Best Golf Range Finders in 2022
If you were asked to name the most frustrating thing in the world that thousands of people willingly engage in on a regular basis, chances are golf would be high on your list. While it’s a beautiful game that, when it’s good, it’s really good, perhaps the most fun you can have whacking small golf balls with a club, you’ll often see bonafide meltdowns from grown men on the course, and this isn’t just amateur players, but the pros, too. As amusing as this can be for the outsider, golf accessory companies still want to keep people playing, so they’ll do what they can to halt those meltdowns as much as possible. One of their solutions is the golf rangefinder, a handy little laser device that measures distance, slope and more. If you’re worried that golf could soon be the death of you, then checking out our picks for the best golf rangefinders could be what keeps you snapping clubs, kicking up greens, and crying into bunkers. So check out our selection and keep yourself on par, at the very least.
- Best Choice Overall: TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Range Finder
- Best Minimalist Design: TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Range Finder
- Most Advanced Slope Reading: Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Golf Range Finder
- Bargain Crowd-Pleaser: Wosports Golf Range Finder
- Tournament Favorite: Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Range Finder
- Best Performing Compact Design: Nikon Coolshot 20 Gll Golf Range Finder
- Best Atmospheric Tech: Leupold 2017 GX 513 Range Finder
The Best Golf Range Finder
1TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Range Finder
Not all rangefinders can withstand unannounced weather conditions; this may end up putting a player at a disadvantage. The TecTecTec ULT-X Laser Golf Rangefinder performs phenomenally in rainy, windy and foggy conditions providing the unhindered advantage every player desires. With edge-cutting technology, they have developed this high-end device that accurately measures long distances. A target lock technology ensures this device detects flags up to 450 yards away as well as hazardous plains that could keep you from making the desired albatross. This is achieved via the 6x magnification that zooms into areas across the landscape providing the clarity and brightness required to avoid bunkers.
This golf rangefinder also includes a modern optical technology to provide one of the most reliable measurements with an exceptional accuracy of ± 0.3 yards in short distances and ± 1 yards in distances ranging up to 1,000 yards. It wouldn’t be complete without the slope function; the incline and decline are adequately measured to ensure precision on uneven terrains. This function can easily be turned off when it’s not required; pull the faceplate back to its position to turn the mode off. With a precise scanner that vibrates once the target is detected and high-end technology that improves performance, the ULT-X is definitely a must-have.
Water and moisture resistant
Target Lock Technology and the latest optical technology
Visible faceplate makes it universally legal
24-month warranty
- BrandTecTecTec
- Weight1.2 pounds
2TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Range Finder
A company so nice, they named it thrice. The TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder is a hugely effective product that has been redesigned for this year to provide you with the most up-to-date technology available. This gadget includes new Pinsensor technology, three different scanning modes, and a Diopter adjustment to provide you with broad control over your measurements and leave other golfers struggling in your wake.
Giving you up to 540 yards of range, there are few holes where you cannot use this if any at all, and it’s provided carry pouch, battery, and cleaning cloth combine with a great price to shift it up to anybody’s rangefinder list for consideration. However, these features might be too much, and the rangefinder cannot always handle it, sometimes confusing trees for flags. We know that you’ll not struggle with this confusion though, so if you can look past it, then so can we.
New Pinsensor technology
Three different scanning modes
Diopter adjustment functionality
6 – 540 yard range
- BrandTecTecTec
- ModelVPRO500
- Weight6.6 ounces
Carry pouch, battery, and cleaning cloth included
Good price
Lightweight and portable
Sometimes confuses trees for flag in Pin Mode
3Precision Pro Golf NX7 Pro Slope Golf Range Finder
The Precision Golf Pro NX7 Pro Slope hits the target perfectly and drives to the top of our list of the best golf rangefinder. We’ll first focus on the design, which is compact and lightweight for straightforward carrying in your pocket across the course, while also delivering a slip-resistant casing which keeps it safe from the inevitable tumble from your hands. This protection is further enhanced by a provided carry-case for peace of mind between rounds.
The rangefinding technology is also full of awesome features including adaptive slope measuring that covers both up and downhill, while the pulse vibration gives you confidence you’re picking the right golf club. With a range of up to 400 yards, it’s not the furthest finder we’ve picked, but still more than enough for your local course thanks to clear optics, quick readings, and precision that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.
Adaptive slope covers uphills and downhill
Pulse vibration
6x magnification
6 – 400 yard range
- BrandPrecision Pro Golf
- ModelNX7 Pro
- Weight10.4 ounces
Lightweight and fits in pocket
Slip-resistant casing
Carry case and battery included
Poor shock resistance
4Wosports Golf Range Finder
For those long-range distances professional golfers can’t escape, the WOSPORTS Golf 650 Yards Laser Rangefinder covers the distance. An accurate flag lock feature works when the device is pointed in the direction of the pin, a gentle vibration confirms the flag distance has been locked down. By pressing the power button after the flag has been located, the scanning mode then displays the precise distance on the LCD. You can continue viewing the distance on the screen even on the move by holding the power button down.
