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A rangefinder is an extremely useful tool to have on the golf course, both for pros and amateurs.
By being able to accurately measure the distance to objects such as hazards, greens and pins, you can determine the best club to hit and how full of a swing you should take to get your ball as close to the target as possible.
Proper use of a golf rangefinder will lead to better distance control, and ultimately, better scores. It also makes life easier during your rounds.
Without a rangefinder, obtaining yardages can be very difficult for the average golfer, and this is why we recommend owning one if you can afford it.
But because there are so many rangefinder options to choose from across many different brands, it can be difficult to figure out which model you should go for.
If you’re looking to buy a rangefinder for golf, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf rangefinders across a range of different budgets.
We base these choices on our own personal testing, popularity, and the general reception from consumers and critics who have used the rangefinders.
Our Top Picks For Golf Rangefinders
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, the following are our top selections:
- Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder
- Bushnell Tour V6 Laser Rangefinder
- Precision Pro NX10 Slope Rangefinder
- TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder
- TecTecTec VPRO500 Rangefinder
- Garmin Approach Z82 GPS & Rangefinder
- Bushnell Pro X3 Laser Rangefinder
- Blue Tees Series 3 Max Slope Rangefinder
- Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder
- GOGOGO SPORT GS24 Laser Rangefinder
- CAMMOO M1000 Laser Rangefinder
- MGS Eagle Eye Gen 3 Laser Rangefinder
1. Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder
When you think of the best golf rangefinder brands, Callaway might not cross your mind. But it turns out that they make some of the best rangefinders on the market.
The 300 Pro is one of their most successful models, selling like hot cakes year after year. Their newest iteration offers several improvements including Pin Acquisition Technology and Magnahold for securing the unit to your cart frame.
What earns the 300 Pro the #1 spot on our list, however, is the fact that it has all the fixings and it’s simply better than other rangefinders in its price range. Many argue that it’s just as good as the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift which is much more expensive.
Features
The latest version of the Callaway 300 Pro is lighter and more compact than its predecessor, with a weight of 0.34 pounds and a size of 2.7″ x 4″ x 1.4″.
A new feature of the 300 Pro is Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T. for short) with Pulse, which delivers a quick vibrating burst to confirm that you’ve locked onto the flag.
The next standout feature of the 300 Pro is Magnahold — this is a strong integrated magnet that can be used to secure the rangefinder to the cart frame.
The Callaway 300 Pro rangefinder also has slope capability, which automatically adjusts distances for elevation changes. This mode can be turned off at any time so that it can be used legally in tournaments.
- Weight: 0.34 pounds
- Range: 5-1000 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with Slope Mode turned off
Compared to the Tour V6, we find that the quality of the build and optics aren’t quite as good, but it’s still an amazing value since you’re getting most of the same features along with slope functionality.
Pros
- terrific value for money
- packed with useful features like slope, magnetic mounting, and flag vibrations
- great accuracy
- resistant to rain and fog
- targeting is very easy and quick
- small form factor
Cons
- build quality and optics are good but not top-of-the-line
- not rechargeable
2. Bushnell Tour V6 Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell has always been known to make quality rangefinders. The Tour V6, in particular, offers several improvements over the Tour V5:
- a more rugged, weather-resistant design
- a sleeker build with updated styling
- brighter and clearer optics
- updated PinSeeker technology
This rangefinder performed exceptionally well during our tests, and the reviews it has received thus far are glowing. It has a modern, quality construction, and the Bushnell brand is trusted by countless pro golfers.
In fact, if you’re willing to spend a few hundred bucks on a quality rangefinder that will last, this is one of your best bets.
Features
First, you have the PinSeeker technology, which has been present since the V3 model. This technology is designed to make it as easy as possible to lock onto the pin, with a JOLT vibrating pulse and a flashing red ring. With the V6 model, PinSeeker is more reliable and consistent than ever.
Next is a BITE magnetic cart mount, first introduced with the V5 model. This allows you to easily attach the rangefinder to a cart bar.
The Tour V6 has IPX6 water protection and is the most weather-resistant Tour series rangefinder Bushnell has produced to date.
