REVIEW: Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost
The new Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost is an affordable GPS rangefinder with a ton of versatility in a small, easy-to-use unit.
In February we introduced you to the newest GPS rangefinder from Bushnell Golf, the NEO Ghost. Promising to be an easy-to-use, pocket-sized alternative to their popular NEO GPS watches, the NEO Ghost sounded like an instant hit for golfers at any level.
We had the chance to test the Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost on the course a few times this week. Here are our results.
Specifications
The Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost -- which is about the size of your palm -- is ready to use immediately out of the box. It comes pre-loaded with over 33,000 golf courses so there's no need to waste time downloading course files from the net. The unit boasts a long battery life that lasts upwards of three 18-hole rounds on a single charge (about 14 hours).
The user interface is simple and informative, providing you with GPS distances to the front, middle and back of every green. The Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost also tracks up to four hazards per hole, including bunkers and water hazards. A multi-use clip is on the back of the unit, which you can use to affix to your belt or golf bag strap.
Performance
Our test of the Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost yielded positive results with some notion of wanting more.
The unit was very easy to use as its auto-course recognition technology found our course quickly and accurately. Distances to the green seemed on-point, while distance readings to nearby hazards were confusing. We could only assume that the hazard yardages referenced what it took to carry the trouble on a straight line from us to the hole. This can be confusing when the hazard -- such as a lake or large bunker -- has an irregular shape.
Accessing the Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost became habitual over time, especially when on our tester's belt or in the golf cart cupholder. You simply walk up to your golf ball, glance at the yardage reading and choose your club. No additional button-pushing was needed unless you wanted to check hazard yardage.
Distances on wayward shots or from neighboring fairways was also accurate. Some GPS units have a tendency to "switch over" to another hole if you walk too far off-line. The Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost did not run into this annoying problem during our test.
Overall
The Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost is a solid GPS rangefinder for anyone looking for something other than a watch design or smartphone app. At a price point of $129.99 ($90 at many major retailers), it is an affordable GPS option for golfers on a budget but in the market for such a device. While competing rangefinders may have other useful features, the Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost is certainly worth your consideration.
Bushnell Golf Introduces Tour X Laser Rangefinders
Bushnell Golf has introduced their newest golf rangefinder -- the Tour X Laser Rangefinder. Click here for more info.
Bushnell Golf -- known for their high-tech golf rangefinders and GPS systems -- has introduced the newest addition to their product lineup: the Tour X Laser Rangefinder. The device is available now and retails for $499. The following is a press release from the company.
Overland Park, KS, February 26, 2015 – Bushnell Outdoor Products, makers of the #1 laser rangefinder on the PGA Tour, today introduced its latest innovative laser rangefinder – TOUR X. In an effort to continue catering to over 97 percent of PGA Tour pros and top amateurs who trust Bushnell laser rangefinders, the TOUR X has been engineered with Exchange Technology. Using two interchangeable faceplates, Exchange Technology gives the golfer a 2-in-1 device. The TOUR X conforms to USGA rule 14-3/.05 when the black faceplate is engaged. When users switch to the red faceplate, the TOUR X deploys Slope Technology providing players with adjusted distance readings based on elevation changes.
“We are proud to unveil our most feature-packed laser rangefinder to date, which continues our legacy of dominance in professional golf,” said Scott Peterson, Bushnell Senior Product Manager. “The introduction of the TOUR X once again proves we are not only committed to the Tour player, but also the elite amateur player who requires precise yardage readings during practice and tournament rounds.”
In an endless pursuit of absolute precision through industry-leading technologies, The TOUR X features Dual Display Technology (DDT) that allows users to easily toggle between the bright red display featuring Vivid Display Technology or the crisp black display, incredible ranging capability of up to 1,300 yards (450+ yards to a flag), 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) and PinSeeker with JOLT Technology.
Bushnell Golf also included JOLT Technology amongst the host of features offered in the new TOUR X. When the golfer aims the TOUR X at the flag, JOLT Technology will provide short, vibrating bursts to reinforce Bushnell’s advanced PinSeeker Technology has isolated the target and locked onto the flag. The vibrating bursts provided by JOLT Technology will assure golfers have the exact distance to the flag.
The TOUR X is also equipped with 2nd generation E.S.P. technology. E.S.P. provides yardage five times faster and more accurately than ever before. Not only has the acquisition speed been increased to a lightning fast level, E.S.P. provides ½ yard accuracy from five to 125 yards, and the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard. Having more accurate distances enables the golfer to strategize and hit every approach shot with confidence.
Introducing the Bushnell Golf Neo Ghost GPS Rangefinder
The new Bushnell Golf Neo Ghost GPS rangefinder has been introduced and it is simply amazing.
Bushnell Golf has unveiled their latest upgrade in the GPS rangefinder market: the Neo Ghost GPS rangefinder.
The pocket-sized rangefinder is the next in a line of impressive golf gadgets produced by Bushnell Golf in recent years. In addition to their impressive line of GPS watches and optics rangefinders, the new Neo Ghost adds an element to your game that any golfer could appreciate.
Here's what my friends at Bushnell would like you to know about this exciting new product:
The NEO Ghost comes preloaded with more than 30,000 courses and provides simple measurements to the front, center and back distances of the green – along with up to four hazard/layup distances per hole. Additional features include auto course and auto hole recognition, shot distance calculator and long battery life (play three rounds before charging). Using a multifunctional clip that allows for increased accessibility and convenience during play, the NEO Ghost can be worn on the golfer’s body or easily attached to a bag.
“Several features excite us about the NEO Ghost, most importantly the high-quality technology we are able to pack into such a small, lightweight GPS rangefinder,” said Scott Peterson, Senior Product Manager at Bushnell. “The NEO Ghost provides golfers with the critical distance information they need, while offering the convenience and reliability they are accustomed to from our Golf GPS products.”
Bushnell’s latest Golf GPS innovation joins the NEO XS, which is the lightest, thinnest GPS watch rangefinder in golf.
The Bushnell Golf NEO Ghost will be available in four colors – black, charcoal, neon green and white – and will be available at retail in mid-February for $129.99.
