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Customers commonly ask if they can use a golf range finder for hunting or a hunting range finder for golfing. The short answer is, yes, you can use a single laser range finder for both golf and hunting. However, you need to ensure that range finder has the proper features and menu options to suit each activity. Not all range finders offer this versatility, so you need to read the specs, carefully.
Keep in mind that range finders that work for both golf and hunting will typically cost more but not as much as buying separate laser rangefinders for golf and hunting. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between each option and help you select the right range finder for your needs.
Golf Range Finders
First, let's look at what makes a golf range finder perfect for hitting the links. This will explain why you need to be careful when choosing one that can excel for both golf and hunting.
A lower priced range finder for golf has what we call nearest target priority software that automatically seeks the nearest target, namely the flag/pin, and at the same time ignores distant objects beyond it. This makes sense, because the flag is always the nearest target unless you happen to find yourself back in the woods after a bad shot.
Hunting Range Finders
A hunting range finder on the lower end of the price range is equipped with distant target priority software that seeks distant objects and ignores objects that are close. This is also called zip mode, brush mode, or whatever the manufacturer decided to name this feature. Such software is appropriate for hunting because you are nearly always in a situation where you want your range finder to ignore close objects and seek game beyond the brush.
What Happens If You Make the Wrong Choice
If you choose a golf range finder for hunting that only offers nearest target priority, you are going to be frustrated because the range finder will seek out the nearest objects in front of the game rather than the animals themselves. That's not what you want when you need to get a quick reading before your trophy buck disappears. In the same vein, if you try to use a hunting range finder for golf that only offers a distant target priority mode, you are going to have a devil of a time targeting the flag because the device will keep trying to target objects behind the flag, rather than the flag itself.
How to Buy the Best Range Finder for Both
The key to finding a range finder that you can rely on for both activities is selecting a model that can switch back and forth between nearest target priority and distant target priority via a menu option. Fortunately, nearly all mid-priced range finders offer this option but be sure to read the details of the features before making your purchase to ensure you have what you need. There are other differences between golf range finder and hunting range finder features, but you can work around these when switching between golf and hunting.
If you plan to use your dual-purpose range finder mostly for hunting, consider other features like waterproofing, or at least weather-resistant protection. Hunters may also consider a camouflaged range finder for maximum concealment. If you plan to use your versatile range finder mostly for golf, it makes sense to choose a smaller, lighter model or one with software designed specifically for golf, such as those that aid your club selection.
From Bucks to Bunkers
While there are differences between hunting and golfing range finders, we offer a wide selection of multi-purpose rangefinders that will give you great performance for both applications. For more information of laser rangefinders in general, check out our How to Buy a Laser Rangefinder page, and for more on golf-specific features check out our How to Buy a Golf Rangefinder article. OpticsPlanet brings you more than just great products and prices; we also give you the information you need to make a smart purchase. Shop with us today to gear up and get going.
