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It is very difficult to isolate the “best” of anything in a sea of competing products, and golf rangefinders are no exception.
Like most products, though, we can look at what the general consensus is and narrow the selection down to a list of rangefinders that you should consider.
With that said, here is a review of many of the best laser golf rangefinders from reputable brands such as Bushnell, Nikon, Callaway, Leupold and others.
The great thing about these rangefinders is that because of their age, you can typically find them at very low prices, even new.
Considerations
Lasers, as opposed to GPS units which can also measure distances, are generally more accurate, work on any golf course, and can measure distances to any object the user desires.
Lasers and GPS units both have their strengths and weaknesses, but only laser rangefinders will be featured on this page.
What will follow next is a detailed comparison chart of different rangefinders and a discussion of their features, benefits, drawbacks and reception (ratings).
The rangefinders are listed according to my personal rating from highest to lowest. The links on this page will take you to the respective listings of each of the rangefinders where you can buy them for a great price.
| Golf Laser Rangefinder | Some Specifications | Strengths and Weaknesses | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bushnell Tour V3 Buy on eBay  | Magnification: 5x Range (flag): 5-1000 yds (400 yds) Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 6.7 oz Dimensions: 4.2" x 1.6" x 2.8" | Strengths: • superb build quality • little to no setup required • very simple to use • very durable • long battery life Weaknesses: • questionable quality of battery door component • repair/return process for problem units is unpleasant | 4.9/5 |
| 2. Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Buy on eBay  | Magnification: 5x Range (flag): 5-1000 yds (400 yds) Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 6.6 oz Dimensions: 4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6" | Strengths: • see pros of standard Tour V3 • slope feature works nicely and can really help to lower your score Weaknesses: • not allowed in tournaments • some might find the slope adjustment feature not worth the added cost | 4.8/5 |
| 3. Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Buy on eBay  | Magnification: 6x Range: 6-550 yards Accuracy: 1 yd (shorter than 100 yds), 2 yds (more than 100 yds) Weight: 4.4 oz Dimensions: 3.6" x 2.9" x 1.5" | Strengths: • very lightweight • exceptionally clear image • picks up targets quickly and easily • feels solid in hand • great value for price Weaknesses: • a bit difficult to hold steady due to the light weight • tends to have trouble picking up flags from far away (~200+ yards out) or that have woods in the background | 4.7/5 |
4. TecTecTec VPRO500 | Magnification: 6x Range: 5-540 yds Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 6.5 oz Dimensions: 4.1" x 2.8" x 1.6" | Strengths: • solid construction • modes are easy to use and work well • gives accurate and clear readings • great value for money • great customer service Weaknesses: • can sometimes have difficulty locking onto a flagstick • case scratches easily and isn't the most durable | 4.7/5 |
| 5. Callaway 300 Buy on eBay  | Magnification: 6x Range (flag): 5-1000 yds (300 yds) Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 7.5 oz Dimensions: 4.25" x 3" x 1.75" | Strengths: • easy to use • very durable and light • sturdy design • has a focus adjustment on eye piece • reads out distances quickly and accurately even from far away Weaknesses: • unit can sometimes have trouble turning on due to an improper securing of the battery housing cap | 4.7/5 |
| 6. Bushnell Tour Z6 Buy on eBay  | Magnification: 6x Range (flag): 5-1300 yds (450 yds) Accuracy: 1/2 yd Weight: 8 oz Dimensions: 1.3" x 4" x 2.9" | Strengths: • lightning fast • quality construction • sharp images • accurate, compact, easy to operate • very easy to lock on to targets • long battery life Weaknesses: • jolt vibration occassionally does not work • some may find the rangefinder to be too expensive | 4.7/5 |
| 7. Leupold GX-3i2 Buy on eBay  | Magnification: 6x Range (flag): 5-800 yds (450 yds) Weight: 7.8 oz Dimensions: 3.8" x 3" x 1.4" | Strengths: • high quality construction • easy to use and fast • excellent optics • LED display is easy to read in all conditions Weaknesses: • performance of pinseeker function is questionable • at times it can be difficult to target flags | 4.6/5 |
8. Tectectec VPRO500 Slope | Magnification: 6x Range: 5-540 yds Accuracy: 1 yd | Strengths: • well made • easy to use • slope adjustment works well • very accurate • great value for money Weaknesses: • occasionally struggles to lock on to flags, especially from far away | 4.5/5 |
1. Bushnell Tour V3 Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The Tour V3 rangefinder is harder to find now because newer models have been released. You can, however, get them at great prices on this eBay page.
