Accuracy and power are important in golfing. But how do you know the power you need in your drive to hit the green? Easy, use a golf rangefinder to determine the accurate yardage to the hole and improve your course performance.
But while golf rangefinder technology saves time and increases efficiency on the course, there’s a catch – you can’t just buy the cheapest one you find. Unfortunately, golf rangefinders aren’t made equal, and some can be a waste of money.
I’ve tested and reviewed numerous models to help you find a rangefinder you can trust. While some earned my respect, TecTecTec Laser Golf Rangefinder VPRO500S Slope with Battery stood out from the rest.
Best laser rangefinders
TecTecTec Laser Golf Rangefinder VPRO500S Slope with Battery
If you are looking for a very good range finder, and want to save some cash, this is going to be the golf range finder for you. Nearly every model offered by TecTecTec is under $180 and they are very accurate in my opinion. If you are a 15 to 30 handicap, you should definitely consider this range finder.
The TecTecTec VPRO500S is easy to use, and I found it to be within a yard of the higher end Bushnell products. What stands out on this rangefinder is the way it feels in your hand. While most of the range finders feel comfortable, this one felt great.
You don’t have to push the buttons very hard to pick up your target, and instead of feeling a vibration like the Bushnell units, this gives a “locked on” indicator when you are in pinseeker mode. This will come down to your personal preference, but it felt really good in my hands.
The company TecTecTec sells affordable golf rangefinders. While we reviewed the VPRO500S and really liked it, others from the company didn’t quite feel the same. This is a great rangefinder for a new golfer or for someone that is afraid of losing or forgetting one at the course.
They aren’t super cheap, but several hundred less than the most expensive rangefinders we used. As with nearly every other rangefinder on the market, you will need to have a few CR2 batteries in your bag in the event you run out.
Precision Pro Golf NX9 (non-slope)
If you thought the Precision Pro NX7 Non-slope rangefinder was good, the NX9 is even better since it’s reliable and fast. The NX9 delivers precise distances in 0.5 seconds and has a wider and clearer LCD. Though it’s made from plastic, it has a shockproof design that enhances its strength and durability. Also, it can measure up to 600 yards with a +/- 1-yard accuracy.
The enhanced LCD coupled with the 6X magnification and target acquisition technology makes it easier to find a flag even with shaky hands. Courtesy of its Pulse vibration Technology, you’ll receive haptic feedback when you lock in on the flag. As such, your chances of accidentally lasering a mound or a tree are reduced.
Misplacing your golf rangefinder between shots is frustrating. Luckily, the NX9 sports a magnetic cart mount you can use to attach it to your clubs, cart, or other metallic surfaces within your reach.
Pros
- Lifetime battery replacement
- Tournament legal
- Water-resistant
- Shockproof construction
- Comes with a durable carrying case
- Easy to lock on target
Cons
- Poor battery life
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift
The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is ideal for avid golfers willing to spend some extra bucks for fast and correct yardage. Once you release the button, it displays distance on the screen. Complementing this speed is its PinSeeker technology that locks on a target easily and fast.
When you lock on to a target, a red ring forms around the distance, and the rangefinder gives vibrates subtly courtesy of the Visual jolt feature.
The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift provides slope adjusted distances you can turn off when participating in a tournament play. When in use, you’ll notice the slope compensation technology works better than in previous rangefinder versions.
Other features that make this rangefinder worthwhile include the BITE magnetic cart mount. This technology helps you mount the rangefinder on your cart for convenience. The magnet is strong, so you won’t have to worry about losing your V5 Shift.
It has a 6x magnification that makes it easier to see and hit your targets. While it has a 1,300 yards range, the flag lock range is capped at 400 yards.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Clear and bright optics
- Has slope switch technology
- Fast and accurate
- Compact design
- Durable outer cover
Cons
- It’s not waterproof
- Slightly expensive for most
Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder
Bushnell takes the slope feature to a new level by factoring in barometric pressure and temperature. With the new slope technology, playing at high altitudes yields a different figure than at sea level.
But that’s not the only thing this Bushnell rangefinder has working in its favor. The accurate readings appear instantly after releasing the button and are the same every time you measure. The Pro XE sends a jolt to your palm when you lock on a target, and a red ring appears on the outline.
