We pick out the best laser rangefinders the market in 2021 has to offer, all designed to give you accurate distances to the flag and fit perfectly in your hand
Best Golf Laser Rangefinders
Technology has become a huge part of golf not just in terms of the new futuristic designs and materials used in golf clubs, but also in terms of shoes, apparel, balls and of course GPS.
Laser rangefinders have massively grown in popularity over the last few years primarily because they give golfers pinpoint flag accuracy. No longer do players have to find sprinkler heads, go to the course guide, or ask a playing partner for a yardage because with a rangefinder it takes seconds to zap the flag or hazard to give you clear and concise numbers.
Indeed the convenience and speed are two reasons many golfers favour them over GPS watches and other golf GPS devices. They also usually run on batteries and so can be left in your bag between games for a much more hassle-free user experience than GPS units, which need regular charging.
We’ve recently tested the best golf laser rangefinders currently available, and these are our picks of the best. All the rangefinders here have been reviewed by our team, which means testing over multiple rounds out on the course, and this guide is updated on a regular basis to make sure it includes the latest releases.
We test out the leading laser rangefinders available in 2021 on the golf course
We also recommend checking out our guides on the best golf GPS watches, best golf launch monitors and the best golf grips for golfers should you be looking to upgrade other areas of your bag.
The best feature-packed laser rangefinders
Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder
Seamlessly combines GPS hole maps with fast and accurate laser functionality
The Z82 can scroll through a hole’s upcoming hazards on a 2D map overly in the viewfinder
KEY INFO
RRP: £579.99/$599.99 Weight: 232g Range: 450 yards flag
Magnification: 6x Protection: IPX7 Waterproof Battery life: 15 hours
+ Hole overlays assist with strategy, especially off the tee
+ Accurate and surprisingly easy to use
– Complex functionality takes some getting used to
The Approach Z82 provides 2-D overlays for both full-colour Course View and Green View detail through the lens. When looking through the viewfinder, a full-colour 2-D Course View mapping is displayed on the left-hand side of the lens view, showing distances to hazards and the green. The flag finder feature will lock on the flag and give precise distances to the pin.
The Laser Range Arc will be drawn on the green at the distance ranged to the flag, so the golfer can see if the pin is in the front, middle, or back of the green. The arc can also be used to see what else is in play when ranging other targets on the course.
There’s also a PlaysLike Distance feature that accounts for slopes and Pin Pointer feature, which points to the middle of the green on blind shots. If you like Garmin products, make sure you check out our guide on the best Garmin golf watches too.
This is undoubtedly one of the very best golf laser rangefinders you can buy. While it’s premium priced, the user experience is second to none and the way GPS technology and hole maps have been incorporated into a rangefinder is extremely impressive.
- Read our full Garmin Approach Z82 laser rangefinder review
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Laser Golf Rangefinder
Combines speed with a vibration and a flashing red ring in the display when the flag is found
Users can easily toggle on the Slope function and switch to yards or metres via buttons on the side
KEY INFO
RRP: £359/$399.99 Weight: 226g Range: 1300 yards (400+ flag)
Magnification: x6 Protection: Rain proof Battery life: N/A
+ Excellent optics and range
+ Easy to toggle between modes
– More affordable models out there
Bushnell are a brand synonymous with the best golf laser rangefinders and the Tour V5 and V5 Shift continue that trend. Both come packed full of technology such as Bite technology which is a magnetic mount and Pinseeker with visual JOLT technology which is a red ring that flashes as JOLT vibrates to give the golfer even greater feedback and confidence to know they have locked onto the flag.
In terms of ease of use, it couldn’t be simpler. Just point, shoot, and the flag is picked out quickly thanks to the crystal clear display and adjustable Fast Focus System toggle. You can also change from metres to yards in a flash with the button on the side too.
The difference between the Tour V5 and the Shift is that the Shift comes with a new and improved slope algorithm and Slope-Switch technology which allows the user to turn the slope function on or off.
Both are waterproof which is an excellent feature and they also come with a sturdy carry case as well, making it one of the best golf laser rangefinders on the market right now.
