Best Golf Rangefinders

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After testing dozens and sifting through thousands of reviews of the best golf rangefinders on the market, here are my picks –

Bushnell Pro X2 – The best rangefinder on the market
Bushnell Tour V4 – The best value rangefinder on the market

TecTecTec VPRO500  – The best cheap rangefinder

What makes a great rangefinder?

If you’re in the market for a rangefinder, you want an accurate way to determine distances on the golf course.

If you golf like we golf, you may be looking for the distance to the fairway… from the woods.  If you’re a better golfer than we are, you might be looking for the distance to the pin, in yards. There are a variety of ways to determine these distances.

Besides distance to the pin, golfers also want to know:

  • Distance to a bunker
  • Distance to a water hazard
  • Distance to the front of the green

A rangefinder is one of the easier ways to improve your golf game. Why? Well knowing accurate distances goes a long way in helping with club selection. Sure, it might not help your swing, but knowing the right club to use out on the course provides an advantage.

If you are one of those golfers that practices, you can use a rangefinder to dial in your yardages while practicing at the driving range.

Bushnell Pro X2

If you want the best golf rangefinder on the market, you need to check out the Bushnell Pro X2 Jolt Slope Rangefinder.  Yes, it is expensive  – it retails for $500 – but it has the features to back up the price.

You will need a really nasty hook to take full advantage of the X2’s insane range. The only golf application I can think would require this type of range is seeing how far away the beverage cart is.

It can lock on to the flag from up to 450 yards away, which is handy for when you are thinking about driving the green.

The viewfinder offers 6x magnification, the product is fully waterproof, and there is a limited 2-year warranty.

The Pro X2 will give you a measurement with a precision of up to half a yard.

Feeling the Jolt

If you have used a laser rangefinder you know one of the main drawbacks is the uncertainty about what you are actually measuring. Are you measuring the distance to the flag or something behind the green instead.

To eliminate that uncertainty, Bushnell uses “Jolt Technology”. When the rangefinder does lock on the flag, you will feel a slight vibration in the unit to tell you that you are getting the correct measurement.

Instead of measuring two or three times to confirm your number, you can just measure once, feel the Jolt, and move on with your shot.

Get a Good Look

The Bushnell Pro X2 has “Vivid Display Technology”. This means an MBA found a fancy way to say the viewfinder has improved brightness and resolution.

Slope Calculations

In addition to measuring basic distance, this model can adjust your yardage automatically to factor in the effect of any changes in slope.

So, if the shot you are measuring is going to be played uphill or downhill, the Bushnell Pro X2 will make the necessary adjustments to the number and provide you with a distance needed to hit the target successfully.

Waterproof Design

The Bushnell Pro X2 is designed to be fully waterproof.

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  • Price, no matter how you look at it this is a lot to drop on a golf toy

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The Best Rangefinder for the Value – BUSHNELL TOUR V4

It’s was tough to put two Bushnell devices at the top of this list, but they are the top dog in the rangefinder business.

The Bushnell Tour V4 is among their best models, with a price tag that usually comes in right around $300.

One of the great features of this model, and many others in the Bushnell line – is the ‘Pinseeker’ technology. When the laser catches onto the flag, this system will quickly vibrate the unit, telling you that you have found the target successfully. Also, you can use this unit to measure up to 1,000 yards, and the viewfinder features 5x magnification. Simply put, this is among the top rangefinders on the market today.

Features:

  • JOLT technology (jolts when you lock onto a pin)
  • Can switch in and out of slope mode
  • Dimensions: 3.11 x 1.57 x 4 in

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  • Water resistant, NOT waterproof. But really when will you need a waterproof rangefinder?

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The Best Rangefinder for the Money – TecTecTec VPRO500

This rangefinder boasts measurements to within 1 yard from up to 550 yards away with excellent 6x magnification, kept clear and in focus through incredible performance from its optics.

If you are budget-minded and want to keep the purchase price on your rangefinder to a minimum while still getting a quality piece of gear, the TecTecTec VPRO500 is worth careful consideration.

