The 10 Best Golf Rangefinders

When it comes to golf rangefinders, you will see two distinct types available on the market; GPS and laser rangefinders. As for which is best, it’s a bit of a subjective topic, and there is more to consider than just the distance or the type of rangefinding used. You want to be sure that you will utilize as much functionality as possible in your device. When in the beginning stages of research, the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. We have worked hard to assemble the best golf rangefinders on the market for different needs, so you can focus on doing what matters; getting back onto the fairway. 

GPS Rangefinders

As evident by the name, these rangefinders use GPS technology to provide you with a calculated distance between you and the target. The primary advantage of GPS units over laser rangefinders is that you do not need a direct line of sight to calculate distance. For example, if you have a line of trees obstructing your view of the target, a laser rangefinder isn’t going to allow you to view the target and gather an accurate range. With GPS rangefinders, you won’t need to worry about obstructions in your view to the target. The distance will come back immediately and take into account slope and other topographical conditions. 

On the flip side, GPS units tend to be more expensive than the simpler laser setups. Some manufacturers even require a subscription to continue accessing their course database. Thankfully some modern devices have software that will allow you to update your rangefinder with new course information. So while you usually can connect to a computer and download more courses, it is not guaranteed that every course you will want to play is available. And, if you forget to load it before you get on the course, you are out of luck.

Laser Rangefinders

A more traditional rangefinder style uses line-of-sight, lasers, and some simple math, to figure out how far a target is. For example, when you look through a viewing port and point at a target, an invisible laser is sent out of the device and reflects straight back into the receiving end of the rangefinder. Then, based on how long it took for the laser to come back, the device can calculate how far away the target is. Some high-end units can even consider slope by measuring the angle at which the laser re-enters the device.

The advantage to golf laser rangefinders (besides price) over GPS units is their general flexibility. Meaning you don’t have to worry about preloading courses, subscription services, or any of the other technical issues that can pop up when connecting to satellites. On the other hand, you need a direct line of sight to find a distance. Additionally, it can be hard to lock onto a small pin or flag, and you have the potential to get something in the background as opposed to your intended target, which brings us to our next section.

Laser rangefinders intended for golf are regularly used in other activities, and while there are hunting-specific rangefinders on the market, some hunters do opt to go for a laser golf rangefinder.

What Makes a Golf Rangefinder Different From Other Rangefinders?

One significant difference between golf rangefinders and rangefinders meant for hunting is the target priority of the internal software. 

Golf rangefinders have near target priority, while most others will have a distant target priority. This slight difference in software is significant. In golfing applications, your target (usually the flag) will almost always be the nearest object in the field of view you are targeting. With this target priority, the software knows to ignore background targets to get an easier lock onto what you are trying to range.

With distant target priority, it works just the opposite. The unit knows to ignore the near and focus on the distant. Think of situations where you are trying to range a deer through brush and vegetation. Some units can switch between these two modes, although they tend to be more expensive than a unit that just does one or the other. 

The 10 Best Golf Rangefinders

Understanding Slope for Golf Rangefinders:

What Is It?

In the context within this article, slope refers to the amount of elevation increase or decrease between two given points. 

Why is it Important?

The slope is essential when figuring out your shot placement. For example, let’s say you are 100 yards away from the flag. But you sit on a shelf that places you 10 yards above the elevation of the green. Clearly, you are not just 100 yards away, but you are also not simply 110 yards away either; it is more complicated than that. 

How is it Calculated?

Rangefinders can provide a slope-adjusted range by running a series of calculations and measurements captured by the laser. The computer inside your rangefinder takes the distance from you to the pin, measures the angle at which the laser reenters the device, runs it through a series of formulas, and provides the exact distance you need to aim for to be accurate. Most range finders that are slope compensation enabled will show two values on the screen. An “as the crow flies” distance and a slope compensated distance that you should aim for in order to have a more accurate shot placement.

Using Pin Sensor & Locking

What Is It?

Pin sensing and locking is a nifty set of features that allows some rangefinders to lock on and notify the user that the device has ranged the flag specifically, instead of, say, the bush behind it. By utilizing intelligent software and a set of algorithms I will not fully understand, the units can differentiate between the background, foreground, and intended flag target. Using it is very straightforward; with the feature enabled, simply point at the flag, and when the device locks, you will receive a notification in the form of a vibration, sound, or even light. It’s that easy!

For How Long Does it Stay Locked?

The pin should stay locked indefinitely as long as you maintain sight of the target. Then, once you have figured out the correct range, you can lower the device and take your shot. 

Can I Move While it’s Locked to the Flag?

To lock the pin, to begin with, you should slowly scan the horizon along the x-axis until you reach your target and are notified of a successful lock. However, moving locations while trying to get a lock is not recommended. There are too many variables for the device to handle, and you will unlikely get an accurate reading. 

The 5 Most Common Mistakes People Make:

Not Reading the Instructions

This is more common than you may think. Before taking your device onto the course, make sure you’ve at least given the instructions a once over, powered it on, and perhaps watched a video or two to be sure you’re efficient with your time once on location. 

