REVIEWS On
Overview: Light and compact, the LR3 is accurate to
within a yard, thanks to its precise laser system. It has three distance measuring options: ‘Normal’ picks up any target, including bunker edges; ‘Flag’ hones in on the pin and factors out backgrounds for supreme accuracy; ‘Scan’ picks up all targets in a 10- second panoramic scan.
Verdict: Having played golf for 44 years and playing
off 2, you’d think you would know all the yardages on your home course wouldn’t you? Well, I did. I scoffed at friends who had invested in a GPS or laser device thinking, “why do they need one going round their own course”? That was until I had the opportunity of
obtaining the GolfBuddy LR3 Laser Rangefinder. As we all know, it is one of many similar products on the market, so I was intrigued to see what a difference it made to my play on my own course and how accurate – or not – my distance judgement had been in the past! But first, some product details. It’s light at 215
grams and fits nicely in the hand. It has 3 modes – Pin (solely for exact distances to the pin) – Normal (simply for getting a distance to what you aim at, a tree, bunker or equivalent) and Scan – as you pan across the hole, multiple
32 SGBGOLF
distances are given to features. The 6x zoom viewfinder is very comfortable
when put to the eye and picks out targets very easily. The unit itself is not shock proof, which is a worry. This is okay on grass, but if you’re careless in the car park or a cart path it’s a problem. However GolfBuddy claim it’s dust and water-resistant and it does come with a cushioned case which it fits in snugly until required for use. The case also comes with a clip for attaching to the bag for easy transit on and off the course. Using it could not be simpler. In flag mode
you simply get the flag in the crosshairs and press the button at the top of the unit. You don’t need to worry about switching the display off as it automatically shuts off after 10 seconds, therefore saving battery life, which is exceptional anyway. The distance comes up immediately in a choice of either metres or yards, easily changeable with the simple instructions and controls. The claim is that distances are accurate to within 1 yard. It’s very good at picking out targets at over 200 yards, with the cross hairs seeming bigger to accommodate. So, how did I measure up against the
machine? More importantly, how can it help anyone’s game and why should they buy it? Let’s just put it this way, the comfort I got
from knowing exact distances, rather than just an approximation from my eyes, on which I
the Range
This month SGB Golf’s Richard Punyer reviews GolfBuddy’s LR3 rangefinder.
decided not only which club to hit, but also how hard to hit it, was incredible. Immediately approach shots were far more accurate in length, holes where I had been consistently either short or long due to false fronts or hidden depressions suddenly were executed with far more confidence and accuracy. It really is difficult to put into words just how
much it has improved my club selection, confidence and scoring. It has changed the way I look at holes – holes that I have played for 44 years – giving me far more options. I’m safe in the knowledge that – apart from the errant gust of wind – I know I have the right club in my hand for the way I want to hit the shot.
Summary: For an immediate improvement in how you
play the game – it’s a must. Simple to use, great battery life, easy to use viewfinder and target lock. There are a choice of modes to cater for any situation. A neat, tidy piece of kit that’s right up there. It certainly ticked all the boxes for me and I’d recommend it as a product.
If you would like your product innovation reviewed, please contact Alex Fordham at
afordham@datateam.co.uk
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