The Garmin Approach Z80 Laser Rangefinder has made it onto the Golf Monthly Tech 50 2019/20 list thanks to a host of never-seen-before features
Garmin Approach Z80 Laser Rangefinder
Price: £579.99
Tech Talk
Laser rangefinders have their limitations, mostly around line of sight, but the Approach Z80 looks to have conquered this by also incorporating GPS into one impressive device. The television-style screen takes some getting used to, but certainly makes it more fun to use out on the course.
Detection of the flag should be made easier by the built-in image stabilisation feature and, once detected, the 2D hole map will automatically zoom in to show the flag’s position on the green, as well as distances to the front and back. It's pricey, but laser rangefinders don’t come much more cutting-edge.
Golfers can also enter their driving distance before play so that when you reach the first tee, an arc will appear on the 2D view of the hole to show the hazards in play for you.
Game Booster
Laser rangefinders are commonly the preferred choice of the better player but can have their limitations in certain situations compared to GPS devices.
But the Approach Z80 looks to bring together the best of both worlds in one very impressive device. The user experience is unique too – the television-style screen takes some getting used to, but certainly makes it more fun and enjoyable to employ on the course.
Being able to combine the accuracy of the laser to any vertical point in view from any position on the course with a 2D view of the hole gives golfers a much clearer view of what lies ahead, allowing golfers to make more informed decisions on strategy and club selection.
It’s admittedly a lot of money that many may think is better spent on a new set of irons or woods, but for the investment golfers are getting an unprecedented level of detail in the palm of their hand.
