The 10 Best Golf Rangefinders

When we think of a rangefinder, hunting is one of the first things that come to mind. However, the Golf rangefinder works on the same principles, helping you with all the calculations when you need them the most. These can help the player choose the right clubs for each shot, perhaps even helping you to improve your handicap.

I have personally been playing with a golf rangefinder for the last couple of years. Since you don’t need any binoculars or even a GPS now, you can see the slopes near the fairway or the green. This has helped me with each shots placement, making the following shots a lot easier than you would normally when playing blind. I also found that over-hitting the ball from the tee happens a lot less if you understand the power of each club.

In this article, we look at all the golf rangefinders we have tested. These rangefinders are designed to simplify your life and to help you improve your game. With the help of a few club pro’s, we also found some of the key features to look for. All of these features are in the subsequent buyer’s guide to help you understand the technical aspects a little better.

The 10 Best Golf Rangefinders

Before diving into these intricate technological specification, you should see what we have selected as the top options. This will give you much better insight and help you to make the best decision. As we already mentioned, these options are really well tested and they have been highly rated. Here are the best options currently on the market today:

1. Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder

When you think of outdoor technology, especially scopes and rangefinders, Bushnell is one of the leading brands. The Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder is one of these rangefinders you choose when you have no real experience with these products. It is especially well-liked since it has been approved for tournament purposes.

Testing has shown us that the rangefinder is really accurate, up to 1-yard if you measuring tight angles on the green. The 5X magnification gives you a clear view of the targeted area, making it much easier to predict most par 3 slopes before teeing to the green. Target acquisition is really easier when you have the PinSeeker technology to work with you on these longer par 5 courses.

The range is up to 1000-yards, which is more than you will need on any course. Testing the range, we have found that you can even see the pin on the next hole if you are lucky and want to plan ahead of time. Fast Focus Technology will help you to quickly focus and plan your shot, removing all of the stress that is needed for playing tight games.

One recommendation that I would make for users is to understand that this rangefinder has a practical range of 350-yards. However, you can also use it around 700-yards if you need to work the par 5 courses beforehand. Waterproofing is something you might not really associate with golf, but it does help a little when the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worst.

One of the biggest complaints is the small size. Yes, having something lightweight is always handy and a decent golf card will even leave you with some space to spare for these rangefinders. However, you will need two hands to keep it stable and the fact focus system might dissipate too quickly for beginners. The biggest benefit for beginners will be the faster target acquisition that could potentially help them.

What the V4 does bring to the table from some of the older versions is the slope compensation. Instead of having 2 different pieces, this is now added as part of the rangefinder. On the side, the button has been named “Slope Edition”, making it much easier for anyone to perfectly calculate the precise slope angles in a matter of minutes.

All of these features have been heavily priced down as the newer versions are being released. The price is really affordable, with some even calling it a steal when you take into consideration that some of these features are really unique. Since it is competition approved, we would definitely recommend it for beginners and professional players. This option is perfect for all players.

2. TecTecTec VPRODLX Golf Rangefinder

Bushnell is an excellent brand, but they occasionally find themselves a little overpriced in today’s market. In step the TecTecTec VPRODLX Golf Rangefinder with all the 2018 additions. This rangefinder comes with all the accessories you might need for your golfing experience, ranging from simplifying life to improving the quality of your game.

The range is one of the features we generally consider as one of the most important. When it comes to the TecTecTec VPRODLX Golf Rangefinder, you will have a range of up to 600-yards, with 300-yards being the most practical option to keep in mind when you are looking for the best accuracy. Speaking of accuracy, the manufacturer has stated it is accurate up to 1-yard.

One of the top features I like when it comes to this rangefinder is the multicoated lenses. These lenses are used to reduce the glare that might cause some frustration on your eyes when you are scouting your target. As for the magnification, I believe the 6X magnification is more than you will need to clearly see all of your targets.

