When I think of Voice Caddie devices, I think of simplicity. We were fans of the Laser Fit rangefinder two years ago, a device that was minimalist, lightweight and accurate - three great characteristics for any trusty rangefinder.

Well, here is the older brother, the Laser Fit 2. It has undergone a minor cosmetic change but other than that, the premise remains the same. This is a laser designed for simplicity.

It's a classic ‘pick up and shoot’ rangefinder for the speedy player who doesn’t want to have to sign into an app on his or her phone on the first tee, nor do they want club selections, weather-adjusted yardages or a lift home from the pub later that evening. Lightning-quick yardages in a compact build is the selling point here, but has Voice Caddie delivered one of the best golf rangefinders?

I’ll begin by talking about the size of the Laser Fit 2 which, like its predecessor, is very small. It easily fits in the palm of my small-to-medium sized hands and considering the lack of weight (less than 4oz), it should easily fit into one of your pants pockets.

In a time where style is becoming a bigger factor in laser design, Voice Caddie has implemented a unique detachable plastic ring near the top of the lens which they call Color Kit Accessories, allowing you to pick and express your personal style. The catch is they are sold separately, but it's a nice option to have.

From having tried the original Laser Fit, I knew what to expect here in terms of performance and the Laser Fit 2 met those expectations. With a USP of being simple and fast, it has achieved this with flying colors.

Voice Caddie claims yardage feedback takes one tenth of a second and although it’s difficult for me to fact check this, I won’t dispute it - it is indeed very fast.

The 6x optical magnification display is good, not amazing, but keep in mind this laser is in the midfield of the price range. The ‘Ball-to-Pin’ is a useful feature for speedy golfers, allowing you to measure the distance from the ball to the flag without even standing over it - this will be particularly useful for golfers on cart-path-only courses.

Finally, the Pin Tracer technology does an excellent job pinpointing the flag and giving you the correct yardage to your target, especially when there are trees and/or bushes in the background making it harder to get an accurate yardage.

Now for the not-so-good. I think this is the first laser I’ve ever tested that doesn’t come with a carry case which, when we consider the £260 price tag, I find very disappointing.

The combination of the compact size and the lack of a ‘Find My Laser’ feature that I’ve seen on other rangefinders I’ve tested so far this year, massively increases the chances of you losing it on the course or elsewhere. It’s a disaster waiting to happen for those who misplace things regularly.

Compared to other compact lasers I’ve tested like the Bushnell A1-Slope and MGI Sureshot SlimPRO, the build quality doesn’t meet the same standards and feels a little too ‘plasticky’ for my liking.

I get the golfer they are looking to target here, but the rangefinder market is undergoing serious change - golfers no longer have to spend north of £400 for rangefinders with features like club recommendations, plays-like distances and more.

The middle ground of the price scale is now more congested than ever, and I don’t think the Laser Fit 2 (which you can pick up for roughly £249) is winning many ‘tale of the tape’ comparison battles against competing models at the same price. You’ll get more features elsewhere and even if you don’t like them, you don’t have to use them - but at least you have the option.

Don’t let this skepticism take away from the performance here though, this remains a very good laser from a trustworthy brand.

You’ll likely get plenty of years out of the Laser Fit 2 in which you get a couple of helpful features and a device that is as simple as it is accurate, its just that the rapidly changing landscape of the rangefinder market makes it a slightly tougher sell than it would have two or three years ago.

In its attempt to go from scrappy underdogs to serious players at the big table, Blue Tees has gone all out in 2026. As part of its new ‘ecosystem’, it is releasing two lasers, the Playmaker + GPS Watch, the Player+ GPS Speaker and a budget launch monitor, the Rainmaker.

To dine at the big table, it has to deliver some of the best golf rangefinders and best golf watches to do so, and having already reviewed the bigger brother of the two new rangefinders, the Captain Pro, the brand is off to a great start. Now it is time to see how the little brother performs.

Like the Captain Pro, features are plentiful with the Captain Air, which is also a ‘smart’ rangefinder. This means you have to connect it to the Blue Tees app and start your round on there before you tee off, but it is worth it.

Once connected, you get GPS yardages to the front and back of greens in addition to your yardage for shooting the flag. You’ll also get aerial views of the hole ahead of you on the app as well as green maps with the Advanced Analytics Package subscription (more on this later), plus shot tracking, club recommendations, shot dispersion and accuracy data and additional app features.

We’re not done there. You’re treated to a good (but not amazing) x6 LCD display, IP65 dust and water resistance build and a high-quality carry case that both looks brilliant and, in my opinion, is far better than the one you get on the Captain Pro.

As a simple ‘pick up and shoot’ laser, the Captain Air does all the things you would want. Although the display isn’t as good as the Captain Pro’s OLED x7 magnification, it’s still very solid and is helped by the contrast of the fairly dull but effective red/black detailing.

The build quality is excellent, similar to previous Blue Tees interactions like the Ultra Series 4 and Series 3 Max, plus it passes the eye test as a genuinely attractive-looking laser, if that is of any importance to you.

Switch on, connect to the app and things get really fun If you’re changing elevation, most rangefinders will account for that with a ‘slope-adjusted’ yardage, but Blue Tees take this feature and inject it with steroids using ‘True Distance Adjusted Yardages’.

Through the app, your yardage is automatically adjusted with factors like slope, wind, elevation and even temperature to give you a true number that takes everything into account.

I’m always a little skeptical about lasers that factor in weather conditions, but the Captain Air seemed bang on the money during my testing.

I must make you aware that these bells and whistles require a subscription, but the cost is fairly reasonable. I too tend to roll my eyes at subscriptions, but at $49 a year or $99 for three years, the cost is modest for what you get.

Even when you factor in the base cost and add the subscription price to it, the Captain Air is exceptional value compared to similar models at this price range. The likes of the Bushnell A1-Slope, Shot Scope Pro L5, Vistaget Golvia Pro and the Motocaddy Pro 5000 linger around the $250, and the Captain Air is superior to all of them in terms of features.

Where I am left confused is the price compared to the Captain Pro. The Air is only $50 cheaper, so is the difference worth paying the extra that is needed? In short, yes.

Although I prefer the Air case to the one you get with the Pro, the Pro is better against the elements with its IP67 protection compared to the Air’s IP65 protection. As mentioned, the display on the Air is good, but the Captain Pro’s OLED display is much brighter and x7 magnification is a lot better. These two things alone are worth the extra investment in my eyes.

There is one thing that is holding back both rangefinders however - I mentioned it in my Captain Pro review - the app needs work. It’s fairly slow and I experienced connectivity issues with both rangefinders during testing.

If you’re marketing your whole ecosystem through an app, it best be a good one. We aren’t quite there with the Blue Tees app yet, but I’m confident it will be improved as time goes on.

So there you have it, yet another very impressive release from Blue Tees. Of the two members of its cutting-edge ecosystem we’ve tested, it has gone two for two in terms of winners. Even with the slightly confusing price tag compared to the Captain Pro, the Air (£199.99) is an excellent option and a positive sign of things to come from the brand in 2026. Watch this space.

One could make a strong case for Blue Tees to be one of the fastest growing technology companies in golf.

When it comes to distance measuring devices like the best golf rangefinders and best golf watches, the natural evolution has been more and more new features each year. This is great on one hand, I love features. On the other hand, these features come at a price.

The more you want, the more you pay. I’d consider the likes of the Bushnell Pro X3+ and Garmin Z82 to be top of the pops, but they will set you back north of $500.

Want one of the best budget rangefinders? No problem, but don't expect GPS yardages, club recommendations or even waterproof protection. You can get a reliable and accurate rangefinder for less than $150, but it will be fairly basic.

The middle class is where it gets interesting. If you’re willing to pay a few hundred bucks for some bells and whistles but can’t afford or simply don’t want to buy the most expensive bottle of wine on the menu, what are your options? They are plentiful - you have the likes of the Precision Pro Titan Slope, Shot Scope Pro L5 and options from Blue Tees like the Series 4 Ultra.

In 2026, Blue Tees has made an all-singing, all-dancing laser rangefinder to fit in its expanding ecosystem so you can keep all your golf data in one place without it putting a sizeable dent in your wallet.

It's called the Captain Pro and comes in at a reasonable $299. It joins the Captain Air rangefinder, the Playmaker + GPS Watch, Player+ GPS Speaker and even a budget launch monitor in the Rainmaker.

I recently put the Captain Pro through its paces, and there was A LOT of testing for me to do given how many features are on offer here.

In our hands we get the following: a crystal clear 7x magnification OLED display, a ‘Find My Rangefinder’ feature in case you misplace it, flag lock vibration, stat tracking, IP67 dust and waterproofing, and once connected to the app, you get even more.

Once you've paired your device with the app you get front, center and back GPS distances, as well as an 'eye in the sky' aerial views and green heat maps of each hole you are playing. You also get one year free of the Advanced Analytics Package subscription, which gives you shot tracking, club recommendations, shot dispersion and accuracy data and additional app features. I too tend to roll my eyes at subscriptions, but at $49 a year or $99 for three years, the outlay is fairly modest for what you get.

As for the laser itself, it passes the eye test. It looks cool and feels premium courtesy of the robust rubber exterior which features a very clear button that shines red when you are using slope - if you’ve read any of my other rangefinder reviews, I strongly believe every model should make it abundantly clear when slope is being used given it is illegal in competition play.

Assessing this laser without using the smart features, it is hard to find fault. The display is absolutely superb and the flag lock vibration reassuring when there is foliage behind the green. I’m not a massive fan of the carry case, preferring the cases from the likes of Bushnell which use an elastic clip to keep your case closed without zipping it up. Nevertheless, this is a high-quality case that will keep your device safe.

Then we get to the bells and whistles, where there is both good and bad news. A word of advice - have a test run with this laser before using it in an important round. It is one of the few devices I’ve had to read the instruction manual to understand how to use everything.

Once you’ve connected to the app, the GPS yardages are brilliant, but the app experience is less so. As someone who hates being on his phone when walking 18 holes, I’m always skeptical of apps, and the Blue Tees app is a little too rough around the edges for my liking.

It’s a little slow and laggy in places, which is detrimental to the whole experience. I also found my Captain Pro's Bluetooth disconnected a few times randomly, forcing me to reconnect mid-round.

Now for the 'glass half full' perspective - I’m confident Blue Tees can improve the app experience. For now though, I’ll stick with the laser features that don’t require me to use my phone.

So, all of this for less than $300/£230. That is nothing short of ridiculous value for money. As I write this review, I fight the urge to applaud at my desk. At a time in which golf has exploded in popularity and brands have made the most of this by upping prices, credit to Blue Tees for making a device that does so much but doesn’t come with the eye-watering price tag.

I can’t wait to test the rest of the ecosystem - if it performs as well as the Captain Pro, it could force some uncomfortable conversations when it comes to brands pricing their products going forward. Here’s hoping…

I’m not a brand loyalist when it comes to golf. I have a Ping driver and woods, Mizuno irons, TaylorMade wedges and a Scotty Cameron putter. However, when it comes to my rangefinder, I feel naturally drawn towards Bushnell. I view the likes of Titleist, TaylorMade and Callaway amongst others largely as equals when it comes to hardware, but I view Bushnell as the leaders of the laser rangefinder market.

They have plenty of competition to fend off in the battle to deliver the best golf rangefinders - Garmin are circling like sharks, Blue Tees have seriously upped their game with very exciting releases in the works for 2026, and those are just two of over a half dozen rival brands jostling for your custom. The Pro XM is Bushnell’s second laser release of the year and given how impressed by the Tour V7 Shift earlier this year, I was excited to take it out at Royal County Down to put it through its paces.

The Pro XM is a new member of the expansive Bushnell family, essentially acting as a mini-Pro X3+, the most premium and highest priced-ticket item in this ecosystem. It is not yet available in the United States, but sits just below the Tour Hybrid (£549) but £70 above the Tour V7 Shift (£399) - so what sets it apart from the best Bushnell rangefinders?

As mentioned, this is essentially a mini-Pro X3+, and when I say mini, I mean mini! This thing is tiny! A growing niche in the laser space is to make small, pocket-sized lasers that pack a punch and this is Bushnell’s second ‘mini’ laser after they released the A1-Slope last summer.

If I make a Star Wars reference, my first thought when I unboxed the Pro XM it reminded me of Baby Yoda - small and cute, but don’t let the looks fool you, under the hood this is a very strong performer in the same way Baby Yoda had full use of the force in The Mandalorian.

Enough of the Star Wars references, let’s chat performance. A hint of what lies ahead is how good this laser feels in your hand. It’s smaller than the average laser but the build-quality is top tier and notably better than the A1-Slope, the cheapest laser in the family. It weighs less than 200g so is both noticeably small and lighter than the Pro X3+. The build is similar to that of the Tour V7 Shift with the same IPX6 Waterproof shell and a very reliable Magnetic BITE that we’ve become accustomed to.

Bring it up to your eye and you are met with a crystal clear display that sets the standard for the laser industry. Bushnell’s new OLED screen that was debuted with the Tour V7 Shift features here, and it is brilliant - numbers are delivered in bright red so are very easy to consume, whilst the Pinseeker With Visual Jolt feature gives you a a red ring now that flashes as JOLT vibrates to give you even greater feedback and confidence when you’ve successfully locked the flag. Standing on the tee of a Par 3 and getting a number to the flag has never been easier.

In terms of features, Bushnell have taken their Slope Technology and essentially injected it with steroids - their new ‘Elements Compensation’ means temperature and altitude have been added for the most precise compensated distances you could ask for. All you need to do is download the app and link your phone and laser.

Also, thanks to Bushnell’s collaboration with Foresight Sports, the Pro XM can take your stock club yardages provided by your Bushnell launch monitor to give you personalized club recommendations right in your laser’s display.

As much as I try, I can’t find fault with this laser in terms of performance. However, I’m not a fan of the new landscape case, a change from the typical portrait case we’ve seen throughout the Bushnell family, including the A1-Slope. The laser doesn’t feel as easily accessible in this new case compared to the portrait case and I think it is a small step back, especially considering how good Bushnell’s protective cases have proved over the years.

If you value beautifully clear visuals, ease-of-use and reliable yardages, all packaged into a well-built laser that can fit in your pocket, the Pro XM is well worth considering.

Rangefinder brands have more recently been forced to think outside the box and come up with new features in an effort to grab your attention in a congested category. But typically these features are not legal for tournament play, rendering them somewhat redundant for those who play a lot of competitive golf.

For me, I want a rangefinder that does the basics well and will last the test of time and that’s exactly what the Precision Pro Titan Slope delivers. It’s not the brand’s most feature-packed model (that accolade goes to the Titan Elite) but it balances technology that will help the golfer get the information they need quickly in a robust, premium product.

Out of the box, it’s clear the Titan Slope is a quality product. It has a premium look and feel with its gentle sheen and aluminium shell, which is said to be ‘unbreakable’.

This is not something I plan on putting the test although, as a year-round golfer the IP67 fully waterproof protection will certainly come in handy. I also like the grippy section that surrounds it to assist with a stable hold, something many of the best golf rangefinders possess.

It passes the visual test but then excels further when you shoot your first target. I was genuinely amazed at how quickly it locks on to the flag and displays the yardage - we’re comfortably talking comparable with the best Bushnell rangefinders. It also provides a vibration in your hand for that extra dose of reassurance.

The display is bright and clear, making it easy to see targets over 300 yards away. The graphics are simple - just the numbers and the battery meter, nothing superfluous.

The biggest compliment I can pay this rangefinder is that you don’t find yourself using it for very long on each shot, although the case’s bungee strap system which wraps around the side is a touch more fiddly to operate than the usual one that flips over the top.

Like the best rangefinders with slope, the Slope feature is easy to disable via the button on the top of the unit and the built in magnet is useful should you play a lot of cart golf and want it easily accessible throughout your round.

The USB-C charging is a more convenient inclusion that having to frequently replace a CR2 battery. I've used it for multiple rounds now and the power level is still showing as full!

For the price (£299) you want features and reliability and the Titan Slope unquestionably delivers, which means there is value to be had here, especially considering the speed and the simplicity of the user experience. It impressed us so much we selected it for Editor's Choice in 2026, which is no mean feat.

When many of us golfers think of rangefinders, often the first brand we think of is Bushnell - I know I do anyway. In fact, when I think of the best golf rangefinders, the first one that pops into my head is one of the best and most popular of all time, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift. There was something about that white, black and orange color scheme that just stayed with me, in addition to the obvious top-tier performance.

Part of the reason I am in charge of rangefinder testing here at Golf Monthly is my 12+ year experience as a caddy at Royal County Down. In that time I used many rangefinders from those I caddied for, but the one that I saw in most people's bags was the Tour V5, then the Tour V6 and then the Tour V6 Shift. It is the most widely-known Bushnell laser, and following the arrival of the new Tour V7 Shift, I don’t expect it to be any less popular.

Given the success of the Tour V6 Shift, the V7 is evolution rather than revolution. There was no need to rip up the manual for the sake of it and Bushnell knew this, so there aren’t many new massive, game-changing features to shout about here - instead, we have small quality of life improvements pretty much across the board.

The first one you’ll notice is the look. If you told me you couldn’t care less what your rangefinder looks like, I'd accept it. However, I’d then point you in the direction of the V7 Shift, which I think is the best looking rangefinder I’ve ever seen. The new black and orange color scheme looks fantastic, as do the shiny metal details. The build is also IPX6 waterproof, so you’ll be protected from unexpected rain showers, plus a two-year warranty is included for peace of mind.

Using this rangefinder feels like a premium experience and a lot of that is through how lovely it is to hold. It has a robust build that is the perfect weight - not too heavy but not flimsy or light either. Once you bring it to your eye line and look through the lens you’ll be met with a crystal clear OLED display - press the shoot button and the display lights up like a Christmas tree. The numbers are clear and concise, with the literal yardage displayed in orange and the slope-adjusted one (if you have it on) shown in green to clearly differentiate the two.

One of the new features is Pinseeker and Visual Jolt, which now flashes an orange ring around the lens in addition to vibrating once you’ve shot the pin for extra confirmation. Having tested this over two days at Royal County Down in which the sun didn’t appear for either, the clarity of both the display and the Pinseeker feature provided peace of mind I’d successfully shot the yardage I wanted.

The same slope switch from previous Tour V models on the side of the device remains and provides both you and your partners a clear indication of whether the mode is turned on and off, another green tick on my report card. Bushnell’s Bite magnetic mount is on the opposite side to the slope switch and will be used a lot by those who ride in carts.

