Buyer's Guides

MGS Tested: GOLF RANGEFINDER 2022

BY MyGolfSpy
May 5th 2022
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2022 Best Golf Rangefinder Buyer’s Guide

Did you know the global golf rangefinder market is estimated to reach US$186.5 million by 2025, according to Grand View Research?

Are you part of that statistic? Or are you a GPS kind of golfer? Or are you an old-school golfer who eyeballs your yardage?

Whichever you are, you should keep reading to discover our top picks for 2022’s best golf rangefinders.

Winner: Bushnell Pro XE

Those who want the best golf rangefinder need the Bushnell Pro XE. It has performed well across all metrics since launching in 2019. Its accuracy is spot-on and provides a pulse/vibration when you hit your target, giving you extra confidence by reinforcing that you hit the correct yardage. The Pro XE takes into account temperature, barometric pressure and distance to provide an accurate “play-like” yardage.

It has a strong magnet built into the unit making it easy to attach to your cart. Throw in a two-year warranty and you have the winner of the 2022 Most Wanted Golf Rangefinder Test.

1st in accuracy
2nd in speed
2nd in optics
5th in display
3rd in features

BEST FOR SHAKY HANDS - Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized

The Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized have integrated their anti shake technology in their cameras and incorporated it in this rangefinder. It also has clear optics and easy to read yardage call outs.

Features That Matter

Accuracy

A laser rangefinder is useless if it’s not accurate. By and large, the rangefinders we tested read within five yards of each other. Lasers that consistently give the same number every time provide much-needed confidence that the reading can be trusted. We test each laser rigorously to verify that the numbers provided are both accurate and consistent.

All Bushnell rangefinders performed well in this category. In 2022, the Pro XE, Tour V5 Shift and the Tour V5 were at the top of the accuracy list. The Cobalt Q_6 Slope and the Garmin Approach Z82 also performed well in this category.

Optics and Display

When we talk about the optics of laser rangefinders, we’re focused on the clarity of the viewfinder and the digital display. The simpler the display, the easier it is to understand—for the most part. Some rangefinders spell out the actual yardage and adjusted slope yardage to ensure there’s no confusion. Most units include a diopter adjustment to improve focus.

The best laser rangefinder optics in the 2022 test belong to the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized. The clarity of the lens allows you to easily lock on a target and get an accurate yardage. All Bushnell models performed well in this category also.

If you prefer to have the most amount of information available on a single display, the Precision Pro R1 Smart has GPS numbers on the display along with an app to tell you what club you should hit based on your club numbers. The Garmin Approach Z82 employs a GPS-generated hole flyover visual, yardage to front, middle and back pin positions, distances to all hazards and slope. The all-new Shot Scope Pro LX+ has a separate GPS unit attached to identify front, middle and back as well as all hazards.

Locking indicator

There different ways laser rangefinders use to lock on to a target. Some work better than others. Jolt technology, pulse and visual indicators are all examples of alerts that serve as notification that you’ve found your intended target. It’s personal preference but, in our experience, a combination of these alerts, as well as a distinct yardage read-out, tend to be the best.

The Bushnell Pro XE gives you a flashing red visual indicator in addition to a jolt technology alert.

BEST TECH - Precision Pro R1 Smart

The Precision Pro R1 Smart has everything you need for your golf game. It comes with GPS readouts, wind direction, slope to name a few. It also has MySlope which takes temperature, wind, slope and barometric pressure into account and spits out a club based on your own personal club data.

EXPERT TIP-Slope

If you play on a course with considerable elevation changes, a rangefinder that calculates slope will give you the most accurate yardage readout. It takes the elevation changes into consideration and generates both the actual yardage as well as adjusted yardage.

