Best Golf Rangefinders of 2020 for the Most Accurate Readings
Do you know why I’m such an enthusiastic golf blogger? Simply because there’s so much joy in reviewing all the different kinds of golf products that keep coming up every year. Apart from golf clubs and golf balls, there’s a lot of gear that avid golfers like me actually look forward to. For example, the best golf rangefinders.
To describe it in plain language, a rangefinder device is crafted for calculating the distance between you and the pin. Many a golfers have wasted their precious time on the course crisscrossing it just to get to the yardage marker. Well, not anymore!
The rangefinder in the game of golf has become as prevalent, if not popular, as let’s say the best golf stand bags. Merely because the device eliminates the guesswork in terms of which golf club to use.
However, with the advancement of such technology comes a whole sea of options that makes the selection process a bit confusing. That said, how about I make it much less confusing by providing you with just the top 15 rangefinders in golf.
Table of Contents
- Top 15 Golf Rangefinders for 2020
- 1. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
- 2. Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Golf Rangefinder
- 3. Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 4. Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 5. Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 6. Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 7. PEAKPULSE Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 8. WOSPORTS Rechargeable Golf Rangefinder
- 9. Bushnell Tour v3 Slope Laser Rangefinder
- 10. Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
- 11. TecTecTec Laser VPRO500S Laser Golf Rangefinder
- 12. Bozily Golf Rangefinder
- 13. Gogogo Sport Laser Golf/Hunting Rangefinder
- 14. Garmin Approach Z80 Golf Laser Range Finder
- 15. Saybien Golf Rangefinder
- What to Look for When Buying A Golf Rangefinder
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The EndNote
Top 15 Golf Rangefinders for 2020
1. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
If you buy the VPRO500, the crystal clear lens of TecTecTec is surely going to make your purchase seem like a smart decision. The lenses exude sharpness and clarity ideal for measuring greater distances with more accuracy. These multi-coated lenses also feature a high 6x magnification capacity accompanied by a 7-degree viewing field.
Moreover, you can adjust the rangefinder’s rotating eyepiece for enhancing focus. This, no doubt, is extremely useful for farsighted or nearsighted golfers.
Another thing; to be honest, you don’t really have to be an experienced golfer to use this one because even beginners find the TecTecTec device to be extremely accurate in terms of getting distances to hazards and greens since most of their shots are off the fairway.
Key Features
2. Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Golf Rangefinder
What you cannot measure accurately you simply cannot hit reliably. That in mind, the NX7 Pro Slope, without the shadow of a doubt, is precise and fast to give you accurate distances on your downhill and uphill shots.
You’re very likely to hit more greens even in your average rounds of golf using this laser rangefinder equipped with 6x magnification, pulse vibration, and slope measurements. Moreover, the optics are crystal clear and you get a 400 yards range capacity.
It’s a water-resistant model you can set for yards or meters. And here’s the best part - you get a free lifetime battery replacement deal. So the experience is not just precise, quick, and clear, but also cost-effective.
Key Features
3. Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder
Now here’s the best golf rangefinder with slope that’s packed with Bushnell’s revolutionized Pro XE features. The slope technology consists of barometric pressure and temperature elements for bringing into the picture the most accurate compensated distance ever. Speaking of which, this is one of the most consistent, most precise, and longest rangefinders.
Now let’s talk about the special feature JOLT. The pin-seeker is equipped with Visual JOLT. This advanced technology consists of the flashing of a red ring with the vibrations of JOLT for a greater, thus more confidence-boosting feedback.
Furthermore, it’s is a fully waterproof rangefinder with solid, durable metal housing. So even natural weather conditions don’t hinder the accuracy of this thing.
Key Features
4. Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder
If you ask me, this is a great mid-level rangefinder between low-priced no-name brands and expensive Bushnell. After all, it comes from Callaway that manufactures some of the most advanced golf balls and clubs that are available today.