As someone who has the memory of a goldfish, I appreciated the yardage recall feature, which allows you to obtain your last ranged distance by simply pressing the Mode button on the top of the unit in case you’ve forgotten your yardage. Speaking of yardages, Bushnell has now joined forces with Foresight Sports to offer LINK-Enabled technology, using your stock club yardages to give you personalized club recommendations right in your rangefinder's display.

The one nagging thing about the Tour V7, for me at least, is the price point. I would divide rangefinders into three categories in terms of price - premium, middle-tier and budget. The V7 is probably the best ‘middle-tier’ rangefinder there is but it comes at a not insignificant cost of $399.99.

Last year we tested the Bushnell Tour Hybrid, a device I’d consider in the premium tier, and it was superb - most notably thanks to the built-in GPS functionality which gives yardages to the front, middle and back of each green. It is priced at $499.99. Personally speaking, I think it’s worth paying the extra $100 for the Tour Hybrid, more so as a compliment to that device than a critique of the Tour V7.

However, if you want to save $100 and reinvest it into a different part of your game, that’s absolutely fine too - you’re still getting one of the best rangefinders on the market in the V7 Shift.

When we reach for our distance measuring device on the golf course, we have to know that we can trust it. Not believing in the number it shoots out casts doubt over your next shot, and having any doubt in your pre-shot routine will only increase the chances of a bad result. Whether its the best golf rangefinders, best golf gps or even the best golf watches, if your device is in any way inconsistent or untrustworthy then we’d highly recommend investing in a different model.

Motocaddy has built a sterling reputation as a maker some of the best electric trolleys and caddies on the market as well as top level push carts, cart bags and even golf gadgets. It has now taken this tech knowhow into rangefinders, I can was keen to see how it performed on the course.

The Pro 5000 takes over from the impressive Pro 3000 model and isn’t an overly ‘fancy’ device in any way - there are no bright colors, nor eye-catching design features. Instead, in accordance with pretty much its entire arsenal of golf equipment, Motocaddy has kept it simple and let the quality of its product do the talking.

This is a well thought out laser and it is evident the moment you open the box courtesy of the small, easily digestible instruction sheet which tells you all you need to know (which is great for me as someone who tests rangefinders!). It tells you what modes you have to play with. This includes your standard measuring, target scanning and pin lock. Target scanning gives you updated metrics as you pan across your surroundings while pin lock displays the closest distance to make it easier to successfully shoot the flag.

Once you take the rangefinder out of the box, you’ll immediately feel a high-quality device in your hands. It has a good weight to it (tipping the scales at 220g)- not too flimsy but not heavy, and ergonomic - the textured rubber grips keep it safely and securely in your hand as you use it.

The biggest compliment I can give this rangefinder is that it is probably the easiest I’ve ever used. If you aren’t fussed about fancy features or eye-catching designs and simply want a pick-up-and-shoot laser that delivers a lot of performance and little fuss, the Pro 5000 is perfect for you.

The OLED display is crisp and clear, with 6x magnification meaning you won’t have any issue seeing your target, especially with a range of 1500 yards (350 yards to a flag). The distances appear rapidly (you'll also get a vibrating pulse to let you know when you’ve hit the target in pin lock mode) and it's accurate to within one yard, so you’ll know the number you’ve been fed is the correct one.

A premium hard-shell carry case featuring a bag clip and quick-release mechanism offers added protection and a IPX5 rated waterproofing means your device is safe from the rain - plus a 24-month warranty gives added peace of mind. It also has a magnet so you can attach it to your cart.

If I were to nitpick, the addition of some sort of signal to tell you playing partners whether the slope mode is on or off maybe would have been a good idea. I think it is a very useful feature we’ve seen used on other devices that means there are no arguments on the golf course on whether you’re using it in competition play, signified by a glowing light or something similar as you shoot your target. The on/off switch under the eye lens does a decent job, but it could be a bit more transparent or visible to others.

I also question whether any standout features set this laser apart from the rest of the competition at this price point. It is roughly in the middle of the price scale, too expensive to be considered one of the best budget rangefinders but roughly half the price of the creme de la creme. At an RRP of £199/$250, some golfers may want a bit more - perhaps the ability to link it to your Motocaddy trolley, a side screen or even the functionality of pairing it to an app for further insights into how far you hit each club.

However, if you don’t care too much for bells and whistles and prefer a fast, reliable rangefinder with little fuss, the Pro 5000 ticks a lot of boxes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An explosion in golf's popularity in recent years means we're now seeing more budget-friendly golf equipment. We've never seen as many brands fiercely compete for the custom of players who are at the beginning of their love affair with the game but likely don't want to splash on hundreds of dollars on equipment, especially when it comes to gadgets.

With more competition comes more choice for the consumer - we've never had this number of genuinely useable budget rangefinders to choose from. Ten years ago it felt like you had to pay north of $200 for a device you could trust to give you accurate yardages, whereas now you don't even need to spend half of that to get your hands on a reliable device.

When I take a cheap rangefinder out for testing, I find myself almost more excited than when I test something three or four times the price. As I took the Cigman CT-1200PRO rangefinder onto the first tee at Royal County Down for testing, I was hoping to find a diamond in the rough and I wasn't left disappointed.

The theme of the day was set as I unboxed the CT-1200PRO. If you've read any of my previous reviews, you'll know I take the quality of a carry case very seriously. Especially with cheap rangefinders, brands often look to cut costs by skimping on the carry case, but Cigman has delivered one that is genuinely good quality, even if it is a little basic looking (do we really care what it looks like?). It's hard-shelled, so offers actual protection to your device, and was easy to access as it sat attached to the side of my bag.

Given the price of this device ($89.99 at the time of writing), I was half expecting the laser to feel a little cheap in my hands. Although it doesn't have the same build quality as one of the best golf rangefinders, it certainly doesn't feel cheap. It's lightweight but doesn't feel flimsy in your hands. Though it doesn't match the likes of the Bushnell A1-Slope or the MGI Sureshot SlimPRO in this regards, it's worth noting those are two of the best lasers I've tested over the last 12 months of similar size and they cost comfortably more than double the price.

Considering the price, this is a feature-rich device. The inclusion of a slope functionality is a welcome one and a range of 1200 yards is an impressive feat. Other modes are available and switching between slope, flag lock, scan, and speed modes is a breeze thanks to this rangefinder's best feature - the external side display. This small screen sets this device apart from competing models on the lower end of the price scale and is one I found very useful, especially as someone who often forgets the yardage he just shot roughly 1.5 second ago.

Not only does this display show you your yardage as a reminder, it also allows you to flick between modes as well as shows your playing partners when you're utilizing the slope mode - a green outline on the screen indicates this, giving transparency to your playing partners to show you aren't using slope in competition play.

The display is solid but not amazing, which is understandable given the price. I never had an issue shooting the flag and acquiring my yardage which proved accurate when I compared them to my 'gamer' device I use week-to-week. However, flicking between the two devices did open my eyes to the difference in clarity of each display. I keep banging on about the price, but it was inevitable this laser wouldn't match a device three times its price in every category.

Other pleasing features include solid battery life that allows 20,000 actuations on a full charge, a water resistant build to protect it against light showers and a lightning fast response after you lock in on your target which Cigman claim is only 0.5 of a second - I don't doubt it.

I think this rangefinder is perfect for the beginner player or golfers who play sparingly and want a reliable rangefinder that won't break the bank. If you're like me, play multiple times a week and compete competitively, be that in a club competition or further afield, I think paying a little more for a device with a clearer display is worth it. However, I also understand golf is a very expensive sport to play and one of the areas in which you can save money in with your distance measuring device - if you decide to do this, the Cigman CT-1200PRO should be high on your list of options.

Choice is a great thing, so we'll never complain when a new rangefinder hits the market. The more competition there is, the better choice we have in terms of makes and models at the lower end of the price scale when we're looking to equip ourselves with a new laser rangefinder.

More choice, however, does mean that choosing the right distance measuring device has become harder - and that doesn't include choosing between a laser or one of either the best golf watches or best golf gps gadgets. This is a good problem to have, of course.

I find myself being excited to test medium-to-low priced lasers as much as the fancy ones that cost up to double the price, so I braved the winter cold at Royal County Down to give Vistaget's latest laser a workout - the Golvia Pro, which comes with an RRP around $250. This sits roughly in the middle of the price scale, right at the top end of what we'd consider the best budget rangefinders but still sigificantly more affordable than the feature-packed $500+ options we see among the very best golf rangefinders.

I'll begin with first impressions because they're very good. This is a visually appealing device that feels solid in your hand without being too heavy or bulky. An in-built magnetic strip is a clever feature, as is the red light that shines when you're using the device with the slope feature active - a feature I feel every rangefinder should have to show your playing partners that you aren't using said feature in competition play (this could have been helpful in the recent Barstool Sports Internet Invitational!). It's also IP54 weather resistant, so not fully waterproof, but enough to protect you from a few showers out on the course.

The carry case is also impressive. Too often, especially with cheaper rangefinders, brands cut costs and give you a flimsy carry case that doesn't do justice to your device, but not here. It's a sturdy, well-built case that provides a safe haven for your laser and is also easily accessible during your round.

The first thing that struck me when it came to on-course use is how impressive the display was. My first day testing was a typical grey, gloomy Northern Irish December afternoon and my fear was that the display would be dark, thus making it harder to see the target I want to find the yardage to. Unlike a lot of rival budget options, the Golvia Pro features a display Vistaget claim is 80% brighter and when coupled with 7x magnification, provides a pleasingly clear view of the hole ahead of you.

Two features I found helpful were both the slope feature as well as the Tri-Measure Tech that allows players to learn the yardage between two spots without standing at each, but measuring the difference between both.

This rangefinder does have one major flaw, however. It's not a flaw that will impact you if you're club sports those mirror pin reflectors that compliment rangefinders, helping them shoot the flag with ease. During my first round of testing on the Championship Links, where the pins feature the reflectors, getting a yardage to the flag was easy. Although the size of the aiming circle being too big for my liking, getting a number to my target was still relatively simple.

However, during my second round of testing on the Annesley Links at RCD in which the flags don't use the pin reflectors, I often struggled to shoot the flag from over 100 yards. The further I got from the flag, the harder it was to accurately shoot the flag, so much so that when I was over 150 yards from the flag I often didn't bother trying to shoot it.

It's a shame and is the only real criticism I can make of this device, but it is a really important one. If you play regularly at a club without reflectors on top of each flag stick, you'll likely struggle like I did - if you don't, then you shouldn't have to worry. But this element was a little disappointing, especially considering how great the display is.

To conclude, this is a competitve device if you're after a simple 'pick up and shoot' laser that also packs in a couple of nice features with slope and the Tri-Measure Tech. Water resistance and a two year warranty also shows Vistaget care about both their customers and their products. With a few quality of life improvements, this brand could be on to a real winner.

There’s no getting away from the fact that Amazon is awash with low-cost rangefinders and it can be hard to know which ones, if any, will stand the test of time and be able to compete with the best golf rangefinders on the market.

One recently came across my desk in the form of the Wosports rangefinder. Type this term into Amazon’s search bar and you’ll be greeted with a host of options with a similar name, which adds to the confusion. The one I tested had the blue/grey color scheme and is listed as the L16 on the Wosports website. It promises a 1,200-yard range as well as flag locking vibration and USB-C charging.

With an encouraging suite of features for the modest RRP of $129.99 or £99, I took it to the course to see how it performed.

The Wosports L16 rangefinder clocks in at just 160 grams according to my scales, which is certainly on the lighter end of the spectrum, but it’s a substantial size and has a bumpy texture to it to help maintain your grip when in use, which worked very well in practice. It also comes with a perfectly suitable carry case, carabiner included.

There are three modes accessed via one of two buttons on top. The first appears to show you the degree of elevation change (I’m not sure why that’s useful), the second displays the adjusted distance taking this change in elevation into account (far more useful) and the third is the pin detection mode, where the unit vibrates when the flag is located.

I have to say, I was surprised at how clear the view was in the display and how easily it picked out the flag from the background. Some of the graphics are quite close to the edge of the display but you can still see all the information you need.

I tested the Wosports rangefinder up against my Bushnell Tour V6 Shift, probably one of the very best rangefinders with slope, and the distances I encountered were very comparable up to 300 yards away. The Wosports model was never more that a couple of yards out from what the Bushnell was displaying and often they were nigh-on identical. The Wosports wasn’t as quick as the Bushnell - there was probably half a second delay in the distances appearing, but this didn’t really detract from the experience.

The only real negative I have, and it’s a pretty big one, is that the Slope button on the side of the Wosports rangefinder didn’t appear to do anything. I was able to access slope-adjusted distances regardless of if the green or red indicator was showing on the side of the device. In both settings one of the modes doesn’t factor in slope, so while you can absolutely make this rangefinder legal for competition play, it’s not via the method the manufacturers intended.

While my experience with the Wosports rangefinder hasn’t changed my mind about Bushnell leading the way when it comes to golf rangefinders, it has certainly opening my eyes to the merit of more cost-effective alternatives, especially those sold on Amazon.

There are obvious trade offs in build quality, speed and in this case, button functionality, the latter being a considerable red flag, but for a golfer that just wants accurate distances on a modest budget, the Wosports rangefinder delivered. It's undoubtedly one of the best budget rangefinders on the market.

I've had a mixed start with testing Mileseey rangefinders. Its miniature IONME2 laser was an excellent product with some unique features, while its outrageously priced GenePro S1 left me wondering what was in the water at Mileseey HQ. The brand's newest offering feels like a decisive moment as it tries to break the mini-monopoly the likes of Bushnell, Garmin, Nikon, and ShotScope have on the laser market. By combining a laser with a touchscreen GPS, the GenePro G1 aims to finally be the solution that means golfers never have to choose between lasers or GPS again. There have been hybrid rangefinders before - the likes of the Bushnell Tour Hybrid and Garmin Approach Z82, to name two - but the GenePro G1 is the first I've tried to include a built-in touchscreen GPS system alongside the laser capabilities.

Firstly, the price. I don't normally like to dwell on the price of products in my reviews, but after the $800 mess of the GenePro S1, I was keen to stress how pleased I am to see the £371 RRP for the G1 here in the UK. Considering the best laser rangefinders will set you back north of £400 and the best GPS devices a similar amount, you get a lot of product for your money here. It's not like this product looks or feels cheap, either. The GenePro P1 certainly feels and looks premium, so I'm impressed it's being sold well under the £400 mark.

As a laser, it is perfectly competent. Nothing really stood out versus the competition, but it also has all the features you need. A clear, bright display in the viewfinder is complemented by quick pick up of the flag, and a nice vibration that runs through the device when you've zapped your target. Slope-compensated distances can be turned on and off easily, while the 600-yard range also keeps up nicely with the competition. One feature of the laser worth noting is something called Background Interference Filtering technology, which blurs out the background to allow you to more easily locate the pin. It's a clever feature that certainly speeds up target acquisition.

The reason you'll be looking at investing in a product like this is for the combined GPS touchscreen. So, how did that perform? I was initially incredibly impressed with the way the screen had been incorporated into the device. The 2.13-inch AMOLED touchscreen is bright and clear and adds a wealth of information about the course that a laser simply can't provide on its own. It offers quick distances to the front, middle and back of the green as well as a dynamic view of the green, the exact shape of the one you're about to approach. While the Bushnell Tour Hybrid also does this, it does so only with numbers through the viewfinder, rather than with a full picture of the green.

Another difference that the touchscreen introduces is full hole mapping. Though a little squeezed in on the relatively small screen (compared to other dedicated GPS devices like the SkyCaddie Pro 5X), it gives you a full picture of the hole ahead and allows you to touch on any part of the hole to get a better understanding of distances to hazards and doglegs. Other features include a Pin Pointer, which lets you know the exact direction to the middle of the green if you're in a position on the course where you can't see it. The screen also allows you to collect in-round shot data, which is then synced to the Mileseey app for post-round analysis.

Overall, I thought the screen worked well. It was a little laggy from time to time, but I think that has to be expected for a relatively small screen that is trying to display a lot of information at any one time. I doubt there is much room in the laser's shell to add a lot of processing power, so I'd suggest Mileseey has done the best job it can in delivering a responsive screen that displays plenty of data in a bright and digestible way.

The only significant frustration I had was that the device struggled to change holes automatically on the next tee. It meant having to manually adjust the device to which hole I was on, which added a frustrating amount of time to gaining distances. It's a small gripe, but one that I found was a constant annoyance on the course. Hopefully this can be fixed for the future is some sort of software update, as it would greatly enahnce the on-course experience.

While, in my opinion, there are likely better individual rangefinders (my favourite is still the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift) and better individual handheld GPS devices (I'd go for the SkyCaddie Pro 5X for the most detail), the GenePro G1 is the best combination of the two I have tested to date. A strong laser rangefinder with a detailed, if sometimes fiddly, built-in touchscreen, it has done a great job of combining the best of both worlds. You get a lot for your money here at under £400, and I suspect the likely success of this device will go a long way to establishing Mileseey as a serious player in the distance measuring device market.

Shot Scope’s extensive product range offers golfers a large array of distance-measuring devices at a variety of affordable price points. None more so in rangefinders, where following the new Pro X rangefinder from earlier in 2025 comes the Pro L5, the company’s first model to feature an OLED display.

OLED displays are becoming more commonplace among the best golf rangefinders, with models like the Blue Tees Series 4 Ultra and Zoom Oled Pro featuring a brighter, clearer view of what lies ahead through the viewfinder. In a situation where clarity and accuracy is so vital, having the best view possible on every shot makes a difference.

I’ve been using the Pro X for the last few months and having recently switched to the Pro L5, you can absolutely tell the difference. It isn’t chalk and cheese, but everything does seem a little clearer and sharper, helped by the 7x magnification so you can see the course in greater detail.

In your hand the Pro L5 feels lightweight but not excessively so (it officially weighs 340g) and the shape and size fitted my hand perfectly - not too small but not too bulky either - and the ribbed case made it easy to hold steady, although it doesn't have the robust, premium look of say a Bushnell Pro X3.

The Pro L5 is also certainly quicker to show distances in the display than any other Shot Scope rangefinder I’ve used, which is pretty much all of them since the company was founded. More recent models haven’t exactly been slow, but the Pro L5 feels almost immediate once you press the Power button, no doubt thanks to the new Gen 2 Rapid-fire detection feature. For me, Bushnell leads the way when it comes to speed and clarity of view, but the Pro L5 represents a big leap closer to the benchmark Bushnell has set with these characteristics.