BEST GOLF RANGEFINDER 2022 - FEATURES

Product	Magnification	Range	Lock Indicator	Slope	Warranty
Blue Tees Golf 3 Max Check Price	6X	5-900	Pulse	Yes	2 Year
Bushnell Pro XE Check Price	7X	5-1300	Jolt	Yes	2 Year
Bushnell Tour V5 Check Price	6X	5-1300	Jolt	No	2 Year
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Patriot Pack Check Price	6X	5-1300	Jolt	Yes	2 Year
Caddytek CaddyView V2 Check Price	6X	5-800	Vibration	Yes	1 Year
Callaway 350TL Check Price	6X	5-1000	Pulse	Yes	1 Year
Cobalt Check Price	7X	5to 2500	Surge	Yes	Lifetime
Eagle Eye Check Price	6X	5-800	Vibration	Yes	1 Year
Eagle Eye Elite Check Price	6X	5-1000	Vibration	Yes	1 Year
Garmin Approach Z82 Check Price	6X	5-450	Laser Range Arc	Yes	1 Year
Inesis 900 Check Price	6X	5-1300	Black Circle	Yes	2 Year
Leupold GX-5i Check Price	6X	5-450	Red Triangle	Yes	2 Year
Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized Check Price	6X	8-1200	GREEN CIRCLE	YES	5 Year
Oncore Rangefinder Check Price	7X	5-650	Pulse	Yes	1 Year
Precision Pro NX7 Pro Slope Check Price	6X	5-400	Pulse	YES	1 Year
Precision Pro R1 Smart Check Price	6X	5-400	Pulse	Yes	2 Year
Shot Scope Pro LX Check Price	7X	5-900	Vibration	Yes	2 Year
Shot Scope Pro LX+ Check Price	7X	5-900	Vibration	Yes	2 Year
Tour Trek Signal Slope Check Price	6X	5-1000	VIBRATION	YES	1 Year
Voice Caddie CL2 Check Price	6X	5-700	GREEN CIRCLE	Yes	1 Year
Voice Caddie L5 Check Price	6x	5-1200	VIBRATION	YES	1 Year
Voice Caddie SL2 Check Price	6x	5-1100	VIBRATION	YES	1 Year
Zoom Focus X Check Price	6X	5-800	VIBRATION	YES	1 Year

More Tips

You don’t need both a GPS and a laser rangefinder. The Garmin Approach Z82 and Precision Pro R1 Smart combine both technologies into one device.
We’ve found that ease of use in laser rangefinders has to do with the individual golfer, or user, error. For example, it’s easier to stabilize a larger device than a smaller one if you have large hands. We’re advocates of trying before buying to see what fits you.
Many rangefinders have additional features that make life easier. Magnetic mounts, sensors that integrate weather conditions into yardage numbers, vibration reduction, integrated GPS functionality … the list is long. Before buying, decide what features you have to have and those you can do without.
Golfers with shaky hands will benefit from the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized. Integrated Vibration Reduction technology helps you lock onto targets quickly and efficiently. Many golfers will find it’s the one feature they absolutely can’t do without.
Some laser rangefinders use standard disposable batteries while others use charging ports and store power, much like a cell phone. Again, it’s personal preference. Battery life varies widely between each model. If you prefer models that use disposable batteries, Precision Pro will provide you with an unlimited supply of free replacement batteries for life.

How We Test

We're here to help you find the perfect golf rangefinder to fit your needs.

To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no display unchecked, and no stone unturned.

Our Metrics

Rangefinders are tested head to head with rigorous protocols.

The metrics we consider when rating rangefinders include Accuracy, Speed, Optics, Display, and Additional Features.