About the Callaway 300 Pro, it’s intuitive and easy to use. I’m certain you’ll appreciate its slope feature as it eliminates the guesswork when it comes to slope affecting your distance. That means the possibility of overshooting is out of the picture.
What’s unique here is the Pin Acquisition technology. It allows you to lock onto that pin from a distance of 300 yards. All the while, ensuring accuracy even if trees are a part of the background.
And lastly, there’s the Birdie feature that chirps audibly once your distance acquired to the flagstick is confirmed. Although many golfers find this birdie sound annoying. In that case, you can also turn it off. There’s room for everything here!
Key Features
5. Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Just like Bushnell Pro XE, the Pro X2 model also features a pin-seeker with JOLT, Slope technology with Slope-Switch, and a waterproof metal housing. This is a sturdy, slightly heavier rangefinder that offers 6x magnification lenses. And there’s no denying that JOLT technology works the best when it comes to locking in your actual distances.
What sets this one apart is the Dual Display technology. It allows you to toggle between the sharp black display and the bright red vivid display. It all depends on the natural light settings or your personal perfectness.
No doubt, it’s a super-accurate, easy-to-read, lighting fast rangefinder, much like every unit manufactured by Bushnell.
Key Features
6. Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
Tour V4 by Bushnell offers 5x magnification with a maximum range capacity of 1,000 yards. This one’s also designed with pin-seeker and JOLT. So there’s no doubt you get a tactile confirmation once the rangefinder locks onto the flagstick.
What’s also unbelievable is how a standard device like this can give you such highly accurate readings. Its size, performance, and engineering are perfect for golfers of all skill levels.
Key Features
7. PEAKPULSE Golf Laser Rangefinder
If you ask me, this is by far the best golf rangefinder for the money. Even though such an affordable choice, the PEAKPULSE laser rangefinder is built with industry-leading Slope technology. That means you can adjust the distance based on the incline or decline of the hole. This also allows you to carry all the right golf clubs for your shot.
And with Slope-Switch, on top of that, feel free to switch off the Slope function for professional tournament play.
Pulse vibrations upon flagstick acquisition, fast and easy focus system, automatic shut-off to save battery life, 6x magnification, crystal clear optics, and max. range capacity of 500 yards. Good value for the money, don’t you agree?
Key Features
8. WOSPORTS Rechargeable Golf Rangefinder
Do you know that you can charge this rangefinder with the help of a USB cable from just about any charging port, even electronics? And that means no expensive battery replacements are needed. So budget-friendly golfers can breathe a sigh of relief in this case.
Moving on, the measured object reflectivity varies. It’s high for street signs, moderate for building walls, and low for flagpoles and trees. And once your flagstick distance gets locked, the device vibrates automatically.
Accuracy and distance, with and even without slope, are perfect with the golf clubs you normally use. The extremely helpful scan function combines flawlessly with non-steady hands. And the machine picks up those pin locations very easily. Now you know why it’s a part of this list?
Key Features
9. Bushnell Tour v3 Slope Laser Rangefinder
Here is Bushnell’s compact laser rangefinder for single-hand vertical operation. With 5x magnification and a range capacity of 5-1,000 yards, this device is an extremely useful golfing tool.
Needless to say, it features a pin-seeker with JOLT vibration. Also a part of the experience is the slope compensation function, which adjusts and calculates yardage based on the slop degree.
By far, this is the most compact and ergonomic Bushnell rangefinder ideal for accuracy and simple usability.
Key Features
10. Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
Unquestionably, this is the best rangefinder in golf you can ever lay your hands on. It’s such a feature-packed device that you can admit with complete confidence you’ve struck the right target.
The stabilization technology steadies the viewfinder and outbound laser to deliver both control and accuracy. Then the Slope On and Slope Off function keeps you from getting disqualified from tournament play.
Next is the crystal clear, background contrasted OLED display. It’s got manual and automatic brightness levels.
Moreover, with quick multi-target mapping and advanced pin identification, you can gain continuous measurements for multiple targets, including trees, hazards, and flagstick.
