Callaway Hybrid Rangefinder Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook

Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook recently got the chance to try out Callaway’s latest offering in the popular distance measuring/GPS market – The Callaway Hybrid Rangefinder.

Tech Specs

Laser Features:

• Features exclusive Birdie Technology: The device will "chirp" when the laser locks onto the pin.
• 6X magnification
• Range: 5-1000 yards (5-300 yards to pin)
• Superior accuracy to +/- 1
• Measure in Yards or Meters
• Scan landscape to acquire multiple targets
• Sleek, ergonomic, soft casing design
• Comes equipped with carrying case
• Water and fog resistant
• Dimensions: 4.25" (L) x 3"(H) x 1.75"(W)

GPS Features:

• Preloaded with 30,000+ golf courses worldwide
• No download or subscription fees
• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Accurate distances to front, center, and back of the green
• Accurate distances to layup or carry hazards and doglegs
• Auto-hole advancement

Looks

The unit feels great to use. Its slick design and colouring is a great addition to any bag. The GPS display fits in nicely to the unit just under the eyepiece for the laser giving you that 'all in one place' sense.

Performance

Laser

The laser, in both modes, latches onto the pin easily from a good distance. I have found on other lasers, especially when on the scanning mode, that it can be quite hard from some distances to get 'locked' on the pin, which really wasn't an issue with this.

I am also a massive fan of the 'scan' mode. Using this together with the GPS give you real confidence that you are getting the right number for any lay up shot.

GPS

The simplicity of the GPS would probably be the main point for me. It automatically picks up what hole you are on and at a glance you have front, middle and back of the green. Coupled with a zap of the pin for the real players amongst us you can work out where the best 'miss' will be.

A point to make is to change the settings on the GPS, as initially I found it was turning itself off fairly quickly in order to save the battery. However, when you switch it back on you have to wait for it to load and then relocate the course.

Pros

Having everything you would need in all one place is great. I also found the scanning mode for the laser well used.
Being someone that likes a laser for inside 150, but the more 'visual' side of a GPS being able to carry this instead of my current set up of a GPS and a laser (not at well known courses but on a course I play the first time) is a real plus.

Cons

I can't really find any cons to the Callaway Hybrid Laser. Once you have played around with the setting and got used to all the functions, the only thing that did bother me was the 'tweet' sound when you lock in to the pin using the laser on PAT mode.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Callaway Hybrid Rangefinder will be a great addition to any true golfer's equipment. Great in design. Great in usability. Callaway really have come up with a device that will rival any other on the market.

Rated 9 out 10

For more information visit: www.callawaydmd.com