5 Golf Laser Rangefinders Reviewed & Compared 2021
Read our round-up review as 5 popular Golf laser rangefinders go head to head. Which tops the Leader Board and which props it up?
PRODUCT
DETAILS
RATING
GolfBuddy AIM L10
Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Great pin finder technology with vibration lock and slope adjusted distance.
- Small and compact, easily carried and unobtrusive on the course.
- Excellent performance for its price point, easy to use and many key features for the price.
Our #1 Rated
1st out of 5
in the laser rangefinder category
Bushnell PRO XE
- Slope with Elements proprietary technology provides slope calculations with temperature and barometric pressure factored in for greater accuracy.
- Effective JOLT technology and visuals with vibration on flag lock.
- Top-notch rangefinder but, boy, with a price tag!
Our #2 Rated
2nd out of 5
Callaway 300 PRO
- Exclusive Birdie Chirp technology when pin lock is acquired. Bespoke pin lock technology.
- Excellent accuracy in all weathers, including fog.
- Very good optics for a device of this size
Our #3 Rated
3rd out of 5
Nikon Coolshot 20i GII
- Accurate slope elevation change technology and ID technology assists with correct club selection.
- First target priority technology ensures the pin range is presented and not that of nearby objects.
- Complies with USGA 14-3 local rule for tournament play with slope function switched off.
Our #4 Rated
4th out of 5
Zidion G600
- Good pin acquisition for the cost but lacks some of the more complex capabilities of others in this comparison.
- Light and easy to transport and hold, good button layout but b&w LCD screen.
- Feels like durability could be a problem over time
Our #5 Rated
5th out of 5
What Is A Laser Rangefinder?
A rangefinder is a device used by golfers to determine the distance to different points on the golf course for shot assessment. The two types of range finders available in the market are laser range finders and GPS range finders (hand-held and watches). The difference between the two rangefinder types is that the GPS rangefinder uses pre-loaded GPS data to provide the distance measurements within a shorter time. The laser range finder uses laser beam optics to determine the distance from the player to objects in view. We will focus on laser rangefinders here.
How Do They Work?
The user of a laser rangefinder must point it at the target object (flag, bunker, tree etc) and squeeze a trigger. Pressing the trigger activates a laser and sends it to the target to be reflected back. This provides a distance measurement within seconds.
The Advantages Of Laser Rangefinders
Laser rangefinders are easy to use as you are only required to point the laser beam at the pin (or another target). The device provides precise yardage within the quality of its calculation abilities. This type of rangefinder has a generally better capability than its GPS counterpart when it comes to giving precise measurement to the target object.
The Disadvantages Of Laser Rangefinders
Perhaps the main disadvantage of using a laser rangefinder is that the device will often not provide you with enough information to play smart golf – especially if you are playing on an unfamiliar golf course. Laser rangefinders only give you the distance from your position to the target object, meaning you will be guessing about other essential criteria such as the correct areas to land shots on the green and from tee shots.
The How To Choose The Best Laser Rangefinder
With the broad choice of rangefinder types in the market, golfers need to look for the rangefinder with the best technology and with all the features they may require. Below are some of the things to look for when purchasing a rangefinder:
Accuracy
The number one feature to look for in a laser rangefinder is its ability to measure distances accurately. The reason why you need one of these is, after all, to eliminate guesswork from the game where possible. Correct measurement of distances to hazards will help you choose the right club to help you cross the hazard with enough yardage or to play short. Amateurs can use rangefinders to help them practice club selection, depending on the distances and the swing lengths for the short clubs.
Durability
No one would like to purchase a product that won’t provide value for money, no matter how cheap it is. You should ensure that you are purchasing a durable rangefinder as they are often dropped and knocked about in extreme weather. A good rangefinder should be kept in a designed-for-purpose case to protect it from shock if it falls, as well as heat and moisture.
Battery Life
Battery life is a significant factor to consider for any portable equipment and rangefinders are no exception. The
battery should last long enough to help you finish a round without hitches and without sacrifices on the use of extra selections like bright displays when it is sunny. Buying a rangefinder that needs extra batteries is itself an additional cost and an inconvenience to the user.