Features/Benefits
The successor to the Tour V2, the ergonomically-designed Tour V3 has what Bushnell calls “PinSeeker with JOLT Technology”.
What the technology does is provide short vibrating bursts that allow the user to be certain the laser has locked onto the flag or any other target.
Operation is vertical and single-hand, and the rangefinder is legal for tournament play. Other features include:
- a 24mm objective scope with a 5x magnification
- a SCAN mode which updates the LCD screen continuously when panning the rangefinder
- rainproof, 2-year warranty, 3-volt battery included
- accurate to within 1 yard
- ranging performance of 5-1000 yards, around 400 yards to flag
The Tour V3 is smaller and lighter and calculates distance more quickly than the previous Tour V2.
Pros
- excellent build quality
- little to no setup required
- very easy to use (point and shoot)
- very accurate
- long battery life
Cons
- unpleasant return/repair process for dysfunctional units
- questionable quality of battery door component
My rating: 4.9/5
2. Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The Tour V3 Slope rangefinder is harder to find now because newer models have been released.
However, they are still available at great prices on this eBay page (modify the search query as needed).
Features/Benefits
The Tour V3 Slope is virtually identical in terms of design and features to the standard Tour V3 (see the features above) except for one feature: the ability to adjust distances/yardages based on the degree of incline/decline of the slope.
As you probably know, the correct yardage to shoot for changes depending on the elevation of the flag (or any other target) relative to your current position; the Tour V3 Slope accounts for this automatically, saving you time and taking away the guesswork involved in determining the optimal yardage to hit.
This “Slope Technology” should be well worth the extra cost for golfers who frequently play courses that are hilly or have a lot of elevation changes.
Pros
- slope feature works beautifully and can really help shave off strokes
- same benefits of regular Tour V3
Cons
- not legal for tournament play
- some might find the slope adjustment feature not worth the added cost
My rating: 4.8/5
3. Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
This is an older model (there are several newer variants of the COOLSHOT 20), but you can still get them on eBay.
Features/Benefits
The Nikon COOLSHOT 20 weighs 125 grams, is lightweight, and has an ergonomic design.
It has a ranging performance of 6-550 yards and is accurate to within roughly 1.5 yards on average depending on the distance to the target.
Nikon’s “First Target Priority” technology enables the rangefinder to easily identify a flagstick against a backdrop such as a forested area. Other features include:
- a multilayer-coated, high quality Nikon 6x monocular that produces excellent clarity and brightness
- a continuous measurement feature (enabled by pressing the POWER button once) that allows for quick and easy measurement of multiple targets even with slight hand shake
- rainproof, two-year warranty
- a long eye relief design favourable for eyeglass wearers
The COOLSHOT 20 is compact (3.6″ x 1.5″ x 2.9″) yet very precise. It is also legal for tournament play.
Nikon is a world leader in optics and this rangefinder is certainly a reflection of that.
Pros
- exceptionally clear image
- very lightweight
- picks up targets quickly and easily
- feels solid in hand
- great value for price
Cons
- a bit difficult to hold steady due to the light weight
- tends to have trouble picking up flags from far away (~200+ yards out) or against certain backdrops in some cases
My rating: 4.7/5
4. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
A great place to get the VPRO500 is still Amazon. The price is rock solid and it ships out quickly.
Features/Benefits
The Tectectec VPRO500 has a ranging performance of 5-540 yards. It features “Advanced PinSensor Technology” which helps to measure overlapping subjects in your path (such as in the rain).
It has three modes, which are:
First Target Priority Mode
This calculates and displays the distance to the closest subject, which is useful when you want to measure the distance to a flagstick with woods in the background.
