Golf rangefinders are designed to improve your golf game by providing accurate distance readings to objects on the course. They use an eye safe laser to target an object and then measure the time it takes for the laser to bounce off the object and return to the rangefinder.
There are many different models with various features and quality levels on the market. In this article we'll present mini-reviews for the top 5 laser rangefinders.
Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Tournament
A premium laser rangefinder from one of the world top optical device manufacturers. The 1500 tournament edition provides range readings from 5 to 1,500 yards at an accuracy of + or - one yard.
The Pinseeker 1500 has a 7x magnification monocular for viewing your target. This is one of the highest magnification levels available
This rangefinder comes with Bushnell's patented PinSeeker technology allows easy targeting of the flag while avoiding the possibility of capturing background targets. When more that one object is targeted the closer will be read.
This is an important feature, since getting an accurate lock on the flagstick from longer yardages is one of the toughest functions for a laser rangefinder.
Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 Slope
The PinSeeker 1500 Slope edition is exactly the same as the 1500 tournament edition with the exception of the added slope functionality.
"Slope" allows you to calculate distances with special compensation for uphill or downhill targets. This can make a big difference in club selection and using a slope edition laser rangefinder can allow you to dial in much more accurately than a regular rangefinder.
However, make sure that you are aware that any scores shot with the PinSeeker 1500 Slope edition rangefinder cannot be used for handicap purposes, and it will not be allowed in any tournament play.
Callaway Rangefinder LR1200
This top of the market rangefinder was designed by two big sporting companies. To ensure an accurate yardage device, Callaway has licensed the optical technology for this laser rangefinder from Nikon.
The LR1200 claims has been targeted to professional tournament caddies, and it the flagship of the Callaway rangefinder models. Rangefinders are not allowed for use in professional tournaments but caddies use them extensively to map courses before any tournaments.
Besides the ultra high quality optics supplied by Nikon, the most notable feature for the Callaway LR1200 is:
First Target Priority Mode - displays the range to the nearest target among multiple results obtained with a single measurement. This is designed to increase accuracy when aiming at a pin with a background of trees, something that can be a problem for unsophisticated rangefinders.
Callaway and Nikon's LR1200 is designed to be the best rangefinder on the market, worthy of it's billing as the "Official rangefinder of the PGA of America."
Leupold GX-I Rangefinder Pinhunter
A tournament and handicap legal golfing rangefinder from optical device company Leupold. Not extraordinary, it provides all the expected functionality at a reasonable price.
2 top features found in the GX-I are:
Pinhunter - technology to make taking yardage readings off of the flag much easier.
Scan Mode - gives yardages of any objects in the viewfinder as you scan across the course.
Given Leupold's fine name and experience, expect the optical quality to be high. Pinhunter technology is a great feature for an entry level laser rangefinder.
Leupold GX-II Rangefinder Pinhunter
A high end rangefinder for the serious golfer, the GX-II is the advanced version of the GX-I rangefinder from Leupold. It has many innovative features, including slope calculations to give precise distances on uphill or downhill holes; unfortunately these advantages make it legal only for practice rounds.
Premium features include:
Inclinometer & True Golf Range (TGR) - The Leupold GX(TM)-II compensates for uphill shots that play long and downhill shots that play short.
Club Selector - Factoring your specific striking distance, automatically recommends the appropriate club for each shot
Temperature & Altitude - has settings for factoring temp and alt, to ensure the ultimate in accuracy of your shots. (Input of temp and alt is manual.)
The feature set is unparalleled in a rangefinder. No other golfer's distance device on the market offers temperature calibration and pin selection.
Note: as with the Bushnell 1500 Slope edition, the Leupold GX-II is not legal for use in rounds which will be submitted for handicap or in any tournament play.
These are the top laser rangefinders on the market. They are all very high quality devices and any would be a good aid for any golfer. When buying a laser rangefinder, not all are tournament legal or legal for use in handicap rounds, so make sure that you are buying one that fits your needs.
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