Smart Savings

Saving money is nice, but buying cheap crappy golf gear sucks.

The VPRO500 does not have all of the bells and whistles of the top-line rangefinders but it will give you accurate yardage from your ball to the target, which at the end of the day is the main feature golfers are looking for in a rangefinder.

Compact Design

With a total weight of just 185g, you won’t be adding anything noticeable to your bag. The rangefinder is designed to be dust and water resistant, and it can easily be used with a single hand. With just a little practice, you will be able to pick this unit up, measure your target quickly, and put it back down to proceed with your shot.

Money Back Guarantee

TecTecTec may not be a brand you have learned to trust. To help with this, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee. If you aren’t happy with your purchase for any reason, the unit can simply be returned for a full refund. With this protection in place, it is much easier to try out a model that comes from a brand which isn’t as well-recognized as some of the others on the market.

Features

  • Compact design – 104x72x41mm
  • Lightweight – 185g
  • Pin sensor technology for measuring objects that overlap (golf flags, trees or hazards)
  • Accurate to within 1 yard over a 500-yard distance

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  • Lens fogs up on occasion
  • Sometimes struggles to lock onto the pin
  • Only available in black

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What Type of Distance Finder is Best?

There are a handful of solutions available on the market. Which golf distance finder is best for you, is up to your personal preference.

GPS Devices

Golf GPS

There are a couple of popular types of GPS devices on the market. I break them down into two categories Handheld Devices and Wearable. They all essentially serve the same purpose with the difference being how the course details are displayed and how you carry them around with you. Handheld devices can be carried in a pocket or on the golf cart whereas wearables like a GPS Golf Watch are worn on your wrist or wearables like a Skycaddie may be worn on the brim of a hat.

Click here to see a break down of Rangefinders vs GPS Devices

Smartphone Apps

Smartphone Golf Apps

Similar to Google Maps or other navigation apps on your smartphone, there are GPS Golf Apps which allow you to gauge the distance to the pin or course features using the builtin GPS on your iPhone or Android device. Are you looking for the cheapest option? The cheapest form of golf rangefinder is a smartphone app.

Click here for more on rangefinders vs apps.

Laser Rangefinders

laser rangefinders

Typically what people think of when they hear golf rangefinder are laser rangefinders. These look similar to binoculars. You use an eyepiece to aim a laser at the object you want the yardage to. These devices are typically more accurate than GPS Devices and Smartphone apps but are also more difficult to use.

Click here for all of my rangefinder reviews.

What to Consider when Buying a Rangefinder

What to consider when buying a rangefinder

For more info on what to consider when buying a rangefinder, click here.

 

History and Legality of Rangefinders

The Rules of Golf are often slow to permit the use of new technologies, such as rangefinders. While laser rangefinders have been used for many years in a variety of applications – such as hunting, – they are relatively new to the world of golf. 

Traditionally, there were a couple of ways to obtain yardage on the golf course. The first was through markings on the course such as on the cart path, sprinkler heads, and more. For years, it was common to see players ‘walking off’ the distance between one of these markers and their ball in order to get a yardage. While this system worked fairly well, it is time-consuming and something of a hassle. Also, depending on the ability of a given golfer to pace off their yardage, the final number that is determined may or may not be entirely accurate.

When the rangefinder arrived on the scene, all of that changed. Rather than pacing around the course, players were now able to obtain an extremely accurate (in most cases) yardage within just a fraction of a second. 

However, there is a small point that most golfers do not understand – rangefinders are still illegal under the rules of golf. Despite the fact that they are commonly seen on golf courses all across the country, rangefinders are disallowed under Rule 14-3 which restricts the use of ‘any artificial device or unusual equipment for the purpose of gauging distance or conditions which might affect play’.

Why are rangefinders still around if they’re banned?

So how are so many people using rangefinders when they are explicitly ruled out in the Rules of Golf? In 2006, the USGA allowed for the use of a Local Rule which can permit the use of distance measuring devices, as long as they only measure distance (not slope, wind, etc.).

