This post may contain affiliate links. You can view our affiliate disclosure here.
For an updated golf rangefinder guide, go here.
It is very difficult to isolate the “best” of anything in a sea of competing products, and golf rangefinders are no exception.
Like most products, though, we can look at what the general consensus is and narrow the selection down to a list of rangefinders that you should consider.
With that said, here is a review of many of the best laser golf rangefinders from reputable brands such as Bushnell, Nikon, Callaway, Leupold and others.
The great thing about these rangefinders is that because of their age, you can typically find them at very low prices, even new.
Considerations
Lasers, as opposed to GPS units which can also measure distances, are generally more accurate, work on any golf course, and can measure distances to any object the user desires.
Lasers and GPS units both have their strengths and weaknesses, but only laser rangefinders will be featured on this page.
What will follow next is a detailed comparison chart of different rangefinders and a discussion of their features, benefits, drawbacks and reception (ratings).
The rangefinders are listed according to my personal rating from highest to lowest. The links on this page will take you to the respective listings of each of the rangefinders where you can buy them for a great price.
| Golf Laser Rangefinder | Price in USD (subject to change) | Some Specifications | Strengths and Weaknesses | Amazon Review Rating | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bushnell Tour V3
|
Under $150 on eBay | Magnification: 5x
Range (flag): 5-1000 yds (400 yds) Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 6.7 oz Dimensions: 4.2″ x 1.6″ x 2.8″ |
Strengths: • superb build quality • little to no setup required • very simple to use • very durable • long battery life Weaknesses: |
4.7/5 | 4.9/5 |
| 2. Bushnell Tour V3 Slope
|
$200 or less on eBay, with included items | Magnification: 5x
Range (flag): 5-1000 yds (400 yds) Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 6.6 oz Dimensions: 4.3″ x 2.8″ x 1.6″ |
Strengths: • see pros of standard Tour V3 • slope feature works nicely and can really help to lower your score Weaknesses: |
4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| 3. Nikon COOLSHOT 20
|
$150 or less on eBay | Magnification: 6x
Range: 6-550 yards Accuracy: 1 yd (shorter than 100 yds), 2 yds (more than 100 yds) Weight: 4.4 oz Dimensions: 3.6″ x 2.9″ x 1.5″ |
Strengths: • very lightweight • exceptionally clear image • picks up targets quickly and easily • feels solid in hand • great value for price Weaknesses: |
4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| 4. TecTecTec VPRO500
|
$149.99 | Magnification: 6x
Range: 5-540 yds Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 6.5 oz Dimensions: 4.1″ x 2.8″ x 1.6″ |
Strengths: • solid construction • modes are easy to use and work well • gives accurate and clear readings • great value for money • great customer service Weaknesses: |
4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
| 5. Callaway 300
|
Around $200 on eBay | Magnification: 6x
Range (flag): 5-1000 yds (300 yds) Accuracy: 1 yd Weight: 7.5 oz Dimensions: 4.25″ x 3″ x 1.75″ |
Strengths: • easy to use • very durable and light • sturdy design • has a focus adjustment on eye piece • reads out distances quickly and accurately even from far away Weaknesses: |
4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
| 6. Bushnell Tour Z6
|
$150 or less on eBay | Magnification: 6x
Range (flag): 5-1300 yds (450 yds) Accuracy: 1/2 yd Weight: 8 oz Dimensions: 1.3″ x 4″ x 2.9″ |
Strengths: • lightning fast • quality construction • sharp images • accurate, compact, easy to operate • very easy to lock on to targets • long battery life Weaknesses: |
4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| 7. Leupold GX-3i2
|
Less than $210 on eBay (great price drops) | Magnification: 6x
Range (flag): 5-800 yds (450 yds) Weight: 7.8 oz Dimensions: 3.8″ x 3″ x 1.4″ |
Strengths: • high quality construction • easy to use and fast • excellent optics • LED display is easy to read in all conditions Weaknesses: |
4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| 8. Tectectec VPRO500 Slope
|
$179.99 | Magnification: 6x
Range: 5-540 yds Accuracy: 1 yd |
Strengths: • well made • easy to use • slope adjustment works well • very accurate • great value for money Weaknesses: |
4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
1. Bushnell Tour V3 Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The Tour V3 rangefinder is harder to find now because newer models have been released. You can, however, get them at great prices on this eBay page.
Features/Benefits
The successor to the Tour V2, the ergonomically-designed Tour V3 has what Bushnell calls “PinSeeker with JOLT Technology”.
What the technology does is provide short vibrating bursts that allow the user to be certain the laser has locked onto the flag or any other target.
Operation is vertical and single-hand, and the rangefinder is legal for tournament play. Other features include:
- a 24mm objective scope with a 5x magnification
- a SCAN mode which updates the LCD screen continuously when panning the rangefinder
- rainproof, 2-year warranty, 3-volt battery included
- accurate to within 1 yard
- ranging performance of 5-1000 yards, around 400 yards to flag
The Tour V3 is smaller and lighter and calculates distance more quickly than the previous Tour V2.
Reception
Extremely positive. At the time of writing, this is the #1 best-selling rangefinder on Amazon and it has a 4.7/5 rating with over 600 customer reviews.
