Do you love playing golf? How accurate are you in your shots on the golf course? Do you need help in making clearer shots? Well, the best golf rangefinder is designed to do just that. You have to buy one. There are two types of golf rangefinders available on the market.
- GPS golf rangefinder
- Laser golf rangefinder.
GPS golf rangefinders are fast in determining the distance to the hole. Or the other points on the golf course. It uses measurements to know the points of the course.
When using a GPS golf rangefinder, the golf course has to be mapped out. It might even need you to pay a monthly subscription fee which depends on the type of service you use.
Laser golf rangefinders do not in any way need a map out of the golf course. Although it takes longer to determine a distance measurement with laser golf rangefinder. The accuracy of the laser golf rangefinder balls down to the precision of the golfer using the device.
- TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
- 6x
- a range of 540 yards
- 2 years
- yes
- Read review
- TecTecTec VPRODLX Golf Rangefinder
- 6x
- 5 and 600 yards
- 2 years
- yes
- Read review
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Editor’s Choice
- Bushnell Tour V2 Standard Edition Golf Laser Rangefinder
- 5x
- 300 yards
- 2 years
- yes
- Read review
- Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT
- 7x
- 550 yards
- 2 years
- yes
- Read review
- Wildgame Innovations Halo X Ray Z6X 600 Laser Range Finder
- 6x
- 600 yards
- 1 year
- no
- Read review
How do you make use of the types of golf rangefinders available?
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Laser Rangefinders
To make use of a laser rangefinder, the golf ball you are trying to determine its distance from you must be in view. All you have to do is aim the laser range finder at the golf ball and then watch the distance through the viewport. Once the golf ball is in view, pull the trigger of the laser rangefinder, and a beam will be reflected from the target.
Watch the distance read-out on the laser rangefinder display. But note that if you have not successfully locked on to a valid target, there will be an error display. Thus requiring you to take the range again.
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GPS Range Finder
You have to load the golf course located in which you are going to play on your computer before leaving home.
Then turn on the GPS rangefinder at the course you are going to play and allow it to get the GPS satellite feed. Also, you have to select the hole you are going to play and the available target. Most GPS rangefinders have the distance to the pin put in place as an option. Some golf courses may also have intermediary distances established in the GPS mapping of the course. After you have completed the selected hole, most units will automatically shift to the next hole on the course.
You might not be playing the golf course holes in order as if you are playing a scramble or tournament. You can manually choose the next hole or target for the unit to measure the distance from.
Make sure you check the availability of GPS mappings of your favorite golf courses before buying a GPS golf rangefinder. And also make sure to check the local course rules on the use of golf rangefinders in club tournaments and handicap rounds before using in play.
Benefits of Using a Golf Rangefinder
A golf rangefinder was built to provide accurate distances to objects on the golf course. But, you can only achieve this if you know how far you hit each club or else the rangefinder would not be accurate.
- A golf rangefinder speeds up your play. You don’t have to pace out distances from yard markers.
- Using a golf rangefinder could boost your confidence in your game. How might you ask? It removes any doubt about the distance from your head. Hence this will make you concentrate more on the shot you’re about to take.
- A golf rangefinder is the most convenient and accurate tool for gathering distance information on how far you hit each club. This is sure to give you an advantage over other players you’re playing against. But note that in tournament games, the use of a golf rangefinder is not allowed. Or the golf rangefinder would be restricted to a model that finds distances only.
- Using a golf rangefinder to measure the distance to different hazards on the golf course can help to improve your decision-making ability.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Golf Rangefinder - Perfect Measurement for Playing 2020
Finding the best golf rangefinder that is best for you can be tedious and frustrating. Trust us; we have been there. The quest to improve your game must have drawn you to a golf laser rangefinder. A golf rangefinder might not provide tips to help improve your swing. But, it can provide useful information that will help your game.
Here are some things to consider before you buy a golf rangefinder.
Distance range
Before buying a golf rangefinder, finding out the maximum distance that the device can measure is vital for an average golfer. As it determines how much value you can get from it. For rangefinders that measure more than 400 yards is quite good. But, there are still some models that can cover as much as 900 meters, which is way higher than what others offer.
Features
When it comes to golf rangefinders, you should consider the features it comes with. As they determine what the rangefinder will offer. You can expect the essential features in most devices but, advanced features like a Vivid Display and Jolt technology. It provides short vibrating bursts to reinforce golfers that the device has isolated the target.
