If you’ve been golfing for a while then you know how hard it can be sometime to estimate the distance from yourself to the flag by eye, especially on unfamiliar courses. Those of you who have used a laser rangefinder before have experienced firsthand how much of a difference in your play it can make simply knowing how far you are from the hole.
This information is vital when selecting the right club and can be easily obtained through a simple to use rangefinder. However, some people don’t know where to start when choosing the right rangefinder as there are so many on the market. For this reason we’ve assembled a list of the ten best options with a buyer’s guide below to give you a clear picture of what you need to look for when choosing your new golf rangefinder.
Best rangefinders under $200 Best rangefinders under $300Shot Descriptions
Quick Comparison Table
Item model | Range, accuracy | Batteries | Weight | Feature |
---|---|---|---|---|
TecTecTec VPRO500 Check the price | 5 - 540 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 6.6 ounces | Rainproof |
Bushnell Tour V4 Check the price | 5 - 1,000 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 5.9 ounces | 5x magnification, water resistant |
Nikon Coolshot 20 Check the price | 6 - 550 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 4.5 ounces | 6 x magnification, rainproof |
Wosports Rangefinder Check the price | 5 - 600 m ±1 m | CR2 Lithium (included) | 6.7 ounces | 6 x magnification, rainproof |
Bushnell Pro X2 Check the price | 5 - 1, 300 yards,, ±0.5 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 7.4 ounces | 6 x magnification, Rubber Armored Metal Housing |
Precision Pro Golf Nexus Check the price | 3 - 400 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 6.8 ounces | 6x magnification, water resistant |
Double Eagles DEPRO800 Check the price | 6 - 710 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 6.4 ounces | 6x magnification, water resistant |
TecTecTec VRPRO500S Check the price | 5 - 540 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 6.6 ounces | 6x magnification, rainproof |
Precision Pro Golf NX7 Check the price | 5 - 400 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 9.6 ounces | 6x magnification, water resistant |
Suaoki Digital Laser Rangefinder Check the price | 5 - 656 yards, ±1 yards | CR2 Lithium (included) | 5.9 ounces | 6x magnification, rainproof |
The device comes with its own carrying case that is shock resistant and can protect the VRPRO500 from drops and the elements as well as featuring a high visibility yellow trim so you’ll never lose it while out golfing. The golf laser rangefinder also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth to help optimize visibility and measurement accuracy as well as a battery.
The VRPRO500 uses a through the lens display that is used to both aim the rangefinding laser as well as displaying the range to the target and the battery level.
The laser is eye safe and boasts accuracy to within 1 yard and can even take measurements through overlapping objects allowing it to get the range of things through wooded areas and hazards. This device’s quick scanning ability also allows it to either be used for a single measurement that can be locked in for easy viewing or it can scan continuously updating the distance in real time. TecTecTec covers the VRPRO500 with a 2-year warranty and offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Out of the box, the Coolshot comes with a case that is on a string that can be worn like around the neck or simply tied to a golf bag, as well as two batteries. The Coolshot uses a first target priority system meaning that it always gets the range to the closest object when looking at a group of objects, making it difficult to see through a layered object like a canopy of trees.
The Coolshot has a fixed magnification that is sighted in for around 300 to 550 yards and cannot be adjusted or changed. The buttons are easy to use and intuitive though, offering 8 seconds of continuous range measurements for each time the button is pressed, which is usually just about perfect for the average user. The device is mildly waterproof as well able to work in a light rain.
This device retains the ease of use that other rangefinders have featuring a two button operation to switch between its four modes. The golf laser rangefinder can measure to within 1 yard at distances between 5 and 600 yards and has a fixed magnification of 6x.
The device features four modes that are cycled through with one of the two buttons while the other one is a simple on/off button. The first mode provides the user with either a single targeted measurement or many continuous measurements through the viewfinder. The second mode vibrates the laser to allow for more accurate measurements of objects like flags and things that are on the other side of course features such as trees or foliage. The third mode is a slope function which can calculate the gradient of an area and provide the user with valuable information about slope adjusted distance. The final mode can track an object as it moves through the viewfinder and determines the speed of the object, which is great for honing in your shots at the driving range.
You can also measure the ranges of the fairway edges by using the intelligent scan technology that allows for 8 seconds of accurate and continuous measurements that are displayed through the variable zoom lens that can reach up to 6x magnification.