The Slope functionality is easy to toggle on and off, just like the best golf rangefinders with slope, via the switch on top. The Mode button is also positioned on the top quite close to the laser-firing button, which meant I often pressed the Mode button by mistake, but you soon get used to where the correct buttons are. I also enjoyed the in-built magnet incorporated onto the side of the unit, so you can attach it to the frame of your cart so it’s always in a convenient place when you need it.

I do also think the red graphics in the display are easier to see than black and while you can adjust the brightness of these, you aren’t able to switch to more traditional black. It does come in white or black case colors though, so it’s nice to have that choice. The included carry case has also proven itself to be well made and sturdy on my bag during multiple rounds of testing.

To activate the Target Lock vibration feature, you have to press and hold the Power button, which is somewhat unusual but works very well in practice and provides that assurance that the distance in the display is the correct one.

At around £220, there’s significant value for money here. Not many rangefinders can boast an OLED display, 7x magnification and the speed at which distances are displayed like the Pro L5. It's ideal for any ability of golfers that want a feature-packed, easy-to-use rangefinder that doesn't break the bank. A budget rangefinder it is not, but the level of features certainly come in at an appealing price point.

Used by well over 95% of Tour players, Bushnell lasers are rightly considered some of the best rangefinders money can buy. While the brand's Tour V6 Shift and Pro X3+ are still considered its best to date, I think its latest Tour Hybrid laser is by far its best for the average, everyday golfer looking for simplicity combined with the perfect amount of on-course data to improve decision-making.

The Tour Hybrid combines all that's great about the best Bushnell rangefinders, with a built-in GPS that displays the yardage to the front, middle and back of the green all through the viewfinder. I can't stress how brilliant it has been to play with a laser that also provides these vital distances in one convenient package. Often golfers have to choose whether they'd prefer a GPS or a laser, but now these technologies have been superbly combined in an easy-to-use and premium package.

I know adding front, middle and back distances is only a small amount of added information, but knowing these numbers and how that corresponds with the yardage to the pin really allowed me to make better decisions when approaching greens. If you're not playing with pin sheets or colour-coded flags that tell you which portion of the green the flag is on, having this info gave me a far better understanding of what club I needed to hit into the green.

The Tour Hybrid offers slope-adjusted distances, both for the laser distance and the GPS distances, which is another invaluable feature when you're not in a competition. This, of course, can be easily toggled on and off with the slope switch on the side of the device. It's the first Bushnell device to offer slope-adjusted distances for both the laser and the GPS offers golfers a further layer of information when they are making decisions on the course.

My favourite part of my experience with the Tour Hybrid was how the GPS picked up my location without me having to do a thing. I test a lot of golf technology and have found the need to download accompanying apps, connect devices via Bluetooth, or sign up and create accounts on new apps to be incredibly laborious and time-consuming. Luckily, with the Tour Hybrid, there is nothing extra you need to do to fire up the device and get it working to its fullest. The GPS kicks in on its own and will pick up the course you're playing impressively quickly. I found that during my testing, it would take no more than 60 seconds for the device to find the course I was on and immediately. I've taken this device to Spain and across the UK to various courses, and each time it has immediately and accurately picked up the exact course I'm playing.

I managed to do all of this without even consulting the manual; such is how easy this device is to set up and become accustomed to.

Alongside the built-in GPS, the Tour Hybrid comes with all of Bushnell's tried and tested technology that has made it the market leader for laser rangefinders. The device offers a stronger tactile feedback when you've zapped the pin, thanks to the Jolt vibration, while a pulsing red circle confirms you've got your target. Elsewhere, it's got a total range of 1300 yards with accuracy within 1 yard from targets 500 yards or less. The 6x magnification makes the optics through the viewfinder strikingly clear, and the IPX6 waterproof rating means it can withstand even the most violent and persistent of rain showers.

My only criticism - and this is me searching for something here - is that the graphics could be a little clearer, especially in darker conditions. Some devices, like the ShotScope Pro ZR or Blue Tees Series 4 Ultra laser, can change the graphics between black and red, which helps in different light conditions. That being said, I never truly struggled to see the graphics on the Tour Hybrid. Nothing is perfect, and I don't want Bushnell engineers to walk away from this review thinking everything is perfect, though it nearly is!

What is next for the laser rangefinder category as a whole? Will we see distances to the front and back of hazards incorporated? How about full mapping? I'll leave that to the designers and engineers at the tech companies to work out first, but for now, this is quite simply the perfect rangefinder in my eyes.

It's the Goldilocks of the rangefinder world. Not too much information, not too little information, but just the right amount. The simple execution of GPS distances visible through the viewfinder has given me a wealth of extra information on the golf course, allowing me to make better decisions when approaching greens. Packed up in this premium, accurate and stress-free device, it is going to take a pretty special laser to ever take the Tour Hybrid out of my hands.

There’s a lot of dull greys, blacks and whites in the laser rangefinder market. No design has brought much joy to my life since I started testing the best rangefinders, until I opened up the new Pinned Prism+ laser a few weeks ago.

At £199 ($249), it falls right on the precipice of mid-priced in the laser rangefinder market. If anything, it sits on the cheaper side, considering the price of the likes of the Bushnell A1 Slope and the ridiculous Mileseey GenePro S1 I tested earlier this year. That being said, this product looks, feels and performs like a rangefinder double its price.

I’ll start with the looks, which really set this apart from the rest of the market. I chose it in my favourite green colourway, but there are six other colours to choose from, including red, navy, black, pink and white. Even the ‘Pinned’ font has a charm to it that no other rangefinder I’ve tested can boast. There is a built-in magnet too, which allows it to clip seamlessly to the side of a ride-on cart, but it’s been cleverly disguised in the device rather than being obviously signposted like it is on so many other devices.

Then there’s the quality. There’s a certain heft to the Prism+ that gives it a premium feel in the hand. The slightly textured material over the bulk of the device is a neat design cue, and even the premium unboxing experience resembles that of an Apple product rather than a £200 laser.

The carry case is one of the best I’ve ever used. It comes in a matching block colour to the device you choose and uses a fully magnetic closure system that is a joy to use. It makes it much quicker to access the device, and it feels all the more premium for it. It’s classy touches like this that, quite honestly, put the vast majority of similar and more expensive rangefinders to shame at its £199 ($249) price point. Pinned has shown the world that a premium, quality and charming device can be made and marketed at a much more reasonable price than its competitors.

My enjoyment of the Prism+ didn’t stop at how it’s designed; the performance stacks up, too. The highlight is, without a doubt, the 4K OLED display. It’s unbelievably clear and uses red graphics that really pop out in all light conditions. The 7x magnification is as much as you can get on the market, too, giving you a very clear and precise vision of what is up ahead of you. I’d have liked the option to change the colour of the graphics, like you get on the ShotScope Pro ZR, but I’m nitpicking here.

Target acquisition was quick, and a vibration through the device lets you know when you’ve got your target. There are slope-adjusted distances available, too, which can be toggled on and off for tournament play. None of these specific features make the Prism+ special - I’d expect them on any decent laser - but it all comes together to round off this stylish and premium package nicely.

Pinned claim a battery life of 70 rounds. I haven't used it anywhere near enough to test this yet (that's 18 months of golf for me), but I trust this is the case and the USB-C rechargeable battery shouldn’t take long to recharge when you do eventually run it flat. Cleverly, the device turns itself off when not is use to save battery life. The only thing I found that was perhaps missing was a scan mode, which I like to use quite often, but otherwise, there isn’t much you're left wanting for this device.

Overall, this laser has quickly become one of my favourites. Its charming and unique design is coupled with high-quality features and a crystal clear display. That it retails for £199 ($249) is just the cherry on top of the cake and is proof that a quality product can be made at a much more reasonable price.

MGI may not be the first name that comes to mind when people shop for one of the best golf rangefinders, but after reviewing this device, it's certainly a brand I'll keep in mind for when I'm next upgrading.

Its Sureshot SlimPro rangefinder is the most compact distance measuring device, fitting beautifully in the palm of my hand. As I unboxed the device ahead of testing, a smile appeared on my face when I saw the size of it - I was expecting it to be small, but not this small! Before picking it out of the box, I was worried that due to its size it would feel a bit flimsy in terms of build quality - I'm happy to report that I was very wrong. There is a nice weight to this rangefinder (145g) and even the carry case is small, slotting onto the side of my bag with zero fuss.

Given the size of the device, I was worried it would be easy to lose. Thankfully, I don't tend to lose things and this rangefinder was no different, but if you have a habit of misplacing your wallet or phone from time to time then I'd recommend always remembering where you've set this rangefinder after use - or do what I do and only keep it in the carry case for peace of mind.

Onto performance - just like the quality of the build, the crispness and clarity of the 7x magnified display struck me immediately. It's one of the best I've experienced with a rangefinder and frankly it's a testament to MGI for delivering such a beautiful display in a device so small.

I tested this device across a dozen or so rounds at Royal County Down and found the yardage feedback to be instant and accurate, meaning you won't be spending time trying to tag the flag and holding up the group behind you on the tee as you try and do so. The pulse feature gives you a little vibration once you've successfully locked onto your target whilst the the Pinloc feature means the yardage remains on the screen for 15 seconds post use in case you forget the yardage you were provided - something I do far too often, meaning I found this particular feature extremely useful.

Another feature I loved was the Scan Mode which allows users to receive real-time distances as you scan the terrain and horizon. This was particularly useful when I played on new courses as I scanned what lay in front of me and received continuous real-time distance updates to bunkers, hazards and different areas of the greens.

Coming in at $299, it's right on the upper edge of what we would consider one of the best budget rangefinders, but you certainly get what you pay for here. If there is one critique I could make it would not be in relation to the device itself, but rather the carry case supplied. It's very small - just about big enough for the rangefinder to slip in and out of, which is good if you want to save some space but I would have preferred a slightly bigger and better quality case.

I thoroughly enjoyed testing this rangefinder - and I have used a lot of rangefinders! I enjoyed it that much that it might even become my regular go-to device for 2025.

One half of two new Bushnell releases alongside the very impressive Tour Hybrid, Bushnell's A1-Slope is its smallest ever laser rangefinder and is perfect for those players who like to keep their rangefinder on their person for added convenience and to keep pace of play moving. Did the lack of size lead to a lack of performance or is the A1-Slope one of the best Bushnell rangefinders? I took it for multiple test runs, primarily on Royal County Down's Championship Links, to find out.

The headline feature here is the size of this device - by Bushnell standards, it's tiny. Looking at it before I laid my hands on it, I feared it looked a bit rudimentary but I was pleased to feel a sturdy, well-built device once I took it out of the box. It's not as robust or meaty as the more premium rangefinders on the market like the Bushnell Pro X3+, for example, but it certainly doesn't feel cheap like some of the budget rangefinders can tend to.

It comes with the classic and, in my opinion, brilliant Bushnell carry case, which clicks onto the side of your golf bag, is easy to access and is sturdy enough to keep your device safe during rounds and transport. A smaller case to suit the compact size of the device would have been very cool and the A1-Slope does bounce around a little inside given the case is the roughly the same size of for all other Bushnell rangefinders, but it remains the gold standard of a laser holsters. Those who ride on carts can utilize the BITE magnetic feature, allowing you to easily mount the device right on the cart bar.

In terms of performance, it's very similar to other Bushnell rangefinders. Yardage feedback is very fast whether slope is enabled or not, although I thought the display could have been a little clearer. When testing on the tree-less Royal County Down it was fine, but I noticed when I played courses that had dense trees or shrubbery directly behind the hole that it was harder to see the numbers, particularly on cloudy or lower light afternoons and evenings.

Despite this, it was reassuring to rely on the tactile feedback via JOLT vibrations to let me know when I'd successfully locked onto the flag. Some other rangefinders vibrate no matter what you've locked onto but the A1-Slope only vibrates once you've shot the flag which gave me peace of mind.

The slope feature was easy to turn on and off and a range of 350 yards also meant there was never a shot that was too far for me to measure. Another pleasing aspect was the performance in poor conditions - one of my rounds was in pretty substantial rain, but the A1-Slope held up against the elements thanks to its IPX6 rating which Bushnell claim can "can withstand pressurized water jets from any direction". I've never had to encounter this on the golf course and hope I never will, but it's good to know that my device will be safe in the heaviest of downpours.

I'll end with a comment on the battery life, which is superb. I've used this device over roughly 15 rounds of golf and I haven't even had to charge it yet. When I do, I'll simply plug it into the included USB-C charging cable and leave it to charge - Bushnell states a full charge lasts 50+ rounds and I believe them!

This is an excellent little rangefinder. We're seeing an emergence of more compact rangefinders like the Voice Caddie Laser Fit, CaddyTalk Minimi and GolfBuddy Laser Atom and for some they will be just what the doctor ordered. I question if there are more feature-packed devices out there at the $300 price tag but you can truly never go wrong with a Bushnell rangefinder. If you're after a smaller model that still packs a punch and delivers reliable yardages with the minimum of fuss, the A1-Slope should be in your thinking.

I’ve tested many a golf rangefinder in my time but not often have I been as impressed with one as I have been with the Flightscope i4. This is a cutting-edge, albeit premium priced, rangefinder that has a real focus on tackling the variables that can affect how far a ball travels - namely environmental factors like the wind, slope and club selection - and prioritises taking any guesswork out of the decision-making process for more accurate results.

For FlightScope, a company better known for making some of the best golf launch monitors, this is its first foray into trying to compete with the best golf rangefinders. Out of the box, the unit has a perfectly presentable look with nothing really standing out and clocks in at just 180g on the scales, making it one of the lighter rangefinders on the market. It has a decent size to it though, meaning it fitted in my hand comfortably, and I noticed straight away the USB-C charging port under the eye-piece - no need to be faffing around with fiddly CR2 batteries, then.

The i4 rangefinder comes to life via the FS Golf app to give you personalised club recommendations. But how, I hear you ask. Once you’ve registered your device, paired it to the app via Bluetooth and set your location (which unlocks the local weather information), you can then enter your smart gapping info. This is completely brand agnostic and just requires you to enter your ball speed, launch and spin for a few clubs.

I only had it to hand for driver and 7-iron from the clubs it was requesting but A.I. then fills in the gaps once you’ve told it how you’ve configured your bag to give you ball speed, launch, spin and (most importantly) carry distances for every club you carry. In its defence, what it spat out was very closely aligned to how far I thought I hit each club, so the algorithm has clearly been well designed.

Now your information is stored on the app, the i4 rangefinder will then start making club recommendations for you on the course when you scope out a target. But to take the accuracy one step further, the i4 factors in elevation and uses local weather data to provide a wind speed number. You then have to press the mode button to cycle through the different wind direction options until you get to the correct one on the left of the screen from the eight available.

I’ve not seen a rangefinder that can accurately factor in wind direction, so this seems to be a palatable compromise, but in one sense slows down the process of getting your final yardage and club recommendation. That said, you could argue it speeds it up in another way in that you haven’t got to throw some grass up and do those mental calculations before pulling the club you’ve decided on.

I was happy with the club selection 95 percent of the time and when you’re in between clubs not sure which one to go with, it was nice to give the rangefinder the deciding vote. With all these features turned on, there’s a lot on the display and for some it will be somewhat bamboozling. I am attuned to how rangefinders display various data points, but others may be confused initially - my advice would be to be patient, it will all make sense after a few holes.

All of these bells and whistles can of course be turned off via another tap of the Mode button, which will disable the bright red indicator light on the top of the device and render it legal for tournament play. If you’re playing on a cart it has a built-in magnet to attach it to the frame and it’s also fully waterproof for peace of mind if you get caught in a shower.

A word must go to the carry case, which is included in your purchase and features a zip, magnetic closure tab, a carabiner and clasp should you want to clip the case to your belt.

Make no mistake, this is one of the more expensive rangefinders on the market. If you’re after simple point and shoot functionality (while this can certainly provide it) you may want to look at alternatives like the Shot Scope Pro X or the Golf Buddy Laser Lite 2 but if you want something to essentially do your homework for you and tell you what club to hit, the Flightscope i4 is for you.

Blue Tees is now a thoroughly established name in the distance measuring device space. Whether it's the best handheld GPS devices, best laser rangefinders or even the best golf speakers, Blue Tees has been making high-quality and reliable products to enhance the on-course experience. Its new Series 4 Ultra rangefinder is its most technologically advanced to date, so I was excited to take it onto the course for a thorough test.

As with any Blue Tees product, the quality speaks for itself. From the carry case to the textured casing around the device, it feels like every penny of your investment has been well spent. That doesn't stop with the aesthetics of the product, though, as this feature-packed laser packs a real punch in functionality.

The biggest upgrades on the Series 3 laser are the new OLED display. There is an instant visible improvement down the viewfinder on this new version, with the course and pin coming into an even clearer view than ever before. The graphics are clear and bright, too, making it easy and quick to read once you have your number. That it also has a manual brightness control is very useful and comes into its own when you play early or late in the day or in changing light conditions. It means the graphics and display can always be the perfect brightness to quickly read the numbers.

Though much clearer than before, I found it took a little longer for the device to catch the pin than some other devices. It often got a little confused with trees or other obstacles behind the pin, and it would often take a couple of extra presses to pick the pin up. Versus the GolfBuddy Laser 2S Pro I've been primarily using this year, it was certainly a little slower at picking up the pin. That being said, the Series 4 Ultra has a clever auto-depth filter which automatically adjusts the focus to blur out any background distractions, which is a unique and helpful way of seeking out the pin. I'm not sure why, with all this technology, it was a little slower at picking up the pin, but nevertheless my experience with it was enjoyable, just not as efficient as some others I've tested this year.

One of my favourite features of the Series 4 Ultra is that it will leave the yardage numbers in the viewfinder for 10 seconds after you've scanned it. We've all been there before, where you've zapped the pin, read the number and by the time you've got to your bag to pick up a club, have forgotten the number completely. Luckily, this device has you covered by leaving that number in the viewfinder long enough for you to quickly glance back down and see it. So far as I'm aware, Blue Tees is the only rangefinder manufacturer to have this feature, and you'll find yourself using it pretty often if you're as forgetful as I am.

Elsewhere, it comes with some of the other bells and whistles you'd expect of a device priced at £299 ($300). Slope adjusted distances can be easily toggled on and off with a physical button on the side of the device, a built-in magnet is ideal to use as storage on the side of a ride on cart and the pulse vibration through the device gives a nice haptic feedback when you've eventually zapped the top of the pin.

