Thousands of people in the US and throughout the world engage in golf for relaxation and enjoyment. While it is a beautiful sport that is loved by many, you will often see players get frustrated when they are struggling to post a low score. Many golfers ask themselves Which Golf Rangefinder Should I Buy? This article should help you narrow down which rangefinder will fit you best.
Golf accessory companies want to do their best to keep people engaged in the game and halt meltdowns on the field. One solution that they came up with is a golf rangefinder.
A golf rangefinder is a handy piece of tech that allows you to measure distance and slope, among other things. These devices have grown exponentially in popularity, and almost every professional golfer carries one in their bag. Do you want one too? Then, you would be wondering which golf rangefinder should I buy? Well, the answer isn’t simple as there are many different models available in the market. But, don’t worry as we’ll narrow them down for you to just five.
Here are our top picks for Which Golf Rangefinder Should I Buy:
Our Top Choice is the TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder
TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder
Why is it the BEST?
Our Top Pick For Which Golf Rangefinder Should I Buy
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bushnell Tour V4 Shift Golf Rangefinder | 838 Reviews | $223.00 | |
| Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder with Slope Measurement | 595 Reviews | $199.95 | |
| Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder with Extra Battery | 27 Reviews | $226.95 | |
| Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro | 24 Reviews | $169.99 | |
| TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder | 283 Reviews | $219.99 |
Read on for a more detailed review of the Callaway 200 Laser Rangefinder, as well as our other top picks for the best golf rangefinders.
1. Bushnell Tour V4 Shift Golf Rangefinder
TS Golf Online Rating
Bushnell is a popular name in the world of rangefinders, and this tournament-approved Tour V4 Shift is one of their most impressive models. This rangefinder offers some of the most advanced features, including pin seeker with Jolt technology.
Moreover, you get an impressive range of 1,000 yards with 5x magnification and a fast focus system that will let you see your shot clearly. The Bushnell Tour V4 Shift also comes with Slope-Switch technology that would make it easier for you to take the shot on hilly courses. A premium carry case is included in the package to ensure that your rangefinder stays protected.
It is worth noting that the Bushnell Tour V4 is on the higher end of the price spectrum. So if you have a tight budget, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Pros
Cons
To see reviews and prices on Amazon.com
2. Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder
TS Golf Online Rating
The Callaway 300 Laser Rangefinder comes at an affordable price without scrimping on the quality of construction or components. This model is suitable for players of all levels, including professionals. With the Callaway 300 Laser Rangefinder, you can scan multiple targets and identify them.
The Pin Acquisition Technology of this rangefinder quickly locks on to the target from up to 275 yards away. Moreover, distances can be measured up to 800 yards, and the LCD screen of the rangefinder is very easy to read, even in extreme weather conditions like fog.
There is also 6x magnification for increased clarity. The Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder is compact in size, which makes it easy to carry it around the course.
Pros
Cons
To see reviews and prices on Amazon.com
3. Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder
With Extra Battery
TS Golf Online Rating
If you are a novice golfer and need a compact rangefinder, consider going for the Nikon Coolshot 20. It is an extremely compact device that is completely waterproof and can handle all kinds of obstacles. It is the perfect unit to hone your skills. It features First Target Priority Mode that should help you deal with obstacles. Moreover, there is an 8-Second Continuous Scan Mode for 550 yards of accurate measurement.
The Nikon Coolshot 20 provides measurements in 1-yard increments and can range up to 250 yards to the flag. It is a budget-friendly unit, so it won’t break the bank to get your hands on this model.
The Nikon Coolshot 20 also has an automatic shut-off feature, and it will turn off after 10 seconds of non-use. The time-lapse is short, but it is easy to power up the unit again. Just aim at the target, hit the laser, and the unit will power up.
Pros
Cons
To see reviews and prices on Amazon.com
4. Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro
TS Golf Online Rating
The Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro is a great unit for professionals. It comes with an optional slope calculation that is remarkably accurate if you can get a read on the flag. The model works perfectly on a perfect day with bright sun; however, it struggles in acquiring the target when it is hazy.
When it comes to design, the Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry it in your pocket across the course. You also get a slip-resistant casing that would keep your unit safe.
