Which Golf Rangefinder Should I Buy?
There are many things to think about when you’re getting your golfing gear ready for the season, such as figuring out whether a golf rangefinder is the right thing for you.
No matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, you should consider using a rangefinder as it can take the guesswork out of your game by giving you information on distances and obstacles in the way of the next hole. But I hear you ask a question, which golf rangefinder should I buy. Well, keep reading on to find out more from my comprehensive reviews of the best rangefinders.
Best Golf Rangefinder Reviews
1. TecTecTec VPRO500
No products found.
When it comes to finding the best rangefinder, you’re going to need to find a design that is lightweight, easy to use, and gives you the clarity that you’ve always wanted with precise measurements. The TecTecTec VPRO500 aims to impress as it offers all of these things, as well as a couple of other great benefits that other high-end golf rangefinders don’t.
Product Highlights
There are plenty of highlights to take into consideration with the TecTecTec VPRO500, including:
Pinsensor Technology
When it comes to getting measurements, you’ll love the integration of the Pinsensor Technology which is designed to give you incredibly fast accuracy and the ability to measure subjects that might be layered on top of one another. You’ll truly be able to experience this elevated type of measuring if you’re golfing in wooded areas or around hazards.
Lens Display
Another great advantage of this particular golf rangefinder is that it offers lens display or through the lens display. This allows you to easily read measurements as well as check the battery meter to help make using it far simpler.
Laser Measuring
There’s nothing more precise than being able to measure between point A and B with the help of a laser. The laser measuring gives you the ability to track things up to 540 yards away from your person.
No products found.
What’s to like about the TecTecTec VPRO500
Automatically shuts off
One of the greatest advantages to the TecTecTec VPRO500 is it has a feature that automatically powers the unit down if you forget to turn it off after taking measurements. This allows you to spend more time golfing and less time dealing with technology.
Simple to operate
If you’re not the type of person who likes to spend a lot of time fooling around with advanced features, the TecTecTec VPRO500 is exactly what you’ve been looking for. All you need to do is select the appropriate measuring mode, point, and shoot.
What’s not to like about the TecTecTec VPRO500
Needs to be held steadily
If there’s one thing that makes using this rangefinder particularly difficult it’s that it needs to be held extremely steady in order to get accurate measurements. For people with jittery hands, it might not be the right rangefinder with you.
Difficult to find pins
As a result of there not being a stabilizer integrated into the design, the TecTecTec VPRO500 makes it quite difficult to find and focus on pins, especially if they are over 150 yards away.
PROS
- check
- check
- check
- check
CONS
No products found.
2. Wosports W600
No products found.
As another strong competitor when it comes to golf rangefinders, the Wosports W600 has a sleek and modern design with relatively few features, which is essential for the everyday golfer who just needs a simple measuring device. With that being said, although it doesn’t boast a lot of features, it does have many things that top-tier rangefinders should have.
Product Highlights
A couple of the most notable features in the Wosports W600 include:
Multiple Measuring Functions
When it comes to measuring specific targets, you certainly won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything as this rangefinder allows you to measure in range, angle, flag-lock, slope correction, and speed modes.
Durable Design
Finally, you have the option to use a rangefinder that you don’t have to be afraid of. Designed with an ergonomic-comfort grip and with an eye-safe monocle, you’ll have the easiest time packing and using your rangefinder.
Accurate Measurements
Above all else, the Wosports W600 is known for its accurate measurements that give you an idea of how far away something is up to the meter and within on degree of any angles.
No products found.
What’s to like about the Wosports W600
Incredibly accurate measurements
When compared to other high-end brands that can cost you upwards of $300, the Wosports W600 outperforms them in terms of accurate measurements. You’ll constantly notice that the Wosports model will offer more reliable measurements than many higher-end brands.
Easy to use
In comparison to other rangefinders, the Wosports model is easy to use as it only has a few buttons on its body. It’s important to read the given instructions to know what the buttons do and how you can use them.
What’s not to like about the Wosports W600
Battery screw issues
The main thing that can be annoying with the Wosports W600 is the screw that helps to keep the battery sleeve in place may start to fall out, which is difficult to work with, especially if you lose the screw on the green.
PROS
- check
- check
CONS
No products found.
3. Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT
No products found.
No matter if you’re a hunter or just an avid sportsman, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Bushnell as they’re one of the leading hunting and game brands in the world. With the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT, you’ll be able to take advantage of a reliable name brand as well as the clarity and accuracy you’ve always wanted from a rangefinder.
Product Highlights
The Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT has plenty of features, but the most impressive are:
Vibrating Pin Seeking
One of the most interesting features that will truly become quite important to use is the vibrating pin seeking that alerts you once the golf rangefinder has locked itself onto the flag.
Fast Focusing
With the integrated Fast Focus System, you won’t have to worry about spending a few minutes working with a manual-focusing reel. Instead, your golf rangefinder will do all of the work for you and give you clear and precise optics before you know it.
