Top 5 Most Accurate Rangefinders
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Top 5 Most Accurate Rangefinders

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Top 5 Most Accurate Rangefinders

When our staff tests rangefinders, we look at accuracy, speed, optics, display and additional features. However, accuracy is the most important feature any golfer can look for in a rangefinder. Can you trust the numbers your rangefinder provides? These top five most accurate rangefinders gave the most consistent readings, even when faced with difficult backgrounds that could impact accuracy.

Garmin Approach Z82

Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Rangefinder

Who Is It For?

✅ You need accuracy. The Garmin Approach Z82 offers the most accuracy in a laser rangefinder.

You like technology. The Z82’s features are impressive and there’s a lot of them.

Who Is It Not For?

You want a clear display: The Approach Z82’s unique video display can look a little grainy at times.

You are on a budget: Priced at $499.98, it’s not the cheapest rangefinder around.

Why Buy

The Garmin Approach Z82 is the most accurate golf rangefinder for 2024. It has all the bells and whistles so it’s a good fit for the golf tech nerds. Testers found that working with the Z82 was more like looking through a video camera than any other rangefinder in the test.

In addition to seeing the distance to the front, middle, back and pin, the Garmin Approach Z82 can even display your scorecard in the viewfinder. With all the features, the Approach Z82 is not a simple device. However, you will get a number you can trust.

Accuracy Score: 40

Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized

Who Is It For?

You struggle to hold a rangefinder steady. Built-in stabilization feature makes this easy to work with.

You care about optics. The COOLSHOT PROII offers a sharp view and is very easy to read.

Who Is It Not For?

You want a magnetic body: No magnetic cart attachment for this model.

Why Buy

The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized is the runner-up for accuracy in the 2024 rangefinder test. It also received runner-up as the second-best golf rangefinder in this test.

The Nikon stands out for its ability to lock on to a target even when your hand is shaky. Whether it’s too early in the morning or you just had too many cups of coffee, the Nikon COOLSHOT provides visible and audible confirmation that you have found your target.

Accuracy Score: 39.5

Bushnell Pro X3+

Best Rangefinder 2024

Who Is It For?

You want accuracy: Even though it didn’t get the top score for accuracy, it’s still very accurate.

You want clear optics. Crystal clear, wide field of view with no haze around the edges.

Who Is It Not For?

You walk the course: The Bushnell Pro X3+ is heavier so it may not be the best choice if you walk and carry.

You are weight sensitive: If you already use two hands to hold up a rangefinder, the size and weight of the Pro X3+ may get to you.

Why Buy

The next three rangefinders tied for third best in accuracy. The Bushnell Pro X3+ was the best overall golf rangefinder in the 2024 test and the third best in accuracy. This is a premium model priced at $599.99, but it provides impressive accuracy, speed of target acquisition and an uncomplicated display.

Testers noted that the Bushnell Pro X3+ is heavy but it is stable even in difficult conditions. Most importantly, testers said it provides reliable yardage. If budget is no issue and you want a quick and reliable rangefinder, try the Pro X3+.

Accuracy Score: 39

Bushnell Tour V6 Shift

Bushnell Tour V6 Shift

Who Is It For?

You want speed: The V6 Shift is fast and accurate. It won’t slow down your pace of play.

You play in tournaments. The easy off switch for slope makes this rangefinder a good companion for your next event.

Who Is It Not For?

You want all the features: It’s not the latest or the most feature-rich of the Bushnell line of rangefinders.

You want the newest release: There are newer Bushnell models like the Bushnell Pro X3+.

Why Buy

The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is accurate, easy to use in tournaments and one of the faster rangefinder models in the test. This less feature-rich model is a good option if you want Bushnell rangefinder technology for a slightly lower price.

Testers ranked this one high in the 2024 and 2023 tests for accuracy and speed.

Accuracy Score: 39

Vortex Anarch

Vortex Optics rangefinders

Who Is It For?

You play at all times of day: The Vortex Anarch has an adjustable red illuminated display to make it easy to read.

You play rain or shine. Waterproof rangefinder ready for any golf course condition.

Who Is It Not For?

You are on a tight budget: Not the most budget-friendly of the best golf rangefinders of 2024.

