10 Best Golf Rangefinder 2023

If you’re an avid golfer, you may find yourself in situations where you’re unsure of the distance to the hole or other objects on the course. This is where a Golf Rangefinder comes in handy. The best Golf Rangefinders can provide accurate distance measurements quickly and easily, allowing you to make more informed decisions about club selection and shot strategy.

Finding the best Golf Rangefinder can be a daunting task, as there are many different brands and models on the market, each with its own set of features and specifications. Some factors to consider include accuracy, range, ease of use, battery life, and durability. Additionally, some rangefinders offer extra features such as slope measurement, vibration alerts, and shot tracking.

Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you and have tested and reviewed many different Golf Rangefinders. With our recommendations and insights, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect Golf Rangefinder to meet your needs and improve your game.

Contents

Top 10 Golf Rangefinder Reviews
Golf Rangefinder Buying Guide
How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Rangefinders

Top 10 Golf Rangefinder Reviews

1.Leupold 119088 GX-4i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder

With the Leupold GX 4i2, what you get is the 3-in-1 rangefinder – to measure distance, slope, and legal for the tournament.

The improved Pichunter 2 and prism lock is perhaps the heart of Leupold GX 4i2. The combination of these 2 features is powerful as it provides you with a faster and more accurate reading.

The much improved PinHunter 2 technology eliminates the background images and zooms into the object you target faster and easier.

The distance measured is highly accurate with an accuracy of up to 0.5 yards/meter. For most objects, the average range is 550 yards (trees for example), and for highly reflective objects, the range can reach as far as 700 yards and for pins, the range is approximately 450 yards.

If you have a shaky hand, you can still measure the distance but the range will be shorter compared to a steady hand.

If you use this device on courses utilizing prism technology, once you have a prism lock-on, your Leupold GX 4i2 will beep and the distance will be frozen.

The Prism Lock feature is on all the time and will automatically check for the presence of prisms in course features when scanning at a range of 30 yards or more.

What this does is give you continuous scanning to give you a feel of the distance. This is a very simple process and you only need to hold down the power button and you’ll be awarded multiple distance readings.

What if you can know the exact range? Isn’t that a dream come true? Well, with Leupold GX 4i2’s True Golf Range feature, all this is possible. Now you can conquer all inclines, declines, altitude and get to know your true range and combine this with the exclusive Club Selector feature that helps you figure out which club to use based on your skills and the yardage, what you get is a true winner on the golf course.

The True Golf Range gives you the adjusted range that will compensate for uphill shots that play long and downhill shots that play short. TGR is calculated from the line of sight distance, incline or decline, current temperature and altitude and will display the adjusted range you should play to.

This is a very impressive feature as it can be set to account for your normal distance, plus attitude, temperature and slope. Although setting up can take some time to get used to, once you know how to do it, it will be easier the second, third and more times. All the factors in calculating the exact range is taken into consideration except the wind. Nevertheless, it is still highly accurate and can definitely help to improve your game.

The yellow SmartKey will enables the device to have the True Golf Range and Club Selector capability. When you replace this yellow SmartKey with the chrome faceplate, the device’s capability will be limited only to measuring distance and hence making it eligible for use in tournament (under USGA Rule 14-3/0.5).

This is an exclusive feature found only with Leupold. With this feature, you’ll know exactly which club to use without much thinking. However, prior to using this feature, you need to pre-enter your normal striking distances for the 8, 6 and 4 irons; once this is done, the club selector will be made recommendations based on the range you want to hit. This is a great feature like having your own caddie with you all the time but a nightmare for the caddie.

If you do not enter any club distance, the default setting is 130 yards for an 8-iron, 150 yards for a 6-iron and 170 yards for a 4-iron.

Do take note that turning off the TGR feature will also turn off the club selector feature.

Having trouble getting the right distance during raining/foggy day? Most rangefinder will return distance to the fog and hence making the reading highly inaccurate during such environment.

For the Leupold GX 4i2, the laser will simply cut through the fog and give you the accurate reading to your target. With this feature, there is nothing that can stop you in playing a good game.

To get more accurate reading, you are advised to shoot at the ground around the flag to get a feel of the distance and also to be sure that the distance is accurate.

When the fog mode is activated, you will observe a “Fog On’ display. It is recommended to switch off this mode during normal shooting at target for better location of the pin.

The old model, GX-4i is still non-conforming and allowed for tournament, but the GX-4i2 can be used for tournament when you put on the chrome faceplate to diable the True Golf Range and Club Selector feature.

This feature allows you to have quick access to everything you need on the Leupold GX 4i2. It is easy to maneuver and all the modes can be viewed easily without obstructing the view.

Pros

Pinhunter 2 + Prism Lock
True Golf Range + Golf Selector feature
Speed and accuracy
Build quality and durable
User friendly
Fog mode
Weatherproof
2 years warranty

Cons

Learning curve to use the device
Pricey

If you are serious with golfing and want to take whatever advantage you have to the golf course, the Leupold GX 4i2 will be the perfect choice. Although the price may be on the high side, it will worth every penny of your investment with its great features like True Golf Range, Club Selector, PicHunter 2, prism lock and more…

The 3-in-1 rangefinder enables you to measure distance, gives you view of your accurate yardage to play, assist in club selection and can even be used in tournament after taking out the TGR and club selector features. This is perhaps the greatest selling point of the Leupold GX 4i2, the best rangefinder with slope + USGA approved.

2.Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser Rangefinder GPS

What will happen when you combine a laser rangefinder with a golf GPS? The end result is the Bushnell Hybrid, the world’s first integrated laser/GPS rangefinder device for golf.

By combining the advantages of the laser rangefinder and golf GPS, golfers will be able to take full advantage of this dual ability to improve one’s game and play with confidence.

Imagine the times when you are behind the tress and need guidance to the pin, this is when the golf GPS comes in to provide you with the front, center and back distances. The GPS can also help to assist club selection when playing a course that’s “carts and path only.”

When you are near the pin or have visual on the flag, the laser rangefinder will play a big part informing you the exact distance to the pin.

With this 2-in-1 hybrid, perhaps the major questions golfers ask are its performance against the stand alone rangefinder or golf GPS.

The Bushnell Hybrid can range for objects between 10-100 yards with accuracy variance of +/- 1 yard. For most objects, the normal range is 600 yards while for objects that are highly reflective, the maximum range is up to 1,000 yards. In this first section, we’ll examine the laser rangefinder part of the Bushnell Hybrid.

Do take note that the maximum distance range depends on a number of factors – reflectivity and color of the object and size of the object. For objects that are highly reflective/bright color (i.e. orange)/big, the laser range will be further. On the other hand, for objects that are dull, black or small, the range will be shorter.

The angle you shoot the laser also affects the range of the laser. If you shoot at 90 degree, the range will be further versus shooting at a steep angle. The weather also plays a major role; under bright shinny day, the range will be shorter compared to a cloudy/overcast skies.

The Bushnell Hybrid has 5x magnification meaning you can see the objects 5 times bigger. The device also has multi-coated optics for excellent light transmission, clarity and brightness and a LCD display.

You will need quite a steady hand to operate this device. If your hand is shaky, the distance you can measure will be reduced.

You have the option of setting the distance to yards or meters and choosing the right unit of measure is very simple.

The eyepiece can be adjusted +/- 2 diopter range. To focus, simple turn the eyepiece until you get a sharp object.

When you aim at an object and fire the laser, a crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicates that the laser is being fired. Once the range has been determined, you can then release the Power button and the crosshairs surrounding the circle will be gone. When the release the Power button, the laser will not be fired anymore.

With the PinSeeker technology, simply aim at the flag, press the Power button until a circle surrounds the flag indicator appears and you’ll get the distance you want. If there is multiple objects (i.e. trees and flags), the distance of the flag will be displayed and a circle will surround the PinSeeker indicator informing the user that distance to flag is being shown.

If there is only one object being picked up, only the distance will be shown without showing the circle surrounding the flag.

You can also shoot the laser from one object to another forcing it to display the closest object.

Operating the laser rangefinder is very simple and can be done by using only one hand. To operate the laser rangefinder, press and release the Power button to switch on the device. Next, aim at your target and press the Power button again to fire the laser; hold this button until a reading is acquired and the distance being shown near the bottom of the LCD.

Do take note that when you see the crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle, this is an indication that laser is being transmitted. Be caution and do not aim this at people’s eyes as this may hurt it.

Once a distance has been shown, release the Power button and the LCD will continue to display the distance for the next 30 seconds. If you want to check distance for new object, simply repeat this process again.

The GPS itself is basically a Neo+, and that is a good thing. Nice large display and easy to push buttons. It’s not going to give you hole fly-overs, but that is not really the Neo+’s bag. It is a good basic unit. The GPS side of the unit does extend out from the left side, making it wider than a dedicated laser (or GPS for that matter). Depending on the size of your hand, it can be quite bulky for people with small hand size.

With the GPS on the Hybrid, you’ve information like the distances to front, center and back of the green. If you are at a blind spot, the GPS offers great assistance in approaching the pin. The GPS distances are also convenient on days when it is “cart paths only” when golfers are deciding what clubs to bring with them. Another great feature is the shot distance mode that makes it easy for the golfer to gauge how far a drive or an approach was hit.

Do take note that within 45 days of purchasing the Bushnell Hybrid, you need to goto iGolf.com for registration; doing so will update the preloaded GPS course data and load any new courses to your database. Everything is free and it is simple and will be done in just minutes.

If no registration is done after 45 days, the GPS will not work but the laser function remains workable. A prompt will appear and you need to register online in order to get the GPS updated and in working condition.

The GPS is preloaded with 16,000 golf courses (for North America) and the list will be updated from time to time. You can also add course at igolf.com. The GPS is also equipped with auto-hole advance and auto-course recognition feature and no membership fee is required which is sweet.

Before using the GPS for the first time, make sure that the battery is fully charged (must be charged for 6 hours minimum). To ensure that you get good GPS signal, go outdoor to get good GPS signal.

Now to power up the GPS, hold the Power button until you see the startup screen and then let go of the Power button.

Once this done, you’ll see the two options on the screen – PLAY GOLF and OPTIONS.

Using the Hybrid menu is simple. You can use the Up/Down buttons to select the menu and then press OK/SHOT button to enter it. You can also press the ESC/MENU button to return to the previous menu level.

The Bushnell Hybrid will automatically turn off after 45 minutes without any activity.

Under this mode, the GPS will start searching for local courses. If the GPS can’t find the local course you are on, you’ll need to do manual search to find the course you want from the list.

Once you’ve selected the course, the display will show you distances from your current location to the center, front and back for the first hole of the course. As you move along the course, the Hybrid will automatically advance to the next hole. You also have the options of choosing any hole at any time by simply pressing the Up/Down buttons.

From my own experience with the auto-advance feature, sometimes I find that the Hybrid didn’t know that I am already on the next hole. I need to manually advance the hole by pressing the Up arrow.

The Short Distance Feature allows you to measure any distance on the course and normally you can use it to measure the length of your shot.

Let me illustrate how the Bushnell Hybrid can combine the advantages of both the rangefinder and GPS to help improve your game.

I can use the GPS to get longer distances such as shot no.2 on par fives. I may also use the GPS to plan and strategize my play before coming on the course. The planning can be done either at the club house or at home. By studying the golf course in advance I will know exactly what to expect and how to plan for my play.

Once I am on the course, I’ll know what to play and what to expect. When approaching the flag, I’ll then switch to laser rangefinder to get the actual distances. Now before the invention of the Bushnell Hybrid, I will be using two different devices to get this job done; now it can be done with just the Bushnell Hybrid.

Although the GPS may not give me the precise distance measurement and only provide the front, middle and back measurement, nevertheless when this is combined with the laser rangefinder, it is a perfect combination. The GPS provides ideas on the depth of the green while the laser lets you know the exact pin distance.

The Bushnell Hybrid is legal for tournaments as it does not provide any slope measurement.

The Bushnell Hybrid comes with an internal chargeable lithium-ion battery. Remember to charge the battery for at least 6 hours before using it for the first time. When the battery is fully charged, a display “Battery Charging Completed” will be shown.

According to Bushnell, the battery will be able to last between 14 to 16 hours. Well, just like battery on the smartphone, there are a number of factors affecting the battery life i.e. frequency of usage and length of usage. If you are not using the GPS, it is advisable to switch it off to save battery; also take note that if there is no activity for 45 minutes, the device will shut-off by itself.

Before playing any game, it is recommended to charge the Bushnell Hybrid or you may be left high and low without any assistance while playing golf; that is what happened to me and a lesson learned indeed.

Normally if I don’t use the GPS that often, the battery can last for an average of 3 rounds. If I am using the GPS more, the battery will only last 2 rounds.

Pros

A hybrid of rangefinder and GPS
No membership fees
One year warranty
Accuracy of +/- one yard
Legal for tournament play
One-hand laser operation
PinSeeker technology
Preloaded golf course
Short distance measuring feature

Cons

Bulky & heavier
The GPS unit itself is not color
Basic GPS
Does not keep scores and statistics
No slope version
No club suggestion

The idea of a hybrid unit is not new in the golf industry. Think of your club which combines the long iron performance with wood to give you a greater performance.

So the question here is, can two basic units – rangefinder and GPS merge to become a great unit? Well, the answer depends on each individual. If you love the convenience of carrying just one unit instead of 2 separate rangefinder and GPS, this is the unit for you.

However, as it is both a basic unit, it lacks other advance features like the ability to track scores and statistics, ability to measure slope and club selection feature. If you are in for these advance features, go for individual laser rangefinder of GPS. On the other hand, if you are content with basic information and the ability to take full advantage from this hybrid device, get this unit and play your golf with confidence.

