Looking for Recommendations - Rangefinder Under $200?

[Dpavs]

Looking to add a Rangefinder to the bag this year and would like your opinions on what the best budget (under $200) Rangefinder on the market is. Let me know what you have, what else you have used to compare it to and why you like it!

Slope function would be a plus, and quick acquisition is important. The intended use is for play on a course to shoot non-reflective pins and determine lay up yardages (i.e. distance to tree, bunker, etc.)

Any information regarding current deals or discount coupons would of course be appreciated!

 

Thanks all!

 

[cristphoto]

TGW has a pair of Nikon rangefinders for under $200. One with slope, one without.

[jpdx]

I’ve got the Costco special online. Can be had for $99 once in a while. But normal is $130 with slope. My buddy has a Precision pro I don’t recall the model. Both work well, both have slope both are under $200.

iirc precision pro gives you batteries for free.

[cfmgolf]

Precision Pro monitors WRX pretty closely and typically has a promo code. There is a long thread in this forum that they are part of that should help. Great product and terrific customer service.

[moolman]

Through the years, I had top of the line rangefinders, Had the Bushness Tour X, Bushnell V4 shift, Bushnell Hybrid...................... I currently use a $60 Caddytek with slope.

The bushnells, for the most part shoot the flag faster, like almost instant, the cheaper range finders, might take half a second. You might have to shoot it twice to make sure the distance is right.

But the biggest advantage of the cheap range finder is not worrying about losing it, seriously, the biggest stress of a $500 rangefinder is that you can misplace it so easily.

Get a range gripper, google it, best invention ever, it places your rangefinder and phone in the golf cart, the 2 things you don't want to lose on the course besides your keys.

[flaghunting1987]

Precision Pro has a new one called NX2 for $169

[Dpavs]

I was looking at the Precision Pro's and the new NX2. From the lack of inventory for them at places like BG, I am wondering if they coming out with new finders across the board. Also I wish they had more info about the NX2 as to how it has been improved and if they have a slope version coming out.

Nikon has generally made solid finders and the warranty is hard to beat but there seems to be target acquisition issues with the G20i series according to a good number of reviewers. If anyone owns one, have you had the same issues with it?

 

[cristphoto]

I had the original Nikon Coolshot 20 and returned it for a Bushnell after a week. VERY slow to lock on from 175 and out. The guy at Golf Galaxy said I wasn't the first to complain. That was a few years ago and the current Nikon model (I'm guessing) has been fixed.

[Minarets]

Just saw on IG about a new brand called Blue Tees rangefinders. They have a good, better, best offering. $200 for the best with slope and jolt features.

[Myherobobhope]

@Precision Pro Golf will likely hop in to answer any questions you have.

I've had one for 3 seasons now and really like it. Staff was great and helpful through the buying process. They support GolfWRX as well... Definitely give them a look. I believe they've had some specials recently.

[Dpavs]

I actually sent them an email ([email protected]) two days ago and have yet to receive a reply. It feels like something is going on with them. I saw the current NX7 offerings are also listed as discontinued at a couple of reseller sites. So maybe they are getting ready to release a new line up? Or they are having other issues such as supply problems?

[Myherobobhope]

Hmm... no idea. They are usually very responsive, but maybe busy with the current pandemic stuff.

[sethdavidsdad]

Can't beat the price on this one. I ordered so far so good. Numbers are almost exactly same as my Bushnellhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MM3CS9J/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_LReYEbTXW5WPP

[ronster]

I was looking at this one but was concerned about the range to flag only at 285 yards, but the range to reflective marker is 600 yards. It’s a great deal though.

AOFAR GX-2S Slope Golf Rangefinder 600/800 Yards White Range Finder,Flagpole Lock, Vibration, Waterproof, Carrying Case, Battery, Gift Packaging https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MXYMMN5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_N3eYEbTHM08S6

 

 

 

[Dpavs]

I was actually looking at these also.. seems like they have an older and newer version of tech if you dig you can find both... but it's confusing because cosmetically they look exactly the same. The only difference is one indicates it has "AOFAR new UPGRADED VERSION range finder takes latest technology. Giving faster reading with AI tracking technology. Pressing power button to test with 5/600yds range"

[ronster]

funny enough Amazon has what appears to be the same version, different colour, but a higher price?