Price
You don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet to find a quality rangefinder. The price of a range finder will mostly
be dependent on its features. The mid-range ones are good enough to help you improve your game but they don’t have most of the extra features found in expensive models. Some of the additional features include slope calculation and pin seeking technology and these should be considered carefully if budget allows..
Distance Range
Check the maximum distance that the rangefinder can shoot to avoid purchasing limiting equipment. Don’t pay more for exaggerated ranges as you cannot measure the distance from a target that you cannot see. Choose a large enough magnification (5X and 6X) to enable you to see distant targets clearly.
Storage & Looks
A good rangefinder should come with a case to handle wear and tear during storage and when carried around the course. Such casing will also protect your rangefinder when playing during rainy seasons and from accidental damage. Apart from the storage case, you should look for a rangefinder that is aesthetically attractive to match your lifestyle and class.
What Is the Best Laser Rangefinder
For a long time as a novice, I struggled to hit a strong enough shot to get reach my target area on the course. I was also unsure of how to best play the various slopes and curves that I encountered. Does this sound familiar? Well, never mind because the VPRO 500 could be a good solution for you.
This golf Rangefinder will help you refine your golfing play standards regardless of your experience level. It’s a product from the TecTecTec company that provides high-quality optics and build, jam-packed with all key features required for a rewarding golfing experience.
There is also a more advanced model – the TecTecTec VPRO 500S Golf Rangefinder that features a distant target priority mode, pin sensor technology and full optics that can measure both slope and distance.
It’s the most popular and significantly rated rangefinder from TecTecTec in October 2020. It comes with a CR2 battery, wrist strap, microfiber cleaning cloth, quick start guide, and a premium carrying pouch.
What Is the Best Laser Rangefinder
The market has many different types of range finders but we have selected and tested five popular models to help you choose the best option for you.
GolfBuddy AIM-L10 (with Slope)
- Accuracy 90%
- Durability 85%
- Battery Life 85%
- Price 95%
Overall Rating
Golfbuddy is a big player in rangefinders, but this product is one of their most to date. The clean white exterior gives it a classy look, plus it is also compact compared to its predecessors as well as competitors. Apart from appearance and size, this device has excellent functional features such as an easy to use ‘slope on/ slope off ‘switch and a pin finder vibration. This rangefinder’s accuracy and speed are also excellent.
Pros
- Large LCD for better viewing.
- Increased accuracy using the ‘on/off’ slope switch.
- Easy to use even for amateur golfers and those who have little experience on the driving range.
- Has a pin finder with vibration.
- Compact and classy design.
Cons
- The price of is higher than some of its competitors.
- Lacks a colour display. The display for Golfbuddy Aim L10 laser finder is only available in black and white.
Bushnell Pro XE Laser (Pinseeker with JOLT)
- Accuracy 93%
- Durability 90%
- Battery Life 85%
- Price 85%
Overall Rating
Bushnell has been producing quality rangefinders for quite a long time and are a trusted brand. The Bushnell Tour V4 is, however, more advanced than the Pro XE due to JOLT technology. This rangefinder has the unrivalled accuracy of Bushnell products, plus it comes with JOLT technology which generates vibration to confirm that the laser is locked onto the flag.
Such a feature brings a huge difference as you don’t have to double-check your distance to verify whether you have correct yardage. The most significant feature of this model is that all this performance comes from a small-ish rangefinder to give good portability.
The Bushnell Tour V4 is potentially a better pick for a serious golf player – but you should be ready to pay!
Pros
- Provides measurements quickly, plus it has a pin seeker vibration technology to confirm the target.
- Comes installed with a Bushnell golf app that shows the user 3D flyovers and hole layouts with distances for more than 36,000 golf courses.
- Comes with a two-year limited warranty plus a stylish case and batteries.
- Water-resistant capabilities to allow use during rainy seasons.
- Compact design. Its small size allows it to fit in your hand and pocket.
Cons
- Has an accuracy of 1-yard which is lower than that available in newer models.
- Hard to keep steady when finding distances in some conditions. The small size also means that it is easier to misplace the device.
- Lower magnification of 5X compared to other range finders with 6x and 7x.
