Conor Keenan
When the avid golfer thinks about rangefinders, they first brand they'll likely think of is Bushnell. Many consider them the leaders of the golf gadgets space, producing not only some of the best golf rangefinders, but the best golf gps and best golf watches as well.
Their products are so popular that we even have specific guides relating to Garmin products, including the best garmin golf watches and the very guide you're reading at the moment! Given you've clicked on this guide, we presume you've decided or are at least leaning towards the rangefinder market to equip your setup with a nice gadget to help you on the course. Firstly, good choice. Secondly, we've tested dozens of Bushnell rangefinders over the years, from budget-friendly to more premium options, and we're sure there will be something in here that will tick the boxes you're looking to tick.
However, if you're undecided on which brand to go for, don't fear, we have also created guides on the best GolfBuddy rangefinders and the best Garmin golf watches so be sure to check them out as a comparison.
The Quick List
A simple to use, highly-accurate Bushnell rangefinder with bright and clear optics, seamless slope functionality and convenient carry options.
The X3+ is one of the best all-round rangefinders on the market. It comes with a punchy price tag but the range of features, accuracy and performance warrants it.
The Bushnell Pro X3 golf rangefinder offers excellent protection with its heavy durable feel, hard carry case and waterproof protection.
This premium, compact, and lightweight speaker delivers near-faultlessly on the brief. The inclusion of GPS functionality helps it stand out from standard Bluetooth speakers.
A fun, high-quality speaker that benefits from the huge advantage of a built-in GPS. The fact this speaker can both visibly and audibly communicate yardages makes it useful and enjoyable.
This is an incredibly fun and useful item to wear when playing golf and is as close to the perfect golf watch as we’ve tested in recent years.
Best Bushnell Golf Rangefinders
Top laser
An easy to use and highly practical rangefinder that delivers highly-accurate yardages with a bright display, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift rangefinder is a premium model that is hard to beat. Visually the Tour V6 Shift is a step up from the Tour V5 Shift. It feels a weighty, which helps to make it feel more stable when held up in the wind.
Locking onto the flag is automatic and the jolt vibration and flashing red ring deliver more reassurance that you've found your target. The display is clearer and brighter than most of the best golf rangefinders, which certainly helps pick the flag out from far away in dim light conditions. The device is also weather resistant to a rating of IPX6. It is also more durable and offers greater protection against the elements for that reason.
The Bite magnetic mount on the side also allows you to easily attach this rangefinder to the frame of a buggy so you can unclip it and use it whenever you need. It also comes with a robust case that will keep it safe and secure when clipped to your golf bag. You can also twin it with the Bushnell GPS app, which delivers 3D hole maps and flyovers as well as a scoring functionality.
- Read our full Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder Review
Best accuracy
Off the bat, we must mention the new wind speed and direction feature on this rangefinder. This is something that just heightens the product further and something that we haven't seen on these types of yardage measuring devices before. Although it's an excellent addition, we must note that it is slightly difficult to set up.
In short, we felt that it’s a nice feature to have. Obviously, in tournament play, it will need to be switched off, which can be done via the Slope Switch located at the front of the device. In testing, though, we felt that the Bushnell Pro X3+ is right up there with the best golf rangefinders with slope on the market, with Dual Display and JOLT Technology all combining to make this laser rangefinder one serious piece of kit.
Along with the multitude of technology, we quite liked the bulky nature of the device, with it keeping stable in various conditions. What's more, in the rain, the waterproof protection worked perfectly, keeping it protected in heavy downpours.
- Read our full Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser Rangefinder Review
Best protection
Bushnell are arguably the most recognized brand in the rangefinder market and, with their Pro X3, it appears that continues to be the case. Not only is it fully waterproof, but the weighty feel performs superbly in windy conditions. This weight also adds to its durability and high protection too.
It is crammed with technology such as Slope Functionality and also has a Dual Display button which changes the graphics from black to red to make them more visible in duller conditions. It even boasts elevation change.
Another impressive initiative we liked was that you can pair the Pro X3 device with the Bushnell Golf app (make sure you download the new version) via Bluetooth. From there, you’re able to alter the settings far more easily, as well as save stats, games and course information and update the firmware. The app, which is free when you purchase a Bushnell product, also provides full color GPS hole maps with a moveable pointer and flyovers, helping you out on blind shots or if you’re unsure as to what lies ahead.
- Read our full Bushnell Pro X3 Golf Rangefinder Review
Best small speaker
Starting now in the best golf speakers section is the Wingman Mini, aimed mostly at those who carry their clubs on the golf course. It weighs just 6oz in total and its more compact shape fits easily into the palm of your hand. It also comes with a carabiner clip that allows it to attach to the accessory hook on your bag as well as Bushnell's Bite magnet technology. For its size, the Wingman Mini delivers a really clear sound that carries well on the golf course. It means your four-ball will be able to enjoy the music without interfering with golfers walking up the adjacent hole.
Like its sister products, it comes with GPS capabilities when connected to the free Bushnell app. While it lacks the screen the Wingman View offers, the Mini does have the ability to read out the distances to the front, middle and back of the green. We also really like the price of this speaker because you can get one for around 100 bucks right now.
