Best Laser Golf Rangefinder Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
This post contains affiliate links which may provide us with a commission at no extra cost to you.
Read the full disclosure here.
When it comes to the sport of golf, there are many different tools and components that you need to get the most out of your game. While some parts are essential, such as clubs and balls but also golf GPS and other devices can add some depth to your abilities.
One such device is the best Laser golf rangefinder. While you’re out on the course, you will invariably have to figure out how to line up your shot so that you can minimize the amount you have to hit before you get to the flag. In the old days, that meant measuring distances by sight and doing math in your head and hoping that it was all correct.
Thankfully, those days are no longer necessary with this handy little gadget. Within seconds, a rangefinder can accurately tell you the distance between you and your next target, so you don’t have to worry about doing extra math or crossing your fingers that you measured correctly.
So, with that in mind, let’s check out some of the best golf rangefinders you can take for your golf experience, as well as see what features are the most important.
Top 6 Best Golf Laser Rangefinder Reviews
1. Bushnell Tour X Jolt Golf Laser GPS/Rangefinder
- Exchange technology offers you Slope when you want it and makes it tournament legal when you need it
- Dual Display Technology lets you toggle between bright red display or the crisp black display based on lighting conditions or user preference
- PinSeeker with JOLT Technology provides feedback that you have locked onto the flag
When it comes to rangefinders, one of the best brands you can find is Bushnell. This company usually makes high-quality hunting gear, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t provide the same level of expertise to the golf range. If you are looking for the best of the best, the Tour X is a fantastic option.
Optional Slope Adjustment
As I mentioned above, having this feature can vastly improve your game as it takes the layout of the course into consideration. Best of all, with this model you can switch back and forth, meaning that if you do compete in a tournament, you can make it legal while you play and then switch back when you’re on your own.
Pinseeker Technology
All Bushnell rangefinders come with the brand’s proprietary pinseeker tech which helps you find the flag immediately.
This feature comes in handy when you’re searching for your target, and it’s either behind or in front of some trees. The device is so accurate that it can differentiate between the flag and a branch.
Long Range
The other thing that I like about the Tour X is that you can scan long distances. In this case, the max range is 1,300 yards, with an ideal setting of about 450 yards. What that means is that any distance beyond 450 will be less accurate unless you use a stabilizer like a tripod. The unit helps keep your shot stable already, but it can be tricky when looking so far out.
Highlighted Features
- Durable weatherproof housing
- Slope adjustment available when you want it
- 6x magnification setting
- Range of 5-1,300 yards
- Accurate within a half yard
- Ideal range of 450 yards
- Toggle between black or red sights
- Pin seeker tech finds the flag
- Stabilizes your shot as you scan
- Comes with Bushnell’s two-year limited warranty
2. Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Measurement Range- 6-550 yds. Increment Reading- 1 yds. Angular Field of View (Real)- 6 °
- Size (L x W x H): 3.6" x 1.5" x 2.9" Weight w/o Batteries: 4.4 oz
- Objective Diameter: 20mm
You are probably already familiar with Nikon as a camera maker. However, the brand also makes some high-quality rangefinders as well. What sets these units apart from the crowd is that they come with some of the best views you can get. The Coolshot 20 is the gold standard for this company.
Legendary Nikon Optics
If you compared a Nikon Rangefinder to a different brand, you would notice that Nikon has much better clarity and graphics overall. With 6x magnification and HD quality imaging, you can spot your next target (or the flag) without getting bogged down in details.
Medium Range
While this particular unit is not as capable as the Tour X above, it still has plenty of range to get you where you need to go.The max capacity of this unit is 550 yards, which is not the best, but you also don’t have to worry about an “ideal range” because it doesn’t go far enough for it to matter. Overall, though, this setting is perfect for most courses.
While this brand doesn’t have the same proprietary technology as Bushnell, it still offers priority targeting, so you can find the flag among any other obstacles you encounter. Also, you can do continuous scanning with this device so you can track multiple objects at once.