BEST GOLF RANGEFINDER 2022 - RESULTS

Product	Accuracy	Speed	Optics	Display	Features	Total
Bushnell Pro XE Check Price	1st	2nd	2nd	6th	3rd	94.5
Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized Check Price	6th	12th	1st	4th	3rd	94
Precision Pro R1 Smart Check Price	6th	2nd	5th	8th	1st	93.5
Voice Caddie CL2 Check Price	8th	8th	5th	2nd	7th	92.5
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Patriot Pack Check Price	1st	2nd	2nd	16th	8th	92
Voice Caddie SL2 Check Price	8th	8th	8th	2nd	5th	92
Garmin Approach Z82 Check Price	5th	21st	21st	1st	1st	91
Bushnell Tour V5 Check Price	1st	2nd	2nd	22nd	12th	90.5
Cobalt Check Price	1st	2nd	5th	21st	12th	90.5
Precision Pro NX7 Pro Slope Check Price	12th	12th	8th	8th	8th	88
Eagle Eye Elite Check Price	12th	8th	14th	8th	8th	88
Shot Scope Pro LX+ Check Price	20th	12th	14th	5th	5th	87.5
Tour Trek Signal Slope Check Price	8th	1st	11th	16th	21st	86.5
Blue Tees Golf 3 Max Check Price	18th	12th	14th	8th	12th	86
Shot Scope Pro LX Check Price	20th	12th	14th	6th	12th	86
Inesis 900 Check Price	12th	12th	18th	8th	16th	85.5
Oncore Rangefinder Check Price	12th	20th	11th	8th	16th	85.5
Caddytek CaddyView V2 Check Price	18th	18th	21st	8th	8th	85
Eagle Eye Check Price	12th	21st	11th	8th	16th	85
Voice Caddie L5 Check Price	22nd	2nd	8th	22nd	16th	85
Callaway 350TL Check Price	12th	18th	21st	16th	20th	83.5
Leupold GX-5i Check Price	8th	8th	18th	16th	23rd	82.5
Zoom Focus X Check Price	23rd	23rd	18th	16th	21st	78.5

The Best Golf Rangefinder of 2022 – FAQ

Q: Are more expensive rangefinders better?

A: Not for everyone. Keep in mind that a good bit of the cost associated with the most premium units is a result of features that not every golfer needs or even wants. If you’re looking for every bell and whistle the market has to offer, expect to pay more. That being said, there are several lower-cost units that, while not feature-rich, cover the basics every bit as well as the more expensive units. Brands like Inesis and Precision Pro offer excellent products that won’t break the bank.

Q: Do I need a laser with slope functionality?

A: It really comes down to use. For serious golfers, slope technology can help you make smarter decisions on the course. It can be an invaluable tool for tournament golfers looking to learn the nuances of a new course during practice rounds. Golfers who just want to know the yardage to the target and are happy to figure the rest out on their own should consider skipping the slope feature and saving some money.

Q: What is the difference between a golf and a hunting rangefinder?

A: A golf rangefinder uses nearest or first-target priority mode. This identifies the nearest object (usually a pin) by ignoring distant distractions such as trees, bunkers or water hazards. A hunting rangefinder uses distant-target priority mode.

Q: What’s the best rangefinder for a shaky hand?

A: If you struggle to hold a laser rangefinder steady, there’s really only one model to consider. The Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized “freezes” the lens and allows you to lock on to the target. While the Nikon is on the upper end of the price range, it is well worth the money if you have shaky hands.

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comments

Join The Discussion

Sahed Ali

1 year ago

I have used both NX-7 & and Bushnell Tour V-4 Both are very good. TecTecTec is extremely difficult to contact via phone. I have been on hold 3x past 45 min and they never picked up. Phone hours 8am-2pm M-F If you get a live voice – they say they will ask to see if you are a verified legit purchaser or request your orig Invoice # and once it is provided claim they will follow-up but never do. Multiple e-mails to them have gone unanswered. Avoid this TecTecTec guys.
You can get more info in my blog site. You might visit us.

My website link:
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/

Dawg Golfer

2 years ago

Nikon touts a 5 year warranty. Mine stopped working (no abuse, no dropping, not subjected to water , etc.) after 2 years. Was told at PGA Superstore where I purchased that they don’t respond well to returns, and that of the many returns they have sent back to Nikon, only 1 was resolved satisfactorily. Delays and lack of response was the norm. Should have stuck with Bushnell, which I have to buy now to replace this piece of junk.