For uneven landscapes, the slope feature calculates the accurate distance measuring the incline and decline and providing the exact distance, enabling a clear and well-calculated shot. This mode can be switched on or off at preference; you can also switch from reading the distance in yards or meters. In addition to calculating the distance, it also measures the angle and speed giving you an all-around edge during tournaments. This rangefinder is very simple to operate with two buttons performing all the operations, it’s also light on the hands, providing an easy grip. Still on the fence about this outstanding Rangefinder, there’s an 18-month warranty that just might convince you.
Meter/ yards mode switching
Measures from 5-650 yards
6x magnification
Innovative and lightweight design
- BrandWOSPORTS
- Weight11.2 ounces
5Callaway 300 Pro Golf Laser Range Finder
A notepad and pencil are commonly used to ascertain the distance from the golfer to the pin. This gives the player an idea of how far or moderately they should swing to get an advantage. This can be tiring and if we’re honest, it’s a bit old school. With the new age Callaway 300 Pro Golf Range Finder, you can determine the distance you require to get those long shots going. It’s so precise that it inclusively measures the Slope; accurately calculating the incline and decline and providing the exact Slope distance. Of course, this feature can be turned off for professional tournaments as well as the birdie sound indicator. This indicator goes off when the range finder has located the pin using a precision centered pin acquisition technology.
The pin acquisition technology locks on to the pin from up to 300 yards away, with the option of viewing the readings in meters or yards. In addition to that, the magnifying lens takes in the view of the golf course, scanning ranges from 5-1000 yards for multiple targets. This is definitely a great function for both professional and amateur golfers to scan the landscape for probable hazards or useful angles. At the end of the day, this high precision scanner does a great job at tracking the pin and providing the edge you need for a successful swing.
Delivers pin seeking accuracy
6x magnification capability
Clear LCD display
Water and fog proof
- BrandCallaway
- ModelC70146
- Weight8 ounces
6Nikon Coolshot 20 Gll Golf Range Finder
Despite being more famously associated with cameras rather than a golf yardage finder, the Nikon Coolshot 20 is a more-than-formidable product that is sure to aid golfers of all abilities on courses all over the world. Immediately, you look to its clear and high-contrast views that offer a remarkably reliable image to read, as well as 8-seconds of continuous scanning to provide the best result possible. But that’s not all.
You’ll also see the broad distance range and specific modes that offer you just a little more confidence in your shots than mere eye guesswork. The priority target mode combined with excellent precision software make it an ideal partner for tee off, fairway and approach shots, which means you’ll never feel stuck about which club to choose from. With the Nikon Coolshot, you’ll be gifted accuracy, quick readings, and a whole other dimension to your golf game. Be sure to combine it with some of the best golf trolleys from our list.
First target priority mode
8-second continuous scanning
Clear, high-contrast views
6 – 550-yard range
- BrandNikon
- Model16565
- Weight4.5 ounces
Weatherproof
Compact design
Eyeglass friendly
Hard to steady the pin
Golf Range Finder Buying Guide
Features to Look Out For in a Golf Range Finder
Before purchasing a golf range finder, there are few features to consider;
Stability - The shape and design of a golf rangefinder will determine how stable the device is in your hands, and easy-grip makes for better visibility and a clear view of the target.
Waterproof - A device that can still perform regardless of the weather conditions is a real keeper. Golf is an outdoor sport; the game, therefore, is subject to abrupt weather changes the device should be accustomed to. A rangefinder that still provides a good view in rainy and foggy situations will give you the advantage on the golf course.
Magnification - The magnification is important for seeing long distances clearly and properly. A golf range finder should have at least 5x magnification to see the flag clearly and more closely.
Auto Target Acquisition - This entails that the range finder should be equipped with the necessary technology that focuses on the pin or the specific target. Even after scanning through the landscape, this feature ensures the device ignores unnecessary objects and tracks the required target.
Dual Display - Dual display allows two different color display options on the screen for enhanced visibility in different weather and lighting conditions.
Golf Range Finder FAQ
Q: What is a golf range finders work?
A: Golf range finders calculate the distance from a player to the target. They are mostly used for gaining the advantage during golfing especially on courses that have long ranges.
Q: How does a golf rangefinder work?
A: It uses GPS navigation or a laser alongside other technological features to accurately measure the distance.
Q: What is the difference between a golf rangefinder and a hunting rangefinder?
A: While golf range finders scan near objects as well as distant objects, hunting rangefinders are better at detecting long-range objects. Golf rangefinders are also more efficient and quick in their reading compared to the latter. However, in term of magnification prowess, hunting rangefinders do a better job at enlarging distant objects.
Q: Do you need slope on a rangefinder for golf?
A: A slope will provide the advantage required on uneven terrains, calculating the incline and decline along with the leveled distance to the target.
Sources:
- The Top 10 Tantrums, Outbursts and Meltdowns in Golf - Golf Digest
- Best Golf Rangefinder Buying Guide - Laser Golf Rangefinder
- Par 7, 1,100-yard hole provides challenge for long hitters in South Korea - PGA
- Laser Rangefinder - Wikipedia