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2018 LASER RANGEFINDER 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 | Laser Range Arc | Y | Y | 1 Year |
| 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) – 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).
2018 Laser Rangefinder Buyers Guide
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Thomas C Hastings
4 years ago
Bushnell Pro XE laser MUCH better than the Nikon! :)