PinSensor Technology has been introduced and this removes the need for the user to constantly be seeking the pin when playing. The technology automatically detects the pin and the seeking distance you need to compensate for. Once the distance has been locked, you can keep it on your rangefinder to help you select the right clubs for each shot.

While the design of the rangefinder is waterproof, we all need to store these rangefinders once you are done playing. Having a stylish microfiber design means you can carry it or attach it to your golfing bag. This bag features a hard case, making it shock resistant as well as adding another layer of waterproofing to ensure your rangefinder has been sufficiently protected from any potential damage. Lastly, we should mention the efficiency of measuring overlapping target. This will help you as you discern between the different holes.

Unfortunately, slope technology has not been integrated. Beginners might love the slope calculation technology to ensure the placement of the ball is perfect on the green. Stability is something you generally need to keep in mind. However, this rangefinder does offer it if you don’t already have a steady golfing hand.

Compared to Bushnell, this is one of the more affordable options on the market today. We definitely recommend it for the value that is offered. Since it is also lightweight, the rangefinder is something that you could easily use. It might not be the best option for professional players, but beginners should get the best value for their money when playing.

You can read our full review of this product here.

3. Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Once again, we have another Bushnell product. The Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder is rated as one of the best options on the market today. This rangefinder has many elite features and I really see most players choosing this option as their number one rangefinder when they reach the professional level.

Once again, the PinSeeker technology has been included. Adding to that, JOLT ensures that you quickly find the target and have no real troubles to ensure the target has been acquired. The JOLT feature will give you vibrations to ensure that you understand the readings. I have used this feature to ensure that I can easily track the stats and improve my club selection.

While many rangefinders work with a black and white display, the Dual Display Technology that has been integrated will ensure the numbers and the crosshairs will have the perfect contrast to your target. As we have already mentioned, you can now view all the stats with more ease. Slope compensation technology is illegal for competition but should help beginner trying to understand the game.

To help make this rangefinder legal for competitions, the slope switch has been added. You can toggle the slope compensation technology with just a touch of a button, making it legal for you to use it during competitions. However, I have seen officials frowning upon many players choosing this as their rangefinder of choice when playing in the upper echelon competitions.

While most rangefinders have been constructed from plastic materials that have also proven to be waterproof, this is one of the most durable options on the market today. It is actually fully waterproof and while the manufacturer has not mentioned it to be shock resistant, It has held up well to such tests.

Compared to many of the other rangefinders with a range of 100-yards, this rangefinder has a massive 1300-yard range. It is accurate to a distance of ½ a yard. This will make it much easier for you to ensure that your calculations are extremely accurate. We should also mention that the magnification is a staggering 6X and the 393-yard field of view is perfect for scoping out a massive area on the course.

This rangefinder might have everything you need until you have to deal with fog. Unfortunately, it is not really fog-resistant and this might be a little frustrating for many players. However, once the sun is back and the fog has disappeared, the multicoated lenses will easily help you to get rid of any frustrating glare in your face.

When it comes to your budget, you might need to bite your teeth a little when looking at this rangefinder. It is a little more expensive, but this should not put you off if you have the funds to spend. This rangefinder has been extremely well rated by many professional players and it can be used for your professional games as well.

4. Breaking 80 Golf Rangefinder

As we nearly reach the halfway mark, we have the Breaking 80 Golf Rangefinder. This rangefinder is one of the smaller models and it might not have all the advanced features of models like Bushnell, but it is one of my favorite options that I recommend to most beginners. It is made from plastic, but the hardened shell also means you have more durability while giving you grip in wet weather conditions.

The rangefinder only weighs 12-pounds, which means it is really lightweight when you reach the time of the game when your arms are starting to tire. As you might have picked up from the material used in the construction of this model, it is waterproof, but not really shockproof when it falls on solid surfaces that could be really damaging.

