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Best Golf Rangefinder by features Top Golf Rangefinder Picks
While golf may look simple at first, any seasoned player will tell you that the game requires precision to be successful. Before you even tee-off, you must figure out where the pin is and make careful calculations on how you’re going to get your ball there. Modern golf courses can be up to 7,300 yards long. Most par-4 holes alone are around 520 yards long.
Knowing your exact distance to the pin can make all the difference in your technique. Not only can you accurately gauge your distance from hazards, but that knowledge can also help you to choose the perfect golf club for the job.
The best golf rangefinder can help you measure distances in an instant. These small devices use advanced technology to provide you with hard data that you can use to your advantage. Best of all, they’re completely legal to use.
Modern rangefinders have come a long way in recent years. They’re smaller and more efficient than ever. Furthermore, the technology powering these gadgets has become more accessible, which has resulted in lower prices from manufacturers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to up your game or you’re a newbie who’s trying to improve your handicap, a high-quality rangefinder can dramatically change the way you play. Here’s a collection of some of the best golf rangefinders on the market.
Best Golf Rangefinder Reviews
Here are some of the very best golf rangefinders 2022 for you.
| Best Golf Rangefinders 2022 | Range | Magnification | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Tour V4 | 5-1,000 yards | 5x | Check Price |
| Callaway 300 | 5-1,000 yards | 6x | Check Price |
| TecTecTec VPRO500 | 540 yards | - | Check Price |
| Leupold 119087 | 1014 yards | 6x | Check Price |
| Bushnell Pro X2 | 5-1300 yards | 6x | Check Price |
Bushnell Tour V4 Jolt
- Pin Seeker with JOLT Technology
Bushnell is one of the leading producers of golf rangefinders. The Tour V4 Jolt is a unique addition to their lineup. It includes the same great optics technology that Bushnell is known for. However, it’s in a brand-new package that’s compact and easy to use.
Features and Technology:
This is a powerful laser rangefinder that can measure objects that are up to 1,000 yards away. When you look into the device, you can quickly focus in on your target with the simple knob. It’s located above the viewfinder, allowing you to make quick adjustments with your finger.
The cool thing about the Jolt is that it automatically registers flags. The device will quickly vibrate to let you know that the laser is locked in and ready to take measurements.
Specs:
- Laser rangefinder
- 5X magnification
- Measures 5-1,000 yards
- 2-year warranty
- Wide field of view
- Simple focusing system
- Vibrates when locked onto flag
- Rugged build
- Jolt feature can be finnicky
- Background objects can sometimes make focusing difficult
Final Verdict:
This is a cool little device that packs a powerful punch. It’s powered by some great technology that can change the way you play. Bushnell designed it with simplicity in mind. So, you can take your measurements and continue playing without having to spend a ton of time doing calculations.
Callaway 300 Laser Rangefinder
- Precise Slope Measurement: Our highly accurate laser rangefinder accounts for elevation changes and measures the angle of incline/decline, then calculates the slope adjusted distance
The Callaway 300 golf rangefinder is a handy little gadget. It has a considerably smaller footprint than other options. Thus, you can easily toss it in your bag and carry it with you to any course for accurate measurements.
Features and Technology:
While this device can measure up to 1,000 yards, it does particularly well for distances under 300 yards. It has Pin Acquisition Technology. Essentially, this feature improves the accuracy of your reading regardless of trees or other obstacles in the background.
It also provides an audible chirp whenever you lock onto the flag. This makes it easier to get quick readings on the fly.
Specs:
- Slope calculation feature
- 6X magnification
- Measures 5-1,000 yards
- Provides audible alert when locked onto flag
- Can scan the environment and gather multiple measurements
- Compact size
- Easy to use
- Obstacles can throw off accuracy
- Inconsistent performance
Final Verdict:
There’s no doubt that this handy golf rangefinder will serve you well on any course. It’s a flexible gadget that can do wonders to up your game.
TecTecTec VPRO500 Laser with Pinsensor
- 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐔𝐏𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑: Our VPRO500 Laser Rangefinder is a premium product, measuring up...