And finally, this rangefinder by Nikon is built to endure the most unfavorable weather conditions. All this is backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty; the cherry on top!
Key Features
11. TecTecTec Laser VPRO500S Laser Golf Rangefinder
This one’s just like TecTecTec’s predecessor, the VPRO500 that I’ve reviewed earlier. Both feature the advanced pin-sensor technology, water-resistant and durable body, Slope function, and high-quality, multi-layer coated 6x-magnification lens.
Just like you can rely on Bushnell, you can place your trust in TecTecTec to give you a solid rangefinder at a great price.
Key Features
12. Bozily Golf Rangefinder
It’s a compact, lightweight, and portable rangefinder with more than one application method. Mode 1 is for tournament play with continuous scan mode. Mode 2 features Slope technology, JOLT vibrations, flag-lock, and angle measurements. Then there’s pin-seeker, along with a quick focus system and easy reading of your distances.
The laser rangefinder is outfitted with diopter adjustment functionality. This is put in place for nothing but to give you a clear view. It doesn’t matter if you’re near-sighted or far-sighted, the Bozily creation here allows you to view measured objects clearly. And find their distances the most effortlessly with the help of its quick-measuring technology.
Key Features
13. Gogogo Sport Laser Golf/Hunting Rangefinder
Yes, this is a golf AND hunting rangefinder. The device comes with 3 different modes. The first one is the normal scan mode for range measurements of objects within 900 yards. The second mode is the Golf Mode with flag-lock, pin-seeker, JOLT vibrations, and Slope function. Then mode #3 is ideal for hunting because of its maximum measuring speed range of 20-300km/h.
But you and I are more concerned with the Golf Mode, aren’t we? Speaking of which, it features the most advanced technology for telling you the exact distance. This particular mode’s extremely useful Slope Distance Correction function paves the way for you to swing in the correct direction.
It’s certainly better in comparison to other such no-name brands out there.
Key Features
14. Garmin Approach Z80 Golf Laser Range Finder
How can any rangefinder article not include a Garmin creation! That said, here’s the best one for golf the Garmin Approach Z80 Golf Laser Range Finder. It feels solid yet lightweight and looks very sharp indeed. The screen options are quite clear and the device is easy to use.
Just so you know, it’s a GPS and laser rangefinder that gives you the most accurate readings. The view of the holes is just spot-on and the pin-pointer incredibly accurate.
So even if you’re pinning a flagstick that has a tree placed 15 to 20 yards behind it, you come to know if the machine is giving you the tree yardage when you see a short yellow arc further in comparison to the green.
Battery life is praiseworthy as well. You’re highly likely to not exhaust even 50-percent of the battery after playing two whole rounds. So it’s time for you to hit the BUY NOW button!
Key Features
15. Saybien Golf Rangefinder
Let me tell you that you can, if you want to, choose a brand like Saybien over more popular ones such as TecTecTec, Bushnell, Garmin, etc. This rangefinder’s big selling point is its amazing battery life. You can go on for around 50 whole rounds of golf or maybe an entire golf season without having to buy expensive batteries all the time.
In comparison to any high-end rangefinder out there, this affordable option delivers the same distance with the same accuracy and ease. And that certainly says a lot, doesn’t it?
Key Features
What to Look for When Buying A Golf Rangefinder
The best part of rangefinders is that these devices are not just limited to advanced, experienced, or professional golfers. You can be an amateur or beginner and still benefit a great deal from using a rangefinder. But knowing which one to buy does indeed matter.
Is tournament or competitive play a part of your golfing experience? Are you a golfer who plays at the same country club all the time? How likely are you to travel around the world to play on different golf courses?
Such factors and more can certainly bring you closer to a rangefinding device the most suitable for your style of play in golf.
Accuracy
It’s the most important factor, no doubt. When it comes to rangefinder accuracy, it has to be nothing short of spot-on. Otherwise, you would buy a GPS yardage finder instead, right? The latter, needless to say, also offers a map that includes yardages toward the back and front of the green.
