Buying guide for best golf rangefinders
Calculating distances on the golf course can be a bit hit and miss – but not with a laser rangefinder. These compact, portable devices offer both ease of use and unbeatable accuracy. Of course, there are many different models on the market, and making the right choice can be challenging.
BestReviews is here to help by explaining the technology and how each feature impacts usability.
The following golf rangefinder shopping guide separates the facts from the hype and gives you the details you need to make an informed decision.
How golf rangefinders work
Every laser rangefinder (LRF) works in the same way. In theory, an LRF doesn't need an eyepiece, but to be of practical use to golfers (and others) some kind of viewing or targeting apparatus is required. An eyepiece/screen combination is mounted above the laser projector/receiver in the same compact, handheld unit.
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Look through the eyepiece and line up the reticle (crosshairs or circle) with the target.
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Press a button to project a tightly focused beam of light toward the target.
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The laser light travels in a perfectly straight line, hits the target, and bounces back.
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A digital clock inside the LRF records the time.
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Software in the LRF calculates the distance.
We consider the weight of each golf rangefinder on our research list. A compact and lightweight rangefinder is easy to slip into a pocket on the golf course.
Although golf rangefinders use little power, we tend to prefer rangefinders with lithium batteries over alkaline batteries because they last longer.
We scrutinize the warranty offered for all golf rangefinders on our research list. Many of the best come with at least a two-year warranty.
We check each device’s range by determining its pin measurement. Most rangefinders won’t go beyond 300 yards.
We place high value on golf rangefinders that have a slope and elevation calculator. Although these aren’t allowed in tournaments (you can simply turn the setting off), it’s a great way to calculate the difference between shooting downhill and uphill.
We assess the lens magnification of each golf rangefinder. Lenses should be able to magnify 5x to 7x.
Although it’s difficult to judge lens quality, we often prefer coated lenses over uncoated lenses, as they tend to perform better.
The best golf rangefinders come in a protective carrying case, which helps prevent scratches and minimizes wear and tear.
We look at golf rangefinders with three display types: LCD, LED, and OLED. Many consumers prefer an OLED display because it’s bright and easy to read.
As we search for the top golf rangefinders, we give preference to those that are accurate within half a yard.
Golf rangefinder features to consider
The lasers in golf rangefinders are all very similar, with almost identical power outputs. What differentiates models are the following features.
Optics
The two considerations here are magnification and lens quality.
Magnification should be between 5x and 7x (from five to seven times as large as the eye normally sees). Less than that and you're probably not getting the focus you need down range.
Lens quality is difficult to judge. Coated lenses are generally better than uncoated, though there are many different coating possibilities and not all manufacturers make this clear. Good optics are expensive, so it's reasonable to assume that one of the major factors that differentiates a cheap golf rangefinder from the premium brands is the lens quality.
Range
It's important to be careful when checking range information. Some rangefinders claim 1,000 yards or more, but then give a much-reduced distance for actual pin measurement. The headline figure is an indication of how far the laser will travel, the actual pin measurement is how far it can maintain accuracy. One professional we consulted was of the opinion that no golf rangefinder was really accurate beyond about 300 yards, but that's actually plenty. How far can you hit the ball?
Accuracy
Even cheap golf laser rangefinders are usually accurate to within one yard. Good ones are accurate to within half a yard.
Slope and elevation
There are two golf-specific features in particular that are available in better rangefinders. There's 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 important 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 therefore easier to read by virtue of the fact that each individual pixel is lit rather than using a backlit array.
Target acquisition or target lock technology uses terms like “pinseeker,” “flag lock,” “jolt,” or “pulse” to describe enhancements that help you focus on the target more quickly and then receive physical feedback 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. It sounds good, and may be true, but without an actual Ingress Protection (IP) rating – the international standard for water and dust protection – there's no way to tell how well protected they are or make comparisons between one model and another.
Golf rangefinders cope well in low-light conditions, but struggle if the weather deteriorates. Some will compensate to an extent, but water droplets – particularly fog – will deflect the beam and cause random readings. As a general rule, if you struggle to see the pin, so will your rangefinder!
Extras
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Protective case: This is a must in our opinion.
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Replacement batteries: All golf rangefinders require batteries, and they’re often supplied, but not always, so you need to check. One company will supply you with a free battery every year for the life of the unit.
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Cleaning cloth
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Lanyard: A lanyard is occasionally provided to enable you to attach your rangefinder to the outside of your golf bag.
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Warranty: We would expect a two-year warranty, which is fairly standard with these devices.
- Mounts or holders: Various golf cart mounts and holders are available at additional cost. Some are from third-party vendors, so you need to check compatibility with your unit.
Golf rangefinder prices
You can expect to pay between $70 and $300 for a golf rangefinder.
Inexpensive: The cheapest golf rangefinder we looked at costs around $70, but it isn’t a device that we would recommend. While any laser is more or less infallible in terms of projection, optics, and digital circuitry (which interpret the beam), some aren't of sufficient quality to give a high degree of accuracy.
Mid-range: Fortunately, you don't have to pay a great deal more for a good-quality model, somewhere between $150 and $170, though you could pay considerably less.
Expensive: High-end, fully featured models cost between $250 and $300. It’s an investment in first-class optics, a terrific feature set, and unparalleled accuracy.
Tips
Practice with your rangefinder. Just like your swing or your putting, using a golf rangefinder takes practice. You can pick any target at first (in a field or parking lot, for example), so you get used to the trigger action and holding the unit steady. Try it on the driving range where distances are already known. On the course, use yard markers as you did before, and compare with your laser readings. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it. Unless you have a defective unit, which is unlikely, your rangefinder is an extremely accurate device. Most bad readings are caused by operator error.
Always choose a golf-specific laser rangefinder for golf. These prioritize the “first target” – the flag. This is often called “pinseeker” technology. Hunting rangefinders prioritize a distance target, though if you participate in both sports, switchable dual-mode rangefinders are available.
Protect your rangefinder. A laser rangefinder has sensitive optics. In most cases, scratched lenses can’t be replaced. Keep it in its case when not in use. If a cleaning cloth isn’t supplied, camera cleaning materials are usually recommended, but always check the manual. Never use abrasive household cleaners.
FAQ
Q. I can get a GPS golf rangefinder app for my phone. Is there any reason I shouldn't?
A. GPS rangefinders are available as stand-alone devices, for phones, and even smart watches. They can certainly be convenient. The problem is the level of accuracy. They will give you the yardage to the green, but they can't “see” the flagstick. These often require updating (because courses change), and many demand a regular subscription payment. If you want a gadget that can make calls, tell the time, and give you reasonable yardage calculations, GPS is fine. If you want to know exactly how far it is from where you're standing to the pin, you need a laser rangefinder.
Q. Can I use a laser rangefinder in competition?
A. Unfortunately, the answer to this question keeps changing! For almost a decade, golf rangefinders have been allowed for normal play if permitted by local rule. In 2016, the USGA extended this to include amateur competitions. The next step was to include PGA practice rounds but not tournament play proper. Recently, rangefinders have been allowed on a trial basis in several PGA-backed tours, but only for calculating distance, not wind, slope, or elevation. For the moment, you'll need to check rules on a case-by-case basis.
Q. Are golf lasers safe?
A. All golf rangefinders use a Class 1 device, as specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means it's safe "under all conditions of normal use." It also states that these devices are "not an eye hazard." The only stipulation is that you shouldn't look into the beam using optical instruments (magnifiers or telescopes), but why would you do that?