AOFAR GX-2S Golf Rangefinder Slope on/Off, Flag-Lock with Vibration, 600 Yards Range Finder, 6X 25mm Waterproof, Carrying Case, Free Battery, Gift Packaging https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07G5YY4QY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_dMhYEb4E9JQ8H

 

 

[Zlax45]

I gave them an order on a similar ad. They are supposed to have a 60 day return policy so I am giving it a shot.

[Minarets]

I don't need one yet as mine still works great but talked my buddy into it. He ordered the $199 one. I'm sure when I need a new one it won't be another Bushnell. I mean, I love mine but with the NX9/7 line and now these Blue Tees(if they are decent) no way I can spend another $300+ when you get all features just not quite executed the same way for hundreds less.

[Dpavs]

Saw that one too... I assumed the higher price was attributed to the "gift packaging" - whatever that is.

[Dpavs]

Seeing a pretty good deal on the Golf Buddy Aim L10 or L10v. A review site gave them pretty solid mid-field ratings on their 2019 tests or 14 different lasers. Anyone have any experience with either of these?

[jjschafe]

Seconded on the Wosports. See my other thread (link below) for details on my experience, but if you are on a super limited budget, you can't go wrong with it for $80. If my budget was closer to $200, I probably would have gone for a Precision Pro NX7 based on their customer service and activity on this forum.https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/1825870/wosports-rangefinder-deal#latest

[Zlax45]

I will come back with my thoughts on it when I get it next week!

[sethdavidsdad]

Yeah you were the one that gave me the recommendation. So far it works great. Amazon.com : Wosports Golf Rangefinder, 650 Yards Laser Range Finder with Slope, Flag-Lock with Vibration Distance/Speed/Scan/Angle Measurement, Upgraded Battery Cover : Sports & OutdoorsI added this magnet this weekend DIYMAG Strong Neodymium bar Magnets with Double-Sided Adhesive, Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet - 60 x 10 x 3 mm, Pack of 10: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

[goaliedad30]

I bought this one last year; it's now around $80 at Amazon. Works great, accurate, and both slope & non slope modes. Amazon.com : PEAKPULSE 7S Golf Rangefinder with Slope Compensation Technology, Flag Acquisition with Pulse Vibration Technology and Fast Focus System, Perfect for Choosing The Right Club. 300 Yard Range. : Sports & Outdoors

[Zlax45]

I decided to cancel my order as the pro version does NOT have the ability to turn off slope....

[Zlax45]

Is the Bushnell V4 (non slope) worth 225?

[Dpavs]

I've had the v series bushnell's in the past and while they are good I have always considered them over priced. The fact that they want to charge $100 more just for adding slopes tell's me a lot about how they are treating the consumer. Add on to that the horror stories I have heard about Bushnell service and I am steering clear of their rangefinders at this point. I am of the mindset that for around or less than $200 you should be able to get a very decent rangefinder with 6x magnification, good optics and slope that can be turned off and on easily. The technology involved is hardly cutting edge any more.

[swgolfer]

I agree and think everyone is figuring out that the tech involved is no longer proprietary and you can get a great laser for $200 and under, PP, Golf Buddy and a host of others including generic brands all work excellent. Bushnell had it all to themselves for a long period of time and seems they got greedy and lazy in Customer service, as with all technology driven products you can hold off competition for a while but eventually competitors figure out how to do it better and cheaper.....! There doesn't seem to be a break thru technology in Lasers on the horizon anytime soon so prices should continue to go down which is great for Golf.

[Dpavs]

Thanks to all who left comments and suggestions!

I ended up finding a Golf Buddy Aim-L10V for what I was willing to spend and received it yesterday. I'm happy to say that during my backyard tests, it performs exceptionally! It acquires targets extremely fast and the optics are very good to my eye with the LCD's being dark and easy to read. I am really surprised at how small rangefinders have become. The finder easily fits in a front pocket and is very light weight. While some might not, I think I am going to like the voice function to confirm the yardage being reported. If not it can be turned off which is nice too. I also like that it has an external slope on off switch and that the way it reports yardage when the slope is turned on is by showing the slope compensated distance on the top, the straight line distance on the bottom and then also showing the distance above or below on the bottom instead of just showing a percentage or angle. To me knowing the yards above or below is much more helpful. All in all, so far color me impressed.