Although the price may be a bit on the high side if you combine the purchase of a laser rangefinder and golf GPS and compare it with this Hybrid, the price is not that bad after all. If you already own a rangefinder or a GPS, my recommendation is to go for another device or you may consider getting the Bushnell Hybrid to enjoy the best of both worlds.

3.Bushnell Pro 1M Tournament Edition Golf Laser Rangefinder

The Bushnell Pro 1M is Bushnell’s top-of-the-line laser rangefinder for golfers.

With incredible ranging capabilities of up to 1 mile/1600m (550 yds./500m to flag), Vivid Display Technology for all lighting conditions, slope compensation technology and unprecedented accuracy, the Pro 1M™ is the ultimate laser rangefinder for avid golfers.

The Bushnell Pro 1M is available in slope as well as tournament edition (without slope).

The Bushnell Pro 1M Slope is equipped with fully multi-coated optics for superior sharpness and clarity.

The ranging accuracy of the Pro 1M is plus or minus one yard/meter under most circumstances. On the other hand, the maximum range of the device is up to 1,000 yards for most objects and up to 1,760 yards for highly reflective objects.

The Bushnell Pro 1M also has 7X magnification capability, meaning you’ll see the object 7 times larger than usual. This is great when you are zooming in on objects for a clearer image.

With the pin seeker technology, you’ll be able to target the flag easily without inadvertently getting distances to background targets (i.e. trees) that have stronger signal strength.

Besides shooting at the flag, you can also shoot at people, trees, golf courses, sand traps, or anything to get a feel for the distance. Just remember not to shoot it at people’s eyes for safety reasons.

The Pro 1M Slope has an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 2 diopters) that is smooth and easy to focus. It is the only golf laser rangefinder tested that has a twist-up eyepiece, which improves the usability of the device by shielding off extraneous light while targeting objects.

For individuals without glasses, it is best used in the fully extended position. As for those with glasses, the eyepiece should be left down to be able to see a full field of view. A lens cap (the only laser rangefinder to provide one) is attached to the device through a short string – the trade-off for the extra protection is that it’s an extra step to remove the lens cap (of course you can always just leave it off).

Through the eyepiece, everything seen will be insanely clear. I can bet you that it is worth every penny by just looking through the eyepiece and together with the magnification, it will be easy to find the target and get your range quickly.

Slope technology is essential for measuring distances on an angle. Without Slope technology, ranges for uphill shots would fall short of the target.

The Pro 1M Slope is equipped with a built-in accelerometer-based inclinometer that digitally displays the exact slope angle from -20 to +20 degrees of elevation and is +/- 1.0 degrees accurate. Slope compensation calculates and adjusts yardage depending on the degree of slope.

The Pro 1M Slope is horizontally-held (like a pair of binoculars) and is the largest and heaviest device in our tests. Because it is capable of providing slope-adjusted distances, the Bushnell Pro 1M Slope is not USGA-compliant (even though that feature can be turned off).

To use the slope technology, you need to go to that particular mode and once you are there, you will see a “ ° ” in the field of view informing you that you are in the Slope +/- Mode.

Now without the slope technology, trying to determine the real range can be quite difficult as most individuals are not well trained to accurately determine slope angle.

The Bushnell Pro 1M’s Vivid Display Technology dramatically improves contrast, clarity, and light transmission while increasing the brightness of the digital readout, making distance readings legible in low-light environments.

There are four intensity settings to choose from and this is the first set within the SETUP menu. Press the MODE button for 5 seconds to get into the SETUP menu. The existing brightness setting will be flashing (i.e. BRT1, BRT2, BRT3, or BRT4), and pressing the MODE button will toggle between the four brightness settings. “BRT1” is the lowest intensity while “BRT4” is the brightest. Simply press the MODE button until the desired brightness setting is displayed and select by pressing and releasing the POWER button.

The Pro 1M can be used to measure distances in yards or meters. The unit of measure indicators is located in the lower right portion of the VDT™. There are two measuring settings to choose from and this is the second set within the SETUP menu.

Look through the eyepiece, depress the “MODE” button (left side of the eyepiece), and hold it down for approximately 5 seconds to get into the SETUP menu. Depressing the MODE button will toggle through the brightness settings. If you are changing from yards to meters, a change in the unit of measure will be indicated by the illumination of the M for meter indicator while the Y for Yard indicator is turned off. If you are changing from meters to yards, the opposite will occur. The Pro 1M™ will return to the last unit of measure setting used each time the unit is turned on.

Molded into the bottom of the Bushnell Pro 1M is a threaded accessory mount that will allow you to attach the following Bushnell® Golf Accessories:

Golf Cart Mount: Attaches the rangefinder to your golf cart for easy access.

Quick release clamp attaches to golf cart” “and can be easily removed afterward.

Push/Pull Cart Monopod: Steady your hand with this telescoping monopod. Simply attach rangefin”

The 3-volt battery is included in the packaging and it is recommended that the battery be replaced at least once every 6 months. If you see the battery indicator blinks, you know it is time to change to new batteries.

After using the Pro 1M, it is advisable to take out the batteries or it may be drained if you leave it inside the rangefinder for a few days.

When operating the rangefinder, remember not to shoot the laser at people’s eye as this may hurt it; also keep the device out of the reach of children for safety reasons.

Pros

Tour certified
PinSeeker Technology to zero in on the flag
+/- 1 yd accuracy
5 yds – 1-mile ranging performance (550+ yards to a flag)
Vivid Display Technology (VDT) for all lighting conditions
7x magnification (objects appear 7x closer)
PowerBoost for 35 percent more acquisitions
Slope technology which provides compensated distances for elevation changes
Posi-thread battery door
Bushnell golf laser rangefinder made of waterproof construction
RainGuard HD lens coating
3V battery and premium carry case included with the GPS laser rangefinder
Good for shaky hands
2-year warranty

Cons

Size slightly bigger and heavier
High price
Users have to release the firing button and then wait for the Pro 1M Slope to alternate between displaying the slope angle and the slope-adjusted distance
Limited ability to pan across targets and receive updated distances
Major complaints about it stopping working (E12 error code) after using it for sometime

If you are looking for a golf rangefinder with 7X magnification, great distance (up to 1,760 yards for highly reflective objects), vivid display, quick and accurate performance, ability to measure slope, and don’t mind paying a high price, then the Bushnell Pro 1M Slope will be your choice unit. However do take note that as the device is able to measure slope, it can’t be used for tournament. If you don’t want the slope feature, then go for the standard/tournament edition.

Besides this Bushnell Pro 1M slope rangefinder, you may also consider other golf rangefinders with slope features i.e. Bushnell Tour V3 slope edition, Nikon Coolshot AS, Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition, and Leupold GX-4i2.

For the ultimate golfing experience, you can combine the golf rangefinder with golf GPS to improve your game. You can use the golf GPS to plan your game when in the clubhouse or when you are blind and need assistance. When you need to know the distance, use the rangefinder to measure the distance and then select the right club to play.

4.Leupold gx-2i digital rangefinder

The Pinhunter and Prism Lock features in Leupold GX-2i enable you to measure accurately the distance you want to measure while filtering out another unwanted object i.e. trees and buildings in the background. Once the distance has been accurately determined, the GX-2i can then advise you on the right club to use

This is how Pinhunter works. Once the laser has been fired, the laser will seek the pin/flag and then in return, display the distance on GX-2i. If the golf course has prism lock technology, the Prism Lock feature in GX-2i will lock to measure the correct distance for golfers.

Besides just targeting pins, for more accurate reading and to have a better feel on the distance you are looking at, you can also target other non-flags objects i.e. hazards, trees, bunkers, grass, bushes, carts, and even people in front of you.

For reflective objects, the range is 800 yards while for trees, it is 600 yards, and for pins, it is 400 yards.

For objects that are less reflective and are dull and dark, the maximum range will be shorter than 800 yards (which is the maximum range for reflective objects); also for small objects, it will be more difficult to measure as compared to larger objects.

The Leupold GX-2i has 6X magnification which can view objects 6 times closer. In terms of accuracy, the GX 2i is highly accurate with an accuracy of =/- .5 yards.

Leupold GX 2i’s club selector feature will recommend the best club to use based on your individual hitting strength.

Before you can use this feature, you need to enter your striking distance for the 8, 6, and 4 irons. After this has been entered, the GX 2i will then work together with the True Golf Range (TGR) feature to recommend the best club for you.

The TGR feature gives you the ability to measure the line-of-sight distance as well as the elevation. The result is information on the actual range and you can proceed to play the hole accordingly.

Combine the TGR with the exclusive Club Selector feature and what you get is a specific recommendation on which club to use based on your ball-striking capabilities. A true help indeed when playing slope in the course.

For the Leupold GX 2i, you have the choice to choose from 7 targeting reticules. Not a big deal here as I stick to my favorite – the Diamond Plex with Plus Point reticule.

The GX-2i has a great optical system and the image you can see is the best I’ve seen so far among all the rangefinders in the market.

DNA is a unique feature developed by Leupold. With the DNA, what you get is a new level of precision ranging to within 1/10^th of a yard against all background colors and textures.

Although the DNA is great from my own experience, you may still pick up distance from background objects like trees and buildings. The occasion of this happening is rare and so far it has not bothered me. When this happens, I only need to do small adjustments and will be able to get the real distance very quickly.

The scan mode allows you to quickly scan across the course while at the same time picking up distance from different objects. The scan mode is very helpful when you want to have a good feel and assurance of the distance you are looking at.

It is very easy to operate the Leupold GX-2i. First, press the Power button to power up the unit, press the button again to fire the laser, and then read the distance being measured. Very simple operation and everything happens within a few seconds and will not delay your golf game. Using the rangefinder will help to spur your confidence as you are confident of the distance and will be able to pick the right stick to play; eventually, this translates to an overall improvement of your game. Amazing what a simple device can do to your game.

To operate the scan mode, just press the Power button, hold it, and then scan across the course. You can also fold down the rubber eye cup easily for use with glasses.

Besides the Power button, pressing the Mode button will allow you to enter the Quick Set Menu where you can change certain settings to the device. If the GX 2i is idle for 20 seconds, the power will be switched off automatically to conserve battery life.

To return everything to the original factory setting, just press the Power and Mode buttons simultaneously for up to 10 seconds and everything will be set back to the default setting.

The Fog mode is only featured in certain Leupold models and is not available in other brands.

For the GX-2i, whenever, there is any fog, it will be able to penetrate through the fog and provide you with precise measurements. In comparison to other brands, they will not be able to penetrate through the fog and most will return distance to the fog instead of the object you are aiming at.

If you are golfing in areas that have frequent fog, my advice is to get a Leupold rangefinder with Fog mode.

Pressing the Mode button will enable you to access to Quick Set Menu. The Quick Set Menu is the door to different modes and settings of the GX-2i. Here, you can change different settings, i.e. changing from measurement in yards to meters, according to your likeness.

The battery life for the Leupold GX 2i is excellent with more than 6k actuation. Well, to you give some idea of how long the battery will last, it is equivalent to a thousand shots; that is a very long battery life indeed.

Whether it is weatherproof or waterproof, they all mean the same. The Leupold GX-2i is waterproof and you’ll have no problem using it when it is drizzling. When it is raining heavily, it is advisable to stop golfing due to safety reasons.

The GX-2i can’t be used underwater as this is not how it has been designed to work.

As the GX-2i is equipped with the ability to measure slope through the True Golf Range (TGR) feature, you can’t use it in the tournament. Any golf rangefinder that can measure slope or elevation will not be allowed in the tournament except Leupold GX-4i2 which has the flexibility to disable its TGR feature.

Just like any laser product, you are not to point the laser of the Leupold GX 2i to any people’s eyes as this may hurt their eyes; also it is advisable to keep this device from children and do not force open it as there is a self-protection device in the electronic control module which may cause electric shock.

Pros

Small, compact, and light to be carried around
Quick to acquire target – Pinhunterr technology + Prism Lock
Digital Enhanced Accuracy
Easy usage
Great battery life
Reliable, accurate, and fast – Will not delay your game
Scan mode enables taking multiple readings accurately
Fog mode
True Golf Range – The ability to measure the slope
Club selector function
Comfortable to hold
Easy-to-read Black LCD screen
The quick set menu gives you easy and fast operation and switching between options.
Helps to improve one’s game
Waterproof
1-year warranty

Cons

Sometimes will have trouble finding the pin especially when there is something in the background
Can’t be used for a tournament
No jolt/vibration feature

With simple usage, the ability to measure accurately, excellent battery life, reliable manufacturer, the ability to measure slope plus assistance in selecting a golf club, the Leupold GX-2i is truly an amazing golf rangefinder. Although at times you have trouble locating the pin, with a simple adjustment, this can be easily overcome.

The True Golf Range feature is great and if you are not going for any tournament, the Leupold GX-2i will be a great choice to help improve your game on the golf course.

If you are looking for a golf rangefinder that can be used in tournaments, then check out the Leupold GX 1i which has similar features as the GX-2i minus the TGR and club selector features.

If you have a higher budget, check out the top-of-the-line rangefinder from Leupold, the GX-4i2, which has the flexibility to disable its TRG feature for use during the tournament. If you are not using the GX-4i in a tournament, you can proceed to use the TGR and club selector features.

For the ultimate golfing experience, you can combine the usage of a golf rangefinder with a golf GPS. You can use the GPS to play your play while at the clubhouse or home and also use it for ‘blind assistance’ to know the right direction to hit. While on the golf course, you can use the rangefinder to quick and accurate distances.

5.Bushnell Tour V2 with Pinseeker Laser Rangefinder

If you have never used a Rangefinder, I’d recommend the Bushnell tour v2. It is easy to use and very accurate and will improve your golf games by helping you select the best golf club to use.