Pros
- excellent build quality
- little to no setup required
- very easy to use (point and shoot)
- very accurate
- long battery life
Cons
- unpleasant return/repair process for dysfunctional units
- questionable quality of battery door component
My rating: 4.9/5
2. Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The Tour V3 Slope rangefinder is harder to find now because newer models have been released.
However, they are still available at great prices on this eBay page (modify the search query as needed).
Features/Benefits
The Tour V3 Slope is virtually identical in terms of design and features to the standard Tour V3 (see the features above) except for one feature: the ability to adjust distances/yardages based on the degree of incline/decline of the slope.
As you probably know, the correct yardage to shoot for changes depending on the elevation of the flag (or any other target) relative to your current position; the Tour V3 Slope accounts for this automatically, saving you time and taking away the guesswork involved in determining the optimal yardage to hit.
Bushnell is evidently valuing this “Slope Technology” at almost $100. This should be well worth the extra cost for golfers who frequently play courses that are hilly or have a lot of elevation changes.
Reception
Like the standard Tour V3, this is a very highly rated rangefinder — 4.7/5 rating on Amazon (Patriot Pack is #12 best seller) with over 190 customer reviews.
Pros
- slope feature works beautifully and can really help shave off strokes
- same benefits of regular Tour V3
Cons
- not legal for tournament play
- some might find the slope adjustment feature not worth the added cost
My rating: 4.8/5
3. Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
This is an older model (there are several newer variants of the COOLSHOT 20), but you can still get them on eBay.
Features/Benefits
The Nikon COOLSHOT 20 weighs 125 grams, is lightweight, and has an ergonomic design.
It has a ranging performance of 6-550 yards and is accurate to within roughly 1.5 yards on average depending on the distance to the target.
Nikon’s “First Target Priority” technology enables the rangefinder to easily identify a flagstick against a backdrop such as a forested area. Other features include:
- a multilayer-coated, high quality Nikon 6x monocular that produces excellent clarity and brightness
- a continuous measurement feature (enabled by pressing the POWER button once) that allows for quick and easy measurement of multiple targets even with slight hand shake
- rainproof, two-year warranty
- a long eye relief design favourable for eyeglass wearers
The COOLSHOT 20 is compact (3.6″ x 1.5″ x 2.9″) yet very precise. It is also legal for tournament play.
Nikon is a world leader in optics and this rangefinder is certainly a reflection of that.
Reception
This rangefinder has a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon (with over 42 customer reviews) and at one point was the #2 best seller there.
Pros
- exceptionally clear image
- very lightweight
- picks up targets quickly and easily
- feels solid in hand
- great value for price
Cons
- a bit difficult to hold steady due to the light weight
- tends to have trouble picking up flags from far away (~200+ yards out) or against certain backdrops in some cases
My rating: 4.7/5
4. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The best place to get the VPRO500 is still Amazon. The price is rock solid and it ships out quickly.
Features/Benefits
The Tectectec VPRO500 has a ranging performance of 5-540 yards. It features “Advanced PinSensor Technology” which helps to measure overlapping subjects in your path (such as in the rain).
It has three modes, which are:
First Target Priority Mode
This calculates and displays the distance to the closest subject, which is useful when you want to measure the distance to a flagstick with woods in the background.
Distant Target Priority Mode
This calculates and displays the distance to the farthest subject, which is useful when measuring the distance to a target through a wooded area.
ProScan Mode
This is useful for measuring the distance to hazards.
The rangefinder has a 6x monocular with a multilayer coating for a sharp and bright image. Other features include:
- rainproof, one-year warranty
- 30 day money back guarantee
- includes carrying bag, strap, microfiber cloth, one battery
- accurate to within 1 yard
The battery is a CR2 cell and is not rechargeable. The rangefinder is tournament legal.
Reception
The VPRO500 rangefinder has been received very well; it is currently a #1 best seller on Amazon and has a 4.6/5 rating with over 130 customer reviews.
Pros
- gives accurate and clear numbers
- modes are easy to use and work well
- solid construction
- great value for money
- great customer service
Cons
- can sometimes have difficulty locking onto a flagstick
- case scratches easily and isn’t as durable as it could be
My rating: 4.7/5
5. Callaway 300 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
The Callaway 300 is more difficult to find these days, but you can check out this page.
Features/Benefits
The Callaway 300 has a sleek, compact, ergonomic design, a light weight (7.5 oz), and is legal for tournament play. It has a ranging performance of 5-1000 yards and is accurate to within 1 yard.
Callaway’s “Pin Acquisition Technology” (P.A.T.) enables the user to lock onto a flag from up to 300 yards away. Other features include:
- 6x magnification
- water and fog proof
- includes carrying case and a CR2 3V lithium battery
- a mode that allows for quick scanning of multiple targets like hazards and bunkers
Reception
This rangefinder has a great 4.3/5 star rating on Amazon (with over 25 customer reviews) and it is the #11 best-seller.
