Looking for the best golf rangefinder reviews for 2018? Your search for the top laser rangefinders (2018) ended the moment you arrived here. There are so many rangefinders on the market, but the problem comes down to deciding on the best one to buy.
When I bought my first range finder, I had a pretty hard time deciding which one to buy, which is why I have carefully researched about all the possible golf rangefinders in the market while considering many factors. After all the reviewing I decided to make it easier for you to buy your first (or next) golf rangefinder.
There are a few questions you need to consider or know before buying a golf rangefinder. However, if you would like to skip this part without wasting your time, just check out the top 6 best golf rangefinder reviews for 2018. On a quick note the list below shows the best golf rangefinders in the market.
- Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT
- Bushnell Pro X7 Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT
- Lofthouse ProScope 400x Golf Rangefinder with Pin Seeker
- Leupold Gx-3i Series Digital Golf Rangefinder
- Bushnell Tour V3 Standard Edition Golf Rangefinder
- Nikon COOLSHOT 40i Golf Laser Rangefinder
What is a Golf Rangefinder?
Golf rangefinders are electronic devices used in the sport of golf to help the player in perfectly defining the distance to certain fixed points on a golf course, such as the flag, trees or hazards. Golf rangefinders are also called golf laser rangefinder because of the laser technology used in manufacturing it.
Why use a golf rangefinder?
Using a golf rangefinder makes life easier for golfers. Knowing how far away the flag or certain hazards are, can remove the need for other time overwhelming techniques. Nobody wants to end up in the rough or in a water hazard so in order to know the distance more exact, you can use a range finder. A golf rangefinder can help you improve your game, reduce your handicap, let you enjoy the sport better and take you to the next level. Forget about guessing the distance: start using a golf laser rangefinder!
Yes! You can play considerably faster and more professionally, while still maintaining the quality of your game. This is a must have for any golfer trying to improve their game.
Advantages of Golf Laser Rangefinder over GPS Rangefinder
A laser rangefinder is more accurate and flexible than even the best golf GPS device. You can easily find the distance to any target. All you need to do is just point in the direction of your target, and then the laser rangefinder will lock on the target. Straight out of the box, you will start using a laser rangefinder. While viewing through the lens, you can also scan the surroundings so you have a better idea of the green. In comparison to golf GPS devices, some GPS rangefinders require you to take a subscription and use the pre-loaded golf course. Some of the advantages of a golf rangefinder are:
- Flexibility (can easily find distance to any target)
- Better accuracy
- No downloading, uploading or updating of golf courses
- No annual subscription needed.
Factors you must consider before buying a Golf Rangefinder
To choose the best golf rangefinder, you would need to consider the following factors:
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- Range/Yard Coverage: Imagine using a short range pistol hunting for a lion. How close would you go? 20, 30, 50 yards maybe! It’s not a situation anyone would like to be. Same applies to getting a rangefinder that you can’t use because the range or yard coverage is not far enough to cover your course and game. All rangefinders have a maximum range or yard coverage, so make sure to check this out before purchasing.
- Accuracy: Golfing is all about perfection and accuracy. If you look for tools to assist you in your game, you definitely need to consider the accuracy of your potential range finder before purchasing it. Most rangefinder manufacturers claim their rangefinder has accuracy within half a yard (+/- 0.5). However sometimes this is not the case with some products according to users reviews. Your due diligence is required here.
- Price/discount: How much are you willing to spend? The price for a regular rangefinder ranges from $200 to $700. Depending on your budget you may also need to look out for special deals or discount. Sometimes you can get as much as 50 percent discount in the price for a rangefinder.
Top 10 best golf rangefinder comparison chart
- Size/weight: One factor that people overlook is the size. If you play golf you will know the importance of moving around freely. If you have a rangefinder that is portable, weigh less and most importantly fits to the hands or grip then you will enjoy golfing and playing with your tools.
- Is it tournament approved? Make sure also the rangefinder is tournament approved. Not all are approved and if you play golf (semi) professionally or in some special occasion this can be a problem after spending so much for the product.
- Battery Life: One of the important issues in acquiring a golf rangefinder is the battery life. Most customers of budget range finders complain about battery life. You should check that the product you want to buy allows you to play at least a full 18 holes game. It will be really sad that after some holes the battery is dead and sometimes expensive or difficult to replace. Make sure to compare the battery life for each type and brand. Check what other customers are saying about the battery.
