Do you think you can accurately tell by eye how far away the flag is from your shot? No, well luckily for you there is a nifty invention called the range finder that will measure for you the distance between where you are stood and the flag itself.

Even though the use of the range finder is not allowed on professional courses, you can still use the rangefinder on amateur courses to accurately record the distance between you and the flag.

Rangefinders are the modern alternative to the traditional yardage book or yardage markers, the rangefinder will give you a clear idea of slopes and other variables to help you decide which club would be best for you to use on your next shot.

We have reviewed the best golf rangefinders on the market below to help you choose the right one for you but first let’s look a little deeper into some basic information on rangefinders to get you started.

How do golf rangefinders work?

There are various ways in which a rangefinder works. A laser rangefinder fires a beam of light to the target and records the time it takes for the light to hit the target and reflect back. To use a laser rangefinder, you’ll need to do the following:

• Point the rangefinder at the flag or chosen landing point through the viewport
• Pull the trigger to send the laser beam towards the target.
• The rangefinder will automatically time how long the light beam takes to return to the rangefinder.
• Use your devices display to get the technical details you need to make the shot.

GPS rangefinders use preloaded data in order to measure how far away you are from your GPS location to the flags GPS location. In order to use a GPS rangefinder do the following:

• Load the course data onto your GPS rangefinder.
• Wait for your rangefinder to connect and update.
• Select your target hole and wait for the reading to display on the rangefinders display screen.

How to choose the best golf rangefinder on the market

With such a high variety of options available on the market with dozens more features and models, it’s a good idea to look deeper into the important elements of each model before you make the choice to buy. Here are some of the features to really consider before buying your rangefinder:

• Price
• Range
• Accuracy
• Size and Weight
• Magnification
• Ease of use
• Features

Now that you have a comprehensive list of the things to look out for in a rangefinder, here’s our reviews of the best rangefinders out there at the moment.

Best Golf Rangefinder Reviews: Our Top 10 Recommendations

So, what is the best golf rangefinder for the money? We’ve put together a list of the top 10 rangefinders on the market so you can choose the perfect one for you.

1. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder – [Best Value For Your Money]

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

This laser rangefinder uses the latest in laser technology making it the most accurate and flexible rangefinder on the market. It measures distances perfectly and quickly giving you more time to work on your PRO game.

The TecTecTec VPRO500 rangefinder also comes with a diopter adjustment functionality to provide you with a crystal-clear view. Regardless of if you are near or far sighted you will be able to use this rangefinder to precisely and clearly measure how close you are to your target using their fast measuring technology.

This is the best golf rangefinder for other reasons too, It has three different scanning modes preinstalled for ease of use in every situation possible. Its unique advanced pin-sensor allows you to accurately measure overlapping targets and is the perfect choice for measuring the distance from you onto the pin, even via a wooded area. This model also comes with a measurement locking function to give you even greater confidence when out on the holes.

With its accurate measuring system (+/- one yard) this rangefinder provides the most accurate measurements helping you find out how far you are to flags, trees or hazards during the course. After a single look through the crystal clear rangefinder multi-layered lens you will have a complete and comprehensive idea of your surroundings, helping you step up your game to the next level.

This rangefinder comes equipped with a shock resistant case to guard against impact and poor weather conditions. As far as value for money goes, the TecTecTec VPRO500 comes with all of accessories you could possibly need to keep and maintain your golf range finder.

Here’s a great review from MrShortGame.

 

Verdict

This is the best value rangefinder for your money on the market, between its built-in technology and the included accessories, this well priced rangefinder is sure to get you clearing those courses in no time.

2. Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

he all new Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Rangefinder

provides world class performance from a compact and lightweight design. With its precision, speed and optical quality the Coolshot Pro can help you develop your club proficiency on the driving range and even your game management skills out on the course.

At a super lightweight 6ozs this rangefinder is also the most compact model making it one of the best rangefinders in Nikons line. Don’t let its small size deceive you, its huge on precision. This rangefinder is an ideal addition to any golfers’ arsenal as it fits comfortably into any pocket or golf bag, leaving you no excuse not to use it.

