The days of looking for a sprinkler head or a 150-yard stone and pacing off distance from there are over, as are the days of guessing where the pin is and hope you calculated correctly. Most golfers’ initial action upon reaching their golf ball is to take out their rangefinder and shoot the yardage to the pin.
With the growth in popularity of golf rangefinders, products have been abundant at various pricing points. Is it indispensable to spend $400+ on a decent one? Is a low-cost rangefinder worth the venture, or will it prove to be a source of frustration? In this review, I set out and found the best top 5 golf rangefinders in each price range in 2021 to help you make better decisions on the course.
Top 5 Laser Range Finders in 2021
1.Best Around: Callaway 300 Pro Slope Laser Golf Rangefinder
The Callaway 300 is a top-of-the-line golf rangefinder that comes from a well-known brand and performs well. You will likely shave many shots off your round with the slope function enabled. This device has earned approval in every feature.
Rangefinder Callaway 300 Pro is a pro rangefinder because it’s easy to use, is equipped with acquisition technology, slope technology, and offers accurate distances and pin acquisition. With the help of this ultra-lightweight golfing gadget, you can hit a pinpoint shot at the hole.
On average, this model will be able to track the spot from a distance of 300 yards. In addition, it has the ability and features to compete with rangefinders that cost twice as much. Designed for first-time golfers and players who need assistance improving their handicap, the Callaway 300 Pro Slope Laser Golf Rangefinder is a fantastic tool.
What I LIke:
- It’s exceptionally robust and light.
- It’s accurate within a yard or so
- Weatherproof and wear-resistant
- Lock-on technology is terrific.
- You’ll always be alerted if you’re close to the pin.
What I Don’t Like:
- The price may put some golfers off.
- It’s a bit inconsistent if you don’t have a steady hand
- The pin lock mode will operate for up to 300 yards, max.
2. Best Alternative: Precision Pro Golf, NX7 Golf Rangefinder
Laser rangefinders are outstanding technological advancements. They’re an easy method to trim a few strokes off your game and boost your confidence on the course. The NX7 laser rangefinder provides superior accuracy, zoom, battery life, and the ability to lock onto the targeted target. Additionally, it’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and is reasonably priced. It’s probably the best laser rangefinder for the money.
Additionally, the Precision Pro provides the NX7 Pro equipped with slope technology. It’s especially beneficial on courses with significant elevation changes or courses you are playing for the first time. Additionally, the NX7 Pro has pulse vibration technology that alerts you when locked onto your target. It includes everything you need to improve your grades.
It readily competes with the top distance finder on the market at a fraction of the price. There are no significant disadvantages to this gadget, but there are several advantages. It is precise, simple to use, long-lasting, and cost-efficient. If you’re looking for an entry-level laser rangefinder, this is an excellent choice. As previously said, this is the best golf laser rangefinder available.
What I Like:
- Well-sized and comfortable
- great deal
- Vibration and sloping characteristics
- Magnetic grip and cart mount
What I Don’t Like:
- It is not as refined as Bushnell
- For accurate readings, handle them carefully
3. Best budget rangefinder golf: Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Cam
The Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone is exactly where you want it to be in terms of pricing, reliability, and simplicity. The camera features 4x magnification, 21 mm objective diameter lenses, enabling you to record crisp, vivid images from anywhere between 10 and 600 yards away with the push of a button. In addition, its vertical form and weather-resistant casing ensure it is both durable and easy to carry.
It’s completely multi-coated, and the automated focusing system is very dependable and efficient for many simultaneous viewers. Point at your target and its focus swiftly and effortlessly. However, you may have an issue if the target has a dark surface and stands in front of a dark backdrop.
The Bone Collector is an excellent and reliable entry-level rangefinder that is reasonably priced. You’ll have plenty of range to keep things interesting, as well as bright and clear optics to assist you in homing in on your target. Additionally, it’s an exceptional gift for a young amateur golfer just starting up and determining ranges to aim for adjustments.
What I Like:
- Simple, easy-to-use operation
- Highly accurate and durable
- Compact and easy to carry
- Good light gathering capabilities
What I don’t like:
- For close range
- Uses 9-volt battery
4. Best Premium Golf Rangefinder: Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Rangefinder
Bushnell continues to set the bar for technological innovation in the laser rangefinder industry with the launch of the Tour V5 Shift. Compared to other rangefinders I’ve reviewed, the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder delivers the best image. It is the most specialized in its ability to pick out the target from the background. Its Fast Focus system swiftly returns yardages, and the new flashing red ring in the display when JOLT vibrates provides additional assurance to the golfer that they have latched onto the flag.
The Tour V5 Shift rangefinders use Bushnell’s BITE technology. The laser rangefinder’s robust integrated magnet mount secures it to a golf buggy without the need for any aftermarket equipment. There is no need to be concerned about it falling off a golf cart on rugged terrain! With the introduction of the all-new PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology, the V5 Shift has transformed to a new level.
Throughout 18 holes, you’re likely to encounter a range of various distances, lighting, and angles that will allow you to determine if the Tour V5 Shift is worth the hefty price tag. If you play on courses with regular elevation difficulties, I recommend the Tour V5 Shift, although Precision Pro is another excellent choice that many have enjoyed.
What I like:
- Exceptional clarity
- It looks and feels premium
- Lightning-fast and highly accurate
- Most straightforward to use and adjust the settings.
What I Don’t like:
- Pricey but way worth it
- No real improvement on the Pro XE
5. Premium Alternative: Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
Nikon has had widespread success in the optical industry in general, so it should come as no surprise that they produce a premium-quality rangefinder. The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder is a stylish, compact device priced competitively with the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift. The palm-size rangefinder is the tiniest rangefinder available; its size makes it very close for simple carrying.
When the Slope ID is switch off, a green LED in between the laser and objective lens will flash and light up. No matter what, everyone will see and confirm that you are in distance mode. This feature significantly simplifies the process of owning a single rangefinder for all golf sessions and tournaments. With regards to LED displays, distances are shown in red. You may configure your display’s brightness to change automatically based on the lighting conditions, or you can manually adjust it to your liking.
The Coolshot Pro and the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift are the top rangefinder options. Tour V5 Shift has a more robust aluminum body, which results in an improved weight and more standard features from Bushnell (jolt, slope). However, with it, you get better target acquisition and stability. I’m conflicted, but I do have the Coolshot in my bag. It is not cheap – but nothing that works exceptionally is these days.
What I Like:
- Safe for rain play
- Slim and pocket-sized
- Pin seeking target acquisition is simple
- Range of approximately 350 yards, and you can still see things about 700 yards
What I Don’t Like:
- Pricey
- Not too fond of the case with elastic sides
Final Thoughts on the Best Laser Rangefinders
The good news for golfers at the moment is that there is a plethora of rangefinder choices available at almost every price range.
For about $150 and $250, you may get an excellent rangefinder that is capable of accurately determining distances. For $250-450, you’ll get a few more handy features, quicker readings, and an overall more pleasant product to use.
The critical point to remember is that regardless of the manufacturer’s claimed maximum range, the majority of laser rangefinders will correctly range objects out to one-third to one-half of that distance in less-than-ideal circumstances.
