Best 2021 laser rangefinders

EQUIPMENT

- Joel Tadman

A laser rangefinder is the product many golfers rely on for every single shot to get the exact distance to the pin quickly and accurately. We tested 12 of the latest models on the course at Burghley Park Golf Club to assess the pros and cons of each.

Styling/design

All the rangefinders on test fitted well in our hand, some better than others – we liked the tacky feel of the Nikon Coolshot 50i and the rough texture on the GolfBuddy Laser Lite. Weight is a crucial factor – too heavy and it can feel cumbersome to hold, but too light and it will wobble around in the wind (being able to keep it steady is key to picking out the flag quickly).

“A RANGEFINDER CAN DO SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST GIVE YOU FLAG DISTANCES” -Joel Tadman, GM technical editor

The Laser Lite and Easygreen OLED Vision Pro are two of the lightest you will find, while the Garmin Approach Z82 was the heaviest at 232g. We feel like just under 200g is the sweetspot, which is where the Motocaddy Pro 3000, Shot Scope Pro L1 and Bushnell Tour V5 Slim come in. The Zoom Focus Tour is arguably the most premium-looking laser with its hybrid-metallic finish and ideal balance of size and weight. The most compact was the OLED Vision Pro and the largest lasers were the Precision Pro R1 Smart and Garmin Approach Z82.

GM pick: Zoom Focus Tour

Ease of use