The new Tour V2 with Pinseeker laser rangefinders rests in your hand with an ergonomic precision that builds confidence and pride. Its guts are 100% Bushnell laser rangefinder, but the package outside will rival your favorite driver with a custom high-tak grip.

The new V2 sets a new standard in the complete laser rangefinder package -looks, feel, and performance. it’s like a perfect feel in putting, just 1,000 years long. a package that may see players starting to waggle their V2 before the range with their targets.

It is very easy to use, lightweight, and just tucks into one of your golf bag pockets. in less than 30 seconds you can get a distance “read” and make a club decision. much faster than trying to figure out the distance or stepping off distances from markers on the course.

This is now a great value range finder. Don’t waste your money on the newer versions, you can’t hit it accurately 500 yards anyway. It does take some getting used to, and if you get the shakes at the golf course, it can be tough to get on target, but that is not always an issue.

This one is a more compact design with all the same accuracy etc. There probably aren’t better golf range finders out on the market. It works better than his previous one, no matter what the skill level of golfer you are, if you are serious about golf, this rangefinder is a must. Very accurate and easy to use.

Not only use it on the course, but you can use it while bow hunting also. very accurate and very easy to use. get it and try it now!

The Bushnell Tour V2 with Pinseeker Laser Rangefinder is the smallest and most sophisticated laser rangefinder available. With a weight of less than 7oz, it is nonetheless equipped with Bushnell’s Pinseeker technology.

This means that once the Tour V2 has located the pin, it will show only this distance in the viewfinder, so you can be sure you are not targeting a tree or building behind your target. Even without the need for reflectors on the flags, the Bushnell Tour V2 with Pinseeker Laser Rangefinder will give you measurements from 5 up to 1000 yards, and an accuracy of ±1 yard to the flag from up to 300 yards away.

The unit is ultra-compact but features an armored rubber finish which is not only great to grip in all conditions but helps the unit to stand up to the rigors of use. A 3v battery provides the power and a premium-quality carrying case is also supplied.

Distances are given in both yards and meters when viewing through the 5x magnification viewfinder. You can also choose to use SCAN mode. Whilst you pan across the landscape, the LCD continuously updates the distances to the targets that you can see.

The view shows clearly the mode in operation (here you can see it is in Pinseeker Mode), the object that is being targeted in the crosshairs, the distance, and, in this case, the slope to the pin and effective distance. This is from the Slope edition, which is only a few dollars more than the standard edition.

Using an invisible Class 1 Laser Beam (as defined by the FDA) which is completely Eye-Safe, the Rangefinder fires out a beam of light that reflects off the target. Using its built-in high-speed digital clock, the time spent for the light to travel there and back can be measured and the distance calculated from this. And all this in under a second!

This is an amazingly compact, accurate, and sturdy unit – you can’t go wrong!

6.Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT

Bushnell has always been known for their golf rangefinders but over the years, other manufacturers have been working hard to catch up with Bushnell.

The introduction of the Bushnell Pro X7 jolt in both standard and slope editions puts Bushnell right back as the top rangefinder in the market.

JOLT Technology eliminates all doubt by delivering short vibrating bursts to reinforce the laser that has locked onto the flag. This feature is similar to the vibrating mode on your handphone. Once a target is acquired, you’ll feel a short vibration known as JOLT. Designed exclusively with the bottom of the cup in mind, this technology allows easy acquisition of the flag without inadvertently capturing background target distances i.e. trees and buildings. When more than one object is acquired, the closer of the two objects is shown on the LCD.

The ranging accuracy of the Bushnell Pro X7 is plus or minus one yard under most circumstances. On the other hand, the maximum range of this device depends on the reflectivity of the target.

The maximum distance for most objects is 1000 yards while for highly reflective objects the maximum is 1760 yards.

Note: You will get both longer and shorter maximum distances depending on the reflective properties of the particular target and the environmental conditions at the time the distance of an object is being measured. The color, surface finish, size, and shape of the target all affect reflectivity and range.

The brighter the color, the longer the range. Red is highly reflective, for example, and allows longer ranges than the color black, which is the least reflective color. Additionally, a shiny finish provides more range than a dull one while a small target is more difficult to range than a larger target.

The angle to the target also has an effect. Shooting to a target at a 90-degree angle (where the target surface is perpendicular to the flight path of the emitted energy pulses) provides good range while a steep angle, on the other hand, provides limited range. In addition, lighting conditions (e.g. the amount of sunlight) will affect the ranging capabilities of the unit. The less light (e.g. overcast skies) the farther the unit’s maximum range will be. Conversely, very sunny days will decrease the unit’s maximum range.

This second-generation ESP2 provides the fastest, most accurate ranging measurement based on target conditions. The laser analyzes multiple individual measurements of the target and calculates and displays the best possible result.

Target variations such as reflectance, shape, and color can affect the accuracy of laser measurement, but E.S.P.2 automatically assesses the conditions and improves the measurement up to 1/2 Yard Accuracy whenever possible from 5–125 yards. When this occurs, display readout precision will be refined to 1/10th yard.

Regardless of your skill level, this golf rangefinder from Bushnell will give you the most accurate technology in the game and you will have the confidence of knowing you have the exact yardage for every shot you’ll ever hit.

Operating the Pro X7 is simple and easy and it works like a binocular – working horizontally instead of vertically. If you have shaky hands, this will be good as it helps to hold the Pro X7 to be more stable.

While looking through the Pro X7, depress the large and well-placed power button once to activate the unit. Place the aiming circle (located in the center of the field of view) upon a target at least 5 yards away, depress, and hold the power button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. Once a target has been acquired, you will feel the JOLT; also crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle are an indication that the laser is being transmitted.

Once a range has been acquired, you can release the power button and the crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle will disappear once the power button has been released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).

There may be times when the laser beam only sees one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be displayed, but because more than one object was not acquired, a circle will not surround the flag indicator.

This JOLT feature may be disabled in the setup menu. Holding the mode button will put the unit into setup mode. The JOLT enable/disable is the third option, after the brightness setting and yard/meter selection.

Pressing the fire button when the display indicates “JLT on” will enable the JOLT feature. Pressing the fire button when the display indicates “JLT off: will disable the JOLT feature. In the settings mode, the mode button toggles between “JLT on” and “JLT off”.

TIP: While pressing the power button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only displaying the closest of the objects recognized by the laser. Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to the last mode used.

Note: Once activated, the display will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 10 seconds. You can depress the power button again at any time to distance yourself to a new target. As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods with magnified lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 10 seconds. To re-fire, press the button down again.

The Bushnell Pro X7 is constructed with a twist-up eyepiece designed for comfort and to exclude extraneous light. For users without eyeglasses, rotate the eyecup counterclockwise while pulling up until it locks into the fully “up” position. The Pro X7 provides extra-long eye relief.

If you wear glasses, make sure the eyecup is in the down position as this will bring your eye closer to the eyepiece lens allowing you to see a full field of view. To lower the eyecup from the full “up” position, rotate clockwise while pushing down slightly.

It is also possible to set the eyecup to positions “In between”, fully up and fully down, which may suit some individuals better. The Pro X7 is also equipped with an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 2 Diopter Adjustment) that allows one to focus the Vivid Display Technology (VDT) display relative to the image. Simply rotate the diopter setting until the VDT is in focus.

The Bushnell Pro X7 has 7x magnification, meaning you can view your target objects 7 times closer. This is in comparison to most golf rangefinders in the market which only have 5x or 6x magnification. The increase in 1x magnification makes a lot of difference as it helps to see a clearer and closer image.

The VDT has been created specifically for Bushnell’s premium rangefinders, the Tour Z6, Pro 1M, and Pro 1M Slope. This optical enhancement dramatically improves contrast, clarity, and light transmission, while increasing the brightness of digital readout information for rapid, identification in all lighting conditions. It’s simply the best of heads-up projection displays.

The Pro X7 has an illuminated reticle, which makes it much easier to read in all conditions. Compared with a normal black/white LCD, the Pro X7’s red illuminated reticle is much easier to read especially when there is a background at the back.

Vivid Display Technology dramatically improves contrast, clarity, and light transmission while increasing the brightness of the digital readout, making distance readings legible in low-light environments.

The Pro X7 can be used to measure distances in yards or meters.

The unit of measure indicators is located in the lower right portion of the VDT. There are two measuring settings to choose from and this is the second set within the SETUP menu. Look through the eyepiece, depress the “MODE” button (left side of the eyepiece), and hold it down for approximately 5 seconds to get into the SETUP menu.

Depressing the MODE button will toggle through the brightness settings. If you are changing from yards to meters, a change in the unit of measure will be indicated by the illumination of the M for meter indicator while the Y for Yard indicator is turned off. If you are changing from meters to yards, the opposite will occur. The Pro X7 will return to the last unit of measure setting used each time the unit is turned on.

You can use the Pro X7 in tournaments as it does not have the slope ability. Any golf rangefinders with slope ability will not be allowed in tournaments except Leupord GX-4i2 which can disable its slope ability for use in tournaments.

Pros

Easy usage
Fast and accurate up to ½ yard
Good build quality
Stable as it is held horizontally like a binocular and comfortable to hold
Helps to improve one’s accuracy and distance
Vivid display for easy-to-read display
PinSeeker with JOLT Technology to zero in on the flag
7x magnification for a clearer and closer image
5 yards-1 mile ranging performance (550+ yards to a flag)
Legal for tournament
Waterproof
2 years warranty

Cons

Limited scanning ability
High price
Bigger size and heavier – Size of a binocular

If you’re in the market for a new premium rangefinder, the Bushnell Pro X7 is a good place to start. With many great features i.e. PinSeeker with JOLT technology, ESP2, VDT, 7x magnification, and many other great features, you can never go wrong with the Bushnell Pro X7.

However, with its size like a binocular and a heavier weight compared to other golf rangefinders, that can be a concern for some as you can’t slip it into your pocket and have to hang it to your golf bag or mount it somewhere.

If you like the features but would prefer a lighter and smaller one, then the Bushnell Tour Z6 or the Bushnell Tour Z6 with JOLT will be a good choice.

If you have a smaller budget, then go for the Bushnell Tour V3 which is highly popular among golfers.

For the ultimate golfing experience, you can combine the usage of golf GPS with a golf rangefinder. You can use the golf GPS to plan your play at the clubhouse or home before the game and also use it for blind assistance. While on the golf course, to get a fast and accurate distance, use the rangefinder so that you’ll not delay the game.

7. Bushnell Pro 1M Tournament Edition

Want to improve your golf game? Look no further as you can easily do that with the Bushnell Pro 1M Tournament edition golf laser rangefinder.

With great ranging capabilities, quick and fast operation, vivid display technology, and pin seeker technology, the Bushnell Laser Rangefinder provides an easy-to-see display that provides rapid, positive target identification in all lighting conditions.

The Bushnell Pro 1M emits invisible, eye-safe, infrared energy pulses. On the other hand, the Pro 1M Advanced Digital microprocessor and ASIC chip (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) results in instantaneous and accurate readings every time.

With the combination of these two technologies, the result is an instantaneous calculation of distance by measuring the time it takes for each pulse to travel from the rangefinder, to the target, and back.

The ranging accuracy of the Pro 1M is plus or minus one yard/meter under most circumstances while the maximum range of the instrument depends on the reflectivity of the target.

For most objects, the maximum distance is 1000 yards while for highly reflective objects the maximum is 1760 yards.

Do take note that you will get both longer and shorter maximum distances depending on the reflective properties of the particular target and the environmental conditions at the time the distance of an object is being measured. The color, surface finish, size, and shape of the target all affect reflectivity and range.

As a rule of thumb, the brighter the color, the longer the range. Red is highly reflective, for example, and allows longer ranges than the color black, which is the least reflective color. A shiny finish provides more range than a dull one. A small target is more difficult to range than a larger target.

The angle to the target also has an effect. Shooting a target at a 90-degree angle (where the target surface is perpendicular to the flight path of the emitted energy pulses) provides good range while a steep angle, on the other hand, provides a limited range. In addition, lighting conditions (e.g. the amount of sunlight) will affect the ranging capabilities of the unit. The less light (e.g. overcast skies) the farther the unit’s maximum range will be. Conversely, very sunny days will decrease the unit’s maximum range.

For the range to the flag, the range is 550 plus yards.

Operating the Pro 1M tournament edition golf laser rangefinder is very easy. While looking through the device, depress the power button once to activate the Vivid Display. Then place the aiming circle (located in the center of the field of view) upon a target at least 5 yards away, depress, and hold the power button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. Crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired, you can release the power button.

The crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle will disappear once the power button has been released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).

Do take note that once the laser has been activated, the display will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 10 seconds. You can depress the power button again at any time to distance yourself from a new target. As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods with magnified lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 10 seconds. To re-fire, press the button down again.

The Pro 1M is constructed with a twist-up eyepiece designed for comfort and to exclude extraneous light. For users without eyeglasses, rotate the eyecup counterclockwise while pulling up until it locks into the fully “up” position.

The Pro 1M eyepiece can provide extra-long eye relief. If you wear glasses, make sure the eyecup is in the down position as this will bring your eye closer to the eyepiece lens allowing you to see a full field of view. To lower the eyecup from the full “up” position, rotate clockwise while pushing down slightly.

It is also possible to set the eyecup to positions “In between”, fully up and fully down, which may suit some individuals better. The Pro 1M is also equipped with an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 2 Diopter Adjustment) that allows one to focus the VDT (Vivid Display Technology) display relative to the image. Simply rotate the diopter setting until the VDT is in focus.

The Bushnell is equipped with 7x magnification, meaning that the objects you view appear 7 times closer. The premium lens coatings also provide superb optical quality for a clearer view.

Note: When your battery is weak, the battery life indicator will blink and the unit will not be operational. Just replace it with a new battery (uses CR123 3-volt lithium battery) and the device will be operational again.

