Hit It Closer – Find The Right Golf Rangefinder Model For You

Hit It Closer - Find The Right Golf Rangefinder Model For You

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In the early days, we had to walk off the distance to measure the yardage, but it has become very simple now, thanks to the golf rangefinders. Laser Golf Rangefinders are the most accurate and simplest way to measure the distance.

When using such a handheld device, you just have to look through the viewfinder and click the button. It might take you a few tries to find and measure the right target, but once done, you will get the perfect measure.  

The Golf rangefinders of today’s modern golf have quickly changed the way we approach and conquer tasks. It’s been a number of years since golfers had to use landmarks or guesses to estimate yardage.  

Golf rangefinders are popular for their accuracy; they are the best devices that you can use to calculate the distance. Golf Rangefinders can be used on any golf course, and you do not have to download any information before using them. The only drawback is it is time-consuming to use the Rangefinders during the game.   

AT A GLANCE – OUR TOP 5 GOLF RANGEFINDERS
(SEE ON AMAZON)

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Ranges 5 1, 300 yards; 450+ yards to Flags 

  • Pin Seeker with JOLT technology

  • Eye Relief:16 millimeter, Exit Pupil:3.5 millimeter 

  • IPX7 Fully Waterproof 

  • Class 1 laser with less than 0.5 mW average power output 

WHAT WE THINK:

The Bushnell Pro X2 is another example of Bushnell's state-of-the-art technology, with endurance, usability and better aesthetics than its competitors. The quality is undeniable: the Bushnell ProX2 is as accurate, swift and adds an extremely precise slope calculation. It has an on/off switch to make it legal in the tournament if necessary. Its solid metal case with rubber grips is robust and fully waterproof. The best golf rangefinder will be able to deliver enormous accuracy and the X2 provides a range of 5 to 1300 yards and accuracy to a 1⁄2 yard. The ProX2 almost instantly picks up yardages and the JOLT technology locks on targets with a decent vibration. Slope   measurements are vividly displayed. The optics look like High-Definition TV through its top-grade lenses. The Pro X2 is accurate, fully infused with the latest technology, incredibly lightweight in your golf bag and will last a long time. 

WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK:

“I purchased the Bushnell after I had bought (& returned) “Amazon’s Choice” rangefinder for half the price...because the cheaper unit couldn’t lock on the pin and provide a consistent or reliable yardage. The Bushnell is amazingly fast and consistent. Our Club does not have reflectors on the pins, which may be a factor in the cheaper unit’s performance. The difference in the Bushnell’s response was immediately apparent. It’s twice the price of “Amazon’s Choice” unit, but there is a remarkable difference in technology! ”


“Yesssssss. Best rangefinder I've ever used. Super accurate, lightning fast, easy to read and the slope feature is right on the money. Don't skimp, if you're going to spend the money on a rangefinder, do it right. ”

PROS


✔Exceptional 1300 yds range  

✔Accurate ± 0.5 yd 

✔6x magnification  

✔Pin-Seeker & JOLT Technology 

✔Water Proof 

✔2 Year Warranty   

✔Dual Color Display   

✔Toggle-able slope compensation 

✔USGA approved 

CONS


❌Can't measure speed 

❌Non-rechargeable battery is included

❌Expensive 












SPECIFICATIONS

  • Slope with elements 

  • Pin seeker with visual JOLT technology 

  • Built in bite magnetic cart mount 

  • Positive click slope switch 

  • Range is 5-1,300 yards 

WHAT WE THINK:

There is no escaping the fact that the Pro XE   is not affordable. It is one of the most expensive laser rangefinders on the market at a retail price of 549 dollars. However, quality indeed comes at a price. The Bushnell Pro XE is probably the best rangefinder currently available. The powerful features, outstanding quality of construction and speed make it a pleasure to use. The key feature in the latest technology in the Pro XE is the 'Slope with Elements' system which Bushnell says will provide the most accurate compensated distances from a laser rangefinder. This operation also factors in temperature and barometric pressure, along with any slope, to its algorithm when calculating the 'play as' distance. In principle, this can help you determine actual distances in various temperatures or courses, which experience different levels of air pressure. If you already have an X2 or similar high-end model, should you be upgrading? It all boils down to your budget. 

WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK:

“I don’t normally write reviews for someone who reads reviews as much as I do. My old Bushnell V2 finally gave out and I needed to get a new rangefinder. Like everyone I was a little sticker shocked by the price of the XE, latest and greatest. I read reviews out there on all viable options from the Tour V4 to the no name newcomers. I ended up buying the Precision Pro NX7 Pro Slope thinking it made sense that it was “almost just as good”, perhaps a little slower, but worth it for half the price. By the reviews I expected it to feel a little cheaper and it did, but I knew that. It arrived on a Thursday and I was on the course Saturday morning. The lag in reading was noticeable, even compared to my ancient Bushnell. The deal breaker for me was not getting ant reading three times inside of 110. Nothing. Tried and tried and had to rely on my buddies V4. I returned it on Monday (no questions asked, Amazon just kicks rear) and ordered the XE....OMG, what an amazing difference and badass tool. The feeling is awesome. It feels like what you expect from Bushnell. The optics are simply amazing. I had to figure out the brightness and how the jolt works ( do a little reading folks), but it is flawless and worth every penny. Sometimes you get what you pay for, this is that case. I can’t give a high enough rating. It’s that impressive. ”

PROS


✔7X magnification lens

✔You can turn the slope mode off for tournament play

✔Your purchase includes the Bushnell golf app 

✔The Bushnell golf app gives you course maps and hole layouts 

✔Comes with a carrying case 

✔Looks great 

CONS


❌A high-end golf rangefinder with an expensive price point












SPECIFICATIONS

  • Nikon’s exclusive Stabilization technology  

  • Slope on / slope off  

  • Background contrasted crystal clear OLED display

  • Advanced pin identification and quick multi-target mapping

  • Water resistant or rainproof, and also fog proof - nitrogen filled to eliminate internal condensation 

WHAT WE THINK:

Stability is what makes this rangefinder stand out.   The "Stabilize" technology is designed to strengthen the integrity of both your site line and the laser beam itself, which shoots out and does the reading.   This feature sounds somewhat abstract, but is incredibly helpful because it protects against the most unpredictable operating element in any rangefinder: the golfer. While these devices may be fine-tuned precision tools of accuracy, your trembling left hand isn't. Does this model suit you? If you're looking for a premium rangefinder then it's between the Bushnell X2 and Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized.  The X2 has a better casing, the robust aluminum housing, which gives it a good weight and the regular features of the Bushnell (jolt, slope). But with the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized, you get the stabilization and improved target acquisition time. 

WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK:

“I was on the fence as to whether it was time to update my bag with a new range finder. I spent the summer paying attention to what my golfing buddies use and even tried out a few products at the pro shops. I had concluded that paying extra for slope adjustment and stability control was unnecessary, at best, for a weekend warrior such as myself. Boy was I wrong. At the recommendation of a friend, I took the plunge and purchased the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized rangefinder. While I'm an average golfer, the stability control and slope adjustment have made a big difference in my confidence and course management. I've taken approach shots that shoot 150 with a regular rangefinder, only to find the true distance is 165 with slope factored in. For me that's the difference between a birdie attempt and trying to get up n' down to save par. These opportunities add up over the course of around. What before seemed like an unnecessary expense is now a luxury I can't live without. I would recommend this product to any golfer interested in improving their game and course management.”

PROS


✔Very fast targeting 

✔Easy to set up 

✔Very compact 

✔You can switch between meters and yards 

✔You can adjust the brightness of the display 

✔Very high-quality lens 

CONS


❌You need to pay more if you want a hard shell case for it
 
❌Does not account for weather conditions 








SPECIFICATIONS

  • 540 Yard Range 

  • Precise Accuracy 

  • PinSlope Technology 

  • Slope Mode 

  • Rain resistant 

  • 2-year warranty & lifetime customer support

WHAT WE THINK:

The TecTecTec VPRO500S Slope Golf Rangefinder is comparable in efficiency to high-priced models and cheaper than similar models of its own capability. It comes with several advanced features without burning a hole in your pocket.  With the main   drawback being the short range, those who occasionally go to shorter courses will probably have a better experience with this rangefinder than other golfers. All you need to do is pull the trigger at the target. If your target is too far to view clearly, you can get a better look with the 6x magnification. Many courses are less than 540 yards, so it is a feature to consider. 

WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK:

“Very happy with this rangefinder. I waited to get several rounds in before I reviewed. I will say that the distances are very accurate (used GPS and another rangefinder for comparison). The slope mode is really interesting as it has caused me to make different club selections than I'd normally make. So far each one of these changes has worked out for the better.


I have used this side by side with more expensive (Bushnell's) and equally expensive range finders. I will say that the high-end Bushnell V4 seems to have a slightly easier time locking on to a target and is a bit more stable. However, it's a minor difference between the two products and I wouldn't say it justifies the significant cost difference. As it relates to locking in and stability, I also used this rangefinder side by side with another brand that was slightly more expensive and found the TecTecTec to be a better product.


Although I haven't had any issues requiring customer service, TecTecTec has reached out numerous times via email offering product tips and reminders that if there are ever any issues with the product to contact them and they will resolve it. I'm very impressed with their customer service.


