The 10 Best Golf Rangefinders

Rangefinder designs have come a long way over the last half a dozen years. Bushnell used to be head and shoulders above other rangefinder manufacturers but this has changed considerably in recent times. Bushnell still leads the way but thanks to advances in technology and a rise in interest from golfers there are many other high-quality affordable rangefinder options available for golfers to consider. 

The 10 Best Golf Rangefinders:

Below we are going to review 5 of the best rangefinders currently available on the market and we are also going to take a closer look at which factors a golfer should consider when purchasing a rangefinder in our buying guide. 

1. Bushnell Pro X2

Bushnell Pro X2
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range1 300 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

Bushnell is renowned for designing and manufacturing the best golf rangefinders that money can buy. Bushnell is facing fierce competition from other brands but besides that, it remains the industry leader. 

One of their most recent offerings, the Pro X2, continues the excellence that one has come to expect from Bushnell. The Pro X2 is equipped with Bushnell’s Slope-Switch technology, this technology allows for the slope functionality to be switched on and off in an instant. The ability to switch between slope and no slope ensures that the Pro X2 is legal for tournament use when allowed by the local rules of the event. 

The display color on the Pro X2 can be changed to either black or red. Dual Display technology isn’t a deal-breaker but it is a nice to have feature when you are playing in either bright or overcast conditions. 

Last but not least the waterproof Pro X2 rangefinder also features Pinseeker with JOLT technology. This technology ensures maximum accuracy when locked into a flag up to 450 yards away. The Pro X2 is not the cheapest rangefinder on the market but it is worth every dollar considering that this rangefinder will last for many years. 

2. Nikon Coolshot 20i GII

Nikon Coolshot 20i GII
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range800 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

Nikon is one of the world’s largest camera manufacturers but they also design and manufacture some of the best golf rangefinders currently available on the market. 

The Coolshot 20i GII by Nikon has everything that one would need from a golf rangefinder. This high-quality rangefinder measures slope using Nikon’s slope adjusting ID technology. Both numbers are displayed on-screen and players can switch this technology off to ensure that this rangefinder is legal for tournament use when permitted. 

Accuracy isn’t an issue at all with this rangefinder. The Coolshot 20i GII sports Nikon’s First Target Priority Mode technology. This technology ensures that the distance to the first/nearest target is obtained at all times which ensures maximum accuracy. With the Coolshot 20i GII mistaking the distance to the flag for a background object won’t be an issue at all. 

The bright monocular features Nikon’s patented lens glass which ensures a very clear high contrast view. The lens can also be adjusted according to the user’s eyesight. This high-quality rangefinder has it all from a tech standpoint, furthermore, it also features a very rugged rainproof design and it comes with a 5-year warranty. 

3. Precision Pro Golf NX9

Precision Pro Golf NX9
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range400 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

Precision Pro is a new name to the rangefinder market but if consumer reviews are anything to go by this newcomer is here to stay. The NX9 by Pro Golf features everything and more than what one would ever need from a rangefinder. 

The NX9 slope edition features slope measuring technology that can be switched off with the press of a button to ensure that this rangefinder is legal for tournament use. In addition to measuring slope, the NX9 also features Pulse Vibration technology, when the rangefinder locks in on the flag a short vibration is given to let the golfer know that, that is the correct yardage to the flag. 

A fun feature of the NX9 is the built-in magnet that allows golfers to stick their rangefinders onto their golf cart frames for easy access at all times. 

The tried and tested NX9 with its durable shockproof design comes with a 2-year warranty and all owners that register their NX9 also automatically qualify for Precision Pro’s free lifetime battery replacement program.

4. WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder H-100AG

Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range650 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

Newcomer to the rangefinder industry, Wosports, ticks all the boxes when it comes to offering exceptional value for money. The H-100AG model by Wosports is packed with technology at a very reasonable price tag when compared to other rangefinders on the market. 

The H-100AG’s range and scanning mode pick up distances to targets as the rangefinder gets moved around. When aimed at the flag the rangefinder will vibrate automatically once the target has been locked in. 

As expected from most modern rangefinders the H-100AG measures slope with both distances displayed on the rangefinder. Slope measuring can also be switched off with ease to ensure that the rangefinder is tournament legal. 

