Buying guide for best golf rangefinders
A golf rangefinder is a tool that resembles binoculars and works similarly. They have a lens for zooming into objects far away, primarily pin flags. However, the main caveat is that rangefinders provide a distance measurement, giving you a better sense of what kind of shot you need to execute to get your ball as close to your target as possible.
Golf rangefinders are compact and lightweight, fitting easily in a golf bag pocket. They’re relatively easy to use, and many have advanced technologies that help you locate your target quickly. Some even account for incline and decline to provide an accurate distance.
We’ve tested one of the top rangefinders, the Callaway 300 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder, for its accuracy and performance and narrowed down the best ones so that you can find one, no matter your skill level. Our top pick, the Bushnell Pro X3 Laser Rangefinder, boasts premium features and superior accuracy, making it ideal for experienced players.
Best golf rangefinders
Our top pick is expensive at $600, but experienced golfers will appreciate its state-of-the-art build and premium features. Slope technology means you’ll get precise readings for various elevation angles, and they won’t be affected by rain or other weather conditions. However, if you’re participating in a tournament, there’s a convenient switch for turning off that feature to adhere to the rules.
You can lock onto targets up to 600 yards away, and Pinseeker with Jolt technology will alert you once you’ve zeroed in on your target. It offers six-times zoom, Bluetooth connectivity to the smartphone app and features a fully waterproof build with rubber housing for increased durability and protection.
The BestReviews testing team thoroughly reviewed and tested the Callaway 300 Pro Slope Laser Golf Rangefinder, one of the most popular and affordable rangefinders. It’s a terrific rangefinder for casual golfers or beginners looking to improve their games.
As most top-of-the-line rangefinders do, this model accounts for elevation changes and calculates the incline or decline for precise readings. It offers six-times magnification, has a range of 5 to 1,000 yards and is accurate within 1 yard. You can also toggle to have it display readings in meters if you prefer, and pin acquisition technology lets you lock onto targets up to 300 yards away. Also, it comes with a carry case, a carabiner and a quick-close band.
If you’re reluctant to buy a rangefinder because you don’t think they’re worth the high price tag, you may be pleased to learn there are many terrific rangefinders for under $150. You can find the GoGoGo VPro Laser Rangefinder for $100, making it an excellent bargain pick for novice golfers or anyone who just wants a basic rangefinder that gets the job done.
It accurately measures distances from 5 to 650 yards, and the flagpole locking feature works with targets up to 150 yards away. Six-times magnification helps you locate your target quickly, and the multi-coated optics lenses effectively filter light to give you a clearer image. Also, it vibrates when you’ve locked onto your target.
Packed with plenty of premium features, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is an excellent rangefinder for players of all skill levels. As with other top-tier Bushnell rangefinders, this one has Slope Switch technology for precise readings in varying elevations and Pinseeker with Jolt technology, which helps golfers lock onto their targets quickly, and you’ll be alerted once you do with a quick vibration.
It has a 500-yard range, six-times magnification and images are clear whether it’s sunny, cloudy or drizzling. It has a weather-resistant build and some neat accessories, including a carry case and a Folds of Honor Special Edition Ball Marker.
This rangefinder is a solid mid-tier option offering many premium features found on some of the more expensive options. It’s one of the best rangefinders for beginners or players with shaky hands since target acquisition technology helps golfers lock onto flags quickly.
Pro Slope technology makes it easier for golfers to choose the appropriate club for a shot and a 650-yard range with accuracy within 1 yard. Adaptive slope technology accounts for uphill and downhill differences to provide accurate readings, and you’ll feel a haptic pulse when the rangefinder locks onto a target. Its durable exterior is designed to withstand rain and other weather conditions.
This is another excellent rangefinder perfect for anyone working with a tight budget. It’s equipped with six-times magnification and has a range of up to 800 yards. It locks onto targets up to 250 yards away and provides accurate readings within 1 yard.
The multi-layered green-coated optical lenses effectively filter scattered light for improved image brightness and clarity, and continuous arc technology provides accurate measurements after accounting for incline and decline angles. We also love this rangefinder because of its ergonomic build, which makes it feel comfortable in your hands and delivers short vibrating bursts when you’ve locked onto your target.
Golfers looking for a rangefinder with long-range capacity will be impressed with this one. It works up to 900 yards away, and seven-times zoom can help you find your target quickly. You’ll get accurate distance measurements using adaptive slope technology, which accounts for incline and decline. However, you can quickly toggle this feature off during tournament play.
A neat feature of this rangefinder is that it automatically detects the amount of light in your environment, and the display adjusts accordingly. For example, on bright, sunny days, the text will be in a black font, and in darker environments, the font will be red to be more legible. Plus, it has a magnetic strip for attaching to a golf cart.
How we tested
We’ve researched the best golf rangefinders and tested the Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder to determine how it performs in the following areas.
Ease of use
- Operation: We tested the rangefinder’s primary functions using the two buttons on the device.
