Golf Buddy have quickly become one of the most reliable brands in the golf accessories industry, making some of the best golf GPS devices. In this buying guide, we'll take you through a range of products from one of the best in the rangefinder and distance measuring device game.
First though, why go for a GPS device? Well knowledge is power I always say and distance measuring devices like lasers, watches and GPS units make sure you know how far away targets are, which therefore allows you to pick the right club. This can also assist with strategy and GolfBuddy are definitely a brand to consider if you want to invest in this part of the golf equipment market. Specifically for lasers, these allow you to get a fast yardage on the flag and other targets so you can then pick the right club for each shot. The best models, of which GolfBuddy make several, are quick, efficient, accurate and simple to use, whilst also offering other functionality like slope compensation, waterproofing and so on.
Whether you're looking for the best golf rangefinders or the best golf watches, GolfBuddy has you covered with lots of different options at various price points, which is why we created this guide on the best GolfBuddy rangefinders to help you narrow your search. Additionally, if you've always used a Bushnell, we have a guide on the best Bushnell golf rangefinders that might be more to your fancy, or the best Garmin golf watches as well.
The Quick List
Features, ease of use and a price point you can't argue with, the overall performance of the Laser Lite 2 is hard to beat. As such we have made it our top overall pick in this guide.
A neat and efficient rangefinder at an excellent price point. The three different modes plus slope-adjusted distances mean all the functionality you realistically need from a laser is here. The addition of a triangulation feature is a useful addition too that will especially for golfers who play cart path-only golf.
The GolfBuddy Atom provides clear display, rapid and accurate measurements while fitting neatly into your pocket. It really is one of the most compact models on the market right now.
The Aim Quantum is a unique device which certainly challenges the status quo and there’s lots to like about both the user experience and the level of features for the price.
The GolfBuddy Aim L20 is an accurate, easy-to-use golf rangefinder and so much more, including its groundbreaking shot-tracking capability via Bluetooth to the GolfBuddy GPS app.
Best GolfBuddy Rangefinders
Top pick
GolfBuddy are targeting the more experienced golfer who wants the premium experience and performance of a high-end range finder without the lofty price tag. Replacing the original Laser Lite, the Laser Lite 2 weighs next to nothing and fits nicely in your hand - helped by the grip on both the top and bottom. It's super quick when shooting the flag, as we found out when testing it against the new Bushnell Tour V6 Shift rangefinder.
The display on the GolfBuddy is quite as bright and clear as the Bushnell, but it locked onto the pin easily and quickly, vibrating once it found it's target to confirm the yardage to the user - a nice touch of more higher end devices.
Accuracy was not a problem here either and the slope functionality on offer, while a slower process than some of the best golf rangefinders with slope, was still very accurate. It comes with a Scan Mode too, that allows you to hold down the main button on the device and scan your surroundings to assess what lies before or behind the green.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder Review
Best value
Our first impressions were strong when testing the Laser 2S Pro from GolfBuddy. It has a nice weight to it, not too heavy and not too light, whilst the simplistic color design will suit those who just want a simple laser that works.
Of particular note is the technology featured in this laser, specifically the different modes you can use. Standard mode gives straight-line distance, Pin Finder mode locks onto the pin with a quick vibration to confirm this, and finally, Scan mode allows you to continuously scan for five seconds to assess the lay of the land in front of you. Additionally you can toggle slope on and off in all three modes. The final mode I wanted to mention is Buddy mode which is the lasers triangulation technology which allows you to get an accurate yardage without being stood near your ball.
In short, we couldn't fault this device given the combination of performance and the price tag. The only nitpick would be the display isn't as clear as other models but the clearest designs cost a lot more anyway.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser 2S Pro Rangefinder Review
Most compact
The Laser Atom impressively adds all the fancy features of a premium rangefinder into a small but compact device. The Atom is one of the smallest on this list and on the market, making it super easy to use and store, but the size doesn't take away from the performance.
This device can accurately shoot targets from up to 880 yards away while boasting a seriously impressive battery life. A fancy carry case comes as standard, too. It adds an extra element of class to your golf bag, being made of a luxurious ivory-colored textured leather and with shiny chrome, screw-style carabiner
Similarly to other models in this guide, the Atom comes with three different settings - scan mode, pin mode and compensation, which you can turn on and off. The bright LCD display is an upgrade on the S2 and vibrates once you successfully shoot the flag. As you can tell, we are big fans of this model.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Atom Rangefinder Review
Best features
A unique and quirky rangefinder, GolfBuddy have certainly broken away from the standard mould of the traditional distance measuring device with the Aim Quantum.
