Motocaddy Pro 5000 Rangefinder Review

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.