Most golfers, especially pros, prefer to go for the bigger things that matter – a rangefinder with excellent optical quality, accurate distances, the precision of flagpoles and slopes, brilliant ergonomics, and the screen quality of the device.
Finding these superior qualities in a laser rangefinder isn’t all that easy, as most golf rangefinders aim to meet the barest minimal quality of a laser rangefinder. For most rangefinders, deciphering distances, a good lock on the precision of obstacles and trees, and the working magnet are what a rangefinder should need.
The best rangefinders go beyond having only these qualities. I will classify Nikon cool shot pro stabilized rangefinder as one of the best. The quality of the Nikon cool shot pro rangefinder speaks volumes.
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Quick Comparison
1-Minute Review
The Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized is a small, compact, and lightweight viewfinder, and it doubles as one of the most expensive rangefinders out there. However, it possesses qualities that make paying the price a temporary pain in your pocket.
The Nikon Coolshot pro has an actual distance indicator, which provides precise distances, accurate slope measurements, and bright clear images faster than most rangefinders.
It has a stabilization feature, which removes vibration occurrences on usage to an excellent extent, making it easier to ascertain flag distances and slopes while golfing, perfect for unsteady hands. In addition, it is completely nitrogen purged to be fog-resistant.
- Water and fog proof, efficient for every weather
- Stabilization of features
- Hyper read technology
- Actual distance indicator
- Incline and decline ID technology
- Excellent pink lock technology
- Cost is way above the average rangefinder
- Not so easy to operate for new golfers
- Small-sized, may not be a good choice for golfers with large hands
- The green flash is not consistent
Let’s take a closer look
Nikon rangefinders weren’t a thing in golf courses until some years back, but they easily procured a name in this field due to their excellent cameras. Yes, the producers of the Nikon cameras you know of.
The word Nikon always seems to conjure up the song Kodachrome by Paul Simon and his catchy lyric “I got a Nikon camera, I love to take photographs”. And yes, I grew up in a time when people used film.
Nikon Coolshot Pro is another extension of their excellence in capturing images. In addition, the Nikon rangefinder has some unique features which are tailored to help golfers perform better.
How this happens, you will find out below.
How does it work?
The rangefinder has a slope mode that features a green LED light at the front, indicating when one can easily switch into tournament play. The OLED display is easy to spot, even in late evenings. The display light spots flags, flagsticks, and targets without challenges.
Best Laser Rangefinders, As you would expect for a laser at this price point, it has Slope mode and supposedly features a flashing green LED light at the front of the unit that signifies when it is legal for tournament play but despite trying both on and off modes we couldn’t get it to flash.
When the power button is held, the device continuously measures the range for 8 seconds, allowing you the luxury of knowing the distance to all objects and hazards in your path. This helps you make a better shot.
Actual Distance Mode offers line of sight distance only. Horizontal distance and height mode. Actual distance and height mode. How many Brightness Levels are there? The Coolshot Pro has 6 brightness settings. The first is “A” for automatic brightness, and then levels 1 through to 5 with 5 being the brightest.
The incline/decline technology helps with the slope-adjusted distance and the distance your uphill or downhill shot will go, as it displays the horizontal distance and height, which becomes your guide on the distance of the shot you should take.
The rangefinder uses four display modes, F1 to F4, which can be switched automatically with ease, as it enables the user to use different modes to do different things in the course of the game. Starting from the last to the first, F4 is the display mode that controls the actual distance indicator.
The F3 display golf mode controls the distance measurements, giving the accurate measurement in yards or meters.
F2 display mode is the automatic brightness adjustment feature, which controls the brightness of the device. Luckily, the brightness can also be set manually, depending on your choice of brightness level.
The first display mode, F1, is the default measurement display golf mode, which displays slopes and gives the distance of flags or target poles.
Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized has rubber straps at the top and bottom of the device to support hold and steady images while viewing. In addition, these straps make switching between the different golf modes available on the device easy.
Key Features
Nikon Coolshot Pro rangefinders though expensive, have features to prove that it is worth their price. So what are these characteristics that set these rangefinders apart? Let’s take a glance at some superior features.
Hyper read tech
A huge percentage of rangefinders promises the delivery of distances in seconds. Still, the Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized has a technology, the hyper read tech, that precisely tells distance of the yardages faster and with ease, in less than one second, a rate which is uncommon to most.
Excellent Optics
Safe its advanced optical stabilization system, this rangefinder has grand optical strength with reinforced optics, particularly with the Nikon brand of cameras. The optics lens gives a crystal clear image of flagsticks, slopes, target holes, and trees. With this, navigating uphill or downhill shots is easier to see as they are.
