The best rangefinder for golf is a model that’s highly accurate, offers a faster than average range time, and comes equipped with some great modes designed to improve the user’s experience.
Many modern models of rangefinders are lightweight, accurate, easy to use and loaded with the type of features that will allow you to quickly calculate the distance to the next hole.
But since golf is such a popular sport, you can only imagine how many models of rangefinders are on the market these days, especially since many are now rated as tournament legal.
So, how do you go about finding the right rangefinder for you?
Power, Accuracy, and More
Finding the best rangefinder for golf isn’t easy. Since these devices look very similar, you really have to pay more attention to the spec sheet as opposed to eye-balling it.
Many of these modern models come loaded with features designed to improve a rangefinder’s accuracy. And while many golfers love their techy golf devices, there are those players out there that prefer a minimal design that focuses more on efficiency and accuracy.
We’ve included models that come loaded with all the right features, but we also have rangefinders that are incredibly fast and accurate, featuring a simplistic design.
On a tight budget? We’ve also included powerful, accurate, budget-friendly rangefinders that scored well with golfers of every skill level.
The World of Golf Rangefinders
Our site is dedicated to helping fellow golfers improve their game, perfect their swing, shave some strokes off their game and get through a round faster.
A golf rangefinder is designed to help improve your game. They can be a true asset for golfers who frequently enjoy trying out new courses, beginners, or even seasoned players who simply aren’t good at eyeballing distance.
Since their rise in popularity, it’s pretty common to see players with rangefinders on every course. The success of these devices is highly dependant on their accuracy. A model that isn’t accurate is essentially useless. Rangefinder technology has significantly improved over the years, so now you’ll have your choice of highly accurate models available in a wide range of price points.
Comparison Chart
| Product | Range | Magnification | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bushnell Tour Z6 Click For Price! | 1300 yd. | 6x | $$$$$ | 5 |
Pecision Pro Click For Price! | 400 yd. | 6x | $$$ | 4.5 |
Nikon Coolshot 20 Click For Price! | 500 yd. | 6x | $ | 4 |
TecTecTec VPRO500 Click For Price! | 540 yd. | 6x | $ | 4 |
Laser Link Golf RH2 Click For Price! | 1000 yd. | n/a | $$ | 4 |
Changing the Way You Play Golf
We want our site to be your one-stop golfing resource. Because of this, we’ve included a buyer’s guide, designed to educate beginners or those totally new to golf rangefinder technology, to the different features to look for, while also discussing what classifies a rangefinder as the best.
Aside from golf rangefinders, we also offer great senior golf tips that really work, so you can learn how to change up your posture and what you can do to work on your game, so you can enjoy a stronger swing and improved range of motion.
We also have an article on left-handed golfing tips, which will teach lefties how they can play with their dominant hand, so they can enjoy many of the same benefits that right-handed players do.
We’ve covered a wide range of golfing material in order to help our visitors learn more about this amazing sport.
Our reviews of the best rangefinders for golf are designed to help you choose the perfect model for you, based on your skill level, playing style, and even the type of courses you normally play on.
We’ll begin by briefly summarizing our top five choices, starting off with our top-rated model by Bushnell.
Best Golf Rangefinder-Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Our Rating:
The Tour Z6 rangefinder by Bushnell is a feature loaded model that has a reputation for power and accuracy. If you’re looking for a techy model that comes with plenty of bells and whistles, then this is the model for you. It also offers an impressive range of thirteen hundred feet, so if you want a powerful rangefinder, look no further.
More important than range is accuracy, and the Z6 excels in this area as well. As we said, this is a model that has it all.
Bushnell has a reputation for producing top of the line rangefinders, so we weren’t surprised to learn this model scored so well in many areas. While it’s not perfect, it comes pretty close.
Most Accurate Golf Rangefinder-Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Laser Rangefinder
Our Rating:
This lightweight rangefinder by Precision Pro is an easy, fun to use rangefinder that will quickly become an asset out on the course. This is one handy device that can really help improve your shooting accuracy, plus it comes with a wide range of features that are easy to use.
In terms of accuracy, this model scored well with users of all skill levels.
Equipped with intuitive controls, this rangefinder is a pleasure to use. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to hold for a longer period of time.
Innovative Design-Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder
Our Rating:
This Nikon golf rangefinder features a unique design that makes this model incredibly easy to use. This rangefinder is accurate, equipped with some great features, and comes with an impressive range that you won’t find on other models in this price range.
The rangefinder’s simple interface and controls make it very beginner-friendly and allows for faster setting adjustments. In terms of quality, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another model in this price range that can compare.
If you love Nikon cameras, then you’ll fall in love with this compact model that offers the same type of quality that their cameras are known for and a design that focuses on speed and accuracy.
