What To Look For In A Golf Rangefinder? – [Must Read For Every Golfer]

Golf is a type of sport where you need a wide range of accessories to improve your game as well as to make your desired score. And, one of the most vital golf accessories for a golf game is a rangefinder. However, it is quite challenging to find out the perfect golf rangefinder because wide ranges of rangefinders are now available out there in the market.

So, the question that may arise in your mind is – “What to look for in a golf rangefinder?”

In today’s post, I am going to share a comprehensive discussion on what to look for when buying a golf rangefinder. While writing this post, my main objective was to come up with a detailed guideline that you can follow in order to buy the perfect golf rangefinder for fulfilling your needs and demands.

So, without making any further due, let’s dive right in…

What To Look For In A Golf Rangefinder? – The Ultimate Buying Guide

In this section, I am going to share a detailed Buying Guide where I will discuss all the things you should look for when you buy a golf rangefinder.

I am quite sure that the following discussion will surely help you get one of the best golf rangefinders for improving your game.

Accuracy

One of the most primary factors you should focus on when you look for the ideal golf rangefinder is the accuracy of the device. Actually, it is the accuracy that will determine how many strokes you would take per round while playing your game.

Simply ask yourself the question – ‘How accurate my golf rangefinder is?’ If you select the wrong rangefinder, you will surely get nothing but wrong results.

Let me elaborate on the term ‘accuracy’ when it comes to the topic of the accuracy of a golf rangefinder.

Try to find out the answer of this question – ‘What is the exact error margin of my golf rangefinder?’

You have to start with simply asking the above question and finding out the answer of this question.

In most cases, you would see that manufacturers claim that their golf rangefinders feature an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. But don’t just believe the figure without making in-depth research. In order to be on the safest side, you definitely need to test the accuracy of the golf rangefinder, even though the manufacturing company makes a clear indication regarding the accuracy of the device.

You need to make sure whether the golf rangefinder is really accurate or not. Besides, you have to check the efficiency and speed of the device when it comes to measuring the distance.

Keep in mind that a golf rangefinder having less accuracy will provide you with nothing but bad scores.

In case, if you end up getting a less-accurate golf rangefinder, just return the product without making any delay.

Slope Reading

Although it is not always a mandatory requirement, you have to put your focus on this particular feature when you try to look for the best 3golf rangefinder.

At the very beginning, you have to research and decide whether you really need a golf rangefinder with a slope or not. Some golfers may suggest that the slope reading feature in a rangefinder is not compulsory at all, but you have to keep in mind that ‘Slope Reading’ is one of the most crucial aspects.

Simply put, it would tell you the difference between poor and accurate shots.

It is very common that you might be thinking about what could be the benefits of this feature…

Well, it basically measured the changes in elevation between the golfer (you) and the target (let’s say the flag) and then uses the data for finding out the horizontal and actual distance.

However, you have to keep in mind that such kind of feature is not allowed in any professional golf tournament.

Note: When you look for the best-rated golf rangefinders, you may find out that rangefinder models from the same manufacturing company may differ. For example, one rangefinder model may have the slope feature and the other model may not have the feature, but both the models are from the same manufacturing company.

So, it would be better if you check out the specifications of the golf rangefinder models when you do the research thing before a golf rangefinder for you.

Ease of Use

Another important to consider when buying a golf rangefinder is how easily you can read the information on the device.

If you are the type of golfer who has vast experience in using a golf rangefinder, then I am quite sure that you won’t face any kind of problem while reading the information on the modern-day rangefinder models.

However, if you don’t have any previous experience with using a golf rangefinder, then you may have to face some critical problems while locating your target using your golf rangefinder.

Besides, if the golf rangefinder doesn’t offer user-friendly features while displaying the information, then you may also face complications while reading the data.

The fact is that if you are not able to get the correct distance information while using your rangefinder, then the device won’t any good for you.

Therefore, I would suggest you to look for a golf rangefinder that comes with user-friendly features so you don’t face any problems while reading the data.

Display Screen

The display screen of the golf rangefinder is another important feature you have to look for when buying a good quality golf rangefinder.

Just ask yourself a question – “How easy can your read the data or the information displayed by your golf rangefinder?” Actually, it is really a crucial consideration!

The display screen of the golf rangefinders varies from model to model because of the size and overall design of the device. In my experience, I would like to say that I have found the rangefinders most effective ones that come with red numbers which are much easier to read.

The problem is that such kinds of golf rangefinders are available at a higher price. But you can definitely spend some extra bucks for such an easier reading feature, won’t you?

In the case of the display screen, you also need to make sure that the display screen of your golf rangefinder should produce crystal-clear graphics. If the display screen shows blurred graphics, it will surely bother you a lot while playing your game.

