Nikon Coolshot 50i Laser Rangefinder Review
Joel Tadman takes the Nikon Coolshot 50i Laser Rangefinder out on course for an extensive test of all the features it offers
Another excellent offering from Nikon in the laser rangefinder category that strikes a good balance between being reasonably priced while offering a competitive level of features. If you use a buggy often, the magnet on the side of this device makes it a great option.
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Very easy to see the pin in different light conditions
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Bright, clear graphics
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Can be attached to cart for convenience
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Lightweight design reduces stability
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Nikon Coolshot 50i Laser Rangefinder Review
Nikon is arguably more famous for its cameras but in recent years it has entered the golf rangefinder market with some very impressive products. Using its high-end optics, Nikon has created some of the clearest, most accurate laser rangefinders on the market and the Coolshot 50i delivers on clarity and ease of use out on the golf course. The Nikon Coolshot 50i is the least expensive of the three rangefinders launched by Nikon in 2021 and aims to be a lightweight, simple and fuss-free rangefinder for golfers to have on course.
VIDEO: Discover why the Coolshot 50i was selected for Editor's Choice in 2023
If you want as simple an experience as possible with a laser rangefinder it's hard to look past the Nikon Coolshot 50i for ease of use. Whilst its not overly feature-packed like some of the other best golf rangefinders from this year, it does the basics quickly and accurately - all you really need from a good laser. Looking through the lens is really clear thanks to Nikon's excellent optics and we found it performed excellently in a number of different light conditions, making the pin easy to pick out and lock on to in bright sunshine or on a dim evening.
It also comes with slope functionality - a near must-have on laser rangefinders these days - which can easily be turned on and off, with the green light on the side flashing to let your playing partners know you're in tournament mode. If you play a lot of golf in carts, the Coolshot 50i comes with a useful magnet on the side which allows you to place it on the frame for easy and regular access.
The magnet is incredibly strong and the Coolshot 50i stayed attached to the cart even when we drove over some bumpy terrain. It's lightweight, which could be a benefit for some people, but we found that in windy conditions that this made it a little shaky in the wind.
The one feature the Coolshot 50i misses out on versus its sister products is the stabilization feature that the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilised has. This feature negates this issue in the wind so, if you play often in windy conditions, upgrading here might be a sound investment. While it may struggle slightly in the wind, the tacky textured sections that surround the device do make it feel very solid in the hand in calmer playing conditions.
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