The rangefinder has a 6X magnification, which means that you can easily zoom in on the course and perhaps even look at the slopes. PinSensor technology is nothing new to the rangefinder world and the Breaking 80 Golf Rangefinder also features this. It can help onto 3 different pins.

According to the manufacturer, it has a 500-yard maximum range. This is more than enough for your par 5 courses and will ensure that you can easily see everything you need to. It is accurate with a distance of up to 1-yard, which is also considered the industry average for your normal rangefinder. More expensive models are a little more accurate.

I would have loved to see the slope calculation technology being included. However, this model does not have these features included. On the upside, you can now use it for your personal needs and it can be used when playing competition tournaments. Personally, this would not be my number one option for playing elite competitions.

When it comes to the price, this might be one of the best parts of the rangefinder. This rangefinder is one of the most affordable options on the market today and we would definitely recommend it for the small features and brilliant price it comes for. If you are a beginner looking for a brand new rangefinder at an affordable price, consider this option.

5. Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf Rangefinder

Bushnell is rather impossible to get off this list. The Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf Rangefinder is one of the most stylish options on the market today. However, it does not lack anywhere in the technology department. One of the standout features is the 2nd generation E.S.P. that will make target acquisition even easier for any player.

Once again, Bushnell has integrated some of its advanced features. The range is around 1300-yards, which is more than most of the regular rangefinders we have and still will see on this list. In terms of accuracy, it is accurate to a staggering ½ a yard. This will ensure the perfect accuracy when you are playing on the green.

Slope compensation technology is one of the top features that have been included for all users. It helps the beginner to understand the area of the green and how to plan their shots. Not only will it work for beginners, but slope switch technology also means you can toggle this feature on and off as you need it. Having this toggle means, the Bushnell Tour X Laser Golf Rangefinder can be used in your professional competitions.

Dual Display Technology is one of my favorite additions and as you will see, it is mostly found in the newer models. The dual display will ensure that you can clearly see your target without too much effort. Should the weather be crisp, the bright red numbers will still stand out and ensure that you see all of your distance.

As with most optic technology, you should always look for multicoated optics. This will block out all the glare of the sun. However, this will not really help you as much when it comes to fog buildup that could be a little frustrating for some users. I would also like to put emphasis on the stylish design that will help you when you are showing off or spicing up your kit.

While this model is extremely durable when looking at the outer materials and the waterproofing that has been added, it does not have durable eye covers. This feature has been frustrating me for some time, but eventually, you do get used to it and you can find yourself having an excellent golfing experience.

As for the price, this is one of the more expensive options on the market today. Much like the X2 model, it also has many of the same features, but the slightly smaller design might be what brings down the price a little bit. I would also like to mention that Bushnell will give you an industry leading 2-year limited warranty.

6. Precision Pro Golf NX7 Golf Range Finder

When it comes to golf rangefinders, nothing is better than having a rangefinder that has specifically been designed by a golfing brand. The Precision Pro Golf NX7 Golf Range Finder competes with some of the earlier model rangefinders, making it a great affordable addition that can be used by many of the beginners coming into the game.

Pulse vibration is one of the top additions that many people might not even know about. However, it is one of my favorites. When you have acquired the target, it now enables you to see which club is the best for the specific distance. However, you still need to have some basic insights when it comes to club selection and how each club actually works. There is no point in using the driver for a chip shot.

We all know and understand the importance of magnification in a rangefinder or any type of binoculars. This is even more important when you don’t have slope technology to help you calculate the slopes and find the perfect angle. This rangefinder has a maximum yard range of 400-yards, with a 6X magnification that should help you make your very own slope calculations.

According to the manufacturer, they have put a lot of emphasis on durability. This model has been constructed from plastic, but it is rated to be waterproof and shock resistant. To ensure even more durability, the hardened case will make the rangefinder even more durable in bad weather conditions and when taking a little bit of beating as you travel.

