Bushnell Golf laser rangefinders are popular among the more significant percentage of PGA players and neutrals alike. They are the No.1 rangefinders for speed, accuracy, and comfort. Of course, the primary job of a rangefinder is to determine the distance between you and that pin, and Bushnell has more than delivered on that.
We will be comparing two of the best Bushnell pro xe laser rangefinders known as the V5 series, the Bushnell Tour V5, and the tour V5 Shift. Both rangefinders are top-tier devices and share just about the same features, except that the Shift version comes with slope technology. In this article, we will be reviewing the Bushnell Tour V5 Vs. Tour V5 Shift to help you make sense of these golf devices and help you choose which one is most appropriate for your style of play, expectations, and pocket.
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At a glance
The quick answer
Both Bushnell V5 models are feature-packed and provide accurate readings and measurements. However, if you are going for a laser rangefinder with all the features and improved slope technology, we highly recommend the V5 Shift.
It can tremendously improve your game, and it’s no surprise why most PGA players want it. It has a slope switch that allows you to switch to legal play when you want to. It also has the yards/meters button if you need it. With a range of 400 yards for flags, 700 for trees, and about 1300 maximum range, you cannot fail with this rangefinder.
If you, however, want a relatively cheaper rangefinder that offers just about the same levels of performance, the Tour V5 is your tool. Unfortunately, it does not have slope technology. As a result, you probably do not need it if you don’t care about the slopes, especially if you’re using it primarily for tournament purposes.
While the V5 Shift comes with a premium price tag of about $397, it is pretty much better than the Tour V5; it is durable and lasts longer. As a result, we recommend this one for more enjoyable and convenient play.
Product Overviews
At face value, both the Tour V5 and the V5 Shift offer just about the same thing in terms of features and build. Both gadgets are fitted with the updated Pinseeker with Visual JOLT technology and the BITE magnetic cart mount. The Visual JOLT not only allows for vibrations when you lock on to a target, but with its improved technology, you can also see flashes of a red ring through the viewfinder when a target is locked. This helps for better feedback and awareness.
The BITE magnetic cart mount has a pull force of 7lbs, allowing your device to be securely fastened on the cart for more convenient play. Both devices are equipped with this feature, and most of the other features are quite the same, as you will find out shortly, but the significant difference lies in the slope technology.
The Tour V5 Shift has better slope technology and a slope switch that allows you to switch to legal play when you need to. It also has the Shift feature, absent on the Tour V5. This feature allows for the play’s accurate distance of shots to be calculated even after considering the elevation changes.
Let us go a bit more in-depth on both rangefinders and find their unique features and differences to inform your choice of the best Bushnell pro xe rangefinder for you.
Bushnell Tour V5
The Bushnell Tour V5 comes with a carry case, repair tools, CR2 battery, and the Tour V5. This laser rangefinder is an upgrade to the Tour V4. It has a new body, chassis, improved 6X Magnification, slope compensation when you need it, and Visual JOLT technology.
This rangefinder is used by over 80% of PGA golfers because of its ease of use, efficiency, durability, and relatively lower price when compared to the Shift model. This device also has the BITE magnetic cart mount on the side for you to mount your rangefinder on the cart for ease of reach and use.
Another upgrade on this product is the improved optics. The light transparency is better and provides for HD viewing. The Bushnell Tour V5 ranges between 1 to 1300 yards for reflective objects, and it can onto a pin from 400 yards.
The Tour V5 also has a compact design and can easily fit into your hand, making it a great companion for when you’re on tours. In addition, it has a 2-year warranty, a long-lasting battery, and performs much better than the V4.
If you have no desire for Slope or want a reliable rangefinders on a budget, the Tour V5 is your best bet.
You can also read: Precision Pro NX9 VS Bushnell V5 | Golf Rangefinders Compared
- Improved Optics
- Visual JOLT technology
- BITE technology
- Lightweight and Compact
- Has a 2 Year Warranty
- Does not have Slope
- Absence of Slope switch technology
Bushnell V5 Shift
The V5 Shift’s most prominent feature sets it apart from the V5 because it comes in a slope and non-slope version. This rangefinder has improved slope technology and a slope switch on the side so that you can quickly turn it off and on. The controller has a red indicator that shows when it’s on slope mode or tournament mode.
With the improved slope algorithm, the rangefinder can consider the ball’s flight and trajectory when making calculations for better accuracy according to the modern technology employed by golfer ball and club companies. In addition, it has a button on the side that allows you to switch from yards to meters depending on what course you’re playing in.
The JOLT technology integrated into the V5 Shift provides visual confirmation and vibration feedback. For example, when you shoot the pin, a red ring will appear on the perimeter of your lens, giving you visual confirmation that the target is locked.
The V5 Shift comes with a two-year warranty, is sleek and compact, weighs about 8 ounces, and is very durable. You can sync the V5 Shift with the Bushnell pro xe laser app to improve readings through technology. The only thing the V5 Shift will not do for you is taking the shots. It is undoubtedly an excellent choice for a rangefinder.
- Slope technology
- 6X Magnification
- Slope switch feature
- Pin Seeker with Visual JOLT
- Water-Resistant
- It can have the yardage wrong sometimes
- It is expensive
Side-by-side comparison
Now that we’ve looked at both rangefinders individually let us find out some of their key similarities and differences. This will give you an informed edge when choosing the best one for you.
