VERDICT
Ever wondered what rangefinder the PGA TOUR pros use during their practice rounds?
A whopping 98 percent use a Bushnell rangefinder, specifically the Bushnell Pro XE. And for good reason.
Our testing proved that, without question, the Bushnell Pro XE is the best rangefinder on the market. The optics are incredibly clear, making locking onto the pin that much easier. It also performed well in the features category and in its speed locking onto its target. But where it shines—and isn’t this the primary purpose of a rangefinder?—is how accurate the Bushnell Pro XE is. So if you want the best of the best, get the Pro XE by Bushnell.
Pros:
- Best rangefinder of 2022
- Magnetic mount
- Exceptional optics and visual clarity
- Quickly acquires and locks onto target
- Adjusts for climate and temperature
Cons:
- Red yardage display can fade in and out
EXPERT TIP - Color Blind Golfers
Those who are colored blind might find it hard to read the red readouts on the optics lens.
HOW WE TESTED
With more than17 million forward-thinking readers, MyGolfSpy provides reviews you can trust. Every product you read about has gone through the most extensive testing in the industry to help you come to a more informed decision.
In this comprehensive test, this product was evaluated in multiple categories based on what consumers told us was most important to them. It is then ranked head-to-head against other products in the same category.
BUSHNELL RANGEFINDER: PRO XE REVIEW
The Bushnell Pro XE is the No. 1 choice on the PGA TOUR and claimed the top spot in out Most Wanted Rangefinder test in 2022. It scored a whopping 94.5/100 or 4.75 out of 5 stars if you will. The Pro XE comes with slope technology to help with those hill adjustments, visual jolt when locking on to a target and top-quality optics. It also boasts a magnet to attach to the cart.
What pushed the Bushnell Pro XE to become top dog is their element-compensation component. The rangefinder can calculate the distance, temperature, barometric pressure and slope at the same time which, in turn, provides the most accurate yardage. Oh, if that’s not enough, it comes with the Bushnell app for more visual and GPS yardages.
NERD TALK
For all you fellow nerds, here is some technical jargon. The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder weighs 11 ounces which fell in the middle of the pack when testing the 23 rangefinders head to head. It has a 7-times magnification, five- to 1,300-yards range and is accurate up to one yard. Although some of the newer rangefinders use a USB charging port, the Pro XE requires a three-volt lithium (CR-2) battery. Throw in a waterproof design and a two-year warranty and you have the whole package with the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder.
ACCURACY
We all know the main purpose of a rangefinder is to provide an accurate distance to a target. The Bushnell Pro XE, and the whole Bushnell family for that matter, are the top performers for accuracy. Every time you lock onto a target, the Pro XE only differs by one yard on average while its competitors can be five to 15 yards off. That’s a lot of difference and doesn’t give you confidence going into the shot.
OPTICS
There’s only one rangefinder on the market that has better optics than the Bushnell Pro XE and that’s the Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized.
The Pro XE has clear, 7x-zoomed optics without any blurred areas around the perimeter lens. You can customize your vision preference with a turn of the dial, providing some of the clearest optics on the market.
FEATURES
This is where the Pro XE shines. As mentioned, it has the ability to read slope, temperature, wind and barometric pressure. It also has an application for an added GPS measurement or hole layout.
Trust me, if you are a golfer who likes to have everything, the Bushnell Pro XE is the one to consider.
BOTTOM LINE
After taking an extensive look at the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder, I would recommend getting your hands on one. Yes, it might be a little more expensive straight off the bat but I can assure you Bushnell products last for a long, long time.
The one side note I have heard is that the red read-out can prove hard to see for golfers who are color blind.
SCORE: 94.5/100
Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder
$549.99
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Brian Bartsch
2 weeks agoThe elevation and air density assist isn’t particularly accurate. It is calibrated for 1200 feet so unless you live at that elevation…
I tried to reach Bushnell to see if that could be calibrated but repeated efforts have not met with success.
On a positive note, the glass is great and as typical for Bushnell it provides an accurate and consistent reading every time. I ended purchasing their Tour V5 Shift as it is a great piece of kit as well but i was disappointed in their lack of follow up.
Hopp
2 weeks agoAnother con for this is the eye piece falls off. If you go to the Bushnell website you will see that they sell the eyepiece seperately so it is obviously and issue. I called and talked to service and they sent me a new eyepeice, however, to get it properly glued on I have to send my XE back to Bushnell and I can’t do that until August.
Clif
2 weeks agoThe one CON for the device, the yardage can fade in and out. Is there anyway you can fix this issue? Does Bushnell acknowledge this is an issue?
Clif
2 weeks agoThe one CON, the yardage fades in and out. Mine does this, is there anyway to fix this issue? Does Bushnell acknowledge this issue?
Clif
2 weeks agoThe one CON, the yardage can fade in and out. Mine does this, is there a way to fix this?
James
1 week agoApparently, you have to “recalibrate” when you change the battery. Install new battery and hold power button down for 10 seconds. Worked for me. Google it.
Also, red vibration lock on only works if you aim away from pin and scan to the pin. If you aim directly at the pin it locks on so quickly and gives you accurate yardage.