The sleek design of the H-100AG is water-resistant and this budget-friendly rangefinder also comes with an 18-month warranty. Wosports might not be a well-known brand just yet but if affordability is what you are after then look no further. 

5. TecTecTec VPRO 500 S

TecTecTec VPRO 500 S
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range540 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

French rangefinder brand TecTecTec has won numerous newcomer awards over the last 5 years and the VPRO 500 S by TecTecTec will likely continue this award-winning trend. 

The VPRO 500 S with a maximum range of 540 yards is packed with technology. This affordable rangefinder features the brand’s signature Target Lock Technology. This technology ensures that background objects are filtered out when getting your distance to the flag with this rangefinder. 

The VPRO 500 S calculates slope with every distance acquired, fortunately, this function can be switched on and off on demand thus this rangefinder is tournament legal. In addition to slope mode, the VPRO 500 S also features a continuous scan mode which gives immediate distances to targets as the rangefinder gets moved around between targets. 

The rainproof VPRO 500 S features a sleek black design and this budget-friendly rangefinder will be a great addition to the bag of any golfer. 

6. GoGoGo Sport VPro – GS24

GoGoGo Pro - GS24
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range650 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

Gone are the days when golfers needed to pay hundreds of dollars for a good high-quality golf rangefinder. Currently, there are a lot of budget-friendly options available on the market and one of these is the GoGoGo Pro GS24. 

This affordable rangefinder comes with all of the bells and whistles that normally come with a top-of-the-range rangefinder. The GS24 is available in two different models, one with slope and one without. There is a small price difference between the two but both are very budget-friendly. The slope on the G24 with slope can be switched off by flipping a switch which ensures that this rangefinder is tournament legal. 

In addition to the option of slope, the GS24 has a range of 650 yards with a 250-yard flag lock range. This pin-seeking technology ensures maximum accuracy and peace of mind when finding the distance of your next shot. Furthermore, spotting your target is easy with this rangefinder thanks to its 6x magnification multi-coated optic lenses.

The GS24 might not be a well-known brand but it is one of these best budget-friendly rangefinders that money can buy and it is sure to make a massive difference to your golf game right away. 

7. Callaway 300 Pro

Callaway 300 Pro
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range1000 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

The Callaway brand is synonymous with high-quality golf club and golf ball designs. Callaway and golf rangefinders are not two words that come to mind first when thinking about the brand but Callaway continues to design and manufacture some of the best value for money golf rangefinders currently available on the market. 

Their 300 Pro model is one of their latest releases. The 300 Pro with slope features an external switch which allows you to switch slope measurement off during tournament play. Furthermore, the 300 Pro also features pulse conformation technology, when you lock in on the target a short vibration is released that can be felt in your hands to confirm that the target has been located. 

The 300 Pro features Callaway signature Pin Locking Technology (PAT). PAT allows you to lock onto a target up to 300 yards away. The range of the rangefinder extends even further than this up to 1000 yards. In addition to its impressive range, the 300 Pro is also equipped with a 6x magnification lens for ease of use. 

This high-quality rangefinder is without a doubt one of the best value for money rangefinders currently available on the market and it will be a great addition if you are in the market for a new rangefinder. 

8. Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Rangefinder

Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Rangefinder
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range800 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

The Blue Tees Golf Series 2 rangefinder is an affordable rangefinder with a premium design and look. This budget-friendly rangefinder with its distinctive blue design is packed with technology at an affordable price point. 

This technology includes slope measurement that can be switched off with the press of a button when playing in a tournament and long-range vibration lock technology to ensure maximum distance when locking in on your target. 

Furthermore, this rangefinder is built for the outdoors, it features a water-resistant design as well as a sturdy exterior casing to protect against damage regardless of the weather conditions. The Series 2 by Blue Tees comes standard with a protective case as well as a microfiber towel to clean the lens of your rangefinder. If you are serious about adding a rangefinder to your golf bag give the Blue Tees Series 2 a hard look, there is a lot more to this rangefinder than just its eye-catching design. 

