Have you recently gotten serious about your golf hobby? Or have you been serious for a while and need a way to upgrade your game?
Then it’s likely that you need a golf rangefinder. A rangefinder is designed to do one thing, and one thing only; to tell you how far away you are from the pin by accurately measure the distance between you and the hole on the golf course.
It also gives you vital information that can help you determine the best shot to take. Rangefinders typically have a binocular-like design and are held vertically to allow you to easily aim and measure the distance to your target.
This allows you to be more accurate with your swings, and how powerful you need to be to get close to your next hole in one.
Now, considering that this seems to be a somewhat easy job, you’d be surprised how many different models and price points you need to look through to find the perfect rangefinder for your game.
Let us help you pick the best golf rangefinder!
What to Look for in a Rangefinder
A rangefinder typically looks like a pair of binoculars, only you hold them vertically, rather than horizontally.
You’ll find the world’s best players and their caddies carrying around different rangefinders during their practices, but it’s only since 2021 that they’ll be able to use the devices during actual tournaments.
Latest equipment doesn’t just tell you how far away you are from the end, but also includes more interesting features. Because of this, it can be hard to know exactly what you need, and important to keep your kit up to date.
So what do you need to look for in a good rangefinder?
Accuracy
For something that’s primary purpose is to measure distance, you want to make sure that you have something that is able to measure distance accurately, otherwise, what’s the point?
With newer models, this isn’t something that is too much of an issue, but still something to keep in mind.
Ease Of Use
The last thing you want in the middle of a game is to be faffing about with complicated screens or buttons. No, you want something that you can pick up, press just one of two buttons on and instantly know the distance to the flag, or a hazard of some kind.
Distance Range
If you’re on a small green this might not be too much of an issue, but if you know that you’re going to be playing on massive courses, then you need to know that your rangefinder is going to be able to reach the flag.
And on that note you need to be able to see what you’re doing, do you need to know the range, but also the magnification so that you’ll be able to see what it’s pointing at.
Price
Surprisingly, there are plenty of models on the market that are over $500, however you don’t really have to go for anything that expensive. The sweetspot for something that’s going to have premium quality but not completely break the bank is around $250.
Rangefinders at this price point are generally going to come with a lot of other features, like slope calculation, pin seeking tech, and 2D hole layouts.
The Best Rangefinders On The Market
Although there are definitely other features that you want to kleep in mind before purchasing (things like whether it’s waterproof, what the battery life is like, and what kind of display technology it has).
I’m sure that you’re really just here to find out what the best products available at the moment are.
So with that in mind, here is a brief list of the top 4 rangefinders on the market at the time of writing.
Our Top Pick: Bushnell Pro XE
Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell Golf has revolutionized golf laser rangefinders with the feature packed Pro XE. Tour-trusted compensated distances have been taken to the next level with Slope with 'Elements.' Temperature and barometric pressure have been added to Bushnell’s patented Slope Technology to give golfers the most precise compensated distances ever.
JOLT has been advanced with the all new 'Visual JOLT.' A red ring now flashes as JOLT vibrates to give the golfer even greater feedback and confidence to know you have locked onto the flag.
- Crystal Clear Display
- Rapid detection of the flag
- More accurate distances regardless of slope, temperature, and altitude
- Expensive
- Jolt feature does not activate as often
This is one of those super expensive ones that I mentioned previously. However, it is one that comes with everything that you could want and is the best one that can be found – if you have the budget for it.
It is not only the most accurate that I’ve come across but also have very bright and clear readouts, and a new magnet feature so it can clip to basically anything.
They’ve even added temperature and barometric elements to the slope calculation to give you an accurate “plays like” distance.
Editors Choice: Precision Pro NX9 HD
Precision Pro NX9
SLOPE GOLF RANGEFINDER: The Precision Pro Golf NX9 Slope Golf Rangefinder is the ultimate golf accessory to locate precise distances within one yard. It has been built with high definition options and brighter resolution.
BUILT-IN MAGNETIC CART MOUNT + SHOCK PROOF DESIGN : The built-in magnet keeps the rangefinder secured to the golf cart. Our NX9 Slope Golf Rangefinder is built with a shock-proof design for enhanced durability and strength.
- Lifetime battery replacement service
- Magnetic strip on the side
- Pulse vibration activates on any target, not just flags
- Water-resistant, and shockproof design to protect the rangefinder from splashes and impacts
- May be difficult for tournament managers to tell if you are using slope or non-slope more
- Limited maximum range of 600yds
Value here is not necessarily the cheapest, but is instead the product that will get you the absolute best quality of features for the lowest price.
Therefore, this model hits the mark for having the best combination for features whilst not breaking the bank. The
Precision Pro is a very impressive product that has the same distance as the previous Bushnell just as fast, and is also magnetic so it can slip in most places. The only difference (besides being about $200 cheaper) is that the grade of the materials aren’t quite as nice, which I guess is to be expected.
It doesn’t feel as high-end, and the optics aren’t as good, but it gets the job done, and it does it well.
Best Value: Busnell Tour V5
Bushnell Golf Tour V5 Rangefinder
Size, speed and accuracy evolved with a new generation of tech — featuring PinSeeker with Visual JOLT, BITE Magnetic Mount, and next level clarity and brightness.
- It is easy to see when slope mode is active for use during tournaments
- Crystal clear optics
- Flag lock is effective for up to 400yds
- Magnetic strip in the body
- No specified maximum range
- Not waterproof
Another Bushnells, so you know you’re getting quality (and you know you’re going to pay for it). This product is nice and small so it can easily go in a pocket, it’s fast and accurate, making it perfect for it’s simple job.
The standard doesn’t come with a slope measurement, but if you want to pay an extra $100 you’ll be able to pick up the slope edition.
Runner Up: Precision Pro NX7
Precision Pro NX7 Golf Rangefinder with Slope
NEW UPDATED DESIGN: The Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Golf Range Finder has been re-designed and engineered to provide accurate distances on sloped or flat surfaces. With a faster laser speed, and new ergonomic design, our Pro Slope technology makes it user friendly and helps you select the correct golf club.
ADAPTIVE SLOPE TECHNOLOGY: Our NX7 Pro Slope golf laser rangefinder is infused with Pro Slope technology that provides a “play as” distance to make club selection simple. The slope function can be easily turned off for legal tournament play.
A very similar model to the previous Precision Pro, this product is pleasantly surprising, considering it is at least half the price of a lot of other models.
If you want something that’s basically like the high end models without going bankrupt then this could be the golf rangefinder for you. Nothing is quite as good in this model as it is in the expensive ones, but that’s totally fair, right? You’re paying a fraction of the cost to get something that is only not quite as good, and I think that’s a pretty good deal.
Not quite as fast, not quite as clear? IF that’s something you can deal with for the price of saving over $200, then the Precision Pro NX7 is the one for you.
In Summary
The best rangefinders on the market have advanced features that can help you make more precise shots. For example, some rangefinders have slope calculation technology that can take into account the incline or decline of the terrain, giving you a more accurate reading of the distance to the hole.
Other rangefinders have pin-seeking technology that allows you to easily locate the flagstick, even when it’s partially obscured by trees or other obstacles.
Some rangefinders also have 2D hole layouts that give you a detailed overhead view of the course, allowing you to plan your shots more effectively.
Some of the best rangefinders available today include the Bushnell Pro XE, the Nikon Coolshot 40i, and the Precision Pro Nexus.
These rangefinders are known for their reliability, accuracy, and advanced features, making them popular choices among golfers and caddies alike.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, a good rangefinder can help you improve your game and enjoy more success on the course.
