
This is how the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII helped our Instruction Editor enhance his recreation.
GOLF / Nick Dimengo
For so long as I can keep in mind, my ball-striking technique was primarily hitting and hoping — which proved to be a depressing plan when it got here to shaving strokes off of my recreation.
As I proceed on my quest to interrupt 80 for the primary time in my 27 years as a golfer, one a part of the sport that has develop into uber necessary is course administration. Which means, moderately than simply staring down the spot I’m aiming for and hitting my ball, I’m truly placing collectively a plan of assault earlier than every swing.
I analyze my membership alternative, depend on my carry distances, establish spots on the course which might be doubtlessly dangerous (or useful!) and do my greatest to optimize my recreation plan.
Imagine it or not, this wasn’t the case for the previous 26 years of my golf recreation…and it confirmed on the scorecard.
However in latest months, I’ve dialed in my course administration abilities with a fairly easy golf device: A rangefinder, with the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII being the one in all alternative (which is out there for $50 off till October eighth).
With the assistance of the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII, I’ve seen enhancements in lots of features of my recreation — so right here’s how this rangefinder will help you do the identical.
5 causes each beginner wants a rangefinder
Positive, the choice to lastly use a rangefinder might sound so fundamental to a lot of you, however I had by no means used one earlier than and simply tried estimating distances by counting on sprinkler heads.
Sound acquainted?
That could be the quickest solution to get yardages, however it’s not the easiest way — so right here’s why I made the selection to put money into the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII rangefinder.
Distance management
OK, so that is the obvious cause to get a rangefinder, however it nonetheless makes all of the distinction on the earth when attempting to shoot decrease scores.
As talked about earlier, I had at all times simply relied on sprinkler heads to assist decide the yardages. However the issue with that technique is two-fold.
First, a sprinkler head doesn’t have in mind any climate situations, so how will you actually get an correct gauge of the yardage if there’s any wind? One of these issue will actually influence your shot’s final result.
Whereas a rangefinder doesn’t inform you the wind’s velocity, it does provide you with a greater information to really feel the shot as soon as you recognize the suitable distance.
Second, it’s uncommon to be proper on the sprinkler head mark, so even when you recognize it says it’s 150 to the center of the inexperienced, that’s not dependable whenever you’re standing a number of yards in entrance or behind it. In essence, you’re simply guessing — and in case you’re off by a number of yards, that may be the distinction between being 5 toes from the pin and being buried in a greenside bunker.
Level and click on – then shoot your shot
Previous to getting the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII, I at all times thought utilizing a rangefinder could be inconvenient. I didn’t wish to commute between taking it out and in of my bag, or battle with any inaccurate readings.
However I’ve acquired a small pocket on the aspect of my golf bag that’s devoted to holding my rangefinder, so it makes it straightforward to entry the rangefinder anytime I want it.
All I have to do earlier than every shot is level and click on, counting on the COOLSHOT PROII’s “Hyper Learn” expertise to provide a constant measurement — all in about 0.3 seconds.

GOLF / Nick Dimengo
Simply keep away from hazards
One other advantage of a rangefinder is knowing how the course is laid out, which will help you determine how aggressive or conservative it’s essential to be on a gap.
As an illustration, the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII has one thing referred to as “measurement mode”, which reveals all the things from timber to bunkers to different hazards.
Positive, dialing in my distance to the flag is a big advantage of a rangefinder, however so is understanding a few bunker that’s in play ought to I mishit my shot.
Slope-adjusted distance readings
Dwelling in Seattle, I play loads of programs which have nasty slopes, so having a rangefinder that gives slope-adjusted readings is clutch with the intention to dial in my course administration.
With the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII, you may select from totally different modes relying on the golf shot you’ve acquired.
By turning on ID mode (incline/decline), the rangefinder will lock within the distance by factoring within the slope, providing you with a greater concept for assault tough uphill and downhill pictures. Yeah, it’s type of a recreation changer.
Develop your confidence
When you will have all kinds of knowledge at your disposal, you’ll naturally achieve the mandatory confidence to hit good pictures! A minimum of I discovered that to be true, with the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII appearing as a de facto caddie on the golf course for me.
As an alternative of questioning if a pitching wedge or a 9-iron is the best way to go, seize your rangefinder, belief the studying and assert your self previous to hitting a shot. You’ll be impressed with the outcomes — and so will your enjoying companions.
So in case you’re searching for an A+ rangefinder that may assist enhance your recreation, give the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII a strive — and keep in mind, you may rating one for $50 off till October eighth!
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Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Rangefinder
$399.95