- Read our full Bushnell Wingman Mini Speaker Review
Best speaker with GPS
This Bushnell Wingman View combines all the power of a Bluetooth speaker with Bushnell's market-leading GPS. The sound quality carries really well on the golf course, the bass has plenty of depth to it and ultimately every member of your four-ball will be able to enjoy the music on tee boxes and around greens.
The main difference is the built-in GPS, which is all visible from the LCD screen built into the side of the speaker. It gets all of its data from the free Bushnell app which, when linked to the speaker, effectively casts all the information from your phone to the speaker. Additionally the speaker comes with a small detachable remote in the top of the device that allows you to control the device from afar. The remote lets you turn the volume up or down, change the song, and announce the yardages to the front, middle and back of the green. This is a superb addition.
- Read our full Bushnell Wingman View Speaker Review
Best watch
The Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch features a brand-new color touch screen, as well as a plethora of new features that makes it perfect for the gadget-loving golfer. Not only does it provide comfort and looks which won't look out of place on-and-off the course, but we think it is extremely simple to use, with just one button on the side serving as the on/off switch. Every other aspect is accessed by the touch screen, which is detailed, responsive and clear.
Where this watch stands out though is in the features department. Specifically, the Slope Functionality, which is extremely rare even among the best golf watches. You can access it via the golf settings, where you can choose to toggle the Slope feature on/off. Another great addition is the tournament mode setting, which gives you 100% clarity on whether the set-up is legal for tournament play.
- Read our full Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Review
How we test Bushnell rangefinders
At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around DMDs (Distance Measurement Devices). As you would expect, this involves using different models out on the course, over a number of rounds and importantly in different conditions too because this gives us an idea on how particular models deal with sunlight, rain and wind.
What helps us with rangefinders and other DMDs is that we use them regularly when reviewing any golf clubs. This means we use a wide range of them very often, so know exactly what separates the good from the bad. This means that when the time comes to specifically test a new rangefinder, we know exactly what to look for.
Our testing and reviews are undertaken by a team of passionate golfers with the sole goal of providing informed buying advice for our loyal readers rather than simply attempting to flog the latest model on the market. No brand gets preferential treatment from Golf Monthly, nor can any manufacturer 'buy' a good review - we simply call it how we see it based on our expertise, experience and passion for the game.
Laser v GPS v Watch
In terms of distance measuring devices, there are three main options to choose from - the classic rangefinder, the techy golf watch or the specific-golf gps.
Determining which is the right one for you is best done actually on the course, using all three and comparing and contrasting their strengths and weaknesses. This, of course, isn't possible for most players, so we've put together a brief guide below for you to think about and help make the correct buying decision on what is best suited for your game.
Your routine
Do you play a lot of ready golf? Maybe you're on the slower side of things with your pre-shot routine and need to speed things up a bit. A golf watch will give you a yardage in a mere glance at your wrist and a lot quicker than pulling out a rangefinder to shoot at the flag.
Your course
If your course has lots of doglegs, blind tee shots, or you play at other clubs in matches or socially, then you might want the extra information a GPS offers over a laser.
Added extras
The larger GPS units often include scorecard and stat tracking capabilities, while some devices measure shots or steps taken, so bear all this in mind.
Battery power
Laser rangefinders are probably the easiest to run in terms of power, only needing as few as a single specific battery which can last anywhere from six months up to well over a year - I'd recommend keeping a spare battery in your bag in case it dies half way through your round though. With watches and GPS devices, they'll likely require regular charging which involves bringing them home and not forgetting them when heading back for your next round. So, if you're forgetful, a rangefinder might be the way to go!
Features
If you’re looking for your standard front, middle and back GPS yardages then a budget model will do the trick, however there are some great GPS devices out there that offer much more.
Alternatively, there are devices which can go into much greater detail when providing yardages, course detail, hazard information and so on. Obviously there are models with larger screens too which can be a particularly useful feature. Some also can help you record your score, track your shots, and many also have fitness features for off the golf course as well.
Versatility
Unless you hunt, you'll likely never bring your rangefinder off the course. The same applies for the very golf-specific GPS devices. However, some modern golf watches can be worn both on and off the course, doubling up as a smart watch when you aren't strolling the links.
Budget
Budget is important, too. In terms of rangefinders, golf watches and GPS devices, there are a range of each at different price points. The cheaper you go, the less features you'll have, so try and determine what you need and find a sweet spot between quality and price before making your final decision.
For more golf tech buying advice, check out our guides on the best value golf watches, best budget rangefinders, or best golf launch monitors.
FAQs
Do I need Slope on my rangefinder?
Although Slope is not allowed in tournament play it is an extremely useful feature to have, especially when you're playing practice rounds or social rounds with friends. Slope is designed to compensate for changes in gradient and adjust the distance to the flag or hazard accordingly.
Does Bushnell make good rangefinders?
Yes, arguably the brand makes the best rangefinders on the market, with the company certainly one of the most recognized when it comes to premium performers.