When the Local Rule is in effect, players can freely use their distance-only rangefinders without penalty. Models that include slope or other features are always illegal under the rules, no matter what kind of Local Rule is put in play.

If you are playing a casual round with your friends, feel free to use your rangefinder to obtain all of the distances you need. However, if you are playing in a tournament, you will need to check to ensure that the Local Rule regarding rangefinders has been put into use. Most tournaments do allow them to be used, but it is smart to double-check anyway before you head to the first tee.

On the PGA Tour, the Local Rule has not been adopted, so players at that level are not able to use rangefinders during competition. They do, however, use them in practice rounds to record important yardages for use later.

Off-Brand Rangefinders

When shopping for any product – such as if you’re on the lookout for the best mallet putter or anything else – there is always the temptation to buy an off-brand in order to save some money. Nearly every name brand product in existence faces competition from an off-brand imitator who offers to provide the same basic functions for a lower cost. When it comes to rangefinders, is it a good idea to go in this direction in order to save a few bucks? Well, that all depends on your needs, your budget, and more.

First, the basic function of a golf rangefinder is extremely simple – to measure the distance, in yards, between two locations. So, as you stand in the fairway next to your ball, the rangefinder is tasked with measuring the distance between your ball and the flag (or any other object that you are going to use for a target). With that in mind, it might seem like any old rangefinder could do the job. After all, if it can measure distance, that’s the end of the story – right? Not necessarily.

Considerations when finding the best golf rangefinders

You might be able to locate an off-brand rangefinder which can measure distance accurately, but there are other capabilities that need to be considered. First, how durable is the product? You aren’t going to intentionally ‘beat up’ your rangefinder, but it is likely to get knocked around a bit during the course of a round (especially if you walk the course). You don’t want to purchase a rangefinder only to have it break down after a couple of rounds, so durability is a real concern with lesser brands.

Golf Rangefinder ReviewsAlso, you want to think about the lifespan of the battery included with the rangefinder at purchase. If you are going to have to buy a new battery in short order, you might end up spending just as much money as you would have spent buying a model from a respected brand leader. To determine how long the battery may last in a given model, you can use the reviews found online from previous buyers to gain some insight. If battery life – or any other specific point – seems to be a problem, you might want to think twice about your purchase.

The last thing to think about in this debate is the matter of just how much money you stand to save. Is the savings really going to be worth dealing with a lower quality product? For example, if you are considering two options – a brand name model at $200 and an off-brand option at $150 – is saving $50 enough to make it worth downgrading to a lesser product? Only you can make that choice for yourself, but the answer is often going to be ‘no’ for many golfers. If you are going to bother investing in a rangefinder to improve your experience on the course, it usually will make sense to buy a product from a trusted and respected brand.

Doesn’t the Course Give You Distances Already?

Well, yes, it does. However, those distances have some limitations. First, they are only provided at certain increments – often at 100/150/200. So, if you are around 125 yards from the green, you are going to have to walk 25 yards in either direction to confirm your yardage. Also, those numbers are only measured to the middle of the green, as they cannot take into account the location of the flag on that particular day.  While some yardages will be provided on the course, a rangefinder is better.

Getting the Most Out of Your Rangefinder

Golf Rangefinder View

Generally speaking, rangefinders are quite easy to use. Once you have a little bit of time to get comfortable with the device, you should be able to pick out distances quickly and easily. With that said, there are a few tips we can offer to help you get the most out of owning one of these units. Check out the advice below to make sure you are using your rangefinder to its full potential.