Size and weight
A rangefinder is an important tool on the golf course. and you might end up walking around with it for the better part of your day. It is not logical to get a big size rangefinder, that might be difficult to carry around and walk-in for hours. If weight and size are huge concerns for you, you can start off with a small and compact rangefinder.
Approval by USGA
Permission from the USGA will enable you to go for tours or not. However, it could be overkill for you if you're only searching for a rangefinder to use when playing with friends.
Best Golf Rangefinder
The TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder is one of the most affordable golf rangefinders. According to reviews online, this device scores top marks for its look and feel. As well as performance, and value for money.
There are so many features that determine whether a golf rangefinder will be good for you or not. Things like accurate readings, compactness, and how lightweight it is. As well as user-friendliness.
Features:
- It's a laser rangefinder, and it can measure up to 540 yards on its continuous scan mode.
- Use Pin Sensor Technology to provide quick measurement with 1-yard accuracy. This makes it perfect for measuring your distance from golf flags, and hazards. Hence other areas in the background.
- The premium lens offers clear and easy to read optics with distance and battery meter. So you're always on top of things as they happen.
- The TecTecTec VPRO500 is lightweight and portable.
- Water and dust resistant
- It comes with a case and lanyard for easy storage and transportation.
The TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder is a handy device for pinpointing exact points. As well as providing dimensions of up to 50 yards. Made from solid materials that led to its upscale sleek and soft superficial coating. With a TecTecTec rangefinder, you can have it all.
What we noticed from the number of reviews that we read is that TecTecTec rangefinders are proving popular with golfers. For those who want to go on a tour and are searching for an affordable option, the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder is the one for you.
The TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder uses the Pin Seeker. Or Flag seeker mode as its First Target Priority Mode. This is quite important as you need the closest distance to you. Not the closest distance to distracting objects in the background like trees, bushes, and others.
We also noticed that this rangefinder from TecTecTec could actually zone in flagsticks. Or other reflective materials that don't have special prisms within a range of 540 yards.
It features an Advanced Pin Sensor Technology which allows you to make sure you make your par. This feature enables you to determine the best possible distance. It does by disregarding overlapping objects that could affect your swing. A Pin Seeker, as well as Scan and Distant Target Priority Modes and all, don't take it away from its magnification. As the VPRO500 has a 6X magnification feature. It is fully coated and also rainproof.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Very simple to use. Point and press. | The black color could be a turn off for some people. |
It provides excellent clarity and 6X magnification. | It’s not 100% waterproof. |
The storage case is perfect for storage while the lanyard makes it easy to carry around. | |
It provides yardage almost in an instant. | |
Dust and water-resistant. |
TecTecTec VPRODLX released in the early parts of 2016. This TecTecTec product has been running on the popularity of other products that came before it such as the VPRO500. And its reputation has continued to grow.
Among some of its biggest features include its long-range measurement and accuracy. These two features are crucial to the golfer's game. The Flag Seeker is also quite impressive, and it’s a feature that we expect to see in most TecTecTec products.
The VPRODLX is also waterproof, built in a sturdy construction and it has long battery life.
One of the biggest features of the TecTecTec VPRODLX is its long-range measurement. It can measure from 5 yards to as high as 540 yards. This makes it ideal for large golf courses and those with a lot of items in the background. With 3 modes that include a pin detector technology - more advanced than what we had in the VPRO500. And it’s quite ideal for measuring subjects including those overlapping.
TecTecTec VPRODLX has a first target priority that measures the distance of the closest subject to you. This could be quite helpful when measuring flagstick distance during the game. The distant target priority mode helps measure the distance of the farthest item to you. This feature is more useful in the woods. The last mode, also called the ProScan, gathers the measurement of hazards in the distance. It allows you to know how the measurement needed for the best shot. As well as what you need to avoid and the distance between them.
When you open the box that contains the TecTecTec VPRODLX, you will find other items in it. Such as a quality top tier bag and a microfiber cloth for cleaning the lens. This is imperative if you want your range finder to last. Then, we have a strap to hang it on to and a free battery that can be fixed into the rangefinder and used right out of the box.
TecTecTec went through a lot to make this the perfect rangefinder for golfers who want to improve their game. When you go out to play, and the weather changes from a dry to a much more wet condition, the TecTecTec VPRODLX can still help you find the perfect distances needed for your game. It's made in a durable construction that can withstand whatever you through at it. It is also rainproof.
