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2018 LASER RANGEFINDERÂ BUYER'S GUIDE
The 2018 rangefinders are the best we have ever tested.
The number of products is growing, the feature sets are increasing, and most still do a terrific job of giving you distance to the target. Within the last year, the rangefinder market has evolved dramatically. The best lasers not only capture the distance to target simply, quickly, and accurately, but many offer additional features to give you the confidence to hit the shot required.
One key to our testing protocols is testing products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put the products through detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products and explain why, and give awards to the best performing products in the category.
This year we approached our rangefinder testing with more critical scoring and improved protocols. This was based on an intensive look at the market and feedback from consumers just like you. Several key findings from that research influenced the rangefinder testing process for 2018.
We can definitively say that some laser rangefinders performed better than others. For this guide, we evaluated each model looking specifically at the consistency of distances provided, the clarity of the visual field, and the unit's ability to capture distances above of 200 yards. Our top performers stood out among the pack.
2018 Rangefinder Features Chart
| Name | Magnification | Crosshair Color | Range | Lock Indicator | Y/M | Slope | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell Hybrid | 5X | Black | 5-1000 | Jolt | Y | N | 2 Year |
| Bushnell Pro X2 | 6X | Black/Red | 5-1300 | Jolt | Y | Y | 2 Year |
| Bushnell Tour V4 | 5X | Black | 5-1000 | Jolt | Y | N | 2 Year |
| Garmin Approach Z80 | 6X | Red | 5-350 | Yellow | Y | Y | NA |
| Leupold GX-1i | 6X | Red | 5-400 | Red Triangle | Y | N | LifeTime |
| Leupold GX-2I | 6X | Red | 5-400 | Red Triangle | Y | Y | LifeTime |
| Leupold GX-3i | 6X | Red | 5-400 | Red Triangle | Y | N | LifeTime |
| Leupold GX-5i | 6X | Red | 5-450 | Red Triangle | Y | Y | LifeTime |
| Nikon CoolShot 20 | 6X | Black | 6-550 | Black Triangle | Y | N | NA |
| Nikon CoolShot 80 VR | 6X | Black | 8-1000 | Black Circle | Y | N | NA |
| Nikon Pro Stabilized | 6X | Red | 8-1200 | Green Circle | Y | Y | 5 Year |
| PRECISION Nexus | 6X | Black | 5-400 | Black Circle | Y | N | 1 Year |
| PRECISION NX7 | 6X | Black | 5-400 | Black Circle | Y | N | 2 Year |
| PRECISION NX7 Pro | 5X | Black | 5-400 | Pulse | Y | Y | 2 Year |
| SCOREBAND Vibe SL 600 | 6X | Black | 1-400 | Pulse | Y | N | NA |
THE METRICS
We're always fine-tuning our evaluation process to ensure we're collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we've updated and refined this year's analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.
Over the course of the test, golfers lasered flagsticks from three different distances. The flagsticks were outfitted with reflective prisms to best evaluate the laser's effectiveness at capturing a distance to a flag.
To establish whether the distance produced was consistent and accurate, testers shot each distance ten times with each device.
We found that some products struggled to pick up the target at the longest distance. If a product failed to acquire the correct target in three tries, the incorrect distance was recorded.
Accuracy (40 Points) - The goal is to test the consistency of the distances provided. Products that performed well provide the same distances time and time again. While minor variations of +/- one or two yards were common across all models, some entries provided readings that varied by more than five yards or failed to pick up the flagstick entirely.
In a sport described as a game of inches, it is imperative that provided distances are consistent. If you practice based on the distance provided by your device; even if the actual distance is different your club distances should correlate to what your device is telling. In other words, a consistent distance is more important than the correct distance.
Speed (15 points) - How quick you can get from a blank display to an accurate reading. We found rangefinders with pin-sensing technology were more efficient because they notify the golfer when the distance has been captured. Units without the pin-sensing technology place a greater burden on the golfer to decide when the distance is correct. We also found non-sensing rangefinders were more likely to pick-up foreground and background objects instead of the intended target, creating a lack of trust in the measurement.
Optics (25 points) - How clear is the visual field?  Is it possible to easily see the course's topography? Can you make out invalid blades of grass and grains of sand? While this level of detail may seem insignificant, it can be helpful in assessing the layout of the golf course during play. The slopes of the fairways and greens can be better-taken advantage of when they can be seen clearly.
Display (15 points)Â -Â How prominently is the distance displayed? Is the layout overly complicated or too basic? Does the font design and color help or hinder the effectiveness of the display?
