How To Find The Best Golf Rangefinder, Reviews & Ratings
Using a rangefinder for golf is almost a necessity for many players. It increases hitting accuracy by giving the player a precise estimate of the distance to their hitting target. Many devices will even go beyond this, going so far as to measure trajectory or recommend the proper clubs to use for each shot.
When choosing a rangefinder it can be difficult to determine the best one out of the various models on the market. The best golf rangefinder will be one that matches the player’s skill level, personal needs, club variety and the types of courses on which he or she will play. As there are so many available, it is best to compare rangefinder reviews before making a final decision.
The investment made into a rangefinder will usually be a significant one, and this site is meant to help players narrow down their choices in order to make a wiser investment. Here players can find models from some of the most popular brands.
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These golf rangefinders have been examined by researching golf forums, buyer reviews and expert opinions. This research has been compiled to provide curious players with all of the information they need without the hassle of spending hours comparing models on their own.
Our Current Top 10 Recommended Golf Rangefinders for 2016
Factors to Consider When Buying a Rangefinder for Golf
There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best rangefinder. Different characteristics may lead to different results depending on the player, the equipment or the course. These factors may include things such as range, optics, build, price and even the model’s brand.
Range
The device’s ability to determine distances is provided in its range. Most units can measure distances close and far. The maximum range needed for most golfers is around 550 yards. When measuring the distance it is helpful if the unit can distinguish the target from other objects.
Optics
The unit’s display will present all of the important information for distance readings. Some rangefinders will feature a background with a color tint or with red data. The glass used in the unit’s lens will also determine how clear the image is for the target as well as the accuracy of the data.
Build
The construction of the rangefinder is as important as other features. An ideal rangefinder with be made durably to resist various forms of damage. It should also include soft materials on its exterior to facilitate gripping. The shape and size of the unit will affect comfort as well depending on how it will be held.
Price
When on a tighter budget the price of the rangefinder will prove to be a significant factor in making a final choice. While it shouldn’t be a primary concern considering how important quality is for this type of device, it will still be important for many. Many powerful rangefinders can be purchased for around $300 or less, but some will cost over $500.
Brand
Some brands have better reputations for creating reliable products. These brands have a customer satisfaction that leads buyers toward recommending the rangefinders more than other models. They may also feature signature technology that sets them apart from competing brands. Popular brands for golf rangefinders include Bushnell, Leupold and Callaway, among others.
Types of Golf Rangefinders
Rangefinders can generally be divided into two categories: those that are allowed for tournament use and those that are not.
Those that are considered legal usually only provide a distance based on line of sight alone. Other rangefinders that compensate for the angle of the shot or recommend which type of clubs to use are not allowed for use in tournaments.
Even though these standard legal rangefinders are only meant to provide a line of sight distance they can also feature other technologies that assist in acquiring a reading.
For tournaments that do allow the devices to be used, there are still many varieties that cannot be used. Those players that won’t use their rangefinder during tournament play can rely on devices with even more features to enhance skill on the golf course.
Those that take into account the trajectory or angle of a shot, recommend clubs or factor in the user’s personal preferences and surroundings are considered legal only outside of tournament use. Both tournament legal and non-tournament golf rangefinders can come with more than enough characteristics to provide the player the information he or she needs.
Tournament Legal Golf Rangefinders
Bushnell Tour V3 Jolt Review
Bushnell Tour V3 Jolt offers the accuracy and consistency needed to range targets at up to 300 yards. The Tour V3 Jolt features a 5x magnification and 24 millimeter objective. It can perform from 10 to 1000 yards and can identify targets at up to 300 yards within one yard of accuracy.
Pin Seeker technology allows the target to be acquired easily without capturing distances for other targets nearby or in the background. With its JOLT technology, the unit delivers short bursts of vibration to indicate when the laser has locked on to its target.
SCAN mode allows for scanning across a landscape with a continuously updated LCD distance display between the user and various targets within the scan.