❌ You don’t want the new kid on the block: Not a well-known rangefinder just yet.

Why Buy

Some of our testers were completely unfamiliar with the Vortex Anarch rangefinder. It stands out for its waterproof technology, accuracy, stability and clear optics.

The Anarch is a new venture into golf that Vortex Optics has taken quite seriously. It could be a good option if you want to try something new from a company trusted by avid sportsmen. The Vortex Anarch won our Editors Choice award in the 2024 test, competing with 28 rangefinders.

Accuracy Score: 39

Don’t see the product you are looking for and want to see where it stacked up? Find the full results of the Best Golf Rangefinders of 2024 here: MyGolfSpy Best Golf Rangefinders of 2024

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      Brian

      4 weeks ago

      I’ll put my Sig Kilo up against any one of them, I use it for ranging for long distance shooting, put it up against a surveyors laser transit and it was dead on or a .5 yd off at extreme long distance

      Reply

      david v

      1 month ago

      I was today years old when I learned that rangefinders may not be waterproof. Why would you make a rangefinder that wasn’t waterproof? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised… I still vividly remember the exact time, place, location and swing when I learned that some grips get slippery when wet.

      Reply

      Andrew

      1 month ago

      I have the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized and love it. The stabilization feature is a game changer and no other rangefinder has it. It also has larger numbers that are way easier to read than the tiny font on the Bushnell’s.

      Although it doesn’t come with a built in magnet, it’s easy to add one. There are several magnetic straps available from third parties. There is also a third party case sold on Amazon for like $15 that I use and I just stuffed a few long flat magnets inside it. Works great.

      Reply

      Craig Harrington

      1 month ago

      I’d suggest that readers avoid getting too focused on the specific features of a range finder. It’s worth noting that Garmin is taking an integrative approach with real-time aids for golfers. I have the Garmin Z30 Range Finder, the Approach S70 golf watch and the Garmin sensors for my clubs. These devices all work together to give me an awesome collection of data about what I face for my next shot, as I get details not just about the distance to the flag but also information about where the flag is on the green, including relative to whether it’s on a front or back tier. And there is also the information about my performance over time as the data for each shot is stored by the app and I can review my distances and consistency.

      Reply

      David B

      1 month ago

      I agree that this Nikon is terrific. However, for my money, the Nikon COOLSHOT 20i GIII is just about as good for half the price ($200 vs $400). The 20i GIII is almost as stable (I’m 75 and don’t have the steadiest hands) and is a bit lighter. Mystery to me why the Nikons don’t have magnets for attaching to carts, but I walk 98% of the time so it’s not a big deal. The 20i GIII is light/small enough to put in my back pocket

      Reply

      Kirby Laughlin

      1 month ago

      Going to give the Vortex a try. Instead of replacing my Leupold, for the second time, I am going with the Vortex and their Lifetime guarantee. Loved the Leupold but it only lasted me 5 years and then just stopped working. Too expensive to replace that often. So far I like the Vortex, the only negative is the light-up LED’s on the front, a bit too large for me but overall it looks like a winner.

      Reply

      Lloyd Davis

      1 month ago

      I played recently with a friend, who had just gotten a new rangefinder. One that did not make this accuracy list. I use a Garmin S62 Approach watch, which displays distance to the center, and was looking for the accuracy to the actual pin. Anyway, while I’m not sure what the problem was, the distances from his rangefinder were all over the place. I told him time and again “No way that’s the distance, try again and make sure you’re locking on to the flag.” 20-30 yards off was the norm.
      Something like that is much worse than not having a rangefinder at all. I won’t use the brand name, as it could have been user error, but if so, the unit was too complicated for my friend, who has used rangefinders before.
      Bottom line: accuracy and ease of use vary a heck of a lot more than I ever dreamed possible!

      Reply

      Ashton

      4 weeks ago

      Thx for telling us what range finder he was using

      Reply

      Brew

      4 weeks ago

      I also have the S62 and it is wildly off from what I get with my Cobalt rangefinder. I only use the watch when I can’t see the pin, or need rough distances to objects like water/sand. I am guessing your buddies rangefinder is more accurate than your watch.

      Reply

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