With the Vivid Display Technology (VDT), what you get is a dramatically improved contrast, clarity, and light transmission, while increasing the brightness of digital readout information for rapid, identification in all lighting conditions. It’s simply the best of heads-up projection displays.

When the laser is in operation, crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle will indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired, you can release the power button. The crosshairs surrounding the circle will disappear once the power button has been released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).

ESP provides yardage faster and more accurately than ever before. Not only has Bushnell increased the acquisition speed to a lightning-fast level, but ESP is also so accurate that from 1-125 yards, the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard. Whatever your skill level, Bushnell gives you the most accurate technology in the game – and you’ll have the confidence of knowing you have the exact yardage for every shot you’ll ever hit.

If you have trouble getting the distance to the flag, the PinSeeker technology will allow easy acquisition of the flag without inadvertently getting distances to background targets (i.e. trees) that have stronger signal strength.

For ease of use, the device will always be in PinSeeker Mode. To use, just align the aiming circle reticle onto the flag that you want the distance to be. Next, press and hold the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the flag or desired object until a circle surrounds the flag indicator. If the laser beam recognizes more than one object (i.e. flag and background trees), the distance of the flag will be displayed and a circle will surround the PinSeeker indicator informing the user that the distance to the flag (i.e. closer object) is being displayed in the VD.

TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only displaying the closest of the objects recognized by the laser. Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to the last mode used.

With the VDT, this has dramatically improved contrast, clarity, and light transmission while increasing the brightness of the digital readout, making distance readings legible in low-light environments.

The Pro 1M can be used to measure distances in yards or meters. The unit of measure indicators is located in the lower right portion of the VDT.

There are two measuring settings to choose from and this is the second set within the SETUP menu. Look through the eyepiece, depress the “MODE” button (left side of the eyepiece), and hold it down for approximately 5 seconds to get into the SETUP menu. Depressing the MODE button will toggle through the brightness settings.

If you are changing from yards to meters, a change in the unit of measure will be indicated by the illumination of the M for meter indicator while the Y for Yard indicator is turned off. If you are changing from meters to yards, the opposite will occur. The Pro 1M will return to the last unit of measure setting used each time the unit is turned on.

Pros

Tour certified
Ease of use
PinSeeker Technology to zero in on the flag
+/- 1 yd accuracy
5 yds – 1-mile ranging performance (550+ yards to a flag)
Vivid Display Technology (VDT) for all lighting conditions
7x magnification (objects appear 7x closer)
PowerBoost for 35 percent more acquisitions
Posi-thread battery door
Waterproof construction
RainGuard HD lens coating
3V battery and premium carry case included
Great built quality
2-year warranty

Cons

Pricey
Size slightly bigger and heavier
Limited ability to pan across targets and receive updated distances
Requires two-hand operation

The Bushnell Pro 1M is a professional rangefinder for those who want quality and accuracy. It is well built and has some great features i.e. PinSeeker, ESP, and VDT that make this rangefinder an excellent addition to the golf equipment arsenal.

However, the downside of this rangefinder is the high price and its size which is slightly bigger and heavier compared to other golf rangefinders. If you are looking for more affordable models, consider the Bushnell Tour Z6 tournament edition, the Bushnell Tour V3, or the Nikon COOL laser rangefinder. For a golf rangefinder that has the flexibility to switch between standard and slope editions and can be used for tournaments, check out the Leupold GX-4i2 golf rangefinder.

8. Bushnell Tour Z6

If you are thinking of bringing users a golf rangefinder in a tournament, you should seriously consider using the Bushnell Tour Z6 tournament edition. By just its name, you can instantly know that it is good for tournaments. In this article, we’ll examine the various features, pros, and cons of this Bushnell Tour Z6 review.

With the E.S.P (Extreme Speed Precision) features, the Bushnell Tour Z6 can measure distances ranging from 5 to 1,300 yards. The distance measured is highly accurate with a variance of only 0.5-yard accuracy for objects from 5 to 125 yards. For objects from 125 to 1,300 yards, the accuracy is within 1 yard which is still a very impressive number.

The Z6 also has 6X magnification, which means you can see the objects 6 times closer making it easier to shoot at any object.

Do take note that the maximum distance you can range depends highly on the reflectivity of the object you are shooting. As a rule of thumb, for most normal objects, the range maximum range is 1,000 yards but for highly reflective targets, this range can go up to 1,3000 yards.

Brighter colors for example red, tend to have a longer range compared to a more dull color, say black. On the same principle, a shiny target will also have a longer range compared to dull targets.

In terms of size, a smaller target will be harder to range compared to a bigger object. If you are shooting a target at a 90-degree angle, this will give you a good range versus when you are shooting from a steep angle.

The amount of sun will also affect the range capability of the Z6. Under a hot and sunny day, the range will be shorter compared to a cloudy/overcast day. This is very simple as you can just take any laser and shoot it under the hot sun and then shoot the laser again under dark conditions. What you’ll observe is that the laser works better and further under dark conditions. This is the same principle when you are ranging on a hot sunny day versus a cloudy/overcast day.

The operation to get the range on the target is very simple. First, depress the power button to power up the unit. Next, place the aiming circle (located in the center of the field of view) upon a target at least 5 yards away, depress, and hold the power button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. Crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired, you can release the power button.

The crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle will disappear once the power button has been released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).

Note: Once activated, the display will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 7 seconds. You can depress the power button again at any

time to distance yourself from a new target. As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods with magnified lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 7 seconds. To re-fire, press the button down again.

If you want to shoot for multiple objects, you can do this by pressing the power button and slowly moving from one object to another. By doing so, you are forcing the laser to hit to ensure that you are only displaying the closest of the objects recognized by the laser. Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to the last mode used.

From our experience on the course, the display works perfectly even on a bright sunny day. We turn the brightness to the max and have no problem seeing the distance displayed. One thing you need to note is that you need to press the power button a bit hard to fire up the laser; not a major problem once you get used to it.

The Z6 is equipped with a fold-down eyepiece designed for comfort and to exclude extraneous light. The eye-piece has been designed in such a way that you’ll still be alright after using the Z6 for a long time.

However, when shooting with eyeglasses, do make sure that the eyecup is in the down position; doing so will help to bring your eye closer to the lens which eventually will help to have a wide view of the field.

The eyepiece of the Z6 can be adjusted (=/1 2 diopter adjustment). Working on the eyepiece is very simple as you only need to rotate the eyepiece until you see your target is in focus.

There are certain settings you can change with the Z6. For example, in terms of brightness, you can set it from BRT1 to BRT4, with BRT4 being the brightest. The other setting you can change is the measurement which you can change from yards to meters or vice versa.

The Bushnell Tour Z6 has an upgraded model with Jolt technology. What this Jolt technology does is give you a little vibration once you have a shot at the target. The new model retains most of the features of this model. As for pricing, the new model is higher, and if you feel that you do not need the Jolt technology, stick to this model. If you can afford the new model, by all means, go for it.

Pros

Easy to use
Fast and speedy
Pinseeker technology
Vivid display
Waterproof
Legal for tournament
2-year warranty

Cons

No slope capability
No auto scan mode

If you want to have a better score and a little advantage on the golf course, the Bushnell Tour Z6 will give you just that. With PinSeeker technology, fast and accurate shooting, and PinSeeker technology, you have a friend on the course and can say goodbye to your caddie.

This Z6 is legal for tournaments and as such it does not have the slope or true range feature. If you are looking for a rangefinder that can use for tournaments and with a slope feature (used during non-tournament), a fog mode, and club selector features, the Leupold GX 4i2 will be a perfect choice.

9.Nikon COOLSHOT 40 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Nikon has always been known in the camera industry but how do they fare in the golf rangefinder industry? Well, one thing for sure is that both involve lenses and this is where Nikon excels.

With easy usage and with just a touch of a button, you’ll know instantly the distance you want to measure and with other great features, this COOLSHOT 40 will make you look cool while helping you to improve your game.

This is the heart of the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 as it allows you to target any objects in the course and get the distance you want. By just depressing one button, you fire up the laser and have up to 8 seconds to get the range to your target object. Shaky hands are also not a problem, as the COOLSHOT 40 will have no problem adjusting to such conditions.

To shoot continuously on the objects, simply depress the power button and hold and shoot; doing this will eventually display the distance to multiple objects you shot at.

If you want to extend the timing to 16 seconds, simply depress the power button another time. The COOLSHOT 40 also allows you to change from yards to meters and vice versa; this can be achieved by simply depressing the mode button.

The distance ranges the COOLSHOT 40 can measure is from 11 to 600 yards or 10 to 550 meters with an accuracy of 0.5 yards which is a very accurate reading.

The COOLSHOT 40 also comes with 6X magnification which is effective for objects that are over 75 yards.

Besides displaying the distance to the object, the LCD also shows how much battery is left, giving you some indication of how long before your battery is dead. Reading in dark conditions will not have any major issues as there is a ‘backlight’ for the LCD which helps greatly in reading.

Another powerful feature of the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 is the first target priority feature. With this feature, you’ll be able to get the distance to the nearest object on all the results you get. The feature will eliminate the wrong reading to the background instead of the pin; a very useful tool indeed when aiming for the flag.

When using this mode, I do not seem to encounter any problems like another rangefinder that picks up the background object instead of the flag. Well, perhaps I’ve not played enough golf to encounter this problem.

The combination of pin scanning technology and first target priority provides golfers with confidence when golfing. Now by just depressing a button, you’ll be able to know the distance instantly and then select the suitable club for the play. What this simply means is an improved game and lesser shots being played.

With the large 18mm ocular lens what you get is a faster time to measure. Additionally, this also means a more comfortable feel and a wider view of the objects for up to 7.5 degrees.

There is a diopter on the eye lens so that you can adjust the crosshairs, to suit your particular eye (handy if you wear glasses or contacts).

The default factory measurement unit is yards but you can also change it to meters if that is what you want. Other functions you can set up are the backlit display and diopter adjustment.

The multiplayer coated optics in COOLSHOT allows more light to be transmitted, resulting in a brighter and clearer view; this is particularly useful during low-light environments which allows you to have a brighter field of view.

The design of the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 is compact, light, and ergonomic. With dimensions of 4.4 x 1.5 x 2.8 inches and weighing only 5.9 oz, the COOLSHOT 40 can be hung conveniently in your cart or belt. You may also choose the neck strap which comes together with the device.

The physical paint of the COOLSHOT 40 is mainly white and this may have some dirt problems in the future.

The device fits nicely in your hand with the buttons in the right place and you can operate it single-handedly. The unit will switch off automatically after 8 seconds of non-activity.

The Nikon COOLSHOT 40 is waterproof (up to 1m for 10 minutes), but not for underwater usage. If it rains or drizzles, you’ve no trouble using it.

Besides using it for golfing, you can also use the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 for hunting, archery, camping, hiking, etc; it is only your imagination that limits the usage of this rangefinder.

Pros

Simple and easy to use
Pin-seeking technology plus first target priority mode
Fast and precise reading (up to 0.5 yards accuracy)
Compact, lightweight, and ergonomic design
Value for money
Waterproof
Legal for tournament
1-year warranty

Cons

Rubberized body
May easily get dirty because of its white body color

With great pin scanning technology, first target priority mode, easy usage, and great pricing, the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 has set itself to be a good choice for those who do not want to pay extensively for a golf rangefinder. Additionally, you have one of the reputable manufacturers, Nikon behind the product.

For those with a higher budget, you may want to consider getting another golf GPS. The idea is to study and strategize the course you’re going to play using the GPS; you can do this either at home or at the clubhouse. Then, when you are on the course, use the rangefinder to easily get your distance.

10.Breaking 80 Golf Rangefinder

Standing among the leading brands of golf rangefinders is the Breaking 80 golf laser rangefinder, a rangefinder with advanced pin sensor technology.

The pin sensor technology is becoming very common nowadays with golf rangefinders; they may be known by different names but the principle of how it works is the same – using a laser to determine the distance.

Perhaps one of the biggest setbacks for rangefinders is the tendency to read any other objects except the pin itself, which is probably the most important object on the golf course. Understanding this is not hard as you need to shoot at the tiny golf flag to get the correct readings.

With the Breaking 80 golf laser rangefinder, all this can be overcome. You will be able to shoot and get the correct reading to the flag. Once the target is acquired, the distance will be displayed on the LCD screen and you only need to select the right club and then game on. Many golfers including myself had found this to be very useful and had helped to improve the game.

Now when firing the laser, if they are trees blocking your view, you need to move to get a clear shot. Additionally, you can also shoot at water hazards, trees in play, bunkers, and even at people in front of you to get the readings.

The distance measured is accurate and as good as other leading brands in the market. I’ve used this and checked with my golf buddy who is using another rangefinder and the reading is just as accurate as his.

Using the Pin sensor technology is easy – press, shoot, and view the distance. If you have shaky hands it still works; no I am not talking about really shaking the rangefinder to get a reading but just normal shaky hands.

From our experience, sometimes it is hard to get the right distance when there are trees or buildings in the background. Instead of locking on the flag, the rangefinder gave the distance for the background rather than the target. This however can be overcome by repeated shooting to get an accurate result; also by using the device more often, you’ll know right away when the device gives you readings of the background instead of the pin.

We now continue the Breaking 80 golf rangefinder reviews with the distance that the rangefinder can reach.

According to the product description, the measurement range is from 5 to 440 yards. Compare this to other rangefinders in the market, this is relatively low as some can reach as far as 1,000 yards. The Breaking 80 golf laser rangefinder is only useful when you have a visual on the flag.

It is also possible to change the measurement setting from yard to meter and vice versa. To do this, look through the eyepiece, push the power button to switch on the device, and then push the Mode button for approximately one second and you’ve just changed it from meter to yard.