Pros
- very durable and light
- sturdy design
- easy to use
- reads out distances quickly and accurately even from far away
- has a focus adjustment on eye piece
Cons
- battery housing cap is not secured properly and it may prevent the unit from turning on due to a bad connection
My rating: 4.7/5
6. Bushnell Tour Z6 Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
Your best bet now is to pick up the Tour Z6 from eBay here at a discounted price.
Features/Benefits
Like the Tour V3 series of rangefinders, the Bushnell Tour Z6 also features PinSeeker with Jolt Technology, which provides short vibrating bursts that confirm to the user the laser has locked onto the flag.
The Tour Z6 can acquire flags from up to 450 yards away, and it has a total performance range of 5 to 1300 yards. The rangefinder is legal for tournament play.
The Tour Z6 also has what Bushnell calls “Second Generation E.S.P.” (Extreme. Speed. Precision) and “VDT” (Vivid Display Technology). E.S.P. provides very quick and accurate yardages, and VDT improves clarity, contrast, and light transmission.
Other features include:
- accurate to within 1/2 a yard
- 6x magnification
- fully waterproof, 2-year warranty
- includes carrying case and a 3-volt 123 battery
- adjustable diopter setting
Reception
The Tour Z6 rangefinder has an extremely good 4.8/5 rating on Amazon (over 115 customer reviews), where it is the #10 best-seller. It is on the pricey side, but you can be certain that it is a quality product.
Pros
- lightning fast
- very easy to lock on to targets
- accurate
- compact
- easy to operate
- long battery life
- sharp images
- quality construction
Cons
- some may find the rangefinder to be too expensive
- jolt vibration occasionally doesn’t work
My rating: 4.7/5
7. Leupold GX-3i2 Golf Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
This Leupold model is quite difficult to find now. Your best bet is looking at the listings here.
Features/Benefits
The Leupold GX-3i2 rangefinder features “Digitally Enhanced Accuracy” (DNA) which affords faster, more precise measurements. The optics are bright, clear, have low glare and are scratch-resistant.
The maximum range is 800 yards, or 450 yards to the flag. Legal for tournament play.
The GX-3i2 also has a “Fog Mode” — in this mode, the rangefinder ignores any fog or weather artifacts that might be between you and the pin and would otherwise interfere with your measurement.
Other features include:
- “Pin Hunter 2” laser technology, which filters out images in the background and makes it easier to lock on to a flagstick
- “Prism Lock” technology, which helps the rangefinder find the flag prism and display the distance quickly
- scan mode (for continuous measuring)
- quick set menu for easy settings navigation
- 6x magnification
- waterproof, lifetime warranty
Reception
This rangefinder is highly rated: 4.6/5 with over 30 customer reviews, and many people prefer Leupold GX rangefinders over those from Bushnell, Nikon, etc.
Pros
Easy to use, fast, LED display is easy to read in all conditions, excellent optics, high quality construction
Cons
Can be difficult to target flags at times, questionable performance of pinseeker function
My rating: 4.6/5
8. TecTecTec VPRO500S Slope Golf Laser Rangefinder
Where To Buy Online
Like the regular VPRO500, the best place to get the VPRO500S is Amazon, where TecTecTec has officially taken up shop.
Features/Benefits
The Tectectec VPRO500S Slope is similar to the standard VPRO500 but with the added benefit of being able to factor the elevation change into the distance calculation.
The VPRO500S has three modes:
1. Slope Mode
This mode has “PinSlope Technology” and cannot be turned off. It provides a slope-adjusted distance, taking into account any inclines or declines in front of you so that you can be confident you’re hitting the right club.
2. Flagseeker Mode
This mode has “Advanced PinSensor Technology” and consists of two sub-modes: First Target Priority (displays distance to closest subject) and Distance Target Priority (displays distance to farthest subject).
3. Scan Mode
This provides continuous measuring, useful for finding distances to hazards.
As this rangefinder has a slope feature, it is not legal for tournament play. It comes with a carrying bag, cloth, strap, and a CR2 3V battery. Other features include:
- 6x monocular with a multilayer coating for bright, sharp images
- rainproof
- accurate to within 1 yard
- 1-year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee
Reception
This rangefinder has a good reception, but not as good as the VPRO500. It has a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon with over 35 customer reviews, and it is one of the best selling rangefinders currently available.
Pros
- great value for money
- very accurate
- well made
- easy to use
- slope feature works well
Cons
- occasionally struggles to lock on to flags, particularly from far away
My rating: 4.5/5
Final Thoughts
Based on my own research and testing, these are some of the best laser golf rangefinders currently available. Most of them are more than a few years old and can be obtained at a great price.
For those on a tight budget who are looking for something effective but on the lower end, something the VPRO500/VPRO500S or the COOLSHOT 20 would be an excellent choice.
What I would recommend doing is simply choosing a rangefinder (either from among this list here or from here) with a price that is closest to your budget.
If your budget isn’t set in stone, the Bushnell Tour V3 is really a rangefinder to consider; it offers a fantastic balance between price and quality.
Best of luck shopping for your golf rangefinder!
Have you tried any of these rangefinders? Which ones are you interested in the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
jQuery(document).ready(function( $) {
$.post( ‘https://golfstead.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’, {action: ‘mts_view_count’, id: ‘705’});
});