What’s the best rangefinder under $200?
Based on our analysis, the best rangefinder under $200 is the Callaway 300 Pro Slope.
Rangefinders are a great tool for every golfer to precisely know the distance in to a target and more accurately determine the club and type of shot to hit. Although a rangefinder is a wonderful way to save a few strokes and gain some confidence, most of the best rangefinders on the market go for over $500. So, we analyzed and tested the top rangefinders under $200 to help you save strokes and a trip to the bank.
Best Rangefinders under $200
Callway 300 Pro Slope
1. Callway 300 Pro Slope ($199) – Best rangefinder under $200
The Callaway 300 Pro Slope rangefinder got a revamp in 2021 where it now is more light and compact, includes pin lock with vibration, and they even added magnahold, an internal magnet powerful enough to attach to golf cart frame. The 300 Pro Slope also has the longest measuring distance of any rangefinder we tested (up to 1000 yards), and it includes slope feature which can be turned on and off, to make it tournament legal. You name a feature and the Callaway 300 Pro Slop has it, along with a solid build design and premium case to go with it, this is undoubtedly the best rangefinder under $200, and takes the crown on our list.
2. Blue Tees Series 2 ($189) – Best design
Blue Tees is one of my favorite “new” golf brands, they have done a great job of marketing through social media and influencers, and you can always find an affiliate code to save $50 or more. The Series 2 rangefinder is their previous model but it still has almost everything you could want in a rangefinder, pin lock technology with pulse vibration, tournament legal, and measures up to 800 yards. The only thing missing is slope feature, you’ll have to upgrade to the Series 2 pro, at $219.99. I loved the look and feel of this rangefinder, everything gave impressions of a premium product with great reviews and customer service to back it up.
Distance: up to 800 yards
Pin lock with vibration: Yes
Slope feature: No
Case Included: Yes
3. Nikon Coolshot 20 GII ($176) – Most trusted rangefinder under $200
The Nikon Coolshot 20 GII is a very small rangefinder to hold, but it certainly gets the job done. This rangefinder can measure distances up to 800 yards, and although it doesn’t have features like slope, or pin lock, it does come from a trusted brand, and includes a 5 year warranty. My brother has had this rangefinder for over 7 years, and it still measures accurately and has no issues.
Distance: up to 800 yards
Pin lock with vibration: No
Slope feature: No
Case Included: Yes
4. Precision Pro NX7 ($179.99) – Lifetime battery replacement
The Precision Pro NX7 is a well-built rangefinder, packed with a lot of great features. The NX7 includes slope feature, and pin lock with pulse vibration, as well as being legal in all tournaments. My absolute favorite thing about this rangefinder is that it comes with a lifetime battery replacement, meaning that you don’t have to spend $6 on a new battery every few months, which every golfer understands that struggle. Amazon is currently running a coupon where you can save an additional $10 off, so don’t wait!
Distance: up to 650 yards
Pin lock with vibration: Yes
Slope feature: Yes
Case Included: Yes
5. Gogogo Sport Vpro GS24 ($89.99) – Best value rangefinder under $200
The Gogogo Sport Vpro GS24 is “Amazon’s Choice” for a rangefinder under $200, with a 4.5 star rating out of 5, with almost 6,000 people having reviewed the product. The GS24 is a lot of bang for your buck, at just $89.99, this particular model comes with slope feature and pin lock with vibration, features that are normally found in high-end rangefinders. If you’re looking for a rangefinder but maybe don’t play very often and find it hard to justify spending over $100, this is our pick for you.
Distance: up to 650 yards
Pin lock with vibration: Yes
Slope feature: Yes
Case Included: Yes
Callaway Pro 300 Best Overall
Are cheap rangefinders any good?
Most high end rangefinders cost around $300-$500 and often times feature the newest technology and carry a well-known brand name. Rangefinders in the $150-$200 range offer less features and can be less reliable, however, overall, they have the ability to measure distance and slope to the pin just as accurately as a high-end rangefinder.
Is it worth buying a rangefinder?
A rangefinder can prove to be one of the most valuable tools in your bag, possibly even more important than any single golf club. Rangefinders give you the ability to measure your distance to the flag accurately and consistently every time. Rangefinders are also able to help you with your course management, allowing you to know the distances to bunkers, penalty areas, and layup yardages. All of these benefits combined give a golfer more confidence when executing shots and many golfers who use a rangefinder see an immediate improvement of a few shots each round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactures the top-notch rangefinder?
The best rangefinder manufacturers can vary based on your specific needs and preferences. However, companies such as Nikon, Bushnell, and Leupold have consistently elevated their game to produce some of the most accurate, user-friendly, and high-value rangefinders in the market. Out of personal experience, I’ve found that these manufacturers really focus on enhancing the user experience while maintaining advanced technology and durability, creating products that stand the test of time. **Remember, the ‘best’ is subjective** and based on your personal needs and budget.
How should I go about selecting a golf rangefinder?
Choosing the right golf rangefinder can seem daunting due to the variety of options available. However, based on my expertise, I believe it’s crucial to focus first on **accuracy, usability, and value**. In my experience, a rangefinder that doesn’t provide accurate measurements won’t do you much good on the course. Likewise, if it’s too complex to use or doesn’t offer good value for money, you might start considering a different golf accessory.
Once you've checked these boxes, you can then concentrate on the build quality and functionality. You want something sturdy that will serve you faithfully for a number of years. Moreover, look for additional features like water resistance, fog resistance, or easy battery replacement. All these factors collectively contribute to your experience with the rangefinder.
Does the USGA permit use of slope rangefinders?
The rules and regulations set by the USGA can vary depending on the specific competition at hand. From my personal experience as a golf enthusiast who has followed several amateur and professional leagues, I’ve noted that in significant amateur competitions like the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur, participants and their caddies are allowed to use rangefinders. However, the **slope function is not permitted**. It’s important, therefore, to clarify these guidelines with the tournament organizers beforehand.
Which rangefinder operates effectively in fog?
Frequent golfers know that weather conditions can significantly influence the game. Dealing with fog is one such challenge. An effective fog-resistant rangefinder that I’ve personally had a good experience with is the LaserWorks LW1000PRO. This professional-class laser rangefinder is designed specifically for hunting and golf in varying weather conditions, including fog. It also has the added benefit of being waterproof, making it a sturdy and reliable choice for golfers who often find themselves in challenging weather conditions. So yes, the **LaserWorks LW1000PRO Rangefinder works effectively in fog** and is waterproof too.
Best Golf Rangefinder (2023)
