Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide

If you’re not Tiger Woods, chances are, you seek some help within your mind regarding your long game. You want a tool to take the guesswork out of the equation and want it to reveal the distance to that distant flag as accurately as possible.

So, basically, you’re looking for a rangefinder but among the overwhelming number of options, you’re not really sure. On top of that, the question that might be going through your mind is, which type? GPS or Laser?

I’ve always preferred laser rangefinders due to their greater accuracy and speed, and if you’re looking for help to find the best laser rangefinder for golf, keep going.

*Some of the links in this page will be affiliate links, this means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to yourself. Take a look at our About Us page for more info on this.

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Top Picks

Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT
Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder
Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
Callaway 350TL Laser Golf Rangefinder with Slope Mode, 6X Magnification, 1000 Yards Range
Brand
Bushnell
Callaway
Color
White/Red
Black/Grey/Red
Sport Type
Golf
Golf
Material
Felt
Plastic
Laser Range
5-1, 000 yards
5-800 yards
Magnification
5x
5x
Lightweight and Portable
Batteries Included
Water Resistant
-
-
-
-
Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT
Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Golf Laser Rangefinder
Brand
Bushnell
Color
White/Red
Sport Type
Golf
Material
Felt
Laser Range
5-1, 000 yards
Magnification
5x
Lightweight and Portable
Batteries Included
Water Resistant
-
-
Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder
Callaway 350TL Laser Golf Rangefinder with Slope Mode, 6X Magnification, 1000 Yards Range
Brand
Callaway
Color
Black/Grey/Red
Sport Type
Golf
Material
Plastic
Laser Range
5-800 yards
Magnification
5x
Lightweight and Portable
Batteries Included
Water Resistant
-
-

Best Laser Rangefinders

1. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder

Upgraded Slope - TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder with Slope - Laser Range Finder with Flagseeker...

TecTecTec VPRO500 is one of the premium yet quite affordable products that we want to start with. Sure the manufacturers’ name is a little awkward, but the product outshines that.

When you don’t really want or need the slope feature but still want a premium laser rangefinder that shines in other sections, the VPRO500 should be one of your top choices.

Or if you must get the slope feature, you should consider the VPRO500S, which is identical to the VPRO500, except that it has slope feature enabled.

Continuous Scan

The VPRO500 lets you continuously scan targets within 540 yards. This really helps when you need an overview of the distances of the targets that play a role in your game. You just need to press and hold the trigger and move the aim to different targets to get the distance of ‘em all.

Advanced PinSeeker technology

The VPRO500 features advanced pin seeker technology which lets you filter your target out of the background distractions. This tech helps to lock on your desired target and filter out the background.

So you’re not confused about which target you just measured the distance to, the flag or the tree behind.

Outstanding Optics

TecTecTec did an outstanding job with their optics. They’ve featured premium, multi-layered & ultra-clear optics that offers easy read. The lenses are incredibly sharp and clear which helps you a lot with your aiming.

Also, they offer 6X magnification and 7° field of view for easier aiming on your target. The rotating eyepiece helps with adjusting the focus for nearsighted or farsighted people.

Bottom Line

The VPRO500 is a quite popular model for what it offers for the price. It shines in almost every sector. When slope ain’t a must, this could be your best bet.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Premium optics
  • Well built, water-resistant
  • Continuous scan mode
  • Focus adjustability
  • Affordable
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Messes up with accuracy sometimes
  • The slope feature is not there
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder - Laser Range Finder with Pinsensor - Laser Binoculars - with Battery, Premium product, best golf laser rangefinders, measuring up to 540 yards with continuous scan mode, advanced Pinsensor technology, and a durable, water-resistant body.

2. Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder

Callaway Golf 300 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder

Callaway is a prominent name in the golf industry, and they make amazing golf products. The 300 Pro is an important part of their golf tool lineup. Under 200 bucks, this tool offers some promising features.

Automatic Slope Calculation

The 300 Pro features automatic slope calculation capability. When the feature is turned on, it’ll automatically consider any slope and show the adjusted result to you. It was quite fast and accurate.

However, there’s another model named the ‘Callaway 300’, without the ‘pro’ that cuts the slope feature to reduce cost. When you’re on a budget you can consider that.

About Range and Accuracy

The 300 pro laser golf rangefinder offers an impressive range of 5-1000 yards. That’s more than many expensive laser rangefinders but we usually don’t need that much. However, it doesn’t hurt to have the luxury.

