Rangefinders are a ubiquitous part of the golf experience for many players. And the technology is only getting better. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Rangefinders have long been a popular essential on the golf course, particularly for the recreational golfer eager to know distances to the flag (and more).
And distance-measuring devices have only gotten extra attention recently thanks to the “slope controversy” involving one of the participants, Malosi Togisala, at the Internet Invitational. The final competition in the six-episode streamed event featuring golf influencers, which has drawn more than 24 million views on YouTube, turned into a full-blown Zapruder film investigation about whether Togisala, known as “Mo,” illegally was using the slope technology on his rangefinder during play.
While it became an internet point-of-contention and debate, the incident underscores how powerful and advanced golf rangefinders have become today.
As many companies start of offer discounts and special holiday and end-of-year pricing, the following is a rundown of some of the top brands and models on the market, and those that are generating buzz for their accuracy, tech, innovation and value:
Bushnell
The ProX3+ model from Bushnell, the most-used rangefinder among professional tour players.
Bushnell
Bushnell remains the gold standard in laser rangefinders, and the Pro X3+ continues to validate that reputation. The highest-end Bushnell model ($500) offers rock-solid accuracy, bright and crisp visuals, dependable slope-switch functionality, and the magnetic mount that has been copied endlessly in the rangefinder market. The newest add is wind speed and direction in the display for further shot preparation. For golfers who want a no-doubt, go-to option, Bushnell is still the category’s anchor. At the Internet Invitational, Malosi was using one of Bushnell’s V5 models with the side-mounted slope switch.
Arccos
Arccos’ new rangefinder offers the game’s most advanced “plays like” distances in real time by automatically factoring in not only slope, but altitude, wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and wind gusts.
Arccos
Arccos is shaking up the traditional point-and-shoot format with its new AI-driven Smart Laser Rangefinder ($250). Rather than simply adjusting for slope, it layers in altitude, humidity, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and even gust patterns to deliver incredibly advanced “plays like” distances. While Arccos is best known for its shot-tracking platform that gives weekend warriors pro-level club data, the company’s rangefinder is a different level of intelligence — a distance-measuring device that actively interprets the environment in real time.
Garmin
The Garmin Z82 rangefinder
Garmin
In addition to its popular golf watches and simulator components, Garmin has several models of laser rangefinder in the Approach Z82 and the Approach Z30. Both are priced at around $500. The Z82 has an indicator light signaling legal slope usage during tournament play, and this model also has “Find My Garmin” to ensure no rangefinders are left behind. An increasingly common issue for weekend warriors, to be sure, especially when a few beverages are involved. Super accurate, in-depth (more than 43,000 preloaded courses), and features that include knowing wind speed and direction.
Shot Scope
The Pro L5 from Shot Scope
Shot Scope
Shot Scope continues to deliver some of the strongest price-to-performance offerings on the market, with five different laser rangefinder models that range from $130 to $230. The PRO L5 is at the top end, with target-lock vibration, rapid-fire detection and an ultra-clear OLED display. The rangefinder can sync with the Shot Scope mobile app, allowing users to unlock aerial GPS maps and distances to the front, back and middle of greens. And in terms of user friendliness, the carry case is designed to attach easily to a golf bag, eliminating that annoying rummage-through-the-golf-bag frustration during play.
Precision Pro
The Titan Elite from Precision Pro
Precision Pro
The Precision Pro Titan Elite ($350) stands out as one of the most forward-thinking rangefinders available, blending laser precision with integrated GPS data. In addition to hitting your exact number to the pin, the rangefinder display has front, center and back of green distances when connected with the Precision Pro app. Along with lightning-fast display and advanced smart features, other important attributes include the nearly unbreakable design (a super durable aluminum shell) and an option to have “last-location” alerts sent to your phone if you’re among those golfers who accidentally leave a rangefinder behind.
RedTiger
RedTiger’s affordably priced rangefinder offering.
RedTiger
In what would seem more than a coincidental pairing of one of the most famous golfer names of all time and his signature Sunday color, RedTiger has emerged as an increasingly popular value-driven proposition in the rangefinder market with its mix of power and affordability. But the company is actually newer to golf and best known for its dash and mounted car cams. RedTiger’s new base golf rangefinder measures up to 1,200 yards, features an easy-to-use slope switch and magnetic mount, and charges via USB-C. It’s also priced at just $156.
Mileseey
The touchscreen and GPS rangefinder from Mileseey
Mileseey
Mileseey’s GenePro G1 is one of the more innovative launches of the year — the first true hybrid of GPS and laser technology, combining a 2-inch touchscreen GPS loaded with 43,000 courses with the precision of a pro-grade laser. This high-tech marvel (in a smaller package) arms users with the strategic option of seeing distances overlaid on the course map on the side screen. Other desirable traits: 600-yard flag-lock in 0.1 seconds, SmartSlope for elevation adjustments, a weather mode for rain and fog, and triangulation technology. Its typical $499 price will drop to $399 on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Vistaget
The Golvia rangefinder is a popular Amazon offering from Vistaget
Vistaget
Vistaget has made a strong U.S. debut with the Golvia rangefinder, which recently hit Amazon with two affordable models. With 1,200-yard measuring capability, seven-times zoom, rapid 0.3-second flag lock, triangulation technology (which allows golfers to calculate the distance between two points using measurements from a third, separate location), a magnetic mount, and USB-C charging that lasts roughly two rounds, the Golvia Pro ($250) is an option positioned squarely at golfers looking for modern tech at a reasonable cost. For golf travelers, it’s worth noting that some airlines are asking whether golf bags have rangefinders with rechargeable lithium batteries.
Blue Tees
The Series 4 Ultra from Blue Tees
Blue Tees
The Series 4 Ultra Rangefinder — Blue Tees’ most advanced laser — is now priced at $249 (regularly $299) through the end of the year. Featuring lightning-fast flag-lock up to 350 yards (and a 1,200-yard range), an ultra-bright OLED display, next-generation optics, and a durable weather-resistant build, the S4 Ultra delivers on the company’s belief that cutting-edge tech should be accessible to every golfer. And yes, like most rangefinders today, there’s the easy toggle on the side for slope-adjusted yardages. And hopefully no controversy.