The optics on the Pro XE are crystal clear, making the experience fun and easier. Even better, there’s a focus knob you can tinker with to adjust the clarity to your eyesight. The 7X magnification helps you get a more beautiful image.
The BITE MAGNET attaches it to anything metallic – just be sure to remember where you left it.
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof
- The jolt doesn’t always activate
- CR2 batteries included
- Sturdy construction
- 1,500 maximum range
Cons
- Has problems locking on target
Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder with Slope
The Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder is an affordable option for a rangefinder with a slope function. Even better, you can turn off the slope function during tournaments.
Although Callaway claims this rangefinder can lock in pins 300 yards out, I had some difficulty with pins over 250 yards out. Besides this, I’m pleased with the ease of use and accuracy that’s made possible by the 6X zoom. In addition to the pulse technology, the Callaway 300 Pro produces an audible chirp that confirms accurate yardage.
The LCD isn’t the biggest I’ve seen, but it does a good job showcasing distance and battery life. Finally, though its housing is made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap. In fact, the rubber coating provides a solid grip even in muddy and wet hands.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Fog and rain resistant
- Birdie technology
- Clear LCD
- 6X zoom with a range between 5 and 1,000 yards
Cons
- Readings vary when it’s windy or when your hands are shaky
- Pin Acquisition gets weird past 300 yards
PEAKPULSE 6Pro with Slope
This is an affordable rangefinder that sports features you expect to find in the best golf rangefinders. Some of the features include a compact unit with an ergonomic design that’s comfortable and easy to use. Like other premium models, it comes with a 6X magnification that provides accurate feedback of targets 500 yards away.
The focus technology is fast and accurate, courtesy of two features – slope technology and flag acquisition technology that’s made better with Pulse Vibration. Even with your hands shaking, you’ll lock on your target effortlessly and receive short bursts of vibrations as a confirmation.
The PEAKPULSE 6Pro with Slope has a 1-yard accuracy and gives the option of disabling slope technology for some tournaments.
Aside from accuracy and speed, the PEAKPULSE 6Pro with Slope is also practical. When you are on a golf course, you might not have access to a power outlet. As such, your golf rangefinder should hold power for a long time.
To ensure it preserve power, designers of the PEAKPULSE 6Pro with Slope made it turn off automatically following inactivity for eight seconds.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Ergonomic design
- Energy saving
- Durable construction
- Fast focus
- Tournament legal
Cons
- It’s unreliable at times
Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder
The Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder is the best budget rangefinder available. Aside from golfing, you can use it for bow hunting, hunting, and other professional applications. Despite being budget-friendly, it has some useful features.
For instance, it offers accurate measurements and incorporates technologies like Angle Range Compensation, Speed Measuring, and PinSeeking technology with flag-locking vibration.
With its 6X magnification, you can use it to measure targets between 5 and 650 yards away with +/- 1-meter accuracy. But unlike other golf laser rangefinders, the Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder only locks on flags up to 250 yards and flagpoles only up to 150 yards.
The optic lenses have multiple coatings, which reduce reflected light and improve the clarity of the image displayed.
Even better, this rangefinder has slope calculation to aid in uphill and downhill shots. Unfortunately, in this rangefinder (GS24) model, you cannot turn off the slope features. As such, it’s not tournament legal.
Pros
- Multi-coated optic lenses that deliver a clear image
- Slope technology
- Affordable pricing
- Accurate
Cons
- It’s not tournament legal
- Doesn’t function in fog
Blue Tees Golf Series 3 Max Rangefinder
If ever there was an affordable rangefinder trapped in the body of a premium range finder, the Blue Tees Golf Series 3 Max Rangefinder is it. Instead of plastic, the Series 3 Max sports a leather exterior and is water-resistant.
For precision, the rangefinder has a 4K impressively clear display and 7X magnification capabilities. With such power, you can lock on targets 900 yards away easily. The slope switch feature is elevated with the continuous arch technology that accounts for declines and inclines to provide accurate distances to the target. If need be, you can turn off the slope function to make it tournament legal.
To make the display easier to read, Blue Tees Golf Series 3 Max Rangefinder designers threw in an auto-ambient display. Depending on the lighting conditions, the auto-ambient display adjusts the 4K display test to black or red.