But the accuracy is questionable in a few cases. Whenever it gets right, it gets it right within a yard. But there are complaints that sometimes it misreads the accuracy by 20-30 yards which is not cool.

So you have to put a little sense in practice when getting one of these on the ground. If the measurement it provides feels fishy to you, you have to re-read to confirm.

That’s a little drawback you have to live with when you want to get other premium features under 200 bucks.

PAT Technology with Continuous Scan

PAT (Pin Acquisition Technology) refers to the target locking mechanism. It’s just a fancy name by Callaway, just the way other companies also give fancy names to this piece of tech.

It provides effective pin-locking within 300 yards even in continuous scan mode, which is impressive. Another convenience feature is that it has the ‘BIRDIE’ tech in place which basically creates an audible ‘Chirp’ sound just like a bird when you’ve successfully locked on the target, so you get the confirmation conveniently.

Good LCD, 6X magnification

The Callaway 300 pro features a nice and easy-to-read LCD display that’s highly usable in all lighting conditions. The optics are nice and crystal clear. The 6X magnification helps you with easier & faster aiming at the target.

Bottom Line

The Callaway 300 Pro is a good overall rangefinder that has its clear drawbacks. It shines with accurate slope calculation, PAT with continuous scan mode, build-quality, and accuracy in most of the cases.

However, the accuracy messes up in other cases is something you have to learn to deal with if you get one of these.

If you want something a little more, check out our Callaway 350TL review.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Automatic Slope calculation
  • Great maximum range
  • PAT technology with a convenient confirmation
  • Continuous scan with PAT enabled
  • Well-built rangefinder, water, and fog proof
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • The accuracy is inaccurate on a few occasions
  • Battery consumption is more than similar models
Sale
Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder
Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder, quipped with 6x magnification, our rangefinders for golfing feature a range of 5-1000 yards with +/- 1 yard accuracy and even measure in both yards and meters.

3. BUSHNELL TOUR V5 SHIFT GOLF LASER RANGEFINDERS

Bushnell Tour V5 Shift for golf

Bushnell has made its way to the top of the best golf rangefinder market in the last decade and has set the pace for newer golf rangefinders in the industry. Bushnell outdid itself with the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift laser rangefinder.

This device is one of the best Bushnell golf rangefinders and one of the best in the entire golf rangefinder market, and Bushnell has gained lots of positive golf rangefinder reviews from this product. In essence, this product has technologies that assist the most golfers to get more satisfaction from the high speed and power housed in the Bushnell tour v5shift laser rangefinder.

BITE Magnetic Mount Feature

Bushnell has included this feature in this best golf rangefinder to enable the golfers to magnetically attach the laser to their buggy or trolley. This is convenient and makes the laser easy and quick to access while the golfers are on the course.

This feature eliminates the need for additional supports such as clips and pins for the laser, and with a handier rangefinder, golfers can focus on winning their games.

Visual Jolt Technology with PinSeeker

The joy of golfers is to hit the target with their golf ball. Therefore, Bushnell provides an accurate range finder by including a pin seeker in this device, which gives a slight vibration when you are at your target, alongside a visible red ring on the display. And although this device does not include a golf GPS, it does provide accurate reading and location of the target, giving the golfer the precision needed to win.

The Jolt technology improves the golfer’s speed, and with the optional slope adjustment, the golfers can not have to shoot severally to confirm the golf range. It is refreshing to be able to play your favorite sport with so much ease and with more accuracy. The Tour v5 shift has such clear optics that make it easier for golfers to spot and lock onto flags at varying distances, giving them the boost of confidence that they require to win.

Slope Compensation Technology

That is a common feature in the golf rangefinder market, but Bushnell has gone a step further to create a “Slope Switch” feature, which golfers can turn on or off between golf rounds.

Unique “Hard-shell” Casing

That gives the Tour V5 shift a perfect finish. Although it does not confer accuracy or speed to the Bushnell rangefinders, this casing is more refined and durable than the previous Bushnell rangefinders. It has a bungee loop that keeps it closed at all times, and therefore the laser is always safe.

Bottom Line

This is unarguably the king of golf laser rangefinders, and like all other Bushnell products, it stands at the top of the golf laser rangefinder list. Admittedly, the price tag of £359 is rather high, but its benefit and the golfer’s convenience are worth its price.

