Bushnell’s newest laser rangefinder, the Pro X3 was released in early October 2022, and it has caused quite a stir. The Bushnell Pro X3 rangefinder is the brand’s most feature rich and best performing golf rangefinder ever made, even more advanced than last years “Pro XE”. On paper, the Pro XE and Pro X3 don’t seem to have any major differences, however, the on course performance of the Pro X3 was quite spectacular… let’s dive in!
First impression
The Bushnell Pro X3 is a great looking laser rangefinder, with a very similar look to the Pro XE, with the biggest difference being the slope switch which has been moved away from the Bushnell button on the side, and now sits on the front of the scope. The Pro X3 has a cleaner look to the top of the rangefinder with a simple design to the power and mode buttons, and features a more premium chrome finish around the laser at the front.
If I was to compare the Bushnell Pro X3 with the Pro XE (the most comparable rangefinder available), I would say that they are quite similar, especially when used on the course. The Pro X3 certainly looks and feels like the more premium rangefinder, weighing slightly more, and you could make a case for the fact that the optics are slightly clearer and desirable to use. Other than the fact that the slope switch sits at the front and is more visible/usable, I wouldn’t say they have made many changes, especially when it comes to features.
Features
The Pro X3 is supposedly Bushnell’s most advanced rangefinder ever produced, and they claim it to be the best performing rangefinder on earth (which I don’t doubt). However, compared to last year’s Pro XE model, there are almost no upgrades in terms of features. The Bushnell Pro X3’s features include:
- Magnetic BITE cart mount
- Slope switch
- IPX 7 Waterproof
- Enhanced Ultra-Bright Backlight Display
- Pin seeker with active Jolt
- “Elements compensation” (barometric pressure, temperature, etc.)
All of these wonderful features, contribute to a more accurate reading of distance and a more informed decision before selecting a club, but all of these features can also be found on the Pro XE. So, what exactly did Bushnell change about this year’s Pro X3 model? Reviewing both of these high-performance, high-dollar rangefinders, the only differences that I could find between the Pro X3 and Pro XE are the fact that the Bushnell Pro X3 is bluetooth equipped and allows for “dual display”, where you can switch between red or black display settings depending on lighting. Now, those are some really great features, and it certainly helps with the overall user experience of a golf rangefinder, but, is that worth coming out with an entirely new model and a $600 price tag?
Performance
I’ve taken the Bushnell Pro X3 out on the course for two rounds, and I must say, this rangefinder is fantastic, and an absolute breeze to use. I absolutely love the usability of the new locking slope switch, and I’m such a fan of Bushnell’s “play as” distance, where it is able to calculate the exact distance based on yardage to the hole, barometric pressure, slope, and temperature. I even had the chance to use the dual display feature where I could switch to a red background in darker lighting, and the combination of all of these things seemed to give me more confidence.
The bottom line is that this is the best performing laser golf rangefinder I have ever used, but it’s just not that much better than Bushnell’s Tour V5 Shift or Pro XE models.
Price and Packaging
The Pro X3 comes with a nice premium carrying case, washable micro-fiber cloth, one CR2 battery, and a quick start guide, much like Bushnell’s other rangefinder models. It also comes with a two year limited warranty, which is pretty standard for all Bushnell products.
Bushell’s Pro X3 also comes with a fairly high price tag; a whopping $599.99. That’s $50 more than the Pro XE and $200 more than the Tour V5 Shift!
Our Verdict
After reviewing the new Bushnell Pro X3, and having reviewed many different laser rangefinder brands and models, I do believe that the Pro X3 is the best and most refined golf rangefinder I have tested. However, my big issue with this rangefinder is that there were not many significant changes made from the Pro XE or even the Tour V5 Shift, so, if I owned either one of those Bushnell models, I probably would not upgrade. On the other hand, if I had anything older than a Tour V4 or another brand besides Bushnell, I would highly consider purchasing this rangefinder, and making sure I had the top-of-the-line, most accurate measuring tool in golf.
For the average golfer, most of the features are nice to have, but certainly aren’t necessary. If I still played competitive college golf, or any other high level of golf, I would want to make sure I had the most accurate yardages, and the most confidence in my equipment.
FAQ’s
Does the Bushnell Pro X3 have slope?
Yes, the Bushnell Pro X3 has slope feature, and is also able to measure temperature and barometric pressure.
Does Bushnell offer a military discount?
Yes, Bushnell offers a military discount on all of their products, however, it requires filling out an application on their website through their “VIP Program”. https://www.bushnell.com/vip-program
Is the Bushnell Pro X3 worth it?
The Bushnell Pro X3 is absolutely worth the money if you have a rangefinder that is older than a Tour V4, or own a non-Bushnell rangefinder that doesn’t include slope. If you currently own a Tour V5 Shift or Pro XE rangefinder, I personally don’t think the upgrade is worth it, but if you have the money to spend, it is certainly a nice addition to the bag.
Bushnell Pro X3 vs Tour V4
I am currently still using a Bushnell Tour V4, which I have used since my college days, and although I have tested many different Bushnell models and other rangefinder brands, I have chosen to stick with it. Personally, I don’t think the upgrade is worth $600, the Tour V4 measures accurately and has lasted me a long time. However, I am missing out on the slope feature, so, if I was to upgrade to a new rangefinder, I would likely go with the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bushnell Pro X3 have slope?
Absolutely, the Bushnell Pro X3 does, in fact, come equipped with a slope feature. Thanks to its innovative Locking Slope-Switch Technology, golfers can effortlessly switch the Pro X3 between Slope mode and standard mode depending on their needs. Quite conveniently, this means that the Pro X3 adheres to golf competition legalities, as one can disable the Slope mode during tournament play. Incorporating slope measurements in a rangefinder can greatly enhance one’s ability to evaluate the nuances of the golf course terrain, potentially leading to better shot accuracy.
What is elements mode on Bushnell Pro X3?
The Elements mode is a special feature of the Bushnell Pro X3 that truly sets it apart. The Pro X3 Slope with Elements model not merely considers slope calculations, but it incorporates “elements” such as temperature, barometric pressure, and altitude into its calculations – an upgrade from the Pro XE model. The integration of these factors provides a more comprehensive and accurate measurement for players, particularly in challenging and varying weather conditions. From my personal experience, this feature is a big help especially while playing on unfamiliar or challenging courses.
Is Bushnell range finder worth it?
In my opinion as an seasoned golfer, Bushnell’s range of laser rangefinders are absolutely worth the investment. Bushnell is widely acknowledged as the leading producer of golf laser rangefinders. Although the lower-tier market is gradually improving their products, Bushnell manages to stay ahead with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled consistency in product quality. Even though the initial cost may appear high, the range, accuracy, and reliability of Bushnell rangefinders make them a worthy purchase for any serious golfer.
What is the clearest rangefinder?
While there are numerous high-quality rangefinders available on the market, if clarity is your top priority, Bushnell’s rangefinders are an excellent choice. Known for their precision optics and clear, bright displays, Bushnell’s Pro X2 and Pro X3 models both offer exceptionally sharp, crystal-clear views that can significantly enhance your golf game experience. The Pro X3, for example, features an incredible 6x magnification, bringing distant objects into sharp focus with ease. I’ve found it to be an invaluable tool on the course, allowing me to accurately measure distances and plan my shots with confidence.