So you go for a rangefinder only for its pinpoint accuracy, literally. Because the distance difference between 60 yards and 55 yards chips can be a difficult 15 feet downhill putt or an easy knock-in birdie.
With the device, you also want the yardage to your selected target to be accurate. To be honest, there’s no shortage of rangefinders that end up picking up trees accidentally behind that flagstick. And this makes way for over-clubbing. That said, the yardage should be both specific and accurate to the intended target.
Display and Optics
What do your eyes view when looking through the lens? Are the optics crystal clear? No doubt, this factor is also an important one. Blurry optics don’t give you a crystal clear picture. And that makes it difficult for picking out your proper target.
So make it a point to choose, at the most, 5x magnification. Along with an easy-to-focus adjustment mechanism, which stays put once adjusted.
Now, what about the display? Only a highly efficient reticle delivers proper aiming and clear, visible readouts of the yardages. The reticles should stand out against all backgrounds. I mean what’s the point when the reticle isn’t clearly visible when golfing during dusk or when the sun is at its brightest.
Durability
Even if you’re an average golfer, you’re most likely to use this device around 30 to 40 times just in a single round of golf, and even more in the case of a tough golf course with plenty of hazards.
Then comes the part where it’s only common to toss it around, leave it on your golf cart, drop it accidentally, subject it to rough use, and let’s not forget about rainy weather too. All that said, wouldn’t it be better if you purchase a rangefinder built to endure this kind of a thrashing while also churning out on-point yardages the most flawlessly?
So what about this golf accessory determines durability? Shockproof design with a good amount of weather-resistance or waterproofing.
Battery Life
No golfer wants to see the display of the rangefinder suddenly becoming dim in the middle or even toward the end of their round of golf. So what do you do at such times? Pace off yardages for the remaining part of the game. Or you might be lucky enough to ask your fellow golfer to shoot those yardages for you, which is not such a pleasant request to make all the time.
The simplest of rangefinding devices in golf yield a battery life of around 30 to 40 rounds at the least. If your rangefinder batteries have to be replaced more frequently, then it’s just eating up those batteries. Meaning it’s no good.
Range
How much distance can the equipment measure? Whatever the answer, it’s the range of that particular rangefinder. High-end models offer a 1,000-yard range. As for the more affordable units, these give you up to 400-500 yards range.
Now, how much range do you require is the question here. Do you hit long drives? In that case, even the 400-yard range is more than enough for you.
Magnification
Already discussed in the Display and Optics sub-section, 5x magnification is a priority. It’s necessary that you get a clearer, more visible view of that green that lies far away from you. A higher magnification (5x or 6x) also helps in locking on targets.
Slope Adjustment
Both high-end and mid-level rangefinders perform slope adjustment estimates. However, these calculations are not allowed in professional tournaments. And that means golfers are compelled to turn off the incredibly handy yet outlawed slope adjustment mode if they wish to use a rangefinder during play.
Value
How do you know you’re buying a good quality product when on a budget? Or it could be the other way around too. Meaning how can you tell if the huge sum of money you’re willing to spend on that expensive rangefinder is going to be worth it or not?
Whatever you spend, always keep in mind that it’s frustrating to end up with a device that simply refuses to function properly throughout your round of golf.
In terms of value rating, what matters the most is the initial cost of the rangefinder along with the cost of the replacement batteries. And then how exceptional is the performance of the gear relative to that price.
Waterproof
Needless to say, this particular factor extends the shelf life of your fancy golf accessory. Especially when the weather conditions are rainy!
I think it’s always a better idea to have this option at your disposal, irrespective of whether it rains or not. Because when the rangefinder is waterproof, you’re making sure to keep it protected from external elements that may or may not cause some serious damage.
Pinfinder
It’s the target locking device that lets you lock on to your desired target or flag, so you achieve the correct reading of the distance until that point. And not the reading to the objects behind your target.