To top it off, the VPRODLX has a backing to protect you in case you don't find it as functional as you think it would be after purchase. There is a 60-day money-back guarantee. As well as a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
6X monocular that helps you see objects much clearer. | You have to keep switching between modes when you want to loop. |
Excellent touch and feel. | Requires steady hands for locking on targets. |
Super clear optics. | There are other good rangefinders at half its price. |
Very compact and portable. |
The VPRO500S from TecTecTec is an advanced laser golf rangefinder. It provides an accurate measurement of up to 500 meters. Also. it provides clear, sharp images, irrespective of the conditions. You can use it as a quality monocular due to its 6X magnification as well.
Featuring multi-coated optics, +/-1 yard accuracy and easy to use finger-tip operation. There is no better rangefinder on the market other than the TecTecTec VPRO500S.
Features:
- Pin Sensor + Pin Seeker Technology.
- Target Seek Technology which is the new Smarter Scan Mode.
- Monocular Display at 6X Magnification
- Rainproof rangefinder
- Diopter Adjustment
- Lightweights (weighing 185 grams)
- 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty
TecTecTec is a company that has dedicated itself to providing affordable quality optics that everyone would love to use.
We consider the VPRO500S as the slope version of the VPRO500 (which has been reviewed above). It provides accurate distance measurements with or without the slope. Its inbuilt accelerometer displays the degrees of elevation in a digital form. You will be able to see the degrees up to 2 degrees with vertical and horizontal distances.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
It has high-quality optics that provides clear and pinpoint images. | Like the VPRO500 before it, it’s not 100% water-resistant. |
Prevents distortion of distant figures with the help of advanced technology. | It’s an all-black device, and this turned a lot of owners off. |
Quite convenient to use with the help of its auto shut off button. |
The Bushnell Tour V2 is made for pro golfers who want a focused and close view of objects within a distance of -/+1 yard accuracy. This golf rangefinder will help you gauge distances of up to 300 yards to the golf flag.
It's one of the most advanced and compact laser rangefinders that you can buy. It weighs only 7 ounces and is lightweight. It offers the popular Pin Seeker technology that allows ranging up to 300 yards without using a reflector. As well as the ability to acquire target even with distracting background surfaces.
There is a feature called SCAN mode used on a landscape. This allows the Bushnell Tour V2 to capture multiple distances. It comes with 5X magnification, a carrying case for transportation and storage purposes. The Bushnell Tour V2 can be used on golf tourneys, as well as for posting scores for handicap purposes.
Having a waterproof coating is one of the most talked-about features among pro-golfers. When you play a game that keeps you outdoors for that long, you will be wary of well your gear does under wet conditions. The Bushnell Tour V2 has a waterproof coating that can be used irrespective of the weather. It is comfortable to hold and use.
The key feature of the Bushnell Tour V2 is the auto scan mode. This laser golf range finder has two modes - the auto scan and the Pin Seeker mode. You can switch from one mode to another with the press of a button. The auto-scan mode will give you distances of various targets and allow you to pan across the golf course. The Pin Seeker mode allows you to identify objects closely behind your target.
The 5X magnification of the Bushnell Tour V2 also guarantees perfect viewing for a much longer distance. When you need to cancel out things in the background, the Pin Seeker technology will enable you to see your targets clearly.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Comfortable price point. | The batteries won’t hold a charge for long. |
An excellent show of yardage/distance. | |
Will improve your depth perception. |
The Bushnell NEO XS Golf GPS Rangefinder Watch is Bushnell's latest product in the entry-level golf watch market. This is an upgrade to the NEO-X which has new features added to it. It includes two extra hazards that you can select for each hole (taking the total to four from two). This model is also better designed and sleeker than the NEO X.
Features:
- Long battery life that can last over 3 rounds between charges.
- Pre-loaded with 33,000 golf courses.
- Easy to read Front/Center/Back distance.
- Comfortable band.
- Shot distance calculator.
The issues we noticed with the NEO S persist. It won't keep score or pair up with mobile devices through Bluetooth. The hassle in the initial setup for syncing courses hasn't been resolved as well. What the NEO XS does, it does it above average.
It has over 33,000 pre-loaded courses and no membership fees to pay. This GPS watch is quite user-friendly and simplified for the user. Another interesting thing about the design of this watch is the screen. It is quite pleasing to the eyes.