Josiah

I purchased a R1 Smart and I couldn’t get the batteries to stay charged on it. I got three different units and they all had the same issue. I finally asked for a refund. Do you know if this issue has been resolved? I am wondering if this is common and widespread?

Chris

I had the same issue. I charged mine overnight and it only lasted 17 holes. It totally cut off on the 18th fairway. It also had yardages that were consistently 5+ yards off of my playing partners (who all got similar reads). I returned it and am on the hunt for a new one.

Charles

I had just about every brand of range finders out there over the years. I think Bushnell is the most consistent and longest lasting; however, I have noticed as newer models come out so does their responsibility for service. I have a perfectly good working Tour V4 Shift that has somehow gotten trash on the lense from the inside. When asked about getting it cleaned, Bushell instead said my unit was not worth fixing and offered me $80 toward another. I wish there was another brand worth going to, but I feel all of them have gotten pretty damn sorry..

Morris

I think this top was made by a woman cause only women complaints about smaller sizes of high performing tools. ????????

Ken

ELECTRONICS LIMITED TWO-YEAR GUARANTEE
Leupold electronic products, which include rangefinders, thermal products, and other electronic devices, are warrantied against defects in materials and workmanship for two-years from the date of purchase. If the product is found to be defective, Leupold & Stevens Inc. will repair or replace it free of charge, within that two-year period. Proof of purchase may be required to verify warranty.

Leupold worked great while working. Every single one of golf group used them. All of the range finders failed round 2-3 year mark. Customer service was mediocre and turn around time was lengthy. Im not sure what the life cycle of other products are out there. I looked at it as a price of playing golf at $15-$20 month. The issue I had was poor customer service turn around time and replacements. we’re not available .

Pete

I’ve had a Bushnell V3 8yrs and it’s still going strong(1200+ rounds). Tried a Leupold 5yrs ago for the fog mode but returned it because it took way too long to lock on a target and had doubt in the yardage it showed. With the Bushnell jolt tech I can lock on an object in seconds and if I have doubts I can double check it in another couple seconds.

Davis

I see similar features and only a few degrees of separation between $200-$550. No mention of TecTecTec’s KLYR nor ULTS-Pro. These are.a couple of the best two Rangefinders of the season and weren’t tested. Toled, Stabilizations, Magnetic Ecosystems, Bored Ape. What?

mackdaddy9

Harry, what was the yardage gap in accuracy between the four #1’s and the #5

NC

I’ve had the Bushnell Tour X for many years and has been great. It has fallen off the cart and been run over but keeps on ticking. I’ve had it calibrated recently to check the yardages and still was with 1-2 yards. Plus I run my Wingman GPS on courses I’m not familiar.
I don’t see trying these new ones. Love Bushnell stuff, but don’t think I need temperature and a weather report!

Scott

I have the NX9 Precision Pro and I love it.
Bought it after a recommendation from this website
I have used the free battery feature several times with no problems
Love the magnet and the measurements are always consistent with other rangefinders in the group I normally play with
Best deal out there for a rangefinder (IMO)

TPT

I have a Leopoldo that is about 6-7 years old. Still works fine. Is there a basis to upgrade / go new based on technology improvements or the like?

Jimmy

This reminded me that I need to go charge my R1!

It’s a great rangefinder, but it barely makes it 36 holes, and you should expect no more than 18 if you’re using all of the smart features.. I recommend carrying a spare battery pack and usb-c cable in your bag for when you inevitably forget to charge it after your last round.

Mike

I walk almost all my rounds. That’s way too much stuff to carry around when there are plenty of other options available.

JL

I am curious what the accuracy differences are. To me, it accounts for 90% of my buying decision for a rangefinder. Buying a rangefinder that gets ranked 20th in accuracy makes me nervous. But does 20th mean they were off by 1 yard at 175 yards or 5 yards? I would love to see you guys publish the accuracy data like you do with club data.

CG

This! Please calibrate the accuracy metric. Without the data, the ranking is useless.

