Cheap(er) rangefinder - Bushnell V3, Nikon Coolshot 20, or Precision Pro Nexus

[Johnny T]

In the market for my first rangefinder and want to keep the price to a somewhat reasonable level. I've narrowed it down to these three options, and maybe the Leupold GX1i2 if I can find a deal on one. All of them seem to be about the same spec-wise (maybe a few extra bells and whistles on a couple of models) so wondering if anybody has tried multiple models and had a preference, particularly if there were things you didn't like.

[944own]

I bought the Nikon coolshot at Dicks and returned it and bought the bushnell v3. The bushnell is much easier to use if you don't have the steadiest hand. I really like the jolt when it vibrates to let you know it hit the pin. I can use it with one hand where I had a hard time hitting the pin with the nikon with 2 hands. I ended up getting the bushnell on ebay it was much cheaper than Dicks. good luck

[Johnny T]

That was one of the things I was wondering about (how steady you need to be), so good to know. I have some credit at Amazon so will probably buy from there. I'm pretty sure I can't go wrong with the V3, just wondering if the extra $50 for it is worth it over the Coolshot 20 or Nexus.

[944own]

That was one of the things I was wondering about (how steady you need to be), so good to know. I have some credit at Amazon so will probably buy from there. I'm pretty sure I can't go wrong with the V3, just wondering if the extra $50 for it is worth it over the Coolshot 20 or Nexus.

Yes if it is only $50 difference I would definitely go with the bushnell. You will love the jolt feature. The nikon is much harder to hit your target with. good luck

[Rickbo]

I have the Nikon Coolshot 20 (which I got for a steal) and I don't have any complaints at all. Saying that, I lent it to someone to grab a yardage and his hands were shaking too much to use it easily!

 

For me personally the price difference wasn't worth it (£250 for the Bushnell v £130 for the Nikon). That's a significant difference!

[joechang]

I have the Nikon Coolshot 20 (which I got for a steal) and I don't have any complaints at all. Saying that, I lent it to someone to grab a yardage and his hands were shaking too much to use it easily!

 

For me personally the price difference wasn't worth it (£250 for the Bushnell v £130 for the Nikon). That's a significant difference!

 

And the Nikon is much more compact.

[avgjoe]

try em out if you can.... the nikon is one of the smallest so would also be more prone to shakes... if your hands aren't the steadiest maybe bigger might be easier to use. leupolds have a bluish tint to their lenses; doesn't bother some, but I hate it

[Johnny T]

I opted to go with the Precision Pro Nexus, largely to save $50. I've been pleased with it so far. I've used it on the range and on the course and it works just like it should. I don't have the steadiest hand but when the laser is in the flag lock mode, it locks on easily. I think the longest distance I have shot in flag lock mode is about 220 yds. Yardage is displayed relatively quickly - 1-2 seconds.

 

My one complaint, and it is extremely minor, is I wish the eye piece was just a little larger in diameter. I haven't used enough other lasers to know if the Nexus eye piece is small or large, but it would be nice if it was just a hair larger. Still, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this laser again and think it is a good value.

[junkfry]

I have a Coolshot 20 and it works just fine for me. It is small and compact which I like. I wear sunglasses alot and there are no issues with the eye piece size. The yardage reading is on the top of the screen and I've read reviews where some people don't like that for some reason.

[wavyRT]

i got golf buddy Lr5 s very nice. I got the slope edition for 187$ on ebay. The regular model without slope goin for 180$ right now. I had the bushnell v3 and like the new golf buddy better.

[robrey85]

Jolt tech is the best. I've used numerous range finders. Stay away from that POS Nikon that has half yardages, lol. My buddy has that one and it's embarrassing, we make fun of him for it all the time. Anyway, anytime I use a V2, I'm disappointed with no Jolt tech, that's my favorite thing. If I feel I may have hit something else, I shoot it again and it jolts again. It's awesome.