Rangefinders make the game of golf more straightforward and enjoyable. They help you select the right clubs to use when taking a shot, and they also give you an overview of the golf course while allowing you to measure distances to the flag.
Having the right rangefinder is very important if you must enjoy golfing. Some golf rangefinders can be challenging to use, provide inaccurate measurements, or are generally unreliable. But, in this article, we will be looking at two bushnell rangefinders that are among the best in the business.
Nikon Pro Stabilized
The Nikon Coolshot Pro and the Bushnell Tour V5 are rangefinders from two different manufacturers packed with lots of features and abilities. Here we will highlight their features, similarities, and differences to help you choose which one is the best golf rangefinders for you.
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At a glance
The quick answer
The Bushnell Tour V5 and the Nikon Coolshot are great products, widely popular among golfers, and loaded with all the standard features you’d expect from your golf range finder.
In addition, both golf rangefinders provide accurate measurements with their 6x magnification and better optics.
However, the Nikon Coolshot just about edges it over the Tour V5. This is evident when you look at the Image Stabilization feature, a breath of fresh air for players with shaky hands.
The improved ocular lens of the Nikon is another crucial feature that stands it out. Nikon is a leading brand in optics and lenses, so it is no surprise why the Coolshot Pro Stabilized is capable of crystal clear and bright images.
This lightweight rangefinder gives you super-quick reads with HYPER READ technology, so you can focus on your shot options without getting slowed down by your golf gadget.
While it does not have the BITE magnetic cart mount feature as the V5, its Hyper Read technology provides better accuracy and faster readings. So if you are all about the standards and want the most rangefinders that factors in slope readings, the Nikon Coolshot Pro is the right choice for you, and we recommend it.
We must also note that we were a bit disappointed to find that the Pro X2 didn’t have temperature and barometric pressure readings that less expensive Bushnell rangefinders have – an odd omission in our humble opinion. Objectively, the Bushnell Pro X2 is a very solid and helpful golf rangefinder.
Again, we were a bit disappointed that the Pro X2 didn’t have features like the BITE magnet and barometric pressure readings. Still, as we played around with it, the Pro X2 made up for it in other ways.
The elements (temperature and barometric pressure) calculations can be activated by pressing the mode button on the top of the Bushnell XE rangefinder. Slope is the elevation change you have to account for on uphill and downhill shots.
Quick reviews
Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized
The Nikon Coolshot lives up to its ‘stabilized’ name. It provides stability for golfers who battle with shaky hands, and with its OLED display, you can view objects within 1200 yards and easily lock on to targets within 400 yards with its 6x magnification lens.
If you look into the lens of this golf laser rangefinder, you’ll find that it has green and orange indicators for ease of measuring yardages and reading slopes. In addition, it has a green accurate Distance Indicator (ADI) LED indicator by the side that blinks when you’re in legal play to show that you’re not breaking the rules.
You can adjust long distances to the “Play As” (slope adjusted distance) mode when you want by turning on the ID (Incline/Decline) mode, especially for uphill/downhill shots. It guarantees from 8-1200 yards of measurement, so you can conveniently find the accurate distances with the Nikon if you’re aiming at a flag 1200 yards away.
What we were alluding to was the continuous measurement of the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized rangefinder. This is something the Pro X2 doesn’t have. This feature allows you to pan from one target on the course to another for 8 seconds max to determine the distance between the 2 points.
The Coolshot Pro also has many standard features that you’d expect from a top-notch rangefinder. For example, it has the mode and power button on the top, a bigger ocular lens, and it is waterproof for a sudden downpour when you’re playing. In addition, its Hyper Read technology provides fast, accurate, and almost instant measurements to make your game faster.
For all its cool features, the Coolshot Pro Stabilized is quite pricey. It will cost you in the range of $400 – $450 to get one, but you should go for it if you want to invest in a quality rangefinder.
You can also check out the detailed review of the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf best Rangefinder here: Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder Review
- Image Stabilization
- Big Ocular lens
- Waterproof/Fogproof
- Hyper Read Technology
- 5 Year Warranty
- Does not have a magnetic surface
- It is quite expensive
Bushnell Tour V5
The Bushnell Tour V5 golf laser rangefinder is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Tour V4. It has great optics, 6x magnification, Pin seeker with JOLT, and the BITE Magnetic cart mount feature.
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This product comes in two models; it’s got the Tour V5 Shift which has the slope-switch technology for when you need and the standard model Tour V5.