- Read our full Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Review
Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
Designed for golfers with unsteady hands to pick out the flag more easily
The stabilisation feature is designed to counteract unsteadiness in your hand
KEY INFO
RRP: £499/$449.95 Weight: 180g Range: 1,200 yards
Magnification: 6x Protection: Waterproof and fogproof. Battery life: N/A
+ Ideal for golfers with an unsteady hand
+ Waterproof protection is rare in this category
– Stabilisation feature may frustrate initially
Nikon’s all singing and dancing laser rangefinder for 2021 is packed full of assistance to get you quick and accurate distances to the points you want.
The stabilisation feature is said to reduce hand shake by approx. 80 per cent and while it takes some getting used to, with practice it certainly seemed to help us lock on to a flag more easily. There’s nothing more frustrating that not being able to get the correct distance and this rangefinder should help.
This laser can provide an audible and visual flagstick confirmation for extra reassurance and there are four different measurement modes for golfers that play lots of hilly courses.
It’s a lot of money, but the waterproof protection and automatic brightness adjustment level goes a long way to justifying it, helped by the unique stabilisation feature. If your hands are unsteady, you play a lot of different courses and money is no object, it’s probably your perfect match.
- Read our full Nikon Coolshot Pro II laser rangefinder review
Precision Pro R1 Smart Laser Rangefinder
Ideal for the gadget lover that wants personalised distances based on your swing data
KEY INFO
RRP: £Varies/$319.99 Weight: 204g. Range: N/A
Magnification: x6. Protection: Water-resistant and shock proof Battery life: Rechargeable
+ Unprecedented accuracy
+ Doubles as an excellent GPS app
+ Charges via a micro USB
– Bulky shape might not suit everyone
– Setting up process takes time and requires launch monitor access
For golfers that love their gadgets, the R1 Smart will by right up their street as it is so much more than just a laser rangefinder.
It is this, of course, but it also partners with a free app to provide unique, personalised distances by taking into account your launch monitor data as well as altitude, wind, temperature and humidity in real time for unprecedented accuracy.
It sound complicated, and you do need to invest some time in getting launch monitor data with all your clubs for the MySlope information to be fully functional. But the benefits are an app/laser combo that will suggest what club to hit taking everything into account – you can no longer pull the wrong club by mistake.
The laser rangefinder on its own is fine – it’s bulky but vibrates when the flag is found and the display is bright and clear. To get the most out of it will take time, but many will enjoy the return on investment.
- Read our full Precision Pro R1 Smart laser rangefinder review
Bushnell Pro XE Laser Rangefinder
Arguably the most accurate laser rangefinder and a popular choice among tour caddies
KEY INFO
RRP: £475/$549.99 Weight: 312g Range: 500+ yards to flag
Magnification: x7 Protection: IPX7 Waterproof. Battery life: N/A
+ Arguably the most accurate laser on the market
+ Ideal if you play hilly courses in lots of different conditions
– Extra features may go redundant for many users.
One of the best Bushnell golf rangefinders you should consider is the Pro XE. There are many factors that influence the distance the ball will travel and how far the pin is away from you. The new Pro XE takes even more of these into account, including temperature and altitude as well as Slope, to give you an unprecedented level of accuracy on compensated yardages. Admittedly these features aren’t legal for competition use, but a button on the side quickly and easily disables them for your monthly medal.
In tournament play, you can benefit from the improved PinSeeker with Visual Jolt feature, on which a red ring now appears through the viewfinder along with a vibrating burst when the flag has been detected from the background. This extra reassurance should boost your confidence as to the club required for the upcoming shot.
Another unique feature of the Pro XE is the Bite magnetic mount. This allows it to be stuck to almost anything metallic, the most convenient of which being the frame of a buggy.
- Read our full Bushnell Pro XE laser rangefinder review
Leupold Golf GX-4i3 Golf Rangefinder
Boasts a stylish, modern design and many useful features
RRP: Weight: Range:
Magnification: Protection: Battery life:
+ A host of impressive, unique features
+ Displays distances quickly
– Sometimes tricky to pick out the flag from a busy background
Leupold’s DNA (Digitally eNhanced Accuracy) engine and advanced infrared laser provides fast measurements and increased accuracy displayed to the nearest 1/10 of a yard.
It even features a Club Selector tool, which can be disabled for tournament play, providing club recommendations based on personal hitting strengths, slope, and current environmental conditions.