The Tour V6 also pairs with the Bushnell Golf app, available for iOS and Android. This app provides 3D flyovers, aerial views in full colour, hole layouts, and GPS distances to inform your round even more.
- Weight: 0.53 pounds
- Range: 5-1300 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal
Bushnell’s PinSeeker technology is very powerful, but it’s important to know how to use it correctly in order to derive the most benefit from it. Be sure to read the manual well before using.
The Tour V6 is certainly worth getting over previous Tour models as long as your budget can accommodate it. A slope-enabled version, called the Tour V6 Shift, is also available, as is a Patriot Pack that includes a microfiber towel for cleaning the lens and two CR2 batteries.
Pros
- obtains yardages super fast
- magnet is strong
- very high-quality optics
- feels even better than the Tour V5
- premium, sleek look
- accuracy is among the best on the market
Cons
- PinSeeker tech can take some getting used to
- vibration lock occasionally requires more than one button press
3. Precision Pro NX10 Slope Rangefinder
We had previously featured the Precision Pro NX9 rangefinder in this guide, but the NX10 model is a step up and definitely deserves the new spot. It’s currently one of the highest-rated rangefinders on the market.
Compared to the NX9, the NX10 has a stronger build, brighter display, faster laser, stronger magnet, and improved targeting. But beyond that, the NX10 has a replaceable skin that, for a small extra charge, can be customized to suit your tastes.
The NX10 Slope is marked by a durable, industrial design, high accuracy, ease of use, and flexible customization.
Features
The Precision Pro NX10 Slope has the same key features that are common with most golf rangefinders rolled out over the last couple years, namely a magnetic cart attachment and pulse vibrations when locking onto the flag.
With the NX10, these features are better than ever. Its Pulse Vibration Technology ensures that the measured distance on the display is the correct one, and the unit is quick to lock onto targets.
Other features include:
- ability to measure distances to any target
- a custom-designed display
- lifetime free battery replacements
- a carrying case & cleaning cloth included
The skin of the NX10 can be customized with different designs based on American states and cities, sports teams, national flags, and more.
- Weight: 1 pound
- Range: 900 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with Slope Mode turned off
The non-customized version looks pretty bland. However, it’s undoubtedly worth the extra $10 over the NX9.
Pros
- bright, easy-to-read display
- customizable skin is a really nice bonus
- has slope and all the features common to great rangefinders
- premium feel
- great price point
- nice carrying case
Cons
- magnet is rather weak
- a touch on the heavy side
4. TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder
The KLYR is a new laser rangefinder offering by TecTecTec. It has a modern, pocket-sized design with a matte finish, and it packs versatile features such as a built-in magnet and belt clip at a very affordable price point.
The reviews and ratings that have come out so far for the KLYR are stellar. It’s meant to be an upgrade to TecTecTec’s massively popular VPRO500 rangefinder, offering features such as Target Lock and slope mode.
TecTecTec considers the KLYR to be the most exciting product they’ve ever brought to market, and they hope it will set them down the path of the future.
Features
The TecTecTec KLYR is compact, coming in at about 30% smaller than the average rangefinder. It has a continuous scan mode for measuring distances to bunkers, hazards, and other points on the course.
The KLYR also has a Target Lock feature, which involves pressing and holding the Power button and slowly moving the aim over the flag from an object behind the flag. The rangefinder will lock onto the flag and display the yardage.
There is also a slope mode that compensates for uphill or downhill shots; this can be toggled off for legal tournament play.
Another feature of the KLYR is a built-in neodymium magnet that allows for attaching to any metal surface.
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Range: 800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with Slope Mode turned off
Included is a unique belt clip that works with the KLYR’s magnet, allowing you to wear the rangefinder on your belt for quick access. Also included are a premium water-resistant case, battery, and magnetic ball marker that can attach to the case.
Pros
- highly accurate
- fast operation
- stylish
- impressive optics considering the price
- has all the fixings including slope, target lock and magnetic mounting
- compact and comfortable in the hands
Cons
- plastic shell feels a little cheap
- magnet could be stronger
- small exit pupil
5. TecTecTec VPRO500 Rangefinder
The VPRO500 is one of TecTecTec’s older rangefinder models that has been a best-seller for many years. It is considered one of the best budget-friendly rangefinders on the market, and the high ratings would certainly seem to agree.