The vibration lock technology confirms a target lock. The powerful magnetic strip is a nice-to-have feature that’s convenient and avoids losing the rangefinder.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Affordable
- Beautifully designed carrying case
- Weatherproof
- 900-yard range
- Built-in magnets
- Advanced slope technology
Cons
- The display quality could be better
TecTecTec ULT-S PRO Golf Rangefinders with Stabilization
When comparing the best rangefinders, the first thing people look for is range and accuracy. On these fronts, the TecTecTec ULT-S PRO does a great job. For starters, it has a 1,000-yard maximum range.
At such a range, a lot of errors are possible. To improve accuracy, designers added image stabilization technology. The technology helps you get accurate distances even with shaky hands. Moreover, measures distances in under a second and displays them in bright red fonts making it easier to read on sunny days.
While it locks on hazards 1000 yards out, it only locks on flags 450 yards away. Like most range finders, it comes with a slope and scan mode, which improves your experience on the course. Last but not least, this rangefinder has water-resistant and rainproof designs.
Pros
- Works well with shaky hands
- Consistent vibration after target lock
- Tournament legal
- Works in foggy conditions
- Comfortable hold
- Sturdy build
Cons
- Cannot have a clear view of yardage and target simultaneously
WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder
The WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder worked well and cost less than $120. There were no problems securing yardage to pin that was less than 200 yards. I conducted three separate reads using the same pin, and the results were consistently within a yard. This product is ideal for a golfer who does not play regularly, and who want an idea of the range without spending a lot of money.
The WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder does have some discrepancies in readings after aiming at the same target. It was unable to read a pin over 180 yards; therefore, I rank it lowest on my recommendation list. But, for the price, it will get you close enough to the pin.
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What to look for in a golf rangefinder
Golf rangefinder technology is always changing and can be confusing to beginners. Regardless of the changes, here are a couple of features to keep an eye out for.
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- Accuracy – the whole point of buying the best golf rangefinder is to improve your accuracy. As such, getting an inaccurate rangefinder is pointless. A golden rule of thumb is to get one that has a 1-yard deviation between measurements.
- Slope – aside from distance, a rangefinder can help you determine if your shot is uphill or downhill, courtesy of slope technology. Some of the best golf laser rangefinders like the Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder also take into account barometric pressure and temperature. But since some tournaments don’t allow slope measurements, the ability to turn it off like in the TecTecTec Laser Golf Rangefinder VPRO500S Slope with Battery is a plus.
- Waterproof construction – the perfect laser rangefinder should work well in the sun and rain. This makes a huge difference if you love golfing in the rain.
- Strength – a high-quality rangefinder should survive rough handling gracefully. The TecTecTec VPRO500S Rangefinder comes with a shock-resistant protective case for added protection.
- Display technology – Aside from clarity, the rangefinder you choose shouldn’t bombard you with a lot of information on the display. Remember, less is always more when golfing.
- Battery life – Since most rangefinder batteries last 6+ months, they aren’t a problem. However, not all rangefinders come with batteries included. Also, not all batteries can last an entire day on the course. To solve this problem, the PEAKPULSE 6 Pro with Slope goes off after 8 seconds of inactivity.
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Is a rangefinder tournament legal?
Despite strict USGA guidelines, rangefinders are legal in tournaments, provided they meet certain conditions. At the top of the list is that a rangefinder with slope calculation should have the option to turn it off.
Are More Expensive rangefinders Better?
Not exactly. Bear in mind that a large portion of the costs of premium units are because of fancy features that not all golfers need. If you need a premium rangefinder, you’ll pay more. With that said, there are several affordable and budget-friendly rangefinders you can use. Though most only have the basics, some push feature boundaries and give premium rangefinders a run for their money.
Is a Golf GPS or rangefinder Better?
A range golf GPS will tell you the distance to hazards on the course, help you track your scores and the shot distance with every swing. On the other hand, a golf rangefinder is easy to use and more accurate. Also, it provides data like speed, yardage, and continuous scan reading.
Conclusion
Hope the reviews save you some time when buying your rangefinder. Although the best rangefinder can be subjective, the best overall golf rangefinder is the TecTecTec Laser Golf Rangefinder VPRO500S Slope with Battery. It provides premium features at an affordable price. I love its accuracy, rainproof design, clear LCD, and the fact that it’s lightweight and portable.
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