There’s nothing worse than a golfer guessing their shot distance. That’s why golfers everywhere rely on rangefinders to accurately measure their distance to the green.
Simply put, you need one of the best golf rangefinders if you want to take your game to the next level.
Some golfers think speed and accuracy don’t matter when choosing a rangefinder, but they’re wrong. Some are faster and some are more accurate.
But what do you need one for in the first place? What’s the difference between classifications? Is one rangefinder better than another?
To answer those questions and more, you’ve come to the right article.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Tour V4 Shift | Best Overall |  |
| TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder | Budget Pick |  |
| Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf RANGEFINDER -New | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Bushnell Tour V4 Shift
Pros:
- Gets readings faster than any other model
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes a remote
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not good for reading distances of over 1030 yards
What do I look for in a golf laser rangefinder? I want one that’s convenient and easy to carry around the course. I want one that’s lightweight and comes with a handy strap. I want one that offers accurate readings. And, I want one that’s pretty inexpensive!
After extensive research, I’ve discovered that the Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder matches all these criteria and more.
Like most of the rangefinders I consider, this unit uses a 9-volt battery. And, for most, that’s the only drawback. With that said, the unit does come with a really cool charging station for convenient charging other than popping in that one battery you need to use.
2. Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder
Pros:
- Pinseeker with Jolt technology
- Slope measurement
- Small and compact
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Battery isn’t rechargeable
- Limited to 300 yards
If you’re a serious golfer, you may want to consider getting a laser rangefinder. This particular product by Callaway measures up to 300 yards and has a Pinseeker with Jolt technology.
This feature is used to alert you when the laser is locked onto the flag, so you don’t have to waste time scanning back and forth to find it. It’s a pretty handy feature to have, and will save you a lot of time.
The Callaway 300 Pro can measure the incline and decline of each green if you’re playing on a slanted terrain. This feature is handy when you’re playing on a course that has a particularly steep slope. This is a feature I’ve never seen on any other rangefinder, and it’s a great addition to have.
3. Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Pros:
- Range of up to 500 yards
- PinSeeker with JOLT technology for improved accuracy
- 8x magnification
- Weatherproof
- Pulse Vibration
- Two year warranty
- Fully submersible up to 10 feet
- Quick-draw design
- Speed to Range technology
- Full-field digital display
Even if you're a golfer, it's possible you've never heard of Bushnell. But the brand has actually been around since 1948. They specialize in electronics, and they've been producing high-quality golf equipment for decades.
The Bushnell Pro X2 is one of their best products, and it's a lot more than just a laser rangefinder. This handy device measures your heart rate, can scan and log up to twelve different targets (so you can compare distances to multiple objects), and comes with a tripod stand, a magnetic multi-slot mount, a carrying case, a wrist strap, and a 3V CR2 battery.
The Bushnell Pro X2 gives you a range of up to 500 yards, which means this is the right product for anyone who wants to use it for hunting as well as golf. Plus, it offers pinseeking accuracy.
4. Garmin Approach Z80
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Multiple uses
Sometimes it’s hard to get the distance when playing a round of golf. However, with the Garmin Approach Z80 rangefinder, you no longer have to worry about finding the range when you’re on the green.
This golf laser range finder gives accurate measurements of up to 400 yards on any kind of golf course, so you can find the distance from the pin even when you’re on the toughest course.
It’s a very functional golf tool, and can be used not only on the green but also during the round to help you find the ideal spot for your shots. The best part is that it’s a very affordable golf rangefinder, so you won’t have to worry about breaking your wallet.
5. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
Pros:
- Large display
- Easy to use
- Fantastic customer service
Con:
The VPro 500 Golf Rangefinder from TecTecTec is my top pick as it features an easy to use interface, solid build quality, and is an affordable rangefinder.
The laser range finder has a large glass where the view is crystal clear at any magnification. You can adjust the view through a simple twist of the eyepiece, and you get a fantastic wide angle so you can even see more of the field right in front of you.