PinHunter 3 technology increases the pulse rate of the rangefinder, which ignores user movement to identify the pin, while the audible Prism Lock lets you know you’re locked on to the target.
Best Laser Rangefinders For Simplicity
Motocaddy Pro 3000 Laser
Easy to use and provides simple point-and-shoot functionality
KEY INFO
RRP: £269.99/N/A Weight: 196g Range: 1300 yards
Magnification: x7 Protection: Rainproof. Battery life: N/A
+ Nice level of useful features with simplicity
+ Can be clipped securely to Motocaddy trolley accessory station
– Perhaps lack shelf appeal
Compared with everything else we’ve tested, you’ll be hard pressed to find one more simpler to use than the Pro 3000. It stands out from the crowd with its sheer array of features as well as the case’s special connection to the Motocaddy accessory station and the two-year warranty.
Speaking of features, let’s discuss some now. The first thing we noticed was the boxy shape which fitted well in the hand, and the weighty feel of it meant we could get a steady hold of it when trying to measure a yardage.
From a visual perspective, the display is bright and clear, and the rapid detection also helps off the tee when scanning the hole, seeing the distances change almost constantly as you move to different targets. The Pin Lock mode also made it very easy to pick out the flag too with a reassuring vibration.
In slope mode we particularly liked that it displayed both the legal and adjusted distance so you as a player can get a feel for elevation changes somewhat.
The battery level in the display is a welcome addition, letting you know when a replacement power source is soon required.
- Read our full Motocaddy Pro 3000 Laser Rangefinder Review
Bushnell Tour V5 Slim Edition Laser Rangefinder
Ideal for golfers that play flat courses and don’t need or want to worry about Slope function
KEY INFO
RRP: £299/$299.99 Weight: 187g Range: 1300 yards (400+ flag)
Magnification: x6 Protection: Rainproof. Battery life: N/A
+ Streamlined shape will fit more golfers’ hands better
+ Still packed full of useful features
– No slope mode
On the new Tour V5 Shift Slim Edition laser for 2021, the battery housing has moved to the back of the unit and the outer casing has been slimmed down so it fits more snugly into the palm of the hand.
This creates minimum interference when acquiring a target on the golf course and means these lasers can be held steady by all users in all conditions, creating greater confidence in distances when out on the course.
It still features the magnetic Bite feature and vibrating Jolt when the flag has been detected, while the Tour V5 Shift Slim Edition has the improved slope algorithm technology ideal for hilly courses.
- Read our full Bushnell Tour V5 Slim Laser Rangefinder Review
EasyGreen Vision Pro Rangefinder
For golfers with smaller hands that still want the Slope feature
KEY INFO
RRP: £249.99/N/A Weight: 145g. Range: N/A
Magnification: N/A Protection: Water resistant (IXP4) Battery life: N/A
+ Bright, wide display
+ Slope functionality easily disabled
– White sections discolour easily
One of the lightest laser rangefinders you’ll find and also one of the smallest. Despite this, it still seems to fit well but keeping it steady is a little more tricky.
The display is surprisingly wide and bright, especially in dim conditions, and you can change the opacity of the graphics if you feel the urge.
You can a decent level of features here and on the whole, it seems intuitive to navigate through them and get the distances you want.
It perhaps lacks the wow factor but for the price, there is competitive value for money for golfers seeking a faff-free user experience as well as the option of slope-adjusted yardages.
- Read our full Easygreen OLED Vision Pro laser rangefinder review
Nikon Coolshot 50i Laser Rangefinder
Provides a high level of features and accuracy at a decent price
KEY INFO
RRP: £359/$299.95 Weight: 175g. Range: 1200 yards
Magnification: 6x Protection: IPX4. Battery life: N/A
+ Tacky areas on the casing enhance grip
+ Built-in magnet for convenient storage on a buggy
– Lightweight feel reduces stability in the wind
The Coolshot 50i strikes a nice balance between being reasonably priced while offering a competitive level of features.
In your hand, the tacky textured sections on the top and bottom mean you’re unlikely to drop it but coming in well under 200 grams means it’s a little shaky in the wind and it doesn’t have the stabilisation feature of the Coolshot Pro II Stablised model to negate this.