In short, this a great product that I would highly recommend and a great value for the $$$. And no, I'm not getting paid to say this. ”

PROS


✔Great value 

✔Accurate to 1 yd 

✔6x magnification 

✔Supports slope 

✔Pin Sensor technology 

✔USGA-legal 

✔Weather resistant 

✔2-year warranty 

CONS


❌Only 540 yds. effective range 

❌Can’t measure speeds 

❌Non-rechargeable battery included










SPECIFICATIONS

  • Slope feature measures angle of incline/decline and automatically calculates slope adjusted distance 

  • 6x magnification; range 5-1000 yards with +/- 1 yard accuracy

  • Pin acquisition technology (P.A.T.) quickly locks onto the pin from up to 300 yards away 

  • Exclusive BIRDIE feature delivers audible "chirp" to confirm distance acquisition to flagstick

  • Scan functionality allows golfers to acquire distances to multiple targets at once 

WHAT WE THINK:

The Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder is the brands most highly regarded model and for a good reason. This rangefinder provides almost twice the effective ranges as high-priced models without too much of a price jump. It includes a wide range of features which allow it to compete with higher-priced models and is one of the smallest and most portable options at 4.25" x 3" by 1.75." Given its affordable price tag, the Callaway 300 is an excellent mid-level choice for anyone who wants a variety of features without investing too much money. It is probably too expensive for a beginner who can't use all the features it delivers. It has comparable features to $300+ models so it's an excellent option for someone who is satisfied with decent range and precision. This rangefinder is definitely a hole in one.

WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK:

“Does just what it says. Didn’t have the adjusted yardage option on my previous rangefinder. I really like that. Standard issue for today’s regular golfer .”


“Have used this rangefinder at 3 different courses so far and have had great results getting accurate readings. I ha e had other units with mixed results to the point of giving up on them but this particular model has proved easy to use and quite accurate. Highly recommended but pricey.”

PROS


✔Accurate Up to 1 yd 

✔Great 1000 yards range 

✔6x magnification 

✔USGA-legal 

✔Toggle-able slope support 

✔PAT system 

✔Scan Feature 

✔1-year warranty 

CONS


❌Can’t measure speeds 

❌Non-rechargeable battery included

❌Chirp instead of vibration may be distracting 









 

Frequently Asked Questions

 Who should buy a golf rangefinder? 

Golf rangefinders are used by beginners and Pros. and there’s not a single golfer who won’t benefit from a golf rangefinder. 

  • Learn the distance you carry every club in your bag 
  • Calculate true distances in practice rounds before competitions 
  • Calculate your real driver and fairway wood distances off the tee 
  • Never be short on an approach again 
  • Have confidence you know the distance to a hazard and select a club to avoid it 
  • Essential equipment for breaking 90 and 80 
  • If you follow a strategy like my breaking 90 or 100 guides and want to calculate distances to split your shots. 

How to use a rangefinder? 

The most popular reason people use Golf Rangefinders is to measure the distance to pins but to take your game to the next level they can perform some useful functions.  

The main advantage of a golf rangefinder is the ability to accurately measure the distances between points.  

Measure your drives: You can also use the rangefinder to determine how long your drives are instead of only measuring the distances to the pin. What you can do is pick a tree, or marker, or bench in line with the tee box and then once you reach your drive, measure the distance from where your ball is back to the preselected marker. 

This helps you to measure a distance from the tee to a hazard and know exactly what club to use. You can swing with complete confidence knowing you’re safe.  

Learn your carry distances at the range: Calculate distances to pins and distance markers on the driving range and then go through your clubs until you locate the club that carries to the pin or distance board.  We want to know the carry distance and not the roll-out distance.  

This will help you when approaching a green when you need to carry a bunker or water.   It is also ESSENTIAL to know the exact distances you hit the ball to get lower scores. 

Are expensive golf rangefinders better?  

Not for everyone. Keep in mind that a good bit of the cost associated with the most premium golf rangefinders is a result of features that not every golfer needs or even wants. If you’re looking for every bell and whistle the market has to offer, expect to pay more. That being said, there are several lower-cost units that, while not feature-rich, cover the basics every bit as well as the more expensive units. Brands like Inesis and Precision Pro 2020 offer excellent products that won’t break the bank. 

FAQ - The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2020

Do I need laser golf rangefinders with slope functionality? 

It really comes down to use. For serious golfers, Slope technology can help you make smarter decisions on the course. It can be an invaluable tool for tournament golfers looking to learn the nuances of a new course during practice rounds. Golfers who just want to know the yardage to the target and are happy to figure the rest out on their own should consider skipping the Slope feature and saving some money. 

What are the best golf rangefinders for a shaky hand? 

FAQ - The Best Golf Rangefinders of 2020

If you struggle to hold golf rangefinders steady, there’s really only one model to consider. The Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized “freezes” the lens and allows you to lock on to the target.

While the Nikon is on the upper end of the price range, it is well worth the money if you have shaky hands. 

 

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