September, 2023
The Bushnell Tour Z6 laser golf rangefinder features higher magnification and basically more power when compared to past models in their Tour series. The Z6 is also equipped with new patented Vivid Display Technology, and improved range and yard accuracy. This new and improved laser rangefinder from Bushnell easily outperforms their past models, offering a wider range of features to choose from.
Read on to find out what makes this golf rangefinder tick and what it can really do for your golf game.
Overview and Features
Bushnell is a popular golf rangefinder manufacturer that’s well known in the golfing community. Their fun to use, innovative golf rangefinders are often loaded with great, useful features that can help you add some serious distance to your swing. Fortunately, they’ve carried on their standard of quality with their latest model the Z6.
As we’ve mentioned, the Z6 features improved yard accuracy with a ½ yard rating and faster readings from five up to thirteen hundred yards.
It also offers 6x magnification and a waterproof design that can handle being fully submerged. The rangefinder’s lightweight design also makes this model very pocket-friendly.
The wider field of view and improved display quality makes it easy to view the range readings in any type of light condition.
The only real drawback for this rangefinder is its lack of an automatic scan mode, which is a feature that will enable the golfer to simply hold down the fire button and pan across a number of points in order to receive a distance reading instantly.
Pinseeker
These days, you’ll find this feature on every Bushnell rangefinder. The addition of the Pinseeker means there is no longer an automatic scanning mode, a feature golfers used on older rangefinders by Bushnell. Once this model locks onto a target, the golfer will not be able to pan to a farther point to receive an updated distance reading. When you’re trying to determine the distances to multiple bunkers or flags, this type of limitation can be a real hassle. Instead of hitting the scan mode button, now, you’ll have to target a point, wait until you receive the distance reading, then fire again.
However, the mode is constantly running, so a user will get up to date information that they can receive for a brief period of time, only when they’re continually panning.
Unlike other Pinseeker modes that you’ll find on competing models, this feature on the Z6 will lock onto any target, not just flags. This mode is designed to identify the closest objects while completely ignoring obstacles in the background.
Firing
The laser can be continuously fired for a period of eight seconds. When released the distance will be displayed for eight seconds.
On the display, the distance updates smoothly, without any annoying blinking.
Jolt
The Jolt feature is a consumer favorite. It will cause the rangefinder to vibrate once it has successfully locked onto a target. While it may not sound very exciting or flashy, it’s a great feature to have if you’re focused on the game and it’s too bright to see the flag icon light up once you’ve locked on to a target. It’s not exactly a must-have feature, but it’s a welcome extra that most golfers love.
Construction
This rangefinder has a very techy, streamlined look to it. With a vertically oriented construction, the main portion of the rangefinder’s body is encased in a thick texturized rubber, which works to improve the user’s grip. The trim is made out of a smooth white aluminum that runs along the perimeter of the rangefinder from front to back.
Weighing in at just under eight ounces, this compact rangefinder is the lightest model produced by Bushnell. It also comes with a carry pouch, which has a clip on the back, so you can attach it to your golf club bag or your pants.
While this model may be the lightest produced by Bushnell, it’s actually one of the heaviest rangefinders we reviewed. Eight ounces isn’t exactly heavy, but compared to lighter four ounce models on the market, it definitely has more heft to it.
Display
The display screen is large and easy to read. It also has a slight tint to it, which works to further improve visibility. The 6x magnification is what’s also offered on other models of competing rangefinders, however, the improved field of view is the widest you’ll find on a rangefinder in this price range.
Operation
In order to fire the laser, you’ll need to firmly press down on the fire button. The same button will also turn the device on and off. We found that it takes a lot of effort to press down on the fire button, which can be difficult to do for the golfer with arthritis.
Performance
Do you want a rangefinder that offers a solid performance? Sure you do. Fortunately, this model delivers. The Z6’s intuitive controls, highly accurate distance readings, ergonomic design, and quality build make this model a total steal for the price. We were hard-pressed to find any issues with its performance, other than a stiff firing button which loosens up a little over time.
Operating this beast is very simple. The rangefinder displays the distance directly below the aiming circle. Right to the left, you’ll see a battery life indicator. On the right side is the flag icon which is part of the Pinseeker indicator. This is a very user-friendly model however, it doesn’t offer a wide variety of features and modes like its competitor the Nikon Coolshot 20 golf rangefinder.
If you’d like to learn more about leading golf rangefinders, check out our ultimate rangefinder buyer’s guide.
Eyepiece
The highly adjustable eyepiece is comfortable and easy to use which is a huge plus for eyeglasses wearers.
Controls
The Z6 only comes equipped with a couple of buttons. As we mentioned earlier, on top of the device is the power and fire button, which is what you’ll use to fire the laser or turn the device on or off.
On the left side of the device is the mode button. You’ll use this button to get to the setup menu where you can adjust some of the settings including display brightness and unit of distance. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to change the style of the crosshairs.
Battery
This model runs on one CR2 three-volt battery which is located right under the viewfinder. This battery will need to be replaced every four to six months, depending on how often you play.
Vivid Display Technology
This feature provides the display information in a vivid red. Red allows the eyes to focus faster and it’s definitely easier on the eyes than monochrome displays, which is what most rangefinders use. Bushnell goes a step further and includes four levels of brightness to choose from. In fact, the display’s adjustability makes this model a great choice for users who have vision problems. If you’re struggling to read the display on your older rangefinder, maybe it’s time you upgraded to the Z6.
If you’re having other age-related issues when you’re playing a round, read our top senior golf tips, which can help you learn how to adjust your swing and stance in order to get the most out of every round.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
The biggest drawback seasoned golfers pointed out with this model is the fact that it lacks an automatic scan mode. Automatic scan is a feature that allows golfers to simply hold down the firing button in order to pan across a variety of points, in order to instantly receive distance readings for every object that is targeted.
The Z6 features a Pinseeker mode that is always in action, so the golfer will only be able to receive a current distance reading for a very short period of time, and only if they continue panning targets.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Tournament legal
- Vivid Display Technology
- Easy to use
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- Fire/power button is difficult to press
- No scan mode
Geek Golfer.com Rating as of September, 2023:
The Z6 by Bushnell is a fun, compact device that you’ll come to rely on each and every time you hit the green. It features a tough, compact design that has a little heft to it, which gives users a feeling of how durable it really is. It offers some great basic and extra features that will make it a true pleasure to experiment with, and it’s available at a reasonable price. The biggest issue golfers had with this model was the lack of a scan mode. If you’ve used Bushnell rangefinders in the past, there’s definitely a learning curve with the Tour Z6. However, this model is highly accurate, easy to use and adjust, and it offers better range, display quality, and improved durability, so the lack of a scan mode really isn’t a big deal for most golfers.
We gave this model a rating of five out of five stars.