The rangefinder might only be accurate at 1-yard, but this is still near precise when compared to some of the lesser models on the market today. The battery is really sufficient and should last you up to 36-holes when it has been fully recharged. I have used this for around 2 games, but you do need to turn it off from time to time.

While this model does give you the ability to reach massive distances, some people have complained about the accuracy when shooting more than 350-yards. This is something that you need to get used to and I do believe the accuracy does dissipate a little as you go further. However, not many people can actually club the ball that distance.

Finally, we have to look at the price and as we have mentioned, this model has the same features as the Bushnell models to some degree, especially the older Bushnell models. However, it is still reasonably priced and the limited 2-year warranty will definitely give you some great value for your money. I would recommend it to beginners and intermediate players.

7. Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder

Nikon is more of a camera brand, but they have a reputation for developing excellent optics for various different things. Golf can be a daunting sport to take on and the Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder is one of the top options that have just entered the market and should help you to drastically improve your game.

The rangefinder also features 6X magnification, more than enough for you see the slopes. It might not have the Bushnell slope technology, but why would you need this when you have such an excellent magnification to pull you through. The stylish design also sets it apart from the rest of the competition on the market today.

At just 4.4-ounces, this is one of the lightest models on the market today. The only downside to having a rangefinder that is too light is stability. I have not seen any pin seeking technology and this could be frustrating for some users. However, even with pin seeking technology, the vibrations can give you inaccurate reading occasionally.

One of the best places I have used this 550-yard rangefinder is when training or when on the driving range. Since the readings are extremely accurate, you can now actually measure the distance of every shot and see how far the club can actually help you move the ball. Eventually, this knowledge will help you when playing in a game.

Since no slope calculation technology has been added, this model is perfectly safe to use in your competitions. It comes with numerous different cases for you to choose from and I find the neoprene case really durable. However, it might not really be shock resistant. This could potentially frustrate many people if it does fall.

I could not find many really bad cons on this rangefinder and this might be one of the best intermediate or even competitions options on the market today. It is not that expensive and falls in the same price range of many older Bushnell models. If you are looking for something different, this is definitely an excellent model that you should consider choosing.

8. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder

TecTecTec is still a relatively new name in the golfing world, but they are slowly making strides with models like the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder to reach the upper echelon on the sport. It is made from plastic, but still a little heavier than some of the Bushnell models. However, this could add to the overall stability you have.

When you are looking for a rangefinder, you need at least 500-yards of range and this one fall slightly short at only 450-yards. However, it is still accurate with an accuracy of up to 1-yard at this range. The 6X magnification is the industry standard and while the model does not have slope technology, you can calculate this on your own.

Pin seeking technology has been integrated and this will ensure that you never need to use probability ever again. Now, you can know exactly where the pin is and this should simplify life quite significantly for you as a player as well. Many people have claimed that using this rangefind3er has helped them to reduce their shots per hole by 2 in some cases.

While the pin seeking does not match the same technology in some of the more expensive models, it is still much more efficient than using a GPS. The only place where a GPS will help you is to help track your steps when you feel like working out. We should also mention that the models are really small and can actually fit in your pocket while you are playing your shot.

As you might have picked up already, this model is competition ready and since no slope technology has been integrated, you can easily use it for your matches. Using this for training should still allow you to get a better grasp of the range offered by each club. If you use the same clubs on the range and the course, you should have a better understanding of the range each one offers.

Unfortunately, the durability is not on the same level as many of the high-end models. This is not as bad as you might think as the brand still features a limited 1-year warranty that will keep you protected. I have seen this model being really popular amongst many of the beginners, but not really amongst the professional players.

TecTecTec is one of the budget brands and since they are rather new to the market, you should give them a chance. The customer support is one of the best I have ever used and they try to make you feel part of the family. As mentioned, I would definitely recommend this model to any beginner looking for a functional and versatile golf rangefinder.