  • Measure more than the flag. Sure, you are going to use your rangefinder to obtain yardages to the flag, but you can do much more than that with your laser. Also use your device to measure distances to things like trees, bunker lips, the edge of a water hazard, and more. For instance, if you are playing a dogleg par four and need to know how far to hit your drive, measure a tree on the other side of the dogleg and subtract 10 or 15 yards to come up with a logical number.
  • Trust the number. Your rangefinder is going to be far more accurate than your eye. Some players make the mistake of not trusting their rangefinder, instead deciding that the target ‘looks’ like it’s farther away or closer on a given shot. Don’t make this mistake. Trust the technology over your own estimate and hit your shots accordingly
  • Use it for a layup. When playing a long par five, you might not think to pull your rangefinder out for measurement on your second shot. However, even if you are going to lay up, it is still worth your time to determine how far you are from the target. The measurement you take can be helpful in deciding how far to hit your second shot in order to set up an easy third. For instance, if you find that you are 320 yards from the flag, and you want to have 100 yards for your approach, you will know that 220 yards is the ideal distance for your second shot.
  • Collect a dollar each time a buddy wants the yardage. You pay off the rangefinder in no time.

Check out similar buying guides –

Best Golf Push Carts
Best Golf Training Aids
Best Golf Swing Analyzers
Best Golf Balls for Distance

Best Golf Laser Rangefinders with Slope

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Laser rangefinders are one of the best ways to accurately determine distances to the target out on the golf course. In fact, these days, it seems like all golfers have one of two pieces of technology in their bag – either a laser rangefinder or a GPS unit. Each of these options is able to accurately measure distance, so the choice is up to you with regard to which is going to make its way into your collection of golf gear.

In this article, we are going to cover laser rangefinders. More specifically, we are going to cover laser rangefinders with the capability to measure slope. Rangefinders that can measure slope are able to automatically adjust the distance to the target for you, based on the slope of the ground. So, if you are facing an uphill shot, the rangefinder will calculate how far uphill you are playing, and distance will be added to the ‘raw’ number in order to give you a yardage that should lead to an accurate club selection.

For example, if you have 100 yards to the hole, but are playing well uphill, the rangefinder might tell you that you need to hit the ball 115 yards. You can pick your club accordingly, and hopefully the ball will wind up right next to the cup. Obviously, if you are playing downhill, the rangefinder will subtract distance as needed to leave you with an appropriate number.

To Slope or Not to Slope?

There are pros and cons to picking out a rangefinder with a slope function. On the positive side, owning this kind of device is like having a real caddie right there at your side. It is easy to get a raw distance number, but calculating slope and adjusting the yardage accordingly is a more challenging task. If your rangefinder can do the math on your behalf, all you need to do is read the distance and make a great swing.

On the downside, most golf competitions do not allow the use of a rangefinder with a slope function.  At the very least, you likely won’t be allowed to have the slope function in operation while you play in a tournament. Or, in stricter events, you won’t even be allowed to use the unit at all, even if slope adjustments have been turned off. So, if you are a golfer who likes to play in a number of competitions throughout the year, you may be better served with a rangefinder that does not include slope capability.

At this point in the article, we are going to take a look at some of the top laser rangefinders on the market which include slope adjustments. If you have decided to go ahead with a slope-enabled model, those listed below are some of your best options.

Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder

bushnell tour v4 slope rangefinder

We start off our list with a model from one of the top names in the rangefinder business – Bushnell. The Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder is among their best models, with a price tag that usually comes in right around $300. One of the great features of this model, and many others in the Bushnell line – is the ‘Pinseeker’ technology. When the laser catches onto the flag, this system will quickly vibrate the unit, telling you that you have found the target successfully. Also, you can use this unit to measure up to 1,000 yards, and the viewfinder features 5x magnification. Simply put, this is among the top rangefinders on the market today.

Features:

  • Range: 5-1,000 Yds; 400+ Yds to a Flag
  • Accurate to 1 yd
  • 5X magnification
  • JOLT technology (jolts when you lock onto a pin)
  • Can switch in and out of slope mode
  • Dimensions: 3.11 x 1.57 x 4 in
  • NOT waterproof
  • LCD display

Bushnell Tour X Jolt

bushnell tour jolt x

Another option from Bushnell, this is the Tour X Jolt Golf Laser Rangefinder. This model has many of the same features and capabilities as the previous option on our list, only it goes even a little bit further. Instead of 1,000 yards, this unit is capable of measuring up to 1,300 yards. Also, it has 6x magnification in the viewfinder, rather than 5x. If you are looking for a rangefinder that can be considered the best of the best, the Tour X Jolt is an easy pick.