I have written free detailed guides for choosing the best golf range finder and golf gps devices. Make sure to read them, since they would give you more technical details to consider. To help you decide, click here for the golf gps buying guide, here for the top 4 budget-friendly rangefinder and below, you will find a quick review of the 5 best golf rangefinders. This is to help you in making the right decision.
Quick reviews of the 6 best golf rangefinder in the market!
1.) Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder Review – JOLT: (9.5/10 REVIEW SCORE)
This is absolutely the best golf rangefinder available. You need less than 5 minutes to get used to it and you’ll be blown away with the Tour Z6 golf rangefinder. At least, I was blown away by it’s accuracy, speed and JOLT function! With its vivid red display, it is so much easier to see, particularly on cloudy days. The Tour Z6 golf rangefinder with JOLT is super lightning fast. Press the button and bang! There is the yardage. The Z6 ignores the background clutters and never gets fooled by background trees.
Updating the initial release Bushnell added the JOLT features to the new Tour Z6. JOLT enables you to quickly lock on the target. The rangefinder will vibrate and automatically lock on the target, even if you don’t have a steady grip. Tour Z6 golf rangefinder has a +6 magnification and a Vivid Display Technology like Bushnell Pro 1M, a better-looking design and ability to provide faster readings compared to Tour V2.
This golf rangefinder is best for avid and pro golfers who want a complete package of an attractive, comfortable and super performing device. Considering all its features, it is reasonably priced. Even if you are a beginner and don’t care about the price, get it and stand out from your friends. See our detailed review for Bushnell Tour Z6 golf rangefinder.
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2.) Bushnell Pro X7 Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT: (9.5/5 – REVIEWS SCORE)
On the second spot for the best golf rangefinder in 2018 is the powerful Bushnell Pro X7. Say what you want to say but this device is a must have for die-hard golf lovers. The Bushnell X7 is the best golf rangefinder in the market to date. The only reason why Pro X7 is not on the first spot, is because it’s not suitable or legal for professional tournament due to its slope technology. Distance calculation is exceptionally fast and accurate up to 1/2 yard. Press the bottom and in less than 3 seconds you get the distance to your target. The JOLT technology let you know when you hit your target with a bursting sound-vibration.
Pro X7 slope is easy to use and can display distance in meters or yards. It can measure distance up to 550 yards. Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt also provides compensated distance to sloppy terrains. It is built with the latest technology – Extreme speed precision (ESP) and Vivid Display Technology (VDT). Bushnell Pro X7 HD Optics allows for 7x Magnification. Its display is bright and crystal clear to see no matter the weather condition.
It’s pricey but on Amazon it’s often quite reasonably priced. If you are serious about golf, then this rangefinder is absolutely a must have. Since we love it, you will too!
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3.) Leupold Gx-3i Series Digital Golf Rangefinder Review: (9.4/10 – REVIEW SCORE)
On the third spot for the best golf rangefinder is the highly rated Leupold GX-3i series digital golf laser rangefinder. The Leupold GX – 3i is a tour certified rangefinder offering prism lock feature with the PinHunter technology. The PinHunter technology helps in precisely targeting the flagstick ignoring the background clutter.
Most golf courses are prism reflector equipped and the prism lock feature combined with the PinHunter technology helps in an easy locking of the flagstick. This is a unique combination which is not provided by any other brands in the market. The Leupold GX-3i has a dimension of 3.7×2.9×1.3 inch and weight of 7.8 oz. The maximum range of the device for targets with prism reflector is 800 yards/731 meters, for trees is 600 yards/ 549 meters and for other targets is 450 yards/411 meters. The ranging accuracy of the GX series of range finders is +/- 0.5 yard. The device also has a fog mode for screening out the false readings due to raindrops or other atmospheric interference.
The product comes with a CR-2 lithium battery and a two year warranty. This product is arguably the best product Leupold can boast of especially comparing to any of their golf rangefinders in the market. GX-3i is perfect for users who wish a combination of the best golf laser rangefinder feature in a sleek and modern package. See our detailed review for Leupold gx-3i series digital golf rangefinder.