Highlighted Features
- Compact design
- Range of 6-550 yards
- Accurate within one-yard measurements
- Stabilizes your shot
- Continuous scanning option
- 6x magnification setting
- High-definition optics
- Targeting priority finds flag immediately
- Comes with two-year warranty
3. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
- At 3.6"x2.9"x1.5" in size, the ACULON Rangefinder is Nikon's most compact laser rangefinder, making it easy to take along wherever you go
- An uncluttered, easy-to-read screen displays ranges in 1-meter/yard intervals;Eye Relief :18 mm
- Class 1 laser product, power output not exceeding .0975 milliwats
Next, we have another winner from Nikon in the form of the Aculon. This unit has a lot of the same features as the Coolshot, but technically it is a downgrade. That means that if you want something relatively simple and basic, this will be your best bet.
Legendary Nikon Optics
As with the model above, you get high-definition clarity and vision with this rangefinder. A multi-coated lens keeps your screen in high contrast so you can differentiate between all obstacles without problems. Also, the display is uncluttered with data so you can focus on what’s important and get your measurements much faster.
Medium Range
Like the Coolshot, this is another medium-range device which measures up to 550 yards. Again, it’s not as impressive as other models, but it stays accurate throughout so you don’t have to worry about having an “ideal range.” Also, it’s accurate to within one yard so you can get as precise as you need to be.
Highlighted Features
- Compact design
- Range of 5-550 yards
- Accurate all the way
- Simple, elegant display
- High-definition optics
- Distant target priority
- Water resistant housing
- Long eye relief
- Automatic shutoff to save battery
4. Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder
- Refer page 6 in user manual for troubleshooting steps
- Class 1 laser with <1mW average power output
Next, we have a model from Simmons. While this company is not as well-known as Bushnell or Nikon, it does provide you with some high-quality rangefinders. With that in mind, let’s see what the Volt 600 has to offer.
Medium Range
As with the Nikon models above, you don’t get a lot of distance with this unit. The max range is 600 yards, but it does stay accurate without. One thing that I like about this particular model is that you can switch between yards and meters, depending on which works best for you. Also, it’s accurate within one yard, making it ideal for most courses.
Sleek Design
What sets the Simmons Rangefinder apart from the rest is the design. Looking at this device, you can see that it has a more ergonomic shape to it, which should improve your stability when scanning. Also, the whole thing looks amazing and high-tech and will be sure to impress everyone on the course.
High-Definition Optics
Finally, you get incredible clarity and vision with this rangefinder. While it’s not on par with Nikon, it’s more than enough for what you need. That, coupled with a 4x magnification setting means that you get better clarity than you would with other similar models.
Highlighted Features
- Compact design
- Rugged and durable housing
- Rainproof shell
- Range of 10-600 yards
- Accurate within one yard
- One button operation
- HD clarity
- Switch from meters to yards
- 4x magnification setting
5. Bushnell Pro X7 Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Pin Seeker with JOLT technology ensures you know when you hit the flag
- Ranges from 5 yards to 1 mile; 550+ yards to flags; 1/2 yard accuracy from 5 to 125 yards
- 7x magnification and premium HD optics ensure bright clear images
As I mentioned, Bushnell is one of the best brands when it comes to rangefinders, and the Pro X7 is another winner from the company. While it doesn’t have the slope adjustment like the Tour X, you still get a host of high-quality features with this product.
JOLT Technology
As with all Bushnell Rangefinders, you get pin seeker technology that helps you pinpoint the flag with extreme accuracy. The device vibrates when you hit the target, so you know when you’re on point.
Long Range
What sets this model apart from others is the extreme range. While you can’t stay accurate all the way, this device has a max setting of one mile out. That means that no matter where you are, you can find the flag and measure the distance. Best of all, it is accurate within a half yard so you can be more precise than with other models. The ideal range for this unit is 550 yards.
Vivid Display Technology
Another thing that I like about the Pro X7 is that you get some of the best optics available. With 7x magnification, you can see your target more clearly, and you also get improved contrast, so everything stands out on its own. Overall, this is one of the best rangefinders you can find.