Beginner-Friendly-TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
Our Rating:
This company is one that consistently produces some easy to use, accurate rangefinders at prices that are affordable. Their latest model, the VPRO500 is actually pretty basic, but what it lacks in modes and other fancy features it more than makes up for in ease of use and accuracy. If you’re in the market for a simple rangefinder that provides a faster than average reading time, then your search is over.
Best Value-Laser Link Golf RH2 Golf Rangefinder
Our Rating:
Are you already a fan of Laser Link rangefinders? Then you’ll love the RH2. It features an impressive range and has a reputation for ease of use and accuracy. If you’re not looking for a rangefinder that’s loaded with features, then this affordable model is the perfect option. It’s not flashy, doesn’t come equipped with any extra modes, but it does offer a highly accurate performance and faster than average reading times, which is more than enough for some golfers.
Golf Rangefinder Buying Guide
Most golfers are familiar with having to account for a variety of factors that can affect their swing, such as the angle of the swing and the type of club they use. In the past, a golfer would have to manually calculate the slope and yardage of the green before they took a swing. But these days, the best rangefinder for golf does it for them, in a matter of seconds.
Five years ago, most golfers didn’t give rangefinders much thought. These devices were bulky, not very accurate, and didn’t come with many features.
In recent years, using a golf rangefinder has become more popular, mainly due to the advances in technology that have made these devices more accurate than ever. In fact, a rangefinder can now instantly calculate the distance from the golfer to a flag, help the user choose the right club, and pinpoint the location of the flag, easily picking it out even in areas that are dense with trees and shrubbery.
An Asset on the Course
These days, there are many models to choose from, each claiming to be the best and the most accurate. The best laser golf rangefinder can provide the golfer with a clear idea of slopes, distances, and other variables in their trajectory so that they’re able to play to the conditions of each specific course. Because of this, these devices are now considered one of the most essential tools for any golf lover who is looking to improve their speed and skill.
The Modern Golf Rangefinder
Golf is a slow-paced game, which is usually made worse by a golfer manually calculating the yardage. A rangefinder can work to completely streamline the process, saving golfers precious time and providing them with a better idea of the right club to use for a specific hole. If your goal is to get through the course faster, then a golf rangefinder is the perfect tool for the job.
When you’re shopping around for a rangefinder, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the many choices, styles, and features to choose from. Usually, it’s the price that determines the features that will differentiate between the best model on the market and a mediocre one.
While it can be tempting to just order the most expensive rangefinder you can find, it’s important to compare rangefinders and pay attention to how each model rated with the pros.
Golf Rangefinder Technology
A rangefinder won’t just save you time on the course by calculating the distance, it can also predict things even an experienced golfer can’t. But how do these devices work?
There are two common types of rangefinders to choose from: laser and GPS. A laser rangefinder will usually feature a binocular design, while GPS models utilize GPS technology in either a watch or handheld device.
Laser models work by measuring the distance by determining how quickly the beam bounces off of objects and reflects back to the rangefinder. A model with a higher quality laser will feature a faster return rate and can reach further distances compared to a lower priced model with a shorter range.
Which is Better, GPS or Laser?
Most pros can agree that a laser rangefinder is more accurate than a GPS model. Laser rangefinders may also come equipped with a feature that will seek out the flag. Learning how to use this type of rangefinder is pretty simple and can be as easy as pointing the device at an object and pressing the fire button.
The GPS rangefinder uses preloaded maps of golf courses and GPS technology in order to determine distance. Typically, a GPS model will not take into consideration any variables, such as bunkers, water, or slopes in the terrain. They’re also more difficult to navigate because as they load a particular course it will require manual inputs. Models that include autorecognition software will not require manual input.
What Affects Golf Rangefinder Accuracy?
Unfortunately, the weather can affect how well a GPS and laser rangefinder work. Hot weather can also cause certain types of obstacles to be less apparent to laser golf rangefinders. Objects including bushes, people, and trees can result in an inaccurate reading.
In contrast, a GPS rangefinder uses a preloaded map of the course and GPS technology to determine distances. GPS rangefinders generally have the best idea of the course without taking into consideration other variables. GPS rangefinders can be a little more complex to navigate, as they load up a particular course, require manual inputs and often have other complex features. Some GPS rangefinders include auto-recognition software so that no manual input is required. Because of this, it’s important to read golf rangefinder reviews in order to determine which model performs the best in a wide range of environments and weather conditions.
Depending on the brand and model, a GPS rangefinder can be more or less advanced compared to a laser rangefinder. Cheaper models are equipped with basic features and may be limited by their range and usability because they’re only suitable for specific courses.
More advanced GPS rangefinders can provide a detailed list of specific course hazards, so the golfer will be able to adjust their swing accordingly. Because of this, GPS models often need frequent software updates.
