Bushnell Rangefinder V4 or V5?

[theadvocate_ivan]

For those have owned or tried both, would you mind sharing your thoughts?

 

Thanks in advance!

[cristphoto]

I have two of the V4 models and they work great.  The V5 had 6x magnification while V4 has 5x. The V5 has a built-in magnet to allow mounting on a carts roof frame.  Its also slightly larger than V4. Personally I like a smaller laser so I can easily put it in my pocket while playing - prevents loss. Otherwise they're pretty much the same.  Fast, accurate, reliable.  Both are rated water resistant - not waterproof.  One plus for the V4 is it comes with a rubbery cover (Bushnell calls it a skin) you can slip on to assist in water resistance.  

[naws-golfer]

The v4 is great. I’m not sure the magnet is worth the cost o the newer model. I actually like how light the V4 is

[cmatthews77]

I had a V3 and just bought a V5.  The ONE and only thing I don't love about the V5 is supposed to be a benefit but it's smaller and lighter.  To me this makes it actually more difficult too hold and lock onto the flagstick because i struggle to keep it still.  I preferred the V3 weight and size more.  Other than that the V5 is great.

[North Butte]

17 hours ago, cmatthews77 said:

I had a V3 and just bought a V5.  The ONE and only thing I don't love about the V5 is supposed to be a benefit but it's smaller and lighter.  To me this makes it actually more difficult too hold and lock onto the flagstick because i struggle to keep it still.  I preferred the V3 weight and size more.  Other than that the V5 is great.

I'm not poking fun or disagreeing with your take on the size and weight. Just wanted to mention that two different reviews of my most recently purchased rangefinder mentioned it being a little too small (both reviews) and too light (one review) which I thought was a strange thing to say. That was yesterday and now this morning you made a similar comment. 

 

So I guess it really is "a thing" and I just don't happen to experience it myself. Compact and light is a good thing (remember those original binocular style rangefinders they weighed like a pound and a half?) but like all good things it's possible to take small and light too far!

[cristphoto]

The V4 is actually lighter than the V5 and slips in my pocket better too. So I don't understand the comment about being too light to control.  The user might not be using the best method to get a reading.  All the latest Bushnell lasers (and probably others too) are quick and smart enough to simply allow you to "swipe" back and forth on the flag to lock on. All other items behind it are ignored.  Only takes a second or two.  Plus how could you possibly lock on a flag when the wind is blowing?  

[cmatthews77]

9 minutes ago, cristphoto said:

The V4 is actually lighter than the V5 and slips in my pocket better too. So I don't understand the comment about being too light to control.  The user might not be using the best method to get a reading.  All the latest Bushnell lasers (and probably others too) are quick and smart enough to simply allow you to "swipe" back and forth on the flag to lock on. All other items behind it are ignored.  Only takes a second or two.  Plus how could you possibly lock on a flag when the wind is blowing?  

 

it's keeping my hand steady enough not wind.  again, it's just a personal preference for me but i personally preferred the size and weight of the V3

[cristphoto]

I had a V2 prior to getting my V4. Very similar in shape to the V3. It is a little thicker so it does feel a bit beefier in your hand.  Bushnell has pretty good design shape on all their lasers. I've had four over the years and all served me well.  I once briefly tried a Nikon but couldn't get along with the graphics display (seemed very busy), plus it was much slower once you got past 150 yards.  The Bushnell's seemed almost instant in comparison. Swapped it for the V4 at Golf Galaxy within their 30 day return window. This was probably Nikon's first generation (Coolshot 20) so hopefully they've improved.  

Edited July 21, 2021 by cristphoto

[North Butte]

6 hours ago, cristphoto said:

I had a V2 prior to getting my V4. Very similar in shape to the V3. It is a little thicker so it does feel a bit beefier in your hand.  Bushnell has pretty good design shape on all their lasers. I've had four over the years and all served me well.  I once briefly tried a Nikon but couldn't get along with the graphics display (seemed very busy), plus it was much slower once you got past 150 yards.  The Bushnell's seemed almost instant in comparison. Swapped it for the V4 at Golf Galaxy within their 30 day return window. This was probably Nikon's first generation (Coolshot 20) so hopefully they've improved.  

The image stabilized Nikons are so much better to use than any non-stabilized rangefinder it's a mystery to me why that technology has not taken over the market by now.

 

But the other mystery is the fact that at least half the time I've ever handed my 80 VR to someone to use, they complained that "It does something weird" or "I don't think it was working right". Even though it gave them the correct distance to the flag they didn't like it at all. The "weird" thing seems to be when the stabilization kicks in and the image quits wandering around and becomes rock steady. A couple of them seemed to think that meant it was broken. 

 

But anyway, I'm treating myself to a latest-generation Pro II model to replace my 5-year-old 80VR. According to all the reviews the latest Nikons give yardages so fast you can't perceive any delay at all. But for me it's the ability to lock on to a flag, bunker lip or tree from virtually unlimited distance. I can laser the flag and a bunker lip on a 550-yard Par 5 and tell before I tee off whether the flag is front, middle or back. It's amazing stuff.

[platgof]

Only a WRX'er needs a 550 yard reading. I am in awe! I just ordered a used V4 Slope after using my friends. They are so neat. I have an older one and to heavy and slow for me. 

 

[robcha]

Emailed them about my Tour X not working anymore and they provided a 25% coupon. Decided to get the V5 Shift with their Black Friday deal. 

 

I can definitely feel the difference as the V5 is smaller and more compact than the TourX but I wouldn't say it's a bad thing. I actually prefer it more so after feeling the difference and have no issue with the gripping and focus. 

[platgof]

I bought my V4 Slope 25 Nov and got it today from Austin, Tx. I have never has a problem buying from Texas, so I will tack it on as an Austin problem. Texans will tell you if they could get rid of Austin, Texas would be perfect. Will use it tomorrow and see how it does. Already put a new battery in it and threw the one that came with it in the trash. Love the size. Tried one a month agao as was very impressed, so I had to have one. The Garmin S20 watch is awesome, but wanted a range finder after trying the V4 Slope. 

[robcha]

On 12/13/2021 at 6:28 PM, platgof said:

I bought my V4 Slope 25 Nov and got it today from Austin, Tx. I have never has a problem buying from Texas, so I will tack it on as an Austin problem. Texans will tell you if they could get rid of Austin, Texas would be perfect. Will use it tomorrow and see how it does. Already put a new battery in it and threw the one that came with it in the trash. Love the size. Tried one a month agao as was very impressed, so I had to have one. The Garmin S20 watch is awesome, but wanted a range finder after trying the V4 Slope. 

Just out of curiosity, any reason you swapped batteries right away?

[platgof]

I don't trust electronics with old batteries, corrosion issues mainly. Cheap protection.