Technology really does offer convenience, and with the game of golf, the best golf rangefinders serve to save you walking to the hole to measure the distance you need to make when you swing your golf clubs.
There are two types of modern rangefinder: GPS, and laser. GPS golf rangefinders use GPS information in order to calculate your position and distance from the hole to give you pretty accurate readings with regards to how far you need to hit your golf ball.
As for laser rangefinders, these 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 Golf Rangefinder
For amateur golfers, picking out the right 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 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 a slope? These questions are all relevant, but if you are just starting out, there’s really only one question you need to ask: can your rangefinder find the target?
The purpose of any golf rangefinder is to effectively and accurately locate your target and measure the distance between it and yourself, allowing you to select the best golf club for the job and swing it with the right technique. Some golf rangefinders do this better and more accurately than others, but all will ultimately fulfil this role, making it 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 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.
Callaway Tour S Rangefinder
1/12
Price: From $450
Origin: Carlsbad, California
Utilising some of the most advanced laser technology, Callaway has developed its own golf rangefinder that is capable of providing exact distance measurements to any target on the course.
Among its features is Pin Acquisition Technology (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.
Garmin Approach Z82
2/12
Price: From $600
Origin: Lenexa, Kansas
Combining laser technology with GPS tracking, Garmin has designed one of the most statistically detailed golf rangefinders that can deliver some of the most accurate readings on the flags.
You won’t just get the distance from the front, as the Z82 also measures the distance to the middle and the back of the flag, and also takes 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.
Leupold GX-4i3
3/12
Price: From $480
Origin: Beaverton, Oregon
Designed to be accurate on the course but also withstand any damage it might sustain, the Leupold GX golf rangefinder 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, (D.N.A) that is combined with PinHunter laser technology and 6x magnification to give precise readings with high resolution and in any weather, making this golf rangefinder ideal for those cloudy days.
GolfBuddy aim L10
4/12
Price: From $280
Origin: Los Angeles, California
If you’re looking for a golf rangefinder that is lightweight and can be carried comfortably in your pocket between holes, then the GolfBuddy aim 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.
Bushnell Pro XE
5/12
Price: From $550
Origin: Johnson County, Kansas
Bushnell is a brand that specialises in all things sights and lenses, so they have access to some of the most advanced technologies, many of which have been applied to the Pro XE golf 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. Looking for one of the best golf rangefinders? Look no further.
Blue Tees Series 2
6/12
Price: From $190
Origin: Los Angeles, California
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, Blue Tees has developed the Series 2 golf rangefinder.
There’s no complexity when it comes to features, as it will do exactly what you need it to do, with its pulsing flag lock system, HD display with EZ Optic Focus, a maximum distance of 800 yards and a durable, water-resistant shell.
Voice Caddie SL1 Active Hybrid
7/12
Price: From $500
Origin: La Mirada, California
There wouldn’t be enough words to fill this paragraph with the number of features that the SL1 golf rangefinder from Voice Caddie contains. Put simply, there are an awful lot, making it one of the most advanced and one of the most capable golf rangefinders 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.
TecTecTec ULT-X
8/12
Price: From $250
Origin: Houston, Texas
The ULT-X golf rangefinder from TecTecTec 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 model is capable of detecting and measuring the distance of any hazards you may face out on the course with its continuous scan mode.
This technology compensates for slopes thanks to PinSlope technology and a diopter adjustment function that is designed to assist users whether they are short or far sighted.
Precision Pro NX9
9/12
Price: From $270
Origin: Cincinnati, Ohio
Sometimes when aiming with a golf 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 the NX9 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.
Caddymatic XR-7
10/12
Price: From $600
Origin: Victoria, Australia
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 golf rangefinder contains everything you could need.
With a slope switch allowing it to be used for tournament play, 6x magnification for those long ranges of up to 500 yards, and a flag lock pulse for when you find that target, it’s a highly capable little box of tricks.
MacGregor Golf Deluxe
11/12
As a brand, MacGregor has a long history in golf and have left their mark across the whole range of products and accessories, and their golf rangefinder adds to the quality and premium functionality for which they are most well-known.
It has everything you need to deliver the right information needed to make the right club selection in order to make your shot. Such features include slope adjustment technology, distance tracking of up to 500 yards of range, a pulsing flag lock-on, and all shelled within a protective, durable case.
Callaway Hybrid Laser/GPS
12/12
Price: From $200
Origin: Carlsbad, California
The Callaway Hybrid golf rangefinder 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.
The combination of GPS and laser allows it to offer up to 6x magnification, distance tracking of up to 950 yards (and up to 300 in order to place a 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.