To activate the rangefinder simply press and hold the power button for 8 seconds, this will help greatly when trying to home in on small or thin objects. The Coolshot Pro will give you a clear measurement reading from your point to the closest target in your line of sight. This is extremely ideal when you want to know the measurements to the flagstick or the front of wooded areas.

Verdict

Very satisfied customers with many exceptional golf rangefinder reviews, great value for money, bright and clear rangefinder, incline/decline technology assists with uphill and downhill lies allows for a great user experience, possibly the best golf rangefinder available at the moment.

3. Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

The Bushnell Tour V4 Jolt laser golfing range finder is the perfect combination of size, speed, accuracy and JOLT.

This is the best Bushnell laser rangefinder on the market. It’s so good that it comes with access to the Bushnell golfing app. The golfing app is an ideal way to plan and measure your golf course. It comes pre equipped with the following features:

• 3D flyover
• Hole layouts
• Access to 36,000 + pre-installed courses.

Verdict

More expensive, but great quality, awesome engineering, it just works. A true contender for the best rangefinder award.

4. Precision Pro Golf – NX7 Pro Golf Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

The PRO NX7 precision golf range finders are arguably one of the best on the market. It has adaptive slope measurement which means you will have improved club selection with adjusted yardages.

This golf rangefinder will give you Confidence to know you hit your desired target. The rangefinder gives a short vibration after successfully measuring the distance to let you know the number on the display is the right one.

Built to withstand the rain so that you can play in less-than ideal conditions. No need for a clumsy rubber sleeve, keep the form factor of your rangefinder in anything short of a torrential rain.

Verdict

The Precision Pro golf PRO NX7 is a spot-on golf yardage finder and is extremely dependable with heavy use, customers love it, highly reviewed, highly recommended. One of the best golf rangefinders for your money.

5. TecTecTec VPO500S Slope Golf Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

The TecTecTec VPRO500S uses the latest technology and is highly accurate and flexible when compared to other measuring devices.

Now there is no need to guess the distance. Just use the VPRO500S! Our rangefinder provides the true measurement accurate within +/- 1 yard, helping you to find the distance to flags or hazards.

The rangefinder comes fully equipped with a premium carrying pouch, CR2 battery, wrist strap, microfiber cleaning cloth and quick start guide for easy setup!

Verdict

The TecTecTec VPO500S Slope golf rangefinder is a very accurate golf distance finder, useful golf rangefinder with slope mode, great value for money and the scan mode works even with slope mode.

6. Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

The Callaway 300 Pro Laser will measure the include or decline and display along with the distance to pin.

For even more accuracy, the slope adjusted distance is automatically calculates and displayed.

The slope function can be turned off with the click of a button, which makes the Callaway 300 Pro legal for tournament play.

This best rangefinder golf equipment is easy to read LCD display shows yards/meters to the target, Zero-In Aiming technology, P.A.T. (Pin Acquisition Technology) indicator, and slope reading information.

The highest quality 6x magnification allows for easy pin targeting and landscape scanning to acquire multiple targets. Range of 5-1000 yards (5-300 yards to the flag).

Verdict

The Callaway 300 Pro laser rangefinder is very consistent when measuring yardages or metres up to 300 yards, the slope measurement is a unique and great feature. This model of golf rangefinders is definitely one of the best on the market.

7. Bushnell Tour V4 Patriot Pack Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

If you’re an avid Bushnell fan, you’ll be pleased to know that Bushnell revamped both their laser rangefinders and golf GPS devices in 2016 to be better than ever! While seemingly simple to use, it’s anything but in design.

The new look is sporty and professional with an undertone of obsessiveness for accuracy. But, not only does it look good, it’s also lightweight and compact. It’s 6.6 ounces in weight and measures in at only 3.11 x 1.57 x 4 inches – 30 percent smaller than the discontinued Tour V3!

The Tour V4 combines everything great about a Bushnell rangefinder into one unit. It has pin-seeker Technology with Jolt to eliminate all doubts! With short, bursting pulses, you’ll know you’ve hit the flag, accurate to give or take one yard.

If you’re ranging past the flag somewhere out on the golf course, the V4 can range out to 1000 yards and 400 plus to the flag. No hazard or sand trap can get past you with these numbers!

