If you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking for a rangefinder to help improve your golf, but with so many options out there, where do you start?
Well don’t worry in this article we’ve listed the best 5 rangefinders of 2023 which will definitely improve your game.
I remember the days before I started using a rangefinder, only relying on yardage markers or course guides for direction. However, when I finally got on board and began using laser rangefinders the improvement it made to my game was amazing, I was hooked, and now there’s always one in my bag.
This list isn’t filled with random items that I’ve chosen from the internet. No, through my experience as a golf blogger, and my YouTube channel, I’ve had the opportunity to personally test lots of rangefinders, and these are the best 5 I’ve used so far in 2023.
So, keep reading and we’ll provide you with a full overview of the pros and cons of the best rangefinders on the market, that you can trust.
Let’s get into it!
The Best Golf Rangefinders 2023 (The List)
- Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder (Best Overall Rangefinder)
- Blue Tees Series 3 Rangefinder (Most Stylish Rangefinder)
- Golf Buddy Laser Lite 2 (Most Accurate Rangefinder)
- Shot Scope Laser Rangefinder (Best Compact Rangefinder)
- Cigman Golf Rangefinder (Best Budget Rangefinder)
Why A Good Rangefinder Is Essential For Golfers
Using a laser rangefinder can help your game in many ways, precision is important, but it isn’t just about providing accurate distances to the pin, for me, it allows golfers to improve their game, and have more fun on the course. If you’re still not sure I’ve listed some of the ways rangefinders can help your game below:
Accuracy: In golf, even a few yards off target can be the difference between a birdie or the worst game of your life. A rangefinder provides accurate distance measurements. If you watch professional golfers, they are always 100% certain of how far they hit each club (to the yard) which helps them shoot amazing scores. An accurate rangefinder can help give you this added insight.
Confidence: Trusting this accuracy, and then knowing the exact distance can help you choose the right club to hit, this will give you the extra confidence you need when standing over that important shot.
Strategic Play: A rangefinder can help you better plan your shots, taking into account obstacles like bunkers and water hazards. It also allows you to see the distance to trees, stakes, or other landmarks that can’t be tracked with a GPS watch.
Slope Adjustment: Another feature that you can’t get from the majority of GPS watches is slope adjustment. Using the best golf rangefinders you can easily see how an uphill, or downhill shot can influence your club selection.
What To Look For In A Golf Rangefinder?
Having personally tested lots of rangefinders I have a list of ‘must-haves’ or considerations when choosing a device. I’ve listed them below and why I think they are required in any rangefinder purchase:
- Slope Adjustment
As mentioned earlier this feature calculates the distance to your target, factoring in any slopes on the course.
Useful when aiming at a high or low tee box to give more accurate yardage.
Important: This could get you disqualified from club competitions. While useful for practice, this function must be turned off during official competitions as it’s not allowed by golf rules.
- Pin Finder Technology
Helps the rangefinder focus solely on the flag, filtering out background distractions like trees.
Bonus: The top models vibrate to let you know when the target is locked in, giving you confidence in accurate measurements.
- Magnification
Look for rangefinders that offer some level of higher magnification.
Whether it’s x5 or up to x7 in pricier models, this feature can be especially helpful when looking at targets a long distance away.
You’ll be pleased to know that all of the rangefinders in this best golf rangefinder list have these features, so you can trust that these are the best rangefinders to help improve your golf.
Best 5 Golf Rangefinders (2023)
Garmin Approach Z82
Garmin Approach Z82 Rangefinder
✅ Provides front, middle, and back readings - like a GPS watch
✅ Displays a full-color OLED course overview map in the scope, and it even accounts for the wind direction, and provides green contour data
✅ Gives you the pin direction on blind shots on dogleg holes, or behind a hill.
And loads more...
The Approach Z82 golf laser rangefinder stands out from the others in this list as the best overall rangefinder in your list for 2023. When I tested this rangefinder out on the course I was seriously impressed for several reasons.
The Z82 has all of the features of a top-of-the-range GPS watch, but inside a laser rangefinder, perfect for those golfers who want features such as front, middle, and back readings, but don’t want to wear a watch.
When you look through the scope, it’s so advanced that it not only displays a full-color OLED course overview map in the scope, but it even accounts for the wind direction, and provides green contour data. Garmin has also fixed the only drawback to a rangefinder, this rangefinder provides you the pin direction on blind shots on dogleg holes, or behind a hill.
Many brands claim to have produced the best golf rangefinder, but I honestly think that Garmin has actually made the perfect golf device!
There are so many more features I’ve had to list them below:
- Laser accuracy within 10 inches of the flag
- Over 42,000 preloaded courses
- Wind speed and direction indicators
- Full-color OLED display
- IPX7 waterproof
- 15-hour battery life in GPS mode
- Compatible with the Garmin Golf app
- Tournament legal with external indicator light
- “Find My Garmin” feature for device location
As you can see there are lots of advanced features but let’s have a look at any cons of buying this device:
Cons:
Price: The price point may be too high for most amateur players
Hidden Extras: Subscription required for some of the features in the Garmin Golf app
Tech Overload: The features might be too much for golfers not familiar with advanced golf tech.