Distant Target Priority Mode
This calculates and displays the distance to the farthest subject, which is useful when measuring the distance to a target through a wooded area.
ProScan Mode
This is useful for measuring the distance to hazards.
The rangefinder has a 6x monocular with a multilayer coating for a sharp and bright image. Other features include:
- rainproof, one-year warranty
- 30 day money back guarantee
- includes carrying bag, strap, microfiber cloth, one battery
- accurate to within 1 yard
The battery is a CR2 cell and is not rechargeable. The rangefinder is tournament legal.
Pros
- gives accurate and clear numbers
- modes are easy to use and work well
- solid construction
- great value for money
- great customer service
Cons
- can sometimes have difficulty locking onto a flagstick
- case scratches easily and isn’t as durable as it could be
My rating: 4.7/5
5. Callaway 300 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The Callaway 300 is more difficult to find these days, but you can check out this eBay page.
Features/Benefits
The Callaway 300 has a sleek, compact, ergonomic design, a light weight (7.5 oz), and is legal for tournament play. It has a ranging performance of 5-1000 yards and is accurate to within 1 yard.
Callaway’s “Pin Acquisition Technology” (P.A.T.) enables the user to lock onto a flag from up to 300 yards away. Other features include:
- 6x magnification
- water and fog proof
- includes carrying case and a CR2 3V lithium battery
- a mode that allows for quick scanning of multiple targets like hazards and bunkers
Pros
- very durable and light
- sturdy design
- easy to use
- reads out distances quickly and accurately even from far away
- has a focus adjustment on eye piece
Cons
- battery housing cap is not secured properly and it may prevent the unit from turning on due to a bad connection
My rating: 4.7/5
6. Bushnell Tour Z6 Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
Your best bet now is to pick up the Tour Z6 from eBay here at a discounted price.
Features/Benefits
Like the Tour V3 series of rangefinders, the Bushnell Tour Z6 also features PinSeeker with Jolt Technology, which provides short vibrating bursts that confirm to the user the laser has locked onto the flag.
The Tour Z6 can acquire flags from up to 450 yards away, and it has a total performance range of 5 to 1300 yards. The rangefinder is legal for tournament play.
The Tour Z6 also has what Bushnell calls “Second Generation E.S.P.” (Extreme. Speed. Precision) and “VDT” (Vivid Display Technology). E.S.P. provides very quick and accurate yardages, and VDT improves clarity, contrast, and light transmission.
Other features include:
- accurate to within 1/2 a yard
- 6x magnification
- fully waterproof, 2-year warranty
- includes carrying case and a 3-volt 123 battery
- adjustable diopter setting
Pros
- lightning fast
- very easy to lock on to targets
- accurate
- compact
- easy to operate
- long battery life
- sharp images
- quality construction
Cons
- some may find the rangefinder to be too expensive
- jolt vibration occasionally doesn’t work
My rating: 4.7/5
7. Leupold GX-3i2 Golf Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
This Leupold model is quite difficult to find now. Your best bet is looking at the listings on eBay.
Features/Benefits
The Leupold GX-3i2 rangefinder features “Digitally Enhanced Accuracy” (DNA) which affords faster, more precise measurements. The optics are bright, clear, have low glare and are scratch-resistant.
The maximum range is 800 yards, or 450 yards to the flag. Legal for tournament play.
The GX-3i2 also has a “Fog Mode” — in this mode, the rangefinder ignores any fog or weather artifacts that might be between you and the pin and would otherwise interfere with your measurement.
Other features include:
- “Pin Hunter 2” laser technology, which filters out images in the background and makes it easier to lock on to a flagstick
- “Prism Lock” technology, which helps the rangefinder find the flag prism and display the distance quickly
- scan mode (for continuous measuring)
- quick set menu for easy settings navigation
- 6x magnification
- waterproof, lifetime warranty
Pros
- easy to use
- fast
- LED display is easy to read in all conditions
- excellent optics
- high quality construction
Cons
- can be difficult to target flags at times
- questionable performance of pinseeker function
My rating: 4.6/5
8. TecTecTec VPRO500S Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
Like the regular VPRO500, the best place to get the VPRO500S is Amazon, where TecTecTec has officially taken up shop.