Everyone loves a slim watch. Something is appealing about a functional watch that is slim. This is by far the slimmest out of the product range from Bushnell. Another outstanding feature is the battery life which can go on for an average of about 12 hours. It doesn't seem much. But, it should do well for an average golfer but it sure beats the average of the top 10 GPS watches out there.
There are modes for keeping track of time, date, setting up the odometer as well as a general setting. This Bushnell NEO XS Golf GPS Rangefinder Watch is much more than your average GPS watch. And the interesting part is that it has only five buttons. Less clutter and more functionality.
Compared with a laser rangefinder, this Bushnell GPS watch is accurate within +/- three to five yards on average which is not bad at all. It's actually pretty impressive. The only shortcoming it has is its inability to account for is elevation, wind, and weather conditions.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy to use as most functions are activated with one or two presses of a button. | The battery is not replaceable. |
The watchband is quite comfortable. | The watch doesn’t have databases of all courses outside America. |
It allows you to measure the distance of the shot you take. |
The Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT is different from its contemporaries. This is due to its powerful 6X magnification. It's true that few people can understand the power of an X7 laser rangefinder. Objects do get closer and clearer with that extra magnification. Since other rangefinders often come with 6X magnification.
Some of the features included in this Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT are features that you should be familiar with if you use or have used a Bushnell rangefinder in the past. It has the latest Pin seeker technology for extreme speed and precision (E.S.P.2) and thanks to the JOLT. There is zero time lapse between when you push the button to when the distance is calculated. Plus there is a little notification that alerts you when you do find the range that you're searching for.
The display on the Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder is quite vivid. It shows the numbers in red which is much easier to read than other colors being used in the past. The battery cover of the Pro X7 is well designed and much improved from the previous version. There is a shift in the battery used in the previous versions compared with the battery used here. Bushnell made a shift from a 9v battery to a3v camera style battery with one being way smaller than the rest.
For storage and transportation from your home to the golf course, there is a zippered square case with a carabiner to clip onto your bag. There is a bungee strap as well. So, you don't need to use the zippers that came with the case every time you want to remove the rangefinder.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Extremely accurate. | It seems a bit bulky. |
Smaller battery size and longer life. | Activating the jolt operation is not as easy as it was made to be. |
Slope and JOLT features. | |
Easy to use the rangefinder. |
The Bushnell Tour X Jolt Golf Laser GPS/Rangefinder was created as a fusion of functionality and innovation by Bushnell. It is a much smaller unit compared to some of the popular brands. Such as the Pro1M that requires two hands to operate.
The Tour X Jolt is surprisingly small and can be used with one hand with ease.
Tour X picks up targets with lightning speed as it's built on the ESP2 technology. It stands for Extreme, Speed, and Precision. There is a certain speed with the yardage that it provides as well as using a Pink-seeker Jolt.
Technology is a smart feature that vibrates each time the rangefinder locks into a target. Thus reinforcing the acquisition with an illuminated flag that is impossible to miss.
There is a Dual Display Technology. It allows golfers to toggle between different types of graphics - from a bright red to crisp black. This is an important feature that helps under low light conditions. You can switch from one to another via a switch under the eyepiece.
If you think that's all, then you're mistaken. The Bushnell Tour X Jolt Golf Laser GPS/Rangefinder also has an interchangeable faceplate. It allows you to switch from the black faceplate to the red faceplate or vice versa when either one is engaged.
This laser rangefinder is very useful for practice. It has a sturdy case that offers adequate protection. As well as a belay clip for smooth transportation that you can use to attach it to your bag.
When it comes to power, the Tour X uses a single three-volt 123 battery that doesn't need regular charging. While there is no official statement from the manufacturer on how long the battery would last. We will have to go with what current owners said about how much it holds a charge. Most users believe it can last you for two seasons if you're a heavy user.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
It doesn’t need regular charging as it uses a single three-volt 123 battery. | The image produced is darker due to the mirrored front element on the device. |
It provides crisp graphics even in low light conditions. | Higher magnification means it’s harder to line up the rangefinder up your eye with the scope. |
It comes with an interchangeable faceplate that can be easily adjusted. | Lacks a mount point for lanyard and tripod mount. |
6X magnification range. | |
Picks up targets with speed as it’s built on the ESP2 technology. |
The Uineye Laser Rangefinder - Range: 5-1600 Yards is a powerful rangefinder. It comes with superior performance combined with its excellent accuracy. Also, it has a range of 5-1600 Yards with a fast measurement of 0.33 yards of accuracy. You will enjoy this rangefinder as it has many measurement modes, distance, and height. Thus bringing you more than only range finding.
