Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 Tournament Edition

Reviewed by: isotope1024 ,  Shoots in the 80s

Model Reviewed:
Model 1500 Pinseeker Edition

Summary:
This is the one to buy. The money spent is well worth it when you consider the reliability of the measurement. Played with one guy who had a cheaper laser rangefinder and he asked me if I could figure how to make it work. It turns out that in order to get a measurement, you had to hold it perfectly still, which was practically inpossible even without any wind. If the magnification level isn't at least 6X you will have problems. In my mind if the rangefinder doesn't include technology that excludes all obstacles except for flags it's going to take too long(in that case you may be better off with a GPS). However, if you concern is distances to the flag, then this is the one for you!

Customer Service:
none required yet!

Similar Products Used:
none

Reviewed by: smokehouse ,  Shoots in the 70s

Model Reviewed:
Bushnell Pinseeker 1500

Summary:
One of the best investments you can make if you are willing to take the time to learn how far you hit each club in your bag. I'd suggest going to the range with a friend and have them spot each shot you hit then record the distance. Once you've learned how far you hit each club this device can be invaluable. Much better than the satellite based range finders in my opinion. Make sure to get the carry case that attaches to your bag, and then it only takes about 5 seconds to get your distance to the pin or whatever landmark you're referencing. A little pricey at $400, but you get what you pay for. The less expensive models are basically worthless on distances over 100 yards. My first range finder was the sport model, which I think cost about $150. Fortunately I was able to trade it in toward the purchase of the 1500 model.

Customer Service:
Never used.

Reviewed by: cplgumby ,  Shoots in the 80s

Model Reviewed:
Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker (no slope)

Summary:
This weekend I golfed 4 courses and took out the Pinseeker and the Golf Logix. Still hard to make a decision.

Pinseeker was extremely valuable to give distances when GPS cart couldn't get to the ball. Great to use when <100 yards out, helped a lot. The only disadvantage I found was that it wasn't convenient. By that I mean I had to take it out of the case, lase the target and put it back in the case as compared to the golflogix where you just take the unit off your belt. Golf Logix also allowed you to measure your shots.

Very expensive to purchase but it does help you find correct yardage which allows you to shoot the right club and score better.

An advantage is no subscription and it works on every course. The Golf logix was only set up for 1 of the 3 courses (Same as SkyCaddie)

The price prevents it from being a value of 5 and the inconvenience affected my Overall rating.

Customer Service:
Bought at GolfTown

Similar Products Used:
Golf Logix GPS unit

Reviewed by: haywardwisc ,  Shoots in the 80s

Model Reviewed:
Bushnell Pinseeker Model 1500

Summary:
I first used the rangefinder on a two week vacation where I golfed everyday at the Hayward (Wisconsin) Golf & Tennis Club. This is a great (albeit expensive) tool for the serious golfer.

I had no problem getting distances to flags up to 250 yards (using the pinseeker mode which zeroes in a flag while ignoring, say, trees in the background). There was also no problem getting distances to things you'd like to avoid like trees, traps, ponds, etc.

I believe the unit delivers the +/- one yard accuracy it promises as several times I obtained a distance, walked away, and then reshot the distance - with the second yardage always coming within one yard of the first reading.

The unit is light, fits nicely in the hand, and I had no problems getting a distance even though I don't have the steady hands of a surgeon. It is also fast as the time to remove it from the carrying case, shoot the distance and return it to the case is less than 10 seconds. I would recommend getting the optional $20 carrying case, however, as it has straps to secure it to your bag.

If you are willing to invest $420 + tax to your game ($400 for the rangefinder + $20 more for the case) I think your game will see some improvement.

Customer Service:
The rangefinder was purchased from Golfsmith and they promptly mailed me a new owner's manual. (The manual which came with the unit had missing pages.)

Similar Products Used:
None