With a maximum range of 400 yards, the Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro isn’t the furthest finder on the list, but it is great for your local course, thanks to quick readings, clear optics, and accuracy that isn’t found on many cheap rangefinders.
Pros
Cons
To see reviews and prices on Amazon.com
5. TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder
TS Golf Online Rating
The TecTech ULT-X is another excellent golf rangefinder that should be on your shortlist. This model performs well even in foggy, windy, and rainy conditions, giving you an edge over your competitors. With edge-cutting technology, you get a unit that will measure long distances accurately.
The TecTecTec ULT-X comes with target lock technology that ensures that the unit is able to detect flags up to 450 yards away and hazardous plains that could ruin your score. The unit offers 6x magnification, allowing you to zoom into areas across the landscape to help ensure that you are able to avoid bunkers.
This golf rangefinder comes with modern optical technology, providing reliable measurements with an accuracy of +/- 0.3 yards in short distances and +/- 1 yards in distances ranging a maximum of 1,000 yards. The TecTecTec ULT-X also has a slope function – you can measure the incline and decline to ensure accuracy on uneven terrains. The function can be turned off when it isn’t required. This golf rangefinder also has a precise scanner that vibrates as soon as the target is locked.
Pros
Cons
To see reviews and prices on Amazon.com
A Guide to Buying the Best Golf Rangefinder
When you are looking for a golf rangefinder, there are several important things that you should take into consideration. These include:
Accuracy
The main reason you are using the rangefinder is for extreme accuracy. If the device isn’t accurate, you will struggle to score low on the course. The yardage to the target that you select should also be accurate. If your rangefinder picks up a tree behind the flagstick instead of picking the flag itself, you could significantly over-hit the shot. So you must ensure that the golf rangefinder you are buying is extremely accurate.
Durability
Golf rangefinders are expensive devices, and you can’t afford to replace one every month two. So, the golf rangefinder that you buy should be able to take a beating. An average golfer would use the rangefinder at least 30 times per round. The device would be tossed around, dropped, mishandled, dropped again, and rained on. Therefore, it should be very durable and provide accurate yardages even after being mishandled.
Battery Life
You would feel extremely frustrated when you are on a tough par 3 tee box, and the display of the rangefinder suddenly goes dim. You might have to take some help from your playing partners, but they wouldn’t like lending you their rangefinder for every shot. Therefore, it is important that you chose a golf rangefinder that comes with long battery life. If your device consumes many batteries, it won’t be a good fit for you.
Display
The display means what your eyes see through the lens of the golf rangefinder. The best displays are clear and bright – like looking through binoculars or rifle scopes. There should be any blurring, and the golf rangefinder should offer crystal clear images of the target. When it comes to magnification, the golf rangefinder should offer at least 5x magnification so that you can easily spot the target.
Slope
When you are searching for a golf rangefinder, consider whether you need a slope feature or not. Slope feature cannot be used in tournaments, so if you are buying a golf rangefinder with the slope mode, make sure that the slope can be turned off. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use your device in tournaments. You don’t have to worry about slope too much if you are playing golf casually.
First Target Priority
First target priority means that the golf rangefinder will focus on the initial target intended for calculating the distance. The background objects that affect the readings of the distance can be taken into consideration. Many models available today are equipped with technology that can separate background objects from the object that is in front. Therefore, if you are targeting a flag, and there are trees behind it, the rangefinder would display the closest object, which is the flag. Some models give a sound, vibration, or visual cue when they lock on the closest target.
Size
A rangefinder that is very small can be an issue for users who need to use both hands to keep the device steady. Therefore, you should look for a wider model that would fit two hands easily.
Scan Mode
Scan mode comes with most of the golf rangefinder, and it is when the device scans the target that you are calculating the distance from. It is easier to use a rangefinder with the scan mode; therefore, make sure that the model you get has this feature.
Price
Golf rangefinders are available at different prices. It isn’t wise to compromise quality to save money. However, it isn’t necessary for you to spend a lot of money on a rangefinder that is extremely pricey to get a high-quality model. There are several budget-friendly rangefinders that make an excellent option for beginners. We have included some on our list. Check them out and pick one that suits your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Golf rangefinders are a must-have tool for every golfer. If you want to improve your game and score low, you should invest in a rangefinder. We have provided several options for you, which should make it easy for you to find a model that suits your needs and your wallet.