The right laser rangefinder for your golf game

Rangefinders, lasers and rangefinders help golfers choose the right club. Only those who know exactly how far away the target is can hit the right shot. However, there are many golf rangefinders and the functions of the devices differ significantly. While some visually record course details, others limit themselves to core tasks. The price range is also considerable. Here are ten products that will give you an overview of the various options.

Golf rangefinders from Garmin

Garmin Approach rangefinders bring smart technology to the golf course and help golfers measure distances accurately. The Z30 and Z82 models share many core functions, but differ in their approach and range of functions. Both devices reliably use the laser with 6x magnification and have an OLED display in the viewfinder. What they have in common is the flag finder with vibration, which confirms flag detection, and the PlaysLike distances, which take height differences into account and can be deactivated for tournament rounds (with indicator). Both integrate into the Garmin Golf Ecosystem and have a magnetic mount.

The Approach Z82 is the technological top model. It has integrated GPS and displays color 2D course map overlays with hazards and green information directly in the viewfinder. Features such as the Pin Pointer, image stabilization, display of wind data (via app) and a longer range (up to 410m) make it a comprehensive all-in-one tool. It uses a rechargeable battery.

The Approach Z30 is slightly more compact and lighter and relies on a replaceable CR2 battery with a long runtime. It makes intensive use of the Ecosystem for the Range Relay function (shows distance on paired device) and can obtain extended PlaysLike data via a paired Garmin watch. Garmin offers a solid, ecosystem-focused laser with the Z30 and a premium hybrid model with comprehensive visual information directly in the viewfinder with the Z82.

Golf rangefinders from Zoom

Zoom rangefinders offer golfers precise distance information with a focus on an attractive price-performance ratio and modern functions. The Focus X and OLED PRO models share important core features. Both devices use laser technology with 6x magnification and have a useful slope mode that can be deactivated for tournament rounds using a switch. Target acquisition is confirmed by vibration. An advantage of both Zoom lasers is the integrated, rechargeable battery, which eliminates the need to change batteries, as well as their compact and very lightweight design.

The Zoom OLED PRO stands out with its OLED display, which impresses with exceptional sharpness and brightness in all lighting conditions. It measures distances of up to 1,100 meters with high accuracy and offers the practical magnetic lock system for easy attachment as well as a USB-C charging port. The Zoom Focus X is positioned as a particularly affordable option that still offers core functions such as slope and vibration. It has a special scan mode for continuous measurements and is even slightly lighter at 170g. It uses an LC display and micro USB.

Golf rangefinders from Bushnell

Bushnell offers a range of rangefinders tailored to different requirements. The A1 Slope, Tour V6 Shift and Tour Hybrid models share some basic Bushnell technologies. What all three devices have in common is reliable laser distance measurement, PinSeeker technology for precise flag detection and JOLT vibration feedback to confirm the measurement. They are also water-resistant and use a replaceable CR2 battery. A tournament mode to disable the slope function is also available on all models.

The A1 Slope is Bushnell's most affordable option. It brings core features like Slope and JOLT to an attractive price point and is designed for ease of use, with 6x magnification and up to 600 meters range to the flag. The Tour V6 Shift is the top model among the pure lasers. It shines with crystal-clear optics, maximum range (up to 1,300 m) and precision as well as 6x magnification. Its special features are the extended Visual JOLT (vibration plus light signal) and the practical BITE magnetic mount. The Tour Hybrid takes a different approach, combining laser and GPS in one device. It offers 5x magnification and shows laser distances in the viewfinder, while providing GPS data from over 36,000 locations (V/M/H green, obstacles) on a separate side display.

Golf rangefinder from Blue Tees

The Blue Tees Golf Series 4 Ultra is a powerful laser rangefinder that gives golfers access to advanced features at an attractive price. With its 7x magnification that allows a closer view of the target, it measures distances up to 900 meters with high accuracy of +/- 0.8 yards. An ultra-clear display with automatic brightness adjustment ensures excellent readability in all lighting conditions. Adaptive Slope technology with a physical switch allows you to easily turn the slope correction on and off for tournament rounds. The Flag Lock with Pulse Vibration confirms the measurement to the flag.

Practical features such as the integrated magnetic strip for attachment to the cart, a built-in carrying clip and the USB-C charging port increase convenience on the round. The device is also IPX6 water-resistant and can therefore also be used in the rain.

Golf rangefinders from Shot Scope

Shot Scope offers golfers advanced tools for game analysis and distance measurement, including the PRO Laser models ZR and LX+. Both share important core capabilities but have different focuses. Both PRO Lasers deliver fast and accurate measurements with Adaptive Slope technology, which can be disabled for tournaments. They feature rapid-fire detection and improved target vibration for measurement confirmation. The red and black dual optics allow good visibility of the display in changing light conditions, and a built-in magnet is used for quick cart attachment. Both have access to the Shot Scope app.

The PRO ZR is focused on pure laser performance and durability. It is characterized by its particularly robust DuraShield hard shell and a very long range of up to 1,500 meters. The PRO LX+ takes a "three-in-one" approach. In addition to the laser (with 7x magnification and 900 meter range), it integrates GPS functionality and comprehensive shot tracking using the detachable H4 unit and 16 tags for detailed game analysis. It is ideal for golfers who want to combine distance measurement with comprehensive data tracking.