Packed with features despite being relatively compact (albeit not as compact as the Atom), there's lots to like about the Aim Quantum. We loved the unique design and how it sat naturally and effortlessly in our hand, and it has the same three targeting modes as the Atom device including the useful scan mode that provides 10 seconds of continuous measurements as you scan across your target.
The Pin mode, does as it says, picks out the flag on a busy background, and will vibrate when it's locked on. The Slope function, which can be turned on and off, will deliver accurate readings that are compensated by slope.
Again, like the Atom, the Aim Quantum comes with a neat carry case that you can attach to your belt or bag. This is not an old-style battery powered rangefinder, and must be charged by a USB C cable. Once full of life, you'll get 5000 separate uses out of it, meaning it's great for battery life.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim Quantum Rangefinder Review
Best display
Another model to include on this list is the L20 rangefinder. The first thing to mention is it takes just over a tenth of a second to accurately measure targets. In my experience with the L20, it seemed every time I would shoot a pin, I got the measurement pretty much instantaneously.
This compact rangefinder also has a pin seeker option that will pick up the shortest target when there’s a bunch of other targets in the background, like a forest of trees, or rocks or hills. When activated you simply scan toward the pin, and it immediately identifies it and vibrates. Additionally, the L20 has a scanning feature. This mode allows golfers to shoot multiple targets at once, for a span of five seconds.
I should then mention the vivid two-color OLED display, which is in red and green, is excellent and far better than old LCD displays on many rangefinders you find at the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
But the most unique feature of this unit is that you can Bluetooth the unit to your phone and the GolfBuddy GPS app. This opens up a whole new world when it comes to rangefinders. First off, the app offers scoring and statistics features, so if you are so inclined you can enter hole-by-hole scores and track your putts, for example. But even more sophisticated is the L20’s shot tracking feature, which you can initiate from the rangefinder itself.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim L20 Rangefinder Review
How we test
At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around DMDs (Distance Measurement Devices). This involves using devices out on the course, over several rounds to gauge basic performance and usability. We also use them in different conditions too because this helps us see how a model performs in changing sunlight, rain, wind and other variable conditions.
As the entire team are regular golfers, DMDs usually get a thorough testing and often get compared to one another side by side to test for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability and other features. By testing the products properly, we can give honest feedback to you, and be as insightful as possible. The last thing worth mentioning in this section, is no manufacturer can buy a good review.
How to choose
So which GPS device should you go for out of watch, rangefinder or GPS unit? A watch will deliver convenient simplicity, whereas lasers can be more pinpoint accurate. GPS units have larger screens and offer more detail as well so it varies to what you want in a GPS device. Also have a think about the factors below when making a decision;
Your routine
What us your usual routine when getting a yardage? Do you like to just have a quick look at your watch or get a rangefinder out of its case to zap the flag? Whatever you do, pick accordingly, and if you don't really know, weigh up if extra detail or less disruption are most important to you.
Your course
Does your course have a lot of blind shots, doglegs, or you play at unknown courses a lot? If so then it may be wise to go for a GPD unit which offer more hole information as opposed to a laser.
Battery power
Lasers, watches, and golf GPS devices all have slightly different battery power and have different charging needs as a result. Lasers for example run on powerful batteries that can be replaced every 6 months to a year, whereas watches and GPS units often require charging more often. Therefore the latter require more charging discipline so think about which routine you are more likely to adopt.
Features
If you’re looking for your standard front, middle and back GPS yardages then a budget golf rangefinder will do the trick, however there are some great GPS devices out there that offer much more. Some models give greater course detail
Alternatively, some devices which can go into much greater detail when providing yardages, course detail, hazard information and so on. A GPS device with a larger screen can be useful, and some also help track scores, shots and offer fitness features too, so think about how much functionality you want in your device.
Versatility
Speaking of off the golf course, when it comes to watches in particular, many brands make models that can be used on and off the golf course because of the range of features, and overall styling. A watch you can use anywhere heightens the value as well.
Budget
Finally we should mention budget. For lasers, GPS watches and GPS devices there are lots of brands that make models at different price points so have a think about how much you are willing to pay.
Finally for more buying advice we also have guides on the best women's rangefinders, the best portable launch monitors and the best cheap launch monitors.
FAQs
Does GolfBuddy require a subscription?
In short, no. All GolfBuddy products have no download charges and no annual subscriptions. The brand itself also guarantees course and software updates which means the products are ready to use straight away.
Is GolfBuddy accurate?
From our testing GolfBuddy lasers and watches are very accurate. The Laser Lite 2, Laser 2S and Atom in particular are top models thanks to accuracy and overall performance. When you consider the range is up to 880 yards on these models, you can have peace of mind that you are getting the right number when out on the course.
For more buying on advice on golf tech, why not take a look at our guides on the best golf launch monitors, best golf simulator, or best golf gadgets.