The VPRO500 is very versatile with continuous scanning, first-target priority, Pinsensor technology, diopter adjustment, and more.
In addition, TecTecTec is a family-owned and operated company with excellent customer support.
Features
The VPRO500 utilizes Pinsensor technology to accurately measure the distance to a flagstick, even when it’s surrounded by background objects such as trees.
Beyond this, the rangefinder can run on the following three modes:
- Normal Mode: finds distances to objects of your choice; best for general use when other modes aren’t needed
- Scan Mode: calculates distances to terrain in a continuous manner; best for finding multiple distances to hazards or other terrain other than the flagstick
- Pin Mode: accurately measures the distance to any pin; best when the pin is farther away or has a wooded area in the background
The VPRO500 has clear, multi-layered optics, a read-through-the-lens display, and diopter adjustment to accommodate those who are nearsighted or farsighted. It has a tough, durable body that is resistant to both water and dust.
- Weight: 0.41 pounds
- Range: Up to 540 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal
Note that because the rangefinder is black, it tends to camouflage well in most bags and can be difficult to find quickly. A red silicone cover is available that will solve this issue. A slope version, the VPRO500S, is also available.
Pros
- very affordable
- great reliability and accuracy
- performance is comparable to much more expensive units
- comes with a money-back guarantee
- feels good in the hands
Cons
- durability is lacking
- often fails within a matter of years
6. Garmin Approach Z82 GPS & Rangefinder
The highly rated Garmin Approach Z82 is a unique product.
Not only is it a powerful, full-featured laser rangefinder with flag lock and slope adjustment, but the viewfinder is also overlaid with full-colour 2D CourseView maps which display distances to all hazards, layups, and the front, middle and back of the green.
The Approach Z82 basically combines laser rangefinder capabilities with the power of golf course GPS technology, giving you the best of both worlds.
Features
The Approach Z82 has the features you would come to expect from a quality laser rangefinder, including:
- flag lock with vibrational feedback and image stabilization to make aiming easier
- slope compensation (PlaysLike Distance) which adjusts yardages to account for elevation changes to the target
The Z82 also overlays a colour map of the hole you’re playing on the left side of the viewfinder. This can:
- show the hole layout with distances to the front, middle and back of the green
- display an arc which reflects where on the hole the rangefinder has ranged
- display distances to each hazard (front/back) and layup
- indicate the direction of the pin on blind shots (PinPointer)
When the rangefinder is connected to the Garmin Golf app on your smartphone, it can even display wind speed and direction to inform your club selection. With an active app membership, it can also display green contour data.
- Weight: 0.51 pounds
- Range: 450 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 10″ of the pin
- Tournament Legality: Legal with slope turned off
The rangefinder comes preloaded with GPS data for over 41,000 courses. It has a tournament mode that can be toggled on or off.
Pros
- packed with unique features that work well
- accuracy is better than most
- relatively easy to keep steady
- powerful GPS functionality
- quick flag locking
- app integration
Cons
- battery life could be longer
- device can accidentally switch to a different hole if you miss the fairway too far left or right
7. Bushnell Pro X3 Laser Rangefinder
The Pro X3 is Bushnell’s most advanced laser rangefinder for golf, and boy, is it a powerhouse.
You can think of it as a more powerful, premium, feature-rich version of Bushnell’s Tour V6 Shift. It also replaces the Pro XE and makes a number of improvements over that model.
Features
The Pro X3 has all of the same features as the Tour V6. These are listed in the relevant section and include:
- PinSeeker technology with a JOLT vibrating pulse and flashing red ring
- a BITE magnetic cart mount that allows you to easily attach the rangefinder to a cart bar
- Bushnell Golf app compatibility
The Pro X3 goes above and beyond, however. The first way it does this is through the togglable Slope with Elements mode, which not only compensates for elevation changes, but also for temperature and barometric pressure.