Highlighted Features
- Compact design
- Horizontal layout for easier handling
- Long range of up to one mile out
- Ideal range of 550 yards
- HD clarity and graphics
- 7x magnification setting
- High contrast images
- Waterproof housing
- Two-year limited warranty
6. Halo XL600-8 Laser Rangefinder
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE RANGE FINDER - Hunters who push deep into the woods need the perfect tools; The Halo Optics XL 600 Rangefinder provides ranging capabilities up to 600 yards to reflective target for a perfect hunting
- ULTIMATE PRECISE - This Halo Optics XL 600 6x Magnification Rangefinder for hunting simply can't be beaten; Auto Acquisition provides the ability to almost instantaneously range between multiple targets for accurate readings up to +/- 1 yard
- HIGH ACCURACY & CLEAR VIEW - The XL 600 Hunting Rangefinder from Halo Optics is equipped with Angle Intelligence for calculating true horizontal distance at any elevation and Scan Mode that locks in multiple targets at different yardages
The last model we will look at is something of a hybrid. While it does work out on the golf course, this device is designed to help with hunting as well as golfing. Whether or not you will utilize it for that is up to you.
Medium Range
Because the XL600-8 is designed to work with rifles as well as golf clubs, the range is middling. However, 600 yards is still more than enough to help you get where you need to go. The readout is also accurate to within one yard.
High-Definition Optics
As a hunting device, you need to be able to spot your prey, even if it’s hiding in the brush. Thus, to help you find your next target, this rangefinder comes with 6x magnification and HD clarity. Contrast is also high so that you can differentiate between obstacles much more efficiently.
- Compact design
- Durable housing
- 6-600 yard range
- Accurate all the way
- 6x magnification setting
- Improved grip
- HD clarity and graphics
How To Choose Best Laser Rangefinder For The Money
Accuracy
Obviously, you want your device to be as accurate as possible, otherwise, what’s the point of having one in the first place? When talking about rangefinders, the best way to know how precise your measurements will be is to see how narrow the margin of error is on the device. That means that if you need something with pinpoint accuracy, you will want a model that can provide distances within a half a yard or so. If precision is not as imperative to you, then you can get one that measures in one-yard increments.
Range
On top of the accuracy and precision of your device, you also want to make sure that it has sufficient distance to make it worthwhile For the best golf rangefinder. When looking at different rangefinders, they will all provide you with a “max distance,” which is helpful, but misleading. The thing is that because of the way these things operate you lose accuracy the further out you go. Thus, each model will have an ideal range, which is the distance in which you should stay to maintain higher levels of accuracy. The reason for the discrepancy is that your hand shakes and moves as you track your next target, and the farther the laser goes, the more that those movements affect the placement of it.
Eye Relief
While most rangefinders operate in the same way, not all of them have the same type of eye relief. Some are protruding while others are indented into the device. Depending on your personal preference you can pick the one that works best for you. I suggest getting one with a protruding eye relief as that is much easier to use, but you may feel differently.
Slope Adjustment
One important feature For the best golf rangefinder, that you can choose to have is slope adjustment, which tells you the real distance to your target. The way it works is that the device incorporates whether or not you’re on a hill and will adjust the reading accordingly. That way you can plan your shot much more accurately and don’t have to try to make adjustments on the fly.
One thing to note about this feature is that it’s not legal in tournaments, so it’s up to you if it’s worth it. If you don’t compete, however, then it doesn’t matter.
Optional Targeting
For most golfers, getting to the flag is more important than anything. Fortunately, most rangefinders come with an added feature that locks onto specific targets so that you can differentiate between a tree or a rock or the next hole. Being able to prioritize your targets is helpful out on the course, so you may want to get one that has that option. It certainly comes in handy more often than not.
Final Verdict
When looking at all of these rangefinders, I have to say that Bushnell is still my top favorite brand. Thus, I would strongly recommend either the Pro X7 or the Tour X Jolt, depending on your needs. I like the Tour because it comes with optional slope adjustment, but the range on the Pro X7 coupled with the improved design makes it a formidable piece of equipment. Also, I like the fact that Bushnell rangefinders have pin seeker technology so you can find the flag immediately. Overall, they have exactly what you need to get the job done quicker and more efficiently.