All in all this is a very worthy upgrade on the Series 3 Max rangefinder and showcases the brilliant technology and innovations Blue Tees has up its sleeve. It sits higher up the price range in the laser rangefinder market, but it feels like the investment is worth every penny for the avid golfers out there.

With so much choice on the market, it's understandable that picking the best laser rangefinder can be a daunting decision for golfers looking to buy for the first time. Shot Scope are one of the best tech brands in the business, making a range of the best golf GPS devices, watches and lasers to suit any budget. The new Pro X sits somewhere in the middle of the rangefinder category, priced and loaded with features that make it not quite an entry-level option but not a premium laser either.

It's worth talking about the standout customisation options early in this review, as this is something that sets this device apart from the crowd. There are various designs to choose from as stock options, as well as the ability to order in bulk for your company or an event/trip, leaving the options endless (within reason) for what you want on the side panel of the device. So, whether it's the flag of your country, a customised gift for your dad or your company (see my Golf Monthly logo device below), the Pro X has a nice differentiation from the often dull, grey rangefinders that dominate the market.

Out on the golf course, this is a practical and solid rangefinder that does all the basics to an ideal standard. It has slope-adjusted distances, which can be easily turned on and off when you're playing in competition, a built-in magnet for use on a ride-on cart, and target lock vibration. I was impressed with how quickly the Pro X locked on to the pin or other target I was pointing at. Coupled with the vibration, you can zap the pin and get your accurate yardage incredibly quickly with the Pro X, which I enjoyed.

The device also has 6x magnification and a huge 800 yards of range. The view on the pin down the rangefinder is clear, and that added level of magnification versus some other devices is very useful. However, the actual display of the numbers is a little duller than some other devices. Another Shot Scope device, the Pro ZR, has a much brighter display that can be displayed in black or red depending on the light conditions, while something like the Zoom OLED has an incredibly bright display that shows the numbers you've zapped to the pin in crystal clear brightness. The Pro X lacks a little firepower in this particular area, but this is my only serious criticism of the device.

Perhaps this is to be expected for a device that retails at under $200/£200. The way the rangefinder market is heading, under $200/£200 can be considered a mid-priced option, and therefore the Pro X isn't as feature-packed as its more expensive rivals. It also feels a little more plastic than its sibling, the Pro ZR, while being a bit more lightweight, too. That being said, the carry case is one of the more premium ones I've tested and looks smart hanging off the accessory hook of your bag.

All in all, this is a very solid and reliable option for a laser rangefinder. The customisation adds a nice differentiation to the rest of the market while, on pure functionality alone, the Pro X fulfils its job efficiently, allowing you to get on with your golf seamlessly and, most importantly, arm yourself with accurate distances on the golf course.

The best golf rangefinders come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. That being said, the current trend is leaning towards more compact models. I've tested the Voice Caddie Laser Fit and GolfBuddy Laser 2S Pro in recent months and have been impressed with how much can be packed into such a small device. It's not about how big it is, it's about what you do with it, right? With that mantra ringing in my ears, I was excited to try Mileseey's latest effort, the miniscule IONME2, which comes with a unique green reading function that could be the solution for those who struggle to putt from a distance.

There will be more on that unique feature later, but let's focus on the device itself. It's a small, rectangular design that easily sits in the palm of your hand. It's a lot heavier than some of the other compact lasers I've tested - 180g compared to the 113g of the Voice Caddie Laser Fit - but I liked the weightiness of it. If you're a player who plays in a lot of wind or who has a bit of a shaky hand, this will come in handy. It feels premium, too. Its $400 price tag may seem a little steep compared to the competition, but I can attest that this feels like a premium device. This is boosted by the IP65 protection, the highest value there is for dust and waterproof protection - this is certainly a rugged device built to last.

Instead of a normal carry case that most lasers come with, the IONME2 comes with a clip that houses the device. This is designed primarily to be clipped onto your belt, giving you easy and constant access, especially when you're away from your golf bag on the green. For the sake of fashion and keeping what few friends I have left at my golf club, I couldn't bring myself to clip this to my belt. If you can get past this fashion faux pas, good for you, but I couldn't and that's the end of that.

Instead, I clipped it to the accessory hook of my bag, which I preferred to using a normal laser case. I loved how instantly accessible it was versus a normal carry case, which you spend plenty of time zipping and unzipping to get inside. It sits snugly in the holster, and though I was initially worried it was going to fall out, being so exposed, I never had a problem with it coming loose. So, even though the clip wasn't initially designed for this use, it was a better solution than the belt.

The reason Mileseey want you to have the IONME2 attached to you at all times is because of its unique green reading feature called PinPoint. Using the device on the putting surface, you can zap the top of the flagstick and the device will tell you how far away - to the centimeter - you're stood from the hole and whether it is uphill or downhill - within 1% of slope. It can't tell you which way it's breaking, but it's a unique feature that will allow you to gain a better understanding of how far away the flag is and hopefully help with you lag putting in the process. Using it on the practice green from say, 30ft away, you can drill exactly how much power you need to put into a putt. Once you're faced with a 30ft putt on the course, you'll know exactly what that weight needs to feel like off the blade. Taking out the guesswork from distance is a great feature, so long as you know how hard to hit the lag putt.

I did get a few funny looks from my playing partners when I started lasering the flag while on the green, but once they understood what the device was doing, they were soon on board. Unlike the Mileseey GenePro S1 laser, which also has this feature, the IONME2 is small enough to fit into your pocket, so it is far easier to take to the green with you.

Via the settings menu on the device, you have to set your exact height to allow the laser to understand how high it is zapping the flag from on the green. Though Mileseey claims this to be accurate to within the centimetre, the height settings only work in four-inch intervals. I'm 5ft 11, so I had to choose the 6ft setting, as the next closest was 5ft 8. I'm not sure how a device claiming such precise accuracy on green readings can have such disparity between the different height options. Hopefully this can be changed soon.

The device also has a triangulation feature, which allows you to zap your ball and then the target for an accurate reading, even when you're not standing next to the ball. Around 12 months ago, this was a feature I'd never tested, but I'm now seeing it crop up on more and more of the best golf rangefinders, and it's a great feature. For those who play a lot of cart path-only golf or who have playing partners always asking you for yardages, it's an invaluable feature that will genuinely speed up your pace of play.

The view through the site is crystal clear, and it's not too cluttered with information like the Mileseey GenePro S1 I recently tested. The modes are easy to scroll through, as are the settings, where you can change things like brightness and the units of measurement from yards to meters. For sure, this is at the more expensive end of the scale, but it is truly feature-packed with the benefit

It's half the RRP of the laughably priced $800 GenePro S1, yet it has pretty much all the same features. If the green reading feature appeals to you, and you're after a compact, premium and durable laser rangefinder this year, the IONME2 is a superb laser for you.

You might think all of the best golf rangefinders basically do the same thing. To be quite frank, you're not far off. I recently tested a rangefinder that retails at $800 and - bar a new putt reading functionality - does what even a $150 rangefinder can do. It is a tough market to shop around in. My tip is to pick your maximum budget and shop around from there. With that in mind, let me introduce you to the GolfBuddy 2S Pro. With a retail price of $150/£150, it's considered on the cheaper side of the average and will likely be a top contender for golfers whose budget can't stretch as far.

My first impressions were strong. The carry case is compact and rugged with no major accents of colour which I think lend it nicely to blending in on any type of golf bag you have. The device itself mimics this, with the only hint of colour coming from the slope toggle button on the side and the main power button on top of the device. The device also has a nice weight to it, not as heavy as something like the ShotScope Pro ZR but not as lightweight as something like the Voice Caddie Laser Fit.

There are three modes altogether. Standard mode displays your straight-line distance and Pin Finder mode will lock onto the pin, even if you've got trees or other obstacles behind the pin to deal with. That mode also gives you a quick vibration through the device to confirm it's the pin. Finally, Scan mode allows you to continuously scan for five seconds to assess the lay of the land in front of you. This mode is brilliantly for quickly scoping out where bunkers are or where the run out of a fairway might be without having to constantly press the button like you would in standard mode. You can toggle the slope functionality on and off in all three modes, meaning the device can become competition-ready at the flick of a button (or slide of a switch in this case).

A final bonus mode has been charmingly called Buddy mode. This is effectively the device's triangulation mode whereby you can get an accurate yardage without having to be stood near your ball. I've used this now on an increasing amount of the best golf rangefinders - the Voice Caddie Laser Fit and Mileseey S1 GenePro to name two - and think it's a brilliant mode. It's ideal if you're playing cart path-only golf as you don't have to trudge back and forth from ball to cart to get your number but it's equally useful to help your playing partners out if they quickly ask you for yardage. You don't need to

I can't particularly fault this device, especially with its modest price tag. It comes loaded with pretty much every feature you'd ever need in a neat, sturdy and timeless design. The carry case is nicely proportioned too - everything just feels sensible and well laid out here. The only thing I can knock it for is that the display isn't as clear as some of its competition, but you'd have to invest another $100 for something like the uber-clear Zoom OLED Pro. If you don't feel the need to invest in a rangefinder with every single bell and whistle, GolfBuddy's 2S Pro is a superb option for its relatively measly price tag.

Mileseey has always been something of a sleeper brand in the best golf rangefinder space. I've always seen them as something of a 'discount' brand, often on sale during Black Friday for under $100 for it's cheapest device. To perhaps counter this preconception, the brand is going all out with a near $799 (£633) laser rangefinder with every bell and every whistle imaginable attached, including a new feature I've never used on a rangefinder before. I dislike talking too much about the RRP of a product when I review something. Quite simply, if someone is willing to pay that much for a product, who am I to say if something is too expensive? However, when a laser rangefinder nearly breaks the $800 mark, I can't help but let it dominate my opinion. So here goes...

We'll start with the device itself before going on to any of the technicalities. It's quite a hefty device as rangefinders go. I'd compare the shell to the likes of the ShotScope Pro ZR or Bushnell Pro X3+ though the build quality feels a little shy the same to these competitor products. To me, the chrome detailing on the buttons and elsewhere around the device cheapens it somewhat. We live in an age where people are trying to 'de-chrome' their cars and homes after years of chrome being a way of making something look more expensive than it is. Those days of fashion are gone, and it doesn't look great on a $800 device. This would be the kind of detailing and quality you'd want on rangefinder at the $400 mark, but seeing it come in at $799 it doesn't feel like it quite meets the mark. The case is cheap and filmsy too. Putting a decent case around the device would've been an easy win, but it was yet another misstep in the overall feel of this product from the designers. Seeing as you'll be touching the device every time you use it, for it to not feel as premium as some much cheaper devices is frustrating.

The tech built into the device is no doubt impressive. Firstly, the 7.5x magnification is a market-leading number - no device can beat this. It's bolstered by a 2000 yard range too. Why anyone would ever need this on a golf course is beyond me (please get in touch with me if you've ever tried to zap something more than 400 yards away), but I guess it's nice large number to shout about.

Coach mode is the Mileseey's triangulation feature, an increasingly common feature on modern rangefinders that allows the user to gain the accurate yardage between the ball and the pin without having to be stood next to the ball. I've tested this on the Voice Caddie Laser Fit and found it to be an excellent feature. It speeds up cart path golf and you'll find plenty of other uses for it too while you're out on course. As for 'normal' use, it picks up pins very quickly and it's broadly as accurate as anything I've tested. The fact it can calculate adjusted distances by factoring in wind, temperature, air pressure and altitude is useful too, though this is banned in competition of course.

We talk a lot about pace of play as an issue in the game, and the overwhelming amount of data at a golfer's fingertips with this device really isn't going to help speed up your game. What doesn't help this is the final feature on the GenePro S1 - Pin Point Green Technology. This feature allows you to scan the pin when you're on the putting surface and measure how far away you are from the hole to the inch. It's a clever feature that golfers who struggle with pace on long putts may well benefit from. However, considering the size and weight of the device, it's not the best to have on you while you're on the putting surface, and I found myself using the feature less and less as the round went off. That's not to say it's not an interesting new addition that some golfers may love, but I found it a little time consuming and I was quickly fed up with having the device on me at all times.

Quite simply there is a long list of rangefinders I'd recommend you invest in ahead of this model, and that's before I talk about price. The premiere Bushnell device (often regarded as the market-leader) is $599, but there are more than a handful of models I'd recommend ahead of this. Yes the GenePro S1 is feature-packed and has some unique features on it that may attract a few golfers into the device, but it simply doesn't make much sense to me. I appreciate the work the brand has done to innovate, and that has clearly come at a huge cost, but the positives don't quite outweigh the negatives on this occasion and I wouldn't feel comfortable parting ways with $400 for this device let alone double that.

All I want from a laser rangefinder is to quickly focus on the flag to give me an accurate yardage, so I can choose the right golf club to try and get my ball close. If I have any doubt in how far it is, this doubt leads to bad swings, and bad results. So a good rangefinder can be a golfer’s best friend, and the gateway to better scores.

Canon’s new PowerShot Golf ($329.99/£329.99) is a unique device that aims to give you faster focusing for better yardages, but as well as being a laser rangefinder, it’s also a camera so you can take photos and videos while on the course.

Canon’s PowerShot Golf uses the standard rangefinder design, with three ‘lenses’ at the front. These work in unison to obtain accurate readings. I can confirm the Canon PowerShot Golf provides highly accurate yardages, comparing the figures to other Bushnell rangefinders, and my Garmin GPS watch, and golf playing partner’s GPS screen on his PowaKaddy electric golf trolley.

Color on the course

Compared to using my trusty Bushnell Rangefinder Tour V4 Slope Edition, the Canon PowerShot Golf’s viewfinder offers a full-colour view. This is thanks to its electronic viewfinder (EVF), a similar digital view to what you see in modern mirrorless camera. Whereas most rangefinders have optical viewfinders – what you see is what you get. A red crosshair grows from small to large once focused, plus yardage figures are in white, with the ‘Slope’ figure in yellow above. Plus there’s a green square in the centre when you’re taking photos.

Those of you unfamiliar with cameras, may well find using the Canon PowerShot Golf tricky to begin with, as it has a shutter button like Canon cameras - rather than a button you press to switch on a rangefinder, then press again to focus on your intended target.

On the Canon PowerShot Golf, you fully press the button to switch it on (a green flashing light appears at the rear), then you only ‘half press’ the button when you look through the viewfinder and focus on the flag. You get a reassuring vibration at the same time the yardage figures appear on screen, so you know you’ve achieved focus.

Canon's PowerShot Golf has a 6x optical zoom, and an optional 12x digital zoom if you need it, although I rarely zoomed in any further on the flags as I could lock onto targets with the 6x optical zoom nearly all the time. It’s handy to have this extra digital ‘zoom’ in the bag, such as when I was struggling to focus on flags in dark shadows of trees.

I tested the Canon PowerShot Golf when I was playing on my local course, using it over a handful of different rounds, in different lighting conditions, from bright sunshine in the middle of the day, to low-light near sunset.

I found the Canon PowerShot Golf easy to use and aim it at the flags in the distance, and it was quick to focus and give me an accurate yardage. I could also use it to zap for distances to carry fairway bunkers, or over water. More than once I was able to pick the right club, helping my scores, and reduce those unwanted bogeys.

Although it’s small - and the smaller rangefinders are, the harder they are to hold still to focus effectively - thanks to Canon’s image stabilisation it’s really easy to lock on to flags even 200+ yards away. Canon says it’s able to focus on objects from 7 yards to 800 yards – I don’t know about that, although I was able to successfully zap objects on the course which were, apparently, 655 yards away!

I needed to use two hands generally to hold it steady - such as on colder days with cold hands, but that’s the technique I’d use for any rangefinder for the best accuracy. It comes in at approx 31 × 58.9 × 91.2mm and weighs just 151g, making it one of the more compact units around. It fits in your palm and is barely bigger or heavier than a deck of playing cards.

Comparing Canon's PowerShot Golf to a rangefinder without stabilization is chalk and cheese. The PowerShot Golf was so much steadier when looking through the viewfinder - making it much easier to lock focus on the flag fluttering on the green beyond.

However, there’s one area where Canon’s rangefinder struggled, like all rangefinders - when there’s trees and other distracting foliage directly behind the pin you’re targeting. It didn’t matter how much I tried to get the PowerShot Golf’s crosshairs to focus on the flag, when there’s a bunch of skinny trees right behind, with more contrasting bits for it to focus on, it will focus on that instead.

The Canon PowerShot Golf has a Slope mode that accounts for changes in elevation, with the slope figure in yellow above the actual distance to the flag in white. You can switch Slope on or off in the menu when you’re playing in competitions. Helpfully, a blinking blue light on the front shows when Slope mode is off, so your partners know you’re not cheating.

The Canon PowerShot Golf comes in a little case with magnetic button to ensure I clipped it closed. I used the velcro strap on the case to attach it to my golf bag for easy access. You can attach it to your belt if you want, although I found it distracting having it there when walking and swinging. It will also fit inside jacket pockets (if you’re wearing one) and although it could slip into my shorts and pants pockets, again I found it distracting as it was sticking out when hitting shots.

Take shots of golf shots!

The big difference between the Canon PowerShot Golf and the best golf rangefinders with slope, is it enables you to take photos and videos while on the golf course.

When you have the Canon's PowerShot Golf in Range+Photo mode you get an extra green box around the red crosshairs so you know you're in this mode. You focus as normal with a half-press, and a full-press of the button takes a photo, and the viewfinder goes black for confirmation.

It captures 11MP stills and Full HD video. But using what is basically a miniature compact camera you hold ‘front on’ (not side on like a camera which is easier to hold two-handed), but with a fixed focal length of 400mm, meant I was very restricted in what I could photograph.

It's a fun bonus to be able to take photos 'with superimposed distance information on the golf course' - effectively a screenshot of the flag you zapped with yardages on top. But I’m not sure I’d want to keep photos of random yardages, as they’re exactly that, random.

Even when you’re teeing off par 3s, the distance to flags constantly change, as tee markers move, as do pin positions. So while it’s novel to have a photo of a flag with the distances recorded on top, I can’t see myself referring to those images ever again. Perhaps I’m just a cynical old golfer?

Canon suggests this when using the PowerShot Golf:

“Create a personal course diary, complete with voice memos to record a breakdown of every shot. In the event of disputes or questions about rule compliance, golfers can use the camera to document their lie, the position of their ball, or any obstacles in their path. This visual evidence can help settle disagreements and maintain the integrity of the game.

The built-in camera is perfect for documenting those unforgettable moments, to remember a breathtaking course, for educational purposes, to track progress or even to share a winning swing on social media.”