The Breaking 80 golf laser rangefinder has a 6X magnification compared to others with only 4X while the more expensive ones have 8X. I find the 6X magnification sufficient to get the job done and you can easily get a reading from 150 yards or even closer.

Like many other rangefinders in the market, the further you measure the distance, the less accurate is the reading and this is the same for the Breaking 80 golf laser rangefinder.

To get the reading of other objects in the golf course, you can continuously scan multiple objects for up to 8 seconds. This is a good strategy to get multiple readings or to feel the distance you are looking at.

The Breaking rangefinder is waterproof up to 3.3 feet for only up to minutes and you can’t use it underwater. The device’s battery chamber is water resistant and the whole device will have no problem when it rains.

A carrying case is included to protect your rangefinder and you can also attach it to your belt easily. The 1 CR2 3V Battery is now included as well.

The rangefinder is now available in different colors – black, orange, red, and white.

Most customers are satisfied with the device as it works well, is compact, and is easy to use. However, some do complain of having difficulty getting the right measurement to the pin. Most of this happens with trees or buildings as the background. As I’ve mentioned before, to overcome this, you’ll need to fire the laser multiple times to get an accurate reading and when you’ve used this for some time, you’ll know immediately if the reading is wrong.

Pros

Reasonably price below two hundred
Pin sensor technology
Waterproof
User friendly

Cons

May pick up distance for background i.e. trees
The range is only up to 440 yards

With good pricing, user-friendly, and accurate distance measurement, the Breaking 80 golf laser rangefinder is one rangefinder that is hard to ignore. However, with the range at only 440 yards, the distance it can measure is comparatively short compared to others in the market. If you are looking to get up 1,000 yards and are willing to pay more, consider the Bushnell Tour V3 which has received many good comments.

You may also want to consider getting a golf GPS and using it together with the rangefinder to get a better score. Many golfers are finding the benefits of using these 2 devices plenty; they use the golf GPS to play and strategize the game plan while they use the rangefinder to get accurate distance while on the course.

11.Bushnell Pro 1600 Golf Laser Rangefinder

The Bushnell Pro 1600 Tournament Edition and Slope Edition both represent an advance of the tried and trusted Pinseeker 1500. What they have in common is the usual quality associated with Bushnell products as well as the following features:

With pin seeker mode engaged (different modes can be selected by pressing the Mode button momentarily), the unit will lock onto the flag in preference to other items in the field of view. This prevents you from accidentally taking the range from trees in the background. A circle in the viewfinder will surround the flag symbol to confirm that you are locked on.

In this mode, you can scan the rangefinder from side to side. The viewfinder will indicate objects as they are picked up, together with the distance to each of these objects. This mode is particularly useful if you are not given the pin and wish to measure the distance to other objects, such as trees on the apex of a dog’s leg.

The Bushnell Pro 1600 Tournament Edition and Slope Edition can both measure in yards or meters, whichever you feel more comfortable with. The modes are easily changed and displayed. The range is from 5 yards up to 1600 yards for highly reflective objects. Most objects can be ranged to 1000 yards and accuracy for all objects is ±1 yard.

The rangefinder is built with superb optical quality and the whole unit is coated with Bushnells Rainguard coating. This is a permanent and hard-wearing hydrophobic (water-repellant) coating. The entire construction is 100% waterproof. So you can use this model in real-life conditions without having to worry that it will be damaged by the weather. It will even float if you drop it into a water hazard, so you really can use it with impunity.

Where the units diverge is in the Slope technology. Built into the Slope edition, this measures the slope to the targeted object, either up or down, and gives you a compensated distance to play to. Measurement is up to 20° in either direction and is accurate to ±1°. Let us say, for example, that you are playing to a pin that is 162 yards away but on an upward slope of 4°. The Pro 1600 Slope Edition will advise you to play as if the distance were 173 yards. Play to this and you should be right on the pin!

One thing to bear in mind when considering whether to go for the Tournament or Slope Edition is that only the former can be used in Tournament play. Under USGA rules, where the committee of the golf course has enabled the Local Rule, distance measuring equipment is permissible for tournament play.

Use of this equipment is always usable for handicap purposes, whether or not the Local Rule is in force. However, the “slope” feature would render the rangefinder illegal for tournament play, so you need to decide which is more important for you.

Top quality and fully waterproof unit. Just decide which version is more useful to you.

12.Leupold GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder

The Leupold GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder will make a great addition to your golfing gear if you’re on the lookout for an accurate range finder that has several outstanding features that are sure to make your game even better.

This golf laser range finder may cost a bit more than your typical range finder, but it easily compensates with its excellent performance on the course. It manages to be easy to use while being accurate and sophisticated at the same time. Read on for a more detailed overview of this device’s features and what you’ll be able to get from them.

Precision technology to get accurate line-of-sight distance measurements of anything on the course. The Leupold GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder’s PinHunter and Prism Lock feature enable it to gauge distances with precision so you’ll know how far you are from the flag or traps and hazards.
Scan Mode allows you to make distance measurements while panning. Sweep this golf laser range finder from one side to another and see it update distance readings of targets it picks up on in real-time. No additional adjustment is needed to do this, saving you a lot of time.
Durable and compact design. The Leupold GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder measures about 4 x 2.75 x 1.5 inches, making it very portable and handy. Its rubber exterior protects it from the elements and from mishandling. This range finder is waterproof- you can use it in foggy or wet conditions.
Built with high-quality optics that ensure accurate readings. This golf laser range finder’s lenses are made of precision glass and are coated with the latest coating developments in the industry. You’ll find that the resulting image is bright, clear, and glare-free.
A handy menu that you’ll have quick access to. The Leupold GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder’s Quick Set Menu is all you need to change settings, make adjustments, and access all the features that the device has to offer. Its interface is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible so you won’t find it distracting.
Long range and excellent magnification. This golf laser range finder has a maximum range of 750 yards when locked in on a reflective target and a 350-yard maximum range for pin targets. Its capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to reach up to 6x magnification.

Pros

The scan feature is handy and practical
Battery lasts for a long period
Quick and precise measurements
Great magnification
Gives you more confidence in your shots

Cons

While this laser golf range finder’s ability to make quick and accurate measurements on targets with reflectors is spot on, you may need to give it a few tries if your target has none.

All in all, the Leupold GX-1 is a great buy. Get one for yourself now; this is one investment you won’t regret.

13. Leupold Gx-3Ia2

If you think that the previous version of the Leupold GX 3i2 golf rangefinder is good, wait till you see the improvements in the new version – Leupold GX 3ia2.

The GX 3i2 maintains many of the features loved by golfers i.e. great built quality, easy usage, and brilliant optics while improving the existing PinHunter technology to PinHunter 2.

In terms of design, there is nothing to shout about except for the fact that the body material is made from aerospace-grade aluminum. Additionally, the power button can be easily reached while the other button to access the quick settings menu is cleverly placed further away to avoid it being accidentally pressed.

The improved Pinhunter 2 technology makes it easier to log into the target and measure the distance; there is no problem even if you have shaky hands.

The Pinhunter 2 will also be able to filter out background images i.e. trees and buildings giving you a more precise measurement. You also have the options to choose three types of reticles, so choose one that you like most.

When you combine the Pinhunter 2 laser technology with the prism lock technology, the result is locking on a target that is fast and accurate. Additionally, to confirm that you have a prism lock, an audible tone will be heard and the reticle will change into a box around the flag to confirm a locked and this is followed immediately by the display of distance; there is no more delay of game while giving you the confidence to take your shot.

The GX 3ia2 is very accurate with a variance of only =/-.5 yards/meter. Do take note that the maximum range to be measured will depend on a few factors i.e. lightning condition, and air quality but the most vital factor will be the reflectivity of the target.

For highly reflective targets, the maximum distance to be measured is up to 700 yards while for normal objects, the distance to be measured is only 500 yards while for pin/flag, the maximum distance is 450 yards.

Generally, we can consider bright color and shiny objects as reflective target compared with the dark, black, and dull target that is the least reflective. Additionally, small objects will be more difficult to range compared to larger objects.

Other conditions that can affect the distance being measured are light, rain, fog, haze, and other environmental conditions. On a bright shining day, the distance being measured will be shorter compared to a cloudy day. Just think of firing the laser (think about the laser gun) during a bright sunny day and at night. So which is clearer and can go further? The answer is quite obvious as you can see the laser at night and the range will also be further compared to a bright sunny day; the same principle applies to firing the laser on GX 3ia2.

If you have a steady hand, the distance being measured will be more compared to those with shaky hands; so try to hold still if you can when firing the laser to measure range.

Operating the GX 3ia2 is very simple. First, press the Power button to power up the unit and secondly press the Power button again to range. If you want to know multiple distances, hold the Power button and scan through the golf course and the different distances will be displayed accordingly as you scan. As an extra benefit, on courses utilizing prism technology, the Leupold GX 3ia2 will beep and the display will freeze the moment you scan past a prism-topped flag stick, assuring you of an accurate reading.

When ranging without a steady rest at long distances, you can easily differentiate the pin from other potential targets behind the pin.

When pointing at your target, you can turn the eyepiece left or right to adjust the focus. The GX 3i2 has 6X magnification, making it easier to view long-distance objects.

Now continue by looking at the build quality of the GX 3ia2. In terms of quality, there is no question about it. If the US military is using Leupold products, that should give you confidence about the quality of their products.

DNA is a new rangefinder engine technology developed by Leupold 3 years. With the DNA, the laser rangefinding is taken to a whole new level of precision and speed; now the precision has been upgraded to within 1/10^th of a yard.

With cutting-edge coating technology and rugged structural components, Leupold has created a rangefinder with a great optical system. The result is a bright and clearer image, low glare, scratch resistance, and years of dependable use.

Whether it is rain or shine or even when it is foggy, you can count on the Leupold GX 3ia2 to do its job.

For most rangefinders, when it is foggy, the distance measured will not be accurate as most will return distance to the fog instead of the pin. This is not a problem with GX 3ia2 as it can cut through the fog giving you a precise measurement of your target.

To activate the Fog mode, first press the Power button to power up the unit. Secondly, press and hold the Mode button for at least 1 second and then release it to enter the quick settings menu.

When the Fog mode has been selected, the word: Fog’ will now appear in the upper display; then proceed to press and release the Power button until the word “On’ is displayed in the lower portion of the display.

The GX 3ia2 is also weatherproof meaning you can use it when it rains. However, underwater usage is not allowed as this will damage the unit.

The quick settings menu enables you to change some settings of the device i.e. from yards to a meter (Note: Changing to the meter will also change the temperature display to Celsius); you can also select any of the 3 preloaded aiming reticles.

Pros

Easy usage
Light and can be easily carried around the golf course
Comfortable grip
Good built quality
Improved laser Pinhunter 2 and prism lock technology
Scan mode for multiple readings
Great optical lenses for clear image
Fog mode and waterproof
Easy access to the quick set menu
Quick and accurate performance
Legal for tournament use
Can also be used for the non-golf purposes
2-year warranty

Cons

Occasionally still pick up distance for background objects
No jolt/vibration feature
Does not have a true golf range feature to measure distance for elevation
No club selector feature
Difficult to target the pin for a shaky hand

With easy usage, good built quality improved Pinhunter (Pinhunter 2), and Prism lock technology you have a winner with the Leupold GX 3ia2. With this device, you’ll be able to lift your game and increase your confidence while golfing.

Although you may still pick up the background objects sometimes, this rarely happens and even if it does happen, just make some simple adjustments and everything will be alright.

If budget is your concern, then consider getting the Leupold GX 1i which is also another great golf rangefinder from Leupold. If you want an upgrade that has features to measure slope, club selector assistance, and the flexibility to use it in a tournament, the Leupold GX 4i2 will be your choice.

14. Precision Pro V400

If you want a golf rangefinder that is value for money and with great features that match leading golf rangefinder brands, you gotta look at the new Precision Pro V400 golf laser rangefinder.

With the Precision Pro V400 rangefinder from Perfect Pitch Golf, you get all the major features of a rangefinder and the best part is the very good pricing. The Pro V400 is user-friendly to use and anyone can use it on the golf course.

The Precision Pro V400 uses the PinSeeker technology to lock onto the target and then return the distance on the display.

The range this device can measure is up to 400 yards to the flag while for larger and shiny objects, the distance can go up to 1,000 yards. Do keep in mind that the distance the Precision Pro V400 can measure depends on several factors i.e. size of the object and reflectivity of the object. As a rule of thumb, objects that are bright, large and shiny will have better range. As for objects that are small and dull, the range will be shorter. The weather also plays a role as you’ll get a shorter range compared to a cloudy or overcast day.

The accuracy of the measurement is good within 1 yard. As for the distance you can measure, unless you can hit 400 yards and beyond, there is no point in having a rangefinder that can shoot beyond 400 yards.

This feature will ensure that the distance you measure is the flag and not to the background i.e. trees and buildings. With this feature, you’ll be able to select the right club and play with confidence.

Operating this is as easy as a-b-c. Just press the power button to activate the device, point at your target, and then read the distance. Really simple usage.

This feature lets you scan across the field and quickly have a grasp of the distance of the different objects. You can even shoot at bunkers and golfers in front of you before you play the golf.

Operating this is very easy as you only need to press and hold the power button and then scan the field. Watch as the display distance change as you move from one object to another to give you some ideas about the distance.

The Precision Pro V400 is equipped with 6X magnification, meaning the object you see is 6 times nearer. This feature is even more advanced than some of the leading brands in this category.

The device can also measure in yards or meters, giving you the option to decide.

The body of the Precision Pro V400 is white, while the part that your hand grip is black. This is a different idea as the part you grip has a softer gripping area while the body is made of hard plastic.