The red graphics in the display are bright – helpful in overcast conditions – and the optics generally were very impressive. We were able to gun everything we wanted to, with the distances flashing up quickly.
This laser is for the golfer with a steady hand who plays a lot in a buggy and wants the option of slope-adjusted distances available.
- Read our full Nikon Coolshot 50i laser rangefinder review
Zoom Focus Tour Laser Rangefinder
For golfers that want to add a touch of class to their kit
KEY INFO
RRP: £299/$299.99 Weight: 210g Range: 850+ yards
Magnification: 6x Protection: N/A Battery life: N/A
+ Exceptional clarity in the display
+ Premium, elegant aesthetics
– Wide fit won’t suit those with small hands
Where this laser rangefinder sets itself apart is how it looks. With its hybrid metal design, it boasts a premium, elegant look that users will be proud to own.
But it doesn’t skimp on functionality either. With a Slope mode easily toggled via a switch on the side, users can gain more accuracy easily on hilly courses.
It has a scan mode which is useful off the tee when seeing how far it is to clear bunkers, and a flag mode that works well at picking out the target from the background on approach shots.
The display is also one of the best around – vibrant and wide, you get a clear view of everything that lies ahead regardless of the time of day you are playing. It’s light, but not excessively so, and combines a wealth of useful features at a competitive price.
- Read our full Zoom Focus Tour laser rangefinder review
Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder
Provides both GPS distance and laser accuracy in one, easy-to-use unit
KEY INFO
RRP: £399/$399.99 Weight: 180g Range: 400+ yards flag
Magnification: 5x Protection: N/A Battery life: N/A
+ Grippy sections make it easy to hold securely in the wind
+ Addition of GPS enhances user experience
– Dated, somewhat clunky design
Another worthy inclusion in this best golf laser rangefinders list, the Bushnell Hybrid combines laser and GPS yardages together.
Exact distances to the pin are provided through the Hybrid’s laser function powered by a CR2 battery, while a GPS display on the side, powered by a USB rechargeable lithium ion battery, delivers front, middle and back yardages to help when golfers have blind shots or need quicker, more general information.
The Hybrid also boasts PinSeeker with Jolt Technology, providing short, vibrating bursts to isolate the target and lock onto the flag.
Sureshot Pinloc 5000 IPS Laser Rangefinder
An underrated option that is ergonomically designed at is proven to be accurate
KEY INFO
RRP: £229/$269 Weight: 175g Range: Up to 1000 yards
Magnification: x6. Protection: Not waterproof Battery life: N/A
+ Flag distance remains in the display for 15 seconds
+ Variety of useful, easy to use modes
– Gold trim reduces visual appeal
While the gold trim provides an element of tackiness, we can’t fault the user experience this rangefinder provides.
We liked how in flag mode, the distance locked will stay in the display for 15 seconds so if you do go to get a club, get distracted and then forget the distance, you haven’t got to zap the pin all over again. Although the process is made easier by the Priority loc feature, which ignores background images and prioritises focal points.
It’s got a scan mode and slope that can be toggled on and off with a button underneath the eyepiece. The distances we clocked stacked up well against other lasers with more premium prices.
The carry case is budget and basic but for golfers looking for performance on a budget, it’s a strong contender for a place on your bag.
- Read our full Sureshot Pinloc 5000 IPS laser rangefinder review
EasyGreen 1300 Rangefinder
The obvious choice for golfers on a budget that don’t want to sacrifice features
KEY INFO
RRP: £249/$Varies Weight: 280g Range: 5-1300 yards (400 yards flag)
Magnification: x6 Protection: IPX4 splash proof. Battery life: N/A
+ Simple to use
+ Decent value for money
– Lacks wow factor and shelf appeal
With a range of 1,300 yards and accurate to within one yard, EasyGreen’s 1300 model is an entry level laser that comes with ‘Slope Compensation Technology’ which allows greater accuracy when measuring inclines and declines.
It also vibrates when locking onto the flag, comes with a premium carry case, and with an RRP of less then £200 it is considerably cheaper than most of its competitors.
GolfBuddy Aim L10V Rangefinder
A compact device that provides audio confirmation of distances if golfers want them
KEY INFO
RRP: £269.99/$279.99 Weight: 150g Range: 5-880 yards
Magnification: x6 Protection: IPX4 light rain. Battery life: N/A
+ Cutting-edge design
+ Impressive clarity in the display
– Audio option likely to mostly go redundant
The Aim L10V is the brand’s most advanced laser rangefinder to date but it also incorporates simplicity of use.
