Name: Callaway Golf 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder
Price: $350 CAD online
Features: Mid-priced laser rangefinder, slope technology, pin acquisition technology (PAT), hard carrying case, 6x magnification, 5-1000 yard range, audible notifier
Website: https://www.callawaygolf.com/accessories/course-gear/rangefinders/gps-callaway-300-pro-laser-rangefinder.html
Pros: Easy to use, quick results, lightweight, quick-access hard case, accurate
Cons:
On calm days flag may be difficult to capture, CR2 battery is not the most common
Value:
Build/Quality:
Effectiveness:
Features:
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I've put off purchasing a laser rangefinder for quite some time now, but finally decided to take the plunge. I was looking for a reasonably priced model that could give me an accurate reading that also took into account slope. After a bit of research, I decided to purchase the Callaway Golf 300 Pro laser rangefinder.
Let's look at some of the specifications of the 300 Pro. To start, the unit itself is relatively lightweight, at 0.5lbs. The focus-adjustable eyepiece offers 6x magnification which allows for a measurement range between 5-1000 yards with a claimed accuracy of +/- 1 yard. In terms of size, the unit measures 4.25" x 3" x 1.75", a good size that fits nicely in your palm. It is also water and fog proof. The unit is powered by a single CR 2 battery (included) and also comes with a hard case that features both a zipper and elastic drawstring.
There are two modes on the rangefinder. The first is the "basic" mode, in which you can aim down essentially any target (flags, bunkers, front of greens, etc.) quickly. The second mode incorporates Callaway's Pin Acquisition Technology (PAT), which allows you to lock on to the flagstick from within 300 yards, ideally producing a more accurate measurement. It also features an audible "birdie" sound, to indicate when you've locked onto the pin, which can be turned on or off. Both modes incorporate slope technology, which allows for more realistic yardages.
I've been putting this device to the test for the past week and here are my thoughts. My first impressions of the device were that the unit is small, but built solid. I like the feel of it in my hands, very ergonomic, and the rubber exterior gives me confidence that I won't drop it. I think it could survive a drop on the course though without any problems.
Operating the device is about as straight-forward as can be. You simply select one of the aforementioned modes, aim down your target, and press the button. Less than a second later, you have your yardage. I do like that, in all modes, the unit provides you with both the raw and slope-adjusted distance, which I think would most certainly help a player develop perception skills of their own, for when using slope technology is not allowed (i.e. tournament play).
I'm a big fan of the case as well. I like its ruggedness, which allows me to not have to worry about damaging the device between shots. The elastic drawstring is super convenient and makes for quick access. One of the deterrents for me purchasing a rangefinder was the amount of time I thought it would take to use. With the Callaway 300 Pro, I've found that the entire act of taking the unit out and finding a distance takes about five seconds. It even works while wearing sunglasses, which is super convenient on those sunny days.
In terms of accuracy, I'm happy to report that this device is bang on for me. For example, I usually hit my 7-iron about 146 yards. I was lucky enough to get that exact yardage on an approach shot according to the rangefinder, including slope. I hit my shot perfectly pin high (albeit a little left of target, but that's another story!). I also found that measuring a target multiple times produced the same result, which was reassuring, unless the rangefinder managed to not pick up on my target (see below).
Speaking of which, the only negative thing I encountered with the device was that during calmer conditions (i.e. flag is still), I was having trouble getting an accurate reading using the PAT mode. This was not a big deal, as I could simply switch back to the basic mode and get a reading of the front of the green or hole itself; the quickness of the measurement actually allows this to be done pretty fast. I also found that during one of my rounds, the rangefinder was having difficulty due to a white plastic sign in the background behind the flag. These issues could be common across other rangefinders as well, so it suffices to say that you should always measure a couple of times and double-check on-course markers for accuracy. What's the saying, measure twice, shoot once?
I'm also not the biggest fan of CR2 batteries, mainly because of their availability. It would be better to see a rechargeable battery or a more common one such as a AA/AAA. But this would probably drive up costs. Callaway makes up for this though by giving you a 200-measurement reserve/buffer when the battery indicator comes on.
All in all, it's clear that convenience and ease of use were at the core of the design of the Callaway Golf 300 Pro laser rangefinder. It's simpleness, quickness and price easily make up for any issues one might have with errant readings. I would recommend this product for golfers of all skill levels who want a quick way to determine their yardage with accuracy, as well as their own perception skills.
Do you own a Callaway Golf 300 Pro laser rangefinder? What are your thoughts about it? Let me know in the comments below.
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
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