First Look – Precision Pro NX9 HD Rangefinder

Clay Hood and Jonah Mytro started Precision Pro in 2013 to fill what they believed was a void in the rangefinder market. At that time, there wasn’t an affordable rangefinder with bona fide optical quality and functionality. Consumers either got what they paid for with inexpensive units (low quality, poor durability) or paid a premium for top-end technology from one of the market leaders.

Consumers were drawn to Precision Pro’s customer-first mentality, and in 2017, it’s Nexus rangefinder ($149) garnered “Editor’s Choice” status in MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted rangefinder testing. A year later, the NX7 model ($200) was declared a “Best Value.” It was this architecture (lower prices and sufficient quality) where Precision Pro forged a presence in the rangefinder market, and it was due at least in part to market leaders which, unchallenged, had raised prices and stopped providing the level of customer service commensurate with the $400-$500 price tags. Consumers, who ultimately vote with dollars, found Precision Pro’s stance compelling and in turn helped fuel its recent triple-digit growth (150% last year and on pace for 100% this year).

That said, and Precision Pro admits as much – it’s rangefinders were good, but not great. At $200-$250, the NX7 and NX7 Pro offered a lot of value, but the optical quality wasn’t where it needed to be to compete against benchmark products like the Bushnell Tour V4. A common refrain from would-be Precision Pro customers was “I love your product and love your company, but I want something better.”

So, while the new NX9 HD isn’t expected to contribute more to than 15% of Precision Pro’s total sales, it’s an essential product because Precision Pro believes it offers more than enough optical horsepower to win over a significant contingent of golfers who support the brand’s mission, but weren’t willing to compromise, even marginally, on performance.

WHAT’S NEW

To that end, here’s what the Precision Pro NX9 HD brings to the table. With 7X24 (magnification X object diameter) optical capabilities, it compares favorably to competing products. For example, the current Bushnell Tour V4 Shift ($449 retail) is 5X20. At 7X24, the NX9 HD lets in 20% more light than the NX7 Pro and coupled with more magnification, it provides golfers a clearer, larger field of vision.

The NX9 HD offers both Target Acquisition Technology (helps lock on to the target) and Pulse Vibration Technology (short burst to confirm the displayed distance is the flag), but processes and displays information nearly twice as fast as the NX7 Pro.

Speed is relative in that once we reach the point where delineations are measured in tenths of seconds, it’s unlikely golfers will notice a discernable difference. As always, our Most Wanted rangefinder testing will have the final word, but I fully expect the NX9 HD to noticeably faster than the NX7 Pro.

Also new for this year is an embedded magnet affixed inside the rangefinder. Other brands, including Bushnell, include a similar feature in their 2018 feature set. For cart-riding golfers, the magnet far more convenient and effective than Velcro straps.

Another slight tweak is that Precision Pro minimally increased both the size and weight of the NX9 HD. It’s not exclusively true that lighter is always better and when consumers often connote weight with durability and quality, a little more heft can be helpful. The same is true for size. Too small and it can feel like a gorilla trying to hold a baby bird. As such, the majority of golfers should find NX9 HD’s bigger footprint feels more comfortable in hand.

Right now, the NX9 HD is slated for a late-May release with a retail price of $329. We will update with more specific information as it becomes available.

Precision Pro won’t abandon the $200-$250 price point as maintaining basic units, one with and one without slope reading capabilities, are foundational to Precision Pro’s existence. However, with the NX9 HD, its encouraging golfers to consider the real possibility high-end optics can be had for around $300.

If so, would it be on your radar?