While this is a non-slope model, the Tour V4 Shift allows you to toggle the slope feature on or off depending on tournament play. But, if you’re a pro, you’ll know what club to use without the slope feature. Enter here, the Tour V4! Why spend more?

Verdict

Locks on quickly, excellent magnification, vibrates when flag is located, an easy to use golf distance finder.

8. Bushnell Pro X2 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

The newest premium Bushnell laser is aimed at those who are happy to shell out for fast and precise accurate measurements to specific points on golf courses.

Headlining the host of features on the Pro X2 is the innovative Slope-Switch Technology, which allows the user to easily toggle between normal and slope calculation distances simply by moving the Pro X2 logo on the side of the device up or down.

A rubber armoured metal housing makes the device fully waterproof, whilst it also boasts a range of up to 1,300 yards. Pin-seeker with JOLT Technology provides a short, vibrating burst to isolated the target and assure you when the flag has been located from up to 400 yards away. Dual Display Technology allows users to easily toggle between the bright red display for dim conditions or the crisp black display for brighter days.

The extra weight of the device if anything enhances the stability in the wind, while the distances are displayed almost instantaneously. The textured surface areas make it easy to gain a firm and steady hold while employing the laser and the display makes it easy to pick out the flag.

The Vivid Red display makes a big difference on overcast days and the vibrating Jolt provides the peace of mind that you’re seeing the distance you want to see. If you’re already a laser rangefinder user or are thinking about switching from a GPS device, the Pro X2 won’t disappoint.

Flags are picked out from the background with a minimum of fuss but it’s also a useful companion off the tee when measuring banks of bunkers or trees beyond the fairway.

Being able to switch to slope distances with the flick of a button is a great option to have, although the button was moved a little too easily at times.

Verdict

The Bushnell pro x2 laser range finder is one of the more expensive choices. That being said, it is extremely compact in size. The range finder does have great technology; however, it has no scan feature available.

9. Saybien 1200 Yard USB Rechargeable Premium Laser Rangefinder

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

A top-notch rangefinder like this one by Saybien ensures that you get accurate and actionable data to improve your decision making when on the course. It is a dual mode device with both straight and slope modes and with a handy quick scan feature.

Also, it has 6X magnification that combines with the Flag Lock to ensure you see and get an alert when you lock onto the flag. This rangefinder also uses a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that not only lasts long but also recharges quickly. And it can measure up to 1,200 yards with an accuracy of +/-1 yard.

With this rechargeable rangefinder from Saybien, you can always be confident that you will have all the important measurements you need when on the course, and they will also be highly accurate. Also, it is a tournament legal rangefinder despite having a slope compensating feature. And with its long-lasting battery life, you can play for several rounds of golf before you need to recharge it, and it also has some high-quality optics to ensure that you do not miss or misinterpret anything.

Carrying this rangefinder around when on the course should also be an effortless task thanks to its lightweight and highly portable design. The few shortcomings that some golfers complain about such as the rangefinder requiring very stable hands to operate or the plastic cover feeling cheap are still not deal breaker. Hence, the bottom line is that this is a top-quality device that is worth buying.

Verdict

A top-notch rangefinder like this one by Saybien ensures that you get accurate and actionable data to improve your decision making when on the golf course. It is a dual mode device with both straight and slope modes and with a handy quick scan feature this rangefinder will have you locked onto the flag in no time.

10. Pinsightz Golf Rangefinder – [Cheap Golf Rangefinder]

Check for Deals & Reviews on Amazon →
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)

The Pinsightz golf rangefinder is yet another one of the best budget buys for anyone starting out with a rangefinder of their own, a rangefinder that will give a slight pulse, giving you the extra confidence that you have locked into your target.

The unique pin-sensor technology helps you lock on to your target more precisely without overlapping. Giving you extra confidence and precision.

In slope mode you will get the slope calculation and the corrected distance. Taking the guessing out of your game and giving you the actual plays distance. Making it easier for uphill and downhill situations.