The golfer will come across varying angles, lights, and distances across the golf courses. The great optics and precision of the Bushnell tour V5 shift will come in handy, as it may be the most accurate laser rangefinder you will find in the golf rangefinder market.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Accurate and easy to use
  • Unrivaled optics
  • Optional slope feature isn’t bad
  • Legal for tournament play
  • Water-resistant
  • 6x magnification
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Almost the same thing as the XE
  • Also not cheap
Sale
BUSHNELL TOUR V5 SHIFT GOLF LASER RANGEFINDERS
BUSHNELL TOUR V5 SHIFT, TRUE “PLAY AS” DISTANCE - Now with an enhanced slope algorithm to provide golfers with even more precise tour-trusted compensated distances to account for the hole’s incline/decline. SLOPE OR TOURNAMENT LEGAL WHEN YOU NEED IT, BITE MAGNETIC CART MOUNT, PINSEEKER WITH VISUAL JOLT, TOUR DOMINATION Bushnell stands apart as the undisputed #1 Laser Rangefinder in professional golf — used by 99.3% of PGA Tour pros..

4. Bushnell Pro XE Golf Rangefinders

Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder, Black/Silver, Large

The Bushnell rangefinders are always top in the laser rangefinder market, and the Bushnell Pro XE golf laser rangefinder is no exception. The Bushnell pro-XE is a high-quality rangefinder, which may be the best budget golf finder because it has exceptional features and gives satisfaction to the golfer.

The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is an excellent improvement from the Pro X2, also a great product. In addition, Bushnell has included new and useful features in this product that distinguishes it from other golf rangefinders available.

Quality Optics

The golf rangefinder has lots of less expensive options for golfers, but the Pro XE gives you the satisfaction of a clear field that gives you the feel of looking through binoculars. This improves the golfer’s shots and makes the sport more enjoyable.

There is also an adjustable knob that aids the golfer to fine-tune the lenses to suit their eyesight and is the only range finder with 7x magnification. In addition, the Pro XE number display is bright red, which improves visibility and makes the device a notch above others.

PinSeeker and Jolt Feature

The visual PinSeeker is a new feature that helps the golfer lock in the exact target location on the golf course. It also comes with a jolt feature that flashes and vibrates when you have locked in a position. The Pro XE display then adjusts the slope and elements and displays the line of sight distance.

This feature heightens the golfing experience, and although it is pretty expensive, it is worth its price.

BITE Magnetic Mount

The BITE magnetic mount is an inbuilt feature that allows the golfer to stick the device to the cart or boggy. This is convenient and makes for easy access.

Bottom Line

The Bushnell Pro XE is heavier than the X2 and is a little expensive, but its high magnification and resolution make it suitable for every golfer. In addition, the BITE magnetic cart mount makes it easier to carry around, and the PinSeeker gives accuracy and heightens the pleasure of the sport.

Overall, this product is one of the best golf rangefinders, and you should consider the satisfaction you will get from the Bushnell Pro XE when purchasing a laser golf rangefinder.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • 7x magnification which gives a perfect view
  • Rubberized and water-resistant feature that preserves the device
  • BITE Magnetic cart mount, which makes the laser rangefinder easy to move on the golf course
  • It is legal for tournament play
  • PinSeeker with visual jolt helps with the accuracy
  • Also has an excellent battery life
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Not cheap
  • It’d have been better if the Jolt feature activated more often
  • Many new features won’t pass in a competition
Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder, Black/Silver, LargeSlope with elements, best golf laser rangefinders, Pin seeker with visual JOLT technology, uphill and downhill shots, Built in bite magnetic cart mount, Positive click slope switch, Range is 5-1,300 yards.

5. TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder

TecTecTec ULT-X High-Precision Golf Rangefinder, Laser Range Finder Binoculars with 6X...

Want the touch of all modern features but don’t wanna break the bank? The ULT-X from TecTecTec could be the rangefinder you’re looking for.

Sure the name of this manufacturer is a little awkward but their product is top class. The ULT-X is a great all-rounder priced at an affordable range; it offers goods of all worlds. It’s one of the most balanced golf rangefinders that you can get.

Slope Compensation

The ULT-X is capable of compensating slope when you want it to do so. The distance calculation when considering slope is pretty accurate as well.

When you want to turn it off for tournament legality, you have to swap between two faceplates to do so. The yellow faceplate is for slope calculation whereas the black faceplate does not bring slope calculation into play.

