Last Updated:
Yard Range: 5-400 yards to flag, 5-1300 yards
Magnification: 5x 20 mm objective lens
Screen Display Size:
Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.1 x 2 inches, 6.1 oz
Display Type: LCD/Black
Tournament Legal: Yes
Measuring System: Yards/Meters
Measuring Distance: Distance only
Waterproof: No
Fees: No fees, ever!
Our Rating: 
Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser Rangefinder + GPS Review (2018)
A hybrid was bound to hit the market at some point, and it’s Bushnell to take the lead. We all know how laser rangefinders and GPS units work, but how does it work together? Does Bushnell get both technologies right, or are both features just “okay?” Let’s find out if one out-performs the other, or if Bushnell Golf really did perfect the hybrid design for those of us who just can’t choose.
As the world’s first golf rangefinder and GPS in one, it’s not as expensive as we assumed it could be. It’s about as expensive as a premium laser rangefinder or a top-notch, smart handheld GPS device. Since you really can’t choose between which one you would rather own, why not get both? That’s the concept behind the Hybrid.
The body is right in line with a laser rangefinder. It has textured body armor, laser, objective lens, and eyepiece with a fast focus system. It can range out to 400 yards to the flagstick with 5x magnification, and it even sports Pin Seeker technology with Jolt. So, it’s going to vibrate when it finds your target. Sounds just like how a laser rangefinder should work.
As is obvious, the side of the rangefinder has an LCD display with five buttons that obviously control the GPS side of the Hybrid. It’s pre-loaded with Bushnell’s 36,000+ course database in 30 countries around the world. The display will show distances to the front, center, and back of the green, and it will even provide distances for up to four hazards.
True to GPS units, the Hybrid also has Auto Course Recognition and Auto Hole Advancement. You can also enable Bluetooth connectivity to download course updates. Sounds just like how a golf GPS unit should work.
What’s innovative is also being able to see distances to the front, center, and back of the green through the viewfinder with GPS enabled. But, why have both? The rangefinder is great for all-round play, and GPS comes in handy for those blind spots. It just might be worth the buy to satiate your curiosity, right?
- Hybrid
- Pinseeker
- Jolt
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Tournament legal
- Price
Bushnell Hybrid Q&A
The Hybrid has a dual power source. The CR2 battery powers the laser rangefinder, and a USB cable charges the GPS feature.
The USB cable can be plugged into any USB port, and then the charging point can be inserted into the rangefinder underneath the eyepiece. Approximate time for a full charge takes three hours.
Bushnell says it will last approximately 12 hours. Depending on speed of play, you may get through three rounds.
No. This is a tournament legal device that does not feature any slope mode or slope measurements.
Yes. The Shot Distance feature can be selected through the Golf power button and selecting Shot.
You have to select a pre-determined period of time for the GPS to turn off automatically. However, if you play longer than the preselected time, you will lose any saved data.
The Bushnell Golf App is free to download and access with the purchase of the Hybrid. Additionally, there are no annual fees or subscriptions to use the app or the GPS feature.
The Hybrid has a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase. Any approved claims within the United States will require a $10 fee for return shipping of the repaired product or exchange.
Noteworthy Features:
- Laser rangefinder and GPS in one!
- Accurate distances from both sources
- Includes all basic features of both devices
Our Verdict on the Bushnell Hybrid
To ping up the strokes, the Bushnell Hybrid is an innovative given. Someone was going to do it, and Bushnell got on it first. Both features work as described, however, they’re about as basic as you can expect for either device. The price may not be your cup of tea since you can spend the same amount on a premium unit or rangefinder with all the latest tech. But, when you can have both measuring devices in one, you may have more playing time and advantage over your competitor.
If you can’t wrap your brain around the Hybrid, you’re not alone. You can land the awesome Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilizer rangefinder for the same price and have access to all the latest advancements that golf rangefinders can offer. And, it’s just a rangefinder – easy, simple, done.
Bushnell also specializes in regular golf GPS handheld devices, too. The Bushnell Phantom has a new Bite Magnetic Mount system, and it includes all the same perks that the Hybrid can offer as well. The Bushnell Ion 2 is a GPS watch. Wear it every day or just on the green!
If you’ve got the cash to spare, be one of the first to get in on the trend and look cool while doing it. But, it’s not really all about the looks or tech, it’s about performance, accuracy, and ease of use. Luckily for the Hybrid, it can do it all!