Image Stabilization
This feature is often a part of high-end models. And what it does is deliver a stable, clear view even on magnification. It pairs with the laser stabilization for improving accuracy.
Number of Loaded Golf Courses
GPS rangefinders have an entire database of courses installed into them. But do you know how many golf courses there are across the globe? Around 40,000. So even if your GPS rangefinder comes with 35,000 of those, know that the device includes the most complicated or obscure fairways.
Slope Measurement
When does the slope measuring feature of a rangefinder come in handy? Only when your golfing experience includes rolling hills and dales. But if most of the game is carried out on a flat course, you don’t really require slope measuring capability.
Also, rangefinders with slope measurements are more expensive. And that’s ironic because this feature is not allowed in tournament play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Choose A Laser or GPS Rangefinder?
It depends on your personal preferences. But do take into account that the laser device offers incredibly precise and quick measurements, irrespective of your intended target. As for the GPS model, it also gives you a few additional benefits, like the overhead view of the hole. And you know what this means; a higher success rate even in the case of deceptive or blind shots.
But don’t forget that GPS rangefinders are not as reliable as their laser counterparts. If they can be off by almost 5 yards on clear days, then expect much worse on cloudy days. On top of that, there are enough GPS units that drain the battery life, which is nothing but horrible news if your round of golf is comparatively slower that day.
Should I Buy A Rangefinder with Slope Calculation?
Firstly, slope calculations are not allowed in both tournament and recreational golf. Secondly, if the greater part of your game of golf is played on a flat surface instead of declines and inclines, then you don’t even need to use the slope calculation feature.
And lastly, rangefinders equipped with this particular technology are more expensive. But, no doubt, it comes in handy when practicing for tournament play. All you have to do is shoot the slope yardage and then mark that down in the yardage book to gain the upper hand when competing.
Are Rangefinders In Golf Worth the Investment?
These are expensive golf accessories, no doubt about that. So are they really worth the money? To be honest, not for every golfer.
If the rangefinder is a bit expensive, then please note that the higher price may be an outcome of a feature or set of features you might not even use. In that case, you’d be better off with a basic, hence more affordable model without all the bells and whistles.
Are Rangefinders Allowed As Per the Rules of Golf?
In most scenarios, yes. But not when you’re playing professionally in a tournament or for the US Open qualifications. However, some tournaments do allow them, so why not check the rules just to be sure.
That in place, non-PGA tournaments actually allow the use of rangefinders. And this includes the National Amateur Championships by the USGA.
How to Use Rangefinder On A Driving Range?
It goes without saying that rangefinders are the most useful for telling you the distance between you and the flagstick. But that doesn’t mean this device has no other purpose. Many golfers employ it to keep the golf ball from driving through the fairway. Or to ensure that they have sufficient golf clubs.
On that driving range though, rangefinders hand out the benefit of dialing in the distances. So you can gain the upper hand when it comes to your 1/2 and 3/4 wedge shots.
Using the sand wedge, hit some 1/2 wedge shots. Then note down the distance. Once you achieve a consistent spot upon landing, bring out the rangefinder for shooting the target close to that spot. This way you come to know the accurate distance of your 1/2 sand wedge shots.
And don’t think twice even before using your rangefinder for getting to know exactly how far your drives can travel. You do this by shooting the target down that range. And then try to fly the driver past the target. This is the most useful to dominate doglegs. It also comes in handy when struggling with a hazard.
The EndNote
Rangefinders in golf are slowly and steadily becoming a part of the game. And that’s because every player can use the device to his/her advantage. The thing about accurate distance calculations is that they pave the way for proper club selection. In fact, these accurate measurements for distance can also lower your golf handicap.
No wonder there are so many different types of rangefinders with a multitude of both basic and advanced features. So it’s up to you to decide if you think you can benefit from the basic, more affordable models or if your game would ultimately improve with a more expensive and feature-packed unit.
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