Accurate

TecTecTec claims that the ULT-X rangefinder is accurate to 0.3 yards within 300 yards, ± 0.5 yards at distances of up to 600 yards and ± 1 yard at distances up to 1,000 yards.

The 1000 yards maximum range is for Hazards while the maximum number for the flag is 400 yards.

Now, that’s some impressive numbers from a comparatively affordable rangefinder, when you consider the much pricier Bushnell’s Pro X2 or Tour Shift V4. It offers 6X magnification as well which makes viewing easier at such distances.

TLT with Vibration

TLT refers to TecTecTec’s Target Lock Technology that easily locks on flagsticks of up to 450 yards away and hazards of up to 1000 yards away. It vibrates upon locking to confirm you of that.

It also offers continuous scan mode at such a price point where even many premium and more expensive rangefinders lack that.

Bottom Line

The ULT-X from TecTecTec will be an effortless choice for many since it’s an all-rounder yet doesn’t cost a fortune. There are no major deal breakers in it and it stands in the sweet point between budget and features.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Great accuracy
  • Slope compensation enabled
  • Continuous scan mode for quick measuring
  • Water and moisture resistant
  • All-rounder rangefinder at an affordable price
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Optics are not great
  • Battery life is not the greatest
TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder
TecTecTec ULT-X Golf Rangefinder - Laser Range Finder with 1,000 Yards Range, Slope, Vibration, Easy Flagseeker and On/Off, Incredible accuracy of ± 0.3 yards at distances of up to 300 yards, ± 0.5 yards at distances of up to 600 yards, and ± 1 yard at distances up to 1,000 yards.

6. Garmin Approach Z80 Golf Laser Range Finder

Garmin Approach Z80, Golf Laser Range Finder with 2D Course Overlays

Got some money to spend? You can get something like the Garmin Approach Z80, which offers features as nothing else does. The full 2-D course view, laser range arc, etc will make your game way better than ever before. It simply is one of the best laser rangefinders that money can buy.

On-Point Accuracy

Let the other convenience features wait, the rangefinder does an amazing job at the basics. Take the incredible accuracy for example. It’s accurate within 10” of the flag for up to 350 yards. What better could a golfer ask for?

Full-Color 2-D Course view

The Garmin Z80 operates like a 2-in-1 rangefinder. It sure works primarily with the laser but also shows a full-color 2-D course view just like a GPS model. This gives you an even better overview of the shot to be taken.

It has over 41,000 courses mapped worldwide and your course is overlaid on the viewfinder.

plays like Distance Feature

Don’t recognize this one? Well, it’s nothing but the slope compensation feature of the tool. Garmin has chosen a fancy name for this tech and also engineered it to work with perfection.

Laser Range Arc

The Laser Range Arc feature will draw an arc on the 2-D course view map where your target is. It allows you to have the visual of everything that is in play at that distance, so you can consider everything to take the most perfect shot.

Bottom Line

When money isn’t a concern and you simply want the best in the business, the Garmin Approach Z80 is yours too of choice. It delivers for the extra premium that it charges.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • 2-D course mapping for over 41,000 courses
  • Laser Arc shows what’s around the target
  • Incredibly accurate
  • Shows distance to the front and back of the green
  • Amazing optics
  • Top-notch build quality
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Battery life is not great due to the additional features
Garmin Approach Z80, Golf Laser Range Finder
Garmin Approach Z80, Golf Laser Range Finder with 2D Course Overlays, Full-color 2-D CourseView mapping is overlaid on the viewfinder for more than 41,000 courses worldwide, Automatically shows distance to the front and back of the green.

7. WoSports H-100AG Golf Laser Rangefinder

Wosports Golf Rangefinder, 800 Yards Laser Distance Finder with Slope, Flag-Lock with Vibration...

Who wants the absolute value king of a laser rangefinder? Look nowhere else than the Wosports H-100AG if you’re one of them.

Costing you just over 100 bucks, it offers you almost everything that you need to take the perfect shot, including the slope compensation feature as well.

Range and Accuracy

This finder can measure between 5 to 650 yards which are all we need on the course. It’s accurate within 1 yard of the target. That is enough accuracy we could ask for to take the shot.

Slope Compensation

Asking for slope compensation on a rangefinder that costs around 100 bucks would be too much to ask for if it wasn’t for the Wosports H-100 AG. I was quite surprised to see this feature on this budget rangefinder, and it calculates pretty accurately as well.

Many golfers fancy the slope feature but it often gets out of their hand to get a tool with that feature enabled. The H-100 AG is the best bet for them.