Callaway 300 PRo Laser (With Slope Measurement)
- Accuracy 70%
- Durability 80%
- Battery Life 70%
- Price 90%
Overall Rating
The reason why this rangefinder is on this list is that it is easy to use and is also a good budget pick. Callaway is not a well-known name when it comes to rangefinders but this model is a reasonable offering.
The affordability of the product does not detract from very acceptable slope features or its attractiveness. This may be the right pick for you if you are looking for an accurate rangefinder with slope capabilities at an affordable price. Its quality is also commented on positively by most of its users so far.
Pros
- Can magnify up to 6x and has a yardage range of 5-1000 with +/-1 accuracy.
- Can scan distances for multiple targets with a single shot.
- Its pin acquisition technology allows quick-locking on targets from as far as 300 yards away.
- Can measure a slope’s angle of inclination and decline and automatically calculates the adjusted distance to eliminate the need for calculations.
- Has an audible feature “birdie chirp” to confirm distance acquisition to the flagstick.
- Clear and easy to read LCD display.
- Waterproof and fog proof.
Cons
- Some users have complained of short battery life.
- The “birdie chirp” can disrupt players who are not used to the model.
- The slopes feature not a clip-on but a button, meaning it can cause confusion if the player uses the rangefinder in a tournament.
- Doesn’t have magnetic clips.
- Comes with minimal accessories.
Nikon Coolshot 20i GII (With Slope)
- Accuracy 70%
- Durability 75%
- Battery Life 85%
- Price 70%
Overall Rating
Nikon is also a big name when it comes to rangefinders. I have assessed this Rangefinder and can give it a good score in accuracy and speed. Its affordability may also make it a good choice for you, if you are not interested in high tech features.
Pros
- Has a Coolshot display for more precise distances to the flagstick and also makes it easier to hit hazards and trees to help you avoid them off the tee.
- Allows accurate multiple measurements with a single scan. You only have to single press the power button, and you will have eight seconds of continuous scanning.
- One of the most compact rangefinders from Nikon. Its small size and light weight make it comfortable to carry in the pocket.
- Comes with a one year warranty, a case, strap and battery.
Cons
- The small size and light weight of the device can make it difficult to keep steady.
- User feedback suggests the device is not as durable as some of the other models available in the market.
Zidion G600 (With Slope)
- Accuracy 80%
- Durability 65%
- Battery Life 70%
- Price 65%
Overall Rating
The technology behind this Rangefinder is fairly good overall. The Zidion G600 has the ability to lock onto a flag up to 250-Yards away. It ensures that you select the right club for every shot you make. Apart from this, it has a comfortable grip, clear optics, and a long battery life.
The Zidion Golf Rangefinder has multiple features and functions that provide ease of use on the course. The measurement function allows users to know which club they are supposed to be using. Getting an accurate distance to the next flag is crucial as it helps the player scope the shot.
The rangefinder is also equipped with slope technology. This is a technology that is found in most Golf Rangefinders today. This feature helps you compensate for elevation by providing precise and accurate distances during golfing. The feature can always be disabled for legal tournament play.
Another exciting feature is the pin seeker. It helps your assessment with visual feedback to let you know you have locked on to the flag. After every successful measurement, it pulses thereby ensuring that you aim for the correct target. If the range is quite far, it filters background objects to detect the flag.
This Rangefinder has another advantage of clear optics. With clear optics, the range of 250-Yards is enough to read signs with ease. The optics are also waterproof and this protects them from damage.
Pros
- It has a long battery life and good optics.
- It has an accurate and efficient slope compensation mode.
- Nice compact design
- Carry bag is included
Cons
- Range is fairly short compared to some other rangefinders.
A Final Summary
You can’t go wrong with many of these range finders so choices come down to your budget and feature needs. My top pick remains the GolfBuddy AIM-L10 GII Laser Rangefinder. I have to admit that I was surprised by how it performed given its price tag and this was unexpectedly welcome. As mentioned earlier, when considering a rangefinder you have to check nearly all features like price, ease-of-use, accuracy and many more to arrive at a recommendation. This rangefinder ticked nearly all the boxes for my level of golf (good amateur). My only concern is the device’s durability but this was outweighed overall by the very positive performance in several other areas.
Mark Stevens, RTD Golfer and Tech Specialist
