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2017 LASER RANGEFINDER BUYER’S GUIDE
More frequently than ever before, golfers are opting to use a laser rangefinder. While many golfers use their rangefinder for pin distances exclusively, others also use rangefinders to measure the distance to trees, bunkers, and other hazards. The best lasers capture the distance to any target simply, quickly, and accurately.
The process of buying anything in today’s time has become stressful and time-consuming We want to help solve that problem for you. The MyGolfSpy mission is simple: create the world’s most objective and comprehensive testing in the industry. We feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money.
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 2017.
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.
FEATURES CHART
| Laser Rangefinder | Magnification | Range | Pin Seeking | Lock Indicator | Legal | Y/M | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUSHNELL PRO X2 | 6X | 5-1300 | PINSEEKER | JOLT | Y* | Y | Y |
| BUSHNELL TOUR V4 | 5X | 5-1000 | PINSEEKER | JOLT | Y | Y | N |
| BUSHNELL TOUR V4 SHIFT | 5X | 5-1000 | PINSEEKER | JOLT | Y* | Y | Y |
| CALLAWAY 300 | 6X | 5-1000 | P.A.T. | BIRDIE TECHNOLOGY | Y | Y | Y |
| SCOREBAND VIBE | 6X | 5-400 | FLAG LOCK | VIBE | Y | Y | N |
| PRECISION PRO NEXUS | 6X | 5-400 | A.T.L. | NONE | Y | Y | N |
| SIG SAUER KILO 850 | 4X | 5-1200 | HYPERSCAN | RANGELOCK | N | Y | Y |
| PRECISION PRO NX7 | 6X | 5-400 | T.A.T. | PULSE VIBRATION | Y | Y | N |
| CALLAWAY 200 | 6X | 5-800 | P.A.T. | NONE | Y | Y | N |
| BREAKING 80 IS500 | 6X | 5-250 | INTELLISCAN | PIN SENSOR | Y | N | N |
| TECTECTEC VPRO500 | 6X | 5-540 | PIN SENSOR | F.T.P. | Y | N | N |
| TECTECTEC DLX | 6X | 5-600 | PIN SENSOR | F.T.P. | Y | N | N |
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 from our longest distance. If a product failed to acquire the correct target in three tries, the incorrect distance was recorded.
Accuracy (45 Points) – The goal was to test the consistency of the distances provided. Products that performed well here time and time again provided the same distances. While minor variations, +/- one or two yards, were fairly regular some entries provided distances that varied more than five yards or failed to pick up the flagstick at all.
Naturally, in a sport described as the “game of inches” it is imperative to be provided with a consistent distance. If you practice believing that a club distance is one thing, then even if the actual distance is different your club distances should correlate to what you believe the distance to be. 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 distance. 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?
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 in certain categories (optics, accuracy, display, and speed).
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THE BEST LASER RANGEFINDERS OF 2017
BUSHNELL PRO X2
|
Speed
|
3rd |
|
Accuracy
|
1st |
|
Optics
|
1st |
|
Display
|
3rd |
|
Score
|
95.38 |
Shop & Support
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What We Liked
-By Far The Best Rangefinder for 2017
-JOLT feature alerts you when the target is acquired
-Consistent repeatable measurements instill trust
-Display can be toggled between red and black to better adapt to lighting conditions
-Visual field is perfectly clear
Pros
-“Best in Class” Accuracy
-“Best in Class” Optics
-Slope Switch Technology
Cons
-Red display could be brighter
-Comparatively bulky
BUSHNELL TOUR V4
|
Speed
|
1st |
|
Accuracy
|
4th |
|
Optics
|
2nd |
|
Display
|
1st |
|
Score
|
93.13 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
-Separate and non-slope models available
-JOLT feature alerts you when the target is acquired
-Consistent repeatable measurements instill trust
Pros
-“Best in Class” Speed
-“Best in Class” Display
-Slope Switch Technology available in Shift
