The Best Entry - Level Rangefinder
Rangefinders allow golfers to get the precise distance to their target at the press of a button. This is one of the reasons why golfers favour them over GPS devices and why the market is very competitive. If your budget is low and you are in the market for a distance measuring device. Then keep reading our comprehensive guide to entry-level rangefinders.
Entry-level Rangefinder Table
GOLFBUDDY LASER Lite – £129.99
The GOLFBUDDY LASER Lite is a brand-new rangefinder for 2020 looking to become the first affordable high-end rangefinder in the market. It offers all the normal features you would expect with a top-level rangefinder. It has a very simple viewport, a compact, and lightweight feel, includes calculations for elevation, and most importantly an affordable price tag. Other features including:
- Slope Adjustment
- Meters & Yards Switch
- 6x magnification
- Range of 5 to 800 yards
- Pin Finder with vibration
- Waterproof rating of IPX4
- Hard-wearing carry case with golf bag hook and easy access toggle closure.
Size: 103 x 74 x 39 mm
Weight: 143 g
Colours: Black/White
https://golfbuddy.co.uk/products/golfbuddy-gb-laser-lite-rangefinder
GARMIN Approach® Z82 – £579.99
The GARMIN Approach® Z82 is the only current laser rangefinder that Garmin offers and comes with a ton of features, as well as a big price tag of £579.99. It not only gives you the exact distance to the target but also GPS distances like to the front, middle, and back of the green. Not to mention it can also adjust your yardages for the wind and elevation. Other features include:
- Slope & Wind Adjustment
- Meters & Yards Switch
- 6x magnification
- Range of 5 to 1000 yards
- Flag finder with a buzz
- Waterproof rating of IPX7
- Hard-wearing carry case
Size: 123 x 80 x 42 mm
Weight: 232 g
Colours: White/Black
https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/672620
Bushnell® Tour V5 – £299.00
The Bushnell® Tour V5 is one of four rangefinders that Bushnell currently offers and provides all the features that a regular rangefinder offers with a couple of added extra’s. I feel this device looks great and is used by most of the top professionals but is a little pricy considering the other devices on the market. Other features include:
- Slope Adjustment
- Meters & Yards Switch
- 6x magnification
- Range of 5 to 1300 yards
- Visual JOLT
- Waterproof rating of IPX4
- Integrated BITE magnetic cart mount
- Hard-wearing carry case
Size: 101 x 79 x 40 mm
Weight: 287 g
Colours: Black/Light Blue
https://bushnellgolfglobal.com/tour-v5/
Nikon Coolshot 20 GII – £179.00
The Nikon Coolshot 20 GII is Nikon’s most affordable rangefinder with a competitive price of £179.00. It may not offer all the features of the more expensive brands but does offer a compact, durable, and lightweight design not having to worry about the added extra weight on the golf bag. Other features include:
- Meters & Yards Switch
- 6x magnification
- Range of 6 to 550 yards
- Waterproof rating of IPX4
- Hard-wearing carry case
Size: 91 x 73 x 37 mm
Weight: 125 g
Colours: White/Black
Volvik V1 – £179.00
The Volvik V1 is one of the most colourful rangefinders on the market, keeping in tune with the bright Volvik golf balls. It has one of the best ranges competing with the Bushnell® Tour V5 of 1,300 yards and has been designed to be compact and lightweight. If your looking for a rangefinder that offers more colours this would be my number one choice. Other features include:
- Slope Adjustment
- Meters & Yards Switch
- 6x magnification
- Range of 5 to 1300 yards
- Jolt Function and Vibration Support
- Waterproof rating of IPX4
- Hard-wearing carry case
Size: 105 x 72 x 38 mm
Weight: 125 g
Colours: `Black – Black/Mint – Black/Orange – Black/Yellow – Black/Red
Shot Scope PRO L1 – £199.00
The Shot Scope PRO L1 is a NEW rangefinder from Shot Scope known for their GPS watches and tracking tags. Offering all the features that a rangefinder should the PRO L1 comes at a very reasonable price and in two simple colours. It may not stand out for outstanding features but provides a very well-made rangefinder at a good price point. Other features include:
- Slope Adjustment
- Meters & Yards Switch
- 6x magnification
- Range of 5 to 875 yards
- Target-Lock Vibration
- Waterproof rating of IPX4
- Hard-wearing carry case
Size: 104 x 75 x 43 mm
Weight: 160 g
Colours: Black/Blue – Black/Grey
Overall Verdict
Overall if you’re looking for an affordable entry-level rangefinder that offers all the expected features in a device, the GOLFBUDDY LASER Lite wins hands down. Its price point is by far the best, it offers a lot of additional functions, it’s compact, simple to use, and lightweight. Bringing me to my decision that the best entry-level rangefinder on the market in 2020 is the GOLFBUDDY LASER Lite.