Additional Features (5 points) - How many features does the unit have to help determine the right iron/shot to hit? Rangefinders don't have to be single function devices that provide you distance to the flat and nothing else. Some provide distances to front, middle, and back of the green. Some also have Jolt or vibration technology built from within that give you confidence that the number is correct.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. The Best Overall is our highest scoring rangefinder, with additional awards given to the top five rangefinders. Additionally, more specific Best in Class recognition is awarded to rangefinders that push the industry envelope in certain categories (optics, accuracy, display, and speed).
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Nikon CoolShot Pro Stabilized
"Best Rangefinder of 2018"
|
Accuracy
|
4th |
|
Speed
|
4th |
|
Optics
|
1st |
|
Display
|
1st |
|
Additional Features
|
3rd |
|
Total
|
94 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
Image stabilization from Nikon is the “2018 Rangefinder Feature of The Year“. The VR (Vibration Reduction) technology found in Nikon’s lenses has finally found its way to its rangefinder line. The increased stability helps golfers with even moderately shaky hands acquire the target faster and with more confidence. The optics are clear and offer a wider field of view. A winning addition to the laser rangefinder category.
Pros
- Image stabilization is “2018 Rangefinder Feature of The Year”
- Great stabilization for those with shaky hands
- Outstanding ergonomics
- Stabilization feature boosts confidence in measurements
- Accurate and fast
- Clear and precise display
- Slope feature to adjust for changes in elevation
Cons
- Not quite as fast as some other units
Bushnell Hybrid
|
Accuracy
|
13th |
|
Speed
|
3rd |
|
Optics
|
3rd |
|
Display
|
2nd |
|
Additional Features
|
1st |
|
Total
|
92 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
First of its kind hybrid GPS blends Bushnell’s signature rangefinder technology with an onboard GPS to give you distances to the front, middle, and back where the rangefinder alone can’t. The jolt feature provides physical feedback when the target is acquired. The hybrid offers outstanding optics while an option mobile app provides flyovers and layup distances for the hole that you are playing.
Pros
- Amazing GPS app for phone provides complete visual of hole
- Acquires target quickly
- Jolt technology for added confidence
- Outstanding optics
Cons
- Struggles to acquire neutral colored flag at distances greater than 250 yards
Bushnell Pro X2
|
Accuracy
|
1st |
|
Speed
|
1st |
|
Optics
|
5th |
|
Display
|
5th |
|
Additional Features
|
5th |
|
Total
|
91.5 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
Another outstanding offering from Bushnell. The Pro X2’s display color can be changed from red to black to suit your preference and lighting conditions. It’s also one of the fastest models on the market today. Acquiring pins reliably in fractions of seconds, the X2’s precision and accuracy leads the pack.
Pros
- “The Most Accurate Rangefinder of 2018.”
- “The Fastest Rangefinder of 2018.”
- Built-in jolt technology for added confidence of target acquisition
- Adjustable on/off slope feature
Cons
- Some may find the no-nonsense design light on features
Bushnell Tour V4
|
Accuracy
|
1st |
|
Speed
|
1st |
|
Optics
|
3rd |
|
Display
|
5th |
|
Additional Features
|
7th |
|
Total
|
91 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
The Tour V4 is an awesome rangefinder for several of reasons. It acquires the target instantly. The bigger and brighter optics provide a crystal clear display of the target and surrounding area. An outstanding option for those who want a simple but effective product.
Pros
- Fastest rangefinder of 2018
- Best product for accuracy
- Great optics
Cons
- Not particularly feature-rich
PRECISION PRO NX7
"Best Value"
|
Accuracy
|
9th |
|
Speed
|
9th |
|
Optics
|
5th |
|
Display
|
7th |
|
Additional Features
|
11th |
|
Total
|
86.5 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
At just $199, the Precision Pro N7 is “The Best Value Rangefinder of 2018”. The Precision NX7 is your compact and basic rangefinder. It may not offer everything that others in the top 5 do, but the NX7 does a great job at acquiring the pin and giving you consistent readings. The NX7 is the best in value when it comes to price and performance.
Pros
- Acquires target quickly, consistently, and accurately
- Best value for money
- Clear optics
Cons
- Display arrangement could be better
jim
1 week agoThe Nikon Monarch 3000 seems to be the same unit as the COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED. It’s $419 (versus $450) and does slope and image stabilization, but lacks the ability to be tourney legal, something they added to the golf version. That’s your $30 right there. The Monarch is listed to be good for 8 – 3000 yds vs. 8 -1200 yds.