On top of this, you’re able to store elevation data internally in the Pro X3 so that it provides compensated distances for the local course where you play golf most frequently.
The Pro X3 also has an increased magnification of 7x (versus 6x) and an increased maximum range to the flag of 500 yards (versus 400 yards).
Other enhancements include options for a red LED or black display based on preference, an enhanced backlight, an IPX7 waterproof metal housing, and a new locking slope switch that clearly lets you know when you’re in Slope mode.
- Weight: 0.75 pounds
- Range: 5-1300 yards (500 yards to flag)
- Magnification: 7x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with Slope Mode turned off
If you have the budget to accommodate this rangefinder, you’ll be one happy golfer. It’s as simple as that.
Pros
- outstanding durability
- locks onto the target lightning fast
- does everything well
- an ultra-premium experience
- crystal clear display
- powerful features like Slope With Elements enable unprecedented precision
Cons
- very expensive
8. Blue Tees Series 3 Max Slope Rangefinder
The Series 3 Max is Blue Tees’ newest and most advanced rangefinder yet. As the successor to the Series 2 Pro, it promises to “change the way you see the course” with a modern design and next-generation technology.
This rangefinder has gained a lot of steam recently, becoming a top seller and earning high average ratings.
Blue Tees’ goal is to make high-quality golf equipment accessible to everyone, and they’ve taken a big step forward with the Series 3 Max. You can snag the slope version for less than $270.
Features
The Series 3 Max has most of the features you would come to expect from a top-quality rangefinder. Similar to the Bushnell Tour Series and Callaway 300 Pro, it has Flag Lock & Pulse Vibration, which delivers quick vibrating bursts to let you know you’ve locked onto the flag.
The rangefinder also features a new built-in magnetic strip with two magnetic plates. The magnet is very strong and can be used to easily and securely attach the rangefinder to metal surfaces on your golf cart or other accessories.
The Series 3 Max rangefinder is water-resistant. It has slope capability and, unlike the Series 2, a slope toggle, making it tournament legal.
Another feature unique to the Series 3 Max is an auto-ambient display. This automatically adjusts the colour of the display text to contrast with the environment, making it easy to read at all times.
Enhancing this experience is an ultra-clear display that is an upgrade from the standard HD displays of the previous models.
- Package Weight: 1.52 lbs
- Range: 900 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with slope mode turned off
The Series 3 Max Slope comes with a premium leather carrying case, lanyard, mountaineering buckle, and three CR2-3V batteries.
If you don’t care about tournament legality, you can save a few bucks by getting the previous model Series 2 Pro which has been very successful.
Pros
- impressive speed
- comfortable hold
- highly accurate
- magnet is plenty strong
- superb clarity of optics
- red display is easy to see in different lighting conditions
Cons
- can take a bit of time to lock onto the target
- slope readings can sometimes be a little off
9. Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder
The EZ is another one of Callaway’s best-selling rangefinders with outstanding user ratings.
It’s marked by an unconventional horizontal design and an “EZ Mode” that allows for easy flagstick scanning.
Features
Let’s start with the features the EZ has in common with the Callaway 300 Pro:
- Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T. for short) with Pulse: delivers a quick vibrating burst to confirm that you’ve locked onto the flag
- Magnahold: a powerful integrated magnet that secures the rangefinder to the cart frame
Unique to the EZ rangefinder is EZ Mode — a mode that fires a laser continuously for three seconds and registers the closest distance during that period. It practically guarantees that you’ll find the distance to the flagstick regardless of what is in the background.
The EZ rangefinder has an unusual horizontal orientation that is designed to be easy to hold, and we’ve certainly found that to be the case. There’s also a hand strap for additional support.
- Weight: 0.46 pounds
- Range: 5-800 yds (275 yds to pin)
- Magnification: 5x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with Slope Mode turned off
The unit also has an external LCD display that you can use to confirm the internal distance reading.
Pros
- external display is very useful for when you forget the reading you see within the scope
- EZ Mode is very helpful when you have shaky hands
- strong magnet
- has a strap for extra security
- really easy to use
Cons
- not as much magnification and range as other models
- readings can sometimes be unreliable
10. GOGOGO SPORT GS24 Laser Rangefinder
The GOGOGO SPORT GS24 is a hot seller and super affordable.
