Technology has always existed to make our lives easier and nowhere is this more evident than in the game of golf. For the longest time, golfers would measure the distance from the tee to the hole by walking, yes walking, that entire distance, and counting each and every one of the steps. To avoid all of that unnecessary exhaustion, the rangefinder was developed over the decades with some of the most advanced technology, making that long trek to the flag a simple glance down a scope, without even taking a step.
There are two types of modern rangefinders, the GPS, and the laser. One obviously uses GPS information in order to calculate your position and provides distance readings based on that. On the other hand, laser rangefinders use laser technology to bounce off an object, the flag most likely, to measure the distance. So the more powerful the laser, the more accurate the reading which also includes measuring the slope, which is simply the elevation of the distance.
What To Look For In A Rangefinder?
For amateur golfers, picking out a rangefinder can be an overwhelming experience, since there is such a wealth of variation with regards to features. There is a lot that can be be accounted for, what sort of ground will you be playing on, for instance? Is a GPS or a laser more suitable? Do I need to have slope? These questions are all relevant, but if you are just starting out, there’s really only one question you need to ask, can it find the target?
The purpose of any rangefinder is to effectively and accurately locate your target and measure the distance between it and yourself, allowing you to select the best club for the job and swing it with the right technique. Some do this better and more accurately than others, but every single rangefinder fulfils this role, making it almost an essential out on the course.
So, now you know what to look out for, it now comes down to which brands and which models of rangefinder will act as the best possible assistant when you’re out on the green. We like to think we know a thing or two about golf here at DMARGE, and so have put together this definitive list of the best golf rangefinders available to buy right now.
1/13Callaway Tour S Rangefinder
Utilising some of the most advanced laser technology, Callaway has developed a rangefinder that is capable of providing exact distance measurements to any target on the course. Among its features is Pin Acquisition Technology or P.A.T. which delivers a short vibrating burst confirming the correct distance to the pin, Slope technology that measures the angle of the incline and decline then calculates the slope adjusted distance and Prism mode that can lock onto flag mounted reflectors for exact distances.
2/13Garmin Approach Z82
Combining laser technology with GPS tracking, Garmin has designed one of the most statistically detailed rangefinders that can deliver some of the most accurate readings on the flags. You won’t just get the distance from the front, the Z82 also measures the distance in the middle and the back of the flag, and also taking into account the wind speed and direction making your club choice for that shot a confident decision. It can also be used alongside the Garmin app to make the experience even more user-friendly.
3/13Leupold GX-4i3
Designed to be accurate on the course but also withstand any damage it might sustain, the GX is coated in a durable rubber that makes for easy-gripping and won’t shatter on the ground and is completely waterproof. Inside is a Digitally Enhanced Accuracy engine, or D.N.A, that is combined with PinHunter laser technology and 6x magnification that gives precise ranging with high resolution and against any backdrop, making this rangefinder ideal for those cloudy days.
4/13GolfBuddy aim L10
If you’re looking for the kind of rangefinder that is lightweight and can be carried comfortably in your pocket between holes, then the L10 is the one for you. With an overall ergonomic and sporty design, and weighing in at only 6oz, it features three different targeting modes (standard, scan and pin. Other unique features include a wider LDC for better visibility and a 15 second automatic shut off when left unattended so you don’t have to worry about battery life.
5/13Bushnell Pro XE
Bushnell are a brand that specialises in all things sights and lenses, so they have access to some of the most advanced technologies and they have applied that to the Pro XE rangefinder. They have added temperature and barometric pressure to their Slope Technology, delivering some of the most precise compensated distances, and 7x optics that deliver superior clarity and resolution with state of the art visual cues that allow you to lock onto your target with accuracy.
6/13Blue Tees Series 2
Priding themselves on creating products for the kind of golfer that enjoys a weekend on the course and aims to keep things simple, functional, and straight to the point. There’s no complexity when it comes to the features of this rangefinder and it will do exactly what you need it to do, with it’s pulsing flag lock system, HD display with EZ Optic Focus, a maximum distance of 800 yards and a durable, water-resistant shell.
7/13Voice Caddie SL1 Active Hybrid
There wouldn’t be enough words to fill this paragraph with the amount of features that the SL1 rangefinder contains because there are a lot, and they are some of the most advanced on the market. With a high clarity, 6 scale lens that improves long range distance measurements, full colour LCD screen, GPS pin assist, continuous scan mode and a special OLED for play in low light, are among the many features that deliver a seamless and precise experience.
8/13TecTecTec ULT-X
Powered by a CR2 3V Lithium battery, the ULT-X has the ability to lock onto a flag up to 450 yards away, making the right club selection an easy choice. Along with finding the target, this rangefinder is capable of detecting and measuring the distance of any hazards you may face out on the course with its continuous scan mode, compensating for slopes with its PinSlope technology and diopter adjustment functionality that is comfortably designed for users whether they are short or far sighted.
9/13Precision Pro NX9
Sometimes when aiming with a rangefinder, your hands get a little shaky, especially after swinging those haymakers for 17 holes straight, but luckily, the Precision Pro has compensated for this and developed this rangefinder around those little details that often come up during those long games. With a crystal clear LCD display that boasts 6x magnification, adaptive slope technology, pulse vibration to let you know you’ve locked on and a magnetic grip that can stick to your golf bag and even your clubs.
10/13Caddymatic XR-7
Aside from its sleek, extremely durable, black and silver shell that is capable of protecting from the elements and any accidental drops it might sustain while out on the course, the XR-7 contains everything you need from a rangefinder. With a slope switch so that it can be used for even tournament play, 6x magnification for those long ranges of up to 500 yards, and a flag lock pulse for when you find that target.
11/13MacGregor Golf Deluxe
As a brand, MacGregor have a long history in golf and have left their mark across the whole range of products and accessories, and their rangefinder adds to the quality and premium functionality for which they are most known. It has everything you need to deliver the right information needed for the right club in order to make that shot, with its slope adjustment technology, up to 500 yards of range, a pulsing flag lock-on, and all shelled within a protective, durable case.
12/13Callaway Hybrid Laser/GPS
The Hybrid combines the pin-seeking accuracy of laser technology with the convenience of GPS to maximise distance information whether you are at the tee or far out on the green. With 6x magnification, a range of up to 950 yards and up to 300 in order to pin, a wide scan in order to pick up multiple targets including slope and any other environmental hazards that may hinder your shot and cased within a sleek, ergonomic shell.
13/13Bushnell
As well as the Pro XE included on this list, Bushnell has a whole range of various types of rangefinders that offer specific functions at different prices. The Pro XE, being the most expensive, contains the most advanced technology, while others including the Tour V5 series offer a magnetic body that can attach to your cart or even your clubs, and the HYBRID, that integrates GPS on top of the laser targeting technology with a fully integrated display.
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