Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/366073
BUSHNELL Bushnell's top-end device is the Pro X7 JOLT Slope. It retails for $599.99. It features a PinSeeker function with JOLT Technology to zero in on the flag (vibrates when locked on target to ensure accuracy). T h e d e v i c e boasts five yards to one mile (1760 yards) ranging p e r f o r m a n c e , 550-plus yards to a flag, and is accurate to one- half yard. It is support- ed by the E.S.P. 2 (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) fea- ture and Vivid Display Technology (VDT) for all lighting conditions. The Pro X7 features HD optics and 7x magnification, as well as Slope Technology, which provides compensated distances for eleva- tion changes. The device is water- proof and Tour certified. For those players wanting an approved device for amateur com- petitions (no Slope Technology) the Pro X7 JOLT is available with all the same features save the slope function. This retails for $499.99. For the most affordable Bush- nell DMD check out the Tour V3 Jolt retailing at $369.99. It also comes with PinSeeker Technol- ogy with the JOLT function. It is accurate within one yard and has five yards to 1,000 yards ranging performance with 300-plus yards to a flag. The magnification is 5x and it is rainproof. Use of Distance- Measuring Devices IS BECOMING COMMON- PLACE WITH ALL LEVELS OF AMATEUR GOLFERS Distance-Measuring Devices (DMDs) have become com- monplace everywhere from country club fairways to local municipal tracks. They have truly become the 15th club in the bag for many golfers. Sprinkler heads, fairway poles, rocks, and/or wagon wheels at 200, 150 and 100 yards have remained the good general rule of thumb for distance, but most players have become spoiled with the advanced technology that is readily available and want a precise yardage. New for 2014, golf's governing body in Canada, Golf Canada, has approved the use of DMDs that measure distance only for all amateur championships. Wind speed or direction, temperature, and/or elevation mea- suring devices are still illegal. The R&A and USGA have also decided to allow DMDs for use in their amateur championships. Much like in the PGA and LPGA Tours, DMDs will continue to be banned from all the national professional championships and their qualifiers, including Canadian Women's Tour events, the TOUR Championship of Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women's Open. This ruling is a fantastic example of a rule that acknowledges that 99 percent of golfers are amateur players and that these devices contribute to their enjoyment and the playability of the game. Dale Jackson, Chair of Golf Canada's Rules and Amateur Status Committee commented, "With recent technological advances designed to enhance the golfer's experience, our Rules Committee felt that this decision to allow DMDs was a step in the right direction without jeopardizing the spirit and challenge of the game." Now the biggest decision—which device should you get? THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DMDS: GOING THE DISTANCE BY LISA 'LONGBALL' VLOOSWYK 1 2 3 Selecting the device that is best for you will be based on personal preference. Many people who have a shaky hand or poor vision typically avoid the hand-held to the eye device. Those who do not like to wear something on their wrist while playing golf will avoid the GPS watch. Price also plays a part in the decision. 1. HAND-HELD TO THE EYE The benefit of a hand-held to the eye device is that it can be used on any course in the world and does not require pre-loaded maps. The three most popular companies selling these devices are Bushnell, Leupold and Laser Link. HAND-HELD TO THE EYE DEVICES HAND-HELD DIGITAL DISPLAY DEVICES GPS WATCHES Continued on page 20 18 INSIDE GOLF