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4.) Bushnell Tour V3 Standard Edition Golf Rangefinder Review: (9.2/10 REVIEW SCORE)
Taking the fourth spot for the best laser golf rangefinder in the market is the Tour V3 Standard Edition of Bushnell. This is the best seller and the most sorts after golf rangefinder in the market as of now. This is due to the price, speed, reviews score, and improved battery life. Bushnell Tour V3 standard edition is the new addition to the Bushnell Tour edition model featuring Jolt technology along with the Pinseeker feature.
The Jolt technology gives an indication for the completion of the Pin-seeking process through a vibration. The tour certification of this line of Bushnell laser rangefinders makes it apt for the professional golf players. With a dimension of 1.6×4.3×2.8 and weight of 6.6 oz., Tour V3 comfortably fits in the hand. The Bushnell Tour V3 features 5x magnification and multi-coated optics. With its unique Jolt technology and other improved features, Tour V3 gives the best value for money and is apt for the price conscious golfers.
The product comes with a 3-volt lithium battery, built-in tripod mount, carrying case and a two year limited warranty. See our detailed review for Bushnell Tour V3 Standard Edition golf laser rangefinder.
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5.) Nikon COOLSHOT 40 Golf Laser Rangefinder Review – (9.0/10 REVIEW SCORE)
The Nikon Laser Rangefinder is an ergonomically designed compact range finder. It’s light in weight and would easily fit in your hand. The Nikon Cool shot is absolutely fast. To get the distance to any object, press the power bottom once and in 8 seconds it gets the distance and completely shuts down to save the battery energy. Too fast for you, press the power bottom again then you get the distance and it shuts down in 16 seconds. The Nikon Cool Shot is a multi-use Laser rangefinder and does not depend on a flagstick reflector. You can use it for non-golf activities, like hunting, bird watching, hiking, etc.
This device measures 4.4 x 1.5 x 2.8 inches and weighs 5.9 ounces. Auto turn off features saves the energy of the included CR2 battery. It has a range of 600 yards, and thanks to its 6x magnification you can easily see a distant object even with poor eyesight. There is an option to measure distance in yards or meter, just press the Mode bottom. The screen is brightly lighted in dark condition due to the additional backlight.
All in all this is a very well made laser rangefinder from the best makers in optic technology – Nikon. If you are looking for a simple yet reliable rangefinder whether for golfing or hunting, then look no further than Nikon Cool Shot. We highly recommend this laser rangefinder.
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6.) Bushnell Medalist Golf Laser Rangefinder Review: (8.9/10 REVIEW SCORE)
The Bushnell Medalist golf laser rangefinder, with its Pin seeker technology, is an appealing device for the regular golfers. The Pinseeker technology facilitates accurate sensing and pointing of the flagstick ignoring the background clutter like trees that may have stronger signal strength. Measuring 1.7 x 4.5 x 3.8 inches and weighing 9 oz., the horizontal sleek profile of the device makes it all the more handy and attractive in looks.
A tripod mount is molded at the bottom of the device for easy attachment to the cart mount accessory. The device is equipped with a 9-volt alkaline battery and is fully waterproof. The digital technology of the device has a range accuracy of 5-1000 yards / 5-914 meters delivering excellent range performance with the preciseness of plus or minus one yard/meter. The Bushnell Medalist golf Laser Rangefinder features 4x magnifications for distant targeted objects on the course.
The product comes with a 9-volt battery, carrying case and two year warranty. See our detailed review for Bushnell Medalist Golf Laser Rangefinder.
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Our Thoughts!
After careful research, hearing other users feedback, we have concluded that the overall best golf rangefinder for 2018 available now for pro and intermediate golfers is the Bushnell Tour Z6 golf rangefinder with Jolt. It is reasonably priced and you can get it here. Want the latest technology and top products for Pros with Slope technology then pick Bushnell Pro X7 Slope with JOLT. Its recommended sales price a bit high but it’s often much cheaper here on Amazon. However, if you want a fast, but accurate rangefinder and would like to consider other brands; then choose Leupold Gx – 3i. Leupold Gx-3i is priced slightly above the Bushnell tour Z6, and its usually not available, but you can find it here. Finally, if you are just a beginner or intermediate user looking for a valued best golf rangefinder then get the Lofthouse ProScope 400, Nikon COOLSHOT or the Bushnell Tour V3 Golf rangefinder with JOLT.
Thanks for reading and I hope this comparison was a great help for you! I know you’ll make the right choice.
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