The Visual JOLT feature on the Tour V5 adds another element to notifying you when you lock on targets. It not only vibrates on your hand, but it also gives visual confirmation with a red ring that circles the target through the viewfinder. This feature gives you confidence when choosing the right club for your shot.
It also has the BITE magnetic cart mount that allows you conveniently and securely stick the laser rangefinder on your golf cart.
With a range of about 400 yards, a solid CR2 battery, waterproof, and a strong build, this golf rangefinder does not come very cheap.
You can also check out: Best Bushnell Golf Rangefinder | Top 9 and FAQ
- BITE Magnetic Cart Mount
- Pin seeker Visual JOLT
- 6x magnification
- Compact Design
- It does not have the Slope-switch feature
- Can provide wrong measurements sometimes
Side by side comparison
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized and the Bushnell Tour V5 are some of the best rangefinders from their respective brands. Both products are loaded with many standard features and a few unique ones, making them stand out as top-quality rangefinders.
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized comes with Image Stabilization Technology that will reduce vibrations of the image in the viewfinder caused by hand movement by approximately 80%. This will allow you to acquire a small subject such as a flagstick much faster. 10.
the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized is probably the best rangefinder for you. It’s the easiest to use option we’ve tried. Older golfers, those with certain disabilities, or anybody with shaky hands should find it particularly useful. Like the higher-end Bushnell models, the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized can adjust for slope , though it does NOT account for weather like the Bushnell Pro XE.
However, it can be hard to choose when both products are seemingly great. Let us look at some of the similarities and differences in features to help you choose, but first, the similarities.
Magnification
One of the notable similarities between both products is the 6x magnification feature. It provides better optics and a clearer view when reading yardages/slopes and ensures clarity when choosing clubs.
Battery
The Coolshot Pro is Stabilized, and the Tour V5 comes with CR2 Lithium batteries. When fully charged, the battery can last an entire course without charge.
Waterproof Build
You do not have to panic when a downpour suddenly interrupts play with both rangefinders. In addition, both devices were built to be water-resistant and durable.
Key Differences
A few differences and stand-out features are not akin to both rangefinders. Here they are.
Magnetic Cart Mount
The Bushnell Tour V5 has a magnetic mount feature, while the Nikon does not. This feature helps increase the game’s pace and makes it easier to reach your device faster. In addition, the magnet is robust and reliable as there is no fear of falling off.
Slope Indicator
What the Nikon lacks in a magnetic mount makes up for it with the slope indicator LED. This means that the Nikon can be used for legal play and can also be turned on to factor in slopes. In addition, the Tour V5, unlike the V5 Shift, does not make reservations for slope reading, which gives the Nikon an edge.
Price
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized is more expensive than the Tour V5. However, given its feature, it’s no surprise really because it includes the stabilization technology for players with shaky hands. Usually there is around a $50 difference, but be sure to compare prices as there are often seasonal discounts available.
FAQs
When Was Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Released?
It was released in April 2021.
When Was the Bushnell Tour V5 Released?
It was released in January 2020.
Does Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Have Slope?
Yes, it does. It has slope adjustment technology for when you need it. In addition, you can factor in slope by turning on the ID mode on your golf rangefinder.
Is the Bushnell Tour V5 Waterproof?
Yes, the Tour V5 is waterproof, so there’s nothing to worry about when it rains during a game. It is also fog-proof, so you can practically use it in any weather.
Does the Bushnell Tour V5 Vibrate?
The Tour V5 has a Pin seeker with Visual JOLT technology. This feature enables vibrations when you’ve acquired the target. It also employs visual notifications by giving up a red ring to make sure you know the target is locked.
What is the Magnification of the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized?
The Nikon Pro Stabilize features 6x magnification.
Final thoughts
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized and the Bushnell Tour V5 laser rangefinders are premium products with many different features. While they both share similarities and pretty much do the primary thing you’d need a rangefinder for, the Nikon stands out with its inclusion of slope readings and the stabilized feature to reduce the effects of shaky hands.
If you are trying to choose, it depends on your preferences. If you don’t mind using a rangefinder without slope, the Tour V5 is a great option. It’s also cheaper and performs just as great as the Nikon. On the other hand, you can conveniently spend your money on the Nikon if you want a top-quality rangefinder with sophisticated features. It also comes with a five-year warranty, so you’re covered.