GPS Rangefinder Pros and Cons
Pros: Most models usually include an extensive number of preloaded courses and they’re also a more affordable option compared to laser rangefinders.
Cons: GPS rangefinders aren’t as accurate as laser rangefinders. You’ll also have to pay a monthly service fee.
Laser Golf Rangefinder Pros and Cons
A laser rangefinder doesn’t depend on GPS navigation, they offer better long-range calculations and you don’t have to pay a monthly fee to use one.
Pros: More precise compared to GPS models. They can lock onto a flag and calculate the exact distance. They also come equipped with slope technology, which will take into account changes in elevation, providing a more accurate reading.
Cons: This type of rangefinder is more expensive than their GPS counterpart.
Must-Have Golf Rangefinder Features
In order to find the best rangefinder for golf, you should check out a model’s range, extra features such as true range, slope, Pinseeker, and Club Selection.
Readability
Find a model that features a highly visible display screen that can easily be viewed in a wide range of lighting conditions.
A high-quality model will come equipped with a large, clear LED display screen. If the display is difficult to read in bright sunlight, then the rangefinder can be useless on the course.
Horizontal or Vertical Locator
Rangefinders will have either a horizontal or vertical locator. The best models will have both. Most rangefinders feature vertical locators, which are easier to use. A model with a horizontal locator is better for longer distances.
Magnification
Magnification can range from 5x up to 7x, allowing you to see objects five to seven times closer. Higher priced models will offer 7x magnification.
Range
For many golfers, a rangefinder’s range is often the most important feature. But realistically, the range isn’t the best indicator of the quality of a rangefinder. Some models will have a range as low as three hundred yards, while higher priced models offer a range of five hundred yards up to one thousand yards. Often, a longer range equals a higher price tag.
Accuracy
Most models are accurate within a yard or two. Higher priced models can offer half a yard to one-yard accuracy.
Slope
This feature measures the changes in elevation between the flag and golfer and takes into account the changes in elevation caused by dips and hills in the terrain. This provides a more accurate distance measurement, however, rangefinders with this feature are not considered tournament legal.
Ease of Use
Most newer models of rangefinders are easy to use and feature a simple point and shoot design and faster calculation times. Set up is just as simple. However, GPS rangefinders can be difficult to use since the user must upload maps of new courses each time they try out a new course, which can be both a hassle and time-consuming.
PinHunter and Pinseeker
Depending on the manufacturer, this feature can go by a variety of names including Pinsensor, Pinseeker and Pinhunter. This type of feature can work by allowing the rangefinder to separate an object in the background from the flag in the foreground, providing more accurate results. This feature is commonly found on higher priced models produced by many leading brands in the industry including Bushnell.
Scan
Scan mode is another feature you’ll find on most models. This mode allows you to scan the targets you’re ranging and will attempt to lock onto the right target.
The New Age of Laser Golf Rangefinders
A laser rangefinder is a great alternative to a GPS model, but it also brings its own disadvantages and advantages. With this type of rangefinder, you won’t have to worry about the strength of a satellite signal or downloading maps. All you have to do is point at the target and press the fire button. The rangefinder can be pointed at bunkers, flags, or other points of interest. Some models have the ability to measure changes in elevation or other factors that can affect a shot, including weather conditions. This feature isn’t allowed for use in competitive play, so you’ll need to make sure you choose a model that allows you to disable this feature if you often play in tournaments.
On the downside, rain or fog can negatively affect the rangefinder’s performance because it interferes with the laser pulses that are used to measure the distance. With a laser rangefinder, you need to have a clear line of sight to your target, otherwise, the calculation will not be accurate.
Additionally, the target you’re trying to measure might not reflect the pulse back to the rangefinder which would make it impossible to calculate the distance. This is often the case if the target is dark and small or has an angular surface.
In the right type of conditions, this kind of rangefinder offers improved accuracy and can help to improve your game.
Pricing
The price often depends on the style and type of rangefinder you choose. Laser models are often priced higher than a GPS model, especially if it comes with slope, jolt, and Pinseeker technology. The price also tends to vary from brand to brand.
If you’re new to golf and not sure if the game is for you, start off with a lower priced model, one that’s easy to use and equipped with the type of basic features that you need to improve your game.
We hope our reviews of the best rangefinders for golf has helped you narrow down your choices, so you can use the right type of rangefinder based on your golfing style, course type, and of course, your budget. Each of these models scored well in many areas and received plenty of positive feedback from beginners and pros alike. Whether you need a basic model that provides accurate distance readings, or a feature-packed model that comes equipped with a variety of modes designed to take your golf game to the next level, we’ve got the perfect rangefinder for you.