Cons
-Lacks multi-color display option of Pro X2
CALLAWAY 300 PRO
|
Speed
|
4th |
|
Accuracy
|
3rd |
|
Optics
|
5th |
|
Display
|
4th |
|
Score
|
91.25 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
-Displays slope-adjusted yardage as a total distance (not +/- yards)
-Recticle’s crosshair design increase confidence
Pros
-Easy to use straight from the box
-Accurate from all distances
Cons
-Diopter adjustment difficult to use
-Optics not as clear as top rangefinders
SCOREBAND VIBE
BEST BUY
|
Speed
|
11th |
|
Accuracy
|
1st |
|
Optics
|
9th |
|
Display
|
6th |
|
Score
|
84.38 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
Pros
-“Best in Class” Accuracy
-Ultimate value
Cons
-Slow to acquire target
-Under-magnified lens
-Delayed VIBE (target acquisition alert) doesn’t alert golfer as quickly as top units
PRECISION PRO NEXUS
EDITOR'S CHOICE
|
Speed
|
9th |
|
Accuracy
|
6th |
|
Optics
|
7th |
|
Display
|
5th |
|
Score
|
83.5 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
-Comfortable, ergonomic design
-Comparatively less expensive
-Provides consistent distances
Pros
-Clear around the edge of visual field
-Consistent all-around performer
-Simple, intuitive display
Cons
-Slow at acquiring target
-Not a standout in any single category
-Largest of models tested
2017 LASER RANGEFINDER BUYERS GUIDE
| Name | Price | Speed | Accuracy | Optics | Display | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUSHNELL PRO X2 | $499.99 | 3rd | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 95.38 |
| BUSHNELL TOUR V4 | $299.99 | 1st | 4th | 2nd | 1st | 93.13 |
| BUSHNELL TOUR V4 SHIFT | $399.99 | 1st | 4th | 2nd | 1st | 93.13 |
| CALLAWAY 300 | $299.99 | 4th | 3rd | 5th | 4th | 91.25 |
| SCOREBAND VIBE | $189.99 | 11th | 1st | 9th | 6th | 84.38 |
| PRECISION PRO NEXUS | $149.99 | 9th | 6th | 7th | 5th | 83.5 |
| SIG SAUER KILO 850 | $239.99 | 8th | 8th | 4th | 8th | 81.75 |
| PRECISION PRO NX7 | $199.95 | 7th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 81 |
| CALLAWAY 200 | $199.99 | 5th | 11th | 6th | 6th | 77.25 |
| BREAKING 80 IS500 | $179.99 | 5th | 10th | 11th | 10th | 72.13 |
| TECTECTEC VPRO500 | $299.99 | 12th | 9th | 10th | 12th | 70.25 |
| TECTECTEC DLX | $179.99 | 10th | 12th | 12th | 10th | 64.25 |
HDTVMAN
5 years agoI’ve had the Nikon 40i with slope for a few years and love it. Small, easy to handle, shows slope and direct yardage. Highly recommend.
Marshall
5 years agoLaser Link Golf’s RH2. Fast. Reasonably priced. Shoots reflectors or objects.
Smartest Man Alive
5 years agoi would say the Leupold 5x-i3 is the best ever. worth every penny in the long run.
Duffer E
6 years agoMGS –
I was wondering if you had the hard numbers that caused you to rank the different rangefinders the way you did. Specifically, what the error of margin was for each finder for the Accuracy rating, what the time to acquisition was for the speed rating, etc.
Ron Burgundy
6 years agoSo I currently have two rangefinders. One is a Bushnell Tour X with the interchangeable face plates. I get a deal through Callaway and got the Pro 300 in the other day. I really like it. It’s quick. The thing that bothers me is the slope function. I think it’s off. In fact I have no doubt it’s off as I played with two other guys yesterday that had Bushnells with slope getting the same thing. They were different models as well. I played a hilly course today that had some steep elevation changes. My buddy had his bushnell with slope and they were differing by as much as 2-3 degrees from one another. Quite frankly with the massive downhill I believed his. Mine read -1 degree and his -3. There was a 10 yard difference between the two.
If you’re wondering I had left my bushnell at home as I was going to sell it but now I’m rethinking my decision…
MGS did you notice this between models with a slope feature and particularly the bushnell vs. Callaway Pro 300?
Thanks! I enjoyed the review.