Yes, you can capture basic course photos to use for reference, but I found it’s almost impossible to photograph anything or anyone remotely near me, such as a golf ball at your feet, or a player nearby. This is due to the ‘closest focusing distance’, which I found super restrictive. For photos and video, the closest focusing distance is approx 4m, which increases to approx 6.4m when in the Range+Photo mode I was usually using. So I often found I was simply too close to focus on whatever or whoever I was trying to photograph. I needed to be at least 50 yards from partners to take a photo of them playing during a round.

So, the Canon PowerShot Golf was okay for a quick snap of my golf playing partner across the other side of the fairway, but it was no use if I wanted to get a photo when we were both on the green, as I was always too close to be able to focus.

It was fun to attempt to take a few shots of my partners playing once I overcame focus distance issues, but disappointingly, the just camera wasn’t fast enough to get the shots, so action photos were mostly blurry. Sadly, while Canon PowerShot Golf was very quick to focus on flags, in photo mode it’s slower to focus on golfers, and there’s also a slight delay when you take a shot.

Getting technical in photography lingo – the camera’s shutter speeds were too slow for action shots, and too slow for 400m focal length, this equals both motion blur and camera shake blur. A double whammy! I also found the camera would struggle to expose for high-contrast scenes or subjects - such as a golfer back-lit by sunshine, or with dark shadows behind them.

Image quality overall is not great, compared by modern camera or smartphone camera standards. Even in sunny conditions the photo quality isn’t what you’d hope. But to be fair, the PowerShot Golf is tiny body, with a small 12mm diameter lens ‘aperture’, small ⅓-inch sensor, via a very small 400mm f/3.9 lens

As for video, it’s obviously not good etiquette (or safe) to start videoing partners mid round, and I’d only video myself or friends when we’re working on swings on the range. But there wasn’t enough room to stand back on the driving range to use the Canon PowerShot Golf. So we just used our iPhones to take photos or videos as usual.

Images and videos are saved on a microSDHC card (sold separately) slotted inside the camera. I used the microSDHC card card (in the SD card sized adapter) in a card reader and downloaded them to my laptop.

Menus and more

A bonus of Canon producing the PowerShot Golf is you have access to their clear and colourful menu systems to change settings. You access this via the menu button on top. Canon’s menus are much easier to understand, compared to other rangefinders where you have to press and hold one button and cycle through endless options by highlighting mono icons, and selecting Yes or No etc.

Initially it’s fiddly to use the menu, as I had to look through the electronic viewfinder, while using two fingers on top to press the main button, menu button, and cycle through options with my thumb on either the zoom and video buttons

You have options like to ‘play’ images, erase them, and format the card, and to change Mode from Range to Range+Photo, Slope on or off, Unit in yards or metres, and Vibration on and off. I found the menu is decent when you get used to it, and it’s easy to look through the viewfinder to check images in play mode..

The Canon PowerShot Golf has a rechargeable battery built in. I found battery power was good, using it every hole, for a full round, and taking 10-20 photos each round. The EVF and taking photos eats power, so it’s good there’s a battery power icon in the bottom right corner.

You could probably get two rounds of golf out of a fully-charged battery (as long as you don’t take lots of photos or video) before you’d need to charge it up again. Canon says viewing time should last approx 200 minutes, and be able to take approx 200 JPGs.

Compared to my Bushnell rangefinder I’ve used for a few years (note I don’t use it every shot as I have a GPS watch to give me yardages) which is still registering full power from the Duracell CR2 battery.

Disappointingly, Canon doesn’t supply a charger, not even a lead - but most of us have a USB-C to USB lead and power pack (I used my laptop charger cable, with an iPhone power pack) to be able to charge devices like this. Thankfully, the Canon PowerShot Golf was very quick to charge up again, only taking about 30-45 minutes to go from half to full charge again.

Verdict

Canon has used its camera and photography knowhow to create a unique device for golfers, a slick rangefinder that doubles as a camera. Using the Canon PowerShot Golf on the course throughout several rounds of golf, I find it to be an excellent laser rangefinder. Thanks to a bright EVF and Image Stabilization, it’s a breeze to zap flags to get accurate yardages and help me pick the right club. I don’t think I'll use the basic camera for average on-course photos and videos, although it is cool to be able to capture images showing the flag and distances for your records. Overall, the Canon PowerShot Golf is an attractive proposition for all golfers looking for a small but reliable rangefinder, and at a competitive price when compared to traditional golf rangefinders.

Voice Caddie has become a well established brand over the last decade, positioning itself well amongst the brands that make some of the best laser rangefinders, best launch monitors and best GPS watches on the market. Its newest rangefinder, the Laser Fit, is the smallest it has released to date. Coming in at under $200 means this rangefinder sits on the more affordable end of the price scale. With that, you'd expect a few tradeoffs in functionality and quality versus its more expensive competition, but there were far fewer tradeoffs than I thought as I went through my testing of this product. 

My first impressions of the Laser Fit was just how small it is. It can easily fit into the palms of my relatively small hand - I wear a size small glove if that helps contextualize it - while the build quality and feel in the hand is still similar to rangefinders I've used that come in well over the $200 mark. It's incredibly lightweight too, weighing just 4oz in total. This means it barely makes an impression on extra weight added to your bag if you're a walking golfer, although those with shakier hands may find the lightweight build a little inconvenient, perhaps. 

The lightweight nature also means it may not stand up to some elements more expensive rangefinder can. For example, it's not fully waterproof and the material of the casing will certainly show signs of wear if it's dropped on a path. The lack of perceived sturdiness to the Laser Fit is perhaps the only drawback to this product. Look after it well, and I don't see why it wouldn't be able to last for years to come. 

Onto the functionality, which I was super impressed with. Not only did it pick up the pins incredibly quickly, but the bright graphics and haptic feedback the device gives off when you've zapped the pin makes confirming you've got the right target that little quicker. The bright graphics are bolstered by the dual display, which will show up in either black or red depending on the light conditions. This is a really useful tool and one you rarely see on more budget rangefinders. Slope mode - which can easily be turned on and off when in competition - was also very accurate and a useful feature to have available. Really though, Slope functionality is the bare minimum on any rangefinder worth its money. 

The real feather in the Laser Fit's cap is its ability to triangulate distance between the ball and the pin. This feature allows you to first zap the ball, then zap the pin to give you a precise yardage even when you're not directly next to the golf ball. This is particularly useful if you're playing a cart path only round and don't want to have to walk to the ball to get a yardage to have to then walk back to the cart. This is also a rare piece of functionality that only a few rangefinders of any price can boast. We've seen this tech on the similarly tiny CaddyTalk Cube, albeit the Laser Fit comes in $100 less. Walking golfers won't need to use the triangulation feature much at all, but there's no stopping golfers using it to triangulate the distance between the front and back of the green ahead, for example. 

The device has a rechargeable battery, charged via a USB-C cable that's included in the box, and comes with a pretty standard, basic black case. I quite like the case versus some of the louder, brighter cases Voice Caddie has provided in the past. The battery life is proposed to be 8 hours of total use. Considering how little rangefinders are actually in use during a round, the brand purports this 8 hours of in use battery life to give golfers 40+ rounds from one charge. I've only used it a dozen or so times so far, so can't report on this precisely, but I trust Voice Caddie's 40+ round prediction. 

Overall I was a real fan of the Laser Fit. It's diminutive build will suit a lot of golfers who prefer a minimalist look and feel. That said, it's still feature-packed and I think cart golfers will find the triangulation feature especially useful. The $199 RRP is also extremely competitive and it feels like there's real value for money to be had here from this quality product. 

While I am a tinkerer when it comes to the clubs in my golf bag, my current rangefinder has held its place in my bag for over five years. It does pretty much everything I would need it to do by giving me accurate yardages and even has slope technology for when playing practice rounds on undulating courses. I thought I was content with my current rangefinder, which is accurate and easy to use, but that was until I tested the new Garmin Approach Z30 rangefinder.

While the looks of the Garmin Approach Z30 rangefinder aren't overly exuberant, the minimalist nature of the device does give it a clean, polished look like all of the best rangefinders have. The device felt premium straight out of the box and came enclosed in a premium and robust case with zipper and elastic strap to keep it secure and protected while in or attached to your golf bag.

New technology sometimes scares me with how complicated it can be to set up and use but that wasn’t the case with the Garmin Approach Z30 rangefinder. The device came with plenty of charge and was ready to use straight from the box. It quickly and easily captured yardages through a crystal clear viewfinder with x6 zoom and the focus can easily adjusted to your preference. 

Through the Approach Z30, you will be given both the yardage to the target and adjusted calculated yardage thanks to Garmin’s Plays Like technology - a yardage based on elevation change. While slope adjusted yardages are something I was used to, the new Garmin Range Relay technology was really impressive and practical.

After pairing your Approach Z30 rangefinder with another device in the Garmin ecosystem - in my case the Approach S70 watch, the two devices work in conjunction with each other to bring to you the most data they can to help you decide on the right strategy and club for the job. My Approach Z30 would also then show how far I had between the pin and the front and back of the green and relayed my yardage onto the screen on my watch as well as showing me where the pin was located on the green. For those who play tournament golf, don’t panic, you can press the ‘mode’ button on the top to put in ‘tournament mode’ where slope feature has been taken off. This is indicated to your playing partners through the blue light on the side of your device. 

As someone who in the past has constantly had to scope out my target multiple times after forgetting my distance, having it come up permanently on my watch saved plenty of time on the course. The birds-eye view of the exact pin location on the green was also great to suss out any bunkers around the green that I may want to avoid and I could play for the best miss into the green.

I also appreciate how the Approach Z30 is fully waterproof and there's a feature called Find My Garmin, where if you ever lose it (I've been known to leave my rangefinder behind many times before!) you can utilise a feature through the Garmin Golf app to see its last known location.

The Approach Z30 rangefinder impressed me so much with its technology and ability to connect with other Garmin devices that it has quickly taken up space in my bag and retired my previous rangefinder. The additional practical features like the magnetic strip make it perfect for when riding in carts and coming to retail at £389, I feel as though this device is superb value for money and seriously worth considering if you’re in the market for a new laser rangefinder.

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Precision Pro Golf was founded to create high-quality golf rangefinders, speakers, and accessories to help golfers play their best. The initial MO was simply to produce the cheapest rangefinder on the market but over the past couple of years, it has diversified more into the mid-price range and has attempted to innovate, creating some really interesting concepts and features. I have been sent the Precision Pro Titan Elite to see if it can sit amongst the best rangefinders in golf.

Starting with the technology, the Titan Elite features an aluminum shell and a best-in-class IP67 dust and waterproof rating. Now that might not mean much to you, but rest assured, it provides ample protection, and very little will penetrate its defenses. The Titan Elite integrates with the Precision Pro Golf app which gives the user access to features such as Find My Precision Pro, MySlope, and front, middle, and back yardages. And that is just the start…

In terms of the visual, I think understated would describe it best. The case is a simple yet premium-looking all-black, and the rangefinder itself is a slick black-and-grey combo with fairly subtle branding on the magnet.

However, rangefinders aren’t really about looks for me, it’s all about the functionality, and the Titan Elite possesses that in abundance. Since starting my Golf Monthly career around a year ago, I have been fortunate enough to have tested dozens of laser rangefinders and the Titan Elite might just be my favorite. Everything about this laser seems to hit my requirements, from the comfortable sizing and hold, through to the lightning-quick reaction times. If I was being really fussy, I might ask for 7x magnification, but the 6x the Titan Elite comes with is so good, I wouldn’t have noticed unless I had pre-read the specifications.

The screen display is very intuitive and only presents the really necessary information, whereas some rangefinders can try to offer too much leaving you with a cluttered visual. The Titan Elite's visual target lock feature provides brilliantly fast feedback with no frustrating lag times and creates a ripple effect around the aiming reticle, as well as a pulse vibration to notify you of a successful zap.

Connecting the Titan Elite to the Precision Pro app unlocks a whole host of interesting additional features, my favorite of which is the front, middle, and back GPS yardage. Having played at a relatively high level, I have found the flag-only capabilities of a laser rangefinder somewhat limiting at times when you need to know how much green you have to work with either in front or behind, but with a simple calculation, the Titan Elite will provide all of this information which is hugely beneficial for course management. 

The act of connecting to the app is probably the simplest I have experienced on a device of this type. It is as simple as opening the app, clicking “connect new Titan Elite” and you are done, nothing more. This really enhances the user experience as most of us have enough to worry about pre-round without overly complex and time-consuming pairing processes.

Further features include a very strong built-in magnet, slope mode (which can sync up with MySlope to cleverly personalise the slope measurement to your particular ball flight), and the brilliant Find My Precision Pro feature which will send you a notification if you happen to leave your rangefinder behind at the course.

I have to say, I feel that Precision Pro has nailed it here. Some seriously innovative features, but not at the expense of good old-fashioned functionality. At an RRP of $399.99, and with performance to rival any of the major players, there is some serious value to be had here.

Nikon is one of the world's leading providers of imaging products. It has been developing innovative optical technologies for over 100 years. In more recent times, Nikon has entered into the golf market, providing some of the best laser rangefinders in the game, and the Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII rangefinder is hoping to sit among them

Watch: Joe Ferguson details why the  Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII laser was included in Golf Monthly's Editor's Choice for 2024. 

The 20i GIII is packed to the brim with useful features designed to enhance user experience. With a measurement range between 5-730 meters or 6-800 yards, there isn’t a long driver in the world that can out-hit the 20i GIII’s capacity. Nikon says that it is accurate to within 1 yard/meter up to 100 meters and 2 yards/meters above this range, so, in theory, you can be very confident in your numbers when attacking any flag.

Coming in at 91cm x 73cm x 37 cm and weighing only 130 grams, the Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder is one of the most compact laser rangefinders I have used, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Its sleek design compliments the dimensions well and it is one of the cleanest-looking rangefinders on the market. Compared to the ShotScope Pro ZR that I have been using and enjoying for the past couple of months, it feels almost half the size. This might be something to consider for those of you out there with larger hands, however, as this could potentially feel too small and changing modes, etc might feel cumbersome.  

I found the multilayer-coated 6X magnification and super clear screen to be a standout feature of the 20i GIII rangefinder. Picking out flagsticks was exceptionally easy in all lights, and the ‘Locked On Quake’ feature vibrates gently to confirm you have zapped the flag and not those troublesome trees behind the green. The continuous measurement function made super it easy to scan the terrain and multiple hazards or run-outs. Some of my testing was conducted on a couple of particularly dark winter evenings and the visibility remained extremely clear on the 20i GIII.

The protective case looks great and is a little different from some I am used to. Most of the rangefinder cases I test feature a clip-closing system, whereas the Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder uses a magnet. This might ordinarily concern me but the magnet feels strong and the shaping of the additional closing mechanism feels robust. The only point I would maybe have some long-term concern over would be the velcro strap that you use to attach the case to your bag. I prefer the security of a metal carabiner over velcro which I feel can degrade a little over time and with a lot of usage. A minor point, but I am clutching at straws as on the whole I loved this rangefinder.

The Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder is extremely easy to use. It is barely larger than a smartphone and fits very comfortably in the palm of your hand. All of the additional features like the ID (Incline/Decline) and First Target Priority function are elementary to access and very intuitively located. 

One of the neatest and most user-friendly rangefinders on the market and very sensibly priced, the Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder is a great option for those in the market.

Anyone who’s owned a Bushnell golf laser rangefinder, or one of its sports optics products for that matter, would probably agree that the brand can usually be relied upon to achieve best-in-class accuracy in a device that boasts a premium look and feel.

This was certainly the case with the Bushnell Pro X3 laser rangefinder. We now have the Pro X3+, and although I can’t see owners of the previous model rushing out to buy its replacement, avid golfers that play on exposed links courses and those who want as much information as possible prior to playing a shot, may have their interest piqued by the new wind speed and direction feature.

This is the big new story – a feature that adds another layer of information on top of what is already a very advanced product. To equip the laser with the wind information, you need to pair it with the Bushnell Golf app. Once you enter the rangefinder’s settings, you’ll need to enter a pairing code. The calibration procedure requires you to turn the device around a few times. Only then will the laser know which way it’s pointing – which is obviously crucial!

I’m no technophobe (I’ve set up my fair share of golf gadgets over the years) but I did find this process a bit of a faff. However, once I had those up and down arrows with a number, I was quite interested to see how it performed – and I even found myself hoping for a really windy day on the course.

In short, it’s a nice feature to have. You’ll need to play a good few rounds, however, to get a clearer idea of what number might equate to a one or two-club wind for you. And, of course, this kind of information (along with the Slope with Elements feature) isn’t allowed in competition, so you’ll need to turn it off, which you do via the Slope Switch located at the front of the device. The idea is to reduce the risk of accidentally turning on Slope mode during tournament play, which provides peace of mind during a competition that the unit won’t suddenly become non-conforming.

In terms of accuracy, by factoring in distance, slope, temperature, and barometric pressure (elevation), you could certainly make a case for this being the most accurate rangefinder on the market. But with the addition of the wind information, this cutting-edge device truly does cover all bases. It makes sense too that the wind strength and direction isn’t factored into the adjusted distance number provided on screen, because wind will affect every golfer differently depending on how high or low they hit the ball. But the numbers given (you can choose them to be in either kilometres or miles per hour)

Although this particular feature, as clever as it is, doesn’t grab me personally, as a whole, the Bushnell Pro X3+ is right up there with the best golf rangefinders on the market, with Slope and Dual Display and JOLT Technology all combining to make this laser rangefinder one serious piece of kit.

Another button, although quite stiff, is used for Dual Display, which changes the graphics from black to red to make them more visible in duller conditions. A firm push does the trick, although there’s no obvious click or movement in the button itself to confirm activation. The flag is almost immediately picked out from a busy background from up to 600 yards away – a flashing red ring in the display and vibrating burst providing the confirmation.

In terms of accuracy, by factoring in distance, slope, temperature and barometric pressure (elevation), and now with wind speed and direction, you could certainly make a case for this being the most accurate rangefinder on the market and the best golf rangefinder with Slope.

Other features that elevate the user experience include the magnetic mount, which provides a more convenient home when used in a buggy, and practical and robust carry case with bungee cord and carabiner attachment.

I do like the fact that the device feels quite bulky, because you need it to feel stable in your hands, and it definitely shouts ‘premium’, as does the carrying case. I’ve used it a fair bit in the rain, too, and there’s no danger that heavy downpours will affect how it performs – it’s fully waterproof.

