Some models only good to 200 yards to a flag. If you can hit an approach shot from more than that, you might want a more powerful model. The one I have is good to at least 275 yards, as I've gotten a reading from that far out. I have a Bushnell Yardage Pro 500, and it's good to at most 200 yards, which is why I got a new one with more range. Buy what you need, and don't waste money on a model that goes out to 400 yards, if you don't need it.