Features:

  • Dual display technology (move between two based on lighting)
  • JOLT technology vibrates when locks onto a pin
  • Accurate to within +/- .5 yds.
  • Dimensions: 1.5” x 4” x 3”
  • Switch in and out of slope mode
  • 6X magnification

Nikon COOLSHOT 40i

nikon coolshot 40i rangefinder

Going in a different direction, we find another trusted brand name – Nikon. While you might think of Nikon first with regard to cameras rather than golf equipment, they have proven their ability to produce a quality rangefinder. This model, the COOLSHOT 40i, takes readings in approximately half a second, which is quick for this type of unit. It can read distances up to 650 yards, it is adept at picking out the right target, and it can adjust properly for slope to help you pick the right club. Even with all those great functions, this Nikon usually sells for less than the Bushnell models listed above.

Features:

  • Offers both slope adjusted and to the pin distances
  • NOT Waterproof
  • Dimensions: 4.4 in X 2.8 in X 1.4 in
  • 8 second continuous measurement: press button and will automatically calculate various distances for 8 seconds
  • 6X magnification
  • Readings to .5 yds.
  • Range: 8-650 yds.

Leupold Gx-2I2 Rangefinder

leupold gx 212 rangefinder

The name Leupold might not be familiar to you, but this rangefinder option is still worth your consideration. The Gx-2I2 is an advanced rangefinder which is able to deliver accurate and quick measurements to the user. This rangefinder is waterproof so it can be used safely on a rainy day, and it can pick up distances as far as 800 yards out (300 to the pin).

Features:

  • Accounts for inclines, declines, altitude and atmospheric conditions
  • Dimensions: 3.6″ x 2.9″ x 1.4″
  • Weight: 6.8 oz.
  • Range: 300 yds to the pin, 800 yds reflective
  • Gives club recommendation based on previous performance and distance
  • Fog mode to help decrease inaccurate readings
  • Waterproof
  • PinHunter technology will help assist in locking onto the pin and saving time
  • LED black display

Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Slope Rangefinder

bushnell jolt x7 rangefinder

When only the best rangefinder on the market is going to do for your needs, the Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Slope Rangefinder is the model you are going to want to turn to. Yes, this is an expensive item – it usually retails for $500 – but it has the features to back up that sticker shock. Incredibly, this rangefinder can measure distances all the way out to one mile, making it useful for applications other than golf. It can lock on to the flag from up to 550 yards away, which is handy for when you are thinking about driving the green – on a par five or trying to track down the beverage cart girl. The viewfinder offers 7x magnification, the product is fully waterproof, and there is a limited 2-year warranty.

Features:

  • Range: 5 yds to 1 mile; 550+ yds to flags; 1/2 yd accuracy from 5 to 125 yds
  • 7X magnification
  • Waterproof
  • JOLT technology locks onto a pin when pin is found
  • Vivid display for all lighting conditions

Leupold Gx-4Ia2 Rangefinder

leupold gx rangefinder

To wrap our list, we have another option from Leupold. This model is nearly as expensive as the Bushnell X7 above, and it has nearly as many features as well. It ranges up to 700 yards, it has technology to help you find the pin with ease, and there is a one-touch scan mode as well. Notably, this model also includes a club selector system which will recommend the right club for each shot. If you want a top of the line rangefinder, and have decided against the Bushnell, the Leupold GX-4iA2 makes for a great choice.

Features:

  • Range: Up to 800 yds. overall
  • 6X magnification
  • Range: 450 yards to pin
  • Distances to 1/10th of a yd.
  • PinHunter technology helps find the pin quickly and lock onto it
  • Waterproof
  • Offers club selection technology based on distances

I put together a guide on the best golf rangefinders. Check it out if you want more info before buying a rangefinder.