9. PeakPulse Golf Laser Rangefinder LC600AG

PeakPulse Golf Laser Rangefinder LC600AG
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range600 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

PeakPulse is a relatively unknown name when it comes to golf rangefinders but this budget-friendly rangefinder is making a name for itself. The LC600AG model features a sleek silver design with ergonomic features to ensure a comfortable fit in the palm of your hand. 

In addition to its sleek design, this rangefinder is packed with technology. With an impressive range of 600 yards and 6x magnification finding the distance to your target is as easy as one two three. Furthermore, this rangefinders’ Flag Acquisition technology and Fast Focus system further enhance ease of use and accuracy when finding the distance to your target. 

The LC600AG features built-in slope measurement functionality that can be switched of with the push of a button when needed during tournament play. This budget range finder has it all, if you are looking to add a new rangefinder to your bag without breaking the bank look no further. 

10. Bushnell Tour V5 Shift

Bushnell Tour V5 Shift
Slope (Y/N)Yes
Magnification6x
Range1300 yards
Measurement Metrics Yards & Meters

Bushnell has and continues to be the industry leader when it comes to golf rangefinder designs and the Tour V5 Shift, one of the brand’s latest releases is sure to continue this legacy for Bushnell. 

The Tour V5 Shift is packed with all of Bushnell’s signature features and technology. An impressive 1300 yard range with 6x magnification is just the start when it comes to analyzing this rangefinder. 

In addition to slope settings that can be switched off with the flip of a button this rangefinder also features Pinseeker with JOLT technology as well as integrated BITE magnetic technology. What this means is that not only is this rangefinder accurate, it also allows for ease of use by being able to stick onto the side of your golf cart for quick access. 

The color display of this rangefinder is available in both black and vivid red ensuring that you are able to read the distances displayed with ease regardless of the quality of light. This rangefinder isn’t the cheapest rangefinder on the market, but it offers exceptional value, and purchasing one is without a doubt an investment into your golf game that you won’t regret. 

Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Golf Rangefinder

Buying a golf rangefinder is easier said than done given that the market is flooded with a wide variety of options to choose from. Below we are going to take a closer look at some of the most important factors to consider when buying a new rangefinder. 

Technology

Golf rangefinders are packed with technology and for most golfers, the technical jargon can be quite confusing. Below we are going to discuss three of the most important technical aspects when it comes to the design of rangefinders. 

Slope 

Rangefinder slope technology is very common and most golfers are familiar with this technology. But for those who aren’t, slope refers to the calculation of undulation. Golf rangefinders that feature slope technology will measure the distance to the hole and it will also give a secondary measurement which includes a calculation based on the uphill or downhill gradient between the player and the hole. 

Slope is a “nice to have” feature but just because a rangefinder can’t measure slope doesn’t mean that it is a bad rangefinder. If your home club has a lot of undulation then I will recommend a rangefinder with slope, but if not then a rangefinder that doesn’t measure slope will work just fine. 

Dual Display Technology (DDT)

Dual display technology (DDT) refers to the display color options available when looking through the rangefinder at the target. Rangefinders with DDT allow you to alternate between either a black or a red display. 

The red tends to be more visible when conditions are dark/overcast and vice versa in sunny bright conditions with the black display option.  

Pinseeker Technology

The reason for using a rangefinder is to get an accurate distance to your target. Pinseeker technology ensures just that. More often than not trees or other objects can be found behind a green and when using a rangefinder a golfer can very easily pick up one of these trees or objects instead of the flag. 

Pinseeker technology aims to prevent this from happening. This technology sends a vibration through the rangefinder that can be felt in your hand once the rangefinder has locked in on its target. This technology ensures exceptional accuracy but just to be 100% certain always “shoot” a tree behind the flag to get a reference point in terms of distance. If the tree and the distance to the flag match then you know that 

you have made a mistake. 

To see Pinseeker technology in action click here.  

Durability

Durability is a very important factor to consider when buying a rangefinder. The last thing any golfer wants is to spend hundreds of dollars on a product that lacks durability. 

It is very easy for a rangefinder to take a couple of knocks out on the golf course, players can easily drop them on the ground or they can fall out of your golf cart just as easily. In addition to bumps and falls it is also very important to consider durability in terms of protection against excessive heat or rain.  

Most rangefinders come with a protective case. Make sure to keep your rangefinder in its protective case at all times when not in use to protect it against unnecessary bumps and mother nature. 