At the same time, the display screen should also show the Battery Percentage because it will help you to understand whether you can continue your game using your rangefinder or not.

Magnification Level

When you look for the ideal golf rangefinder, you should pay great attention to the magnification level of the device because this feature has a significant impact on how effective your shot will be.

Based on my research, I have found that golf rangefinders differ a lot in terms of magnification level. Normally, you will get a golf rangefinder with a maximum magnification level of 7x. However, most modern-day golf rangefinders come with a magnification level of 6x.

It is quite obvious that a golf rangefinder with a higher level of magnification will give you a more unobstructed view. And, consequently, you will be able to hit your target more precisely.

Waterproofing

Another vital feature you have to focus on while buying the best golf rangefinder is the waterproof feature. Remember that if you choose a waterproof golf rangefinder, you will be able to use the device in any weather conditions without facing any trouble.

If you can take proper maintenance steps for a waterproof golf rangefinder, it will surely give you a higher quality service for a longer period.

Battery Life

While buying a golf rangefinder, there is really an important feature to focus on what is the battery life of the device. Always keep in mind that different golf rangefinder manufacturing brands usually differ when it comes to power consumption. And, power consumption of a golf rangefinder heavily depends on the battery life of the device.

You have to remember the fact that the battery life of a golf rangefinder usually depends on 2 main factors –

  • The first factor is the rate at which the golf rangefinder usually consumes power.
  • The second factor is the overall capacity of the battery of the device.

Based on my research, I have found out that most golf rangefinders usually last a period of around 8 to 10 hours. But there can be also found some rangefinder models that may last a lesser period than the mentioned range.

If you see that your golf rangefinder may require the battery replacement after a period of every 2 hours, then I would suggest you to return the device ASAP.

On a serious note, if you can keep your golf rangefinder clean enough after its use during your game, you can hope to get good service from your rangefinder.

Scan Mode/Stabilization

Scan Mode is one of the most vital features you have to consider when you want to buy the perfect golf rangefinder for your game. In my experience, I have found that it is sometimes quite challenging to capture the targeted red flag from a far distance. And, this mainly happens with golfers who have shaky hands.

So, how are you going to solve this problem?

Well, the good news is – some golf rangefinder models have the Scan Mode or Stabilization feature as the perfect solution for such a problem.

Now, you might be thinking about – “What does this stabilization mode or technology do?” Actually, the core function of this technology is to track and connect the laser to your targeted point. Other golf rangefinders come with the continuous scan mode that automatically scans and locks the target.

This is how you can solve the mentioned problem for golfers with shaky hands.

Note: In most cases, you will find that the modern-day golf rangefinders come with turned-off scan mode. This is why you have to switch on the Scan Mode in order to use the feature during your gameplay.

Weight & Size

If you don’t have any previous experience with using a golf rangefinder, you won’t consider these 2 factors much crucial, but they are really very crucial to consider, my friend.

A small-sized golf rangefinder may be a bit problematic for the golfer who prefers to using both hands for stability purposes. Always keep in mind that if you use your two hands while holding the rangefinder and capturing the target, you will get more stability. This is why I want to recommend you to look for a golf rangefinder that you can hold using your two hands for measuring the distance or locking the target.

So, what will be the weight of your rangefinder? In this case, I would suggest you to look for a golf rangefinder that is portable for all types of golfers. Keep in mind that if you face any problem because of the weight of the rangefinder, you definitely want to keep the device in your bag without using it during your game.

So, I would suggest you to look for an ultra-lightweight golf rangefinder because such rangefinders work more efficiently than any of the ordinary models.

Minimum & Maximum Range

Although the range of a rangefinder is not that crucial, it is usually a part of what to look for when buying a golf rangefinder. Generally, you will get the maximum and minimum range of a golf rangefinder in the product specification section of the product.

So, you should carefully check out the range in the specification section before you make the final purchasing decision.

Material

Material is one of the most important factors to focus on when it comes to choosing the perfect golf rangefinder. Actually, it is the material of the device that determines whether it is a low-quality or high-quality product.

Keep in mind that if you choose a golf rangefinder that is made of low-quality material, you can’t expect durability from the device.

So, it is always a better idea to look for a golf rangefinder that is made of durable and sturdy materials so you can expect durability and longevity from your golf rangefinder.

Always keep in mind that you are not going to invest in the golf rangefinder every year. So, you have to pay great attention to the material of the device.

Price

Lastly, there is one crucial factor to consider which is the price of the golf rangefinder. At this moment in time, there can be found wide ranges of golf rangefinder models that differ mainly because of their price.