Dave S
1 week agoReally want to hear more about the Garmin Z80… seemed like that one was the most feature rich; totally different than all the others; surprised it didn’t make the top 5.
I’m sure this won’t happen, but it would be great if you graded them by category and then had an option where the reader could assign a weighting to each category to see which one suits them the most. Accuracy is obviously important, but for most people buying a laser the standard +/- 1 yard is good enough. I don’t think I would so heavily weight Accuracy compared to some of the others categories.
I personally play with an older, basic GPS watch (Bushnell Neo+) and have considered switching to a laser to get access to features like slope, hazards distances, etc., but I am unwilling to give up the simple and quick front/center/back yardages of a watch. For me, Features are more important. The Garmin Z80 and the Bushnell Hybrid caught my eye the most, for just that reason… you don’t give up the functionality and ease of a watch just to get a laser.
Donn Rutkoff
2 weeks agoIs it harder for u to just list the data instead of creating a ranking? the ranking does not take into account how significant is the data difference. I read all MGS stuff and appreciate your work. But did all these have god enough accuracy to recommend? were there more rangers tested, and some did not make the grade and are not listed at all? Consumer Reports does testing, no paid advertising, and they list their fails as well.
MarkInLOL
2 weeks agoI agree! For example, what is the difference in accuracy between the #1 and #15? Is there a 1-yard difference or a 10-yard difference?
MarkInLOL
2 weeks agoIs there any way to drill-down to see the comments on the devices that didn’t make the top 5? For example, the Precision Nexus scored only 0.5 less than the Precision NX7, both having the same ranking on all measures except accuracy. The Nexus is $50 cheaper, yet the NX7 got a top 5 for “Best Value”. It would be nice to read the Nexus review and comments for comparison.
Alexandra
2 weeks agoI have a Leupold that I looove, been going strong for five years. Sturdy piece of equipment.
Eric Louis
2 weeks agoI could test the new NIKON PRO: Outstanding! The best laser I ever had in my hands. Bright optic, perfect haptic and an amazing stabilization. So easy to measure, even for a shaking guy like me. I have to have it.
SC
2 weeks agoWhat’s the difference between the Garmin Z80 and the Bushnell hybrid? Seems like some new technology to learn about.
mackdaddy
2 weeks agoWhat was the yardage accuracy difference between the different steps 1st thru 15th
John Mackessack
2 weeks agoI drowned my $400 Bushnell Tour V3 last month. Replaced it with a Double Eagles DEPRO-800. It cost $145. It does everything the Bushnell did only it’s better built, more weather resistant and is smaller and lighter. A doddle to use.
I don’t care about ‘slope’ as in competition play, you can’t use it, so basically it’s useless anyway, and there has to be some skill factor left. The Bushnell didn’t have slope either, so I’m direct comparison, it’s a #1 for me.
Frank S
2 weeks agoI have had a hybrid for 4 years gets the job done due to gps distance is fading not good on distance over 200yds ….why don’t all golf courses put reflective tape on flags… It would cost them next to nothing and would really speed up play!!!
Luc Lacoursiere
2 weeks agoAccuracy is obviously the most important part of this test (it’s worth 40 pts). But could you define it better?
1- How close were the distances read on the different rangefinders is what I really want to know. (within 2 yards, I don’t care)
2-How close were the distances read on the same rangefinders? (again, within 2 yards, I don’t care)
If a 200$ machine gives me results just as good as a 400$ one, I know what I’m buying!
Thanks!
JasonA
2 weeks agoAlso Accuracy is not the same as Variability
At a 200 yd target
LaserA may read from 198-202 yards
LaserB may always read 197 yds every time
Technically LaserA is more “accurate” (closer to correct)
But give me LaserB any day.
BIll
2 weeks agoI would think accuracy would be the overriding factor in judging any rangefinder. The winner was 4th in accuracy?? I don’t care about bells and whistles if the number is wrong.
benseattle
2 weeks agoI agree that a rangefinder finishing 4th IN ACCURACY would be hard-pressed to ranked number one in a valid survey. UNLESS the differences are only FRACTIONS. (Or, as mentioned earlier, within one or two yards.) If the number one ranked tool is 4th in accuracy but still VERY CLOSE to the best and/or the Actual Number, then we have something. However, MyGolfSpy hasn’t yet disclosed the variances between the Most and Least Accurate. Doing so would be VERY helpful. “Additional Features” is meaningless if accuracy is way off. What’s more, that category should be WEIGHTED.