The Pro V400 measures 4.2 x 1.7 x 2.7 inches and weighs only 7.2 ounces. It’s light, it’s sleek, and it fits perfectly in my hand.

1 CR2 batteries required for the device and the unit comes with one year warranty.

The Precision Pro V400 comes with a carrying case, cleaning cloth, batteries, and instructions included.

Pros

User friendly
Range up to 400 yards
Accuracy within 1 yard
1-year warranty
Value for money
Lega for tournament

Cons

No slope measurement
No fog mode

If you are looking for a rangefinder that will not burn a hole in your pocket, the Precision Pro V400 will be a perfect choice. With features that match other leading brands, the Pro V400 is simple to use and can measure for a range of up to 400 yards with an accuracy of up to 1 yard.

Put the Precision Pro V400 in your game to take the guesswork out of distances to course yardages. Save time, save money, and play better with the Precision Pro V400.

15.Leupold PinCaddie 2 Rangefinder

When you know that the military is using what they manufactured, you know Leupold has got something in their arms and in this article, we’ll look at the entry-level golf rangefinder from Leupold, the Leupold PinCaddie.

With many great features like Leupold’s exclusive PicHunter Laser Technology, great LCD, 6X magnification, continuous scan mode, waterproof, and accuracy of 1 yard/meter, how does the Leupold PinCaddie stand again competition in this tightly fought market? We shall examine it in the Leupold PinCaddie review below.

The PinHunter feature is the most important feature of this rangefinder which can make or break this product.

The main function of the PinHunter laser technology is to lock on any object by firing the laser and return the distance of the object to be measured. According to Leupold, the PinHunter will eliminate false readings of backgrounds i.e. trees, buildings, hazards, etc by getting the accurate distance to the pin. The benefit of this feature allows you to select the correct club to play, gives you confidence when playing, and eventually helps to improve your game.

In terms of distance to be measured by the Leupold PinCaddie, it is from 6 yards to 250 yards to the pin; on the other hand, inanimate objects get have a range from 6 yards to 300 yards while reflective objects will have the maximum range – from 6 to 600 yards.

Reflective objects refer to targets with surface texture, shape, size, and color. For example, objects with bright colors i.e. orange and red will be more reflective compared to darker objects i.e. black. Hence, the reflective object will have a longer range to be measured compared to the less reflective object. The same principle will apply to a shiny surface versus a dull surface.

For smaller targets, it will be harder to target versus larger objects. Other conditions that can affect the performance of the PinHunter is the foggy and rainy conditions. Take note that, unlike other Leupold rangefinders, the Leupold PinCaddie does not have a fog feature.

As for measuring during a sunny day, the PinHunter may be affected by the sun’s infrared energy. If you are shooting toward the sun, the can also affect the performance of the PinHunter.

From my experience, there are certain times (which doesn’t happen all the time) when the rangefinder did pick up distance from the background objects. However, with a few adjustments and by shooting multiple objects, I finally got the distance to the pin. I believe when you use the rangefinder more often, you will be able to spot this problem if it occurs again and made the necessary adjustments to get the right readings. Overall, the reading has been great with an accuracy variance of 1 yard/meter.

Like many other rangefinders in the market, the further that you shoot, the distance returned will not be accurate. I find Leupold PinCaddie’s performance to be good up to 175 yards and once beyond that, the distance may not be that accurate. You can still get a quiet reading at 200 yards but when it goes beyond 225 to 250 yards, it gets increasingly difficult to get the right distance

Perhaps the ability to pick up the background targets instead of the pin can be attributed to the lack of DNA (Digitally Enhanced Accuracy) features which are found in other more pricey Leupold rangefinders.

Operating the PinHunter is easy. First, you press the POWER button to turn on the unit, and next aim at the object you want to shoot and press the POWER button again (Note: When you fire the laser, the distance display will blink indicating the laser is being used and you’ll also get an audible click). By doing so, you’ll fire the laser at the object you are aiming and the distance will be displayed above the cross-hairs. One setback for this display is that most of the time, the black LCD numerical number will be displayed against a dark background and it is not easy to read the number. This distance number will continue to display for about 5 seconds after you release the POWER button.

Once the distance has been shown, you can continually press the POWER button and walk to follow the object; the displayed distance will change automatically as you walk toward the object.

To obtain the distance of multiple objects at one go, simply hold down the POWER button and continuously shoot at different objects; doing so will give you an idea of the distance to the objects you are measuring.

The Leupold PinCaddie also comes with 6X magnification which is slightly higher compared to other rangefinders in the same price category; most rangefinders in this price category have 5X magnification.

You can also change the distance measurement from yards to meters and vice versa with simple adjustments.

In terms of design, the Leupold PinCaddie is in dark black, not something that you can make a fashion statement. Besides the physical look, what is more, important is that the device is easy to hold, operate, and comfortable on your hand. The buttons are right where they should be and the eyepiece is slightly bigger than other rangefinders making it more comfortable when shooting at different objects.

As with any other laser products, it is strongly not advisable to shoot the laser at any human eye as this may hurt them. Keep the device from the reach of children and do not open up the Leupold PinCaddie as it has a self-protection device in the electronic control module and may cause an electric shock always use the recommended battery.

In terms of battery life, Leupold claims the battery life to be beyond 7,000 actuation. I was wondering what the hack is the ‘actions’ and further research found that it simply means you can shoot over 7,000 distances on one battery which is a lot of rounds and for one golfer, the battery can last for 35 rounds. Well, just like our smartphones, the battery life will very much depend on how you use it and how often you use it.

When your battery has reached half its capacity, an indicator will show up and if the battery is empty, the battery status bar will flash and then it will turn off by itself. My advice is to get an extra battery and then keep it inside PinCaddie’s case. The Leupold PinCaddie uses on CR2 battery.

Pros

User friendly
PinHunter technology
Fast and accurate
Least expensive Leupold laser rangefinder
Waterproof
USGA Legal
1-year warranty

Cons

Lacks DNA (“Digitally Enhanced Accuracy”)
No fog mode
The lower maximum range for distance
The black LCD screen can be difficult to read against dark backgrounds
Not as many features as other competitors

As an entry-level rangefinder, the Leupold PinCaddie scores with its PicHunter feature and good build quality but lacks the Digital Enhanced Accuracy (DNA) found in other Leupold rangefinders. The device is simple to use and everybody can use it without any problem.

However, as it is an entry-level device, it also lacks the maximum range found in other rangefinders in a similar price range. If you have a higher budget, I’ll advise you to go for the Leupold GX-1i with slightly better performance and more features.

16. Bushnell Pro X7 Slope

Bushnell has always been known for their golf rangefinders but over the years, other manufacturers have been working hard to catch up with Bushnell.

The introduction of the Bushnell Pro X7 jolt in both standard and slope editions puts Bushnell right back as the top rangefinder in the market.

Designed exclusively with the bottom of the cup in mind, this technology allows easy acquisition of the flag without inadvertently capturing background target distances i.e. trees and buildings. When more than one object is acquired, the closer of the two objects is shown on the LCD.

The Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition features a built-in accelerometer-based inclinometer that digitally displays the exact slope angle from -20 to +20 degrees of elevation and is +/- 1.0 degrees accurate.

The Slope +/- mode will automatically compute an angle compensated range based upon distance and slope angle determined by the laser rangefinder and built-in inclinometer. This data is then combined with internal algorithmic formulas dealing with average club use and ball trajectories. The angle compensated range provides direction on how to play the shot (i.e. add distance if an incline, subtract distance if a decline).

The Pro X7 Slope +/- was specially designed with golfers in mind. The SLOPE mode allows you to display the angle and “Play-As” distance. To activate or deactivate this mode, press the POWER button once to turn the unit ON. Then while looking through the eyepiece, press the MODE button and quickly release.

Once in this mode, you will see a “ ° ” in the field of view informing you that you are in the Slope +/- Mode. Press the POWER button to obtain the distance to the flag or other objects. Once the range is displayed, continue to hold the POWER button down for approximately 2 seconds while holding the aiming circle on the flag and keeping the unit as steady as possible to allow the inclinometer enough time to measure the slope. Then release the POWER button.

Once you have released the power button, a degree of angle and compensated range will be displayed beneath the standard distance as seen below.

The distance to flag A in the drawing below is 162 yards. It is also 162 yards to flag B although it is on a slope. However, if you were to play this hole as 162 yards, the ball (X) would fall short of the hole/flag because you did not take the slope into account.

Trying to determine the slope angle with the naked eye can be rather deceiving. Most are not well versed in accurately determining slope angle.

For example, most golf courses’ average slope is approximately 4 degrees. A large slope at a golf course is generally no more than 8 degrees. Of course, this can vary, and that is why this device will measure the slope from -20 to 20 degrees.

Some real-world examples may help clarify. A moderate roof pitch is 6/12, which means that the roof rises six inches for every 12-inch horizontal distance. That equates to 26.5 degrees. You can scramble up this pitch when hanging Christmas lights, but climbing that slope for the distance of a good golf shot on a course would be exhausting. To retrieve a 200-yard shot, you would climb 300 feet up!

Golf Example: Let’s say you are a strong golfer with a 300-yard shot. At a 20-degree slope, the Pin would be 50 feet above you. In other words, you be driving the ball to the top of a 5 story building!!!

The ranging accuracy of the Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition is plus or minus one yard under most circumstances. On the other hand, the maximum range of this device depends on the reflectivity of the target.

The maximum distance for most objects is 1000 yards while for highly reflective objects the maximum is 1760 yards.

Operating the Pro X7 slope edition is simple and easy and it works like a binocular – working horizontally instead of vertically. If you have shaky hands, this will be good as it helps to hold the Pro X7 slope edition to be more stable.

While looking through the Pro X7 slope edition, depress the large and well-placed power button once to activate the unit. Place the aiming circle (located in the center of the field of view) upon a target at least 5 yards away, depress, and hold the power button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. Once a target has been acquired, you will feel the JOLT; also crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle are an indication that the laser is being transmitted.

There may be times when only the laser beam only sees one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be displayed, but because more than one object was not acquired, a circle will not surround the flag indicator.

Note: Once activated, the display will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 10 seconds. You can depress the power button again at any time to distance yourself from a new target. As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods with magnified lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 10 seconds. To re-fire, press the button down again.

The Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition is constructed with a twist-up eyepiece designed for comfort and to exclude extraneous light. For users without eyeglasses, rotate the eyecup counterclockwise while pulling up until it locks into the fully “up” position. The Pro X7 slope edition provides extra-long eye relief.

It is also possible to set the eyecup to positions “In between”, fully up and fully down, which may suit some individuals better. The Pro X7 slope edition is also equipped with an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 2 Diopter Adjustment) that allows one to focus the Vivid Display Technology (VDT) display relative to the image. Simply rotate the diopter setting until the VDT is in focus.

The Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition has 7x magnification, meaning you can view your target objects 7 times closer. This is in comparison to most golf rangefinders in the market which only have 5x or 6x magnification. The increase in 1x magnification makes a lot of difference as it helps to see a clearer and closer image.

The Pro X7 slope edition has an illuminated reticle, which makes it much easier to read in all conditions. Compared with a normal black/white LCD, the Pro X7’s red illuminated reticle is much to read especially when there is a background at the back.

The Pro X7 slope edition can be used to measure distances in yards or meters.

Depressing the MODE button will toggle through the brightness settings. If you are changing from yards to meters, a change in the unit of measure will be indicated by the illumination of the M for meter indicator while the Y for Yard indicator is turned off. If you are changing from meters to yards, the opposite will occur. The Pro X7 slope edition will return to the last unit of measure setting used each time the unit is turned on.

Pros

Easy usage
Fast and accurate up to ½ yard
Ability to measure the slope
Good build quality
Stable as it is held horizontally like a binocular and comfortable to hold
Helps to improve one’s accuracy and distance
Vivid display for easy-to-read display
PinSeeker with JOLT Technology to zero in on the flag
7x magnification for a clearer and closer image
5 yards-1 mile ranging performance (550+ yards to a flag)
Waterproof
2 years warranty

Cons

Limited scanning ability
High price
Bigger size and heavier – Size of a binocular
Can’t be used for a tournament

If you’re in the market for a new premium rangefinder with the ability to measure slope, the Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition is a good place to start. With many great features i.e. PinSeeker with JOLT technology, ESP2, VDT, 7x magnification, ability to measure slope, and many other great features, you can never go wrong with the Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition.

However, with its size like a binocular and a bit heavier compared to another golf rangefinder, that can be a concern for some golfers as you can’t slip it into your pocket and have to hang it to your golf bag or mount it somewhere.

If you like the features but will prefer a lighter and smaller one, then the Bushnell Tour V3 slope edition or the Nikon Coolshot AS will be a good choice. It is also cheaper compared to the Bushnell Pro X7 slope edition.

If you want a premium golf rangefinder with the flexibility to turn off the slope feature and can be used for the tournament, then go for the Leupord GX-4i2.

17. Leupold GX-1i

There are many reasons why the Leupold GX-1i is ranked as one of the top 5 golf rangefinders. With great features like Pinhuner, Prism Lock, Light of Sight Distance, Digitally Enhanced Accuracy, and Fog Mode, this golf rangefinder is loved by many golfers.

Additionally, this device is also legal for tournaments and very accurate over an extended range of fields. With the Leupold GX-1i, you can play confidently and eventually improve your game.

Fashion is not a trait for Leupold GX-1i. The overall color of this rangefinder is dark and black – stick to the traditional look and nothing fancy; after all, who wants a bright striking, and fancy rangefinder on the course, or do you?

The rangefinder has a very hand-friendly shape with a smooth plastic base complementing the tacky rubber on the top. The body material is made from an advanced polymer.

The Power button can be easily reached while the Mode button is placed further away so that you won’t accidentally hit it.

