We were contacted recently by Cigman Tool asking if we would be interested in reviewing their CT-1000 laser range finder. After informing Cigman that we were an unbiased critical review site and not a paid advertorial blog, they still agreed to send us one of their units for testing. Kudos to them.
Who is Cigman Tool? They are a manufacturer of precision laser measuring tools including levels, tape measures, night vision binoculars and golf range finders. We've been using our trusty Precision Pro X9 (PPX9) range finder for the last 4 years and have been very happy with it. For this review, we will compare and contrast the Cigman CT-1000 with the PPX9. In addition, we will compare both range finders against the GPS units on our carts at our home course.
Out of The Box
The Cigman CT-1000 has an attractive gray and black finish with easy to reach activation buttons. Comparing the CT-1000 directly to the PPX9, it is about 1/2" shorter in length and about the same height and width. The CT-1000 feels more ergonomic in the hand vs. the PPX9, but we found the longer rubber top of the PPX9 made it feel more secure and that we wouldn't drop it. The weight of the units feel fairly similar, with the PPX9 being approximately 1/2 oz lighter.
Viewfinder & Readout
Both viewfinders offer a clear view of the target with a lens you can adjust based on your vision. When taking a reading with the PPX9, the view finder display showed much larger, darker and easier to read than with the CT-1000. We felt like we had to focus our eye down to the bottom of the screen in order to get the yardage on the CT-1000, and the image was not as prominent as the PPX9. We did find the larger aiming crosshairs on the CT-1000 much easier to lock onto more distant targets compared to the PPX9.
Modes
Both rangefinders offer a straight distance and a slope adjusted distance, making them both legal for tournament play. However, the CT-1000 offers some additional modes including different ways to lock onto the target and a speed mode that allows you to adjust for moving objects, like wildlife.
On Range Use
Getting the exact distance to the pins really helps to get dialed in during practice and pre-round warm-ups. Our ranges have a GPS with a distance to each of the flags based on the golfer's hitting position on the range. We compared the distances from the GPS with PPX9 (shown as PP) and with CT-1000 (shown as CT). We shot each flag 3 times and took an average for each measurment with each range finder. With the closer pins, all of the distances were pretty similar; but they started to diverge the further the target. What does that mean? Honestly we have no idea. Were the GPS readings wrong? Were both range finders right? Was it user error? Does it matter that you get a 2-3 yard difference when you are a 15-HCP?
On Course Use
Our club recently added GPS screens to all of the carts, but we are still cart path only a lot of the time. Many of the tee boxes are a good distance from the path, so a rangefinder still comes in handy.
We compared the distances to the pin with the CT-1000, PPNX9 and the GPS. They were within 3-5 yards of each other most of the time. When we struck the ball the way we intended, we were on the green or pin high off the green. If we were long or short, it was because we simply made a bad swing, not because the yardages were wrong from any of the devices.
Battery Life
One of the main reasons we purchased the Precision Pro was the added support of free batteries for the life of the unit. The CT-1000 comes with a rechargeable battery, so there is no hassle of ordering new batteries. We used the CT-1000 right out of the box without charging it and after two rounds & two range sessions the battery is still active, so no worries about the battery dying during your round.
Summary:
During testing both rangefinders performed well. The question is which one should you pick? First of all, the Precision Pro X9 has been replaced with the X10. The replacement appears to have most of the same features of the X9 at a current discounted price of $249. We really liked all the added features the CT-1000 offered, but we really just want an easy to read distance and slope adjusted distance with our range finder. Because of that we preferred the PPX9. That being said, the CT-1000 is almost 1/3rd the price of the X9/X10, so if you are looking for a more budget friendly rangefinder, and enjoy playing with a lot of extra features, the CT-1000 could be a good option.
Cigman asked us to become an affiliate for their rangefinder for which we would derive a commission for every sale made using a link from our site, we politely declined. That being said, Cigman did provide a 15% discount for our readers on their rangefinder using the code "15GGB". Please note that Golf Gear Box derives no financial benefit should you choose to purchase the CT-1000 at their website www.cigman.com
The CT-1000range finder for this review was provided to Golf Gear Box by Cigman Tool. The Precision Pro rangefinder was purchased by Golf Gear Box.
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