This thing is packed with value, delivering slope capability, flag locking with vibration, continuous range readings, angle range compensation, and even speed measurements.
Features
Let’s go through each of the three modes of the GS24 rangefinder:
- Continuous Scan Mode: obtain continuous distance readings to any object by holding down the Power button.
- Golf Mode: hold down the Power button while aiming around the flag to lock onto it with a vibration. The LCD display will show the actual distance, slope-compensated distance, and angle.
- Speed Mode: measure the speed of moving objects within the rangefinder’s sight.
With the GS24, you can switch the units of measurement between meters and yards by pressing and holding the MODE button. The rangefinder has the ability to separate the flagstick from background objects.
- Weight: 0.41 pounds
- Range: 5-650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Not legal
The optics of the GS24 are multi-coated to reduce unwanted reflections, and the diopter is adjustable.
The GS24 also comes in MTL and TL models. Both models includes a slope toggle switch for tournament play, while the MTL model also includes a magnetic mount and high-transmittance lens.
Pros
- extremely affordable
- packs plenty of value for the price
- accuracy is very good for the cost
- quite sturdy
- easy to use
- nice case
Cons
- cheap feel
- optics are less clear than other models
- locking onto the flag can be difficult
- battery door may not stay secure over time
11. CAMMOO M1000 Laser Rangefinder
Looking for a simple, effective rangefinder at a super cheap price? Try the CAMMOO M1000.
We really are astonished at how well this rangefinder performs for the price, and in fact, many users find that it does just as well as many name-brand models. Yes, it even has slope too!
Features
The CAMMOO M1000 rangefinder can be used for golf as well as for hunting and general measurement. It offers five modes which can be selected using the MODE key:
- Straight Distance: get the straight-line distance to any point.
- Flagpole: helps you lock onto the flagstick and vibrates to let you know.
- Golf Compensation: takes into account elevation to produce a slope-adjusted distance to the target.
- Height & Level: displays the relative change in elevation to any point.
- Speed Measurement: measures the speed of a moving object
An ergonomic body design, multi-coated optics, LCD digital and icon display, and adjustable diopter give you what you need for a productive ranging experience on the course.
- Weight: 0.32 pounds
- Range: 3-1100 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: Within 1 yard
- Tournament Legality: Legal with slope turned off
This laser rangefinder comes with a 750mAh lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable through an included USB cable. A pouch, lanyard, gift box and cleaning cloth are included.
Pros
- included carrying case is nice
- terrific battery life
- battery is rechargeable
- accuracy (slope and non-slope) is super impressive
- extremely affordable
Cons
- lacks many of the bells and whistles of more expensive rangefinders (built-in magnetic mount, slope toggle switch, etc.)
- lousy hand strap
12. MGS Eagle Eye Gen 3 Laser Rangefinder
My Golfing Store (MGS) is an Illinois-based company that offers rangefinders, training aids, and online coaching programs.
Their Eagle Eye Gen 3 rangefinder is very popular and highly rated; in fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find the performance it delivers at such a good price.
Features
The MGS Eagle Eye Gen 3 sports a clear HD easy-read display and multi-coated optics. It has three modes of operation: continuous scanning, golf, and speed measurement.
The golf mode provides flag locking with vibration and indicates the straight-line distance along with the slope-adjusted distance on the display. Quick target acquisition is enabled by a precise pin sensor.
- Weight: 0.75 pounds
- Range: 800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: 99.9%
- Tournament Legality: Legal with Slope Mode turned off
The Eagle Eye Gen 3 has a red and black colour scheme. It’s durable, resistant to dust and water, and requires no configuration out of the box — just grab it and start ranging. Included in the package is a microfiber cleaning cloth, battery, strap, and branded carrying pouch.
Pros
- relatively simple and easy to use
- lightweight
- accuracy is comparable to top-of-the-line units
- striking colour scheme
- affordable
- continuous scanning and speed modes are always appreciated
Cons
- no slope toggle
- no magnet for mounting
Buying Guide
There are many rangefinders on the market, and knowing which one to choose isn’t necessarily easy, especially if you don’t know anything about rangefinders. This guide will provide you with the rangefinder education you need in that regard.