The device is operated with single-hand vertical use. It features an ergonomic rubber exterior making it easy to grip. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Leupold GX-3i Review
The Leupold GX-3i is made to detect distances to flagsticks at up to 450 to 800 yards. The GX-3i features a crisp red OLED display to make reading against dark backgrounds easier. It comes in a sturdy aluminum body with 6x magnification.
To simplify finding distances to flagsticks with reflective surfaces it offers the “Prism Lock” feature. This feature is always enabled for distances over 30 yards and it sounds a beep, shows brackets around its cursor and freezes the display at the determined distance.
Its PinHunter feature makes it easier to determine distances to targets by eliminating information from larger or more reflective targets in the surrounding area, such as trees. This mode is utilized without having to switch between panning and pin-locating. The unit also offers a Fog Mode for improving distance readings in rainy or foggy conditions. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Bushnell Tour V2 Review
The Bushnell Tour V2 rangefinder provides golfers with a flag range of up to 300 yards, a tree range of 600 yards and a range for more reflective surfaces of 1000 yards. Its Pin Seeker mode enables the user to determine flag distances without capturing those of objects in the background.
The Bushnell Tour V2 is a compact lightweight model offering 5x magnification with a 24 millimeter lens. The Tour V2 is powered by a 3-volt battery and its body is covered in a rubber exterior for easier gripping, in addition to coming with a carrying case.
Distance readings are available in both yards and meters and the unit’s SCAN mode allows the user to pan across a landscape while being provided a continuously updated reading of the distances to constant targets that come into view. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Bushnell Hybrid Pin Seeker Review
The Bushnell Hybrid is a unique device offering GPS and rangefinding in one. As a rangefinder it can detect distances from 10 to 1,000 yards within one yard of accuracy. As a GPS device it comes preloaded with over 16,000 courses with no membership fees in North America.
The Bushnell Hybrid offers distances to the front, back and center of the green. The Auto Hole Advance feature automatically determines the distance to the next hole.
Auto Course Recognition is available with its multitude of available courses to determine whatever course the user is playing at the time. Its Pin Seeker technology is used by over 90 percent of professional golfers, offering an accuracy within one yard.
The hybrid rangefinder and GPS device provides 5x magnification and comes with a carrying case, USB charger and comes with a one-year limited warranty. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Callaway Golf Diablo Octane Review
The Callaway Diablo Octane is capable of determining distances in succession for as long as 8 seconds with the press of a button. Its Nikon optics provide crisp images while it features a waterproof and fog-proof design. It provides a 6x monocular distance determination up to 550 yards.
The First Target Priority feature determines the distance to a pin or bunker even when trees are located closely in the background. It is most useful for determining distances to pins on the green with wooded areas behind.
The Diablo Octane features a rubber eyecup for users with glasses, multi-coated optics and long eye relief. The device is filled with nitrogen and sealed with O rings and the reticule allows the user to keep track of ranging while in progress.
It features an easy-to-read LCD display that allows for simple focusing with the twist of the eyepiece’s diopter. The slim-stratic sleeve is stabilized with an independent bag clip. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Non-Tournament Golf Rangefinders
Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Review
The Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Edition is a single-hand vertical rangefinder for non-professional play. It offers 5x magnification with a 24 millimeter objective. It comes in a compact and ergonomic design making it easy to grip and features a carrying case.
The rangefinder can determine distances from 10 to 1,000 yards and 300 yards to a flag with an accuracy within one yard. Its slope compensation calculates and adjusts yardage depending on the degree of the slope when swinging.
Its Pin Seeker technology allows the target to be acquired without picking up targets in the background. The JOLT function produces a vibration once locked on to a target.
