Callaway iQ Laser Rangefinder by Nikon

There is a slight learning curve to this laser; the clubs need to be calibrated to the slope distance reading. The only discrepancy with this laser is that the readings seem a few yards shorter than one of my friends who has a Bushnell laser. I'm not sure if this unit is more accurate or if the Bushnell unit is more accurate; either way it doesn't matter once you get your club calibrated to the readings in this laser.

Accuracy is fine, but I have now owned two and both regularly malfunction. The first had some sort of problem with a loose battery or electrical connection. Worked only sporadicaly. I returned this one and was sent another. The second worked for a short time, but fairly quickly developed the same connectivity problem. Almost on every measurement, it takes numerous attempts because the viewfinder shows a depleted battery -- even with a new battery. Sometimes, shaking the rangefinder seems to restore a connection. Other times, I simply give up and use my partner's Bushnell. Also, the plastic over-cover (not the underlying metal locking cover) on the battery compartment fell off I taped it back on with moleskin. I cannot recommend this rangefinder to anyone. It's been a real headache.

I checked with Callaway about the legality of IQ Rangefinder. Their response was: "The IQ model of rangefinder is not legal for tournaments because the slope feature cannot be turned off. The LR550Y and Diablo Octane Rangefinders come without the slope feature so those models can be used in tournament play." So I returned the IQ and got a Diablo Octane Rangefinder. Incidentally, as far as I can tell the Diablo and LR550Y have the same capabilities.

This is a very good rangefinder as stated by other reviews. I'd like to point out one thing though: It provides a slope adjusted distance but gives neither the angle nor horizontal distance, so one has no idea how the distance is adjusted. I followed its suggestion on a steep slope (30 yds down) and choose a club that is way too short -- but I have no idea whether it's reasons like wind or my swing, or the suggested distance is simply off. The manual doesn't seem to give much explanation either. (upon some experiment, I suspect the suggested distance is not reliable. It probably assumed that the ball will keep a little angle going down, but the ball actually goes down almost on a straight line for a long drop.) Now I tend to think it'd be a better rangefinder without the slope reading ...

If you're not using it for tournaments, there's nothing more you could ask for in a rangefinder. It's fast, easy, and accurate. The slope feature isn't a problem with the product-- it does exactly what it says it will do. Lack of reading comprehension is no reason to ding the product.

had to send it back as it was malfunctioning... interesting product, but reliability seems to be an issue. Long live Callaway?