MGoBlue100
6 years agoBased on the MyGolfSpy testing, I recently purchased the Precision Pro Nexus. So far, I’m extremely pleased. It does not have scan mode, nor is it advertised as weather resistant. One major drawback is the case. The Precision “Pro NX7” looks like it has a pretty decent case. The Nexus, on the other hand, has a soft case that is kind of ill fitting, with only a magnetic closure that I’m frankly a little skeptical of. However, at a $149 price point, it’s a pretty decent unit.
Joe Carrow
6 years agoHey MGOBLUE100, Did u ever tried Bushnell? I have a great experience with Bushnell Brand as i already brought many of their golf rangefinders.
golfraven
6 years agoI would have liked to see a comparison of Leupold range finders against Bushnell and Co. Why were those not included at all?
Seth
5 years agoI have a Leupold and love it. Mine has slope and takes the temp and elevation into account for playing distance.
Phillip Woeckener
6 years agoAny reason why you didn’t test MG Golf’s rangefinder? I carry one of their’s in my bag and it works great, especially at the discounted price they offer it at. Not advertising for them, but am just wondering why they were excluded from the test when they have such a great product at a seriously low price?
Jawad
5 years agoI just bought the MG Golf’s MG600S and was very happy with it. Used it for two days and it was very accurate and quick. It also has the vibrate feature when it locks on to the pin. And I compared it against a Bushnell Tour v4 and they gave almost identical range every time. I also like the external display on the unit so if I need to refer back to it, I can just glance at the outside. Very pleased. Can’t beat the value. Even 20% cheaper than the Precision Pro Nexus with more features. I am a happy camper with my purchase.
John Krug
6 years agoI purchased a Bushnell VR4 with slope rangefinder in April 2016 when they first came out. In January 2017, I started using it as I could not play during the intervening period. I found that most of the time, but not always, the Jolt feature would work, and that the yardages would jump around, often greatly, when fixed on the same target from the same distance. I had to constantly ask my playing partners for the yardage. Often, I used their rangefinders and the yardage shown on theirs never changed. I am extremely disappointed with this product which I regard as useless.
John Krug
6 years agoI purchased the Bushnell VR4 with slope in April 2016 when it first came out. I started using it in January 2017 as I was unable to play for a period of time. I am extremely disappointed with it as even with jolt the yardages jump all over the place so I have no confidence in the yardage. I would gladly exchange it for another rangefinder.
timothy martinez
6 years agoI had the bushnell v4 previously. It performed very well. I recently purchased the Nexus Pro7. For the the price, $199, it seems to be just as good. Accurate, easy to use and the price is really good. Thanks for your testing of these products. I will continue to donate because I appreciate your efforts to help the rest of us golfers.
Ken Garrison
6 years agoI posted this on the article but the golf pro at our local golf course allowed me to demo the Precision Pro Nexus last night during a round of golf. I put it up against my bigger/bulkier/older Bushnell Pinseeker and the Nexus was dead accurate with the Bushnell. I had no problem acquiring targets and the Nexus was much lighter and smaller to deal with. I could keep it in my back pocket while walking to my ball which is not an option with my older Bushnell. For $150 this was a no brainer for me to buy! I will use the Precision Pro as my full time laser range finder this season and the Bushnell will be my back up. Thanks for the review guys!
Jim
6 years agoGreat comparison as always. I was surprised that you didn’t have the Scoreband Vibe SL600 (with the slope rating) in the test as well. Seems as though Scoreband and Precision Pro are making quality devices for a lot less than the big name companies. Not sure why anyone would pay that much more?
darron
6 years agoI may be wrong but what is the point of a rangefinder you can’t use in competition? I’m pretty sure that the specimen local rule to allow Distance measuring equipment (DME) states that devices that have slope measurement are barred even if that feature is not used. Unless your a caddy for a pro that only uses these devices for practice rounds I don’t see the point?
Chris
6 years agoBecause most people aren’t pros and they are out playing for fun. These things help keep pace of play up. By the way, they are allowed on the web.com tour as long as the slope feature is turned off.
Phillip Vfl Werner
6 years agoI need to invest in one
Matty
6 years agoImagine Costco coming up with a Kirkland Signature Laser Rangefinder worth under $100 that is among the best…
Frank Cruz
6 years agoSupply and demand, the best will survive, the rest, well…..