As with the previous model, the price might be a stumbling block for some golfers, with an RRP of $599.99 (£525). That’s quite a chunk of money to spend, so you’ll need to weigh up whether you’re likely to use all or most of the features on this all-singing, all-dancing laser. If you think you will, it’s a pretty flawless package.

I didn’t feel guilty about not knowing of the Vortex brand before my very impressive product briefing, as this is its very first foray into the golf world. Previously, the family-run, Wisconsin-based optics company dealt only in the hunting game, but now they have added hunting birdies to their list of prey!

I have gotten my hands on its new family of golf rangefinders that includes the Blade, Blade Slope, and the subject of this review, the Anarch. Hoping to sit amongst the best golf rangefinders, the Anarch is the all-singing, all-dancing, hero model of the range and comes in a fairly punchy $599.99. The Blade retails for $299.99 and the Blade Slope is $399.99.

As with most of the top-end rangefinders, the box contains a carabiner clip, battery, and a smart cleaning cloth as well as a sturdy protective case, and obviously the rangefinder itself. On the front of the case, there is also a magnet to keep a ball marker on, which is a nice touch.

Out of the box, the rangefinder feels very sturdy and comes in at 9.2oz. The casing feels great to hold, with a nice bit of give to it, rather than a solid plastic feel that I find a bit off-putting in some rangefinders. The visual is nice and simple, although the Vortex logo is fairly large and prominent on both sides, and one or two of the Golf Monthly team did comment that they weren’t too keen on the choice of green for the ‘Measure’ button. For the record, I actually quite like it and think it provides a nice distinguishing feature.

In terms of the functionality, it is generally excellent. With 450 yards of flag detection range and up to 1400 yards of reflective range, the Vortex Anarch has all the power you could need. It’s also packed full of features including Pin Spotter mode, slope adjustment, cart magnet, and image stabilization among many, many more! I found it picked up the flag extremely easily and was excellent in the breezy conditions I was testing in.  The slope adjustment feature is very clear and quick, standing up alongside any of the best rangefinders with slope technology.

The only real difference between the Anarch model and the Blade Slope is the image stabilization and the option to have a red display. I couldn’t put a dollar value on it, but the image stabilization feature does provide significant added value so justifies a price leap in my opinion. Then the only tangible difference between the Blade Slope and Blade models - as you can probably guess - is the slope function. Both of the other models tested extremely well too while I am on the topic and come at 6.5oz if you prefer something a little lighter.

The menu function provides good options, allowing you to scroll through and change from meters to yards, adjust the display according to your desired brightness, and turn the slope on and off as needed. I did however find it a little confusing and fiddly to navigate initially, needing to hold down the menu button for various amounts of time to either confirm a selection or move on to the next menu option. I find units with preset modes you can just scroll through a little more functional. That said, once you have done it a handful of times it’s relatively straightforward, and once you’ve got your desired settings, you’re unlikely to want to change too much anyway in my experience.

Overall, the Vortex Anarch is a really strong new rangefinder. Quick, accurate, and it feels exceptionally well built. The VIP Warranty is a very reassuring feature, and Vortex says that it will replace or repair your rangefinder, no questions asked should it become damaged at any point.

A really strong first entry into the market.

Shot Scope has been producing laser rangefinders for some time now with the Pro L1 and Pro L2 receiving 4 and 4.5 stars respectively in our previous testing, so I was keen to see what the Pro ZR had to offer.

WATCH: Joe Ferguson highlights the features and benefits of the Shot Scope Pro ZR rangefinder

When looking to sit amongst the best golf rangefinders and aiming a product at the premium market, it is important that the small details are thought about, and out of the box I felt that the Pro ZR achieved that. Packaging has a very premium feel and the contents of the box is well thought out. In addition to the laser and protective case, just a simple carabiner, nice compact cleaning cloth and a user manual are present.

Just a word on the user manual, as Shot Scope has got this spot on for me. So often when you pull out a manual for tech products like this, you are greeted with a novel-sized book full of useless technical specifications, when all you really want is a brief overview of the features and how to use them. That is exactly what you get here. The pages aren’t rammed with tiny font either, just nicely explained paragraphs with relevant accompanying pictures.

Also within the box is a QR code which allows you to download the Shot Scope app and provides free GPS maps of a huge number of courses, which is a nice touch for those who like to do a little homework before a round.

The case feels really premium and sturdy which is always reassuring, and when you remove the laser, this feeling of sturdiness remains. Shot Scope has equipped the Pro ZR with ‘DuraShield Hardshell’ which is designed to withstand all sorts of punishment from both player and nature, and even just handling the product gives me every confidence that it will do so.

The Pro ZR is a little weightier than many of its competitors which is something I really liked. I may be old fashioned, but for some reason that feeling of weight gives off durable and reliable vibes to me! At 340g it is far from heavy, but I did enjoy the extra stability this provided when shooting yardages in the wind. For context the Bushnell Tour V6 comes in at around 250 grams.

I was very impressed with the aesthetic of this rangefinder. The overall grey is sleek, and the blue accents of the buttons are a nice touch. Furthermore, the little flashes of chrome give a really premium feel to the finish. There is a nicely thought out ribbed rubber grip area which provides a comfortable hold also.

In terms of features, it is packed. A reported range of 1500 yards is impressive, although I am struggling to think of a scenario where I would need that?! The images are crystal clear and the rapid-fire detection provides yardages exceptionally quickly without that slight drag you get on some lasers.

I like the dual optics option which allows you to switch the text and numbers between red and black depending on light conditions or even just your preference. It is as simple as clicking the R/B button on the top of the rangefinder.

As is fairly standard for any premium rangefinder nowadays, the Shot Scope Pro ZR comes with the slope option. This is activated via a nice, solid feeling switch on the side to allow you switch it on and off depending on whether you are playing recreationally or competitively. Like most things on the Pro ZR, this switch feels built to last and that is important to me as I have had some issues with flimsy slope switches on even the best rangefinders with slope before.

For those who like to stick their rangefinder to their cart, there is a nice strong magnet on the side that doesn’t feel like it will let you down at any point. 

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the Shot Scope Pro ZR. Extremely well built, sturdy, and packed with features, this rangefinder is extremely well priced at $299.99/£299.99.

The GoGoGo Sport VPro GS03 Laser Rangefinder arrived on my doorstep beautifully packaged in a very premium looking white cardboard box, embossed with a silver GoGoGo logo on the top comparable to the packaging on any of the best golf rangefinders. Good start.

Within the box was a high quality and sturdy case, along with an instruction manual and a useful cleaning cloth. Upon taking the rangefinder out of its protective case, the first thing that struck me was the feel of the product. Luxurious would be the best word I could find to describe it. The soft, velvety finish of the GS03 feels great in the hands and coupled with some strategically placed raised grip contouring, it is a very comfortable hold.

With these initial impressions and an intriguing price tag starting at just $119.99 (you can actually purchase at $72.99 from the website at time of writing), I was very much looking forward to putting the GS03 through its paces on the course to see if it could compete with the best budget golf rangefinders.

Firstly, I headed to the practice ground at Saunton Golf Club to get used to the basic functions and do some initial testing on the multitude of targets on the outfield. I started in ‘Mode 1’ which is the most basic of the settings, designed to get readings super quickly, but without some of the more advanced features of the other mode. This was pretty simple and intuitive, one click of the power button produced instant readings on larger signs and bushes etc, but did struggle to stay on the flagsticks as well as I would have liked.

Into ‘Mode 2’ and things became a lot more sophisticated. The ‘flag-lock’ function was engaged which really helped to narrow in on the pin more easily. A pleasing vibration confirmation greets a successful reading and the flag lock function works up to a range of 250 yards, which should be adequate for most golfers. The ability to hit a flagstick is a little compromised after that but is still far from difficult. The things that you are more likely to require yardages on beyond that range, such as trees or bunker carries are still super easy up to 1000 yards on the model I was sent to test.

There is a slope mode available via a small flick of a switch on the side of the GS03 and this is very easy to read. The linear reading still appears as the main yardage on the screen, but the adjusted yardage appears slightly smaller underneath much like many of the best golf rangefinders with slope settings. 

There is also a scan function available which you access by simply holding down the power button. This means you can move your aim around and the reading will keep updating with whatever it is hitting rather than needing to refocus and click multiple times. However, if you do just want the one reading, then click on your target once and that yardage will stay visible until you click again. 

I compared the readings with my own tried and trusted Bushnell Tour V3 JOLT and they were basically the same identical to within 0.2 of a yard which was extremely encouraging.

The website could be a little clearer, but it seems that there are four specs available of the GS03; a basic model with maximum range of 650 yards ($119.99), a basic model with 1000 yard range ($139.99), a 650 yards range option with slope and magnet ($139.99) or finally a 1000 yard range again with slope and magnet ($169.99).

The GoGoGo Sport VPro GS03 requires a CR2 battery which came in the box. I haven’t used it for long enough to run down a battery as yet so unfortunately cannot speak to the thirstiness of this unit. 

The other aspects that will become more apparent over time and usage are durability and reliability which is sometimes a weakness of lower price point rangefinders, although I have to say, from my initial impressions, the overall quality of the product is good so I would have high hopes for the GS03 in this regard. GoGoGo offers 1-year warranty with each unit for additional peace of mind.

Another nice feature of the GS03 that I was sent, is a really strong magnet to allow you to stick the unit to the side of the cart for ease of access during your round. As I mentioned however, this is available as an upgraded option that you can select on the website.

Given the seriously low price point, I think this is a fantastic rangefinder and would have no hesitation in recommending it.

The new OLED Pro rangefinder from Zoom promises up to three times brighter and a whopping five times sharper optics than previous models such as the Focus Tour, Focus X and Focus S.

This is all down to the use of OLED (Organic-Light-Emitting Diodes), more commonly found in high-end television sets than in golf rangefinders! I have to say the visual is significantly clearer than on any other best golf rangefinders I have tested and is genuinely helpful when using the lens to scope out a hole even without using the yardage function. I will often use my rangefinder to get a better view of a hole or even a flag position and the OLED technology elevates that strategy even further. 

Through the lens of the OLED Pro, I can very clearly see the contours of the green from a long way out, which really helps to inform course management decisions such as which side of a green will yield an easier chip or putt relative to the flag position.

The functionality of the OLED Pro is very smooth and intuitive. Switching between yards and meters or turning slope on and off are both as simple as one flick of a finger, comfortably placing it among the best golf rangefinders with slope. You can also nip between ‘Flagpole scanning’ mode and a free scan with one simple press of a button too.

The focus is controlled simply by twisting the lens you look through to further sharpen your view and really take advantage of that OLED tech.

From a looks and feel point of view, I liked the OLED Pro. It is nice and compact and the leather style gripping area feels very much at the premium end of the market. The protective is case is reasonable although because of the very smooth texture, it does mark up quite easily.

When you lock on to your required target, you are greeted with a reassuring vibration in your hand and whilst it is unlikely you will need it, the OLED Pro has a range of up to 1200 yards.

For those who play a lot of their golf riding in a cart, it features a magnetic lock system that allows you to secure it conveniently to the vehicle. Having personally tried this function, I can testify to its strength and users will be able to drive along happily without any fear of the OLED Pro coming loose.

The OLED Pro comes with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that Zoom says lasts over 5000 measurements. Unfortunately I didn’t have the time to take 5000 so we’ll just have to take them at their word here! When a charge is required, a low battery indicator appears in plenty of time to take action.

Overall I really liked the Zoom OLED Pro. The sheer clarity of display is the obvious standout feature but it ticks most other boxes that I require in a rangefinder too.

TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder Review

Having a rangefinder or GPS device is a crucial piece of golf equipment and will certainly help you improve your golf. Knowing how far you have to greens or hazards is a quick-fire way to improving your distance control and understanding of your distances, both of which will improve your enjoyment of the game. Gaining understanding of how far you hit each club and then combining that with the on-course knowledge that the best GPS devices or rangefinders offer will inspire confidence and result in better golf shots.

I'm someone who has used a range finder since I started playing golf as I was told the importance of knowing my yardages from a young age. There are constantly more and more distance measuring devices coming into the market each year, some with differing tech and some that are available at a slightly cheaper price-point. I recently took the TecTecTec KLYR out on the course and it's safe to say the product didn't disappoint. 

So what makes this product shine and why is it called the KLYR? Well the product is pronounced as "clear" and this is due to the crystal clear vision through the lens of the device, providing a vibrant picture and in-turn making it easy to pick out designated targets. It struck me quickly just how compact and lightweight this device is, weighing in less that 1.5lbs. The device has been designed by TecTecTec to measure in 30 percent smaller than other in the market space, despite remaining extremely sturdy and accurate when in use. It was quickly becoming apparent, this was one of the best golf accessories everyone should consider adding to their bag.

When it comes to a laser rangefinder, accuracy is paramount, so that’s where I began my testing. To judge how accurate the KLYR was, I tested it against the Bushnell V4 Shift that I’ve most recently had in the bag and by using marked sprinkler heads at my home course. In terms of accuracy, I found no issues at all. The KLYR and the Bushnell came up with the same numbers more often than not and were never more than a yard or two apart, even at ranges well over 200 yards. More importantly, I never hit a shot where the result left me feeling like the KLYR had provided me with a questionable number.

That was also the case using the slope functionality that the KLYR offers, as I came away with the impression that adjusted yardages were on the mark as well. It should also be pointed out that the visual display of the KLYR in slope mode does a great job of differentiating between actual and adjusted yardages, the latter of which is more important and deservedly featured more prominently. Rest assured, however, that you can use this device in tournament play. There is a switch to turn slope off and also a mode option to not display adjusted yardages. You can also set the KLYR to display in yards or meters, depending on your preference.

The KLYR also stood out in terms of how fast it captured yardages and its range. Yardages were populated in the display almost immediately after shooting a target and the device features target lock vibration technology to provide reassurance that you have the correct number. I did occasionally have to hold the button longer to get the locking vibration from longer distances, but it always worked as intended.

Additionally, I had no problem getting fast and accurate yardages from ranges in excess of 400 yards, which was impressive. The KLYR is less expensive than many of its competitors and in my experience less expensive rangefinders can struggle from a performance standpoint as you get further from the target. That was not, however, the case with this device.

The KLYR offers some other features that add to its overall value as well. It comes in a nice carrying case that you can easily attach to your bag, and there’s a magnet on the device that allows it to be secured to a riding cart during play. Additionally, a magnetic belt clip is included so you can keep the KLYR attached to your belt while you play. It’s doubtful that I would actually go that route during rounds, but I did test the belt clip out and the device stayed in place even while making driver swings.

Kudos to the KLYR. It delivered all of the functionality that I would expect in a laser rangefinder and did so in a compact, stylish package, including the eye-catching yellow color that I tested. Add in the fact that this device retails for just $199.99, which is significantly less than some of its competitors, and you have a product that should warrant serious consideration from golfers who are in the market for a new rangefinder.

It's no secret that, when it comes to the best golf rangefinders, Shot Scope rank near the top, with the company introducing some interesting and innovative products to the market.

Perhaps the most notable item they have produced is the Shot Scope Pro LX+, a first of its kind model that combines the pinpoint accuracy of a laser rangefinder, the convenience of a handheld golf GPS device and shot tracking performance analysis.

For 2023, Shot Scope have released a new and improved Pro LX and Pro LX+, with the claim being that the Pro LX, the rangefinder portion of the model, is now faster than ever when picking up the target and, in our extensive testing, that certainly proves to be the case.

First things first, it's clear that the Pro LX is designed with quality in mind, with the overall feel extremely premium. Holding it in my hand, the comfort stability grip, which has been redesigned in this updated model, is extremely tacky and helps with stabilisation. This meant I was able to keep the device steady when zapping the flag and hazards.

Along with the redesigned element, the shape of the Pro LX hasn't changed from the previous model. Personally, I think this is a good thing, as I felt the rangefinder was perfect when holding it in my hand. Behind where the GPS sticks is a slight indentation for the thumb, with the fingers wrapping around easily. This also meant that, when using it, I could easily access the three buttons on the top, which is the primary control area.

Like the Inesis 900 and TecTecTec KLYR laser rangefinders, which both rank as some of the best rangefinders with slope money can buy, the Pro LX features a simple and accurate slope function that can be switched off via the S switch on the side. What's more, the overall display is crystal clear and can be adjusted via the focus dial around the eye-piece.

So, the design, x7 magnification and display is superb and near faultless, but how does this rangefinder cope with speed and accuracy? According to Shot Scope's CEO, David Hunter: "The new PRO LX and PRO LX+ are an extension of their predecessors, and with their improved, more compact design and faster target-lock vibration, provide golfers with the perfect on-course tool to help shoot lower scores.” 

Are these claims true then? Well, the Rapid-fire detection is certainly a smidge faster than the previous model, with the ability to pick up flags and hazards extremely quick. 

The only slight criticism I have is that the flag is slightly difficult to pick up when zapping it, especially when the light or background is dull or blends in. The Pro LX does have red/black dual optics that can change the display though, but, in my testing at least, it still sometimes struggled to pick it up.

Noting that this was a problem on the previous model, I did need to check the GPS (the model sent to me included the GPS), to confirm that the yardage was indeed correct. However, I would like to add that, once the flag was picked up, it was incredibly accurate.

Overall, there is a lot to like about the Shot Scope Pro LX, especially when it features a built-in cart magnet like the Cobalt Q-4 Slope and Precision Pro NX10 Slope golf rangefinders, as well as a sturdy protection case which can be clipped to your golf bag.

It is a very good performing model and, at an RRP of $269.99, it does actually offer very good value. It may not fall under the best budget golf rangefinder category, price-wise, but it does sit on the cusp of it and, with a lot of rangefinder for your money, it would make a viable option at a viable price point.

Mileseey is a brand often seen on Amazon, with the company producing many different models at various price points. One of those at the higher end is the PF1, a rangefinder which comes in at under $300 whilst still being crammed with useful technology that, arguably, could rival the more premium models like the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift.

Like the best golf rangefinders, the Mileseey PF1 features slope technology which, unlike the Professional Precision Golf Rangefinder, can be switched off. Along with the slope function, it is incredibly compact, waterproof and, with a range of 1,000 yards, provides plenty of plus points. However, how does it perform against the more recognized options?

The PF1 is very compact, not quite to the extent of the GolfBuddy Laser Atom or CaddyTalk Minimi, but close enough. It measures just 96 x 64 x 36mm and, with a weight of just 100g, it was extremely lightweight when held in my hand. Another plus is that it didn't impact my ability to pick up the flag or various hazards when holding it steady.