If you search on the internet, you will find that golf rangefinder models are costing less than $100. Again, some rangefinder models are less than $200 and more than $100. Also, some models may cost you more than $200.

The price of a golf rangefinder mainly varies because of the features of the device.

So, depending on the features you want in your golf rangefinder, you have to determine the budget for your golf rangefinder.

How Does A Golf Rangefinder Work?

How Does A Golf Rangefinder Work

It actually depends on the type of golf rangefinder you choose for your gameplay. At present, there are mainly two types of golf rangefinders – laser and GPS.

The laser golf rangefinders mainly use an invisible laser beam to measure the distance. On the other hand, the GPS golf rangefinders use satellite signals and pre-loaded maps for measuring the distance.

There is also another rangefinder type which is known as the Optical golf rangefinder. This is more of a newer golf rangefinder model; so, it is not that popular as the above-mentioned ones. This golf rangefinder type uses lenses for measuring the distance between the golfer and the target.

If you want to get an in-depth idea about the working principle of a golf rangefinder, you can check out this detailed post of mine.

Benefits of a Golf Rangefinder

If you are looking forward to buying a golf rangefinder, you need to have a precise idea about the benefits of a golf rangefinder.

In the following, I am going to share a detailed discussion on the benefits of a golf rangefinder –

  • A golf rangefinder is a convenient device to carry around during a golf game.
  • Such a device is accurate and fast.
  • It helps to improve your overall gameplay.
  • A golf rangefinder can surely speed up your gameplay.
  • For a newbie, a golf rangefinder is one of the most vital golf accessories.
  • Using GPS golf rangefinders, you can easily get out of blind spots.

These are mainly the major benefits of using a golf rangefinder. If you want detailed information, you can check out this comprehensive post on the benefits of a golf rangefinder.

What Are the Best Golf Rangefinders?

By this time, you have got an overall idea about the things to look for when you buy a golf rangefinder. However, to help you the most in this case, I am now going to share some of the best golf rangefinder models from which you can easily choose the perfect one for your golf game.

So, here we go….

1. Callaway 300 Pro Laser Golf Rangefinder

If interested, you can check out my hands-on review on the Callaway 300 Pro Laser Golf Rangefinder.

2. Raythor Pro GEN S2 Laser Golf Rangefinder

If interested, you can also check out my hands-on review on the Raythor Pro GEN S2 Laser Golf Rangefinder.

3. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder

For a detailed idea about this golf rangefinder, you can check out this comprehensive review discussion on the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder.

4. Bozily Golf Rangefinder

For an in-depth idea about this golf rangefinder, you can study this detailed discussion on the Bozily Golf Rangefinder Review.

5. PeakPulse 6S Laser Golf Rangefinder

To get a full idea about the features and functions of this golf rangefinder, you can check out my hands-on review on the PeakPulse 6S Laser Golf Rangefinder.

Apart from the above-mentioned golf rangefinders, you can study this review discussion on the top 8 best rated golf rangefinders so you can get the perfect one without wasting your valuable time.

FAQs About What To Look For When Buying A Golf Rangefinder

What is the most accurate golf rangefinder?

Answer: Almost all the modern-day golf rangefinders can provide you with accuracy and precision when it comes to measuring the distance between you and your targeted position.
However, based on my research, I have found out that the Bushnell Pro XE is currently considered as the most accurate golf rangefinder.
In order to get a detailed idea about the features and functions of this golf rangefinder, you can check my hands-on review on the Bushnell Pro XE golf rangefinder.

What do you see in a golf rangefinder?

Answer: A golfer mainly tries to measure the distance between his/her position and the targeted position so that s/he can make the right decision on which golf club s/he should choose for the next shot.

Are rangefinders legal in golf?

Answer: According to the Rules of Golf, the use of GPS and laser golf rangefinders are allowed in amateur tournaments and casual play. However, according to a local rule regarding the tournament, most of the tournament committees ban such kinds of devices.
To get full information regarding this topic, you can check out this comprehensive post on whether golf rangefinders are legal in golf or not.

Final Words

So, we have almost reached the ending section of this discussion that is specifically focused on how to choose the perfect golf rangefinder which will meet your needs and requirements.

Throughout the above discussion, I have tried to describe what to look for in a golf rangefinder when you try to search for the ideal golf rangefinder for your gameplay.

I am quite confident that after reading the above discussion, you will be able to select the perfect golf rangefinder without any problem.

Still, if you face any confusion, you can send me a message explaining your problem at any time you want.

I would be glad to help you out by offering my assistance.

This is all I had for you this time.

See You Soon!

Good-Bye!