Bushnell Tour V4 laser rangefinder
It's smaller, lighter and gives distances quicker but does it improve on the V3?
The Tour V4 improves upon the excellent V3 model without an increase in the price. The change in the rules means that more golfers can and should upgrade to the slope version to increase their accuracy and ultimately hit more accurate golf shots. It's compact and light, easy to use and extremely fast and accurate. One of the best lasers on the market for sure that is worth your consideration.
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Fits perfectly in the hand and is stable to use despite being smaller and lighter. Excellent range and the JOLT function is a reassuring feature to have
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The focus toggle is quite stiff. Can be time consuming to switch Slope function off
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Golf Monthly's Bushnell Tour V4 laser rangefinder review, the replacement of the popular Tour V3 which now has an extended range, faster focus and quicker distance display
The Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT laser is the long-awaited replacement to the popular Tour V3 JOLT model, a favoured choice among amateur golfers up and down the country.
The new Tour V4 is 30 per cent smaller and lighter, making it fit perfectly in your hands and even your pocket. It also has a new Fast Focus system that allows you to adjust the focus with the same finger you use to fire the laser.
A change in the Rules of Golf, specifically rule 14-3 regarding artificial devices that came into effect from January 1st 2016, means that slope lasers can now be used in competitions providing the function is disabled and there is a local rule in place allowing distance measuring devices (which most golf clubs in the UK have).
This means that golfers will be more encouraged to buy the Slope version of the Tour V4 JOLT (£315), distinguished by its red trim on the front of the unit, knowing they can disable the feature and use it legally in competitions. This is ideal for golfers that play lots of different courses, lots of competitive rounds that involve practice rounds, or hilly golf courses.
While the Tour V4 is certainly more compact, the 'Stabi-Grip' rough surfaces around the points at which it is in contact with your hand mean you don’t lose out on stability. It can be a little time consuming to turn the slope function on and off (it took us a few goes to master it) and the focus toggle is a little too stiff for our liking, but other than that the Tour V4 improves upon the Tour V3 and is certainly useable with just one finger.
Increasing the range of the JOLT feature will please lower handicappers that hit the ball a long way and want to know the exact distance to pins on approaches to par fives. I even managed to pick out a flag that was 390 yards away, very impressive!
As always, Bushnell hasn’t scrimped on the carry case, which has a premium look to it and clips easily to the bag to allow swift access. The battery meter is another reassuring feature, keeping you updated on when you need to buy a replacement.
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Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 2.8.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°
Putter: LAB Golf DF3
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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