GolfBuddy has fast become one of the top brands to look at when trying to find the best golf GPS devices. In this piece, we talk you through the range of products on offer from one of the major players in the rangefinder market and help pick out which model is best for you. Firstly though, what is important to think about is what you are looking for in a GPS device? Do you want the convenience of a GPS watch or the pinpoint accuracy of a rangefinder? Perhaps you would prefer a large screen which gives a lot more detail?
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.
The Quick List
Given the features and ease of use and this price point, the value for money on offer here is exceptional. They've refined over the previous model as well.
A simple rangefinder with useful features that help both from the tee and into greens. Lacks wow factor but is reliable and offers good value for money.
The Atom is a pocket-sized rangefinder that packs plenty of punch. A clear display and rapid measurements ensure both accuracy and practicality.
This unique device 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 Aim W12 is a user-friendly, feature-packed golf watch that will help you plot your way around the course, choosing the right club along the way.
The GolfBuddy aim W11 does everything required of a GPS watch to a very high standard. It is loaded with features that are accurate and fast loading.
Best GolfBuddy Rangefinders
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Top pick
A replacement on the original Laser Lite, this offering claims to deliver an even better experience for players looking for a premium performance rangefinder without the punchy price tag. It is three grams lighter compared to its predecessor, and you can really feel that in the device. It is lightweight and fits into your hand nicely thanks to the grip on the top and bottom of this compact machine. It's also very fast when shooting the flag. We tested it against the new Bushnell Tour V6 Shift rangefinder, and it held up well against this premium model.
The display on the GolfBuddy isn't quite as bright though but it locked onto the pin nicely and delivered a reassuring vibration when it has been picked out. Accuracy was not a problem here either and the slope functionality on offer here, 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. It also comes with an easy to use carry case that pops open with a handy velcro strap.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder Review
Best value
The Laser 2S is very similar to the existing Laser 1S with the addition of a ‘Quick Grab’ magnet on the side that allows you to attach it seamlessly to your buggy frame or nearly anything else metallic for quick and easy access. The compact yet boxy shape fitted well in our hand and the black sections also have a slightly tacky texture to them so it is easy to maintain a firm grip, even in wet conditions.
It has three modes - Standard, Scan and Pin - accessible via the button on top and provides a short but distinctive vibration to let you know that the shorter distance to the flag, not the obstacle behind it, has been detected and displayed. In Scan mode, you can peruse the terrain that lies ahead for 10 seconds continuously and the distances will change depending on what gets in the way of the scope. We found this useful on elevated tee shots when determining the carries over bunker lips and also when trying to find out the distance to various trees on the far side of a dogleg.
Overall the Laser 2S is a simple slope laser rangefinder that may lack wow factor but is reliable and offers good value for money at $249.99.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser 2S Rangefinder review
Most compact
If you're after a compact, yet premium rangefinder with all the bells and whistles, then this is your best bet. The GolfBuddy Laser Atom Rangefinder is one of the smallest rangefinders on this list, making it easy to carry and handy to use. But its size doesn't detract from how much it can deliver, with this rangefinder packing a punch in terms of what it can deliver. It can seek and pinpoint accurate distances to targets up to 880 yards away, boasts a battery life that will see you get 5000 actuations in, and comes in a luxurious protective case that you can slip in your pocket or attach to your bag.
Once you're out on the course, you'll see how useful this rangefinder can be, using its scan mode, pin mode and slope compensation - which you can turn on and off. It is very easy to use and the bright LCD display is easy to read coming in big and bold text. The unit will also vibrate when you lock onto the flag, even on busy backgrounds. The premium carry case meanwhile 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. As you can tell, we are big fans of this model.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Atom Rangefinder Review
Best features
One of the most unique rangefinders on the market, this distance measuring tool from GolfBuddy certainly breaks away from the mold of the traditional golf rangefinder, and there's a lot to like here. The Quantum packs in a ton of features, but is also one of the most compact rangefinders on the market, although not quite as compact as the Atom above. Having took this laser for a spin on the golf course, we loved the design and how the device sat in our hand. It boasts three targeting modes, including a Scan mode that provides 10 seconds of continuous measurements as you pan the horizon.
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. One of the coolest things about this rangefinder is the excellent carry case it comes with. You can attach it to your belt or golf bag, and it unfolds quickly to reveal the rangefinder which can be pulled out and pointed at any target on the golf course. It charges up via USB C cable and you'll get 5000 uses per charge out of it, making it one of the best for battery life.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim Quantum Rangefinder Review
Best watch
This user-friendly, feature-packed golf watch will certainly catch the eye of many players of differing experience levels. The GolfBuddy Aim W12 is an example of the cutting edge features and designs going into some of the best GPS golf watches on the market right now. GolfBuddy have made several impressive updates here over the Aim W11 released in 2021. The watch looks a lot slicker and has certainly been streamlined thanks to the flatter button in the corner. The face looks to have been blended in better with the the cool looking bezel and it comes with a leather strap as standard. If leather isn't your cup of tea, it also comes with a silicon strap in the box too, which may be more appropriate if you're playing in warmer conditions.
Looking to the touchscreen now, and the display is very bright and reassuringly responsive. The watch will only start displaying distances when you arrive at the first tee which was a little frustrating, but it did show good visuals and a 2D flyover of each hole which provided a good idea of what to expect and allowed us to plan out a strategy.
The graphics and maps were very easy to use and you can also measure shot distances with the watch too. It is a little more accurate than the W11 thanks to the new slope functionality that takes into account elevation changes when working out your distances, akin to some of the best rangefinders with slope. Overall, the user experience here was faultless, the watch was quick and easy to grasp and navigate around different screens and metrics. It is also now IPX7 waterproof too, which will provide peace of mind if you ever get caught in the rain.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W12 Golf Watch Review
Easy to use
The W11, which can go up against the best Garmin watches, comes charged and ready to go out the box and, once we got going, we really enjoyed the performance on offer. On first impression, it feels and looks quite bulky, but it doesn't take too long to get used to and didn't distract us while playing.
It comes preloaded with some 40,000 courses worldwide and finds your location very quickly, which is useful. We also found the yardages provided to be accurate and genuinely shot-saving. It also looks quite stylish, with the ceramic bezel a definite upgrade on the previous model. One button on the side coupled with the touchscreen ensures it is simple and straightforward to navigate through all the functions, although we did find it could get a bit laggy when swiping left and right.
- Read our full GolfBuddy Aim W11 GPS Watch Review
How we test
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.
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. That way we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader. The final thing we wanted to mention in this section is no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and makes its own opinion on how good or bad the product is.
Laser v Watch v Handheld
So which of the three GPS devices should you go for?
If simplicity and convenience are important to you then a watch will deliver this, whereas some players may prefer the pinpoint flag accuracy of laser rangefinders. In the case of larger handheld GPS units, the chief benefit is the larger screen which gives a lot more detail and the touch screen functionality will be familiar to most users of modern phones.
When looking to answer which kind of GPS option is right for you, have a think about the below factors:
Your routine
A glance at a watch is much quicker than taking a device out of its case or dragging pointers on the screen, so weigh up if extra detail or less disruption is most important to you.
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 run on powerful batteries that are easily replaced every six months to a year, while GPS devices normally need charging regularly via a USB, so consider if you have the discipline to keep it topped up ready for your next round.
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.
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
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. If that is important to you, then several models above will cater to this need.
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.
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.
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