When it comes to magnification, the Uineye Laser Rangefinder comes with an 8X magnification. This makes it suitable for golfing as well as all forms of hunting.
The Uineye has an ergonomic design that is lightweight and portable. It also uses a Li-ion battery (CR2 battery which you have to buy separately.) that can last for up to 12 months before needing replacing. An interesting feature that protects the useful life of the battery is the auto shut off feature. It will shut off the rangefinder after 20 minutes of inactivity.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Screen data is large and easy to read. | Difficult to hold it steady due to its plastic composition. |
It comes with a semi-hard case, lens, cloth, and manual. | It requires a bipod or tripod to measure long distances. |
It provides 8X magnification. | The instruction manual is a bit had to read. |
Made from lightweight materials. |
The Halo X Ray Z6X 600 Laser Range Finder is a top of the line rangefinder. It allows you to get an accurate range of up to 600 yards which is where it gets its name the Z6X 600. The Z6X refers to the magnification while the 600 stands for the maximum yards it can reach.
This laser rangefinder is built for heavy use, and it also comes with water resistance. This feature doesn't mean you can leave this rangefinder under the rain and walk away. It does mean it can withstand water up to a certain level. So, it can provide readings for up under the most difficult weather. But, since it’s not waterproof, it should be treated with care.
What makes the Halo X Ray Z6X 600 Laser Range Finder stand out from its colleagues, is the accounting for slope during readings.
This gives you an edge over other golfers who use different rangefinders. It provides readings that take into account the slope. Having the slope means you are aware of the distance as well as the angle. You can also decide to change in what unit the rangefinder measures for you - either in yards or meters.
Halo X-Ray 600 comes with a lot of modes that you will find useful irrespective of your skill level as a golfer. There is a manual in the packaging box that explains how to set it up and use it. But, you may not find it useful as you can play around with the device and get it rolling for the first time.
One major drawback that customers complained about with this rangefinder is the battery. It uses a CR2 lithium battery which you have to buy separately. New owners also complained about the stiffness of the focus knob. But, we feel this is a temporary issue as it will loosen up as usage increases.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy to set up as it doesn’t need a manual to get started. | It uses a CR2 battery which you have to buy separately. |
It can be used for golf, archery, or hunting as well. | Stiff focus knob. |
It has a rubber coating that makes it easy to handle. | You might find it hard to read the display under low light. |
Easy transportation with the help of the belt loop on the back. | |
Quite affordable. |
When you're out on the course, and you need to put up your best performance, you need the Breaking 80 Golf Laser. This affordable rangefinder can provide great accuracy. Hence help you enjoy every bit of your game.
There are simply too many reasons why you have to consider the Breaking 80 Golf Laser. Other than its affordability and the money-back guarantee coupled with a 1-year warranty.
Finding the precise location of your target could be difficult. Especially when they don’t come as expected or within the time frame needed. The 80 Golf Laser Rangefinder solves this problem with the help of a host of features such as the Dual Mode.
The Dual Mode allows you to focus on your target via a different set of modes. It produces precision each time you look. You can use the Flag Seeking mode for more accurate viewing or the Scan mode which is more general. The best part is that all of this can be done within 8 seconds.
As with most rangefinders that we have reviewed here, there is often a level of magnification which increases the distance of what we can see. The Breaking 80 Golf Laser is not any different. It features a multilayer-coated monocular lens. This rangefinder can locate targets within a range of 5 to 440 yards away or closer.
When using rangefinders on the golf course, it is normal to have unwanted objects that get between the target that you are trying to get a view of. The Breaking 80 Golf Laser Rangefinder has a 3 pin-sensor technology. It can remove the wrong readings from your background and provide a much clearer focus.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
It provides accurate readings with pin-sensor technology. | You can’t make an adjustment of the slope. |
Has LCD for precise and clear readings. | This rangefinder is not recommended for measuring long distances. |
Multi-layered optics for brighter images. | |
You can use it on tours. |
Conclusion
This well-researched guide was created to help you choose the best golf rangefinder on the market that provides a perfect measurement for playing.
We have reviewed the best 10 rangefinders on the market at the moment. Our editors have looked at what made them tick from the distance range they cover. From the features, size, and weight to whether you can use them on tourneys or not.
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Let us know how it fared in the comment section. You can also visit our homepage for more great reviews.