What is The Lifespan Of A Golf Laser Rangefinder? – Complete Breakdown

What kind of life span does your rangefinder have?

Let’s find out.

What is the Lifespan of a Golf Laser Rangefinder?

Most rangefinders will last between 3 and 7 years. However, if you buy the more expensive models with an extended warranty, they may last up to 8 or 9-year time frames.

Golf Rangefinders – Buyers Guide

You just need a rangefinder that gives accurate distances quickly and reliably and is affordable.

Price

Laser distance measuring devices tend to be priced between $100 and $500 with the sweet spot being somewhere around $250.

Most of the $150 rangefinders out there are pretty good and functional. However, some of them come with additional features like slope calculations, 2D layout, and so on.

Battery Life

It’s not an issue because most people don’t wear their fitness trackers for long periods of time.

The exception to this generalization is the Garmin & Voice Caddy devices on the list which makes them almost worth the short battery lives. You’re getting a ton of features for the battery life trade-offs in these types of devices.

Water Proof

If you play a lot of winter golf, or if it rains often, you need to make sure that the laser rangefinder can handle the weather and won’t cost you too much money when it starts raining.

Make sure it’s waterproof or water-resistant because there is a big difference between them.

Display Technology

A rangefinder has a very different display from a traditional GPS watch or handheld device. It’s important to consider these differences when choosing one. Some high-quality models have crosshairs, slopes, and even a little bit too much info.

Slope Measurement Capabilities

Rangefinders can both tell you exactly where your target is and whether your shot is downhill or uphill due to their ability to measure slopes.

Some models come with slope compensation features and are usually a little pricier. They’re also illegal to use during tournaments to ensure that it’s turned off for competition.

Magnetic Clip

A few models on the short-term rental market include a magnetic clip for attaching your rangefinder to your vehicle.

Storage

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on rangefinder because they’re not really expensive. However, you should get one that has a good quality case that can take some damage.

You need to be careful when choosing a case for your rangefinder. It needs to protect it from drops, extreme temperatures, and travel.

Best Golf Rangefinders

After reading this guide, you now know how to identify the top golf rangefinder. Here are some recommendations for the top golf range finders.

Precision Pro NX9 Laser Rangefinder

Few companies have been producing rangefinder technology as effectively as Precision Pro has for years now. They’ve become one of the most trusted names in the industry.

The Precision Pro NX 9 is an excellent addition to any photographer’s kit bag. It offers everything that you could possibly want from a high-end rangefinder camera.

Pros

Pulse Vibration Technology

You’ll never hit the wrong target again as the device will send a short vibration to confirm that you hit the target.

LCD Display & 6X Magnification

It works up to 400 yards and has an improved crystal clear screen for measuring your distance.

Slope Technology

If you decide to purchase the sloped version, you’ll get even more data from the device.

It calculates everything for you so you don’t need to worry about hitting your targets and it updates the distance based on whether you’re shooting uphill or downhill. You can turn the sloped mode off and use it in competitions.

Magnetic Grip and Cart Mount

One of the best things about this new rangefinder is its ability not to fly out of your shopping basket when you hit a bump.

Thanks to its magnetic grips and car mounts, you can securely attach your device and ensure it won’t be misplaced or damaged. It makes one wonder why no other devices offer this feature.

Style and Look

Its sleek green, white, and black design makes it look good and because it has some brighter secondary colors, it’s easier to see if you’ve left it in your car.

Included in the package are the carry case, instruction manual, battery, and more.

You get everything you’ll need to begin making use of this purchase immediately.

Precision Care Package

This package offers a 90-day return policy, a two-year warranty, and free lifetime batteries.

Cons

There isn’t much bad to be said about this device. It’s got some nice features, and it’s reasonably priced for such a great device.

Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell has been making some pretty cool innovations lately. The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is even more advanced than its predecessor, the Bushnell Tour v4.

The Tour V5 is perfect for committed golf players of all abilities but it comes at a cost. Here’s why we believe it’s worth the investment.

Pros

Magnification

Upgraded from 5x magnification to 6x magnification.

Compact Design

It’s small enough to fit in the palms of your hands or pockets and has a sleek, dark grey and red design.

Visual Jolt Technology

A vibrating pulse and a blinking red light confirm that you’ve successfully connected to the flagstick.

Clarity

More clarity than the previous version.

Bite Magnetic Cart Mount

It’s easy to attach this device to a cart so you don’t need to spend any extra money on additional attachments.

Bushnell Golf App

Included with the purchase of this product is an iPhone app called “Bushnell Golf” which includes 3D flyover views of holes, distances, and course availability. It has over 36,000 golf courses available.

Warranty

Includes two years’ worth of coverage for the battery and hard case, plus a carry bag.

Cons

There aren’t too many downsides to this popular Bushnell rangefinder except its price. For some people, it might be an expensive purchase but if you’re willing to spend the extra cash, then go ahead and buy one.

Tour V5 Edition (Non-slope)

If you don’t require slope features and would rather spend less money, then go for the Tour V5 edition.

It has all the features of the V5 Shift, but it doesn’t offer a “play as” distance for uphill and downhill swings. However, you still get the 6x magnification, jolt technology, and everything else.

Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder

If you’re familiar at least with some brands of sports equipment, chances are you’ve heard of Garmin.

It’s a top brand in the industry for handhelds and has a good variety of rangefinder models too. However, this one isn’t the cheapest on our list.

Rangefinder and GPS

With its full-color display, the Garmin Z82 rangefinder provides pinpoint, middle, and back points as well.

Rangefinders usually don’t give you the distance to the target from either side.

It means more math for you. Not always easy or fun when playing on the links. And it doesn’t help the pace of play.

Pros

Golf Courses

With the device, there are 41,000 pre-loaded golf courses.

Buzz Technology

Use buzz technology to ensure you’re locked on with your flagstick.

Garmin App

To get even more detailed information on every golf shot, you can use the app to track your shots. You can also compare your scores against your own personal bests and against your competition.

Find my Garmin

With this new service, you’ll never lose your device again. It works just like “Find My Phone” from Apple, but it costs less.

Tournament Legal

When the indicator lights update, they remove “playslike distance” and make them ready for you to compete.

Flag Hunting

With the new front, middle, and back distance features, you can now easily select the right number and play the fat part of the greens, instead of always having to hunt for flags and end up short-sided.

Wind Readings

Unlike any other rangefinder on this list, you don’t have to worry about the wind when using the Garmin rangefinder. It shows the wind direction and speed so you can pick the best golf clubs for the conditions.

Hazard view

You can easily scroll down the whole page and see the distances to each danger and carrying capacity.

Cons

Cost

It’s a lot more expensive than most of these other options, but because it’s both a compass and a GPS, it’s almost a two-in-one device.

If you already own a GPS and rangefinders, then this is a great way to make them even better.

Battery Life

While Garmin claims its watch has a longer battery life compared to the Garmin Z80, they’re still significantly shorter than most watches.

The color screen drains the batteries quickly and needs to be recharged every few rounds using the mini USB cord that comes with the device.

Conclusion

When buying a new rangefinder, think about whether you want something that’s good at both on-course and off-course use. Laser rangefinders are better at accuracy than GPS devices, but they don’t provide as much course data.

What is your favorite golf GPS rangefinder?

Tell us in the comments below.