9. SereneLife Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder

Talking about one of the most affordable rangefinders on the market today, it is really hard to beat the price on the SereneLife Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder. This affordable rangefinder has been constructed from a plastic base, with hard plastic that has been included when it comes to your grip area and the key areas for more durability.

In terms of the overall durability, this model is water-resistant for when the weather does decide to make a turn for the worse. However, the model is not really shockproof as many people might need when manhandling the rangefinder. It has a range of 540-yards with a 1-yard give when it comes to the overall accuracy on the target.

The pin seeker technology is not the best, but will still help you to find the pin much faster than some of the GPS models. It can even detect the distance when you are within the range, but no slope calculation technology has been added. This will make the model an excellent option when you have to deal with competition rules and regulations.

While many rangefinders take some time to figure out when you need to use it. This model features only one button. I like this as I can now use the rangefinder with one hand. If you have a steady hand, your readings will be extremely accurate and you can choose your specific club without too much effort to play the perfect shot.

It is definitely lightweight and portable but does not feature multicoated lenses. The lack of these lenses means that the rangefinder will not really work when the sun is directly in your face. We have had a couple of frustrating problems when dealing with the glare. Fog might be another problem, but this could be a sign to skip playing on that day.

As for the price, the model is really affordable, probably one of the most affordable options on the market today. It does come with a manufacturer warranty to keep you safe if you experience any defects. I would recommend it for beginners and some of the intermediate players, but you will eventually upgrade after some time.

10. Nikon COOLSHOT 40 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Last but certainly not least, we have the upgraded version of the Nikon Coolshot 20. The Nikon COOLSHOT 40 Golf Laser Rangefinder is one of my personal favorite 2018 models, but it does have a much longer lifetime and should probably become one of the all-time classics that you and pro players will use for many years to come.

It has been constructed with a metal case, which does make it a little more durable than the plastic models. This case has been tested to waterproof for most conditions and it also can withstand the accidental fall from time to time. With such a sleek and ergonomic design, it comfortably fits into your hands when needed.

Hyper Read technology is one of the best features of the product. Instead of having to wait as long for your readings to come into your view, this feature will have it ready in the blink of an eye. The CR2 Lithium Battery is highly rated and should definitely make the rangefinder perfect for you to play more than one game before replacing them.

The maximum range is 650-yards, more than the longest par 5 in the world. Using the additional pin seeker technology will keep your eyes on the prize and you should never need to worry about the pin being out of sight. It has a reported accuracy of around ½ a yard, which is what you would expect from the top models on the market today.

While this model only uses one button to help you find the pin and even calculate the range, you still have the ability to make your own adjustments. It is really lightweight and can be operated with one hand. The smaller dimensions mean the rangefinder can be placed in your pocket when it is not in use anymore.

I personally think this model and go toe to toe with the top Bushnell models, but the price is much more affordable. Unfortunately, it does not come with the slope technology, but this should still not deter you from playing your game effectively. It is competition-approved and highly recommended to the professional golfer and it is one of my personal favorite models on the market today.

Key features to consider when choosing the best rangefinder

Now that you have seen most of the top models, you should have somewhat of an idea when it comes to choosing these models. However, the tech lover might like to see how we went about selecting them. With some professional help, we managed to choose the best models and our guidance included learning the top features. Here are the main considerations you should have when choosing the best golf rangefinder:

Type

Rangefinders are quite intricate and there are actually two types of rangefinders on the market today. Depending on the level of your game and your preferred technology specifications, you should choose the one that directly meets your specific needs. Here is a small breakdown of both types for your understanding:

• Laser rangefinder: The laser rangefinder is the one we have actually discussed in this article. These golf rangefinder reviews are centered on the laser rangefinder that makes use of a combination of technology to shoot a beam down the course to measure the distance.
• GPS rangefinder: The GPS rangefinder is a little different and as the name suggests, it makes use of GPS technology like satellites to help you find the pin. In some cases, these models can be accurate, but they lack some of the advanced features we have seen in many laser rangefinders.