Remember the essential objective of a rangefinder: measuring the distance to the flagstick when hitting your next shot into the green. Any other functionality is greatly appreciated but is merely a bonus.
While it’s nice to hold and feel a rangefinder beforehand, the advantage of shopping for a rangefinder online is that it’s much more convenient to compare specs and technologies for different models.
If you want to find the right golf rangefinder, here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Accuracy
This is really the name of the game when it comes to golf rangefinders. At the end of the day, high accuracy will remove guesswork from your game and improve your club selection.
When you’re measuring the distance to a flagstick, hazard, or any other feature on the golf course, you want the reading to be as accurate as possible. Depending on your skill level, a margin of error of just a couple yards can be the difference between a birdie and a double bogey.
The accuracy to look for in a rangefinder is ±1 yard or better; we recommend staying away from accuracy ratings worse than this, regardless of your handicap. Fortunately, most rangefinders made today have accuracies of one yard and sometimes even better than that.
2. Display
The view through the sight can make or break a rangefinder. In a perfect world, you want:
- clear, bright optics
- a magnification of at least 5x
- a display that is easy to read when contrasted with the background image
- a diopter adjustment to ensure crisp images
Ideally, you want to go for a rangefinder that checks as many of these boxes as possible. A rangefinder like the Garmin Approach Z82 will also overlay GPS maps in the viewfinder, but this is a nonessential bonus.
Another bonus to keep an eye out for is an ambient display. This kind of display automatically adjusts the display text to a colour (often red or black) that better contrasts with the background lighting conditions, making it easier to read.
A quality display will help you a great deal in locking onto the flag and locating other landmarks, especially when you’re playing in sunny conditions.
3. Durability
There are a few things to consider when it comes to durability.
First, does the rangefinder come with a carrying case or protective case? If a protective case is available, we recommend using it at all times during your round, and you should also consider putting the unit in its case after each use for maximum protection.
Second, does the rangefinder feel substantial or cheap in the hands? Rangefinders may have a plastic or metal housing, with the latter obviously being superior. Housing should have rubber or silicone regions for easy gripping.
Third, what’s the weight of the rangefinder? Super-light rangefinders may sound nice, but they are more prone to wear and tear and also more difficult to keep steady when pointing at targets. We think a weight of 0.5 lbs is a nice sweet spot.
Fourth, is the rangefinder water or moisture-resistant? If you’re playing in a light drizzle, this will keep your unit safe, and fortunately, most modern rangefinders are. Rangefinders can be resistant to dust as well.
Rangefinders usually end up being one of your most heavily used bag items after your golf ball, so it’s important for it to be able to hold up to years of use.
4. Battery Life
It’s also worth taking note of the battery a rangefinder uses. In particular, how long does the battery last on a charge, is it rechargeable, and how many charge cycles is it good for?
Many golf rangefinders run on CR2 batteries, which can last 6-12 months. Some CR2 batteries are rechargeable, lasting hundreds of cycles, but regular ones are not very expensive; you might as well buy a pack (get a great deal on Amazon) and keep one in your bag just in case.
However, these days, more and more rangefinder models run on Lithium-ion batteries which can be conveniently recharged with a charging cable.
Make sure that the rangefinder you’re interested in doesn’t require an unusual type of battery that is overly expensive or difficult to find.
5. Slope Capability
If you’re playing golf recreationally and want to use a rangefinder, we strongly recommend one with slope capability. This will determine the elevation change from your position to the flagstick and generate an adjusted distance reading that takes that slope into account.
This is based off the idea that when the target is at a higher elevation, the arc of the ball flight will be shortened and more distance will be necessary, while when the target is at a lower elevation, the arc will be lengthened and less distance will be necessary.
Some advanced rangefinders like the Bushnell Pro X3 will compensate not only for slope, but also for environmental factors like temperature and pressure.
The difference in price between slope and non-slope models tends to be around $60. If you can afford it, it’s definitely worth it.