As for the eyepiece, it is made of rubber and can be folded down easily for those who are wearing glasses.

The Pinhunter and Prism Lock is the signature design from Leupold and with it, you’ll be able to measure accurate distance and then select the right club to play.

The Pinhunter will seek for the pin on the course and then return the distance for display. On the other hand, for courses with prism technology, the Prism Lock will work wondrously to measure the distance as the GX-1i can identify a prism-topped flag stick.

Besides targeting flags, you can also target other non-flags objects on the course i.e. hazards, trees, and even people to have a better understanding of the distance you are looking at.

Depending on different targets, the range the GX-1i can measure is also different. For reflective objects, the range is 800 yards while for trees, it is 600 yards, and for pins, it is 400 yards.

The accuracy of the GX-1i is +/- .5 yards. Do take note that the maximum range the GX-1i can measure depends on many factors such as air quality and lighting conditions. However, the most important factor is still the reflectivity of the object being measured.

For reflective objects, the range can go as far as 800 yards while for an object that is dull and dark (with less reflection), the distance being measured will be shorter; also for a smaller target, it is more difficult to target versus the larger object.

The lighting condition will also affect the distance being measured. Under bright daylight, the range will be shorter while for cloudy days, the range will be further. If you shoot the laser directly into the sun, the distance being measured will also be shorter.

For those with shaky hands, do take note that the distance measured will also be shorter compared to those with a steady hand.

The Leupold GX-1i has 6X magnification which can view objects 6 times closer.

The distance measured will be shown on the LCD. You have the option of choosing from 7 targeting reticules. The 7 crosshairs have different shapes ranging from classic cross shapes, diamond shapes, and many other shapes; my personal favorite is the Diamond Plex with Plus Point reticule.

The range being displayed is in the yard but you have the option to switch to the meter.

The engineers at Leupold have worked hard to come out with the most desired optical products on the market. In the end, what you get is an amazingly clear image that I have seen in a golf rangefinder.

With the DNA feature, exclusive only to Leupold, what you get is a new level of precision ranging to within 1/10^th of a yard against all background colors and textures.

However, from my own experience, even with the DNA, sometimes you’ll still pick up distance for the background objects i.e. trees and buildings but the occasion of this happening is quite rare.

Sometimes you just want to know the distance to multiple objects and this can be easily achieved with Leupold GX-1i’s scan mode. To achieve readings for multiple objects, you only need to press the Power button and scan across the field and the distance will be displayed.

We now continue with the Leupold GX-1i review by looking at how to operate this device.

Operating the GX-1i is simple and easy. Press the Power button to turn it on and then press the Power button again to shoot the laser to get the reading. To operate the scan mode, just press the Power button, hold, and scan on multiple objects. It is really that simple. You can also fold down the rubber eye cup easily for use with glasses.

The other button that you can operate is the Mode button. Press this button for 1 second and you’ll enter the Quick Set Menu. If you let the GX-1i idle for 20 seconds, it will shut off automatically while saving all selections.

If you want to reset to factory settings, just press the Power and Mode buttons at the same time for a minimum of 10 seconds.

For most rangefinders, whenever there is fog, there is a high possibility of the laser shooting into the fog and hence returning non-accurate reading. However, with Leupold GX-1i’s fog mode, this is not the case. The GX-1i will cut through the weather and provide accurate readings.

When you’ve set the Fog mode, the word “Fog” will be displayed in the upper display and the lower display will show whether it is on or off.

Battery Life (CR-2 Lithium battery included)For quick access to the different modes and settings of the GX-1i, the quick settings menu is here to help. All features and modes are easy to see without cluttering the field of view.

The battery life is more than 6k actuation. If you are thinking what the hack is 6k actions, think about this -6k actions are equivalent to a thousand shots which translates to a very outstanding battery life.

As the GX-1i does not have any ability to measure slope, it is therefore legal for tournament usage. Any device that can measure slope cannot be used in tournaments.

As the Leupold GX-1i is a laser product, you should not point it at any human eye when operating the laser. Keep the device out of the reach of children and do not open it as there is a self-protection device in the electronic control module which may cause electric shock.

The casing of GX-1i is well-designed in terms of utility. The top is easy to open via a bungee/hook closure and there are also slots for the cleaning cloth (which is included) and an extra battery (just one battery is included). The back has a hook to attach the case to your bag, as well as a loop to attach the case to your belt.

Pros

Small and light to be carried around
Quick to acquire target – Pinhunterr technology + Prism Lock
Digital Enhanced Accuracy
Simple to use
Long battery life
Reliable and accurate
Scan mode enables taking multiple readings accurately.
Fog mode
The quick set menu gives you easy and fast operation and switching between options.
Legal for tournament
Waterproof
1-year warranty

Cons

Can lock into the background easily – seems to lock onto more distant targets quite easily, causing you to shoot several times to get the correct distance
No slope feature
Sometimes it is difficult to long distances and you would need to have a steady hand to get accurate results.
The design of the battery door is weak.
No jolt feature

With great features and most importantly the ability to help you play confidently and improve your game, the Leupold GX-1i is a very good golf rangefinder. The built quality is good, the battery life is awesome, easy operation, and the ability to shoot at different objects for range, what else can you ask for from a rangefinder?

Although the GX-1i may not have the true golf range/slope feature and it may sometimes still pick up distance from the background instead of the pin, it is nevertheless good enough for me and I believe it is good enough for you too.

If you want the ultimate golf rangefinder with slope edition and the flexibility to be used for tournaments, consider the top-of-the-line rangefinder from Leupold, the Leupold GX 4i.

If you want the ultimate advantage on the course, consider using a golf GPS as well. You can use the GPS to study and strategize before playing and also use it for blind spot assistance. When on the course, use the rangefinder for quick and accurate distance reading. By combining these 2 tools, you’ll enjoy an unfair advantage over other golfers.

18.Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder

The COOLSHOT 20 is the most compact and lightest model of the Nikon Golf product range. This rangefinder is user-friendly, easy to use, and can provide you with quick and accurate measurements up to 550 yards / 550 meters.

The accuracy of this rangefinder is also good with an accuracy of up to 1 yard/meter for distances shorter than 100 yards. For distances beyond 100 yards, the accuracy is within 2 yards.

With Target Priority technology and 8-second continuous scanning, this little device still packs a powerful punch. Like each Nikon golf laser rangefinder, the COOLSHOT 20 is rainproof, so improving your game doesn’t have to stop during inclement weather.

Nikon’s original data processing algorithm, “HYPER HEAD” displays the distance measurement result with a fast and stable response, regardless of the distance to the target. The result of this is a stress-free environment and you can focus mainly on your game.

Laser beams are projected and reflected off objects. The First Target Priority Algorithm displays the range to the nearest target among the multiple results obtained. You can then exactly measure the distance to the flagstick, instead of a background object. This is especially useful for approach shots.

Additionally, the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 has 6x magnification, meaning you can look at your target objects 6 times closer.

In the COOLSHOT 20’s lens, multilayer coating is applied for a much brighter and brighter view. The result of this coating is an increased light transmission and a reduction in flare and ghost due to light reflection. You will love this as you can see just about all target objects on the course with clarity.

The COOLSHOT 20 is equipped with a large ocular with a long eye relief design that provides a wide field of view and easy viewing. You can easily catch small targets such as flagsticks. The long eye relief design also offers eyeglass wearers easy viewing.

The COOLSHOT’s body is rainproof and you need not worry whenever there is a sudden shower or when it starts to rain. The COOLSHOT 20 has JIS/IEC protection class 4 (IPX4) for water protection.

The body of the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 has been newly designed to be compact, lightweight, and optimized for golfing.

Without any compromise on the optical performance, the engineers at Nikon can improve the design in such a way that it is comfortable to hold and will provide a stress-free operating environment.

In addition to excellent measurement performance, the continuous measurement function enables easier measurement of objects as small as the flagstick on the green. By knowing the correct distance to the flagstick, you can improve your approach shot.

The Nikon COOLSHOT 20 will automatically shut off if there is no activity after 8 seconds to preserve battery life.

The premium optical design and sophisticated software used by COOLSHOT help golfers to have an accurate measurement of an object as small as a distant flagstick.

Do take note that if you have shaky hands, it may affect the measurement of the distance to a distance flagstick. Alternatively, you can use continuous measurement which with just one push of a button will continuously measure for up to 8 seconds, and you will be able to get a reading on that distant flagstick.

Here are some tips that can help to measure your distance to the flagstick accurately.

Tips#1: When targeting a distant small object like a flagstick, hand movement may influence the result. It is best to hold the COOLSHOT body firmly with both hands.

Tips#2: To measure the distance to the flagstick successfully, target the flag, which is larger than the stick. Position the flag on the center of the target mark ( ) in the viewfinder. Note that when your target is off-center from the target mark, the distance to the object cannot be measured.

Tips#3: Continuous measurement function minimizes the influence of handshake or movement. During measurement, the measured distance is displayed consecutively. To obtain the distance to the flagstick, keep targeting the flag in the center of the target mark.

You can use the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 to effectively measure the distance to objects around the fairway and the green, as well as the distance to the exact point where you want the golf ball to land.

By knowing the exact distance to your target point with Nikon’s laser rangefinder, you can select the proper club to use. Of course, you should also consider wind conditions and lie to strategically attack the course.

A dogleg corner can make estimating distance difficult. In this case, measure the distance to a tree in front of the corner and then the distance to the woods to get the distance to the center of the fairway. With that being taken care of, now you can swing without hesitation and with confidence.

With a bunker or pond in front of the green, measure the distance to the edge of the green and the distance to the hazard to play it safe.

Pros

User-friendly and easy usage
Small, light, and compact
6x magnification
New design that is comfortable to hold
The first target priority is to zoom in on the target
8-second continuous measurement
Multilayer coating on the lens for bright and clear images
Dioptre adjustment function
Rainproof
Allowed for tournament

Cons

No slope measurement

Although the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 is still new in the market, we do not doubt that it will be another quality product from Nikon based on our experience with their previous rangefinders. Perhaps the whole thing about the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 can be summed up by the following:

For those who want to prefer a longer measurement distance of up to 650 yards, consider getting the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 and for those for a rangefinder with the ability to measure slope, then go for the Nikon COOLSHOT 40i.

If you are unsure which golf rangefinder to choose, check out our golf rangefinder buying guide.

To improve your game further, you may want to consider getting a golf GPS. You can use the golf GPS to plan your game before you play on the actual green and also use it for blind assistance. When playing on the course, you can use the golf rangefinder for quick measurement of distance. So combining the golf GPS and golf rangefinder ultimately will help to improve your game.

Golf Rangefinder Buying Guide

Golf laser rangefinders are being used by more golfers today than ever before. Golf professionals use these devices in their practice rounds to find yardages that will help them during their tournament rounds. Knowing the yardage to certain targets gives the golfer a distinct advantage when it comes to making the right decision on club selection.

What Is A Golf Laser Rangefinder

The range finder is most commonly used in golf to find the actual area that the players want to find. This device is basically laser attached and this is very popular with golfers.

Rangefinder, a measuring instrument, is something that will provide the gap between a user and a selected visible purpose. This measuring instrument might create the use of technology like a navigational instrument or lasers or might use basic arithmetic to see the gap-supported objects within the field of reading.

The optical maser range finder is maybe the foremost in style kind of range finder on the market nowadays. An optical maser range finder works on an identical principle to an echo sounder, by causation a slender beam of light at the target and activity the time it takes for the beam to get well. Even with a good beam, an optical maser can tend to open up if shone over nice distances.

This may cause inaccuracies within the distance given by the range finder, as elements of the beam replicate off of objects not being wronged and get well earlier. A higher-quality optical maser range finder is going to be able to take into consideration multiple targets and supply all the measurements very graphic so that one will confirm the gap to the particular target. Before going to the topic of guidelines for buying a rangefinder, I would like to give the differentiations of various kinds of this device.

Among the various kinds of golf laser rangefinders, one common kind is the Callaway range finder of golf. This brand is used very commonly in the range of finding golf practices. Usually in the latest modes of range finders of golf, there are external applications of the LCD and new attachments. This twist in technology has brought a new revolution in the field of range finding. The application of laser technology in the golf range finding is the first and unique application of its kind which has never been presented before. The IDTECH range finder in golf has come up with an external LCD and this has brought a new twist to the latest laser technology.

To fully enjoy the game of golf and to increase the pace of the game, you need to arm yourself with the latest models of the golf laser range finder. This can be of great advantage in the field of range finding in golf. There are many different popular brands presently producing their products with the latest applications. Among these Nikon is a very popular and reliable brand. You can have the original digital processing system of Nikon in the latest produced laser range finder systems. This system is so effective and efficient that it can originally and digitally process and find out all golf shots along with their ascent or descent in the track. All these functions are performed along with the accuracy of the data. You can easily and efficiently know your actual distance every time by using the accurate and modern golf laser range finder of the brand IDTECH. The first and foremost priority mode of this range finder shows the range of results and these results are obtained even in a single measurement. This instrument is so useful for measuring distances that its accuracy can even be checked on a pin on the back of a green forest to the next destination.

Golf is a precision sports game and is played based on accurate determination and estimation of distances. This can be possible only if you are playing the game with the help of the classic and accurate golf laser range finder. With the help of this, you can easily get the range and position of the ball in the whole golf course. The only requirement is that your range finder should be accurate enough to calculate and estimate the distances.

Advantages

Laser rangefinders give the golfer exact measurements to any target that the laser can be put on.
Lasers are accurate to within +/- 1 yard at a distance of up to 500 yards.
There is no need to update the software since the device will work on any golf course.
Looking through the eye-piece is like looking through a pair of binoculars that magnifies the target to give a better look at what may lie ahead that the human eye might not see.
Battery life on laser rangefinders is long because the unit is only used when it is taking a reading.