If you are left with a choice of which one to choose, you will be much better off choosing the laser rangefinder. The GPS options need an internet connection and you should manually upload most of the maps. The only reason I would consider the GPS is rangefinder is the size. Many of them are really portable and in wearable technology as well.

Accuracy

When it comes to buying a brand new rangefinder, accuracy is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind. Most rangefinders have an accuracy of around 1-yard, which is perfect for calculating slopes when you don’t have slope technology included. These rangefinders are also a little cheaper than some of the more elite models.

Speaking of the elite models, we look at rangefinders with an accuracy of ½ a yard. This is extremely tight and you don’t need to worry about any real compensation on your part. As long as you can play the ball accurately to the determination of the rangefinder, your shots should be really close to where you would like to be.

This is one of the determining factors for us when deciding which rangefinders we should have added to the list. Numerous rangefinders are accurate to 1-yard, but if the accuracy can be better, why not choose something that takes even more of the guesswork out of the game and simplifies your life a little.

Range

When looking at the range, you should look at the longest range on your local par 5 holes. The range on the rangefinder should generally exceed this to ensure that you can see the pin when needed. We have used 500-yards as the norm when choosing a rangefinder and this should keep you in the game on most courses as well.

The elite models generally only had a 1000-yard range. However, newer models have much better technology and this has bumped up the norm for a high-end rangefinder to 1300-yards. If you are a serious golfer, this should be the range you are looking for in your top rangefinder to see more holes and plan ahead.

Lenses

We don’t always put too much emphasis on the lenses of the rangefinder, but they are important. The lenses can help you in fog and when the sun is belting in your face. Multicoated optics are the best option and they would help to reduce some of the glare. Bushnell also features Dual Display Technology. This will adjust the background to help you read the readings much more clearly.

Unfortunately, fog remains a massive problem, but this is not something we generally have to deal with when playing a game of golf. The fog can be a little frustrating if you play in the Scottish Highlands, but very few players will actually need a rangefinder when you do play at that level, making it an unnecessary feature for us to put emphasis on.

Pin Seeker Technology

Pin Seeker Technology is found in most of the rangefinders we have selected. It is marketed under numerous different names and this could make people miss it. However, the feature is really important when it comes to seeking out the pin, especially when you are trapped somewhere off the course and in the rough behind a few trees.

The quality of the technology does vary from model to model and it works in a similar way to what you expect of a GPS. However, the GPS is not really designed to specifically include small pins on the device, which makes it less of an asset. You will need to upgrade and even download numerous courses on the GPS to actually use it effectively.

Pin Seeker Technology is not a new thing and you will probably find cheaper models with this feature included as well. However, the price does correlate with the quality of the technology and having bad technology is not something we wish on anyone. Additionally, brands like Bushnell have included the JOLT feature. This feature will vibrate to indicate the distance and help you when selecting your clubs.

One of the main reasons I have used this feature is to find out what the range is on every club. Once this has been locked in your mind, you can make much better decisions when it comes to choosing the best club for each shot. As we have already mentioned, you should still have some basic knowledge. Understanding that the driver will not chip the ball out of the rough is one example.

Magnification

Golf rangefinders have an industry standard when it comes to the magnification they offer. However, the best golf rangefinder will have a little more. Doing some research, we actually found that 5X is the standard for a decent rangefinder and this will give you 5 times more zoom than the naked eye can at any distance.

However, we tried our best to select models that will give you a magnification in the range of 6X. if you don’t have slope calculation technology, you will have a clear sight and this can help you to work out the probable slope if needed. Fortunately, the magnification is not regulated by the USGA and you can actually use any magnification for competition purposes that you like or are comfortable with.

Slope Technology

Slope technology is another feature we generally don’t understand or miss. Yes, it might not be permitted by the USGA, but if you use it during your friendly games or even when playing for fun, it could make a massive difference to the way you improve, with many people even stating that they have taken many shots of their average game.