Flagpole Lock

It can log on to flagsticks within 180 yards. This means it’ll differentiate the background and lock the aim onto a flagstick that is within 180 yards from you. This is not the best distance we’ve seen but it’s enough for most shots we take.

I’d rather appreciate that this feature is there, with vibration upon locking on the target.

Other Features

The continuous scan mode is present on this tool which is missing even on many premium and costly rangefinders, like the Bushnell Pro X2.

And it’s also thoughtfully engineered, features like innovative battery cover design that prevents the battery cover from getting lost are just the proof of that.

Bottom Line

The Wosports H-100 AG is an amazing rangefinder for the money. It’s quite surprising that it offers so many things for this inexpensive pricing. People on a tight budget that don’t want to sacrifice much, will love this tool.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Slope compensation in a budget rangefinder.
  • Good range and accuracy.
  • Flagpole lock up to 180 yards.
  • Continuous scan mode.
  • 6X magnification.
  • Surprisingly inexpensive for the performance.
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Fog could get into the tool and harm it
WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder
WOSPORTS Golf Rangefinder, 800 Yards Laser Distance Finder with Slope, Flag-Lock with Vibration Distance/Speed/Angle Measurement, Upgraded Battery Cover, Provides fast measurement, It is accurate to one yard, is water-resistant and delivers a short vibration when you shoot the target.

8. Vortex Optics Impact 850 Laser Rangefinder

Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders

This rangefinder was primarily designed for hunting but it was more than welcomed to the golf course by the golfers, since the mechanism is the same and the effectiveness on the golf course is equally on point. It’s a good rangefinder to consider under 200 bucks.

Range and Accuracy

The manufacturer claims the maximum range to be 850 yards on paper and they’re absolutely correct here. Many other rangefinders claim similar numbers but struggle to get there. But this tool was different and it was actually capable to measure that far.

Slope Compensation in a Different Name

Since it’s primarily a hunting rangefinder, the terminology is a little different. It primarily measures on the HCD (Horizontal Component Distance) Mode which is basically the slope compensation enabled mode, in a different name.

When you want to toggle the slope compensation, you switch to LOS (Line of Sight) mode that does not consider slope.

And both modes are equally effective on a golf course like any other “golf” rangefinder.

Optics

It has a non-illuminated, multi-coated display that does well in all situations but particularly shines in the latter part of the day. It offers great light transmission so it performs with charm in low light conditions.

The menu is intuitive but it sometimes gets a little hard to read.

It’s an overall small & lightweight package that is water & shockproof. The continuous scan mode is there which works just fine. However, it does not have the pin seeker mode that helps you to differentiate your target from the background, which is a little underwhelming.

Bottom Line

The Vortex Optics Impact 850 is a decent rangefinder for the price. There’s a reason why we included a ‘primarily-not-a-golf-rangefinder’ into this list. It keeps up well with the feature demands you have on a golf course.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • True long-range rangefinder
  • Slope and non-slope mode
  • Impressive optics
  • Well-built
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Does not have any pin seeker technology
Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders
Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders, Perfect for bowhunters and range-day lovers, Range targets down to five yards out, with the ability to stretch out to 1,000 yards if need be.

9. Anyork Golf Laser Rangefinder

Anyork Golf Rangefinder 1500yards, 6X Laser Range Finder with Slope On/Off,Flag-Lock Tech with...

Anyork is an underdog in the golfing industry and they offer a value champion that most are not even aware of. But we had to bring this hidden piece of gem into the light.

Apart from it having features like slope compensation, it gets all the basics right, yet it’s priced even under 150 bucks. Had it been from a big name, this thing wouldn’t go any cheaper than 300 that I can tell you.

Range & Accuracy

Having the capability to measure between 5 to 650 yards, this rangefinder gets accurate within a yard, which is the standard you can say. No golfer is going to need further coverage and accuracy I suppose, so full marks on this.

To lock on the target properly, it does have both the flagpole lock (up to 150 yards) and pin seeker technology. On a golf course, the flag-pole lock is the more accurate technology, but I’m overwhelmed that it features both.

Slope Compensation

You asked for slope compensation under 150 bucks and you’ve got it, courtesy of the Anyork’s laser golf rangefinder. It’s quite surprising that such a budget rangefinder features slope compensation that works accurately every time.