The display is clear and also has 6x magnification, with the dial on the eye piece working well to help get the laser in focus. However, it's the ease of use which seriously impressed me, with the PF1 providing a runtime of up to five hours and giving up to 15,000 measurements. It has two buttons on the top which can turn the slope on and off and measure the various yardages.

To turn slope on and off, simply hold the circular button on the top for a second or so and, to change from yards to meters, simply tap that same button. From there, you click the rectangular button, this will display two yardages, with the slope affected distance on the bottom and the normal distance on the top. Also, so you won't accidently use it in tournament play, as the light on the front will flash green when slope is on.

Importantly, both the normal and slope yardages were notably accurate, stacking up well against the likes of the best Bushnell golf rangefinders. One thing I did note though is that the PF1 did struggle slightly when only the top half of the flag was visible, with the yardages sometimes picking up objects or hazards behind the green.

So, the lightweight and compact feel is a plus, with the accuracy arguably putting the PF1 among the best golf rangefinders with slope. Also, the speed at which the rangefinder picked up distances was impressive. It may not be as quick as the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift or Cobalt Q-4 Slope, but the PF1 does offer significant value that does justify the ever so slight delay of 0.1 of a second.

Overall, the Mileseey PF1 is a very decent performer that, if you want simplicity, will make a welcome addition to the golf bag. Admittedly, the aesthetics didn't blow me away, but if you are after a model that is easy to use, lightweight and includes a robust carrying case, then this ticks all the boxes. 

Cobalt Q-4 Slope Rangefinder Review

Golf is difficult enough as it is without having to add another yet another skill into the equation. This is where the new Cobalt Golf Q-4 Slope Rangefinder shines. Right out of the box, it's intuitive, very accurate, and provides a great display. And you don't have to toggle through a bunch of commands in a menu to find the most important features. It makes getting accurate yardages on the course very easy and removes the guesswork of calculating distances to your target. 

The Q-4's simplicity of operation stood out for me. There are physical buttons on the side of the rangefinder that you can use to change it from yards to meters, alter the visual display and turn the slope on and off. The only reason, of course, that you would probably want to turn off slope - which adjusts distance up or down depending on elevation change - is if you're playing in a tournament that doesn't allow use of the best golf rangefinders with slope. For all other times, this rangefinder will deliver a clear display of the actual yardage compensated for the slope in front of you and we found the slope calculations to be spot on.

This compact rangefinder also fits in the hand nicely, so it's as easy to hold as it is to use. And if you purchase the full Q-4 bundle, you'll get a magnetic cover so you can attach it to a golf cart, as well as a colourful golf towel and a sleeve of Vice golf balls.

It's waterproof, has crystal clear optics and a fully adjustable diopter, which allows you to focus for your individual vision. It can shoot targets between five yards and 1,300 yards, far more than you'll ever need on a golf course. And the viewfinder has a 6X magnification, akin to some of the best laser rangefinders on the market right now.

The Q-4 Slope has an "Adaptive Contrast Display," which allows users to choose between either an auto red/black or black-only display. In low light conditions, the Adaptive Contrast Display will choose red/back to allow for better contrast and an easier read. In bright, sunny conditions, it will go to the black-only display, which is best for high contrast targets showing readings in crisp detail. Again, though, you can manually choose black only.

The Q-4 also has PinSense and Surge technologies, a feature found on the more expensive Cobalt Q-6 rangefinder. This means you're not likely to shoot the wrong targets, like trees or houses in the background, when searching for a pin. That's because PinSense filters out obstructions, and once a target and distance are acquired, the Surge feature will deliver a vibration that will notify the user that they've locked onto the target.

I found this feature to be both effective and quick. When seeking a pin, even from beyond 300 yards, for example, I was able to lock in and verify a flagstick almost instantaneously, even if I wasn't that steady with the rangefinder.

Best of all, the Q-4, which retails at around $295 comes with a lifetime guarantee, and includes a carry case, cleaning cloth and battery. The battery will deliver approximately 2,000 range cycles, but it is not rechargeable and uses a disposable Lithium CR2 battery. But that's not necessarily a bad thing because you'll get quite a few rounds (several months if you play every week) before you have to change the battery. 

GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder Review

The original Laser Lite was arguably the leading choice among the best budget golf rangefinders given the features and accuracy on offer. Its replacement, the Laser Lite 2, claims to offer an even better experience for golfers seeking the performance of a premium rangefinder without the punchy price tag.

Watch: Joel Tadman details why the GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 was included in Golf Monthly's Editor's Choice for 2024. 

That said, the Laser Lite 2 (£169.99) is a little more expensive than the Laser Lite (£129.99), so what’s changed? For starters, it’s three grams lighter, which means it
accentuates that lightweight feel many golfers like, although for me it did hinder stability when shooting flags in the wind. You get a longer range too - up from 800 yards to 880 yards, although I’ve never had to shoot anything close to this distance, so this 'upgrade' seems somewhat redundant.

The Laser Lite 2 is also thinner and a little more compact, which I definitely noticed and appreciated because the Laser Lite was quite wide and boxy in shape. There’s now a textured area on the bottom as well as the top, which should help you keep a firm grasp of the device when in use. It’s also a little faster when shooting the flag, only marginally but these fractions of a second count when going up against the best golf rangefinders. In fact, I tested it head to head against the new Bushnell Tour V6 Shift rangefinder, admittedly a premium model but the Laser Lite 2 stacked up well. The display on the GolfBuddy isn’t quite as bright or vivid, but it shot the pin just as easily and produces a reassuring vibration when it has been picked out. 

In terms of accuracy, the Laser Lite 2 produced similar numbers to the Bushnell. The non slope numbers were pretty much identical and when going uphill the numbers compared closely, it was only on shots that played downhill where the differences got bigger - the Laser Lite 2 saying shots played much longer downhill than the Bushnell. In terms of activating the Slope, you continue to have to hold down the mode button for 5 seconds, which is a slower process than on most of the best golf rangefinders with slope, but it ensure the design of the Laser Lite 2 is clean and simple.

Other features include a Scan mode, where you hold down the main button and scan the surroundings - the distance changing as you do so, which is very useful when assessing what lies ahead off the tee. There’s also a new Pin Finder mode, which is automatically employed when you press and hold the measurement button when not in Scan mode. This will ensure the shortest distance is displayed with the ‘Pin’ graphic popping up in the viewfinder to show you it has been utilised. There's also a graphic that shows the battery level.

One final change is to the carry case, which has transitioned into a more open design with a Velcro strap that connects over the top. I like this change, it made the Laser Lite 2 easier to access and rehouse when in a hurry to play my upcoming shot although it doesn't offer quite as much protection from the rain. That said, it is IPX4 water resistant, which should keep light showers at bay. For anything heavier, you may need to re-home it in your waterproof golf bag pocket.

Bushnell continues to lead the way in the laser rangefinder category and one product that is sure to be popular with tour pros and amateurs alike is the Tour V6 Shift. This rangefinder offers enhanced accuracy and consistency over the Tour V5 Shift thanks to improved electronics and an improved PinSeeker algorithm. Slope Switch feature carries over, allowing you to toggle on or off slope adjusted distances using a button on the side for even more accurate yardages when playing hilly courses.

I think visually the Tour V6 Shift is a step up from the Tour V5 Shift - the grey and white color scheme with flashes of orange certainly looks slicker and more modern. It has a decent weight to it, less so that the Pro X3 rangefinder, but enough that it doesn't wobble about in the wind. Interestingly there is no longer a yards/meters button on the side, instead there’s a settings button on the top. This doesn’t make much sense to me as it slows down the process of switching the unit of measurement (not that I ever need to do this more than once) and, from what I can, there are no other settings to adjust, so it seems somewhat redundant. 

Locking on to the flag is a near automatic experience with Bushnell products but the Jolt vibration and flashing red ring provide that extra dose of reassurance should you need it. The display is clearer and brighter than most of the best golf rangefinders, which certainly helps the pick out the flag from far away in dim light conditions. While there is a focus toggle, I felt like the focus what somewhat automatic - a bit like a smartphone taking a picture - I’ve never had to change it, which is one less thing to worry about when shooting the flag.

Now weather resistant to IPX6, it’s more durable and offers greater protection against the elements. It’s also just as convenient too thanks to the Bite magnetic mount on the side that allows it to easily attach to the frame of a buggy, so it’s always there when you need it. The robust carry case that clips on to your golf bag is another easy way to store the Tour V6 Shift, although I do feel like the elasticated strap is a little fiddly to replace when doing it in a hurry. 

Given the lengthy feature list, ease of use, accuracy and access to the excellent Bushnell GPS app which provides 3D hole maps and flyovers as well as scoring functionality, the Tour V6 will be a reliable companion on the course for any level of golfer in 2023. It's certainly one of the best Bushnell golf rangefinders money can buy and arguably leading the best golf rangefinders with slope. The premium price in a category where more cost effective options are appearing all the time could be a cause for concern, but the speed, accuracy and optics of the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift are near impossible to beat. You can also buy the non-slope Tour V6 rangefinder at a lower price point if you mostly play competitive rounds and flatter courses.

Shot Scope Pro L2 Rangefinder Review

While rangefinders and distance measuring devices are somewhat of a main-stay in golfers' bags these days, buying one for the first time or replacing an existing model can be tricky due to the sheer amount of options available. Well-known brands such as Bushnell and Garmin have been producing some of the best golf rangefinders and GPS devices for decades, building trusted reputations in that time. However, in recent years, brands like Shot Scope have moved into this congested space, offering comparable performance at a slightly lower price. Well known social media influencer, Paige Spiranac, is an ambassador for Shot Scope and is often seen using the product on her various platforms.

I took the latest rangefinder from Shot Scope, the Pro L2, out on the course and compared it to my current device, the Bushnell Pro XE, to see how it stacked up.The first thing to mention when testing these two rangefinders head to head, is that my Bushnell Pro XE has now been replaced by the Bushnell Pro X3, however both are premium rangefinders that cost significantly more than the Shot Scope Pro L2, which retails at a modest £149.

My first thoughts when picking up the Pro L2 was that it was incredibly light. It probably doesn’t look quite as premium as my Bushnell and this, perhaps naively, made me skeptical as to how well it would perform. But I’m glad to say I was wrong.

The Pro L2 exceeded all expectations. It locked onto targets extremely quickly, which was something the previous Pro L1 rangefinder struggled with, and provided both the actual and adjusted yardage when the slope feature is flicked on via a toggle on the side. You will know it is on due to a green indictor to the right of the switch and when ‘zapping’ a target, the adjusted yardage will appear underneath with a slope symbol to the side.

I know through speaking to friends that using a rangefinder can be hard with shaky hands, however due to the six-times zoom and target-lock vibration, you will have no issues in getting your distances correct and quickly with the Pro L2 in spite of its lightweight design. The device can register a target up to 700 yards away and for those who ride in carts, the Pro L2 has a built-in magnet on the side that clamps to the cart frame for easy access.

After 18 holes and various side-by-side comparisons, there was very little separating the two rangefinders. The Shot Scope Pro L2 was within two yards of the Bushnell on every shot when used in regular mode. It was hard to compare the two when used with slope, as the Bushnell also calculates temperature and barometric pressure to provide a total number, but it certainly felt as though the adjusted numbers were accurate enough considering the considerable price difference - making it one of the best rangefinders with slope for the price.

The Shot Scope Pro L2 is more than capable of helping any golfer lower their scores and comes in at a fraction of the price of some of its competitors, making it well worth considering if you are in the market for a new rangefinder.

We also think this is a great present too, whether it is for yourself or for the golfer in your life. But for more gift ideas for birthdays, Christmas and so on, check out our guide on the best golf gifts.

Voice Caddie SL3 Active Hybrid GPS Rangefinder Review

One of the debates regarding distance measuring devices has always been what’s better: a laser rangefinder or a leading GPS device (like a GPS golf watch, for example)? The overriding argument for rangefinders is accuracy, while the case for GPS devices can be made that they are more convenient and provide much more detail of the course you're playing.

In the case of the new Voice Caddie SL3 Active Hybrid GPS Rangefinder, there’s no need to compromise, because with this unit you have both, placing it among the very best golf rangefinders on the market. We like it so much, we selected it for Editor's Choice 2023. Just like the previous version, the SL2 Active Hybrid rangefinder, the SL3 ($599.99) has both an accurate and easy-to-use laser rangefinder and a color touch LCD screen under the eyepiece where you can change settings and most importantly see maps of the holes and the greens with the ability to glean all sorts of information. 

And If you’ve never thought you might need a hybrid, consider this: On drizzly, foggy days, or when you hit a very wayward shot, you can’t always shoot the pin, so having the GPS feature can be invaluable. It also works great on blind shots, too, so it’s more than just a luxury.

But let’s start with the SL3’s ability to shoot targets. First off, it’s fast, accurate, and the display is easy to read. You can adjust the brightness of the OLED two-color display with a button on top. It’s also easy to find your target, both manually and with the help of the new Pin Tracer, pin-filtering feature with GPS assist. It recognizes the closest object as the pin and then vibrates and gives you a visual ring. This eliminates the possibility that you might have shot a tree or another object beyond the green, assuring that you have an accurate reading.

Like many higher end rangefinders, the SL3 also has a slope option, and it works really well. Not only does it give you the adjusted yardage, but it also tells you the degree of slope. That part can be particularly helpful around the greens if you’re trying to figure out how uphill or downhill a chip or pitch shot is, for example.

But what really sets the SL3 apart are the GPS features. You can pair it with an app on your smartphone, but you don’t have to, which is really nice. In other words, just show up to the course, turn on the rangefinder and put it in golf mode, and it will find the satellite and tell you where you are on the course. There’s no need to enter courses or advance the holes.

It starts out with basic maps of the holes, showing where water, bunkers and the green are, of course. You can touch the screen to find out how far certain features are from you as well. You can also use it to measure your drives and get heat maps of greens, which reveal the undulations of the greens. For the SL3, a new feature called Putt View was also added. By standing next to the ball and locating the pin position, Putt View literally give you the read on the putt, much like a caddie (your playing companions might not like you using this if there’s an ongoing wager.)

The green maps and Putt View features aren’t available on every course, but Voice Caddie is constantly adding new ones. As this review was being written, more than 13,000 courses in the United States and 15,000 worldwide are part of the library. 

Finally, the SL3 is sleek and easy to handle. It fits in the hand easily and comes with a leather carrying case with magnetic closing flap. If you use the GPS feature, you’ll want to recharge every two or three rounds. Fortunately, if the battery life gets low, the LCD display shuts off to enable the use of the laser rangefinder to complete the round. 

GolfBuddy Aim L20 Rangefinder Review

The latest from GolfBuddy is arguably the Swiss Army knife of rangefinders. Not only can the Golf Buddy Aim L20 do most anything you can think of, it’s capable of completing tasks you might not expect or have previously conceived. Sure, it’s a great rangefinder, which users can employ to shoot targets quickly and accurately, but with its Bluetooth capability that connects it to the GolfBuddy GPS app, it can even track your shots, plus a few more features.

But let’s start with its ability to shoot targets first, which is what's most important, whether you use some of the other features or not. If you’re ever had a rangefinder that you’ve struggled with to shoot pins when there’s a lot in the background, you’ll have great appreciation for the GolfBuddy Aim L20. First off, 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. Using many of the best golf rangefinders I’ve owned in the past there were many times that I struggled to shoot a pin, especially in a crowded environment.

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.  It also has a very vivid two-color (green and red) OLED display, which is far better than the old LCD (liquid crystal display) found on many older and cheaper rangefinder models. And it easily measures targets from two to 880 yards, with its 7X optical view.

Additionally, the L20 has a scanning feature. This mode allows golfers to shoot multiple targets at once, for a span of five seconds. This is helpful when you’re quickly trying to see how far the pin is, for example, where a green side bunker comes into play or how far it is to clear the water in front of the green. And, like many models today, the L20 comes with slope mode, which can be turned on and off and is clearly indicated on the outside of the unit with a light (green when it’s on), so you won’t get confused during tournament play, for example - a feature many of the best golf rangefinders with slope offer. (Slope mode is not legal in USGA or R&A events.)

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. By pushing the “shot” button on the side of the unit you can basically track your round, seeing how far you hit each shot, whether or not you were in the fairway off the tees, and how many greens you hit, just to name a few examples. It’s a great feature for golfers who like to get analytical about their game. But I’m guessing many owners of the L20 won’t use this feature often, although once you get the hang of it, it’s not all that difficult.

The truth is that you really don’t have to pair it with the app at all, if you don’t desire that feature, to appreciate the L20. As a stand-alone rangefinder, this device holds its own with pretty much anything on the market.

The GolfBuddy Aim L20 also comes with a carrying case that can be clipped to your golf bag, a USB charging cable, lens cleaning cloth and manual, which many older golfers are going to need their reading glasses for, because the print is very small. 

Precision Pro NX10 Slope Golf Rangefinder Review

Billed as the first fully customizable rangefinder with interchangeable skins, it comes in essentially an all-white format. But you can order custom skins separately. The largest panel on the underside just slides off, and you can put on a color or patterned skin by sliding it on – it’s kept in place magnetically. The other custom piece is the plate that goes around the lenses. That one needs to be removed and replaced with an included Allen key – it sounds complicated but in truth, it’s a simple and quick process. And it’s all a pretty cool option, if you’re into a particular look or have a particular allegiance you want to let people know about.

Beyond that, though, this is a fast and powerful rangefinder that taps adaptive slope technology to provide you with accurate distance measurements on the course. Just push a button, and you can easily and quickly switch between slope and non-slope modes, making it legal for use in USGA-approved tournament play. It sports a 6x magnification lens, powerful magnetic cart mount and a bright LCD display that’s easy to read, even under bright sunlight. Plus it’s accurate up to 999 yards away. In fact, it vibrates with a pulse when the laser hits your target, so you’ll always know when it has locked in a precise distance. It comes with a three-year replacement warranty, free battery replacement program – the battery should last a year – and an upgrade program, as well. All of which help this device qualify for our 2023 Editor's Choice.

In our testing, it worked great right out of the box – which is all you can hope and expect from any tech product or the best golf rangefinders. It instantly gives yardage, when you press the button – both the true distance and the “what it plays” distance when it factors in the slope. People who naturally shake may have some difficulty with visually small, far-away targets such as flags and pins. It also comes with a zippered, fairly hard case that attaches to a golf bag. And the adjustable eyepiece is a really nice touch, making it one of the best golf rangefinders with slope. For $279.99, there's a lot value to be had here given the visual options and battery replacement service.