Features/Benefits
The Tectectec VPRO500S Slope is similar to the standard VPRO500 but with the added benefit of being able to factor the elevation change into the distance calculation.
The VPRO500S has three modes:
1. Slope Mode
This mode has “PinSlope Technology” and cannot be turned off. It provides a slope-adjusted distance, taking into account any inclines or declines in front of you so that you can be confident you’re hitting the right club.
2. Flagseeker Mode
This mode has “Advanced PinSensor Technology” and consists of two sub-modes: First Target Priority (displays distance to closest subject) and Distance Target Priority (displays distance to farthest subject).
3. Scan Mode
This provides continuous measuring, useful for finding distances to hazards.
As this rangefinder has a slope feature, it is not legal for tournament play. It comes with a carrying bag, cloth, strap, and a CR2 3V battery. Other features include:
- 6x monocular with a multilayer coating for bright, sharp images
- rainproof
- accurate to within 1 yard
- 1-year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee
Pros
- great value for money
- very accurate
- well made
- easy to use
- slope feature works well
Cons
- occasionally struggles to lock on to flags, particularly from far away
My rating: 4.5/5
Final Thoughts
Based on my own research and testing, these are some of the best laser golf rangefinders currently available. Most of them are more than a few years old and can be obtained at a great price.
For those on a tight budget who are looking for something effective but on the lower end, something the VPRO500/VPRO500S or the COOLSHOT 20 would be an excellent choice.
What I would recommend doing is simply choosing a rangefinder (either from among this list here or from here) with a price that is closest to your budget.
If your budget isn’t set in stone, the Bushnell Tour V3 is really a rangefinder to consider; it offers a fantastic balance between price and quality.
Best of luck shopping for your golf rangefinder!
Have you tried any of these rangefinders? Which ones are you interested in the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Great review! My choice is between the cheaper Coolshot or if I can afford it, the Bushnell Tour V3.
I think that rainproof is one feature I need for sure… Thanks for the help.
Elsie
Thanks for the comment Elsie. The rainproof feature is indeed nice, and I believe most rangefinders have it these days.
Good luck with your decision!
For the longest time, I didn’t even know these things existed. No need for a caddie now I guess. For me cheap and compact is best. All things considered the Nikon coolshot 20 looks like an ideal purchase. Thanks for the great info.
They’re extremely handy for yardages out on the course, yes, but they can never fully replace caddies. Carrying clubs, cleaning equipment, tending the pin, providing advice and guidance, being a companion to the golfer, etc. are things that caddies are valued for. Certainly for most amateurs/weekenders, though, a rangefinder is more than enough. As for the Nikon, it really is an awesome choice for someone on a tight budget. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for the review. It’s good that I don’t see Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Golf Rangefinder with Slope in the list. Because i think it’s way too expensive with not so much quality differences, only magnification and accuracy. I would prefer Bushnell Tour V3 Standard. But is it tournament certified like Pro X7?
Thanks for the comment Lina. The rangefinders I have included in the list are ones that I believe best balance both price and performance. In the case of the Pro X7 Slope jolt, it’s top of the line when it comes to rangefinders — slope equipped, high magnification, high range, top quality optics, etc. but it is true that many (if not most) people would find it too expensive, and that’s why it’s not on the list. The Bushnell Tour V3 standard is indeed legal for tournament play, like almost all non-slope rangefinders are.
I didn’t know that Callaway was in the game. Do you know if they are making it, or using a manufacturer and putting their name on it? For me it boils down to easy and sure target lock on, rain proof and durable. I am prone to dropping everything but shots.
Robert,
I’m not sure about that one, but it’s possible that their rangefinders are private label. I’m sure you’d be able to find out by contacting Callaway. As for your preferences, it sounds like a Bushnell Tour V3 or Callaway 300 would be a great fit for you. Good luck!
