More often than not in life, if something feels like it’s too good to be true, it probably is. But I must say the Wosports L06 rangefinder is making me question this longstanding philosophy, given my experience testing it on the golf course.
I say this because it will cost you a mere £98 and yet for this modest investment you get a comprehensive suite of features that includes a Slope-distance toggle, flag lock with vibration feedback, an OLED red display, 7x magnification, 0.5 yard accuracy and 7x magnification.
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
To temper your expectations (and mine) I have used a Wosports rangefinder before and while generally it performed acceptably, the Slope toggle basically just didn’t work. This problem appears to have been addressed, however, with the L06 rangefinder.
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It comes in a neat and tidy box with a robust carry case with carabiner and elasticated strap, lens cleaning cloth and CR2 battery – all the usual suspects. In the hand, it’s fairly bulky in terms of its dimensions, which means it might not suit those with small hands, but only tips the scales at 211g, making it surprisingly lightweight for its size. The overall look is basic, as you would expect at this price point, and it lacks a premium feel. That said, my sample appeared to be well built and sturdy.
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
The view through the viewfinder is excellent. Clear, bright and with everything visible, even on the particularly overcast and dim day I did the majority of my testing on. The graphics are in bright red, so stand out well, and they are very easy to read.
You basically have two Modes to choose from: M1 and M2. You can add in slope compensation for both although in M1 it will only show you the degree change in elevation, not the adjusted distance. M1 measures straight line distances and does it very well. In M2 mode, which is the flag lock mode, the unit will vibrate when the flag is located and it will show you the adjusted distance.
I have it say, it picked out flags from up to 300 yards away very easily and quickly – ease of use is not an issue with this rangefinder – and it will even show you distances from this range to the nearest tenth of a yard.
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
In both modes, if you hold the scoping button it almost acts like a scan mode with the distances updating as you pan across the terrain, although it works much better in the non-pulsing M1 mode.
Another feature you’d be surprised to be included is the magnetic mount, which allows it to be attached to a buggy frame for easy access. The connection didn’t feel as strong as on models like the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift but while riding in a cart, it didn’t move or fall off. This may not be the case on firmer, bumpier ground but this remains to be seen.
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
So what’s the catch? Well when zapping the same flag multiple times, I had slightly different distances appear in the display. Not drastically different, we’re talking less than a handful of yards, but on one shot I got anything from 122.1 yards to 125.3 yards and this was a common occurrence. Herein lies, potentially, the trade off versus a the best golf rangefinders. While the median number was usually within a yard of my Bushnell Tour V6 Shift, for example, there was more volatility.
Whether this inconsistency in the readings is a problem will vary from golfer to golfer, although I think for the majority, a yardage being a yard or two out isn’t going to affect one’s scoring ability. Given its up to a quarter of the price of some of the leading brands and models in this category, it’s a sacrifice many golfers will be willing to make and it can still be classed as one of the best budget rangefinders.
It will be interesting to see how the finish and performance lasts over time – say 6 or 12 months in – but my initial experience has been a very positive one overall. It’s fast, accurate and easy to use, which means the value for money on offer here is exceptional.