Disadvantage

There are no measurements to the front, center, and back of the green. There is no way to know where the flag sits on the green.
Some lasers require a steady hand for the unit to pick up the designated target. The farther away the target is, the more chances for getting an inaccurate reading because the unit is not picking up the target you’re aiming at.
If you are in a situation where there is no line of sight to your target, the laser is useless. There must be a clear view of the target to get a reading.

How Golf Laser Rangefinders Work

Golf laser rangefinders use a Class 1 eye-safe invisible laser beam to bounce a beam of light off a distant object. Then, the high-speed digital clock that’s in the range finder measures the time it takes for the laser beam to hit the target and return to the unit.

Next, the advanced electronics in the rangefinder will instantly calculate the distance within 1 yard +/- and then will show in either yards or meters the distance through the lens LCD.

The amount of time it takes to press the button that generates the laser, to the time it takes to hit the target and return, is less than 1 second.

Golf laser rangefinders use a laser beam to bounce off a target. To take a measurement, their range is partially determined by the reflectivity of the target. Targets that are categorized as hard are very reflective such as rocks or trucks, and targets which are categorized as soft like flags are less reflective and are harder for the device to give an accurate reading.

Moderately reflective targets, such as trees, fall somewhere in the middle. Small targets, such as flags, have been very difficult to target. Today, PinSeeker® Technology has eliminated the problem of soft targets that are not very reflective.

Golf was invented on the coast of Scotland during the 15th century and from that time until now, golfers have relied on different ways to determine the distance from their golf ball to the flag stick or some other point on the golf course.

Golfers have used trees, bushes, plates sunk into the ground, sprinklers heads with yardages marked on them to the golfer simply use their eyes to guess at the distance. Now, with the addition of golf laser rangefinders, golfers can find the distances to any target they wish to know of as long as there is a straight line of sight view between the laser and the target.

Having the distance to a specific target allows the golfer to make a more accurate decision on club selection that will get closer to the target and in the hole with as few strokes thus lowering their scores and having a more enjoyable round.

Which Golf Rangefinders Are Best For You?

There are two types of range finders to choose from. One is a golf laser rangefinder, and the other is a golf GPS rangefinder. Both of the devices have their good and bad points about them. We will try to cover some of the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make an informed decision on which unit might be the best one for you. We will also cover two other golf range finders that are similar to those mentioned above that you may or may not be aware of that are on the market today.

Golf Laser Rangefinders

Advantages:

Laser rangefinders will give you the exact distance to any target you set the laser on. This can be up to 550yds depending on the brand you choose. Lasers are going to be more accurate than GPS models which usually have an error of about +/- 3yds.
Laser rangefinders will work on all golf courses and never need to be updated.
The battery life on the laser rangefinder will last for many rounds before needing to be recharged whereas the GPS units will only last about 1 to 2 rounds. The reason is that the laser units only use battery power when the unit is being used where as the GPS unit has to remain on throughout the entire round to be able to pick up the satellites to give out the correct information.
Having a unit that magnifies what it is pointed at can be a great help as to what might lie ahead. Magnifying is built into the laser units and is like looking through a pair of binoculars. Be sure to pay attention to the magnification levels on the units you are interested in.

Disadvantages:

There are no measurements to the front, center, or back of the greens. If you can’t see the pin, there is no way to know what the yardage is to the flag.
The lasers today are good at picking up what you’re aiming at, however, there are times when you can get a reading that is incorrect because the laser is hitting the wrong target. The farther away you are from the target, the less accurate it becomes.
If your using a laser golf rangefinder it does require some steadiness in picking up your target. Most people will not have a problem with this, however, some might have a problem with holding the units steady.
Another issue is that if you can’t see your target, the laser is not going to help you at all. If you are at the bottom of a hill or you have a group of trees that obstruct your view of the flag, you are out of luck.

Golf GPS Rangefinders

Advantages:

Gps rangefinders will give you the yardage to any place on the course. Yardages to the front, center, and back of the greens are good enough for most golfers since most of the time they will aim for the center of the greens.
If your target is blocked by trees or hills, the GPS will still give you an accurate reading.
Most GPS units come with a screen that provides an overview of the hole you are on. It usually shows the fairway, green, teeing areas, and hazards with yardage.
If you are interested in keeping stats, most GPS units will allow for just about anything that you want to keep track of. These stats can then be uploaded to an account where you can track your improvement and see what areas of your game you can work on to get better.
Most GPS units come with thousands of preloaded courses that are kept up to date. If your home course is not available, you can usually ask the maker to chart your course and in a few weeks, you’ll be ready to add it to your favorites list.

Disadvantages:

While most GPS devices do a good job of being accurate, there not as good as the laser when it comes to exact yardages. Readings are only as good as the signal is to the unit. Clouds, trees, and electrical interference can disrupt the satellite signal which can give you a false reading.
Battery life needs to get better. If you’re going to play more than 1 round of golf, it would be best to have a second battery to replace after the first round. Nothing worse than your GPS unit going out in the middle of the second round and losing all your stats.
To keep up to date, your unit may need to be hooked up to a computer to download any updates for your particular gps golf rangefinder.
The learning curve on some of the newer GPS units can be difficult to pick up.

Gps Golf Watches

One of the newer items on the market today is the GPS Golf Watch. These units are different that the handheld ones in that they look just like an average wristwatch. They attach to your wrist like a watch and give you basic information like the distance to the hole, front, center, and back of the greens. They come with preloaded information for many courses. You can also keep track of your game stats, and later upload that information to help with your own game.

Hybrid Golf Rangefinders

Today, we can have the best of both worlds with the invention of the hybrid rangefinders. These units give us the best of both worlds. Getting the accuracy of the laser rangefinder and being able to get the information that the GPS rangefinders provide, these units are the best choice of both but come with a cost. The big disadvantage is the overall cost. As time goes by, the price for these models will come down so that many will be able to afford them.

Hybrid rangefinders give golfers the best of both worlds. You get the accuracy of a laser rangefinder and the convenience of a GPS rangefinder. Too many times we hit golf shots into spots where we don’t have the line of site needed for a laser rangefinder to be useful to us. If you have a clear line of sight to your target you can’t beat a golf laser rangefinder.

Their accuracy tops the golf GPS rangefinders. But, what do you do when you hit your shot into a position where you can’t see your target? Well, that’s where the convenience of a GPS rangefinder gives you the distances you need that allow you to choose the right club. Remember, course management is the key to shooting lower scores and improving your game.

Features And Benefits Of Hybrid Rangefinders:

The Accuracy of a laser and the convenience of a GPS – You can’t beat the accuracy of the laser. But if you are not in a spot where you have a line of sight to your target, then the GPS will give the measurements necessary to make an informed decision on club choice.
Laser rangefinders are accurate to +/- 1 yd – The laser is more accurate than the GPS models by a few yards, the only problem is that the farther out from your target, the harder it becomes to lock onto your target.
Magnification-Looking through the laser range finder is like looking through a pair of binoculars. They can magnify what you see by 5x. This can help you see things down the fairway that you might otherwise miss with your regular eye site.
Pre-loaded golf courses – Like the GPS rangefinders, the hybrid rangefinders come with pre-loaded courses that cover the U.S. If you can’t find your course, you can manually download it onto the range finder.
Yardages – Now by combining both GPS and laser technologies, there isn’t any place on the golf course where you can’t get the right yardage to your target.
Auto Hole Advance – Like most GPS rangefinders, auto hole advance works as you move throughout your round advancing from hole to hole as you play your round.
Auto Course Recognition – With thousands of courses pre-loaded into the units when you start your round, the rangefinder automatically locks onto the course you playing and begins tracking your game.
No Membership Fees – With most units there is a membership fee on top of the cost of the unit to track stats.
Built-in Tripod – You can attach your range finder to your golf cart for easy access.

There are pros and cons to both types of golf rangefinders. Gps rangefinders are not as accurate as laser rangefinders and battery time still allow for not much more than a round or maybe two before a charge is required.

Laser rangefinders won’t do you any good if you don’t have a line of sight to your target. And, it would be nice to know where on the green the pin sits. A GPS unit can tell you the yardages to the front, back, and center of the green, but will not tell you exactly the distance to the pin.

That’s where the hybrid rangefinders give you the best of both worlds. These units will probably be the way most golfers go in the future.

How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder

Golf rangefinders are essential tools for golfers to accurately measure distances on the course. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the best golf rangefinder for your needs.

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is the most important feature to consider when choosing a golf rangefinder. Look for a model with an accuracy of at least +/- 1 yard to ensure precise measurements on the course.

2. Range

Consider the maximum range of the rangefinder. Look for a model that can measure distances of at least 400 yards, which is sufficient for most golf courses.

3. Magnification

Magnification is important for spotting targets at a distance. Look for a rangefinder with a magnification of at least 5x for optimal visibility.

4. Size and Weight

Consider the size and weight of the rangefinder, especially if you plan to carry it around the course. Look for a compact and lightweight model that can fit easily into your golf bag or pocket.

5. Display

Look for a rangefinder with a clear and easy-to-read display. Models with a color display or adjustable brightness can be especially helpful in varying lighting conditions.

6. Battery Life

Consider the battery life of the rangefinder. Look for a model with long battery life to avoid running out of power mid-round.

7. Slope and Angle Compensation

Slope and angle compensation features can help you adjust your shots for the incline or decline of the terrain. Look for a rangefinder with this feature if you play on courses with significant elevation changes.

8. Price

Finally, consider the price of the rangefinder. Look for a model that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs for accuracy, range, and other features.

In conclusion, choosing the best golf rangefinder requires careful consideration of accuracy, range, magnification, size and weight, display, battery life, slope and angle compensation, and price. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a rangefinder to ensure that you find the right model for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Rangefinders

If you’re a golfer, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of measuring distances on the course. That’s where a golf rangefinder comes in handy. Here are some frequently asked questions about golf rangefinders:

1. What is a golf rangefinder and how does it work?

A golf rangefinder is a device that measures the distance between the golfer and the target. It works by emitting a laser beam that bounces off the target and returns to the device, which then calculates the distance based on the time it took for the beam to return.

2. Is it legal to use a golf rangefinder during play?

Yes, it is legal to use a golf rangefinder during play as long as it does not have any features that go beyond measuring distance, such as slope or wind speed.

3. What is the maximum range of a golf rangefinder?

The maximum range of a golf rangefinder varies from model to model, but it typically falls within the range of 400-1000 yards.

4. Do I need a golf rangefinder with slope measurement?

If you play on hilly courses, a golf rangefinder with slope measurement can be useful as it takes into account the elevation changes and adjusts the distance measurement accordingly.

5. What is the difference between a GPS golf rangefinder and a laser golf rangefinder?

A GPS golf rangefinder uses satellite data to provide distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of the green, while a laser golf rangefinder provides more precise distance measurements to any target on the course.

6. Can a golf rangefinder be used for other sports?

Yes, a golf rangefinder can be used for other sports, such as hunting or archery, as long as it is legal and meets the requirements of the sport.

7. What is the battery life of a golf rangefinder?

The battery life of a golf rangefinder varies from model to model, but most have a battery life of 6-12 months depending on usage.

8. Can a golf rangefinder be used in the rain?

Most golf rangefinders are not waterproof, but some are water-resistant and can be used in light rain. It is important to check the specifications of the rangefinder before using it in wet conditions.

9. Do I need a case for my golf rangefinder?

A case can protect your golf rangefinder from damage and keep it clean. Some rangefinders come with a case, while others require you to purchase one separately.

10. How much should I spend on a golf rangefinder?

The price of a golf rangefinder varies widely depending on the features and quality. You can find rangefinders ranging from $100 to over $500. It is important to consider your budget and the features that are most important to you before making a purchase.

These are just a few of the common questions about golf rangefinders. By understanding the answers to these questions, you can make an informed decision about which golf rangefinder is right for you.

Top 10 Golf Rangefinder Reviews

1.Leupold 119088 GX-4i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder

2.Bushnell Hybrid Golf Laser Rangefinder GPS

3.Bushnell Pro 1M Tournament Edition Golf Laser Rangefinder

4.Leupold gx-2i digital rangefinder

5.Bushnell Tour V2 with Pinseeker Laser Rangefinder

6.Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT

7. Bushnell Pro 1M Tournament Edition

8. Bushnell Tour Z6

9.Nikon COOLSHOT 40 Golf Laser Rangefinder

10.Breaking 80 Golf Rangefinder

11.Bushnell Pro 1600 Golf Laser Rangefinder

12.Leupold GX-1 Digital Golf Rangefinder

13. Leupold Gx-3Ia2

14. Precision Pro V400

15.Leupold PinCaddie 2 Rangefinder

16. Bushnell Pro X7 Slope

17. Leupold GX-1i

18.Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Golf Rangefinder Buying Guide

What Is A Golf Laser Rangefinder

Advantages

Disadvantage

How Golf Laser Rangefinders Work

Which Golf Rangefinders Are Best For You?

Golf Laser Rangefinders

Golf GPS Rangefinders

Gps Golf Watches

Hybrid Golf Rangefinders

How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder

1. Accuracy

2. Range

3. Magnification

4. Size and Weight

5. Display

6. Battery Life

7. Slope and Angle Compensation

8. Price

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Rangefinders

1. What is a golf rangefinder and how does it work?

2. Is it legal to use a golf rangefinder during play?

3. What is the maximum range of a golf rangefinder?

4. Do I need a golf rangefinder with slope measurement?

5. What is the difference between a GPS golf rangefinder and a laser golf rangefinder?

6. Can a golf rangefinder be used for other sports?

7. What is the battery life of a golf rangefinder?

8. Can a golf rangefinder be used in the rain?

9. Do I need a case for my golf rangefinder?

10. How much should I spend on a golf rangefinder?

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