Best Golf Rangefinders: Bushnell is known for their high quality binoculars, scopes, and other sporting optics. Beginning over half a century ago, the company has increasingly moved into producing optical gear that has digital features. This has resulted in newer scopes that cater to specific pastimes, including golf. It just so happens that some of the best in terms of durability and features can also be found among the brand.
Since they began making rangefinders, Bushnell has been one of the best golf rangefinders brands that are available for purchase, both online and off. The first model was one of the best selling products for many years and remains one of the best golf rangefinders reviewed golf accessory items. However, other great varieties have been put on the market that also excel in their own right. They often had features that were lacking in the beginning product. Yet in 2014, the X7 Rangefinder emerged as one of the newest leading additions for golfers.
One of the first attributes that places the Pro X7 in a league of it’s own is the durable carrying case that comes with the rangefinder. It is made to last and is extremely well built. Along with the zip closure, they have included a hook and eye made from elastic so that it can be taken out quicker when you are on the course. Another notable feature is the magnification. It is rare to find a scope that has 7 times zooming range. Most others have a maximum of only six. This may not seem like much on the surface but is conspicuous when the time comes for a closer look at an object. The extra range boost really does show. The X7 receives it’s power from a CR123 lithium battery pack which is included with the rangefinder. Length of duration for most golfers is about one year, making it much more convenient than using rudimentary double A or triple A batteries.
When you pick up this rangefinder for the first time, you will quickly see that it is unique in many ways. It is somewhat heavy, and will definitely need it’s own room in order to fit in your golf bag. But once it is ready to be used, you will understand why that is a small inconvenience. Placing the battery inside the rangefinder is very simple, and becoming familiar with using it is straightforward, requiring no learning curve. Most golfers will be able to utilize it as normal within ten minutes of use.
For those who are not accustomed to using a rangefinder, it could take a little bit longer to adjust to the sight. Similar to a set of binoculars, the eye is positioned perfectly so that a clear view will be visible. You may come across times when the image is not as clear as it was compared to the last time it was used. When this happens, simply look for the ring near the bottom of the viewfinder and focus your view. Additionally, it is waterproof and has a tough coating around it that is made of rubber. This also frees up worry about it becoming damaged from light falls when driving around on your golf cart. If you are ever on the course and fog or intense humidity begins to settle in, there are no worries; the X7’s lens will continue to work as normal and will not be obstructed from such events.
As with most viewfinders, it does not take lots of effort to manage. Just point at whatever target you want to focus on and push the reading button to get your range specifications. To turn it on, press the “on” button, or press it a little longer to get a pin reading. If you only need to distance and nothing else, only push once. Furthermore, the X7 can find flags from hundreds of yards away from your position (550 is claimed). Reflective targets have a range of about 1760 yards. While you probably will seldom need to get readings from these type of distances, above average ranges, such as 300 yards, show up with lightning speed and accuracy.
Best Golf Rangefinders Features
Two other useful features found on the X7 are it’s jolt and slope technology. Those who have used Bushnell products before will already know about the brand’s touted jolt hallmark. It is formulated to sent out vibrations when locked onto a flag. This helps so that you can differentiate between pins and other artifacts such as trees. This is one of the best components to the product and other Bushnell devices. With lower quality rangefinders, doing this is considerably more difficult and annoying.
Slope, on the other hand, uses an accelerometer to gauge the level of elevation alterations between the pin and your position. After that, you will be given a degree modification and an additional play number included with the total number of yards. This does not factor in the levels of wind on the the golf course, which means that levels could read one or two degrees higher than what the actual number averages. In this case, you may have to make the occasional estimation in order not to come up short on the holes. It is a a very useful attribute yet it should be noted that slope adds to the total cost on the best golf rangefinders.
Final Verdict
Overall,the best golf rangefinders do not get much better than this. It excels at everything that it is advertised to do, with the only real setback being the size of the product. For people who do lots of walking on the golf course, it could be a minor annoyance due to it’s larger dimensions and weight over other viewfinders. Regardless, you will definitely get accustomed fairly quickly and will be taking it out on every hole for the simple joy that it’s features will give to you.
Pros:
- The Pin Seeker mode enables golfers to pinpoint their focus and find flags quickly
- Gives very accurate readings
- Waterproof exterior makes it easy to use in any weather environment, including heavy rainstorms.
- Good scope resolution; reading fonts are easy to see
- Magnification allows users to get crystal clear visuals
- Range is one of the farthest available on rangefinders
- Easy to handle
Cons:
- More expensive than other viewfinder brands sold on the market
- Displays readings in a red font color, giving it potential to cause issues in some golf environments due to blending in with the background
- The rangefinder is heavier than most of it’s competitors
- Larger product dimensions means more space will be needed in order for it to fit in bags
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Key Features:
- Accuracy – 1/2 yards
- Range – 5 yards to 1 mile (Up to 550 yards to a flag)
- Magnification – Up to 7 times zoon
- Battery – 3 Volt CR123 lithium battery
- Warranty – 2 years
- Waterproof – Yes
Product Details:
- Bushnell Pro X7 Jolt Slope Rangefinder, fully assembled
- Carrying case
- CR123 lithium battery
- User manual
- Warranty Information Card
- Quick Start card
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