Envy: You could be the envy of your golf friends if you buy this.
The very stylish and highly advanced Garmin Z82 laser rangefinder is well-deserving of our top choice for 2023, it’ll probably be the top choice for the next few years in all honesty. We would 100% recommend this product.
If you would like read the full review of the Garmin Z82 laser rangefinder, then click here.
Blue Tees Series 3
Blue Tees Series 3 Rangefinder
✅ ‘Crystal clear display’, that even in the cloudy and grey skies of the UK it was easy to pick out my target when switching between the red and black optics
✅ Excellent Price: The features included in this Rangefinder make this an excellent mid-priced choice.
✅ Great for Carts: The Built-in Magnetic Strip makes this perfect for use when driving in carts.
✅ Active Slope Switch: Slope can be easily turned off and on making it tournament legal.
Special Offer - 10% Off - Use the code SUNDAYRED
Blue Tees Rangefinders are the most stylish-looking rangefinders, from the subtle chrome effect detailing on the slope button to the choice of cool colors. However, you should know that these are also packed full of features that compete with the most expensive rangefinders on the market, and they are certain to help your game.
What I liked most about the Series 3 laser rangefinder was how clear the display was when looking through the scope. Blue Tees calls this the ‘crystal clear display’, but all I know is that even in the cloudy and grey skies of the UK it was easy to pick out my target when switching between the red and black optics.
Pros:
Active Slope Switch: Slope can be easily turned off and on making it tournament legal.
Excellent Price: The features included in this Rangefinder make this an excellent mid-priced choice.
Crystal clear display: The Auto-Ambient Display, and the quality of the lens meant this is easy to see through making distant shots easier to scope.
Amazing Styling: This is the best-looking rangefinder I’ve tested and always gets my playing partners talking. It’s also available in Navy, Black, White, and Rose.
Excellent Targeting: Through Advanced Flag Lock, and it’s Pulse Vibration it easily identifies your target.
Long Range: Capable of ranging up to 900 yards, perfect if you’re a long hitter!
Great for Carts: The Built-in Magnetic Strip makes this perfect for use when driving in carts.
Water Resistant: Built to withstand weather conditions.
Cons:
Lack of Specifics on Water Resistance: The term “water-resistant” can be vague; what happens if you drop it in a water hazard?
If you choose to buy a Blue Tees Series 3 Rangefinder you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you use our exclusive discount code SUNDAYRED for an additional 10% off when you visit the Blue Tees website
If you would like to see our full in-depth review of the Blue Tees Series 3 Max, then click here.
Golf Buddy Laser Lite 2
Golf Buddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder
✅ Find the Flag Easily: Press and hold one button, and it zeros in on the flag for you with pin finder mode.
✅ Fast Readings: This rangefinder gets you quick distances, with accuracy, so you can make your shot faster and with confidence.
✅ Vibration Alert: It vibrates when you’ve got your target, so you’re sure of the target every time.
Special Offer - 15% Off - Use the code SUNDAYREDGOLF
So I’ve already shown you two excellent rangefinders, but next on the list, the Golf Buddy Laser Lite 2, stands out as one of the most accurate rangefinders on my list for 2023.
When testing this and comparing it against other models the pinpoint accuracy stood out when returning a yardage. Not only that but it was just as quick, if not quicker than some of the other rangefinders on this list. You’re not just getting a yardage, you’re getting it fast, which also speeds up your pace of play.
Being able to trust the accuracy of this rangefinder I could select the right club which helped my confidence in playing my next shot. But like all rangefinders on this list, it also comes with adjustable slope technology, which is great when you’re facing uphill or downhill shots. It has a very bright display, 6x magnification along with a measurement range of up to 800 yards. This was great even getting yardages on long holes. All of these features are packed into a stylish carry case – what more could you want? Oh, it’s also a great price considering all of these features! Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons:
Pros:
Fast Readings: This rangefinder gets you quick distances, with accuracy, so you can make your shot faster and with confidence.
Easy to Hold: Not the smallest on our list but its small size makes it easy to grip.
Find the Flag Easily: Press and hold one button, and it zeros in on the flag for you with pin finder mode.
Vibration Alert: It vibrates when you’ve got your target, so you’re sure of the target every time.
Slope Function: Easily turn on or off the slope feature to get more accurate distances and make it tournament-legal.
Cons:
Not Fully Waterproof: It can handle a drizzle but not a downpour, so consider the weather where you live.
Battery: This uses a CR2 battery which may not be suitable for all golfers.
I was impressed with this rangefinder, and it deserves its place in this list of the best golf rangefinders. If you like this rangefinder or want to find out more information be sure to click here and use the code SUNDAYREDGOLF for an extra 15% off your purchase!
