Best Golf Rangefinder

Choosing a new rangefinder is not complicated. All golfers need to do is ensure the devices meet a minimum standard for today’s modern game. There are a few cheap rangefinders that don’t meet the minimum recommendations. But most popular brands sell reliable products which normally last for years.

One of the essential roles of the GPS rangefinder is to measure the range to the green. But if the device is not properly designed, it suffers in all key areas such as in usability. For example, rangefinders can come with crammed buttons that easily confuse users. Most of these consumer-level devices are made with a power button and function buttons located on the top side of the product.

But these buttons can be easily triggered accidentally if they’re too close together. This is one of the main complaints golfers have when it comes to powerful devices. The best solution, in this case, is to simply stick to the devices without too many buttons which are easy to operate in the first place.

The range is arguably the most important feature, together with accuracy. As a result, there are a few categories that can be represented according to the range they cover as follows.

<500 yards
Devices that cover a range of up to 500 yards are considered short-distance releases. These rangefinders are good for those just starting. But at the same time, the devices offer a bit more reliability when it comes to accuracy.

The main advantage of short-distance rangefinders is they can offer unmatched accuracy within 1 yard. Most of them can be used for high-precision results. Furthermore, these devices are then used as a backup for those selecting various clubs according to distance, wind, and other variables for maximum results.

>500 yards
Most rangefinders cover distances between 500 and 1,000 yards. They combine reach with accuracy without too many sacrifices. While some of them may easily be used with accurate readings, others begin to suffer, especially those with inferior optics.

In this range, internal stabilization is as important. Without stable images, even the furthest magnification cannot be of great use. But most users can simply rely on internal and digital stabilization for product releases in the past couple of years.

>1,000 yards
Things change beyond the 1,000 yards mark. At this point, most rangefinders simply lack the stability needed for accurate distance results. In case the weather is not perfect, they’re simply unable to find and lock flags and pins at such a distance.

This is the main reason why even these rangefinders might not come with clear results past the 700-750 yards limit. But in other cases, it’s crucial to test out the accuracy of these rangefinders before heading out to a golf tournament. Most rangefinders struggle to offer the most accurate readings and maximum range.

Accuracy can either make or break a rangefinder. The days of 4-5 yards accuracy are now long gone. No golfer wants to sacrifice accuracy. Some have even expressed their opinions on not needing the best materials in favor of accuracy.

It’s true that once a golfer tries out a high-accuracy rangefinder, there’s no way back to a low-accuracy device even with better construction. Professional golf players are among those who value high accuracy the most.

High-end physical construction is also important for frequent users. Not all materials are the same and not all products are made to the same standards. IPX rating refers to weather sealing. But this rating is different and it can be missing from some rangefinders altogether.

In most cases, it’s simply not the best idea to choose a product without water-resistant materials if planning to use the rangefinder for a long period.

But the weather sealing is not the only physical trait which users need to take into account. For example, there are a few other important traits to consider such as anti-shock protection. Most golfers need the freedom of having this mild shock protection for added durability.

Rubberized finishes are normally used to offer different levels of protection against dropped rangefinder damages. But rubber protection also costs more and this is why it’s not seen on the most affordable laser golf rangefinders.

Those who want to use such products normally have to choose top products from alternatives such as the Nikon Coolshot 20, NX7 Pro, or manufacturers such Bushnell or Callaway, companies specializing in golf products.

Slope compensation calculates the range to certain objects regardless of the terrain angle. The difference is compensated digitally and golf players get to rely on it in various scenarios.

This function is not legal in most tournaments. Players planning on using their device in an official USGA golf tournament need to choose devices that can toggle this function off. It there’s no such versatility, tournament organizers might not allow the use of such a device.

Most golf rangefinders come with no accessories. It’s rare to even find a golf rangefinder with a belt clip or a protective carry bag. While these are rare, it might be worth spending a bit more time researching these products as all accessories cost more as they’re sold separately.

Batteries are the most important here. There are two main options here. Rechargeable batteries are normally built-in and they can’t be removed. These batteries normally recharge via a micro-USB cable. But standard AAA batteries may also be used on some rangefinders. They are normally not included and they need to be purchased separately.