Looking for a golf rangefinder that doesn’t break the bank? This TecTecTec model is relatively affordable. Yet, it has some great features to help you out on the green. Plus, it was specifically designed to be legal for all US tournaments.
Features and Technology:
Inside the compact device is Pinsensor technology. The powerful optics allow you to focus on flags very quickly. It will ignore any surrounding objects to provide accurate readings no matter what.
There’s also a continuous scanning mode, which operates up to 540 yards. In this mode, you can get distance readings in real-time. Just sweep it over the landscape to get some more in-depth data about the hole.
Specs:
- Clear multi-layered optics
- Only weighs 258 grams
- Two-year warranty
- Water and dust-resistant body
- Can scan the environment and gather multiple measurements
- Focuses on flag quickly
- Legal for US tournaments
- Uses CR2 batteries
- Distance display is hard to see in viewfinder
Final Verdict:
Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a serious competitor, this rangefinder can serve you well. It offers simple and easy to use features. However, the technology those features are powerful and accurate.
Leupold 119087 Digital Rangefinder
- Equipped with revolutionary DNA Technology and a vivid OLED display
One look at this Leupold rangefinder and it’s easy to tell that it’s a high-quality option. From the sleek aluminum body to the high-tech viewfinder, this model has all the bells and whistles turned on.
Features and Technology:
While most rangefinders rely on standard lenses to provide a clear view of your target, this rangefinder uses an OLED display. The high-resolution display provides you with a true-to-life view of your surroundings.
The rangefinder also has DNA technology. This is a unique system that improves accuracy. It relies on the digital picture to ignore background objects that would otherwise throw the measurements off.
Specs:
- OLED display
- Digital enhanced accuracy
- Rugged aluminum body
- Complies to USGA regulation
- Simple operation
- No tripod mount
- No slope calculation
Final Verdict:
The Leupold rangefinder just oozes a sense of sophistication. It looks great and brings some of the latest and greatest in digital technology onto the green.
Bushnell Pro X2 Laser Rangefinder
- Ranges 5 1, 300 yards; 450+ yards to Flags
Another great option from Bushnell is the Pro X2 rangefinder. It’s a premium model that offers some great features that can improve your technique dramatically.
Features and Technology:
Like other Bushnell rangefinders, this unit has the Jolt feature. It quickly hones in on the flag and will provide a light vibration to let you know that it’s ready to take a measurement. Bushnell also included dual-displays. So, you can easily switch the color of the readings to accommodate different environments.
Another great perk is the slope compensation feature, which takes hills into account when providing you with distance measurements. You can easily flip this feature on and off with a press of a button. When it’s turned off, the rangefinder can be used in USGA games.
Specs:
- Has slope compensation
- Jolt technology
- Measures 5 – 1,300 yards
- Dual-display feature
- Rugged waterproof build
- Easy operation
- Meets USGA regulation when slope feature is turned off
- Doesn’t work well in foggy conditions
Final Verdict:
All in all, the X2 Pro performs very well across the board. Bushnell built this device to be as flexible as possible. With its rugged built and sleek looks, it deserves a permanent spot in your golf bag.
A Complete Buying Guide for Golf Rangefinders
Like any other piece of golf gear, the quality of rangefinders is all over the place. A good rangefinder is a sizable investment, so it’s important to choose a model that has all the bells and whistles you need. We’ve created this buying guide to help you choose a golf rangefinder that you’re confident in.
What Features are Important to Consider When Buying Golf Range Finders
Accuracy
Accuracy is the name of the game! Even a slight discrepancy in your measurements could mean the difference between making par and getting a bogey. The accuracy of your device depends largely on the quality of the technology used.
There are two types of rangefinders available.
1. Laser Golf Rangefinders
The first is laser rangefinders. These devices are considered to be some of the most accurate and versatile. As the name would suggest, they operate using laser optics. To find the distance, just point the rangefinder to the pin and press the measurement button. A laser will shoot towards your target. The rangefinder will then measure the amount of time it takes for that beam to bounce off the target and come back.