Gorden
2 weeks agoAs with any golf equipment having the best you can afford is a big part of the enjoyment of golf….articles like these go a long way to bringing dreams and wishes to the golfer…it is the Sears Catalog effect form 100 years ago…
808nation
2 weeks agoAwesome job guys! Perfect timing as I was in the market for a rangefinder this year. I have never used one so this really helps me narrow my choices. Keep up the great work MGS #PowerToThe Player
MyGolfSpy
2 weeks agoThanks 808, but we are just doing our job.
#OurJobIsYOURGame
Duffer E
2 weeks agoQuestion: As a novice golfer, why are some people saying 350yd range is not good at all? Unless your name is Dustin Johnson, you aren’t ever going to hit the ball 350yds, so what use would there be to having a range greater than that?
Scott
2 weeks agoThe longer the laser, the stronger it is.
The stronger the laser, the better the ability to cut through fog, mist or rain, and the stronger the signal bounced back from the target.
Duffer E
2 weeks agoThat makes sense. Yet another statistic to factor in to my next purchase. Thanks. Now, I wonder how laser strength (i.e. range) factors into battery life…
Donn Rutkoff
2 weeks agoHow bad is the spread in accuracy between the best and worst? Is it somewhere in the article? Like the Evnroll putter issue, how significant is the low rank? if the low price low rank is still pretty accurate then that is important to me. thnks
Scott
2 weeks agoThat is an excellent question, as the Nikon COOLSHOT is one of the top selling and reviewed golf rangefinders on Amazon. Lots of people apparently find it to be an excellent device and value.
Scott
2 weeks agoSorry, the earlier post should have specified the COOLSHOT 20.
Ron-In-Colorado
2 weeks agoOn the Nikon Coolshot can the “Golf Mode” be turned off for local tournament play? Nikon Web site doesn’t state if it can be disabled. They just state to check your local rules. If you can’t turn it off, then how is it your #1 pick?
Eric
2 weeks agoYes it can be turned on and off. The green light indicates when slope is turned off.
Scott
2 weeks agoThe Nikon web-site states: “COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZED features an Actual Distance Indicator that clearly signals to observers that the Incline/Decline measurement function (ID Technology) is not in use. Green LED light blinks as long as the power is on. The Slope (ID) feature can be turned off, which simultaneously turns off the Competitive Confirmation indicator.”
Thomas Murphy
2 weeks agoWhen I think about a range finder, accurate is what comes to mind. Accuracy breeds confidence. While it is “cool” that Nikon has added stabilization, I would say that may be a case where you should rely on a GPS oriented system. But I would also say seeing upfront somewhere how accuracy varies would be great, if we are talking less than a foot…
Scott
2 weeks agoIf you are looking for accuracy, then a GPS system would be your last choice. The US Airforce intentionally makes the civilian system less accurate, even if you are on top of a mountain and can see a dozen satellites.
A GPS system will never tell you how far the group ahead of you is, which a laser will.
What about the practice facility? GPS is no use if verify the distance of the markers as the drive-line is moved forward and backward.
JasonA
2 weeks agoJust in case there is any confusion the stabilization does not make a laser rangefinder more accurate. It just makes targeting the right object easier.
As a rule of thumb:
Precision (the reading drift) is +- 1 yds or less.
Accuracy (the calibration) is normally +-2 yds. But will be consistent on a given unit. So essentially is immaterial when dialed in for yourself.
Jake
2 weeks agoWhere’s the battery life review? I’ve had my battery die mid-round on several occasions; I feel like my Golf Buddy only gets 3/4 rounds in before it’s dead.
Drew
2 weeks agoGolfspy can you please respond to the question on battery life?
David W
2 weeks agoThanks for the great review! I’m really disappointed in the Garmin, had my hopes set on that one, but dead last in speed and low in optics rules out the cost. I think the setup/features on it are very intriguing if they can fix the speed and optics.
Eron
2 weeks agoSurprised to see the Leupold GX 3I so low on optics, it had one of the cleanest views of all the finders, though the tint is not for everyone, it helped cut light noise.
Speed score is pot on, friends bushnell was noticeably quicker.
Great job guys!
MyGolfSpy
2 weeks agoLeupold makes a great unit, they always have. The issue we are seeing is that the competition has increased and the technology has evolved rapidly. We feel that Leupold was a leader in the past but they have failed to evolve with the competition. They have stayed pretty much the same while the others have all gotten better.
Josh
2 weeks agoWhat exactly plays into the optics grading then? Just perceived clarity when you look through it? Some of these units have a focus and if it’s not focused it can look blurry. It’s not like you guys pulled these things apart and inspected the lenses. Not a Leupold fanboy by anymeans but ever since I downgraded to my old one and sold the fancy Leupold, I do miss it.
