Lithium batteries are the most used replacement batteries for golf rangefinders. Among the various types of lithium batteries, CR2 and CR123A are the most suitable for them. However, rechargeable batteries are also an option now if you want to avoid replacement batteries for rangefinders.
What Batteries Do I Need For Golf Rangefinder Use
Batteries are the most crucial part of golf rangefinders. Because without them, golf rangefinders cannot get the power to function. Replacement batteries were the only source of power for golf rangefinders before. But through various upgrades over the decade, they now use rechargeable batteries as well.
Replacement Batteries
These batteries need to be replaced after a certain period. The range of power supply is limited in these batteries. Thus they need to be changed as soon as they are dead or out of power. The most suitable replacement battery for the golf rangefinder is a lithium battery.
Lithium Battery
Lithium batteries are widely used for various purposes. For example, in mobile phones, cars, golf rangefinder, etc. The reason why lithium batteries are used in golf rangefinders is that they contain a higher energy density than other batteries. So, you do not have to worry about changing batteries often.
When playing golf, you do not want to stress about your golf rangefinder dying at any moment. Lithium batteries discharge at a very low rate which is about 5% per month. Therefore, you can enjoy your game without stressing about the battery dying out quickly.
Types of Lithium Battery Used In Golf Rangefinder
The CR2 (3.0 Volt) and CR123A are the lithium batteries most suitable for use in a golf rangefinder.
CR2 (3.0 Volt)
The nominal and cutoff voltage of this battery is respectively 3.0 volts and 2.0 volts. Nominal voltage is not the exact operating voltage, rather it is the extent of the electrical power system. On the other hand, the voltage at which the battery is regarded as completely discharged is known as the cutoff voltage.
The cutoff voltage of the device mainly determines the capacity of the battery. However, the 800 and 850 mAh range is mostly seen in CR2 batteries. The shelf life or time limit of battery storage varies depending on the model. But normally the shelf life spans from 3 to 10 or more years.
Some widely used CR2 batteries are:
1. Duracell: Duracell CR2 batteries provide about 10 years of shelf life and power up to 3.3 volts. Consequently, they are considered high-power batteries.
2. Panasonic: These CR2 batteries have a shelf life of around 9 years. When using Panasonic CR2 batteries, you do not have to worry about replacing them for at least 6-8 months.
3. Energizer: They come with 10 years of shelf life. Also, these batteries have a long working life.
4. GP Lithium: These batteries come with a power capacity of 800 mAh and 10 years of shelf life.
CR123A
The nominal voltage of CR123A is 3.0 volts. They have a higher capacity than CR2 batteries which is about 1500 mAh.
The range of shelf life for CR123A batteries is 7-10 years. Moreover, these batteries can also undergo high drain currents which makes them suitable for devices that use high power.
Some widely used CR123A batteries are:
1. Panasonic: They have a high working life. Normally can be used for up to 6-12 months. And also have about 9 years of shelf life.
2. Energizer: These batteries possess an even higher working life of around 2-3 years. The shelf life of these is 10 years.
3. Duracell: Duracell CR123A batteries have 10 years shelf life.
4. Ansmann Bulk: They provide power up to 3-volts. And also they come with a high capacity of around 800 mAh.
CR2 vs CR123A
The technology for both the batteries is the same. However, they do differ in some aspects.
Size
CR2 batteries are slightly smaller than CR123A batteries. The approximate height of CR2 and CR123A batteries are respectively 27mm and 34.5mm. And the diameter is respectively 15.6mm and 17mm. So, CR2 batteries require smaller space.
Capacity
CR123A batteries have a capacity of around 1500 mAh whereas CR2 batteries have around 850 mAh. So, CR123A has more capacity.
Shelf Life
Again, CR123A has more shelf life than CR2 batteries. If you plan to buy a bunch of batteries for your golf rangefinder so that you do not run out of batteries suddenly, then go for CR123A batteries. Because you can store them for a longer time.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are non-removable, built-in batteries. They come with the golf rangefinder and you cannot replace or change them. You have to charge the battery once the power is over. Laser Rangefinder, GPS rangefinder, and GPS Watch batteries are the main types of rechargeable batteries.
If you really want to avoid the hassle of changing batteries frequently, then you should buy a rangefinder with a rechargeable battery. Because one battery can survive up to several years. You do not have to replace the battery once the power is over. Also, they can provide up to 98% battery performance.
Bushnell Tour V4 Replacement Battery
If you use a Bushnell Tour V4 Rangefinder, whether it is Tour V4 Standard or slope or shift, you need to buy CR2 (3.0 volt) for the replacement battery. This 3.0-volt lithium battery can support all three categories of the rangefinder.
Replacing the battery at least every one year is highly suggested by Bushnell. As CR2 batteries have a long shelf life, you can buy and store quite a lot of batteries to avoid any risks.
FAQ
Q: What battery does a Callaway Rangefinder take?
Ans: Callaway Rangefinder takes Lithium batteries with a voltage of around 3.7 volt and a capacity of 750 mAh.
Q: Are CR2 and 123 batteries the same?
Ans: No, they are not. They differ in size, capacity, and shelf life. CR123A batteries are larger than CR2 batteries and also contain more capacity and shelf life. As they differ in size, both cannot be used in the same device.
Q: How long does a rangefinder battery last?
Ans: Normally, rangefinder batteries survive around up to one golf season. Meaning that they can be used for 40-50 rounds.
Conclusion
Besides lithium batteries, there are other batteries used for rangefinders as well. For example, 9-volt Alkaline batteries. Thus, before purchasing batteries you need to check which battery does your rangefinder support. Also, keep an eye on the battery life so that you can change it before the battery dies.
Also Read- How Do I Make My Golf Grips Tacky?
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