5 Best Laser Rangefinders on the Market
Hoping to have a successful hunting season? Looking to beef up your game on the golf course? Make sure you’ve got the best rangefinder to track your range data from these top 5 products
If you’re a hunter like some of us, you know how relevant terrain information is to having a successful hunting season. Being able to probably pin-point a target, determine approximate distance, track said targets movement and calibrate rifle scope and shooting technique make pulling that trigger an action of confidence.
Considering the widespread use and general acceptance of DMD’s (distance-measuring devices) on the golf course, it has almost become an imperative element to the success of the modern golfer both in training and in the heat of competition. Instead of relying on the advice of a caddie or field markers on the course, the player is awarded the ability to determine the range toward a target hole and select the appropriate club.
What is important for sports relying on knowing the distance, is have a DMD to accurately gauge that distance and we have reviewed the 5 best rangefinders out there to help you determine which will help improve your edge and possibly even get those two strokes off your golf swing or take down that prized buck.
How to Choose the Best Rangefinder
There are actually many different types of devices for rangefinding on and off the golf course and they operate on varying principles, however, for the sake of our comparison today, we are looking specifically at 5 laser rangefinders, as you will see are the most practical and easy to use even if other commonly used DMD’s do indeed exist (GPS based rangefinders).
The principle behind common laser rangefinders (like those in this review) is quite simple: using a narrow laser pulse is sent toward an object and is reflected back to the device which measures the time of flight or the time it takes for the pulse to travel to and from the object. Those rangefinders we are reviewing have a similar design and function:
- The user looks through the rangefinder lens to target an object
- The rangefinder is held steady to prevent too much movement
- A trigger, like that on a digital camera, is pressed to send the laser pulse
- The rangefinder will record the time of flight and display the range on the device
There are some drawbacks to this kind of rangefinding that should also greatly inform your choice in purchasing a laser based rangefinder, as the device indeed relies on a laser, which requires direct sight of the object and minimal obstruction. Weather and atmospheric changes can cause distortions in the laser’s path that might not give back exact readings. If you’re targeting an object in a wooded area or trying to figure out how to get your ball up a steep slope, you’re going to need a device that can compensate for these variables in getting accurate range readings.
The Best Rangefinders on the Market Now
TecTecTec VPRO500 Rangefinder
If you are in the market for a rangefinder, this one is sure to pop up on your radar and you will find plenty of reviews on this reliable and affordable product. Honestly, we could end this review right here and the search is over but it is important to look at why this is the best rangefinder out there and do our due diligence and determine viable contenders that offer other aspects that might just be more suitable to specific needs.
Features
- Laser Range up to 540 yards
- Pin-Sensor Technology (eliminates problems from laser sight obstructions)
- Includes: carrying pouch, CR2 battery, wrist strap, microfiber cleaning cloth, user's guide and a 2 year guarantee with online registration
- The rangefinder will record the time of flight and display the range on the device
Pros
- Pin-sensor for obstructed areas
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Usually the most cost effective
Cons
- -
Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinders
First impressions say a lot about what something is all about and the Vortex Optics Ranger immediately suggests it’s not here to mess around. Specialized to suit a hunter’s or shooter’s needs, this bad boy packs a hefty range as well as price. Ultimately if your goal is to have something extremely durable and versatile then this starts to become a logical choice. This rangefinder is simple to use, easy to carry, and does what it says it will – go the distance.
Features
- Laser range up to 1,800 yards
- LOS (Line of Sight) mode that makes you feel like an army ranger
- Continuous scanning for landscape panning
- Rubber armor, water proof, and non-slip grip
- Includes: neck lanyard, utility clip, and tripod adaptor compatibility (adaptor and tripod not included)
Pros
- Excellent long range scanning
- Many durability features
- Flexibility in its use (for golf or hunting)
Cons
- Expensive
Gogogo Sport Laser GS07
This rangefinder was specifically designed to meet the middle spectrum between golf and hunting. It has a simple design yet packs many features and is one of the most affordable you can buy. This is a relatively new product and so the verdict is not quite there yet but initial reception is very positive with around 4-5 stars on websites, like amazon, selling this product. What golfers specifically are finding particularly handy with this device is its built in slope function (compensates for any slope that might stand in your way to the putting green).
Features
- Laser range up to 900 yards
- Purpose specific modes (normal scan, golf and slope distance correction)
- JOLT tech causes the device to vibrate when there’s a “target lock”
- Pin-seeker and flag-lock
- Includes: strap, water-proof pouch, cleaning cloth, user’s manual
Pros
- Seems to have it all
- Responds-to-user (vibration)
- Designed for versatility
- Pin-seeker and Slope Correction
Cons
- Product is fairly new to the market
- Range limits specific to modes
- Seems pretty basic (possibly a pro)
Bushnell Tour V4 Laser Rangefinder
Akin to the Gogogo Sport Laser, the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT has a vibration indicator when locking on objects. The Bushnell indeed looks like something you would assume belonged to a golfer and its features appear to cater to avid players looking for a rangefinder that is reliable and suitable for a more serious approach to tracking performance. This rangefinder packs great distance combined with an emphasis on accuracy and price in the midrange.
Features
- Laser range up to 1,000 yards and wide field of view
- Range precision accuracy with only up to 1 yard margin of error
- Includes: protective skin, CR2 battery and carry case
Pros
- Great range in a simple device
- Endorsed by professional golfers
- Includes 2 year warranty
- Class 1 laser that is generally safe to use
- Pin-seeker with vibration target lock indication
Cons
- Very purpose specific
- Not many modes, features or functions
Nikon COOLSHOT 20
For some folks, brand is often all that it takes to convince them to buy a product and with the Nikon COOLSHOT you get both a reliable brand and a product that reinforces their image as a reliable producer of optics related products. If any of the other products out there offer features that seem excessive or too technical, this rangefinder satisfies those customers with a very simple and affordable product. This product does not have many advanced features which may actually be its biggest strength. It still retains a great range for its exceptionally compact size, durability and lightweight. Nikon’s answer to an oversimplified product.
Features
- Laser range up to 550 yards
- Displays in 1 yard increments
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Simple
Cons
- Possibly too simple
Which Do We Recommend and Why
From the list of options it is probably clear that we recommend the TecTecTec VPRO500 Rangefinder. It’s the laser finder that offers the most for the best price and comes highly recommended by hunters and golfers alike with an established track record.
- Ronny Briggs
- Updated on July 15, 2020