The DEPRO800 features a durable water resistant and shock resistant construction, meaning it can be used in any weather without concern for it getting damaged or destroyed by water or a drop. This device also features Double Eagle’s intelligent pinsensor technology which allows the laser to focus in on the flag for an accurate range to the hole while ignoring object in the background or small object that are in the foreground such as foliage or course hazards.
The unique display on the VRPRO500S has a standard reticle in the center for aiming the laser as well as the direct range to the target below the reticle in yards. Below this, the device uses the slope between you and the hole to calculate the compensated distance, which is effectively how far you need to hit the ball in order for it to reach the green. Finally, at the top of the display above the reticle, the device shows the incline or decline in degrees between you and the flag or target.
While this is an accurate device and slope compensation can improve a good golfer’s game tremendously, it is important to note that this particular model is not legal in competition since the slope compensation feature is not turned on and off with a toggle switch.
The viewfinder display shows the actual range to the target above the reticle and has the adjusted range below it. This adjusted range lets you know how far you have to effectively hit the ball to reach the green or flag and offers a much better idea of what kind of club to play depending on the contours of the course, much like a pro caddy would.
This golf laser rangefinder also has Precision Pro Golf’s target acquisition technology which allows the laser to scan the field of view of the rangefinder and determine your exact target. Once it’s found the target a small flag icon appears on the left side of the viewfinder and the whole unit gives a quick vibration to let the user know it has honed in on the target. The adaptive slope technology can be turned on and off though, meaning this unit is still competition legal.
The ranging mode takes continuous measurements and shows them through the viewfinder while the flagpole locking mode scans the field of view in the viewfinder and locks onto the flag to offer the most precise distance to the hole possible. This information is displayed through both the viewfinder window and the screen on the side. The third mode is a slope detecting mode that corrects the distance you need to hit for the gradient between you and the green. The final mode changes the frequency of the laser to be able to accurately read distances through fog or rain, making this a great multi-use rangefinder for golfing or hunting.
The advanced target lock technology in this rangefinder allows it to zone in on the right object almost every time regardless of how much foliage is obstructing the view or whether there is something in the background that might get picked up instead of the flag. The device features continuous scanning technology that allows for instantaneous updates to the information on the display and allows
The Nexus rangefinder features a variable six times zoom and comes with a one year warranty. The weakness of this unit, however, is its paltry 400-yard range which, while sufficient on some courses may be lacking for longer shots.
The laser in the V4 features the same pin seeker technology that is in the VPRO500 allowing it to take accurate measurements within one yard at ranges of 5 to 1000 yards. The V4 is slightly bulkier than, however, and takes advantage of a three lens design rather than the two lens design of the VRPRO.
Another factor in the added bulk of the V4 is that it features a variable zoom optic that can magnify the image you’re viewing by up to a factor of 5. The golf distance finder also has a fast focus system that allows the image to stay in focus at any magnification allowing for a clear view of where you’re trying to place your ball. Finally, the V4 also has JOLT technology which quickly vibrates and pulses the laser apparatus to give a more accurate reading of how far you are from the hole or target. The V4 also comes with one included battery and a carrying case.
The device also features JOLT technology which vibrates the laser twice in the user’s hand to let them know that they’ve locked onto a target and are getting an accurate reading. This device also features a rubberized grip that allows for exceptional ergonomics and is IPS7 rated for waterproofness, meaning it can be used in any weather rain or shine.
While most best golf laser rangefinder with slope detection are banned in competition, the Pro X2 has a toggle switch that allows the feature to be turned on and off in a clearly visible way, which has been allowed by the PGA in competition. This makes the X2 great for all levels of golfers, even competitors. The X2 also boasts dual display technology, which allows the user to switch between a black reticle to an illuminated red one for easy viewing in almost any condition.
Depending on how long some of the holes are on your favorite courses you may need a rangefinder that has more significant range than some models offer. Some have ranges as low as 300 to 400 yards which won’t accomodate most longer holes, while others go out to 1000 yards while retaining accuracy. Also, some golf laser rangefinder require prisms to be placed near the hole in order to get an accurate reading. If you know your local course doesn’t have prisms it’s best to make sure your rangefinder can get a reading without the prisms.
Many players like to have a rangefinder that can offer slope corrected distances which allow for better selection of the right club, however some of the rangefinders with this feature are banned in competition. It’s important to make sure if you compete that you select one that is USGA approved, which means if it has slope correction it needs to have a way to turn the feature off. For competitors who still want slope correction something like the Bushnell V4 is ideal.
If you live in an area with inclement weather it’s vital to purchase a rangefinder that is water resistant so that rain doesn’t ruin the device. Likewise, if your area has a lot of fog more often than not then a rangefinder like the Suaoki digital laser rangefinder offers a fog mode to retain accuracy while shooting through fog.