The unique audio option in the L10V gives spoken confirmation of distances, providing extra confidence and ease of use to the golfer. This combines with three targeting modes – standard, scan and pin – and 6 x magnification to ensure precision and clarity of results through the wider LCD screen.
Additionally it comes with a slope on/off option to provide increased accuracy for various elevations.
Best Cheap Laser Rangefinders
Inesis Golf 900 Laser Rangefinder
Pound for pound, undoubtedly one of the best rangefinders you can buy
KEY INFO
RRP: £129.99/$Varies Weight: 175g Range: 5-1300 yards (flag 350 yards)
Magnification: 6x. Protection: N/A Battery life: 5000 measurements
+ Excellent level of features for the price
+ Easy to be use and proven to be accurate
– Lacks the premium appeal of others visually
As our other equipment guides have proven, we have become fans of Inesis gear of late and the same can be said of this rangefinder.
Competitively priced at £129.99, this unit boasts a Slope Compensation toggle that turned on and off slope-adjusted distances easily for practice and competition play. When we put this model up against a more expensive rangefinder, we found the Inesis more than kept up in terms of accuracy and ease of use, both huge factors when reviewing a laser.
A First target priority function isolates the flag while measurements are confirmed by vibration. It is accurate to +/- 1 yard and can measure in yards or metres.
Some other features to mention include a 6x magnification so you get a very clear view through the viewfinder, and it is really nicely made, sits well in the hand, and it has the right weight to it.
Additionally you also get a very sturdy case which is really nicely made, along with some instructions, a cloth for cleaning the lens of the rangefinder, a CR2 battery and a clip that allows you to attach the laser to your bag
- Read our full Inesis Golf 900 laser rangefinder review
Zoom Focus X Rangefinder
We crowned it our favourite model in 2020
KEY INFO
RRP: £219.99/$229 Weight: 170g. Range: 850+ yards
Magnification: 6x. Protection: N/A Battery life: N/A
+ Lots of useful features that are easy to use
+ Micro USB charging port adds convenience
– Wide shape might be troublesome for some
New rangefinder brand Zoom has introduced it’s first product, the Focus X. It has a multitude of premium features, such as the premium optics and six times magnification as well as Slope adjusted distance technology that measures distances adjusted to compensate for the elevation of the target. It also has the ability to switch from yards to metres.
The unit will vibrate when the flag has been picked out from the background and it will display the yardage to the nearest 0.1 of a yard for an extra level of accuracy not many lasers offer.
The display wasn’t as bright or clear as other models but the focus toggle does a good job of making everything visible through the view finder.
Given the quality of the product it is surprising to see it come with a modest RRP of £219.99.
- Read our full Zoom Focus X Laser Rangefinder Review
Volvik V1 Laser Rangefinder
Comes in three colours but has substance behind the style
KEY INFO
RRP: £199/ Weight: 125g. Range: 1300 yards
Magnification: 6x. Protection: N/A Battery life: N/A
+ Colour choices enhance appeal
+ Accurate and picks out flags with ease
– Lightweight design may reduce stability
The Volvik V1 rangefinder comes with a range of technologies to help you get the right yardage every time. First, it features a Pin Finder function, which is capable of calculating distances from five to 1,200 yards to within a yard. We found this function to be absolutely seamless as it enabled us to lock onto the flag and get an accurate yardage first time, every time.
Additionally it comes with ‘Slope Compensation’ mode which takes into account elevation changes to ensure you are always getting the right yardage. Volvik has also introduced ‘Priority First Goal’, which allows the user to measure to specific objects like flags and bunkers.
Finally the three colour choices on offer here are all very smart, especially in the all over black design pictured above.
- Read our full Volvik V1 Laser Rangefinder Review
Shot Scope Pro L1 Laser Rangefinder
Gives golfers a choice of black or red display graphics as well as slope functionality
KEY INFO
RRP: £199.99/$199.99 Weight: 200g Range: 875 yards
Magnification: x6. Protection: Water resistant Battery life: N/A
+ Easy to switch modes
+ Lightweight design ideal for bag carriers
– Distances take longer to appear than most
We tested the Shot Scope Pro L1, the company’s first ever laser rangefinder, and found it a very decent first stab into the market.