Matt B
6 years agoI think there should be some testing to target trees, traps, lake edges etc. Knowing distances to either clear or come up short of these is just as important to me as how accurate a laser is to a prismed flagstick.
And yes, picking out a limp flag from a cluttered background is very important too.
mackdaddy
6 years agoI had the Bushnell V4 and it was stolen. It was great. I replaced it with the TECTECTEC vpro500. I love the scan feature.
P.J.
6 years agoThanks for including the cost of the equipment you reviewed in a column. My point is the ‘value’ or ‘bang for the buck’ is pretty important to the average consumer. I might be willing to buy #XX over #XX, if there’s a $150 difference in minimal performance gains.
Thanks for the very informative data, as always!
— P.J.
808nation
6 years agoAwesome comprehensive testing done MGS, just what I needed for my next toy. In reading your chart would you say people choose Speed over Accuracy over Optics (since there isn’t one that is #1 in all categories, although Bushnell rangefinders come close to being 123). Thank you!!
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoAt 45 points Accuracy is by far the most valued in our protocol. You must be able to trust the number your rangefinder gives you. It is the #1 job of this piece of equipment. Therefore it is weighted in our scoring as such. If you take a look at HOW WE TEST section of the guide it will walk you through all of the values we use in our scoring.
808nation
6 years agoThanks MGS for the quick response. This helps tremendously in deciding what rangefinder I will decide to purchase…awesome data for consumers!
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoNo problem. If we can help any other way let us know.
Chris K.
6 years agoI got the Bushnell Pro X7 for Christmas last year, primarily because of the 7X mag and the slope function. I don’t recall seeing it stated on this site, but does anyone have a clear idea on exactly what the deal is on the rules for rangefinders with slope capability? My ProX7 has a switch where I can just turn it off, but everything I’ve read about the situation appears a bit muddy to me. Are they ever legal in any tournaments at all?
Eric Anderson
6 years agoAs I understand it Rangefinders will be able to be used in Competition once the current Rules of Golf are revised out of the current Rules of Golf review by the R&A and USPGA.
The ‘Slope’ aspect/element of Rangefinders will NOT be allowed.
Brad Smith
6 years agoYou are “data-centric”. So how about providing some data for each rangefinder??? Example for accuracy…How about choosing one of the distances, something like:
from 100 yrs, avg = 102, low/hi= 98-104.
This would allow us to determine how much variance there is between, say the 1st most accurate ($400) and the 9th most accurate ($149).
Frank Cruz
6 years agoWhile I understand that it is difficult to get everybody. No Nikon, no Leupold, no objective comparison is possible. Try club comparison without Callaway and Mizuno.
Greg
6 years agoI agree, last years testing included Leupold and it was the No 1. and this year not included?
Jody Murdough
6 years agoThis looks like all you need to know:
First Place in Accuracy was a tie between
Bushnell PRO X2 ($499) and ScoreBand VIBE ($189)
ScoreBand VIBE = Best in Class Accuracy for $300+ less.
Mark Blowers
6 years agoMoney well spent having #1 in the list
Carolina Golfer 2
6 years agoAs usual, another very informative testing. Thanks!
I had purchased a NX7 Pro prior to this, it’s interesting to see it score relatively low. I’ve used it for two rounds, and been quite happy. As for the accuracy of it, in my last round my playing partner had a brand new Leopold (not sure of the model) and we both shot distances on every shot we were close to each other, and time and again came up with the same number or no more than a yard difference.
So I’m thinking the difference in 1st to 7th in accuracy, must not be that much. After all someone has to be first and someone has to be last in every ranking.
But knowing what he paid, versus what I paid, I’m even more pleased with my purchase.
Jon
6 years agoTony, it really pains me to hear the criticism about not including all the different manufacturers in this test. I’m sure you tried.
Perhaps if you provided the contact info of the recalcitrant manufactures to your regular followers before you did the test, we could also contact them as well and if enough of us did that perhaps they could be shamed into participating.
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoWe have done this in the past. We see just as many negatives as positives doing it this way. It is their right to decline or not participate. And at this point if we can include them within our budget and available resources we always do our best to do so.
