Which Budget Range Finder

[Oldnavycdr]

Skycaddie renewal time and it reminded me to shop for a range finder as an alternative. Of the budget models, <$200, which do you like best? I've looked at the Nikon Coolshot 20, the Percision Nexus, Callaway (same as the Nikon), and a few others. I not only want to range pins but intermediate targets (bunkers, water hazards, etc.) as well. Looking for reliability, ease of use, and at or below $200. And like most, a deal is always appreciated. When I settle on one I'll sell my SGX (new battery), case, skin, screen protector, and cart mount should anyone be interested.

[fccplayer]

I've had a Nikon 500g for maybe 10 years or longer. It's held up great and works well. I can say that the newer bushnells pick up flags with greater ease, but I'll stick with the old Nikon till it dies. You might find one real cheap online somewhere.

[Theryanlaf]

I have a buddy with the Callaway Nikon Rangefinder and it has been very reliable for him.

[lopey986]

I bought a Breaking 80 rangefinder from Amazon today, this model to be exact: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01A91M8ZY/ref=olp_twister_child?ie=UTF8&mv_color_name=4&mv_size_name=3

 

W/ discount code 100OFFB8 it comes to 129.99. We'll see how it works.

[Oldnavycdr]

Thanks. Looking forward to your review.

[lopey986]

Thanks. Looking forward to your review.

 

Got it yesterday. Took it to the range. Compared it to my buddies Bushnell V2 and both pretty accurately pulled up the same yardages, so no issues with it there. I'm not entirely sure how much i'll enjoy using it on the course though. I mean, it's simple enough, just point and click and you've got the yardage, but it feels a little silly doing it. I'm playing tonight, tomorrow and Sunday so i'll use it this weekend and see how much I like it, but i'm leaning towards returning it and simply getting a Bushnell Ghost for super ease of use GPS distances.

[TerrapinGolfer]

I have the Leupold pincaddie 1 I got for like 120 on eBay or Amazon last year, the battery has not died yet and it is accurate as can be yardage wise. As long as you have a steady hand it is great. Very solid construction. Have not used the other ones listed in this thread. But I hear their customer service is second to none, fortunately I have not had to contact them.

[CitationX]

I have the Nikon cool shot 40. Great as long as pins have prizms. Not so much if not.

[jmvargas]

i have had my bushnell trophy for more than 10 years and it as served me well

 

originally got it for my archery needs so it's pretty basic at 5x magnification and has no slope adjustment or other frills but has pretty clear 20mm ojbective multi-coated lenses, scan mode, water resistent, meter to yards covertible and +/- 1 yard accuracy..

 

since it is most accurate on flattish terrain i have pretty much learned to adapt it when shooting up or downhill...

 

iirc it was less than $200 when i got it and started using it when range finders became legal and don't really feel a need to get anything else right now..

[kenstl]

I have one of the breaking 80 devices and it works fine. It is not as thin as the higher dollar brands and you have to have a steady hand, but I mainly use it at the practice rand and on the course for under 150 yds or off of the tee when I am trying to get a yardage to a tree or dog leg corner. All other times I either use my bushnell ghost or iPhone with Golf Logix

[Noodler]

I'm surprised you'd give up on the GPS device entirely and replace it with only the laser. Laser has to have line-of-sight to check distances (obviously) and is slower to use. GPS has everything except the exact distance to the pin. If I had to choose one, I would pick a GPS device over a laser every time (for the quick access to the hole layout, distances to hazards, etc.).

[cristphoto]

I have the Nikon cool shot 40. Great as long as pins have prizms. Not so much if not.

 

I got a Nikon Coolshot 20 a couple months ago and it works great with flags (prisms or not) up to about 180 yards and then is hard to lock on further out. I just read to the front of the green or bunker lip at those distances and guesstimate the difference. Works great beyond 180 yards on trees or other things larger than a flag though. I paid $140 on sale at Golf Galaxy in April.

[Brimstone]

I was contemplating this same decision this week. I really wanted a rangefinder with the slope function, but didn't really want to pay $300+. I'm still undecided, but today I ordered a Caddytek V2 w/ slope and a Bushnell V3. The Caddytek V2 is brand new, but their previous model had good reviews. The Caddytek is $163 and the comparable Bushnell is $300+ or you can get non-slope for a little over $200.

 

 

I'm going to compare them side by side and see which one stays. I do like the jolt function, but for the price difference I can live without it.

[Cwing]

Waiting for reviews on the slope model. I'm looking for one and would like slope even though I'll likely use more on the range.

[jbsg02]

Breaking 80 is offering a free upgrade to the is800 version right now https://breaking80rangefinders.com/store?model_number=IS500

 

I bought one and used it for the first time last week and love it. I was so used to just guessing at yardages and clubs now being able to actually measure exact distances was awesome. The is800 had no trouble getting yardages to flags 200 yards and in, and I didn't really test it to a pin further out than that.

[Girevik]

I'm in the same market and am kind of debating the Breaking 80 vs this one from TecTecTec:

 

https://www.amazon.c...7D171F.

 

Anyone have a basis for comparison?

[Brimstone]

Waiting for reviews on the slope model. I'm looking for one and would like slope even though I'll likely use more on the range.

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1362566-bushnell-vs-caddytek-reviewcomparison/

[yepp]

Leupold makes the most well built range finders out there. Very well built with all the bells and whistles one needs. If you get the opportunity go inside any golf shop and handle them before you buy. Make sure it is comfortable in your hand and get aquatinted with the construction of the device.

[Noodler]

I know it's after the fact, but Amazon had the Bushnell V3 for $189 on Prime Day. I'm sure quite a few lucky golfers picked up that "budget" rangefinder. ;)

[mdreid]

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-prostaff-7i-wp-rangefinder.html

 

ive been using this the past two years and have had no troubles with it

[toad37]

Any new feedback here? My buddy is doing research..thanks

[xreyuk]

I got the Suaoki one from Amazon, and it's been great so far.