Let us take a look at their shared similarities first.
BITE Magnetic Carts Mounted
The Tour V5 and the V5 Shift both employ one of the modern trends in rangefinders, the magnetic carted mounted technology. Bushnell pro xe BITE magnetic carted mounted t allows you to securely fasten your rangefinder on your push or golfer cart.
Pin Seeker with Visual Jolt Technology
One of the most recent innovations by Bushnell pro xe is the inclusion of visual jolt technology. When a target is locked on a pin, you will see a rendering on your lenses along with a vibration to notify you that you’ve got the target. Both these devices have this feature.
Range
Both devices range 400+ yards to the flag.
Magnification
Another similarity between the V5 and the V5 Shift is that both have 6X Magnification, unlike the V4, which had only 5x. Both devices also offer clearer and sharper views with improved optics.
Water Resistance
Both products are water-resistant.
Key Differences
These products are just about the same model with the almost identical feature, but there are a few differences.
Slope Compensation
The V5 Shift comes with slope technology, while the regular V5 does not.
Slope Switch
Bushnell V5 Shift also has the slope switch on the side of the body to easily turn on and off the slope compensation function when you need to, especially when in a tournament.
Price
Another difference between both products is the price. The Tour V5 costs just about $300, while the V5 Shift is priced at about $400 because of slope technology.
slope switch technology
The key difference between the two rangefinders surrounds slope technology. The Tour V5 Shift features all of the same specifications as the Tour V5 but comes with a new and improved slope algorithm to adjust for today’s ball flights, and slope switch technology to allow you to turn it on and off at leisure. When turned on, you get the benefit of the slope-adjusted distances, and when turned off, it becomes legal for tournament play. Bushnell Tour V5 Feature: • RRP: £299 • PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology • Built-in BITE Magnetic Carts Mounted more of an average rangefinder from Bushnell pro x. This does not have all the feature and functionality of a Bushnell Pro XE, but it certainly has better technology than a cheaper off-brand rangefinder. The Tour V5 Shift is for players that are looking for a good reading of slope compensation, the slope switch technology, and the top-notch slope algorithm will deliver. While it’s going to offer a different experience than something like the Phantom 2 golfers, it’s accurate readings, and quick information about the hole they are playing. This is a very straightforward model that you can learn to use in a matter of
Bushnell rangefinders
Pinlock Technology Magnetic Cart “Bite” Feature Slope Switch Cons Very expensive $100 more just for one feature Spec Range: 1300 yards Magnification: 6x Slope Feature: Yes Pinlock with Vibration: Yes Power Source: 3-Volt CR2 battery Cart Magnet: Yes Our Verdict It is very evident that both Bushnell pro xe tested in this comparison are very similar in terms of specifications and quality, however, the difference lies in the slope feature which clearly sets the V5 Shift apart. The slope feature on the V5 shift makes it a superior rangefinder to the V5, but the question is, is the $100 premium for both rangefinders have a range of between five to 1300 yards and can lock on to a pin from 400 yards? They are accurate to one yard and can be switched between yards or meters depending on your preferred unit of measurement. The Tour V5’s viewfinder is twice as bright as the previous generation of the Bushnell models rangefinder and the 6x magnification of objects is quickly brought into sharp focus through an automatic lens focusing system.
FAQs
How Do I Use Slope on The V5 Shift?
Simply flick the switch to the ‘Slope On’ position. The display will notify you that your rangefinder is on slope with mode. Next, press the Power button to ascertain distance to a flag. This will immediately provide a range. Finally, release the Power button, and you will see the grade percentage and compensated range.
What Are The Ranges Of The Tour V5 and V5 Shift?
Both devices range from about 5-1,300 yards.
What Is BITE Magnetic Cart Mount?
The V5 series of golf rangefinders have a powerful magnet at the side of the device that allows you to fasten your rangefinder on a pushcart or frame for easy access instead of always putting it in and out pouch during play.
When Was The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Released?
It was released and launched on the 29th of January 2020.
When Was The Bushnell Golf App Tour V5 Released?
The Tour V5 was released on the same date as the V5 Shift, January 2020.
Does Bushnell Tour V5 vs. V5 Shift Vibrate?
Yes, both other bushnell rangefinders have the Pin seeker with Visual JOLT technology that allows the device to vibrate and give off a red ring on the lens when you lock on to a target.
Are They Legal For Tournament?
Both products can be used in the tournament, while the V5 Shift has an option of a slope mode when you’re not in a tournament.
Final thoughts
Bushnell is a leading name in the great rangefinder market. All Bushnell rangefinders are high-quality products and bring accuracy, convenience, and speed to your game.
The Bushnell V5 series include the Tour V5 and the V5 Shift. Both products are quite the same with lots of advanced features like the sleek and compact design, strong build, 6X Magnification, Pin Seeker with Visual JOLT, BITE magnetic cart mount, and even the Slope technology that is only obtainable on the V5 Shift.
The V5 Shift has proven to be the better rangefinder between the two with the incorporation of the Slope Compensation. This feature takes ball descent and trajectory into consideration in its slope calculations. This is the stand-out feature of the V5 Shift, and it is impressively accurate and makes your game more accessible.
The V5 Shift comes at a higher price than the Tour V5, so if you are not afraid to invest in a rangefinder with all the features and precision, it is the one for you. On the other hand, if you would rather have a cheaper version without the Slope, then grab the Tour V5.