Optics

It features a nice LCD display that shows all the information you need. The fast focusing speed is really enjoyable. It also features diopter tech that enhances the clarity and increases the accuracy even more.

Bottom Line

The golfers that have owned this rangefinder have given it much love. It’s truly a value champion but still to be recognized by many. I don’t think one can get anything better than this for less than 150 bucks.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Accurate all times
  • Slope compensation
  • Both flagpole lock and pin seeker
  • Great Optics
  • Excellent pricing
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Not water or fog proof, so be careful
Anyork Golf Rangefinder 1500yards
Anyork Golf Rangefinder 1500yards, 6X Laser Range Finder with Slope On/Off,Flag-Lock Tech with Vibration, Continuous Scan Support-with Battery, 1 second press on the mode button to switch between 2 modes, Very Easy to use ,soft with ergonomically designed.

10. Golf Buddy Laser 1S Rangefinder

GOLFBUDDY Laser 1S Rangefinder with Slope, Pin Finder with Vibration, 880 Yard Range Finder, Slope...

To sum up the list of best golf laser rangefinders, we have the Laser 1S rangefinder from Golf Buddy. It’s another ‘bang for the buck’ product that budget buyers will find handy.

Slope Compensation, Pinseeker

The Laser 1S too has the slope compensation being a budget rangefinder. It was accurate every time as well.

And the pin finder tech that it has worked with slope mode enabled too. The continuous scan mode is there when you need it.

Range & Accuracy

The 1S has a range of 5 to 880 yards. While in real life it can not measure that much distance, we don’t need that either in the golf course. And it was accurate within a yard so no complaints.

Optics

This model features a wider display than many other similarly priced rangefinders which helps in better viewing. However, this display is not that sophisticated, so I guess a corner was cut here.

For other features, it automatically shuts itself down after 10 seconds of inactivity which helps to save battery. It’s also IPX4 rated water-resistant, and the carrying pouch for this particular model is really nice.

Bottom Line

The 1S makes itself a really good option in the budget segment. It’s a rangefinder that won’t let you down very soon.

tick - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Quite accurate
  • Wide LCD
  • Slope enabled
  • 3 modes – standard, scan, pin
  • Competitively priced
Cross - Top 10 | Best Laser Rangefinder For Golf | Reviews | Guide
  • Display not sophisticated
Golf Buddy Laser 1S Rangefinder with Slope
Golf Buddy Laser 1S Rangefinder with Slope, Pin Finder with Vibration, 880 Yard Range Finder, Slope Adjusted Distances, Accurate Measurement, 3 Targeting Mode, 6X Magnification, Wide LCD Display, Acquiring distances of various targets continuously.

Guide to Buying the Best Laser Rangefinder for your money

What makes the best, the best? How do you pick the best one for yourself among these overwhelming options? When you know which things are to look for in a rangefinder, then you know how to pick your winner.

Range & Accuracy

The first and foremost question to ask about a general rangefinder is, how far it can measure the distance to, and how accurately it does so.

However, since we’re talking golf, usually the range is not the very first concern since almost all of the rangefinders offer an adequate range that we may require on a golf course.

Many of these tools claim that they can measure over 1000 yards which I feel to overpromise. You don’t need that much distance coverage on a golf course anyway.

When your rangefinder can measure at least up to 500 yards in real life, it’s good enough. I say real life because most of the rangefinders have a little less maximum range than they claim. So you want to read reviews, not to get convinced only by what they claim.

What’s more critical is accuracy. The more accurate it gets, the better it is for your game. Usually, most rangefinders claim that they’re accurate within a yard of the target and most of them get close to that claim.

A little less or more won’t be a big deal either as you’re a human and it’s very less likely that you’ll hit the ball exactly that far as it shows in the rangefinder.

However, if it alters by a bigger margin, for example, some cheap quality rangefinder could be inaccurate by 20 to 30 yards which is a dealbreaker.

Ease of Use

You want to spend as much time and effort as possible on taking the perfect shot and as little of that to figure out the distance. So you need a tool that’s easy to use and takes less time.

Now, what makes a rangefinder easy to use?

Fast-focusing. Oftentimes it gets hard to focus on the target with a cheap rangefinder, which is not desirable. You want your rangefinder to be able to focus fast.

Stabilization. Everyone’s hands shake a little so if your rangefinder is too sensitive to that, it’ll not be the easiest one to use. Some premium rangefinders have separate stabilization mechanisms to deal with extremely shaky hands.