Justin General
6 years agoI have been a Bushnell Tour V2 user for years and love it but it does have some limitations. The biggest limitation I notice is getting a read in misty/foggy conditions as well as in low light dusk conditions. I’m curious if the new modern range finders are better with that.
Like others have mentioned, testing the accuracy on a “limp” flag with trees, buildings, or other objects in the background is Key for comparison and should be part of the test. Also, testing without reflectors on the flag sticks is a must since 90% of courses do not have them.
Just my 2 cents. Love this site. Keep up the good work.
Frank
6 years agoDear Oudefart,
All due respect, but your retail numbers are interesting… I also do retail (major chain for 20 years) and Bushnell is at 73% market share compared with Nikon and Leupold both under 4%. By the way… 99% of ALL PGA Tour players use Bushnell. These facts add up to Bushnell for me. But that’s just me.
Frank Cruz
6 years agoThanks for the breakdown! Good to know.
birdie
6 years agoif you have any insight on whether pga guys use Bushnell because its better or because they are paid or given free equipment let us know. market share is hardly the end all be all in determining what is best.
Benseattle
6 years agoTo simply say that Bushnell is the overwhelming favorite on Tour is to naively ignore the fact that professionals such as your Rickie Fowler are paid huge dollars to endorse these items. Therefore, I discount your statistics completely. Obviously, there are a number of other good rangefinders — such as Leupold — and they — simply choose not to pay the huge endorsement dollars. At the same time, when you’re buying a rangefinder you’d better factor in the price for marketing and determine whether a discount device
is equal to that of a celebrity-endorsed brand.
(To test rangefinders and not include Leupold is like testing golf clubs and saying “Forget about Titleist.”)
Billy Thomas
6 years agoTend to agree on your “Forget about Titleist” analogy.
Took the plunge and paid up for this top of the line Leupold GX-5i3, my first Leupold product—off to a lousy start.
By design different functions (slope, beep, club recommendation, etc) can be controlled individually, not mine. Club recommendation function will not stay off, beep only works intermittently.
Called Leupold about it once, the person on their end of the line (Rep #1) had no idea how to operate the device, wanted me to mail it in (only had it 6 days). I suggested I would just go to the retailer and get another one. Lo and behold, I bought the only one they had put into stock.
Left it with the retailer, they were going to “call the rep”. Just to be sure I properly understand the functionality I call Leupold again and this time get a guy (Rep #2) who is an expert, he confirms that I have a bad unit.
Meantime the retailer calls Leupold, again they suggest a mail back and “repair”, now keep in mind this is a brand new unit, 1 week old. Retailer suggest offering me a brand new unit is the thing to do, Leupold balks.
Furthermore, Leupold offers up information that a large number of these were shipped with bad software. I follow up with another phone call and pretty sure I get Rep #1 again, totally unhelpful. He’s evasive, suggests I don’t know what I’m speaking of, intimates that they can’t ship a retailer a new unit without first having the old one in hand….complete waste of my time.
I also find out that Leupold rangefinders are not made in USA (all their rifle scopes are, I thought Leupold only sold Made in USA product) and again Rep #1 is evasive, won’t say where these units are made, generalizes with “multiple places across Asia”.
I believe Leupold has a big problem on their hands and are not willing to acknowledge it, they don’t want to have to take back a whole bunch of their top-of-the-line units and replace them, and then be put into a position of having to destroy bad units, or put them back out there as refurbished. Again, just how it appears to me.
My research indicated that Leupold are absolutely at the top if the heap in terms of customer service….
….that’s certainly not the experience I am having.
(to be continued)
Robert
6 years agoI do wish that the tests were performed without the prism on the flags. I honestly can’t remember the last course I played that had something on the flags to help with shooting them.
Robert
6 years agoI forgot to mention, you have two asterisks for “Legal”, but nothing showing what the asterisk means. I assume it would be that you can turn off slope to make it illegal, but then there is no asterisk for the Callaway that also has slope, but is legal.
Marty
6 years agoI like all the complaints regarding products that are NOT included in the testing. If you would like to purchase and send one into MGS for testing, I’m sure they would more than oblige. Or click that donate button if you really want to have all the products included.