Includes

• CR2 Battery
• lanyard
• Convenient belt mountable case
• Cleaning cloth

The pinsightz golf rangefinder has 7 modes for precision. The 7 modes are as follows:

• Scan: See all your surroundings and distances with the simple touch of one button.
• Subject Lock: Have the confidence that you have locked on to your target and receive a pulse for verification.
• Slope/Distance correction: Get the slope and the corrected distance with one touch of a button. So, you take the guessing out of your game while in uphill and downhill situations.
• Fog: In the mode you have fog suppression to handle any interference. Giving you confidence in any situation.
• Horizontal Distance: Our rangefinder will calculate and display the horizontal distance and measuring slope.
• Vertical/Height: The rangefinder will measure the distance between

Verdict

The Pinsightz golf rangefinder is the best budget buy possible when it comes to rangefinders. Its good enough to measure everything you would need it to, while also being good enough to show off to your friends.

Understanding Golf Rangefinders

Off the Course

Your new and exciting gadget is going to give you precise and accurate measurements at the touch of a button. But the real question is, can you make the shot? You need to face facts about just how far that you are capable of hitting the ball with each club, no pretending!

The best thing to do is establish average distance, for example, the average distance you can hit a golf ball with a 7-iron is approximately 150 yards.

When you get to the range the first thing you need to do with your rangefinder is test the flag distance. Its best to do this because you’ll need to make sure that the 150-yard flag is in fact 150 yards away.

If you use our top tip, the next time you go to the range and you measure 180 yards to the flag you will know definitively which club to use for your personal capabilities.

On the course

While on the course its actually quite easy to use a rangefinder. The only things you need to be critically aware of is wind direction, slope of the fairway, natural hazards and the rough areas.

Some good advice would be to measure the distances to a few other targets, this will give a bit more information to make an informed decision on the correct club to choose for the shot.

FAQ’s

Why use a rangefinder?

Scientific studies suggest that we as human beings are very poor at judging distance. Laser rangefinders do the job perfectly for us. Before a major tournament before the days of laser rangefinders you would find the caddies of the top players measuring out accurate distances on the course to fill in the yardage numbers for the players book.

Top players are, of course, exceptionally good at hitting the golf balls a precise distance. So, to sum it up, the reasons you should invest in the best golf rangefinder are as follows:

• Fast and easy to use
• Avoid water hazards on the course
• Accurate distances to the target
• Better your technique by measuring your exact shot distance.

Are golf rangefinders legal?

The game of golf has evolved drastically since the first games over 600 years ago. This includes advances in both ball and club technology. Laser rangefinders are a part of thet ever developing science.

You will be surprised to know, however, that technically under the rules of golf, both laser and GPS rangefinders are not legal.

Are they USGA legal?

The use of a distance-measuring device is a breach of Rule 14-3, which states that during a stipulated round, the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play (Rule 14-3).

The USGA Handicap System requires players to post scores made when a device which measures distance only has been used (regardless of whether the Committee has adopted the Local Rule described below).

Scores made while using a device which measures other conditions which might affect play (e.g., wind speed or the slope of the ground) are not acceptable for Handicapping purposes. Please refer to Section 5-1 of the USGA Handicap System Manual regarding acceptable scores.

The Committee may, by Local Rule, permit the use of devices that measure distance only (i.e., the device may not be used to measure other conditions such as wind-speed or the slope of the ground). (Rule 14-3 Note and Decision 14-3/0.5)

The recommended language for such a Local Rule can be found in Appendix I; Part B; Section 9.

If the Committee has adopted a Local Rule permitting the use of distance-measuring devices, these devices may be shared by players (see analogous Decision 5-1/5 regarding the sharing of equipment other than clubs).

Additionally, please refer to the Definition of “Advice” and Decision 8-1/2 which clarify that the distance between objects is a matter of public information and therefore not advice.

Do you need slope on a rangefinder for golf?

If you are using your rangefinder during practice rounds, then a slope feature comes in very handy. The more sophisticated devices factor in the uphill or downhill trajectory of a shot and then factor in the slope for an accurate yardage reading.

While you can’t use the slope measurements feature during tournament play, using slope while practicing can really help a golfer determine how elevation change affects their shot-making. More practice focusing on how different approaches counteract slope will definitely instill confidence during tournament play.

Even if you cannot use rangefinders in tournaments, the device certainly can help with shaving the rough edges off your games to lower your scores. If you are looking for a quick primer on how slope affects shot-making, we’ve tagged a terrific video by Bushnell below:

 

Are cheap golf rangefinders any good?