While slope technology is banned, brands like Bushnell does have a workaround for players. Their golf rangefinders include the slope compensation technology, but having the added slope switch included means that you can choose when it is used. All of this can actually now be done with a touch of a button if you are willing to pay for one of the elite models on the market today.

On a side note, we do recommend that you always consult the USGA when selecting a rangefinder with any type of new technology. Before you buy the rangefinder, find out if it can be used in your competitions. Nothing is more frustrating than wasting a lot of money on something that you won’t even be able to use when you are playing.

Speed

When talking about the speed of the rangefinder, we are referring to how long it takes to give you the readings. Since you need to keep them steady to get an accurate reading, it can be a tiresome time for your arms and this could be a little frustrating for many users. The speed is something to keep in mind and should allow you to be ready for the next shot.

Additionally, I would also suggest looking at the stability of the rangefinder. If this is not something you can do with two hands, you need to have a rangefinder that will lock itself in place when you are calculating the range. Most of the high-end models should give you your readings in just a few seconds and after using them a couple of times, you will come to learn how accurate they actually are.

Ease of Use

Ease of use has nothing to do with your specific skill level. Rather, it is much more focused on how versed you are with all the features and the new technology. If you are an older golf player and you buy a new golf rangefinder, you might not understand all the new features.

One thing I always tell people is to take your time at home or on the driving range. Even when you have your standard Wednesday practice session, take some additional time to help you understand the rangefinder a little better. These features are only included to help you improve your game, but you need to put in the time to actually understand them and ensure they can have a positive influence.

Durability

These rangefinders might take a lot of abuse when in your bag or used quite often. For this reason, we also recommend keeping durability in mind. Most models have been constructed from plastic or even neoprene technology. However, the metal casing is a little better and could help the rangefinder to take more punishment.

Another part of the durability is the waterproofing. The weather is not something we can always control, but once it starts raining, it generally starts pouring. If your rangefinder can actually withstand the rainfall, you can use it in a light drizzle. As we have mentioned, the only problems you might need to deal with is the fog.

Lastly, fog proof is a feature you won’t always find. However, the more durability the rangefinder has, the more it can withstand everything life throws at it. The carry case is generally where you look for this feature and should the case have a harder outer shell; the lenses and body of the rangefinder will actually be protected as well.

Battery Life

I prefer having a decent battery life as this will have a massive impact on your performance. Nothing can be more frustrating than having the rangefinder die when you need it the most. Golf rangefinders come with portable batteries that can be replaced or the rechargeable battery. However, we have mostly seen the GPS rangefinder with the rechargeable batteries.

I prefer the CR2 Lithium battery for the efficiency and the longer battery life it offers. In terms of value for your money, you should consider looking for this to ensure that the rangefinder can help you get through at least one game without problems.

Aesthetic Appearance

The aesthetic appearance might not be something that everyone feel is important, but we believe the rangefinder should definitely look the part as well. Depending on the materials of the rangefinder, you should also look to find the right color that could help you. I would also like to suggest looking for an ergonomic design. This will enable you to use the rangefinder with one hand and concentrate on other things while measuring your distance.

Price

I am a firm believer that you should not waste your money and buy a top golf rangefinder if the game is only part of your hobby. You should stick to your budget and your skill level. If you are a beginner and you feel like improving your game rapidly with the goal to play at a professional level, you can consider choosing the high-end models.

Fortunately, we have included many cheaper models that are ideal for beginners to learn the game. Using them at the training sessions are perfectly fine to help you understand each club and find out how fat the club can actually take the ball.

Brand

The brand is something I feel is really important as well. Since these golf rangefinders can actually be reproduced at a much cheaper price, you should consider looking at the top brands. Doing a little bit of research should be more than enough to reveal some of the top brands. Personally, I prefer the older more established brands like Nikon and Bushnell for the best golf rangefinder.