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoWe do appreciate the comment Marty, as we do our best to test all the products in this industry head-to-head. Unfortunately, it is becoming part of the internet where those judge sites on what they don’t do rather than what they do. The reality is we do not have the budget of a major magazine, actually not even close and we are doing something no one else is doing in golf. We are writing article based on nothing more than page views and page clicks for advertisers. We are doing something not focused on revenue but rather the consumer. And while we understand some of the criticism, most of it is simply ridiculous. Good luck finding a single other golf media outlet that provides something even remotely similar to this type of content.
TonyG
6 years agoCan you purchase products for testing at a discount, with your industry connections, use them for the test, then auction off on this site?
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoThat is a great advice and actually exactly what we did for this year. Unfortunately the budget only goes so far, we can not buy it all.
Robert
6 years agoOne thing you could try… When it’s time to do a test and you know you aren’t able to purchase everything you desire, you could make a note about what your donation will be going towards instead of a blanket donation box.
For instance, people might be more inclined to donate if they see, “In order to include Leupold and other companies in our range finder tests, we need money to purchase them. Please help us make our “best of” series even better by donating below”. I think if you have that specific message, it will help get more donations.
Benseattle
6 years agoHow hard would it be to simply purchase a model of rangefinder that is not voluntary voluntarily submitted by the manufacturer? Do your test and then simply return it for a full refund. You’re not out a dime.
This shouldn’t be brain surgery if you’re actually attempting to do a valid test.
placeo
6 years agoIf you prefer a black display, the Bushnell tour V4 is the best!
I hate the red display.
Tony Covey
6 years agoNikon committed to sending product but failed to follow-through on that commitment.
TonyG
6 years agoYou guys are my go to site for testing, so it pains me to be critical. I am surprised that no one mentioned the testing parameters as a real problem. Focusing on 200+ yards? I bet half the people that come to this site maybe have 1 club that can hit it 200+. And using a Prism? I want to know how it performs with a limp flag amongst trees in the background. Because I have a very expensive model that stinks at this measurement. So much so, that I carry a GPS unit as well to double check.
Shortside
6 years agoCouldn’t agree more. I’ve only been commenting on this site for a short time. Find their work quite valuable. That said I’ve been considering adding a rangefinder to compliment my GPS. 200+ yards is lay up land for most mid-handicappers. 150 yards in is scoring country. That’s what matters most to me anyway.
Regardless appreciate their efforts. Though not included in the test they recently tipped me off to Asher producing gloves again by responding to a comment. Asher’s premium is far and away the most durable I’ve ever tried. Promptly snapped some up. Thanks guys. Donation coming your way.
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoWhen you have the luxury of testing a category head-to-head you quickly get an idea of what separates the good from the best. You might not think this is a big deal but we disagree. Rangefinders are about one thing: trust.
The main purpose for laser rangefinders is one of trust. Can you trust what it tells you. If not you never feel confident in what club you are choosing. When you get to the 150 and especially 200+ more than half the field could not give you an accurate distance even 10% of the time. That is not acceptable to us and shouldn’t be for you.
The 200+ mark was no more heavily weighted than other distances. What it was though was what we found as a major distinction between the products that were the best performers and those that were not.
TonyG
6 years agoRespectfully disagree. I am a 3 handicap and don’t care for precise yardage over 200 yards. My club gaps widen significantly at that range. I am trying to hit the green but happy to miss on the correct side. FYI, Ian Poulter hits less than 30% over 200.
I want fast accurate yardages from 200 in. Especially to a limp flag with other obstacles nearby.
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoThe ranking would still be mostly unchanged. Like we said the different yardages were not weighted more heavily. All your other wants were included in our testing protocols.
Rick Gray
6 years agoIt’s funny I see people questioning why I would want to measure distances over 200 yards. Personally, I like to know when I’m over 200 yards in order to choose what club I might need to use to leave myself a 100 yard, full shot to the pin rather than a 50 or 60 yard shot I might not be able to control as well.
Terry
6 years agoI disagree with the 200 yard thing. I’m not necessarily concerned with accuracy to the half yard at 200+ but I do think being able to read yardage accurately up 300 is important for better players. No, I don’t hit the ball that far. But 240 down or so covers club selection and 300+ is important for lasing trees and such for doglegs on courses I’m not familiar with.