Typically, laser golf rangefinders have an accuracy rating of plus or minus 1 yard. That’s pretty impressive considering that these devices are often used to measure hundreds of yards of distance in less than a second. Some premium models can even measure within half a yard.
Of course, no golf rangefinder is perfect. The main downside to a laser rangefinder is that you must to have a direct line of sight to your target. So, if the course is curved or the pin is blocked by trees, you’re not going to be able to get much use out of your laser device.
2. GPS Golf Rangefinders
Next up, we have GPS rangefinders. These are unique pieces of gear that can provide you with much more information about the course than a laser version. That’s because it uses satellite signals to triangulate the position of the hole. Depending on the information that’s available, you may also be able to see different parts of the course and get a bird’s eye view of what to expect as you play.
GPS models can be very useful in many situations. However, there are some limitations. The first is that you’re relying on mapping information that’s done by the course owner or a third-party entity. Not all courses have GPS mapping available, so your fancy rangefinder could be useless in some situations. Even if there is GPS data available, you might have to pay a monthly subscription fee to access it.
Another disadvantage is that you’re not able to take quick measurements based on your location. For example, say that you’re trying to get around a tree. GPS devices can’t record the distance from that tree. Only laser rangefinders can do that.
Durability
Another important thing to consider is durability. During the course of your game, you’re going to be traveling thousands of yards through various terrains. How is your rangefinder going to hold up if it falls out of your golf bag? What about if you drop it onto a concrete sidewalk?
Look out for durable materials that can withstand some wear and tear. Hard plastics and tough metals are the way to go. Shockproof devices are great, too. They’re built to prevent any of the delicate components from becoming damaged after a fall.
Also, you might want to think about waterproofing features. If you like to get out on the course rain or shine, you’ll need a sealed rangefinder that won’t be damaged by a bit of morning dew or mist.
Battery Life
There’s nothing worse than having your golf rangefinder die on you in the middle of a game. Take a look at a device’s battery capacity rating before you make the jump. Most rangefinders utilize rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can last for a few days of constant use.
If your rangefinder uses standard alkaline batteries, consider the costs of replacing those batteries. AA batteries are easy to find at your local convenience store. However, some models are more difficult to find. Thus, replacements will cost you a pretty penny.
Budget
It doesn’t take long to find out that golf is an expensive game. When you factor in the costs of club fees, equipment, and other gear, this is a hobby that can cost you thousands of dollars a year. It’s important to stick to a budget when you’re shopping for the best golf rangefinder for your needs.
Prices can vary quite a bit. Factors like the brand and available features influence the final purchase price. It’s important to remember that a higher price tag doesn’t always indicate that the device is of better quality. You need to examine the device carefully and make sure it has all the features that you need to improve your game. You can easily find a great a rangefinder without spending a fortune, so stick to your budget during your search.
Optics/Display
Last, but not least, you need to pay attention to the optics of your rangefinder. Laser rangefinders require you to look through a series of lenses to focus in on your target. Like cameras, these rangefinders use parallax to hone in on the pin. Basically, there are two lenses that you can adjust with a focus knob to get a crystal-clear picture.
Many golf rangefinders also have a superimposed digital display. This is where you’ll find the distance ratings. Oftentimes, you can move the rangefinder across the course and watch the distance measurements change in real time as you move over various targets.
Alternatively, the rangefinder might have a small digital display. After you have focused on your target and used the laser to initiate the measurement process, the display will provide you with all the pertinent information in an easy-to-read format.
Some of the FAQs about Rangefinders
Wrap Up
You should never walk onto a course blind! The best rangefinder can give you crucial information about a hole. They’re ideal for new courses that you’re unfamiliar with. Instead of relying on your instincts, you can use hard data to make important decisions about the game.
Ultimately, these small devices are a must-have for anyone who wants to push their abilities to the limit. While they are a big investment, the difference they can make in your game is priceless.
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