Bushnell Phantom Review

For the past three years I have pretty much used a laser rangefinder exclusively as my method of measuring distances. Currently, I use the Bushnell Pro X2 and absolutely love it. With that said, I have utilized watches, bands and other digital solutions intermittently so I feel like I have a pretty good sense of what is currently available in that space. One such device I have been reviewing recently is the Bushnell Phantom. 

When evaluating this type of device, there are just a few critical features that need to be considered. Namely, accuracy, usability and battery life. Suffice it to say, I kind of take accuracy for granted as they all use GPS locating to deliver front, middle and back distances. When those numbers are off it is usually because the course has not been updated. To that end, the Bushnell Phantom comes with about 40,000 courses so chances are you are never going to have an issue. Moreover, I am convinced most golfers would be better off only knowing the distance to the center of the green (advice I stand by even if I don’t follow). 

Where the Bushnell Phantom shines above other like models is the ease of use. Notably, the screen is huge, making is super easy to read even for those with sight issues. There are also just 6 buttons making it simple to navigate even if you never open the instructions (which I assure you I never did). Starting a round is as simple as hitting the power button then letting it find you course. From there the Bushnell Phantom will auto advance through the holes. You can also cycle back and forth if you like using the side buttons. 

In addition to front, middle and back, the Bushnell Phantom provides distances to up to four hazards. While this feature works fine, I did not use it too much as I think this type of device is aimed more at the minimalist rather than the target shooter. The feature I did use, and that is not available on a laser range finder is the shot distance.

Hitting the bottom button on the side (the side with only two buttons), will mark your ball so that you can measure your shots. Personally, I find this to be very helpful as it gives you real feedback on how far (or not far) you hit the ball. 

Battery Life and durability:

While I have played two rounds with one charge, one thing you are going to have to get used to with this type of device is charging. For me, I am horrible at remembering to bring in the GPS, charging it and then putting it back in  my bag. If anyone has come up with a good solution I am all ears. 

In terms of durability for a product like this, I am usually just guessing because I am never really able to put a device thought the paces without risking breakage. In this case, I ended up dropping the Bushnell Phantom at least 10 times and once into a creek (more on that later). In each instance, there were zero issues.

The one big thing:

Magnets. If it were not for the magnets, the Bushnell Phantom would be like nearly any other GPS device. However, Bushnell decided to mount the GPS with a very strong magnet that can attach to anything metal, including the belt clip. On paper I love this idea. The first round I used the Bushnell Phantom I attached it to my right hip. Off I went and was thrilled at how easy it was to pull off of my hip, read the distance and replace.

However, by the 12^th hole, I had knocked off the GPS 3 times. Once I rubbed against my push cart, once I knocked it off while hitting out of the trees and once I just found it laying next to me. During future rounds I experimented with moving it to my left hip and to my back. Perhaps is just me being clumsy, but it was rare that I could go a full 18 holes without knocking it off it base. Again, the magnet is very strong, I just never realized how many times an object hits me with enough force to pull it free.  For example, it was jarred loose by a branch and fell into a creek. My fear was that it is only a matter of time before I lose the GPS device. Therefore, I moved the device to my golf bag and have not had any problem since. While this is a fine solution, I really liked having it on my hip. 

On the other hand:

I love the fact that you can stick the GPS on the metal part of a golf cart. While not as cool as the built-in version some fancy clubs have, it’s a good substitute. Using this method, you never have to worry about looking for yardage as you can just glance at it as you exit your golf cart. Again, the only tricky part is remembering to take it off when you finish your round.

Bottom Line

At $99, the Bushnell Phantom is a great choice for golfers who are looking for an affordable GPS device. Having reviewed a dozen Bushnell devices, I can say that you will not lack in quality or durability. My once word of advice is to get comfortable with where you place the device as it can be jarred loose from your hip (especially if you end up walking into the woods to find your ball).