Have you been searching the marketplace for the best golf rangefinder only to find your head spinning with the number of choices available? Well fear not my fellow golf nuts! We’re here to provide you with the most complete buyers guide to finding the best golf rangefinder to fit your game and you’ll be well on your way to playing better golf with your new rangefinder in tow.
Golf rangefinders have come a long way over the years in helping golfers excel at their game. Whether you carry a scratch handicap or a 30-handicap, knowing the yardages are one of the most important aspects of your golf game. While golf rangefinders are not allowed during competition on the PGA Tour, go to any practice round prior to the start of the tournament rounds and you’ll see players and caddies alike shooting distances and yardages to landmarks all on the course.
If you had a one of the best selling golf rangefinders from below with you at all times, you’ll always have an accurate yardage to any landmark on the golf course.
Finding the Best Golf Rangefinder vs. Using a Golf GPS Systems
Laser golf rangefinders and golf GPS systems have been battling it out for many years now. There’s distinct differences between both devices that we’ll outline below. Here are just a few of the elements to consider when looking for the best golf rangefinder for your game.
Cost
The cost of golf laser rangefinders can range from $100 up to $500, while GPS systems typically will run you between $0 – $400 depending on whether you’re using it from a stand-alone device or your cell phone. GPS golf apps for your cell phone have become quite popular lately, and there’s no shortage of finding the latest app on iTunes or Android store. While laser golf rangefinders typically incur just a one-time fee at purchase, golf GPS systems might require monthly subscription fees or updates.
Golf Laser Rangefinders are 1-up
Ease of Use
Golf rangefinders use a laser beam to return the yardage. It’s as simple as pointing the device at your target and holding down a button until the laser picks it up. It’s really just like looking through binoculars. With GPS golf devices, you have to follow several steps before using the device. It uses global positioning satellites just like the GPS in your car, so if the satellites get shot out of space, then they won’t work. On top of that, you have to boot the system and then load the course you are playing from software provided by the company. That’s a pain in the ass in my opinion. If you are playing a new course and forget to load the course, forget using the system.
Golf Laser Rangefinders are now 2-up
Max Range
Most of your rangefinders will have a max accurate range of 300 yards. While most companies will say their devices return a yardage from much further, this really doesn’t help many golfers. You won’t be using the rangefinder to shoot a pin that is 400 yards away, right? (At least I hope so.) Golf GPS systems on the other hand will give you a pretty accurate distance on a 600-yard par-5 if needed. You can see hazards and obstructions unlike you can from a laser rangefinder.
Golf GPS devices win this one, but golf rangefinders win overall at 1-up.
Buyers Guide to the Best Golf Rangefinder
As I mentioned above, it’s personal preference. I have played with both players before. I prefer golf laser rangefinders instead of GPS systems. You’ll really have to make your own mind up. But before you head to the local golf store to pick out the best rangefinder for your golf game, make sure you know what you’re looking for by using the buyers guide below so you can make sure you get the best rangefinder on the market. Later in another post, I’ll post a buyers guide to golf GPS systems, so you can compare the two.
Until then, I hope you find value in the best golf rangefinder buyers guide below. And if you need more help with your golf game, be sure to check out our golf resources page.
Picture | Name | Type | Cost | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bushnell 201540 Bushnell Tour X Jolt Golf Laser GPS/Rangefinder, White | Laser | $$$$ | 5 | |
Bushnell Tour V3 Jolt Standard Edition Golf Laser Rangefinder | Laser | $$$ | 4.5 | |
Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder (US Version) | Laser | $$ | 4.5 | |
Breaking 80 Golf Rangefinder-Pin Sensor3 Series, Black - 500M | Laser | $$ | 4.5 | |
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder | Laser | $$ | 4 | |
Callaway 300 Laser Rangefinder with Power Pack | Laser | $$$ | 4.5 | |
Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT | Laser | $$$$ | 4.5 | |
Laser Link Golf RH2 Rangefinder | Laser | $$ | 5 | |
Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder, Black | Laser | $ | 4.5 | |
Leupold GX-4i2 Laser Golf Rangefinder Bundle | includes Pitchfix Divot Tool and Extra Battery | Laser | $$$$ | 5 |
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Max Peterson says
Hi
My first golf rangefinder is Busnell Tour V3. I’ve been using it for three years and I’m very happy about it.
But my friend uses Leupold gx-3i. It’s an awesome golf rangefinder too and i think you should add This Leupold version in your table