It’s not often that you come across a range finder that allows you to play your favorite game in any type of weather. The TR500 is a waterproof golf range finder by Saybien. If you’re someone who enjoys playing golf in rainy or foggy conditions, then this added level of protection will be invaluable. In terms of accuracy, the range finder also scored well. Considered one of the best golf range finders for under two hundred dollars, if you’re on a budget and in need of a model that can help to improve your golf game in a matter of weeks, then you can’t go wrong with this device by Saybien.
Our Verdict: If you’re someone who loves playing a round of golf on a rainy day, then you’ll appreciate everything this range finder has to offer, including its waterproof design. This model comes loaded with basic features and a couple of mode options, and it also allows you to switch off the slope compensation mode, which makes it tournament legal. However, we found that there is a dip in the range finder’s accuracy if it’s used with shaky hands when attempting to target a flag. In most cases, this won’t be an issue. Overall, we were satisfied with how this model performed its reliability on the course and the included modes that work to provide a more accurate reading whether you’re playing on flat or hilly terrain.
Clearly, this is a range finder that was designed with the user’s performance in mind. Read on to learn more about how this model performs out on the green, why it earned such a high rating, and what you can expect in regard to reliability and performance.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
This model may not come loaded with all the bells and whistles that higher priced golf range finders do, but if you’re simply looking for a model that’s easy to use and accurate, then this Saybien range finder may be right up your alley.
Product Review:
- Tournament legal
- Lightweight design
- Long lasting battery
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Top of the line optics
- Scan mode
Accuracy
The range finder boasts a one-yard accuracy rating, which is about average for a model in this price range.
Range
Range capabilities come in at five hundred and fifty yards, which is perfect for golf.
Modes
This model comes with two modes: flag lock and scan mode.
The range finder easily locks onto a target when you engage the flag locking feature. This feature is perfect for golf beginners and those who have never used a range finder before.
Flag lock will come in handy if you’re not certain that you locked the correct target in your sights. This mode will alert you when you’ve locked onto the closest target.
Scan
Want to find out exactly how far away you are from a large rock, the bunker, and a group of people, all in one shot? Press the scan mode and point at each object in your sights and the display will immediately present you with the distance to each of these objects. This is a great feature for beginners who need to brush up on this type of important skill. But even an experienced golfer can struggle to accurately judge the distance to the next flag or a large obstacle in their path.
Design
You can easily adjust the eyepiece using the simple diopter adjustment. This is just another feature that Saybien has incorporated that is designed to make this model more beginner-friendly. However, we did notice that while waterproof, the range finder’s housing felt somewhat flimsy compared to higher priced models. This may not be a deal breaker for some, but it can be a serious issue if the range finder is dropped. The device itself has a nice heft to it, but we wish the manufacturer would have added some rubber to the casing to help with impact resistance.
Waterproof Housing
There are many golfers who prefer to skip a game in the event of rain, but then there are those diehard golfers who can’t imagine spending a Saturday away from the course due to a little rainfall. Fortunately, this model features a waterproof design, allowing you to enjoy your favorite game on misty, foggy, or rainy days.
Construction
Not only is this model waterproof, but it also features a rubber body that makes it easier to hold during a long day out on the course. The ergonomic design is one of the biggest selling points and really helps this model to stand out from the competition.
Package Extras
This range finder comes with a wrist strap, making it easier to transport the range finder from hole to hole, a microfiber cleaning cloth, magnet carrying case, user manual, and a CR-2 battery.
Warranty
The one-year product warranty will give buyers confidence in their purchase. However, the warranty only protects the range finder against manufacturer defects. The manufacturer also offers a sixty-day money back guarantee.
Weight
Weighing in at just under half a pound, this lightweight compact range finder can fit in your pocket or golf bag.
Performance
This model provides important data that can help to improve your decision making before you attempt your next shot. The range finder’s dual-mode features both slope and straight modes, not to mention the scan feature. Additionally, it’s 6x magnification and the flag lock feature ensures that you’ll be alerted the second you lock onto a flag. This model also comes with the trusted and powerful lithium-ion battery which can last over thirty hours and features a faster than average recharging time.
As we discussed earlier, the dual modes for slope and straight improve your shot accuracy. The slope mode provides improved distance accuracy while the straight mode allows you to follow USGA rules so the range finder is tournament legal, just as long as you switch the slope feature off.
The quick scan feature will also come in handy, allowing you to pan over several yards in just ten seconds. It also ensures that you have all the data you need to make each shot your best one.
Unfortunately, if your hands shake when using this model, it can negatively impact the device’s range accuracy. This isn’t a common issue, but if you don’t have steady hands, it’s definitely something you’ll want to consider before you buy.
Another issue is the quality of the housing. We felt that the range finder’s plastic and rubber cover had a cheap feel to it, however, for most golfers, it will not be a deal breaker.
Overall, this model has plenty of benefits to offer, but its accuracy is the biggest reason to buy.
Pros
- Tournament legal
- Lightweight design
- Long lasting battery
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Top of the line optics
- Scan mode
- Flag lock mode
Cons
- You must have very stable hands to prevent inaccurate reading
Related Questions
What Makes This Model Tournament Legal when Other Models aren’t?
Typically, range finders that are equipped with the slope feature are not deemed tournament legal. This is because many officials believe that it gives the golfer an unfair advantage over players who do not use a range finder. However, this model is considered tournament legal because you can shut off the slope compensation feature. Of course, there are also tournaments that will not allow you to use a golf range finder at all during a competition. Before you decide to bring your range finder to your next competition, make sure you consult the rules. If you’d like to learn more you can read our article on golf rules made easy.
Does the Range Finder Vibrate Once You’ve Locked Onto a Target?
These days, some models of golf range finders will vibrate once they have successfully locked onto a target. Bushnell is probably one of the most popular brands around that uses this type of technology. Unfortunately, the Saybien golf range finders do not vibrate when you’ve locked onto the desired target. If you’re looking for a model with this feature then I recommend the Bushnell Tour V4 golf range finder with Jolt. If you’d like to learn more about Jolt Technology and how it works, click here to read our golf range finder buyer’s guide where you’ll also find brief summaries on our reviews of the leading models of range finders on the market, including this exciting model by Bushnell.
Are the Range Finder’s Batteries Rechargeable?
No. This model uses CR 2 three-volt batteries. Other models come with lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which provide a much long runtime compared to CR2s.
Conclusion and Rating
Product Review:
This range finder isn’t made by one of the bigger, well-known brands and it’s not packed with a variety of features. But out on the course, you’ll find that it’s a model you can really rely on, even in wet weather conditions.
This model is highly accurate, lightweight, and easy to use. It’s fairly basic in terms of mode options, but it does include scan and flag locking mode, both of which can have a major impact on user experience. Portable, ergonomic and designed to last, we gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.