Having the Rangefinder in the Wrong Mode

Remember our earlier discussion regarding the various target priorities, pin sensing, and locking? It is essential to be aware of these multiple modes and settings and to figure out what setting your device is in and how to change it to the most appropriate for your situation. 

Not Practicing Ahead of Time

Be sure to take some time to practice ahead of time on actually using the rangefinder. Head out into the neighborhood and practice ranging mailboxes or other appropriately sized targets. Even better, head down to the driving range, where you will probably have several flags at premarked distances. This allows you to practice is close to real-world scenarios and see the rangefinder’s accuracy compared to what the flag distances claim to be. 

Not Using a Golf-Specific Rangefinder

While on the surface, they may appear to be the same, and it is tempting to try and save money if you already have a rangefinder for hunting trips, it is highly recommended you use a rangefinder specifically designed for golfers.

We have already discussed many of the features that set golf-specific devices apart from their hunting counterparts, but it is worth reiterating that slope compensation, pin tracking and locking, GPS course diagrams, and in some cases, even image stabilization, all contribute towards making a device that performs perfectly for the particular applications it was designed for. You are indeed setting yourself up for frustration if you decide to make something else fill the niche. 

Using Their Rangefinder Too Much

It may sound counterintuitive, but you want to avoid using your rangefinder too much! At least in the long-term. Rangefinders are tools that should aid you in improving your distance estimating abilities. They should not be something you solely rely on for accurate shot placement. Instead, make it a habit to guess what a distance is before you range it; see how close you are. Over time your innate ability to judge distance will improve, and you will rely less and less on technological crutches for your game. Having said that, rangefinders sure are fun to use!

Buyers Guide

Design, Ergonomics, & Ease of Use

How a device looks and feels is more important than most people realized. I would argue in some cases; it can even be more important than what the rangefinder can do from a total functionality standpoint. If a tool is not comfortable to use, if you are not excited to pull it out of your bag, you are less likely to use it in the first place, let alone take advantage of the full suite of fancy modes that may or may not be available.

Maximum Range & Magnification

The maximum range seems relatively straightforward. More is better right? Not necessarily. Many rangefinders tout impressive 1000+ yard ranging capabilities. While they are capable of this from a technical perspective, many of these same units lack the magnification to identify a target at those ranges. So, while you may be getting an accurate range to something at 1000 yards, you often cannot be exactly sure what the unit has locked onto. The same considerations hold true for the quality of the glass and optics. It is much better to have a clear picture of something near than a blurry outline of something far.  

Slope Switch

An external slope switch is an essential consideration for anyone even slightly interested in competitive play. Slope compensation is a nice feature for casual play, but it is not allowed in ranked tournaments. However, you are allowed to use rangefinders that have slope functionality built-in, as long as there is an external switch identifying that the feature is disabled. 

Pin Sensor & Locking

Pin sensors and flag locking are features unique to golf rangefinders, as opposed to the kind used for hunting. Pin sensing is a feature that enables the device not just to identify flags from background objects but also lock onto them, usually with notification of some kind, for confidence in the provided range and choice of club. 

Stabilization

Some of the higher-end units on the market have a built-in suite of image stabilization features through a combination of software and internal gimbal systems. 

Units and Measurements

Depending on your locality, you will be used to either meters or yards for measurements. Most of the units out there will allow you to switch between metric and imperial units for your personal preference. 

Waterproof / Water-Resistant

If you often find yourself playing in areas with lots of humidity, rain, dust, or other dramatic weather, consider purchasing a rangefinder that has at least some level of water resistance and weather sealing. 

Power source

There are two options when it comes to a power source; disposable and rechargeable. Both have their relative advantages and disadvantages, primarily when it comes to the ability to quickly have a full-powered device (changing out a set of new batteries) vs. long-term cost savings associated with rechargeable units. 

Cart attachments or Storage

The most common form of cart attachment for golf rangefinders is a magnetic strip that allows easy attachment to golf cart bars. Many manufacturers also included hard cases with purchase for safe transportation and storage. 

Brand

Some of the more prominent brands on the market will be easily recognizable to most people, even without a background in golf (Nikon). However, while these easily recognizable brands are usually exceptional for product quality, that does not diminish some lesser-known manufacturers’ quality.

Price

Prices of these devices range widely from under $100 up to $500+. Most casual players will be more than content with the mid-range devices. Still, those with competitive aspirations may want to consider the higher-end units for the added confidence and reliability. 

Warranty

Many manufacturers include warranties ranging from 30 days up to many years after purchase. Warranties may be significant to some; others may not care as much. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for specific details if you are interested. 

App

Higher-end units utilize a combination of the unit’s laser rangefinding abilities and GPS integration with a companion app for the ultimate golfing experience. Unfortunately, this is not incredibly common yet, except for some higher-end devices from the more prominent manufacturers. 

Frequently Asked Questions