Laser rangefinders are devices that you can add on your golf game. It uses a laser to find out the distance to a certain target. Because of this technology, this particular device is accurate in providing distances. They are available in binocular and monocular styles and are high-maintenance devices.

A number of golfers actually find the laser rangefinder more convenient to tote along. One can just take the device out of his or her bag or pocket, zero in on the target and the user will acquire a nice reading about the object.

However, these devices do not come cheap. There are affordable models available, but are they worth the purchase? Read on and find out.

Advantages

Laser rangefinders are always compared side by side with golf GPS watches and devices. Both devices are convenient, handy, does not take up much space in your bag and both tools almost employ the same features. Like the laser rangefinder, the golf GPS can determine distances without the help of markers.

Some of the most significantly praised golfers in the world use rangefinders, thus golfers felt the need they should try out the device too. If the best in the game relied on such a device, then there’s no doubt that it works. The unit’s fast, precise and comprehensive yardage data will make golfers feel more confident in their club selection and eventually with the results of their game.

It’s also a helpful device to take along with you especially on uncharted courses. The device does not require maps, and as mentioned earlier, users do not have to download courses or insert those courses manually when required. There’s also no need to get a frequent subscription every year.

Disadvantages

The laser technology for this device is beneficial but for several golfers, using it can be a bit of a bother. To fully understand how the whole device works, users actually have to spend enough time and take some effort to take in the unit’s intricate manuals and safety guidelines.

A reading can be affected even by the slightest human error. Users have to stand still and not move an inch while using the device. A slight gesture and the rangefinder will give you an erroneous reading, thus this is not a very user-friendly device.

Cheaper rangefinders are also known for sometimes giving away dubious, if not unreliable readings as compared with the high price point models, sometimes questionable readings in poor lighting conditions. To add, low-priced units cannot get hold of longer distances. You have to invest more on those big-ticket models if you want an accurate reading.

Several golfers also remarked that it can be difficult to get a reading on ice-covered surfaces, on long grass and during foggy days. It is high-maintenance and needs careful handling because the lens can get easily scratched.

As discussed before, golf rangefinders are not exactly the most affordable among additional equipment. Prices range from a hundred dollars up to $700 for superior-quality range finder models.

Which Golf Rangefinder will be best for You?

It is complicated to answer this question in one word. There are many answers of this question found about golf rangefinders in different blogs, social media, and forums, some claims that GPS watch is best, and some prefer golf GPS handheld devices, others may say that laser rangefinders are best among all of them.

So, getting more accurate and best answer is almost impossible. However, GPS rangefinders (Watches and handheld devices) can measure a particular number of fixed targets, but laser rangefinders can measure any targets using laser technology. As a result, laser rangefinders are widely used not only in golf courses but also used in other measuring activities like hunting.

What is Slope vs. No-Slope?

If you are a science student, then the slope and non-slope most probably remind you trigonometry classes of your high school. However, golf range finder basically does the calculation for you and for understanding the difference between slope vs. non-slop then we need to know how it works.

The fairways have ditches, hills and elevation changes. They have constructed following such a method to test your measuring abilities while you hit. But if the flag is on a ditch, hill or elevation changes you have to think about that additional elevation or depression.

Rangefinders featuring slope compensation technology measure this vertical elevation using the trigonometric equation and adjust the horizontal range. This adjusted measurement is called “slope compensated range” or just “slope”.

Golf laser range finder models like Nikon Pro Stabilized, Bushnell PRO X2, Precision Pro NX7PRO, Leupold GX 5i3, and TecTecTec VPro500s have slope technology, but non-slope calculation range finders are tournament legal. Bushnell Tour V4, Leupold GX 4i, Nikon Coolshot 80VR are few names of non-slope laser range finder models.

So, To Wrap Up!

While playing golf, you have to do a lot of calculations before taking every shot as it’s a game of accuracy, and a reliable range finder can make it easy.

We did an in-depth research on a large number including their pros and cons, user reviews and expert opinion. From our research, we narrow down our top selections and finally got out top 10 laser golf rangefinders for you.

So, you can either select your favourite from our list or can find something best for you following our buying guide. All you need to do now is tee off!