One way to ensure you play the best round of golf possible is to invest in a good rangefinder. Not sure how to find the best golf rangefinder? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
From wearable watches to handheld devices for beginners to pros, we’ve sifted through hundreds of products to bring you the best rated rangefinders on the market today.
If you don’t have time for the details, check out the list below for the best rated golf rangefinders:
- Precision Pro NX7 Golf Rangefinder
- TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
- Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Garmin Approach Z80 Rangefinder
- Leupold Gx 2i3 Golf Rangefinder
- Gogogo Sport Laser Rangefinder
- PeakPulse 6 Pro Rangefinder with Slope
- Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
- SereneLife Advanced Golf Laser Rangefinder
Table of Contents
- What is a Rangefinder?
- Laser Versus GPS Rangefinders
- Things to Consider When Choosing Golf Rangefinders
- Best Golf Rangefinder on the Market Reviews
- 1 Precision Pro NX7 Golf Rangefinder
- 2 TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
- 3 Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 4 Garmin Approach Z80 Rangefinder
- 5 Leupold Gx 2i3 Golf Rangefinder
- 6 Gogogo Sport Laser Rangefinder
- 7 PeakPulse 6 Pro Rangefinder with Slope
- 8 Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 9 Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
- 10 SereneLife Advanced Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Summing It Up
What is a Rangefinder?
A rangefinder is a device that measures the distance from your ball to your target. They take the guesswork out of golfing. When you know the exact distance to the hole, you can easily choose the proper club for the perfect shot.
Rangefinders measure distance using either GPS or laser technology.
Laser Versus GPS Rangefinders
A laser rangefinder emits a laser that bounces off a distant object (like the flag or pin). Once the laser bounces off the object, it travels back to a sensor on the front of the device. The rangefinder measures the time it takes for the beam to return to the sensor, and uses that information to calculate the distance to the object. The device then displays that distance on an easy-to-read screen.
GPS rangefinders use satellite data to calculate the distance between your location and certain fixed targets (like the front of the green or nearby hazards).
Things to Consider When Choosing Golf Rangefinders
Whether you’re looking for your first rangefinder or you’re a rangefinding pro, here are some key features to consider.
Accuracy
Rangefinding technology has come a long way in the past several decades. Most modern rangefinders are far more accurate than the average golfer. However, for the best accuracy, look for a rangefinder that measures to within plus/minus one yard or better.
Range
Range refers to the maximum distance the device can measure. A modern rangefinder can probably range further than you can drive a golf ball. However, some devices can measure further distances than others. Even if you’re a long drive champion, a device with a modest range of 400 yards should be sufficient.
Magnification
A rangefinder that offers some magnification will help you get a clear picture of the green, even from far away. Magnification will also help you lock on targets. After all, it’s hard to range what you can’t see.
Durability
If you’re rough on your equipment, you should look for a shockproof rangefinder that can handle some abuse. You may also want to look for a waterproof or water-resistant device, especially if you play in less than stellar weather conditions.
If your rangefinder will live most of its life in your golf bag, durability and weather resistance may not be as much of an issue.
Best Golf Rangefinder on the Market Reviews
With literally hundreds of different models on the market, sorting through them to find the perfect golf rangefinder can feel like an impossible task. Not sure where to start? Here is a list of our favorites.
1 Precision Pro NX7 Golf Rangefinder
This tournament legal rangefinder from Precision Pro weighs only 8.8 ounces and is small enough to slip right in the pocket of your golf pants. It is water and fog resistant and provides measurements accurate to within one yard.
The NX7 utilizes advanced target acquisition technology that locks onto the flag, not what’s behind it. It then gives a short burst of vibration to let you know when it’s ranged your desired target. This lets you range accurately, so you can make all your shots with confidence.
With fast measurements up to 400 yards, 6x magnification, and a clear, easy-to-read display, this is one of the most user-friendly devices on our list. It comes with a hard case, a lifetime supply of batteries, and a two-year warranty. The company even offers a trade-in allowance should you choose to upgrade in the future.
2 TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
With three different scanning modes, this golf rangefinder from TecTecTec is perfect for nearly any situation. It uses advanced Pin Sensor technology so you can quickly and accurately measure overlapping targets. This compact rangefinder measures distance out to 500 yards and has an accuracy of +/- one yard.
It has a simple clear display that provides quick distance measurements. It also has a battery meter, so you always know when to swap out the device’s CR2 battery (which comes included with purchase).
Made for reliable performance even in adverse weather conditions, the VPRO500 is durable, water and dust resistant, and comes with a premium carry pouch. TecTecTec also offers a two-year “Happy Guarantee” and lifetime customer support.
3 Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell specializes in quality outdoor products, and their golf rangefinders are some of the most reliable on the market. The Tour V4 Jolt is a great example of the company’s attention to detail and performance.
Legal for tournament play, the Tour V4 Jolt ranges distances from five to 1,000 yards with plus/minus one yard accuracy. One of the smallest devices on our list, the Bushnell Tour V4 Jolt measures a scant 3.1 x 4 x 1.6 inches and weighs only 12 ounces.
One of the best features of this compact, lightweight rangefinder is the special “Jolt” technology. This feature delivers short vibrating bursts (or jolts) to let you know when the device is locked on target.
4 Garmin Approach Z80 Rangefinder
This top-of-the-line golf rangefinder from Garmin is wildly accurate. It measures distance to within 10 inches of the flag, and ranges up to 350 yards.