Tournament Legal
For the professional golfers or people that are simply signed up for tournaments, you’ll love that the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT has not only been certified by professionals, but it’s also legal to use in relatively any type of tournament.
No products found.
What’s to like about the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT
Reliable and great engineering
When you start using the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT you’ll truly be able to feel the quality of its construction, which is something that is pretty difficult to imitate. You’ll have the true feeling of a high-end rangefinder that is designed to last throughout the years.
Built-in stabilizer
Unlike other rangefinders on the market, it feels as if this Bushnell model has a built-in stabilizer that makes it much easier to focus on particular pins and to even measure things at an incredible distance. This is quite important for people with shaky hands who have had issues with previous golf rangefinders.
Small and compact
For golfers who aren’t particularly interested in spending a lot of time managing a hefty and bulky rangefinder, this is the perfect design for your needs. It’s meant to be small and compact, easy to fit in a bag or stash in your golf cart while you’re playing.
What’s not to like about the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT
Limited body protection
The largest disadvantage of the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT is that it doesn’t give you the ability to protect your investment. First, the design of the unit is neither water- nor dust-proof and second, it does not come with a protective sleeve to prevent any extra damage.
PROS
- check
- check
- check
- check
CONS
No products found.
4. Nikon Coolshot 20
No products found.
Nikon always finds a way into every type of visual market, especially when it comes to golfing rangefinders. As a highly reputable brand, you’ll be able to get the most out of your golf game with the help of the Nikon Coolshot 20. It’s relatively basic in design but what it brings to the table makes up for its lack of illustrious features.
Product Highlights
Several favorite features of the Nikon Coolshot 20 include:
Target Priority
With the help of the Target Priority technology, if you’re measuring multiple items that are seemingly layered on top of each other, your rangefinder will prioritize the closest object, giving you accurate measurements.
Multiple Target Measuring
With the help of the integrated continuous scanning mode, you’ll have eight seconds of continuous measurements so you can get an idea of how far away multiple targets are.
No products found.
What’s to like about the Nikon Coolshot 20
Lightweight and compact design
If you’ve ever had the ability to use a Nikon rangefinder before, you’re aware of how large they can typically be. Fortunately, with the design of the Nikon Coolshot 20, the manufacturers were able to create something that is far more lightweight and easy to store while you’re on the green.
Easy for everyone to use
No matter if you’ve never owned a rangefinder before or if you’re a professional golfer, the Nikon Coolshot 20 is comfortable to use on a daily basis. All you have to do is look through the viewfinder, press the button once your pin has been targeted, and read the measurements.
A carrying case is included
Some people might think that additional accessories aren’t necessary, but with golfing rangefinders, you’re going to need some type of protection to keep your investment safe. Luckily, the Nikon Coolshot 20 comes with a carrying case.
What’s not to like about the Nikon Coolshot 20
Difficult to stabilize
It’s important to remember that the more lightweight a device is, the more difficult it will be to keep steady. In this case, you may have to use two hands in an effort to measure targets at a distance, as the Nikon Coolshot 20 doesn’t seem to have an integrated stabilizer.
Difficult to pick up pins
Another issue that you may have with this rangefinder is its difficulty with differentiating your pin from other background items, such as trees. This can lead to inaccurate findings or needing to measure the same target several times.
PROS
- check
- check
- check
- check
CONS
No products found.
5. Suaoki PF3
No products found.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to use a golfing rangefinder, this is perhaps the best model for you as it will help you to get an idea of how to use one without having to spend a lot of money. The Suaoki PF3 performs relatively well and can be the ideal model for people who are learning how to golf with the assistance of a rangefinder.
Product Highlights
A few of the most noticeable features of the Suaoki PF3 include:
Wrapped Body Armor
Unlike other rangefinders on the market, this particular model offers body armor that helps to protect the inner components from falls and scrapes.
Multiple Functions
If you’re looking for a rangefinder that offers plenty of options, this is the right one as it not only offers a pin-seeking mode, but also a golf slope mode, and speed, angle, and height measurements as well.
High-quality Optics
One of the greatest highlights you’ll appreciate is the fact that the Suaoki PF3 is designed to be easy to use no matter if you wear glasses or not. You can adjust the diopter of the rangefinder to accommodate both long and shortsighted users.
No products found.
What’s to like about the Suaoki PF3
Automatic battery shut off
Similar to other higher end brands, the Suaoki PF3 automatically shuts off on its own once you’ve completed your measurements. This is a phenomenal way to not only help you save time but also save battery life.
Clear scope
Another great advantage is the fact that the scope is quite clear, which is very important for dealing with targets at a further distance.
What’s not to like about the Suaoki PF3
Regularly inconsistent readings
As one of the largest issues with the Suaoki PF3, its design offers inconsistent readings, which can take up a lot of your time and effort.
