused on specifications or simplicity? Do you care more about the laser features, the GPS system, or both? Not every hybrid golf rangefinder is going to include the features that may top your list. You’re also going to want to focus on your budget.
How much are you willing to spend on a golf rangefinder? If you’re looking to stay under a certain dollar amount, you may have to forego some range finder features, including having a GPS laser. Let’s start with the priority of many avid golfers: slope feature, Slope technology, maximum distance, and price range.
Does the bushnell hybrid laser rangefinder have slope?
On a rangefinder, slope calculates what the uphill or downhill position precisely means in terms of yards. One question many buyers have is whether or not top picks such as the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder have a slope. Right now, the Hybrid does not come with a slope function, that can provide distance between uphill and downhill targets.
However, you can find slope features and excellent slope technology on one of our top picks – the Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder, with an available on/off function for tournament play.
What kind of maximum distance do most laser rangefinders offer?
Maximum distance can vary quite drastically from one model to another. Before you can buy a rangefinder, always note the distance range. Most hybrid rangefinders on the market have a maximum distance between 1 yard and 1500 yards.
The Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder can allow distance readings between 10 and 1,000 yards, with a maximum distance for most targets of around 600 yards. If that won’t cut it for you, you may want to go with something like the Garmin Z80 Approach laser rangefinder, which can boast longer maximum distances. Keep in mind; that climatic conditions can alter the maximum distance on your rangefinder.
What to look for
Aside from the maximum range, you’re going to want to consider notable features and the actual price of the unit. Consider size, shape, magnification, price, model, brand, distance measurement, accuracy, and battery life. Each of these factors can guide you to buying your perfect model. Like, if you want a unit that is chock to the gills with tech, go with the Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder and don’t even keep reading.
The Voice Caddie features GPS pin assist, image stabilization, bunker/hazard information, continuous scan mode, multi-coated optics, and built-in maps for thousands of courses. Look for a golf rangefinder that ticks most of the boxes in terms of newly available features. Each of these factors come together to make a great hybrid rangefinder device.
What is the best hybrid rangefinder for the money?
The only way to truly choose the right hybrid rangefinder for you is to know your price range. After all, you might love all the features of the Voice Caddie Golf GL1 Hybrid rangefinder, but you might not be able to afford the higher price tag a lot of laser rangefinders have. Know what hybrid rangefinder features you need and want, and which ones you’re willing to ditch to stay within budget.
Options like the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder are easy on the wallet but don’t skimp on features such as pin acquisition, and slope feature. If you’re looking to stay under $500, the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder is the best choice. After all, you still want to have some money left over to actually hit the links, right?
What are the benefits of a hybrid rangefinder in golf?
You’re familiar with the hybrid rangefinder models but are still on the fence. Is a hybrid golf rangefinder worth the price? Can a hybrid rangefinder actually benefit you during a golf game?
There are numerous benefits to investing in a hybrid rangefinder in golf. Whether you go low or high end, with a Garmin Z80 Approach or a Bushnell range finder, a hybrid rangefinder can truly help you to lower your score.
Let’s cut to the basics:
- Golf rangefinders are fast and accurate
- Golf rangefinders are easy to carry and use
- A golf rangefinder speeds up gameplay
- When using a golf rangefinder, you don’t have to consult a yardage book or rely on makers
- When using a golf rangefinder, you can use the right club to attain the best trajectory based on distance
- When using a golf rangefinder, you can avoid hazards based on accurate calculations
- When using a golf rangefinder, you can get out of blind spots with ease
- When using a golf rangefinder, you will always know the distance to any target or landmark
Technology in golf has come a long way, with the dual benefits of a GPS and laser rangefinder, you’re not just making helping your golf game, you’re making the golf game itself more enjoyable. You don’t have to spend a ton to get the best hybrid rangefinder or a quality laser rangefinder for your needs.
All you need to know is which features you want, and how you’ll use your golf rangefinder whether it’s GPS, laser, or hybrid, and of course, your Budget. Some of the best golf rangefinder reviews can be found right here on AEC. Make sure to check out the best golf laser rangefinders like the Bushnell Tour V4 with jolt technology, the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Rangefinder, Nikon Coolshot, Precision Pro NX7 slope, and Tectectec Vpro500.
Want to read more laser rangefinder reviews? Here is our latest review on the top rated Golf rangefinder for this year.
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