Stabilization Feature
From the name, the Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized rangefinder has a feature that stabilizes images when viewing through the lens, reducing the distorting of images due to shaky hands movements or the vibration of the rangefinder. With this stabilization feature, a steadier image when viewing is produced. This means that the operator can accurately aim at the target and decipher the distances of yardages and slopes efficiently and faster, improving speed. With this feature, locating and locking on the flag is enhanced, even in windy conditions. Older golfers with shaky hands can also golf better.
Performance
The accuracy Nikon Coolshot pro boast of is not theoretical, and I confess it has better accuracy on golf courses than Nikon expects it should. The producers state that the accuracy of the rangefinder in 700 yards is +/- 0.75 yards, which is considered a good precision of distance when compared to other rangefinders, though much better at shorter yardages. However, the rangefinder can decipher up to 1200 yardages at an accuracy of around +/- 1.25 yards on golf courses, and well, that’s a big one.
Distances on the rangefinder are displayed to decimal point accuracy, which I believe is a higher accuracy of the distance. Any golfer would love this added feature for precise distancing
Nikon Coolshot Pro has a diopter ring behind the device to input your choice of holding the unit the way you want to. With these features, the device is personalized for virtually everyone to use.
The enormous field of view and the 6x magnification is a combination that is one of a kind. The translating graphics displaying the distance are red, making it easy to read. Target lock is noticed not by the vibration common to many rangefinders but by a small green circle. No click sound or vibration is heard.
Limitations
The Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized golf rangefinder is a device that I believe is enough value for its money. So far, the only limitation of this product is the cost of the product and the small size, which though performing efficiently, may pose a problem for golfers with larger palms who may prefer to hold sturdier and bigger rangefinders. However, thinking about the cost, the value, clear images, and other distinct features to help golfers, the price of this rangefinder is equivalent to the value of the rangefinder.
Ease of Set-Up and Use
Nikon Coolshot Pro is so easy to use and set up. By popping the batteries into the places where they should be, you can bring the device alive by pressing the switch button. The device, to an extent, may require the help of a pro user to get the new user familiar with the modes on the device, which makes the use more distinct and fun from the average golf rangefinder.
Ongoing Maintenance
One good thing about this golf rangefinder is it doesn’t require special maintenance to keep it in good working condition. Maintenance is easier when compared to other rangefinders, as it is fog proof so that it can live through the fogs and tough weather conditions. You can practice with it for a long time, yet it remains efficient. Maintaining the device is not a difficult task.
Extra purchases and ongoing costs
The Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized comes with top-notch packaging, including batteries to support the rangefinder for a while, the small carry case, and other essentials. Though batteries are long-lasting to function beyond that of the average golf finder, it’s to hold onto an extra, just in case, there’s a problem with any supplementary tools.
A couple of alternatives to consider
Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized golf rangefinder is inarguably one of the best, but they are other options you should consider if you have a budget slightly different from the price of the Nikon Coolshot pro.
You should consider purchasing the Callaway laser rangefinder for a budget below the Nikon Coolshot pro stabilized price. This rangefinder is small and made of plastic, making it easy to carry around. Its range is from 5-1000 yards, slightly different from the Nikon Coolshot pro. Another amazing thing is it locks onto a pin about 300 yards away. It delivers quality even at a lesser price.
The Bushnell Pro XE golf laser rangefinder should be the first choice for a slightly bigger budget. This is one of the rangefinders out there, as it combines the best qualities a field rangefinder can have yet.
It has an accurate yardage range of 5-1300 yards, with added temperature and pressure to the accurate slope technology to give golfers the most precise known distance on golf courses. In addition, that it is wrapped in a sturdy waterproof metal gives a sturdier feeling and makes it one of the most durable rangefinders to hit the market.
FAQs
When was the Nikon Coolshot Pro stabilized released?
This rangefinder was launched in early 2018, so they are possible chances that improvements on this model have been made.
Is the Nikon Coolshot Pro stabilized waterproof?
It is made with ergonomic materials to withstand water, so it is waterproof.
Does the Nikon Coolshot Pro vibrate after flag lock?
No. it simply flashes the green light on the OLED display
Is the Nikon Coolshot Pro illegal?
It depends on the tournament registered for. Most recognized tournaments refuse the use of rangefinders for players of the sport.
Is the Nikon Coolshot pro fog proof?
The producers claim it is nitrogen-fudged, a feature that makes objects resistant to fog.
Final thoughts
To put all these in a wrap, the Nikon Coolshot pro possesses a top-tier degree of stabilization, and it gives good resolutions of flagsticks and targets anytime. So older golfers or golfers who have a hard time keeping their hands in place should consider getting this range finder. The advantages are almost equivalent to the rangefinder price and trust me; it is worth it.