As part of the brand, they generally have a reputation and everyone want to have a top reputation. If you have any defects, you need to contact customer care and having decent customer care means you can get the best possible value for your money and easy help.

Warranty

Last but certainly not least, we need to look at the warranty. The warranty is really important and should give you peace of mind. These products are technologically driven, which means you might occasionally have a few defects from the manufacturer. To ensure you do get the best possible value for your money, these rangefinders should have an industry standard warranty of at least 1 year.

Frequently asked questions

Golf is not always as simple as it looks on television and we have done some in-depth research on these rangefinders. Whilst doing some of this legwork, we also came across some of the questions most of the beginners have. We have actually tried to answer as many of them as possible, possibly removing any doubt. Here are the top questions you might also have on your mind when selecting a rangefinder:

Why Don’t Pro Players Use These Rangefinders?

This is one of the misconceptions we have seen when it comes to the rangefinder. Most people don’t see the prop player using a golf rangefinder on TV and believe they also don’t need one. PGA players make sure that they arrive at the golf course early. This allows them to walk around the course and map out the strategic play while doing so they definitely make use of a gold rangefinder.

You might not see them using the rangefinder on Saturday, but on the Wednesday practice session, all of the players are active and testing the holes and using their rangefinders. Since they have access to the course, they can already make all of their calculations and this should help them when it comes to the game.

Are these rangefinder legal for use in golf tournaments?

In previous years, the golf rangefinder was heavily debated, with many people still feeling that it is removing some of the competition from the game. However, the USGA (United States Golf Association) has approved the use of these devices for tournaments to help players when they need accurate distances.

The only feature that has been banned is the Slope Compensation features and this will give the player an edge. A pro player can use this feature to perfectly place any shot, much like the Golfing games we generally have on our gaming consoles. While you can use the Bushnell devices with the Slope Switch Technology, this is still heavily frowned upon by many of the top golfers around the world.

Do I need to update the rangefinder on the internet?

We actually found this question quite common amongst beginners. The simple answer is no. However, the GPS golf rangefinder does need to be updated and with the courses changing and new ones being built, you need to constantly update the device when you are looking to play on all of the latest courses or have accurate readings.

The rangefinders we have discussed are all laser rangefinders and these models do not need to be updated. In fact, they do not even have any USB ports or internet connectivity. They will calculate the range as you are playing and you will need to measure the range on the course manually. Sometimes, I feel this can be a little more accurate than the GPS rangefinders.

Will these rangefinders tell me which club to use?

Some of the best GPS golf rangefinders actually have this feature and they can tell you which club is the best. However, the laser rangefinder does not have this included. My personal workaround is to take the rangefinder to the driving range and tested every club to see the distance it gives me when I am playing a shot.

Using this information, I can now accurately determine which club should be used when playing in a competition. JOLT technology from Bushnell makes this even easier and should tell you the exact distance. Using all of this information, I have been able to constantly select the right club for the job and slowly but surely improve my handicap in competitions.

Does the range finder have any eye-relief?

Not everyone is comfortable when it comes to using the rangefinder up close. Much like your favorite scope and binoculars, the rangefinder generally comes with a field of view and an eye-relief that takes some of the strain from your eyes. The top rangefinder is designed to help every player to improve his or her game and we have found the common eye-relief to be around 4mm.

If you need more eye-relief, most brands do offer this and when you contact them when buying, the rangefinder’s eye-relief can actually be extended to meet your personal needs.

Conclusion

So, you have made it to the end and seen everything we have to offer when it comes to the best golf rangefinder and accessories. We can highly recommend any of these models for the quality and the value they offer. With that said, our editors’ top pick would have to be the Precision Pro Golf NX7, it’s ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and it has all the necessary features. Now it is your turn to drop a comment below and let us know if we might have missed any of your favorite options.