Shot Scope PRO L2 Laser Rangefinder
Shot Scope PRO L2 Laser Rangefinder
✅ Vibration Alert: It vibrates when you’ve got your target, so you’re sure of the target every time.
✅ Long Lasting: Long battery life with approximately 5,800 measures (just in case you are that person who forgets to charge it after a round or two)
✅ Affordable: Compared to other models with similar features this is an excellent price.
Special Offer: 15% Off with code "SUNDAYRED"
The Shot Scope PRO L2 is a feature-packed rangefinder that I liked, particularly for its compact design, making it the most portable option on this 2023 list. Despite its small size, it is also packed full of useful features.
One of its standout features is the adaptive slope technology, which adjusts distance measurements based on the slope of the terrain—perfect for uphill or downhill shots. Importantly this can be easily turned on and off, and this can be clearly seen by your playing partners.
Its rapid-fire detection and target-lock vibration add an extra layer of confidence by letting you know you’ve accurately locked onto your target. Simply hold your finger on the button when shooting the distance and it will vibrate when it’s locked onto the target or flag. In an upgrade from previous Shot Scope rangefinders, they added a built-in cart magnet for easy attachment to golf carts or any other magnetic surface. The device covers a 700-yard range, which is less than some competitors, but with an accuracy of just 1 yard, and x6 magnification over a 700-yard range this makes it easy to shoot your target from even the longest holes.
Pros:
Accuracy: High level of accuracy with 1-yard deviation
Tournament Legal: Adaptive slope technology for better club selection can be turned on/off
Long Lasting: Long battery life with approximately 5,800 measures
Affordable: Compared to other models with similar features this is an excellent price.
Durable: Water-resistant for use in diverse weather conditions
Cons:
Zoom: Lower magnification (x6) compared to some competitors (x7)
Distance: Limited to 700-yard range.
Display: No option of red/black optics for use in cloudy conditions.
This is an excellent rangefinder, and for those who value the size of the device, without compromising on features, this could be the perfect choice. I’ve used this many times on the course and found it highly accurate. I had confidence in the distance readings due to its target lock vibration. If you want more information be sure to click here for UK or here for US.
Special Offer on ShotScope for Sunday Red Golf readers – Get 15% off – Use the code SUNDAYRED.
Cigman Golf Rangefinder
Cigman Golf Rangefinder
✅ Feature-Packed: From target lock vibration to adjustable slope technology, it's packed with features you'd typically find in more expensive models.
✅ Affordability: The perfect entry-level device that offers great value for the price.
You might be thinking, who are Cigman, and why would I want to use a brand I’ve not heard of? Well, that’s OK, it’s exactly what I thought when I first heard of them. However, when it comes to choosing a rangefinder you don’t always need to spend big bucks to get amazing results.
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly rangefinder that doesn’t skimp on performance, the CigmanRangefinder is a great choice. Retailing at around $80 (at the time of writing), this device is ideal for golfers who want reliable yardage without breaking the bank. Its features rival those of pricier models, including target lock vibration, adjustable slope technology, and quick distance readings.
The Cigman rangefinder is accurate to within a yard just like the other more expensive models, and I found I could trust its yardage as much as the other rangefinders in this list. It also has an easy-to-use slope feature, which can be turned on and off for tournament matches. It even has 6x magnification, with a range of up to 800-yards, matching the most advanced rangefinders on this list!
This is a very stylish device, and I think you’ll be surprised with what you get if you choose this rangefinder. I think it’s a perfect choice for taking that first step when buying a rangefinder, and believe it can genuinely help you improve your golf, whether you’re a mid-handicapper or a more advanced player.
Pros:
Affordability: The perfect entry-level device that offers great value for the price.
Feature-Packed: From target lock vibration to adjustable slope technology, it’s packed with features you’d typically find in more expensive models.
Accurate & Fast: Quick to return a yardage, with an accuracy that rivals higher-end models.
Great Design: A rubbery grip ensures it won’t slip from your hand, and it comes with a handy carry case that easily attaches to your golf bag.
Cons:
Battery USB-rechargeable: Rechargeable battery may be a downside for some golfers.
Unknown Brand: The unknown brand name might be a downside for golfers looking for more of a household name in their golf equipment.
Overall, the CigmanRangefinder is an exceptional budget option, offering reliability, accuracy, and useful features that can genuinely improve your game. If you want to find out more information check them out here.
Conclusion
Rangefinders have become an essential tool for golfers looking to elevate their game, and this year we have some top-quality options with advanced features. Whether you prioritize accuracy, speed, or added features like a GPS display, there’s something out there for you. I would personally recommend the Golf Buddy Laser Lite 2 for its excellent accuracy and quick distance readings at a great price, making it a top choice for serious golfers.
If you’ve found this guide useful and are looking for other ways to up your game, don’t miss out on our other guides. For more excellent golfing resources, check out:
There’s a whole world of golf improvement tools waiting for you with Sunday Red, so why wait? Start leveling up your golf game today!
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