Rangefinder not picking up flag - Nikon ProStaff Laser 440 Rangefinder

Even though GPS technology has come a long way, many golfers still prefer to use rangefinders to help them to get the most out of the game. Rangefinders come with a lot of benefits but also with some issues. Here are the main pros and cons:

Pros:

-Accuracy
Every rangefinder that's available for purchase, from every brand, is highly accurate. There is a very small margin of error (less than a yard).

-Versatility of use
Rangefinders can be used on any course as they determine distances based on a manual process. This is unlike GPS systems which can only be used on courses which the manufacturer has already mapped out on a database.

Cons:

-Obstructions
You can only use a rangefinder to find the distance between you and a point if you can point the laser at that point. If there are obstructions between you and the flag, you might find it difficult to get a clear line of sight for the laser.

-Speed
The whole process is much slower than with a GPS system as you have to manually point the laser at the flag as opposed to automatically receiving yardages via your GPS.

-Technicality
Some people find rangefinders 'fiddly' and struggle to use it with shaky hands.

It's also worth mentioning that not all rangefinders are made equal. Some are better than others. Fortunately, websites like this one allow buyers to determine which is the best for them before they make any purchases.

If you want to buy a rangefinder then you would have a question at some point. Can you use a rangefinder for both golfing and hunting? Can you save a few bucks buying one rangefinder?
The answer is Yes, you can. You can use a laser rangefinder for both activities if you choose a smart device that has features to serve both golfing and hunting adequately. You just need to know the basic differences between golf and hunting rangefinders and some limitations.
Fast of all you have to know, what is golf rangefinder and hunting rangefinder.
Golf Rangefinder Golf rangefinders seek for the nearest flag stick for the measuring the distance in an open field.
Hunting Rangefinder The rangefinders always are in "Distant Target Mode" by default to spot wildlife in wooden terrains. This target set automatically ignores close objects that could obstruct your view.

Here I wrote the 3 difference, you should remember that:

1. First Target And Distant Target Modes
Golfers need "First Target Mode" to detect the near objects like flag or pin in an open golf ground. Hunting rangefinders rarely good at detecting close objects. For hunting, "Distant Target Mode" is appropriate to range a target past the wood. Modern rangefinders come with toggling options between both first target and distant target modes, but they are expensive.
2.Quick And Accurate Reading
Golfing rangefinders detect the object quickly, and hunting rangefinders give the accurate reading. It is true that golf rangefinders do not need to be as precise as hunting one. Hunters want to make sure that their prey can be perfectly located.
3. Magnification Strength
You might be aware of the fact that Hunting rangefinders always have more magnification than the Golf Rangefinders. Golfers need the distance of the next hole, which could be maximum 400 yards. For the bow hunters and hunting, 400 yards rangefinders are also appropriate. In case of rifle hunting or long-distance shooting sports, you will be needed maximum 1000 to 1500 yards ranges.

Now you know what the basic differences between the golf and hunting rangefinders are. You can start choosing your suitable one.

A flag is a hard object to get a reading on. It constantly moves and the sound or light waves (depending on the model) will not be reflected consistantly. Clean the sender lens and the receiver lens and install new batteries. Recalibrate the unit using something stationary, like a FLAT wall.

On my Laser 500 G I held both buttons down simultaneously for a short time and it began finding pins again.

The unit needs an alignment. Vibration and dropping the unit is the number one killer of rangefinders.....After a while of using them, (bouncing around in golf carts, cup holders, dropping them on the cart path, or the ground) small prisms start to move inside and decrease the units effective range.... (only able to hit a target at about 150 yards or less) People that use these type of instruments have to realize that the laser beam is the straightest line in the history of man!!!. Alignment is crucial!!!

Alignment is due. For all you players that think its okay to take off the eyepiece cap.....(bad idea) This is why you see oily looking spots or black spots in the view. Direct sunlight will be magnified and burn the surface of the LCD. Bushnell is good about warranties but, if you take it apart...the warranty is void!!!! So if its 2 years old or less.....(send a copy of the proof of purchase) .send it to them. If you have sunlight burns already...this won't effect the performance of the unit. Wait till something else is wrong.

mr tech geek Rate me if you can...or find out this is the truth!!!!
Bushnell Repair Technician
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Service address:

Bushnell Repair Centre
8500 Marshall Drive
Lenexa, KS 66214

send $10 for return shipping
send your problem statement and phone number.
Their number is 800.423.3537

You need an alignment. The transmitter and receiver are not pointing at the same spot. The farther the distance the bigger the gap between the two. Dropping the rangefinder and vibration are killers to Pinseekers. Bushnell will fix ya.....

Sounds like the unit is reading in meters instead of yards....Hold down the mode button on the side for about 5 seconds. It should switch modes.

For the model you have (20-1916) I would use the flag. Larger target and soon to be reflective. When on the green I would aim at the hole. Let me know if this helps

mtg

not required- in does increase measuring distance past 300 but w pinseeker and most approach shots from 250 in -plain flag is plenty

Line up the vertical part of the cross-hair with the flag pole for best results. There are some tips on the Bushnell Golf Website: http://www.bushnellgolf.com/index2.htm Please update the question & let us know if the information given was useful to you - Good Luck!