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1. Garrett Schultz

   

   0 posts
   
   2/20/2013 8:02 AM

   Has anybody been using the Par Aide/Laser Link Smartsticks (or equivalent) with the prisms embedded within the flagstick? If so, how well do they hold up? Easily damaged from normal wear and tear or pretty resilient? Our golf association is looking to make a donation to us and is deciding between the Smarty Reflectors that screw on top of the flagstick or upgrading to the SmartSticks.
   
   Are the prisms compatible with all makes and models of range finders that golfers may have?
   
   Thanks

   
   
   
   
2. Jackson Reiswig

   

   0 posts
   
   2/20/2013 2:02 PM

   Garrett,
   
   We've got both. I prefer the laser link smartsticks vs. the screw on prisms. Our members' laser link quickshot lasers pick up both, but we have more problems with the screw on prisms, especially on foggy mornings. I suppose it's pretty much a preference decision. They hold up great. We get some pretty intense winds off the water here so they get a work out, but never had issues with cracking or splintering at the ferrule unless it was induced by a triplex or rogue ball picker on the range. I think they have a trade-in program so you can get a rebate on new ones when you send your old ones back after each year, or however often you replace sticks.

   
   
   
   
3. R. Scott Macewen

   

   0 posts
   
   2/20/2013 2:02 PM

   Garrett we have the ones that screw on top of the flagstick and personally I think it's a waste of money. Depends on how bad golf association needs exact yardage. Our problem is that the brass insert that screws onto aluminum flagstick has a tendency to sieze up and you can't get it off. We started treating with anti-sieze and it seems to help. But the first time your cup changer tightens down too far, it's on there forever. Also, how often do you replace flagsticks? That could get expensive each time.

   
   
   
   
4. Garrett Schultz

   

   0 posts
   
   2/20/2013 3:02 PM

   Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like it would be a better investment for the SmartSticks as opposed to the screw on reflectors. We try to get 2-3 seasons out of flagsticks (in North Dakota, our "seasons" are only 6 months). I have a practically new set of flagsticks that could be used again later, but if our golf association feels the need to buy me some new ones, I won't object!

   
   
   
   
5. David Brandenburg

   

   3 posts
   
   2/20/2013 7:02 PM

   We had the screw ons for 3 years and they drove us nuts because we use the Red, yellow, blue flags and they would sieze up in 2 days. We were replacing our pole tops a couple times per year because the threads would be shot.
   
   Last spring we swtiched to the SmartStick poles and the customers love them. It is easier to find the prisms than at the top. We did have one pole split at the prism but Par Aid replaced it at no cost. I assume it was a fluke because we had some great wind storms and no other problems.
   
   The lazers and prizms are interchangable. Most of our customers have the Red Hot so they do not even need the prism but it makes it easier.