If you’ve been looking for a great way to get accurate information on a course whether you’ve golfed on it before or not, then a laser rangefinder is a great investment. They offer a great way to lower your handicap and zone in on the hole like a pro.
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View Comments
Double Eagles DEPRO800
I bought this as a birthday gift for my boyfriend who golfs all the time. I did a lot of comparison for different of the laser rangefinder. The DEPRO-800 is my choice. It arrived, well packaged. Very lightweight and easy to hold, works great. Easy to use and accurate. Using it all the time on the course now that I know exactly how far I’m hitting the ball once warmed up. I think it is a great deal for the price and it is best golf laser rangefinder!
What do you prefer, GPS or a Rangefinder?
I prefer rangefinders (currently using Tour X), quick and easy and precise. Used to be a user of the skycaddie back in the day and it was good.
Now the 18 birdies app has a GPS option Ive had to use a few times for layup numbers, etc, but I say its like less than 1% of the time.
Now I wouldnt mind trying my father in laws watch out to see if I can get down with that.
I use both, Have a Tom Tom Golfer 2 which I use most of the time, but when I need more accuracy, say within 150 yards of the flag, I have a Callaway Rangefinder.
Couple of added benefits - quick glance at my watch for centre of the green yardage before using the rangefinder ensures little chance of false readings, as I know roughly what to expect, so avoiding false readings if it focused on a tree behind the flag for instance.
Also like the watch feature of showing distance of current shot. Very useful if you hit in the rough and are looking for your ball as the watch gives you a good idea of where to look if you know your yardages with each club.
Garmin S3 Approach is great, except when you connect it up to charge and it doesn't - you have to push the connector in to make sure it's engaged, and I believe newer models have a more robust connector with a clamp
For front and back of green distances it's invaluable and saves time pacing out distances from 150 posts and sprinkler heads (if your course is lucky enough to be marked up in that way). Loads of courses pre-loaded, no subscription and free course updates when you connect it to a pc via the charger cable
Useful piece of kit
I have both and doubt I'll ever not have both, but if I had to choose just one, for me it would be GPS--but only in the watch variety.
I've gotten so used to simply looking down and seeing front/back/middle distances and then letting it fly. I'm not good enough where a 5 yard difference in 'middle' and the exact number to the pin with a laser makes a difference. I'm going to miss the green regardless.
The thing that nails it for me, is my pension for being wild off the tee. When I snap hook one across a fairway, or block one two fairways right, the laser isn't going to help me shoot a target I can no longer see.
Where the rangefinder shines for me, is closer to the green where there is a larger chance that I can hit it close. And of course, having an exact distance to a dogleg, bunker lip, or water hazard helps too which is why I'll always have both.
Best Laser Range finder for the money. I use the Leupold GX3 and it is very fast and very easy to read. Mine came from Blind9 Golf. Check them out. I actually pocket mine and have no issues with bulkiness. Go to ball, grab RF, hit it once to wake it up, hit it again to scan around....boom, 141. About a 10-15 second affair from my pocket and back to my pocket. It really helps me not worry about club choice. 250+ is no problem. Price I got from Blind9 was a no brainer compared to the V2.
I splurged a little and got the Bushnell 1600 SE after talking to a couple ex-caddies. I found the higher magnification made it a little easier to hit certain targets from a longer distance, especially measuring forced carries over bunkers and such. I think I paid $350 shipped(retail was $499, but yeah, who pays retail anymore?) but wow, I'm playing the best golf of my life since June. I've had a hole-in-one and shaved at least 3 to 4 strokes just from not longer guessing how far I'm away+knowing exactly what club to hit when I dial in a distance. I'd go to a store and test out the optics and steadiness before deciding on one tbh. I would have bought a V2 based on price but I like the fact I have to hold the 1600 with two hands to keep in steady.
I am back with a laser finder just because I have to for tournaments but...GPS I think is one of the best things to come out for golf in the last few years. The ability to know the details of the hole (like where hidden bunkers are) is pretty much like having a caddy with you. I used GolfShot GPS on my iPhone and loved it...It keeps track of all your stats, gives you distances to layup spots (that you can put in) as well as can measure how far you just hit your last shot (I think it is the "How Far" button)
Hey Guys
What’s up? I’m doing well. I have read your review of Wosports Golf. You are including more information about Golf Laser Rangefinder. Most of the golfer follows your Article. Thanks