May throw an “E2” error code
Another frustrating disadvantage to the Suaoki PF3 is that it may throw an error code when you attempt to use it for the first time. Unfortunately, the instructions don’t explain what the code means and as a result, you may have to return the rangefinder.
PROS
- check
- check
- check
CONS
No products found.
BUYER’S GUIDE
If you intend on trying to find a golf rangefinder, you’re going to need to know exactly what to look for. This is particularly true if you’ve never owned one before, as you’ll essentially be looking at hundreds of models with different features that you might not understand. There are six main things to take into consideration when it comes to choosing the perfect golf rangefinder.
Maximum Distance Range
The maximum distance range is by far the most important thing to take under advisement, as it will determine how useful the rangefinder will be if you’re trying to get measurements of targets at a distance. Ideally, the maximum distance range should be at 600 yards, as anything further than that will be relatively impossible to focus on, and will need an extremely steady hand to hold the rangefinder while measuring distance.
Weight
Weight is also an important feature because it will determine how easy it is to use the rangefinder that you’ve purchased. The last thing you’re going to want to deal with is a heavy piece of equipment that you have to carry around the greens. Instead, lightweight models are ideal, but it is important to find a design that is not too lightweight, otherwise, you’ll find that it will be difficult to stabilize.
Size
Similar to weight, the size of your rangefinder should be something that is comfortable for your personal hand size. You’re not going to want to find a hefty model if you have smaller hands and a compact design is not recommended for large hands. It’s also important to remember that the size of the device will impact its weight.
Ease of Use
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to spend a couple of hours trying to figure out how to use something as simple as a rangefinder, especially as the device is supposed to do all of the hard work for you. Instead, you’re going to want to take the time to find a design that has limited features that you need to worry about but that still performs at its best with ease.
Price
The prices of rangefinders can vary, but it’s important to remember that similar to other types of technology, what you pay for is certainly what you’re going to get. The less expensive the rangefinder is, the more difficult it will be to measure targets at a distance or even hold still. However, the more expensive models will have optimal clarity, easy user functions, and a high quality build that you can rely on.
Warranty
When it comes to items that have a lot of technological components, the last thing you’ll want to do is invest your money in something that might break in the future without any coverage. Warranties are particularly important as they help to make sure that in the event of any damage or manufacturer’s errors, you can get a replacement or repair for free. Ideally, you’re going to want to search for something that has a warranty of over one year, as this will give you much greater coverage.
F.A.Q.
How does a rangefinder work?
The vast majority of units are designed in a “point and shoot” fashion, meaning the device does all of the technical measuring for you within seconds. Once the objective lens is aimed at a target, the rangefinder will calculate the distance between you and your destination, taking any obstacles into account.
What is a rangefinder?
Rangefinders are incredibly useful for a variety of purposes; though they are most commonly used for golf they can also be used for hunting and target practice. As a small device that fits comfortably in your hand, you can point the objective lens at a prospective target and measure the distance between your position and the target.
How to use a rangefinder?
Rangefinders are particularly simple devices that relatively anyone can use. Depending on the model you choose, all you have to do is turn the unit on, select the measurement mode, aim the rangefinder at your target, and read the measurements.
Can you use a hunting rangefinder for golf?
Similar to how you would use a golf rangefinder for hunting, you can use a hunting rangefinder for golf as well. Both units are most often designed with a single laser measuring system that allows you to choose from a variety of different measurement options to fit your activity.
Are rangefinders legal in golf?
According to the USGA, United States Golf Association, any device that is used to gauge the distance or conditions on the green may not be used. However, tournament sponsors or governing boards can determine whether rangefinders are legal or not, meaning you must be participating in a tournament allows rangefinders. At this point, you may only use the optical device to measure distance and not anything else such as wind speed or slope.
FINAL VERDICT
Now that you are fully aware of the purpose of rangefinders and five spectacular models to set your sights on, it’s time to consider the best rangefinder for golf. By far, the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT is the most pristine model on the list that will give you the easiest golfing experience imaginable for three main reasons.First and foremost, the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT is incredibly stable, even if you are holding it with a single hand. Unfortunately, many rangefinders make it difficult to focus on a single object as a result of a lack of stabilization, but the Bushnell model truly succeeds.Another benefit is that this model’s design is legal in tournaments that allow the use of rangefinders. You won’t have to worry about trying to find an additional rangefinder for casual and professional play.With the help of the vibrating pin sensing, you’ll be alerted once the rangefinder has calculated the distance between you and your target, helping to save you time and effort.At the end of the day, when you’re putting your money into a device, you’re going to want to make sure that it does it all. Luckily, the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT is an impressive design that boasts performance and ease of use all at the same time.
Great and very detailed article. I was looking to gift someone and it really helped me out.
Thanks