SCAN mode allows the user to pan across a landscape with the LCD display being continuously updated as new targets are located. The rainproof construction is one of the world’s most compact and also features a 3-volt battery. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Bushnell Tour V2 Slope Review
The Bushnell Tour V2 Slope Edition presents a powerful device in a compact size. It offers a range of 5 to 1,000 yards within one yard of accuracy. With 5x magnification, it ranges within 300 yards to a flag, 700 yards to trees and 1,000 to the most reflective surfaces.
Its Pin Seeker technology meticulously isolates targets in order to improve accuracy by avoiding false readings. SCAN mode allows users to scan landscapes and continuously pick up targets as they come into view.
Slope mode measures the angle toward a hole to within one degree. It takes into consideration the trajectory of the ball and the type of club used in order to provide an accurate hitting distance.
The Bushnell Tour V2 Slope Edition features an adjustable eyepiece and multi-coated lens. The distance is provided in yards and meters in the unit’s LCD display. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Bushnell Pro 1M Review
The Bushnell Pro 1M has a ranging capability of up to 550 yards to a flag and features a magnification of 7x. The Slope Edition provides slope compensation technology to allow for accurate hitting distances by accounting for incline and trajectory with unparalleled accuracy.
Vivid Display Technology enhances the display for rapidly identifying targets under all lighting conditions. Pin Seeker technology singles out targets to accurately identify them by distinguishing them from their backgrounds. Its PowerBoost feature maximizes battery life with re-engineered circuitry. This change results in 35 percent more acquisitions.
The unit’s body is made from a waterproof construction with a RainGuard HD lens coating. It features a 3-volt battery along with a premium carrying case. The unit comes with a standard warranty of two years. With its numerous features and unmatched accuracy, both models of the Pro 1M make for ultimate rangefinder functioning. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Leupold GX-4i Review
The Leupold GX-4i features Prism Lock technology that utilizes the reflective prisms found on many courses to return highly accurate readings. PinHunter technology allows distances to be better determined by removing information garnered from more reflective objects in the background.
Its Club Selector determines the best club to use to produce a successful shot based on the distance to the target and the One Touch Scan Mode allows the user to pan across a landscape and retrieve distance information for numerous targets along the way.
True Golf Range provides information based on the user’s personal details and Digital Enhanced Accuracy gives faster measurements. The unit’s range is 5 to 800 yards with 450 yards to the pin and 6x magnification.
The compact rangefinder is designed to be easily gripped in a weatherproof body. Lenses are multi-coated for maximum clarity and the display features three aiming reticules. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Leupold GX-2 Review
The Leupold GX-2 utilizes Prism Lock technology to single out reflective prism targets for more accurate distance readings. Its PinHunter feature focuses in on preferred targets by eliminating readings for unwanted nearby objects.
True Golf Range, or TGR, combines the user’s personal data with distance information to tailor the reading while the Club Selector helps the player pick the best club based on the current shot.
Fog Mode cuts through fog or inclement weather to give only accurate readings. Scan Mode provides readings for multiple targets at one time with just one touch.
The weatherproof unit provides a magnification of 6x with a maximum range of 750 yards to reflective targets with 350 to the pin. Distance can be measured in yards or meters on its LCD display. The Leupold GX-2 features 7 selectable reticules along with an inclinometer.
The unit’s optical system is built with reliable multi-coated glass for bright clear imagery with low glare. >>> Click Here for Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon.com
Decision Time
When comparing rangefinders, it is important to remember which ones are legal for tournament use then compare them with one another or vice versa. Depending on the exact features needed by the player, the Bushnell Tour V2 may be the best option for price, while the Bushnell Tour V3 offers the same features with Jolt technology.
If magnification is an important aspect, the Leupold GX-3i offers more than any of the other tournament legal models mentioned. The Bushnell Hybrid offers advance readings that save time.
As far as non-tournament devices, golf laser rangefinder reviews point toward the Bushnell Pro 1M or Leupold GX-4i. The Pro 1M features a 7x magnification, PowerBoost for battery preservation and the slope model offers slope compensation. The Leupold GX-4i features a club selector and personalized True Golf Range data.