If you play without a slope rangefinder, you’ll have to compensate for elevation changes yourself through feel or by using rules of thumb.
If you also play tournaments, you can just toggle off the slope feature on most rangefinders so that it can be used legally. Watch out for rangefinders that don’t have a toggle, like the GOGOGO SPORT GS24.
6. Range
Every rangefinder has a range of distances at which it can produce accurate readings. Outside this range, the rangefinder may produce inaccurate readings or no readings at all.
Some rangefinders boast ranges of 1000 yards or more, but while that sounds cool, it’s really not useful in a practical sense and is a bit of a gimmick.
This is because you shouldn’t ever need to measure a distance that is less than how far you’ll hit your next shot. Unless you’re a long-drive golfer, this shouldn’t be much more than 300 yards.
Almost every rangefinder has a range of at least 400 yards, which will take care of pretty much every situation you’ll face on the course. This is why, while the range of a rangefinder is something to look at, it’s one of the least important factors.
7. Price
Of course, your budget is very important when shopping for a golf rangefinder.
For example, some people don’t want to spend more than $200 on a rangefinder. That’s fine — they have options. And there’s really no reason to get a rangefinder that costs more than $600 or so.
With that said, some rangefinders are cheap for a reason: they may be less accurate, have a cheap construction, have poorer optics, lack flag pulses, have less range or magnification, or something similar.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality rangefinders over a range of budgets that golfers might have.
But even for something like a rangefinder, you may be able to access financing for your purchase. Various online golf shops that sell rangefinders also offer financing here, here and here.
Conclusion
Eyeballing it out on the golf course will only get you so far. If you’re serious about developing your distance control and improving your scores, a laser rangefinder will be one of the most important accessories in your bag.
A rangefinder can be a huge boon to your golfing toolkit. And finding one that does its job reliably is actually pretty easy if you know what you want.
Each of the rangefinder models listed above deliver exceptional performance. We’ve given you the information you need; now it’s up to you to determine which one suits your needs and which one you prefer the most.
It’s also very beneficial to read customer reviews to acquire some useful insights as to how rangefinders actually perform. This will help you a great deal in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. Which rangefinder models are you interested in? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
The great thing about the VPRO500 is that you don’t need to think twice about the distance. It’s a budget-friendly rangefinder that helps you find the right distance to flags and trees in less than a second. It provides you with a clear picture so that you can take your game to the next level. I also found it to be very light weight, a feature which makes it easy to handle and carry around during tournaments (and I play them regularly). If you are looking a solid, reliable rangefinder at an affordable price point, I can’t recommend the VPRO500 enough. Thanks for the article.
I think that at a minimum, thousands of consumers would agree with you Chris. Many golfers I know use the VPRO500, and the general consensus is that it delivers quality performance. Thanks for your comment!
Great writeup on the best golf rangefinders. I’ve been golfing for a couple of years now and I’m looking to get a quality rangefinder – this helps a lot. Right now I’m torn between the TecTecTec VPRO500 and the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT. The Tour V4 JOLT is obviously more expensive, but it’s hard to look past the popularity of the VPRO500. I know this is a tricky question to answer, but I’ll ask it anyways: which one would you recommend between the two? I know that the slope feature is absent on both. I assume that you have the VPRO500 as #1 on the list for a reason? Thanks in advance!
Hi Kel, thanks for checking out the page. Those two models are both great, but the Tour V4 JOLT offers more in terms of range. At the same time, the Tour V4 JOLT can do a 5X magnification while the VPRO500 can do 6X. I would say that it depends on your budget and what features and specs you like better. If money is an issue, perhaps you should go with the VPRO500. If you decide on the Tour V4 JOLT, have a look at the Patriot Pack. Sorry that I couldn’t be of more help. Good luck!
Ok, if you have a problem with picking out flags in between other objects, then I would recommend the Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder for you. I used it to pick out a flag behind trees but those which are more than 250 yards required a few attempts. This range finder feels light to hold and the compact size will fit easily into most golfers’ hands. I’m not saying the 300 Pro is the best rangefinder for this purpose, but it’s what I use and it works very well. Best, Mark
Sometimes it can be difficult to lock on to the object you want. Most golf rangefinders handle this problem well, the Callaway 300 Pro included. I’m glad you’re having a good experience with it. Thanks for the comment.