With 6x magnification, you can easily spot hazards at a distance. As a bonus, the Approach Z80 has full-color 2-D CourseView mapping. This awesome feature allows you to overlay more than 41,000 golf courses from around the world right on your viewing screen. It actually draws an arc on the course view map at the distance the laser ranged, so you can see everything in play between you and the hole.
The Approach Z80 also has a unique Green View feature, which automatically displays distance to the front and back of the green.
It also has a PlaysLike Distance feature, which adjusts distances based on uphill or downhill slope. This feature can easily be turned off for tournament play.
The Garmin Approach Z80 Rangefinder comes with a relatively hefty price tag. However, all of these amazing features will help you take your golf game to new heights. If you can afford it, we think it is well worth the investment.
5 Leupold Gx 2i3 Golf Rangefinder
This awesome rangefinder from optics leader, Leupold, is loaded with cool features. Highly accurate, the device uses Prism Lock Technology with highly reflective prisms. It also features Leupold’s high-performance DNA (Digitally eNhanced Accuracy) engine and an advanced laser. Both of these features work together to deliver faster readings with greater accuracy.
The GX 2i3 also features a 1-Touch Scan Mode that targets obstacles like trees, bunkers, and water hazards. It also has PinHunter Laser 3 Technology that picks up the flag faster, so ranging doesn’t interfere with the flow of the game.
One of the most unique features of the GX 2i3 is the Club Selector. This feature actually makes club recommendations based on distance, slope, and weather conditions.
With all of these awesome features, it’s hard for us to believe this rangefinder is priced well under $300. It really is a great value for the money and is almost guaranteed to improve your golf score.
6 Gogogo Sport Laser Rangefinder
One of the most cost-effective rangefinders on our list, the Gogogo Sport works equally well as a rangefinder for hunting and golf. It measures accurate distance and displays it with slope distance correction, allowing you to make the most accurate shots possible.
The device provides 6x magnification and measures range from five yards to a full 650 yards. Accuracy is to within plus/minus one yard. It also has a flagpole locking feature that works on unfurled flags out to 250 yards. The device even vibrates to let you know when the flag is locked, so you can be confident in the range distance every time.
The Gogogo Sport is super easy to use and takes simple AA batteries. It also comes with a handy waterproof pouch to protect your rangefinder when golfing conditions turn wet.
7 PeakPulse 6 Pro Rangefinder with Slope
With laser technology that provides exact distances to flags out to 500 yards, the PeakPulse 6 Pro lets you swing with confidence. The device is accurate to within one yard, and it shoots distances to 1/10 of a yard.
The 6 Pro uses special vibration technology that produces short vibrating bursts, so you know exactly when the laser is locked on the flag. It even filters out background objects, guaranteeing you shoot the flag every single time.
With built-in slope technology, the 6 Pro automatically adjusts distance to the target based on the slope of the terrain. This helps you pick the right club for every shot. However, if you enjoy serious competition, the slope feature can easily be switched off for tournament play.
The PeakPule 6 Pro comes with a convenient carry case, a CR2 battery, lanyard, cleaning cloth, two-year warranty, and lifetime customer support. We have a hard time believing you get all of this for under $200. This is truly the perfect rangefinder for golfers on a budget.
8 Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder
If you’re an elite golfer (or you want to be) looking for an elite rangefinder, look no further than the Bushnell Pro X2. Jam packed with high-end features, the Pro X2 is Bushnell’s top-of-the-line rangefinder.
Built to endure anything a tough golf course can dish out, the Pro X2 features a sturdy, fully waterproof metal housing with comfortable rubber grips.
It has slope technology for compensating distance when you want it. However, this feature easily switches off for tournament play.
The Pro X2 features Bushnell’s patented Jolt technology, so you know the laser hits the pin every time. When you purchase the Pro X2, you also get access to Bushnell’s golf app for even more features, like 3D flyovers, access to over 36,000 golf course layouts, and hole-to-hole layouts with exact distances.
9 Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
Nikon has had huge success in the optics industry, producing everything from high-end camera equipment to premium rifle scopes. It’s no wonder they also have a golf rangefinder that made our list of top picks.
The Nikon Coolshot 20 GII is a compact, lightweight rangefinder with a sleek, modern profile. Not only does it look great, it’s also packed with high-tech features like pin identification and multi-target mapping.
Locking on target for accurate ranging is super easy with the Coolshot 20 GII. The Coolshot 20 GII also has a First Target Priority feature that assures you’re ranging the pin and not something in the background.
The Coolshot 20 GII also works as a 6x monocular that has razor-sharp image quality. It also has extra long eye relief, making it a great option for eyeglass wearers.
10 SereneLife Advanced Golf Laser Rangefinder
Lightweight, durable, and surprisingly priced under $100, the SereneLife Advanced laser rangefinder is ideal for golfers on a budget. Although this one comes with a refreshingly economical price tag, it performs like a much more expensive device.
The SereneLife Advanced accurately measures range from 5.4 yards all the way out to an impressive 540 yards. You can also easily toggle between yards and meters. It has a manual focus eyepiece, a special pin-seeker mode, 6x zoom, and a smart digital interface display. In addition to the rangefinder, you also get a durable, zippered carry case.
Summing It Up
There’s no doubt a quality rangefinder can improve your course strategy and golf scores. The best golf rangefinder can also help train you to better estimate distances, which is a handy skill for times you don’t have a high-tech ranging device. If you’ve never tried golfing with a rangefinder, we can almost guarantee you’re going to love it. You’ll probably even wonder how you ever managed a round of golf without one.
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