However, I totally agree with the comment about prisms. I have a Bushnell V2 and unless the flag is waving, I can’t get a read on it much over 180 yards. I want to know what model pick up flags without prisms at 200+ yards.
Aaron
6 years agoWhy when we ask about one of the most popular items in these reviews do we constantly hear back “we reached out and they didn’t respond” or “they did not want to participate”?? my understanding and the reason I come to this site is because it always claims to be independent…..If you’re independent you don’t need to care whether or not someone wants to participate or return emails…..either buy the product or borrow it from someone who has one. you CANNOT have an accurate “best” test without including one or more of the most popular products
Tony Covey
6 years agoOur independence and non-subscription model comes with a limited budget. This year we chose to the majority of our budget on clubs from brands like TaylorMade and Titleist, who declined to participate in any most wanted testing.
Next season we’ll look at doing the same for accessories, but for the foreseeable future, choices will always have to be made.
I would also add that a brand that truly believes it has the best product ought to have enough confidence to send the product.
Tony
6 years agoDang, was hoping to see the Caddytek on this list… seems to be well liked, and at a $150 pricepoint includes ability to use or not use slope by changing the little nameplate… would live to have seen how it compared.. 🙁
Art
6 years agoTony, I can tell you it’s accuracy is spot on compared with a playing partner’s Bushnell–never had more than a yard difference. HOWEVER, the pin seeking mode on the Caddytek is poor in comparison. It has always worked for me, but may take 2-3 attempts. I’d buy another Caddytek, despite that shortcoming.
Eric Louis
6 years agoIn my opinion NIKON makes the best Laser Rangefinders. The new Coolshot 80i VR has a Vibration Reduction system which makes measuring incredibly faster and more accurate. Or the Coolshot 20 has a price performance which is hard to beat.
Why did you not test them?
ChristopherKee
6 years agoNot having Leupold makes this comparison less useful. It’s like doing a ball comparison without ProV1
Ron
6 years agoI find these rangefingers difficult to use as my hand is not as steady as when I was younger. Which rangefinder will compensate best for this issue?
Mike
6 years agoThe Nikon Coolshot 80 VR units, they use the same image stabilization that Nikon uses in their cameras.
Eric Louis
6 years agoDefinitely the NIKON 80i VR, the Vibration Reduction System makes measuring incredibly easy & fast.
Oudefart
6 years agoNikon has a nice VR (Vibration Resistance) feature in its 2 higher end models. They took their patented technology from their camera lenses if you’re familiar with that. It works pretty well in counteracting that shakiness in my experience. One model also has slope feature if that’s a requirement.
Ron
6 years agoThanks so much for the info gentlemen.
Jonah Mytro
6 years agoThe NX7 Rangefinder and NEXUS Rangefinder from Precision Pro Golf offer a 1 second TAG scanning function that allows the golfer to scan over the target 2-3 times and lock in on the correct distance (eliminating “shaky hand” syndrome). The 1 and 2-year warranty are the best in the industry with a product exchange during warranty period
Carolina Golfer 2
6 years agoHaving just bought a NX7 Pro I can vouch for the compact size being easy to steady in the hand, and the TAG function, lets you know when you’re locked on. it’s been great, and about $200 less than some of the other ones, that do the same thing.
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoOverall the NX7 is a good unit, however when you get to test and re-test against the field you can see the differences. Lets take optics. They all look fairly good. It isn;t until you go back and forth and back and forth a few dozen times between each and every one that you can see the true differences. And there are definite differences. You might think yours is fine until you try one that is better. That is where the true benefit of testing head-to-head comes in to play. Regarding distance differences in wasn’t that the NX7 was that far off, but it took many more tries in a our quick draw testing to get the distance. Meaning the Bushnell for example was quick draw and get the right distance. The others that finished near the bottom might have taken a couple tries. Once again it is about trust. If you have a unit that gives you a distance in the same amount of time and the accuracy is dependable that is what you are looking for. If we test a unit that takes 3 times to give you what you “think” is right well then we know this is going to cause trust issues with consumers on the information the unit provided. And like any test we stat by asking what is the purpose of this unit and seek to find the units that do that task for the consumer best.