I’ve used Bushnell Pro X2 myself – its extra weight makes it more stable in the wind, which is nice. The reality is that lighter doesn’t necessarily mean better.
The material is also quite rough which promotes a firm grip – another thing I liked.
Toggling the slope feature is very easy as you only need to flick a button. At the same time, the button can be tripped a little too easily, so you have to be very careful with where you put your fingers.
I just wanted to share a bit of my experience with the X2 for readers. Thanks for the recommendations Paul.
Thanks a lot for sharing. I can pretty much confirm what you say about the Pro X2 – definitely a great option. As you mention, though, you need to be careful not to hit any buttons or switches accidentally.
Hey Paul. I have used several of these, and in my experience, the Precision Pro NX7 is one of the most accurate rangefinders on the market.
Most laser rangefinders require some degree of patience before locking onto your target, but with the NX7, locking on and getting accurate readings is a relative cinch. Its zoom feature is also better than other rangefinders which sacrifice some quality at higher magnifications. The ability to switch units of measurement is also nice; my brother also uses the rangefinder, and he prefers readings in yards as opposed to myself preferring meters.
Paul, which of these models have you tested personally? I’m just curious.
Indeed, great accuracy is a strong point of the NX7. Thanks for sharing your story. To answer your question, myself and my team have tested every single one of these models between ourselves. In terms of performance for money, while all are excellent, we feel that models 1-5 have a very slight edge over the rest. With that said, any model listed here is just as viable as the rest. I hope this helps!
A rangefinder is one of the easier ways to improve your golf game. Why? Well knowing accurate distances goes a long way in helping with club selection. Sure, it might not help your swing, but knowing the right club to use out on the course provides an advantage. If you want the best golf rangefinder on the market, you need to check out the Bushnell Pro X2 Jolt Slope Rangefinder.
These are good rangefinder recommendations. I have several friends who use the VPRO500 and think it’s great.
Thanks a lot for this good share on the best rangefinders…
No problem Galvan.
First of all, I want to thank you for this amazing article. You have included all the best quality golf rangefinders in your list. Now I am able to select the rangefinder for my golf game. Precision Pro NX7 seems very good with premium features. I am going to pick this. What do you say about Precision Pro NX7?
Fazal, I’m not sure if you realize, but we’ve included the Precision Pro NX7 on our list here. It’s a great rangefinder, and if you’re interested, you should definitely pick it up.
Some people don’t know where to start when choosing the right rangefinder as there are so many on the market. Useful info. Thank you.
Love this detailed write-up on golf rangefinders, Paul. It has explained pretty much everything.
With Slope comenpensation, JOLT and PinSeeker features, Bushnell Pro X2 is my favourite one. Its really easy to turn off slope compensation, thus making it USGA legal.
The major downside I feel is the cost, though.
Thanks. Indeed, the Pro X2 is still pricey, but it’s fantastic.
I have used both NX-7 & and Bushnell Tour V-4 Both are very good. TecTecTec is extremely difficult to contact via phone. I have been on hold 3x past 45 min and they never picked up. Phone hours 8am-2pm M-F If you get a live voice – they say they will ask to see if you are a verified legit purchaser or request your original Invoice and once it is provided claim they will follow-up but never do. Multiple e-mails to them have gone unanswered. Avoid this TecTecTec guys.
TecTecTec’s customer service is normally excellent. But holiday season sales are really picking up right now and that’s probably why you’re having problems getting a hold of them. Just keep trying. They are a family-operated business and likely don’t have enough employees to handle getting swamped with inquiries.
Paul, what about some models with screen display, which showing distance, angle, battery and other data? Do you think the screen useful during play?
Hi Aaron. In our experience, rangefinders with large displays on the outside aren’t very popular, and not many manufacturers make them. It’s certainly a cool feature, but we’re not sure it would be very useful in practice. However, the Callaway EZ rangefinder that we feature here has a simple external display that you can use to confirm the internal distance reading.