Mark

I feel the exact same as JL and CG. I see that the Bushnell Pro XE is ranked 1st in accuracy and the Precision Pro NX7 Pro Slope is 20th, but what does that mean? If I’m exactly 175 from the pin and the Bushnell says 175 and the Precision Pro says 173, it isn’t going to make much of a difference for me. However, if the Bushnell says 175 and the Precision Pro says 165, then that will make a difference.

Please, please, please provide the data! The best rangefinder of 2021 article had the same problem.

I would love to see testing that shows accuracy of a measured distance (with standard deviation) at 100, 150, 200 and 250 yards.

One more up vote for this! What is the difference between a #1 in accuracy and a #12 or #20? Are we talking being off by 1 or 2 yards? 5? 10? It would be great to know more around this metric. Thanks!

HH

When is MGS going to respond to this request from multiple readers? Help us understand the data behind the accuracy rankings! The “Truth Digest” site should be providing the underlying detail without reader encouragement/imploring.

Matt Gallo

How often are we supposed to change out rangefinders? I’ve had mine for 5 years now and it works perfectly fine. I also use Arccos’ plays like distances to give me the adjusted yardages. The combo of the two is all I need.

Harry Nodwell

I would say it depends on the rangefinder you have. Some rangefinders start to breakdown around 4/5 years. On the other hand, if you like your current rangefinder and it’s still working then ride it out until it breaks.

There is no reason to change your range finder based on time. You only need to change it if it becomes uncalibrated or stops working or you just want something new with new features.
My Bushnell Tour x is about 6 years old and going strong. Been dropped, run over and still calibrates within standard. I have found though that a guy who plays with me who uses another brand has difficulty finding the flag on many holes and he can be 10 yards off my distances. that’s why we both calibrated and found his to be way off. (his rangefinder was only 3 years old but an off brand)
It all depends.

LOWEBOY

I bought a bushnell phantom 2 last year and have been extremely pleased with it. One guy in the group has a rangefinder, I don’t know what brand it is, but our yardages are similar each time.

Nick

What about the Pinned Golf rangefinder? It works really well, in my experience, and is quite affordable too.

We have tested that unit in previous years

Terry S

Not sure I can justify $400+ when a free app on my phone is pretty good! Plus I have a range f8nder that. Cost $99 with slope

Since when is anything justified for golf! Ha

David Kane

I have shaky hands. Tried several range finders and was unable to use any of them. Bought the Nikon cool shot this year and I love it. Highly recommend for anyone with shaky hands.

Yes, the Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized is perfect for those with shaky hands.

Kirk

I didn’t see any results for the TecTecTec VPR500, although it is a moderately priced laser rangefinder with positive reviews. Any thoughts?

Ray

I don’t like them and prefer a GPS. Most amateur players do not have the accuracy to make them useful.. Add in the time walking back and forth to cart to get it, time to shoot the target, and related BS like “how far is it ” , “can’t be that far ..” etc. etc., it just slows things down. Everybody get a gps hit your shot and let’s move on !!

I find the opposite to be true. An amateur in golf does not mean amateur in intelligence.. I’ll take accurate over estimation any day especially large greens. I find a golfer is quicker when they know the yardage vs. chatting about an estimate. I also use it for layup yardages, hazards, dog legs, etc. I also have GPS running on my Wingman but it’s no quicker than me clicking the button on the laser..

And who walks back and forth to the cart to scan yardages? We drive up to the ball, click, done. If a tee box, we park adjacent to our markers where possible or send one person who is hitting last to get yardages.

Here’s a tip, put the rangefinder in your pocket when you’re playing cartpaths only. So you guys really stand around and debate whether the range finder is correct? GPS is fine on blind shots & perhaps a course I’m unfamiliar with. But it annoys the crap out of me when I see guys fiddling around with their GPS on their phone or a watch, that’s what slows down play.