Dave
2 weeks agoDefinitely agree that there are better and more techy options out there than my 3i. But, I gotta say the lifetime warranty has been absolute key! A couple years back I thought I was looking at needing to throw down $400+ on a new rangefinder when the 100-level digit went out on my Leupold. For the cost of shipping ($10?) I got a brand new, and current model as a replacement. I’ve only needed to purchase one rangefinder in the last 8-10 years.
BIll
2 weeks agoI agree. Love my leupold. Fast enough and no issues with the readout
shortside
2 weeks agoIf every course had the laser prism on the flag (ridiculous they don’t given pace of play issues) a $500 rangefinder would be a complete waste. On my regular tracks that do the Coolshot 20 rings it up in a nano second. Only regret? Like everyone else no slope.
shortside
2 weeks agoPS, I didn’t part with $230. $130-40 on Amazon as memory serves. For the money zero complaints. Shuts off after 8 seconds. Got 2 1/2 years out of the included battery.
Allen
2 weeks agoI purchased a NX7 Pro, for the money it is a great rangefinder. I looked at the other models but could not justify the price difference.
Robert
2 weeks agoI pre-orderd the Bushnell Hybrid and while it’s good, it is harder to catch some pins. I wish it also had a slope feature, but I guess they need something to put in the next version. If it had slope, it would be by far the best rangefinder out there. Overall a really cool rangefinder and if you are like me and like GPS as well, it’s perfect. I always want to know how far or how short I can hit a shot and still be on the green. The distance to the pin only tells part of the story.
Bullman
2 weeks agoWish you would include more lower-priced & off-brand rangefinders, e.g., TecTecTec, TourTrek, GolfBuddy, Deko, Barska, Lofthouse, LaserLink, Breaking80.
MyGolfSpy
2 weeks agoHave you seen the Precision Pro Nexus ($149) and the Precision Pro NX7 ($199) and ScoreBand ($189)? They are good performing units at a reasonable price.
We tested the TecTecTec and Breaking80 last year and they did not perform well.
Terry McDowell
2 weeks agoOdd. My TecTecTec is on it’s 3rd year and it has never failed to pick up a flag and is just as accurate as any of my friend’s rangefinders.
MyGolfSpy
2 weeks agoIf it works for you we are happy to hear that!
In a head-to-head-test though is where you get to see the differences. Did you test that against all some of the ones in our test? We are confident if you did you would quickly see the differences in the optics and display and accuracy and speed of the other units when comparing to the TecTecTec.
Terry McDowell
2 weeks agoI’m sure the others are better in every way but for $120 I can live with that. All I need to know is the distance to the flag and i’m golden.
JasonA
2 weeks agoI have the original Nikon Coolshot (bought factory refurb from Nikon) and it has been great.
Tried a friends Bushnell and yes, it was better in every way. Still not going to upgrade because well, good enough is good enough.
benseattle
2 weeks agoI’m shopping for a rangefinder so I have no horse in this race but I also remain surprised at the failure to include many other brands in this test. Check the TecTecTec reviews on Amazon and the 4 1/2 stars surpass all other makes. How can more than 2,000 satisfied customers be that wrong? While I’m aware that MyGolfSpy says they provide unbiased reviews, let’s get real: Bushnell charges those $400-plus prices because SOMEBODY has to pay Rickie Fowler!
MyGolfSpy
2 weeks agoWe did test them last year and both TecTecTec units we by far the worst. They are not even close to being in the ballpark with other units at similar prices. Being brutally honest, they were awful.
Does anyone even trust Amazon reviews anymore?
mackdaddy
2 weeks agoI have had a Bushnell pinseeker that got wet and crapped out. I got a Tec Tec Tec and it worked great until it flew out of the cart in a sudden rainstorm and broke the focus adjustment bezel. My buddy who I was riding with left it on the seat so he replaced it. Both units from tec tec tec had slope. The replacement had a scan feature. The second unit was junk!!! The slope numbers were way off. The number with slope uphill could be lower than the straight number. Thank goodness the original one was fixable. I super glued the bezel ring and with a little muscle I was able to get the focus to work again. Tec Tec Tec is either a great deal or a complete bust. I can testify to both sides of this story!
Sharkhark
2 weeks agoGreat thorough job as always.
The precision pro sounds like a great value.
I would love precise to the pin but use a GPS currently to help me on the wrong fairway lol!
David W
2 weeks agoJust noticed the range as well, 350 yards is not good at all. They really messed up releasing this one.