- Instructions: We read the instructions front to back to determine how to tweak the rangefinder to suit personal preferences and perform at optimal conditions.
Quality
- Accuracy: We tested multiple targets several hundred yards away and compared readings with other rangefinders and cart GPS to determine accuracy.
- Build quality: We tested the water resistance in the rain and the temperature resistance in desert weather conditions.
Advanced features
- Slope technology: We tested slope technology on a Par-3 hole with an elevated tee box.
- Lock-on: We tested how quickly the rangefinder can lock onto a target 5 to 1,000 yards away and whether it takes multiple tries to accomplish it.
What to consider before buying a golf rangefinder
How golf rangefinders work
Every laser rangefinder works in the same way. A laser rangefinder doesn’t need an eyepiece, but to be of practical use to golfers, some viewing or targeting apparatus is required. An eyepiece and screen combination is mounted above the laser projector in the same compact, handheld unit.
To use a rangefinder, you only need to look through the eyepiece and line up the reticle with a target. Once you’ve done that, press a button to project a focused beam of light toward the target, which travels in a straight line, hits the mark and bounces back. A digital clock inside the rangefinder records the time, which is used to calculate the distance.
Optics
The two considerations here are magnification and lens quality. Magnification should be between five times and seven times. Less than that, and you’re probably not getting the focus you need down range.
Lens quality is difficult to judge, but coated lenses are generally better than uncoated, though there are many different coating possibilities and not all manufacturers clarify this. Good optics are expensive, so it’s reasonable to assume that the lens quality is one factor differentiating a cheap golf rangefinder from premium brands.
Range
It’s essential to be careful when checking range information. Some rangefinders claim 1,000 yards or more but give a much-reduced distance for actual pin measurement. The headline figure indicates how far the laser will travel, while the pin measurement is how far it can maintain accuracy. One professional we consulted believed that no golf rangefinder was accurate beyond 300 yards, but that’s sufficient for virtually all golf shots.
Golf rangefinder features
Accuracy
Even cheap golf laser rangefinders are usually accurate within one yard, but the best ones are accurate within half a yard.
Slope and elevation
Two golf-specific features, in particular, are available in better rangefinders. There’s a considerable difference between an uphill or downhill target, so better rangefinders offer the additional benefit of slope and elevation calculations. However, these features aren’t allowed in tournament play, so it’s essential to be able to switch them off.
Display
Most rangefinder displays are either LCD, LED or OLED. If you’re playing in poor light conditions, OLED displays are brighter and easier to read because each pixel is lit rather than using a backlit array.
Target acquisition or target lock technology uses terms like pin seeker, flag-lock, jolt or pulse to describe enhancements that help you focus on the target more quickly and then receive physical feedback through a haptic vibration through the device to let you know you’re successful.
Battery
Although the power consumption of these devices is relatively low, we prefer lithium batteries over alkaline counterparts because of their longevity.
Waterproof
Several golf rangefinders we looked at claimed to be waterproof and shockproof, but without an actual Ingress Protection rating, there’s no way to tell how well-protected they are or make comparisons between one model and another.
Tips
- Get a protective case: Although many rangefinders are shockproof or durable, a case protects them from accidental drops and the lens from scratching.
- Cleaning cloth: Dust and other debris resting on the lens can obstruct your vision, so it’s best to have a cloth to wipe it down and get a clearer view.
- Lanyard: A lanyard is occasionally provided to enable you to attach your rangefinder to the outside of your golf bag.
- Warranty: Look for a rangefinder with a two-year warranty, which is standard with most golf rangefinders.
- Mounts or holders: Various golf cart mounts and holders are available at an additional cost. However, some rangefinders have integrated magnetic stripes, so you can quickly attach them to a golf cart.
- Practice with your rangefinder. Like your swing or putting, using a golf rangefinder takes practice. You can pick any target at first to get used to the trigger action and hold the unit steady or try it on the driving range where distances are already known. Keep in mind that most inaccurate readings are caused by operator error.
- Always choose a golf-specific laser rangefinder for golf. Golf rangefinders prioritize the flag, while hunting rangefinders prioritize a distance target. However, there are versatile rangefinders that are suitable for golfing and hunting.
FAQ
Q. How much do golf rangefinders cost?
A. If you’re a novice golfer, you can find a basic golf rangefinder for $75-$300. Mid-tier and advanced rangefinders cost $300-$600 and typically have a more durable build, premium features and provide more accurate readings.
Q. I can get a GPS golf rangefinder app for my phone. Is there any reason I shouldn’t?
A. There are accuracy issues since golf rangefinder apps can’t see the flag. Also, rangefinder apps often require updating, and many demand a regular subscription payment. It’s best to have a golf laser rangefinder to know precisely how far it is from where you’re standing to the pin.
Q. Are golf lasers safe?
A. All golf rangefinders use a Class 1 device, as specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That means it’s safe under all regular use conditions and states that these devices are not an eye hazard.