Matt M

Guys/Gals,

Are we sure about the PRECISION PRO R1 SMART? That GPS feature is questionable, giving it another test today but I could not get good numbers on that. Maybe user error but that data could be better. Its def not on par with shot scope or garmin GPS from my 1st test.

Nic C

Matt M,

I’ve never commented on MGS, but follow and have trusted their reviews and recommendations over the years.. I’d like to echo your comment. I purchased the Precision Pro R1 Smart last year. I gave it a month before I requested a return and full refund from Precision Pro (which they granted, to their credit). To be blunt, basically none of the fancy features they promote worked properly, and the battery life was so poor you could barely get 18 holes in before it died, forget about playing 36 with it. Worst of all, their basic distance measuring was consistently off up to 5 yards compared to friends using other range finders. I still trust reviews from MGS, but still seeing the Precision Pro R1 ranked top 5 really makes we wonder if they are propping up a “partners” product on the site. Honestly, anyone that has tried out the R1 for more than a round or 2 could not recommend that product to anyone with a clear conscience.

I don’t mean to put anyone here on blast, but I feel like this needs to be said and pointed out because a lot of people trust MGS and their recommendations. Don’t waste your money on this one.

Blanding

I too have found the Precision Pro (purchased a couple of months ago) giving, while I might not call them “inaccurate” measurements, at the least they are consistently short from my old rangefinder, and also from playing partners who shoot their targets. I have little trust in accurate numbers from it, but have to just guess by adding a couple of yards to each measurement. Not good.

Precision Pro Golf

We take full responsibility for not educating our customers properly on the battery life of the R1. To make these great features a reality, the battery is using more power. We recommend charging after each round to ensure your unit is completely charged. If you have any additional questions or difficulties, please reach out to our customer care team at [email protected]

Thanks for your feedback, and sorry to hear what you experienced with the R1. We noticed that these smart features were consuming more battery than expected at launch. However, with the updates we made to the units and apps, a fully charged battery should last you two rounds as well as provide more accurate yardages.
.
We take full responsibility for not educating our customers properly on the battery life of the R1. To make these great features a reality, the battery is using more power. We recommend charging after each round to ensure your unit is completely charged. If you have any additional questions or difficulties, please reach out to our customer care team at [email protected]

When testing the R1 Smart we found that the numbers were pretty accurate compared to the best on the market for just base yardages. When using MySlope, you have to input your own data for the numbers to be accurate when taking into account slope, humidity, wind etc. If you compare the R1 to other rangefinders that do not offer this, then the numbers it can seem off regarding environmental adjusted numbers.

Patrick Patterson

Yes the precision pro is an absolute piece of crap I have one it’s junk do not waste your money on it!

Troy

Have had a Precision Pro N7 with slop for two years. The unit has worked quite well for me and compared to a few friends with the top of the line Bushnell, our yardages were only off 2 yards at the most.

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Buyer's Guides

MGS Tested: GOLF RANGEFINDER 2022

2022 Best Golf Rangefinder Buyer’s Guide

Winner: Bushnell Pro XE

BEST FOR SHAKY HANDS - Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized

Features That Matter

Accuracy

Optics and Display

Locking indicator

BEST TECH - Precision Pro R1 Smart

EXPERT TIP-Slope

BEST GOLF RANGEFINDER 2022 - FEATURES

More Tips

GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT™

How We Test

Our Metrics

BEST GOLF RANGEFINDER 2022 - RESULTS

The Best Golf Rangefinder of 2022 – FAQ

Support Unbiased Testing.

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comments

Sahed Ali

Dawg Golfer

Josiah

Chris

Charles

Morris

Ken

Pete

Davis

mackdaddy9

NC

Scott

TPT

Jimmy

Mike

JL

CG

Mark

JL

Chris

HH

HH

Matt Gallo

Harry Nodwell

NC

LOWEBOY

Nick

Harry Nodwell

Terry S

NC

David Kane

Harry Nodwell

Kirk

Ray

NC

Mike

Matt M

Nic C

Blanding

Precision Pro Golf