Our Bushnell hybrid laser review has taken place during rounds at Hillsborough in Sheffield and Moor Allerton in Leeds.
You wait five years for a new hybrid laser then two come along at once.
We’ve just reviewed the new Garmin Z80 laser which also has built-in GPS so were keen to see how Bushnell’s latest effort compares.
Bushnell Hybrid laser review: First impressions
Bushnell brought one of these out about five years ago and we have been desperate for an upgrade ever since.
If, like me, you want the ability to zap an exact distance to the pin but also want front, middle and back numbers at a glance then this product should be right up your street.
It was nice to see this came with one of Bushnell’s fantastic silver cases which to me are the best in the business.
There’s actual a dual battery system here so to get started you need to pop a battery in (supplied) for the laser function then charge up the GPS using a USB cable.
This is great because the laser will still function even if you forget to charge the GPS.
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But still a slight annoyance for the fact you have to remember to charge it.
The Bushnell Hybrid is surprisingly compact. You’d expect something loaded with all this technology would be much bigger.
The original hybrid was quite ‘blocky’ but this fits in the hand very nicely and weighs next to nothing.
Bushnell Hybrid laser review: The technology
What’s really cool about this new and improved Hybrid laser is the fact both the laser yardage and the GPS yardage are displayed on the viewfinder.
The old hybrid just had the GPS numbers on the side.
This new model has the numbers on the side and in the viewfinder so it really does give you the best of both worlds.
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There’s also a battery level indicator.
Other features of the laser include Bushnell’s fantastic ‘Jolt’ technology where it vibrates when you’ve locked the pin.
The GPS includes hazard information, automatic course recognition and hole advance.
So how did the Bushnell Hybrid laser perform? Review continues on the next page…
Bushnell Hybrid laser review: The results
When I arrived at the course the Bushnell Hybrid GPS feature located me within a few seconds and allowed me to select the course I was playing.
And full marks were given for asking me which of the three nines (1-9, 10-18, 19-27) I was about to play at Moor Allerton.
Many GPS devices offer up the names of the three nines – which I can never remember – so I often end up selecting the wrong nine.
Another great little feature is the shot measurement. Simply tap the ‘Golf’ button after hitting your tee shot then walk to your ball and it will give you the number.
The GPS function has all the things you’d expect from a good watch or handheld device.
But for me it’s the quality of the laser which, in essence, sets all of Bushnell’s products apart.
The ‘Jolt’ technology – a vibration when you have locked the pin – makes this laser quicker and easier to use than the Garmin Z80.
You get the full confidence that you have got the flag and not some trees behind hit.
It also gives the product an added premium feel.
Bushnell Hybrid laser review: NCG verdict
If this was just a laser rangefinder it would be fantastic and as good as anything on the market.
And the GPS functionality is pretty darn good too. I’d happily take this out on to the course and never use the laser.
So the fact you have both in the same device makes this one of the ‘must-have’ products of 2018.
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The Garmin Z80 is fantastic too as it offers course flyover maps through the viewfinder.
But the quality of the Bushnell laser just gives it the edge for me. And it’s nearly £200 cheaper.
Could you ask for any more from the Bushnell Hybrid?
Well, I’m going to. How about a clear ‘window’ on the side of the case so you can view the GPS numbers without having to take the laser out of the case every time?
Over to you, Bushnell.
SRP: £399.99
More information can be found on the Bushnell website.
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