The 5 Best Value Golf Rangefinders in 2020

A time-saving tool used by golfers for estimating distances and scoring on the green, rangefinders can make or break a game by keeping the vibe light-hearted; they can make the difference between having a quick game or having a headache, having light banter with a client or a stifled conversation. This list provides an introspective take on each product through a survey of online reviews, company tenure and technical perks.

Choosing the Best Rangefinder For Golf

The beauty of golf is that there are so many elements in play; from weather to angles, to long distance to near distance – no game is ever the same, even if you play on the same course. For this reason alone, golf is not just a way to factor in your skills but factor in the unexpected. Before choosing the right rangefinder for you, you should first know where your weaknesses (and strengths) lie, as well as what key functions are offered.

A common problem with a lot of golfers is figuring out the slope, or the right angle of their hit. Often referred to as ‘Slope Angling’ and ‘Straight Line Distancing’ in the rangefinder world, this key function is a good thing to look out for if you often find your ball in the sand pit or (knock on wood) the ravine. Using this function on rangefinders is not only a good way to choose the right swing style for your hit, but choosing the right club, the latter often being the main culprit for stray balls.

Another common problem with golfers is the ability to gauge distances, whether it be near or far. Any expert knows that the best rangefinders for golf solve this problem through a Flag/Pin-Seeking function, a popular tool that assists in ensuring you hit the ball with just the right amount of force. Companies offer a variety of innovative ways to detect distance, including Bushnell’s Jolt Technology Pinseeker that vibrates once the flag has been locked onto, and Callaway’s BIRDIE system that chirps when once it’s focused on an object. For those who are far-sighted, this function is called, ‘First Target Priority Mode’, which specifically detects the nearest object in sight, perfect for that last home stretch.

Another culprit that always gets into the way of golfing is weather – one moment you’re having a great game on a beautiful day and the next you’ve got a storm cloud looming by the third tee. This factor is almost always beyond human control, but essential to work around. But there’s no way around that, right? Wrong! Many rangefinders have now essentially given golfers super-human powers by offering the ability to see what their eyes possibly cannot, whether it be a priceless Fog/Rain Mode that pierces through the blur with a laser pointer, or an innovative waterproof case that keeps you moving in the rain.

There are so many other factors that come into play when golfing, so it’s good to keep in mind that these were just the most common fixes for the most common problems. For more information on what to know and where to look, consider checking out this A-Z Glossary on Rangefinder Features and Terminology: https://golftamers.com/guides/golf-rangefinder-features-terminology/

The Best Rangefinders for Golf

Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell offers a Standard Version and a ‘Patriot Pack’ Bonus Version of their Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder. This brand is specifically known for their patented jolt technology, that allows golfers to pin seek with ease, the machine giving off a modest vibration once the flag is locked on. It’s also been rated the #1 Rangefinder in Golf, and is used by 99% of PGA Tour Pros, giving it some serious street credit.

With a 2-year warranty and near-perfect review from customers, you can’t go wrong with this choice. Further, a portion of all proceeds goes toward the Folds of Honor Foundation, making it especially friendly with U.S. military and retired veterans. In terms of technicals, the Bushnell Tour V4 Jolt offers a massive grid of tens of thousands of golf courses across 30 countries, offering flyover views through a 3D emulator system, as well as an accompanied app that helps in the process.

Specifications

Signature PinSeeker with Jolt Technology
Provides ranges from 5 - 1,000 yard, with 1-yard accuracy
Flag Yarding for up to 400 yards
Includes a Class.1 Laser with less than 0.5 mW of power
Fast Focus System allows sharp viewing
5x Magnification
Multi-coated for extra long eye relief
Rich LCD Display
0.75 Pounds
Protective Skin for Rangefinder
Carrying Case
Complimentary Battery
2-year Warranty

Pros

A strong status symbol for those who want the best of the best
The operating system is very fast, and offers high accuracy for pin-seeking
This product offers limited functions, offering a good balance of utilizing technology without feeling like you’re cheating
Lastly, those with medium to large-sized hands rave about the product’s comfort

Cons

Functions are limited. Although this offers flag-seeking technology, no sort of slope measuring system is available
A single display is also limited, as many rangefinders offer dual display options
This device is water resistant but not water proof, making it minimally useful on rainy days
Due to a high volume of clients, Bushnell’s customer support is less than stellar

Precision Pro NX7 Laser Golf Rangefinder

A small handheld device with a specialization geared toward sloping, the Precision Pro Golf NX7 is perfect for those looking to get their angle right. Similar to the Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT, this device also has pulse vibration technology that indicates when you’ve locked onto flags. In addition to pulse vibrating, the device offers slope accuracy that helps golfers choose the right club, and is also water resistant, making it a great device to keep playing through light drizzle. Although the device is not an official tool used by PGA, it is still Tournament Legal, making it a great low-cost alternative.

Comparative to its less advanced products produced by the company, including the NX7 Golf Rangefinder and the Nexus Golf Rangefinder, the NX7 Pro Slope is the most advanced in its class. In addition to cool functions, your purchase come with an array of perks, including free lifetime batteries when you register your product online, a warranty that’s go you covered for 2 years, and an award-winning customer support team.

