Garmin Approach Z80 Laser Rangefinder Review
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You can perfect yourself as an intermediate and expert golfer with a rangefinder. So we are here to review the Garmin Z80 Rangefinder and see if its the right fit for you and your budget.
Garmin launched this Garmin z80 laser rangefinder in June 2018. The unique thing about this rangefinder is that it brings together the traditional laser rangefinder with 2D course view mapping.
Let’s get into the features in this Garmin z80 rangefinder review.
- Most accurate laser distance measurements, within 10” to the flag, up to 350 yards/320 meters
- Full-color 2-D CourseView mapping is overlaid on the viewfinder for more than 41,000 courses worldwide
- Image stabilization reduces shakiness and makes it easier to find and range the flag
Garmin Z80 Laser Rangefinder Features
Accurate Laser
You can get an amazingly accurate distance to the pin within 10 inches (25.4 cm).
Lock Onto The Flag
Garmin z80 laser rangefinder with its image stabilization feature makes it easy for you to find the flag. The inventive flag finder locks on the flag that you find in any hole in a course.
Green View
Once the flag is locked, the device will automatically take you to Green View. With the Green View, you can get to see the distance to the back and front of the green through the lens, which you get a crisp and clear view at 6x magnification.
PlaysLike Distance
The PlaysLike Distance feature in this rangefinder adjusts yardages both for downhill and uphill shots based on the variation in elevation. As a result, you can figure out which club to use for downhill and uphill shots.
If you’re in a tournament, you can turn off the PlaysLike Distance off.
PinPointer
Garmin z80 laser rangefinder PinPointer feature is great when you have blind spots as it will help point you in the direction to the green.
LaserArc
Popularly called Laser Range Arc, this feature helps you with drawing an arc on the 2-D course view map. Also, this drawing of arc can be done at the distance the laser has been ranged. It means that you can get to see everything that is in play at that distance.
- Most accurate laser distance measurements, within 10” to the flag, up to 350 yards/320 meters
- Full-color 2-D CourseView mapping is overlaid on the viewfinder for more than 41,000 courses worldwide
- Image stabilization reduces shakiness and makes it easier to find and range the flag
Garmin Z80 Laser Rangefinder Benefits
In this Garmin z80 rangefinder review, you’ll want to know both the good and the bad to know if its right for you.
Pros
- Full-color OLED Display
- IPX7 waterproof design
- 15 hours of battery life to the max in GPS mode
- Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- MicroUSB charge
- Preloaded with 42,000 courses across the world
- Automatic green view when the laser ranges the flag
- Tournament legal rangefinder (with slope off)
- Flag finder
Cons
- Does not vibrate on targets
- No magnetic strap
- Shows only digital view of the hole and not magnifying view
- First time users might find it hard to locate the pin
- Can lock on to the wrong distance occasionally
Highlighted Features
- Automatic distance to front and back of green
- Accurately measures laser distances
- Full-Color 2D CourseView mapping
- Reduces shakiness with image stabilization feature
- Adjusts distances based on downhill or uphill slope
- Laser Accuracy of +/- 10”
FAQ
How many rounds can the rangefinder last per charge?
Before needing a recharge, you can use this rangefinder three to five rounds.
What are differences between Z80 and Z82?
If you look for better accuracy, Z82 will be the right choice. The reason is that you can lock onto targets that are located at longer distance in Z82 as compared to Z80.
Does the Garmin z80 rangefinder vibrate when locking?
No, this rangefinder does not have this capability. But, many other rangefinders provide this feature for golfers.
Will I get image stabilization with Garmin z80?
Yes, this is one of the best features of Garmin z80 to help you easily lock the target.
- Most accurate laser distance measurements, within 10” to the flag, up to 350 yards/320 meters
- Full-color 2-D CourseView mapping is overlaid on the viewfinder for more than 41,000 courses worldwide
- Image stabilization reduces shakiness and makes it easier to find and range the flag
Final Verdict
Garmin z80 is one of the better rangefinders in the market. But, with many options available and particularly, its successor z82, you can expect better and updated features. Garmin is a great brand to choose from regardless and has been trusted with its GPS capabilities for year.
You should consider the different options and choose the one that has better features that you need. If updated features aren’t a concern and you want a budget friendly rangefinder that you can trust, then the Z80 is the right rangefinder for you.