Thanks for doing such thorough research. How much do you think bad golfers like me would benefit from the accuracy of these things?
Thanks for the comment. As for your question, it’s hard to say — it depends on the person. How much do you care about getting precise yardages to your targets or any other points of interest? If the answer is not that much or not at all, it might be best to pass on it until you improve to the point where you feel that knowing your yardages will make a difference. Then again, you won’t know how much it will benefit you until you try it.
Great review, thanks! I wonder why the slope variants are not allowed during tournament play?
Glad you found this helpful. Regarding your question, the USGA/R&A rules of golf state that devices that adjust distance calculations based on course conditions (slope, wind speed, temperature, etc.) are never allowed for tournament play — it’s just the way it is, not to mention the fact that even pure distance devices are sometimes disallowed.
Thanks for the reviews. Which one would you recommend for a person who has never used a rangefinder before? I wouldn’t even know what all they are used for. Which one do you use?
Zach,
You would really do well with any of these rangefinders. Each comes with a full user guide designed to help any newbie get acquainted with the features and the operation of the device. In addition to thoroughly researching all eight of the rangefinders listed here, I have personally used several of them including the Bushnell Tour V3, Tectectec VPRO500 and Callaway 300; all are great, but as you can see my top choice in terms of performance for the price is the Tour V3. Good luck and do feel free to shoot if you have any more questions.
Are rangefinders really necessary for those looking to get into golf for the first time? Also, if you are very experienced, or even professional do you tend to rely more on your own eyes in determining the best course of action to take for your shot? Thanks in advance!
Thanks Alec. No, they’re not necessary, but they can really come in handy for golfers who want to know their yardages and choose the optimal club for each situation. For a skilled enough golfer, knowing an exact yardage as opposed to just making an estimation can make a big difference in score at the end of the day. I would say that the better you get, the more you’ll want to know your yardages and also the more you’ll develop a good visual intuition about what club and ball flight is appropriate; hence, the answer to your last question is yes, but not necessarily at the expense of obtaining precise measurements. I hope this helps.
Great reviews. I have been golfing for some time now. Not professionally but just every now and then. My granddad tries to eyeball the yardages when we play I’m like grandpa thats not possible no way your accurately projecting the distance. So i’m going to do him and me both a favor and look into one of these range finders for us. Any you recommend for nonprofessional golfers?
Yeah, you can only accomplish so much eyeballing it. Any of the rangefinders I list here would be great whether you’re a professional or non-professional. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I am curious, why is there such is big price difference? Some models cost HALF as much but offered similar features. I noticed that 5x or 6x magnification were common. But 6x was present on the less expensive models. Is it best to start with the base model or just go for the best?
Some of the main determinants of price when it comes to rangefinders include quality of optics (image clarity, etc.), operation speed, range (the larger the better), accuracy (the smaller the better), and construction quality. The more expensive models listed here will typically have a bigger range, better accuracy rating and have better optics among other things. A larger magnification allows you to obtain a larger image in the viewfinder, but for most people it doesn’t make much of a difference in terms of effectively locking on to the desired object and calculating distance, which is why it’s not a particularly important price-affecting feature.
What do you mean by base model? In my opinion a 5-1000 yard range and 5x magnification (Tour V3, Callaway 300) is more than enough to accommodate the needs of the average golfer out on the course. If you want a slope feature for extra assistance outside of a tournament then you have that option as well.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Very nice Review!
I was thinking about getting the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 , but now seeing the other models and seeing its weaknesses I might consider choosing another model, maybe the Callaway 300 would be a better choice, considering the only weakness mentioned it might be just the battery housing cap.
Mark,
Even though the Callaway 300 is more expensive than the COOLSHOT 20, I wouldn’t say that it’s strictly better just because it has less listed under weaknesses. I have done my best to evaluate the pros and cons of each of these models based on my own experience as well as the experience of the customer base at large, but at the end of the day nothing can be considered completely objective. Just remember that price has a weak to moderate correlation with overall quality. Also remember that it’s okay to let any brand preference(s) you might have influence your decision. Good luck!