However, a decent rangefinder should be able to function with a little shakiness.

Speed. How long does it take your rangefinder to give you the distance after you’ve done everything from your side? It’s tiring to hold the tool for long so the quicker it gets, the better it is.

Features

There are a number of features that add value to the basic operation of the rangefinder.

Slope Adjustability. You already know what this does and it’s a lifesaving feature for a beginner and intermediate golfer. Previously, slope compensation capability was a feature that was only limited to premium rangefinders but these days few affordable rangefinders have introduced this feature to themselves.

Your rangefinder should allow you to turn off-slope compensation for tournament legality. And toggling this function is a task itself so if it allows easier toggling with buttons, it’s a plus.

Target Lock. Many manufacturers name this piece of tech in their own fancy way but the basic function is the same – it helps to isolate the target from the background noise.

It is necessary to ensure that you’ve just measured the distance to the target, but not to the tree just behind that. Without this feature, there’d be no confirmation of that and you’d have to hope that you have the distance to your target.

Most of the tools have pin seeker technology for this purpose but a few have flagpole lock. It’s even better since it’s specialized for golfing, whereas a pin seeker helps to lock on any target, be that a golf pole or a tree.

Flagpole works in a more efficient way to lock on flagsticks, which is mostly what we need to measure the distance to.

Continuous Scan. We often need to get the idea of the distances to multiple targets in an area. We need a continuous scan feature for that. Many of the rangefinders offer this feature while some don’t. I think it’s always a handy feature to have to save time.

Optics

An important aspect that you shouldn’t overlook. The quality of the lenses and display help to make or break the overall experience.

The lenses should be crystal clear for easy viewing. The more magnification it has, the easier it’d be to properly aim and lock on the target. 5X is standard magnification, but some offer 6X and even 7X, which is great.

The display needs to be vivid and should be able to clearly present all the necessary information. Some rangefinders have really sophisticated displays which are great.

Build Quality

Build quality matters. Your rangefinder will not sit at your home, rather it’d be somewhat abused on the course. It needs to be sturdy and rigid. Most importantly, water and fog proofing are lifesaving as they’re vulnerable to water damage on the course.

Price

It’s on to you how much you’re willing to spend to get one of these. You can get a good rangefinder at $150, or on $450 as well. Usually, the more expensive ones offer more features and overall better experience of using the device.

Our list consists of the best options for all the price segments, so it should help you to choose accordingly.

Frequently Asked Question About Laser Golf Rangefinder

How does a laser golf rangefinder work?

The function is pretty simple. When you aim at a target and press the trigger button, it emits a laser that reflects off the surface of your target. The system notes the time required for the laser to emit from the system and come back to it.

As it already knows the speed of light, it can thus calculate the distance by the time it needed for the laser to go and come back reflecting off the target.

What are the Advantages of Hybrid Laser Rangefinders?

Hybrid laser rangefinders offer the best of both worlds. GPS golf rangefinders are better known for the overwhelming amount of data it provides. Whereas, the laser ones are better known for pinpoint accuracy and speed of operation.

On a hybrid rangefinder, you enjoy both benefits simultaneously.

Can I use my golf laser rangefinder for other sports?

Yes. As long as the nature of that sport requires measuring the distance to a target, you can use your rangefinder for that. Archery can be one such sport.

What does x-magnification mean?

It indicates how many times your rangefinders’ lens is capable of zooming in on the target. For example, if a target is 150 meters away and your rangefinder is 5X zooming capability, the target will appear to you in size as if it was 30 meters away (150/5=30).

This helps with easier aiming at targets that are quite far from you. The more ‘x’ that your rangefinder offers, the bigger your target will appear to you, and the easier it’ll be to aim at that.

What is “Pin Pointer” and how does it differ from “Pin Sensor”?

Pinpointer gives you a compass that not only shows the distance to the target but also shows the direction to it. This helps with taking a better shot in the bad weather or in case of having an object like a tree between you and your target.

Whereas pin sensor is found in laser rangefinders that assures you that you’re aiming at the desired target but not to any other objects close to that.

Best Laser Rangefinder – Wrapping Up

It’s okay to be picky about your rangefinder since this tool impacts your game quite a lot. When the rangefinder is doing its job properly, it takes the guesswork out of the game and makes your game easier.

But when it’s showing inaccurate readings, it’ll impact your game negatively. So put your time to research thoroughly and pick the best model for your money.

Good luck with your long game.

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