Like the Volvik V1 above, the lightweight feel is the first thing we noticed and whilst that may be a positive to some, especially bag carriers, we prefer a slightly heavier model when the wind is blowing but Shot Scope has since added 40g of weight to help.
Regardless the laser has two different main modes, the first (M1) being a scanning mode that displays distances almost instantly and constantly, allowing you to scan the horizon and pick out various points of interest.
The second mode (M2) is where the flag icon in the display appears. It managed to pick out the flag from the background most of the time although it does take quite a long time for the distance to display, longer than most other lasers we’ve tested.
However when it has been detected, you get a nice vibration which provides the assurance that the distance is correct, to within 0.1 yard in fact. This gives an extra layer of confidence in the accuracy.
Overall, while the Pro L1 isn’t the perfect laser rangefinder, it offers more than enough features as well modern styling to justify the price tag and was easy to use overall.
- Read our full Shotscope Pro L1 Laser Rangefinder Review
GolfBuddy Laser Lite Rangefinder
For golfers that prefer a lightweight laser rangefinder
KEY INFO
RRP: £129.99/$179.99 Weight: 143g Range: 5-880 yards
Magnification: x6 Protection: IPX4 light rain. Battery life: N/A
+ Provides fast, accurate yardages
+ Very competitive price point
– Unnecessarily complicated to switch modes
Offering fast measurement of 0.5 seconds, this entry-level laser vibrates when the target is locked, provides slope adjusted distances and boasts three modes (Normal, Scan, Pin) for different situations.
Normal mode enables you to get a distance for anything you aim at and confirms it with a vibration when you’re locked onto something. Scan mode allows you to move between different targets with their distances each displaying, up to a total of 10 seconds.
Pin mode helps you identify the flag when there are obstacles behind it by starting off it and then moving onto the pin, with a vibration when it locks on.
In our testing we found Normal mode to be effective and Pin mode is excellent. However Scan mode seems a bit redundant given the quality and ease of use of the other two modes.
Finally it weighs just 143 grams and also offers IPX4 Level water resistance, making it one of the best laser rangefinders on the market given the modest price tag.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Lite Review
Nikon Coolshot 20 GII Laser Rangefinder
Ideal for golfers that want simplicity and play mostly on flat courses
KEY INFO
RRP: £179/$199.95 Weight: 130g Range: 5-800 yards
Magnification: x6 Protection: Rainproof (IXP4) Battery life: N/A
+ Ideal for quick use in competitions
+ Velcro strap on case provides rapid access
– Doesn’t have slope mode
Compact and weighing just 130g, it features a First Target Priority algorithm that measures the distance to the closest of overlapping subjects to pick out the flag and other hazards more easily. It can also measure continuously for up to eight seconds when scanning the terrain.
This is an excellent feature to make sure you get the yardage to the flag if your hands can be a bit shaky or give yourself as much information as possible about where hazards, trees and mounds are positioned around the flag.
From an aesthetic point of view this Nikon really looks good with the white and black contrast.
- Read our full Nikon Coolshot 20 GII Laser Rangefinder Review
GolfBuddy Laser 1 Rangefinder
KEY INFO
RRP: £199.99/$189.99 Weight: 218g Range: 5-880 yards
Magnification: x6 Protection: IPX4 light rain. Battery life: N/A
+ Easy to use with enough useful modes
+ Quick to display distances
– A little basic in functionality
The Laser 1 and Laser 1S provide laser measuring performance at a lower price point. Both models are lightweight with an ergonomic and sporty design. They offer 6 x magnification and a wider LCD screen to ensure better visibility of measurements, and feature three different targeting modes standard, scan, and pin.
With vibration option to confirm target lock and a one-click scan feature, simplicity of use is at the heart of the design. The Laser 1S differs by featuring a Slope function to account for any slope in the terrain between golfer and target. Definitely one of the best GolfBuddy rangefinders in the current range.
We hope you found this guide on the best golf laser rangefinders informative.
This article Best Golf Laser Rangefinders appeared first on Golf Monthly.