Price  

Price always plays a part in any purchase decision. When it comes to rangefinders price is a very important factor for a variety of different reasons. The most expensive rangefinder isn’t always the best option for you. Make sure that the rangefinder ticks all the boxes from a functionality standpoint, just because it costs the most doesn’t mean it has all the bells and whistles that you need. 

Rangefinders are built to last many years, don’t try to save in the short term by going for a cheaper option, in the long run, this might come back to bite you. Rather spend a little bit more initially by purchasing a high-quality rangefinder that will last for many years to come. 

Benefits of Using a Golf Rangefinder 

Traditional golfers still think that players should use on-course distance markers and their judgment to calculate the distance that they have to the flag, but with advances in distance measuring tools and other golf gadgets, the majority of golfers are leaning towards rangefinders and other distance devices. 

Buying a rangefinder is not cheap but it’s definitely worth the investment. The list of benefits includes ease of use, being able to get an accurate distance to the flag from anywhere on the golf course, slope measurement, distances to carry over water or bunkers and the list goes on and on.  

The European Tour recently announced that rangefinders will be allowed at a limited number of events during the 2021 season. The use of rangefinders on leading professional tours remains a hotly debated topic and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds on the world’s 2nd biggest professional golf tour. 

FAQs

What does a golf rangefinder do?

A golf rangefinder is a device that helps golfers determine the distance to a target. There are many different types of rangefinders on the market, and each one of them offers different features.

Why use a golf rangefinder?

Golf rangefinders are tools that help golfers improve their game by offering a wealth of information about the distance to the front, middle and back of the green. The rangefinder displays in yards, meters or even feet. They are lightweight and very easy to use.

Where is the best place to aim your rangefinder?

The answer to this question depends. If you are trying to get the distance to the flag the best place is to aim your rangefinder at the flag/top of the flagstick. Most new flagsticks feature reflectors which make it easier for rangefinders to pick up the flagstick despite background objects. 

If you are trying to get the distance over a bunker or water make sure to aim the rangefinder at the lip of the bunker or the edge of the water, once you have that distance always add 5 – 10 yards to make sure that your carry distance is comfortably past danger. 

How long do rangefinder batteries last?

How long your rangefinder battery will last depends on the battery type and how often the rangefinder gets used. Rechargeable batteries can last for multiple rounds at a time before charging is required. Disposable batteries on the other hand can last for months on end without having to get replaced. 

If your rangefinder uses a disposable battery make sure to always keep an extra option in your bag since these batteries go dead without warning.

Are rangefinders legal for use during tournaments?

Whether or not your rangefinder is legal or not for tournament use will depend on two factors. First of all the tournament that you are playing in needs to have a local rule in place that allows for the use of measuring devices.

Second, the rangefinder needs to be conforming, what that means is that the slope function of the rangefinder must be disabled during tournament play. If the slope function can’t be disabled your rangefinder will not be legal for tournament use.

In addition to slope, if a rangefinder calculates any other factors such as the wind or altitude it will not be allowed under the rules of golf. A rangefinder can only be legally used to calculate the distance in tournament play.

How accurate are golf rangefinders?

Golf rangefinders are accurate and convenient. While it is true that the technology has improved, these devices still do what they’re made to do: find the distance of a golf hole. Some of the most popular models are laser technology-based, which is more accurate than traditional optical rangefinders with reflective technology used in older models.

Where to aim a golf rangefinder?

Start by aiming you golf rangefinder at the ground, before lifting it up to aim it at your intended target.

Final Thoughts

A golf rangefinder is a great addition to the bag of any golfer. Gone are the days where you have to go on the hunt for a distance on a sprinkler head. With so many great options to choose from picking the right option for your needs might seem tricky but with the help of our buying guide, those worries should be a thing of the past. 

If you play in tournaments regularly make sure to purchase a rangefinder that allows for additional functionalities to be disabled during tournament play. Last but not least don’t bargain hunt when buying a rangefinder, yes saving some money is always welcome but don’t sacrifice on quality just to save a few dollars. 

This article was last updated on January 18, 2023 .

Bertine Strauss
Written by
Bertine Strauss
The Golf Blog