Specifications

Specialization in Slope Measurement
Pin-Seeking Technology with Pulse Vibration
6x Magnification
Maximum Yardage of 400+, with 1-yard accuracy
Lifetime supply of batteries
0.55 pounds
2-year warranty

Pros

Cons

Many customers have claimed the flag - seeking technology, though good, still falls short in comparison to Bushnell devices - at times, it’s got a 2-3 yard accuracy rate
The speed of this device’s operating system isn’t as great as other products out there
Customers have complained of bad battery readings - but at least you get them for free!

TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder

One of the cheapest products on the market, the TecTecTec VPRO500 is a great beginner’s option due to it offering basic functions. One of these functions includes pin-seeker technology good for those who are both near and far-sighted. There is also a clear-view lens display that provides convenient measurement statistics and a battery meter. With little functions to work with comes high-speed results, making this device the most efficient for the most simple-at-heart.

Cool perks include a warranty for two years (with online registration), lifetime customer support and a premium carrying case. Of TecTecTec’s four rangefinder models, the VPRO500 is the second-most advanced, the only one more advanced being the ULT-X Rangefinder, which offers about double the capabilities. Often marketed as a dual-working system for both golfing and hunting, the simplicity of the VPRO500 can actually offer a lot in terms of versatility if you’re a dual hobbyist. It is also water resistant in case it’s an extra dewy morning, and dust-proof in the event there’s a random gust while trying to escape the dunes.

Features

Pros

Cons

Pin-seeking can be good and bad - some customers have said that near-distance readings are not as accurate as long-distance readings
The mode changes are not intuitive, meaning there is a lot of manual clicking that has to occur
Durability is also questionable - some have stated that their device often faces problems a few months into using it

Bozily Golf Rangefinder

By far the most cost-affordable option in terms of what it offers, the Bozily Golf Rangefinder more than makes up for in specs and functions where it lacks in brand recognition. Though not the most popular rangefinder on the market, customers looking to try this out can expect high-definition viewing, high magnification and both flag-locking technology and optional slope prediction. An excellent choice for beginner or veteran golfers, the stylish and lightweight design of the Bozily Golf Rangefinder is a great choice for those looking to have the right help on-hand, while looking good.

Of the four Bozily rangefinder models, this is one of the more expensive, yet offering enough spec overlap to be good for both golfing and hunting. Its 4 scan modes (General Golf, Slope, Vertical and Speed) can all be toggled back and forth. General Golf Mode offers actual distance measuring, Slope Mode offers angle and slope adjustments, Vertical Mode offers vertical/horizontal distancing, and Speed offers a suggested speed range dependent on the distancing. The company offers lifelong support as well as a 2-year warranty in case the customer is dissatisfied.

Features

Four modes that include Slope Technology, Flag-Locking, Angle Measurement, Horizontal/Vertical Measurements and Speed Measurement Accuracy
Fast Focusing
6x Magnification
Fog Resistant
Includes a complimentary lanyard, waterproof carrying case and 2 batteries
0.4 pounds
2-year warranty

Pros

Cons

Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder

Offering a fun vintage look, the Callaway 300 Pro may look like an old camera from the 1970s, but it’s actually an extremely high-tech device. Slope measurement is a key feature that helps golfers perfect their swing, and choose the right club, while the company’s P.A.T. (Pin Acquisition Technology) offers a special formula for high-speed lock-ons of not one but multiple objects. In addition, the ‘BIRDIE’ system offers an audible chirping sound to signify the flag has been locked on, as opposed to most pulse vibrating technologies.

Compared to Callaway’s four other rangefinders, the 300 Pro Golf Laser Rangefinder is the only one that offers both pin-seeking and slope measurements, though some other devices add other services not offered in this one. Weather-friendly technology also gives golfers the chance to bring their high-tech game rain or shine, offering both a water-proof case ideal for avoiding the sprinklers, and fog-proof technology that gives golfers the chance to slice through dense thickets of cloud via laser pointer. Slope measuring can be turned off, making the Callaway Tournament Legal, and the company offers a 2-year limited warranty if the device breaks.

Features

Specialization in slope measurements
Laser Range between 5 - 1,000 yards
Pin-Seeking Range of 300 yards, with 1-yard accuracy
6x Magnification
Fog & Water Resistant
Allows scanning of multiple objects
0.43 Pounds
2-year limited warranty

Pros

Cons

Final Verdict

Amidst your search in finding the best rangefinders for golf, we recommend you go with the Callaway 300 Pro. It’s stylish look, amazing customer reviews and company tenure make it by far the most reliable and rewarding experience for a golfer, whether it’s for novice learning or advanced tweaking. With multiple modes to toggle accompanied by a fair price compared to other high-end products, you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth. In addition, the company’s lower customer base offers access to a more relaxed support team unlikely to be overwhelmed by calls, enhancing even your bad experiences. Though the warranty is not the most open compared to others, customers state it’s only there for show.

Leo Gonzales
Updated on July 15, 2020