Bushnell Phantom 2 GPS Review
Bushnell has long made some of the most reliable golf distance measuring devices in the game. The Phantom 2 GPS is no exception. It has plenty of features, yet is easy to use, even for golfers that aren’t tech savvy. If you’re looking for a moderately priced GPS that’s sure to more than meet your expectations, give the Bushnell Phantom 2 a shot.
If you’re an avid golfer and still don’t have a distance measuring device, you’re not only missing out, but you’re costing yourself a lot of strokes.
With the advances that have been made in modern golf technology, calculating distances and picking the right club has never been easier.
But a problem a lot of Golfer’s Authority readers seem to be running into is choosing the right distance measuring device for their game and needs. Some of the stuff out there is so technologically advanced you need a degree in electrical engineering to figure out how to use it. And I don’t know about you, but that’s definitely not me.
The good news is that there are some simpler, easy-to-use options out there for those of us that aren’t as technologically inclined.
One of my favorites is the Bushnell Phantom 2 GPS. Bushnell is a name you can trust, and this GPS gives you everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Let’s have a closer look.
Key Features
- Large transflective display is clear and easy to read.
- Yardages to hazards make course management much easier.
- Green View feature allows you to pinpoint the exact location of the pin for precise yardages.
Who Should Buy the Bushnell Phantom 2 GPS?
As I suggested in the opening, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t have a distance measuring device in your golf bag.
If you’re someone who’s looking for all the latest features and tech to give you every piece of information available out on the course, the Phantom 2 might not be your best choice.
However, if you value the importance of basic yardages to the necessary points of interest on every hole, but don’t want all the extra bells and whistles, the Bushnell Phantom 2 is a trusted, reliable option.
Design and Technology
Just because the Phantom 2 doesn’t have all the features and capabilities of some of the most expensive rangefinders and GPSs, doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the least.
More than 38,000 courses have been preloaded to the Phantom 2. That means that no matter where you play, the GPS will automatically recognize the course. No more having to download a new track the night before, and hope it loads when you arrive the next day. Just turn the Phantom 2 on and you’re ready to head to the tee.
The display on the Phantom 2 is significantly larger than that of the original Phantom. It measures 37 mm X 37 mm. The screen is transflective and the big bold numbers are easy to read in any lighting condition. When you’re on the course, you’ll always have yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green.
With just the click of a button, you’ll have access to up to six yardages to hazards and other points of interest on every hole.
Once you’ve hit your tee shot, switch over to the Green View screen. This screen gives you a bird’s eye view of the green and allows you to move the pin around with your finger for even more precise approach shot yardages.
Even though the Phantom 2 is small enough to fit in your pocket, I don’t recommend doing so as it can fall out. Instead use the integrated Bite magnet to attach it to the frame of your golf cart if you’re riding. If you’re walking, use the carabiner to attach it to a loop or zipper on your golf bag.
Other features included with the Phantom 2 are auto hole advance, auto course recognition, and a shot distance calculator that lets you know how far you hit your last shot.
If you’re going to buy the Phantom 2, do yourself a favor and download the Bushnell Golf app. The app gives you access to lots of additional features, and even tracks key stats to help you keep improving. It also makes updating the GPS super simple.
Bushnell stands behind their products, that’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about the brand. The Phantom 2 comes with a one-year warranty and customer support is top-notch.
Specs
The Phantom 2 measures 58 mm wide, by 75 mm high, by 17 mm thick. It weighs 78 grams. It’s also rated IPX7 waterproof.
The battery lasts 18 hours on a single charge and takes less than three hours to recharge from empty. It’s available in colors of black, blue, orange, and gray camo.
Our Experience
I’ve tried more distance measuring devices than I can count, and I’m definitely more of a fan of some than I am of others.
But even though its design and functions are simple, the Bushnell Phantom 2 remains one of my favorite GPS units.
It’s easy to use, highly dependable, and has all the features I need to manage my way around the course and pull the right club.
And considering its modest price point of just $129.99, the value is hard to beat as well.
Conclusion
Bushnell has long made some of the most reliable golf distance measuring devices in the game.
The Phantom 2 GPS is no exception. It has plenty of features, yet is easy to use, even for golfers that aren’t tech savvy.
If you’re looking for a moderately priced GPS that’s sure to more than meet your expectations, give the Bushnell Phantom 2 a shot.