CaddyTalk Cube Rangefinder Review

As a golfer that has tested dozens of the best golf rangefinders over the last few years, only very infrequently am I bowled over by the user experience. But I certainly was when testing the CaddyTalk Cube. This rangefinder offers something very unique to the category, featuring technology that solves common problems golfers face while being incredibly accurate in the process. More on that later.

First impressions - the Cube comes in an excessively large, premium box that includes a luxurious carry case with magnetic closure tab and suede-like inner lining, a micro USB charging cable and cleaning cloth. The Cube device itself is notably lightweight (140g) and compact versus most other rangefinders plus it’s very boxy and industrial in its looks - cuboid in shape with a metallic frame and plenty of small screws visible. To hide all this and provide a tackier surface to grip when in use, you can purchase a silicone cover in various colors for £17.50, which I’d probably recommend doing. But even without it, the Cube is perfectly easy to hold and even with the Mode button located on the bottom, I didn’t accidentally press it once.

The Cube shares many features with its sister model, the Minimi rangefinder (aside from its size), including Magic Slope, which applies the concept of ballistics to improve accuracy over conventional slope golf rangefinders and e-Slope, which takes into account the environmental factors of temperature, altitude and humidity. It also has the Pin Finder feature, which displays the shorter distance when you hold the measurement button and attempt to find the flag from a busy background (it vibrates to let you know too). But the Cube goes a step or two further with its clever Caddy Mode that incorporates three dimensional measuring - technology that sees it place in our 2023 Editor's Choice.

Picture the scene - you’re at your cart waiting for your buddy to hit but you can’t get your yardage because if you went to your ball 30 yards down the fairway would be in the way of their shot. So you have to wait in order to get the distance and pull the right club. But with the CaddyTalk Cube, you’re able to shoot your ball from where you are and then the pin - the Cube then calculates and displays the right distance, just like if you were stood right at your ball. Using this feature is really easy and having tested it thoroughly on the course, supremely accurate. 

Being able to shoot your distance earlier should certainly save time and will allow you to pull the right club as soon as you get to your ball. There are other situations where this feature would be useful too - for example when carts are required to stay on the path or if you are trying to lay up on a par five to your favourite yardage. It’s a very cool addition that has been executed really well - I’ve had a lot of fun using it thus far.

This nifty feature aside, there are other features that make the Cube stand out among the best golf rangefinders - notably the display on the side of the device that shows the distance you’ve zapped as well as the distance unit. It could be larger, brighter and in sunshine it isn’t the easiest to read, but it will be legible for most. It also shows you and your companions what mode you’re in. For example, the ‘Slope’ icon is displayed in three different colors - red for no slope (tournament legal), green when e-Slope is activated and blue when Magic Slope is in use. It will also display when the Caddy Mode is in use - it’s worth noting that this is completely legal for competition play as long as all slope functionality is disabled. A word on the battery life - you should get 10,000 shots from a full charge, so you won’t need to use the cable all that often.

I’ve never tested a rangefinder with so many features, on a unit that is so compact. The RRP is £325, going up to £342.50 if you opt for silicone sleeve, which admittedly seems like a lot of money. But it’s comparable to other leading rangefinders on the market and the Cube does something no other rangefinders do. More importantly, it’s not a gimmick, you’ll find the extra features useful and time saving.

CaddyTalk Minimi Rangefinder Review

The CaddyTalk Minimi golf rangefinder is evidence that good things do come in small packages. With a footprint comparable to a credit card and weighing just 132 grams, it has a minimalistic approach that enhances its versatility while possessing the features that will help you shoot the flag quickly and accurately.

The first thing that struck me when testing the Minimi on the course is the premium look and feel. Sure, it doesn’t feel substantial, but it’s clearly well made and the tacky textured sections on both sides mean you can keep a comfortable, solid hold of it when in use. For golfers with really big hands it might feel strange at first, but much like the GolfBuddy Laser Atom, you soon get used to the smaller size.

The big tech story with the Minimi is the Slope functionality, which has two unique strands to it. The first is called Magic Slope, which applies the concept of ballistics to improve accuracy over conventional slope golf rangefinders. I get this to a degree - a typical ball flight isn’t symmetrical in shape if you were looking at it from the side, the apex tends to be closer to the target - especially on an iron shot - which means that shots uphill actually play longer than if you were just taking into account the change in gradient. The impact this would have on the actual yardages is fairly minimal, but it’s a thoughtful approach to a golfer’s needs.

The second strand is e-Slope, which goes a step further to take into account environmental factors - temperature, altitude and humidity, something other models like the Bushnell Pro X3 do. My course is relatively flat and close to sea level, so I didn’t see the huge benefits of this feature but CaddyTalk suggests a course at 3608 feet above sea level means a 138 yard shot actually plays 132 yards, so if your home course it at high altitude or gets hot and humid, this feature will be really useful to you.

These features are easily accessed and altered using the Mode button. What’s cool is that the Minimi has an LED bar indicator on the side of the unit to let your playing partners know its state. If it flashes red when in use, this means all Slope functionality has been disabled. Vice versa, it will flash green when a Slope feature is on and the device is not legal for tournament play. I’d have thought the color code should be the other way round and the lighted strip is so small it’s difficult to see from a distance.

The Minimi is certainly among the best golf rangefinders for ease of use. It picks out the flag easily and the display is crystal clear. Hold down the measurement button and the Pin Finder feature will display the shortest distance, which is great when the background behind the pin is busy. You also get a nice vibration in your hand when the flag has been found for reassurance.

The charging experience is seamless, using a USB cable (included in the box) to top up the power and there’s a meter in the display that keeps you updated on the battery level. From a full charge, you'll get plenty of rounds, exactly how many, I've not discovered yet.

Elaborating on that aforementioned versatility - its small size means you could store it in your pocket, although you’re more likely to clip it to your golf bag using the included carry case with mini carabiner. It has to be said, the carabiner is pretty flimsy - ours got out of shape during the first outing - but the case itself is really smart, robust and has a magnetic folding strap that works well and allows for easy access, keeping the Minimi secure without having to use the zip every time. The case also has a belt loop for those that want to keep it on their person for easy access but find a bulky pocket too intrusive or distracting.

The price tag of $279.99/£265 seems to stack up with the features and accuracy on offer and how enjoyable the user experience is. Aside from the flimsy carabiner, it was hard to fault - the only thing it’s missing is a built-in magnet for use on a cart. It comes in white or black and with a 1,200 meter range, you’ll never be caught short.

GolfBuddy Aim Quantum Rangefinder Review

Golf laser rangefinders typically adopt a certain size and shape but one model that is bucking this trend is the new GolfBuddy Aim Quantum. Compact and cuboid in shape, it is designed to be conveniently stored in a variety of ways on your person or golf bag for easy access while providing the features golfers rely on to get fast and accurate distances.

It weighs just 148g and is shorter, in height anyway, than a credit card. Our on-course testing showed that this shape isn’t as comfortable in the hand versus a traditional rangefinder design when trying to keep it steady zapping the flag, but over time you get used to how to hold it.

Despite its modest size there is lots of technology to assist you on the course, notably the three targeting modes. The Scan mode provides ten seconds of continuous measurement as you pan the horizon while the Pin mode picks out the flag from a busy background. In doing so, the unit will vibrate to confirm, and it does it incredibly quickly - providing you’re able to aim it correctly.

To toggle the Slope functionality on/off you slide the switch on the front of the device. When you press the main button, a light around the ‘Aim Quantum’ writing with illuminate green if the slope is on or red to signify that it is off and and legal for tournament play. I expected the color key to be the other way round - green being a color that usually signifies ‘go’ and red being a common warning color. That said, this is one of the more vivid and obvious methods I’ve seen of letting playing partners know the status of your rangefinder with slope and could come in handy if your opponent is a stickler for following the latest Rules of Golf.

The carry case is unique in that it completely unfolds from the top, lending itself to being used when clipped to your belt. While it was perfectly useable accessing and storing it in this way and it didn’t affect my swing, I couldn’t help but feel having a case permanently attached to me looked somewhat naff. The Aim Quantum is undoubtedly small enough to be stored in your pocket when not in use though, which many golfers will enjoy.

Another added bonus of this device versus the Laser Atom is the 7x magnification, which allows you to see things further away more clearly, and the waterproof protection. It charges via a USB C cable, included in the box, so there’s no need to have to buy a new battery and the meter in the display will keep you updated on the level of charge. For £299.99, it’s within that mid-to-high price bracket, but offers plenty of features that many of the best golf rangefinders don’t.

GolfBuddy Laser Atom Rangefinder Review

They say good things come in small packages and this is no more evident than with the GolfBuddy Laser Atom rangefinder. In terms of footprint, it’s comparable in size to a credit card, measuring just 3.3 x 2.24 inches and weighing a mere 135g. I was concerned that this minimalist design would affect its practicality but testing on the course at Burghley Park Golf Club quickly allayed any concerns I had.

Yes the feeling of scoping out the flag with such a small device takes some getting used to but it didn’t seem to make the task any more difficult, even with my relatively large hands. The buttons on top remained easy to access and although it wasn’t as easy to keep steady in the wind, generally the process of getting the numbers I needed was faff-free.

Despite its size, the Laser Atom comes packed full of features - including a Scan mode (which comes into its own off the tee), Pin mode and the ability to toggle off/on Slope compensation - which are activated using various presses of holds of the Mode button. Seeing the points of interesting you’re looking for through the eyepiece is a breeze thanks to the 6x magnification, the bright LCD display and the focus toggle, the latter being quite stiff to adjust but this is the case with most of the best golf rangefinders I’ve tried so as to not adjust the focus accidentally when it comes into contact with your head.

The graphics in the display are big and bold, making them easy to see when they appear, and the unit will vibrate when the flag has been located from a busy background - for a more appropriate length of time versus the Laser Lite model, I might add. It does it quickly too - with practice, you’ll have the distance you’re after in a second or two, faster than most of the best GolfBuddy rangefinders. Another feature I like about the Laser Atom is the USB Type C charger (pictured above), which you use to top up the rechargeable Li-ion battery. From a full charge you get at least 5000 scopes, so it should only need to be done infrequently, and there is a batter meter in the display to let you know when it’s nearly out of juice.

The icing on the cake is the premium carry case, made from a luxurious ivory coloured textured leather and with shiny chrome, screw-style carabiner. It undoubtedly adds a touch of class to the exterior of your golf bag, although I worry about how ‘white’ the case will stay after a full off-season schedule. The idea of the Laser Atom’s compact size is to put it in your pocket and while this is perfectly possible, to not use the carry case would be a serious oversight because of how good it looks. For £279.99, there’s lots to like about this mid-priced rangefinder, ideal for golfers that want quick access to their device without giving up useful features that ensure accuracy and practicality. In the UK, it’s only available in black but elsewhere there is the white option I tested and has a 880 yard range. 

Bushnell Pro X3 Golf Rangefinder Review

The Pro X3 is the new premium, feature-packed rangefinder model from the category-leading brand, promising best-in-class accuracy thanks to its upgraded Slope with Elements compensated distances that are now able to take into account elevation.

First impressions of the Pro X3 out of the box is that this is a substantial unit. Weighing in at 340g, it feels heavy compared to the best golf rangefinders and is 28g heavier than the Pro XE rangefinder, Bushnell’s previous premium laser. This will certainly make it more stable in the wind but some would prefer a lighter feel for sure. If the extra weight comes from the rubber armoured metal housing that makes it fully waterproof or the chrome detailing that bolsters the premium look, you could argue it’s worth expending the extra energy when using it.

Rather than using a button on the side, the Slope is switched on and off using a new Locking Slope-Switch where you have to pull down a small lever to be able to slide the switch on and off. The idea is to reduce the risk of accidentally turning on Slope mode during tournament play but from experience, the Slope buttons on recent Bushnell rangefinders have been quite stiff and almost impossible to turn on accidentally. So while it’s possibly a slightly redundant feature and a little fiddly to execute, it certainly provides peace of mind during a competition that the unit won’t suddenly become non conforming.

Another button that is quite stiff and doesn’t feel much like a button is the Dual Display button, which changes the graphics from black to red to make them more visible in duller conditions. A firm push does the trick, although there’s no obvious click or movement in the button itself to confirm activation. The flag is almost immediately picked out from a busy background from up to 600 yards away - a flashing red ring in the display and vibrating burst providing the confirmation.

On to the accuracy and by factoring in distance, slope, temperature and barometric pressure (elevation) you could certainly make a case for this being the most accurate rangefinders on the market. You first need to do a quick Google search to find out the elevation at your home course, which was surprisingly easy. Mine was 82 feet and you then scroll through the settings visible on the screen using the two buttons on the top of the device. It rounds the options to the nearest 50 feet, so I opted for 100 feet. The practical impact this had on the approach shot distances was fairly minor at such a low altitude - around 1 yards from 150 yards) but from longer distances or if your course is significantly elevated it will be a bigger shift.

Entering the elevation change on the Pro X3 was fiddly and the constant squinting made my eyes ache after a while exploring the various features, which is why the ability to change the settings via the Bushnell Golf app is a welcome relief. You can pair the device to the app (make sure you download the new version) via Bluetooth where you’re then 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.

Other features that elevate the user experience include the magnetic mount, which provides a more convenient home when used in a buggy, and practical and robust carry case with bungee cord and carabiner attachment.

The elephant in the room is the £525 price tag, which will automatically cause many golfers to opt instead for Bushnell’s less expensive models like the Tour V5 Shift. There is no doubt that the Bushnell Pro X3 has become the best Bushnell golf rangefinder in the line, and for tour pros and caddies that require that level of accuracy, it’s an understandable investment. But for the average golfer or even the competitive club player, it’s a tough sell in a crowded market.

Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Review

While it is one of the most expensive rangefinders on the market, the Garmin Approach Z82 is also one of the most unique and feature-packed offerings on the market and takes what a laser rangefinder can do to the next level. (However if you are more of a watch person, also take a look at our guide on the best Garmin golf watches because the brand makes some of the best in the business.) 

Watch as Joel Tadman tests out a number of different laser rangefinders

Bak to the Z81, the absolute stand out feature on this device is the 2D hole map overlay that is displayed on the side of the view as you look through it. The map provides you front, middle and back distances as well as a full view on the hole ahead to give you a picture of what lies ahead. Furthermore, if you enter your driving distance before you play, the device shows you via the hole map where you should roughly expect a good drive to end up. This was an incredibly useful feature, especially on courses we hadn't played before, and adds a whole new dynamic to what we consider is capable of a laser rangefinder.

Other features include a slope functionality - which can be easily turned on and off at the press of a button - and distances to lay up or carry hazards. All this was also available on the prior Z80 model, but new in the Approach Z82 is the ability to link to the Garmin app and gain access to live wind direction. This, along with the Slope adjusted-distances, can be disabled for competition use and there is now an external tournament mode indicator light to show your playing partners it is legal for use.

It genuinely is one of the best golf rangefinders we have ever tested but what we also loved about the Approach Z82 is that it does the basics really well. The screen is clearer than the prior version and a small vibration lets you know you're locked on to the pin. When you do so, a line on the green in the map shows you how far on the green the pin position is - something you can't normally see from where the shot is being played from.

It's certainly a bit heavier in the hand that some other rangefinders, but we didn't find this an issue when using it out on course and it fits in the hand really nicely thanks to its well designed shape. The battery life has improved somewhat, although in full GPS golf mode it drains it more than most - such is the wide functionality on offer. Now we should mention it does not make our guide on the best budget golf rangefinders, because it does come at the premium end of the price spectrum, but we think the performance is worth it. 

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Mileseey Professional Precision Golf Rangefinder Review

If you were to scroll through the golf section on Amazon, it is highly likely that you would come across this Mileseey Rangefinder, specifically the 'Professional Precision 660Yards with Slope Compensation'. It has an officical RRP of £119.99 but you can often find it at a reduced price, making it a very tempting option... However, is it worth it? Could it be one of the best budget golf rangefinders on the market?

Well firstly, let's tackle the elephant in the room, after multiple rounds on the golf course, and even after consulting the instruction manual, it appears that you can't turn the Slope Compensation off. This therefore limits when you can and can't use it, given a Slope feature is not allowed for competition use. 

This means that perhaps it is aimed more towards the non-competitive golfer, an individual who plays a roll-up with his buddies from time-to-time. After some research, we found that Mileseey does indeed produce a model that allows Slope to be switched on and off, the Mileseey Golf Range Finder, which, although a tad more expensive, in our opinion would seem a more useful purchase, particularly for the more competitive golfer.

Admittedly it is slightly frustrating not being able to use your rangefinder for competition play. However, that doesn't take away from it being a reliable performer and still a possible option for your bag, given the modest price and ease of use that it comes with.

To begin with, the Mileseey is extremely compact and lightweight, weighing just 168 grams. This meant I could hold it in my hand with no issue or problem, and it didn't add much more weight to my golf bag. The rangefinder also comes in a sturdy, well-designed case that protects it from harsh weather conditions.

The real standout feature of the Professional Precision though is its ease of use. Once you put the batteries in, you have two buttons on the top of the laser - one is an M, which can be used to toggle between yards, metres and KM/H. Depending on your preference, you can scroll between yards and metres by holding down the M until either M or YD pops up in the screen.

Looking down the sight, the focus can be adjusted via the eyepiece dial, or diopter as the instructional video calls it, where you rotate the black circle to get a clear sight of the target. From there, you have three modes - Normal, Scan and Pin, a feature which is often found in most of the the best golf rangefinders.

For those unsure what these modes do, Normal is a simple aim and shoot system, in which you can pick out the flag's yardage with one click. Scan works by holding down the power button and scanning across the area to pick up various yardages, while Pin works by pressing the M until a pin appears, from there you can scan the area around the flag. In testing, they worked extremely easily and gave consistent readings.

It didn't pick up yardages as quickly as some of the premium models like the Bushnell Pro XE or the Cobalt Q-6 Slope Rangefinder, but it was still relatively fast in providing distances. What's more, compared to some of the best golf GPS devices, which I personally prefer using, it was accurate and, having tested it to around 300-yards (it's unlikely I'd need it to go further), both the normal distance on the top and the adjusted slope distance on the bottom were very close to those showing on the GPS.

Overall, it is a great product for the price, but I believe it's not aimed at the serious golfer, more towards the person who plays more social golf throughout the year. There is very good value for money here, but not being able to switch off slope functionality is frustrating and a somewhat bizarre design flaw.

As previously mentioned, there are other models like the GolfBuddy Laser Lite and Inesis 900 Laser Rangefinders which, although slightly more expensive, provide the option to be used in a competitive environment.