JKC
6 years agoI have the sky caddie gps and I have the yardage before the laser guys even have the rangefinder to their eye. It always amuses me when several in my foursome have to shoot the flag and 95% of the time we are within a yard or two. The other 5% they are off as often as I am.
The sky caddie does not require you to shoot any thing and measures every hazard, f/b/s of every green and you can move the flag to get almost to the foot.
If you think you need more precision than that you are fooling yourself.
CarolinaGolfer2
6 years agoFor the most part I agree with you as I have two wrist based GPS and used them all last year with great satisfaction.
I wanted a Laser mostly for practice. I have a new set of irons and haven’t yet dialed in my exact distances with them.
I can take this to the range and get my distance. , or better yet go out to a empty hole on our course and hit 10 shots with each iron to get my “average” distance.
That’s the main area a GPS is lacking.
@mygolfspy since I can’t reply to your post. All good and fair points. Kind of a I don’t know what I don’t know thing.
I will say even though it’s been years since I’ve used a laser the one area the NX7 Pro is probably lagging behind is in the optics. While it is very clear and served the purpose fine. It’s probably not near as crystal sharp and large as some others out there.
Oudefart
6 years agoWhere are Leupold and Nikon in this test?
Bobby
6 years agoI was thinking the same thing. Big miss on a test like this.
Clay
6 years agoThis test is worthless to me without Leupold being included. Trying to decide between the Pro X2 and GX-5i3 and was hoping for some help.
Tony Covey
6 years agoWe reached out to Leupold several times. Emails were not returned.
mcavoy
6 years agoDoesn’t MGS sometimes pay out of pocket for items they want to test if a Mfr wont submit items for testing? If so this seems like a good case for doing so as Leupold are very popular.
Clay
6 years agoI assumed you had, it’s a shame when manufacturers choose not to participate. I appreciate the info you guys provide and I’m really looking forward to the most wanted driver. I would bet 99% of readers would rather you allocate your budget to including more drivers than range finders, myself included.
Oudefart
6 years agoGo with the Leupold. I work at one of the golf retail stores chains. Leupold and Nikon outsell Bushnell by a lot. GX 5i3 is the best of the best easy (imo). If you came in out store, that’s where I’d point you. Have owned the GX-4i for a while and it’s great. I think the changes made to the 5 are really nice. My $.02. Hope it helps some.
Fred
6 years agoI was having the same debate about 18 months ago. Went with the Leupold, and it’s been great. I think it beats the Bushnell in shooting everything but the flag. The flag is a toss up.
Sean
6 years agoI have the leupold gx3i for 3 years now great device bought it on ebay USA as it’s not readily available in Ireland. I havw used 2 batteries in 3 years its handy being able to have a spare in the bag. Only negative is the fog mode doesn’t work I suppose it depends on how thick is the fog. Would be interested to hear how other users find fog mode?
jlukes
6 years agoWhat warranted the Precision Pro (ranked #5) receiving the Editor’s Choice?
Jonah Mytro
6 years agoThe NEXUS Rangefinder offers 1 year warranty with a free replacement unit if there is a warranty issue.
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoVery simple, at the $149 price point there is NOTHING that could compete.
jlukes
6 years agoDidn’t notice the price until I looked at the final chart after I posted. You guys should have the price point as one of the ‘pros’ for it
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoIt’s in there 😉
KenG
6 years agoI bought the Precision Pro last night after our local golf allowed me to demo the unit during a round of golf. I compared it to my older Bushnell Pinseeker unit and the Precision Pro was dead accurate compared to the Bushnell. I like how small the Precision Pro is compared to my older Bushnell. So, the Precision Pro is in the bag now fulltime! Thanks for the review on this inexpensive yet accurate unit!
MyGolfSpy
6 years agoSO glad to hear you found our review beneficial Ken. The unit performed exceptionally well at that price point. Let us know if we can help with anything else.
J.T. Fey
6 years agoWhat? No Leupold rangefinders in this comparo? I don’t think it can be definitive without Leupold’s devices. Thanks, and good review but just a little lacking.
Tony Covey
6 years agoWe reached out to Leupold several times. Emails were not returned.