6. Garmin Approach S60
Pros:
- Touchscreen is responsive
- Great hole layout scoring system
- Easy-to-read
- Reasonably priced
- Durable and waterproof
- Doesn’t add too much weight
- Solid clip
- Accurate yardage readings
- Includes lifetime course map updates
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Lights can be a bit blinding in bright sunlight
- Basic features not great for beginners
The Garmin Approach S60 is arguably one of the best golf rangefinders currently available today. This watch is geared towards intermediate to advanced players. The S60 uses TracBack which allows you to use the GPS to return to any point on the course. It has a vibrant and high-resolution touchscreen display and it comes with a built-in odometer for distances between hazards and layups.
The Garmin Approach S60 is one of the most versatile rangefinders available with a GPS capable of providing distances to the front, middle, and back of any green. The S60 can also track the distances of each playing partner and allows you to keep track of their scores. This makes it a fantastic device for social golfers.
7. Leupold 119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder
Pros:
- Made for any weather condition
- Great adaptability for golfers with different skill levels or on any course
- Gives very accurate readings
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Not the highest resolution
The Leupold 119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder is a product designed for all skill levels of golf players. It is a trusted and well-loved golf rangefinder; however, it is quite expensive and does have its drawbacks.
The best quality of this product is its accuracy. Since it comes with its own battery, it doesn’t need to rely on your smartphone and seems to be quite trustworthy. The display on the rangefinder is also easy to read. The only complaint is that it doesn’t have the highest resolution.
This product is sturdy and can withstand any weather, which makes it useful in any condition. It is very adaptable, so you can switch between any golf course. The biggest plus is that it can determine the distance of tree bunkers.
8. Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf RANGEFINDER -New
Pros:
- * Fastest target lock time of 0.2 seconds
This golf rangefinder is a top of the line laser rangefinder with long-range accuracy, great magnification, and features like PinHunter, Brush mode, and Winning FORE to help you play better golf.
I love the new jolt technology that this model has. It's an incredibly effective method of getting your attention by delivering a light vibration when the laser hits its mark. This gives you instant feedback, so you can adjust your shot in a jiffy.
The Tour X Laser comes with an array of features that make it a favorite among golfers. One of my favorite things about this model is the ability to see the exact distance in yards to the pin and flag. This feature is helpful when you're guessing the distance from the tee box.
9. Golf Buddy LR7S Compact & Easy-to-Use Laser Rangefinder Slope Feature On/Off Function
Pros:
- Easy and compact size design for use on the course
- Includes slope feature for easier distance calculations
- Backlit display for easy reading in dimly lit conditions
- Quick distance reading of up to 550 yds
- Averaging range accuracy of +/- 1 yard from a target at 100 yds
Cons:
- No hold feature
- Lightweight design may not be suitable for larger hands
- Battery can drain quickly, so we recommend carrying spares with you during play
- Doesn’t come with case or pouch
/Medium, Large/X-Large, A.
This compact and lightweight rangefinder from Golf Buddy offers a variety of unique features packed into one powerful model.
In a hurry? Want to jump to the conclusion?
10. Precision Pro Golf
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Impressive range for its price
- Vibration function
- Flag lock feature
- Auto shut off
- Different ranges to choose from.
Cons:
- Not as precise as Pro X2
- Many users report the vibration function not working properly
- A tricky setup for some users
The Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Rangefinder is a remarkable device that can measure the distances from 10 yards to 400 yards with an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. Apart from the standard laser range finder functions, this device has a number of additional features. The pulse vibration technology helps you stay alert at the moment of measurement. With five scan modes and a flag lock feature, this device is perfect for any golfer, regardless of their experience level. Of course, the pulse vibration technology and +/- 1 yard accuracy are the best range finders for professional golfers.
Bottom line: The Precision Golf NX7 Rangefinder is highly accurate, lightweight, and compact. Its pulse vibration technology makes the device more convenient for long periods of range finding. You can operate it even with a glove and still enjoy its vibration feature.
