Bushnell Hybrid Measuring Device
by Dominic Pedler
May 2011

Laser or GPS? Well, Bushnell have just delivered the killer blow in The Great Distance Measuring Device Debate by offering a single unit that combines both technological principles.

Until now the company has been synonymous with top-of-the-range laser-based units that better players have tended to favour for their ability to home-in directly on the flag or other hazard, landmark or lay-up spot that takes their fancy at the time. The Tour V2 (incidentally, now available in three limited edition colour schemes) being a great example.

But the company acknowledges that there are situations when even the laser purist can benefit from ‘front middle and back’ data – for example in all types of blind approaches, as well as for speed and convenience. Hence the Bushnell Hybrid, that combines the Tour V2 technology (complete with Pinseeker technology that helps you lock onto the flag, with +/- 1 yard accuracy and five times magnification), with an on-board GPS element covering a planned (no subscription) 1,000 European courses. You can also map out your own golf course, with the special editing feature allowing you to add in distances manually to your own critical points, such as hazards, corners of dog-legs, etc.

Admittedly, the screen lacks the fancy colours and graphics of some of the some top-end GPS rivals but, as a practical device offering the best of both worlds, the Hybrid is unique.