11. GolfBuddy LR5 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Pros:
- High accuracy
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Durable
- Ability to save different profiles.
Cons:
- No feature to indicate minimum and maximum distance
- No vibration to let you know when the device locks on to a flag
The GolfBuddy LR5 can accurately measure distances up to 540 yards away, though it should be noted that it’s not immune to extreme conditions and sometimes produces inaccurate results. We’ve found that in most cases, the results are extremely accurate, generally within 1 yard, with the average being more like 10-15 yards at most.
This device uses a straight-line measurement instead of scanning. This means that there’s no fancy fan or pivot motion, which means it doesn’t have the same margin of error as other more expensive laser range finders. Those without experience with rangefinders might be a bit thrown off by the lack of pivot, but it’ll just take you a few holes to get used to it.
12. Precision Pro GolfNEXUS Golf Rangefinder
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Pinseeker with JOLT technology
- 8x magnification
- Scan mode
- Fast focus
- Up to 550 yards of laser range
- 10 yards to flag with 10x magnification
- 360-degree rotating lens with clear displays
Cons:
- For some peoples, the instructions are not clear
- The battery door is a little touchy
Note: This rangefinder was not with me at the time of writing this book, but the one I have now is the one I extol in.
I stand by the Bushnell Pro 1600 ARC scope, which is truly phenomenal in its…well, precision, but if you're looking for something a little less…heavy and bulky, the NEXUS Golf is the way to go.
(Currently, I use and have switched to a Bushnell Pro 1600 ARC, because it has been a game changer, but this is still an acurate and good rangefinder.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best golf rangefinder on the market?
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying the best golf rangefinder for your game. Some factors to think about include distance to target, size of the target, and your experience with the golf course. Perhaps you’ve had it all your life because you grew up playing golf on the same course.
While the best golf rangefinder can give you exact yardage to your target, this isn’t always the most helpful information. You might know the course and other golfers have told you before how far they hit their drives so you can already guess how far you need to hit it.
What is the best cheap golf rangefinder?
Budget is always important, and luckily, it doesn’t cost a lot of money… just as long as you know which one to buy. The Bushnell Yardage Pro is one of the best budget friendly rangefinders on the market today. It’s a little on the big and bulky side, and it’s not as sophisticated as pricier models, but it does the job.
The Bushnell Yardage Pro 400 is pretty close to being bang for your buck. It’s not going to do more than you need it to, and it won’t be your lifelong golf companion. But it’s the best option for those on a budget who don’t plan on playing golf every day.
What rangefinder do pro golfers use?
Professional golfers, like pros in any sport, are always trying to find any edge they can get over their competitors. For golf, that means having access to the best gear. Because they are always looking for anything they can use to make their game better, it makes sense that they would be the first ones to adopt the latest technology in golf. For this reason, almost all of them that we could find were using high tech rangefinders.
Are rangefinders worth it for golf?
The best rangefinder for golf is the one that works best for your game. For some, it will be something they use from time to time. For others, it will be used almost every shot. What will make a golf rangefinder worthwhile is how much it will improve your game. If you don’t believe a rangefinder will do that for you, it’s probably not worth your money.
Some of the best and most helpful rangefinders for golf are those that provide additional information beyond yardages. These rangefinders often pinpoint the center of the green, indicate water hazards, and have many other helpful features. Knowing these sorts of details about the area you’re about to hit into can be very helpful if you want to make the best shot possible.
Conclusion
There are many factors involved in making the choice for the best golf rangefinder. These include things like accuracy, performance, price, ease of use and durability. The best rangefinders are those that meet your needs and provide the best value for your money.
We have looked at such factors as the go-to range of the product, whether or not it has multiple modes and if it's usable in low light conditions. This is important if you want to be able to take precise and accurate measurements whenever you want without sacrificing the time and quality of your game.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Tour V4 Shift | Best Overall | |
| TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder | Budget Pick | |
| Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf RANGEFINDER -New | Upgrade Pick | |