Bushnell has always been the leading brand for rangefinders, and it wasn’t until recently that there was even a brand that could contend. Bushnell is the front-runner in quality rangefinders, with accurate measurements, and the newest technology, however, BlueTees has recently put themselves on the map as a serious contender. The Series 3 Max is their newest and best rangefinder, and it packs a punch. BlueTees is a rapidly-growing brand, thanks to their use of social media influencing and marketing to reach their target audience. With the Series 3 Max, they have succesfully managed to produce a rangefinder with a lot of wonderful features, great quality, and many impressive reviews to back it up. The questions is; is the BlueTees Series 3 Max better than the Bushnell Tour V5? AllBirdies is here to answer that.
Comparison
Feature Rich
Comfortable Fit
Clear Optics
Pin-Lock Technology
Magnetic Cart “Bite” Feature
Doesn’t measure slope
1300 yards
Magnification:
6x
Slope Feature:
No
Pin lock with Vibration:
Yes
Power Source:
3-Volt CR2 battery
Cart Magnet:
Yes
Feature rich
Super clear optics
Cart magnet
Slope switch
Pin-lock with pulse vibration
Pin-lock is not always accurate
900 yards
Magnification:
7x
Slope Feature:
Yes
Pin lock with Vibration:
Yes
Power Source:
3-Volt CR2 battery
Cart Magnet:
Yes
Our Verdict
After extensive testing of both rangefinders, using them in my backyard as well as several rounds on the course, this was one of the closest matchups we have seen so far. Let’s start with what makes the Bushnell Tour V5 special: as I mentioned in our last comparison, everything about the Tour V5 is centered around quality, the feel, the look, and even the presentation when opening the box that it comes in. When you hold the Tour V5 you really feel like you purchased something of high-quality, and to go along with that you get really clear optics and consistently accurate measurements. The only issue that I have with this rangefinder, and quite frankly the only reason we didn’t rate it five stars, is the lack of slope feature. Yes, you probably are wondering why I don’t just buy the “Tour V5 Shift“, well that’s because I have to pay another $100 for that one feature.
On the other hand, the BlueTees Series 3 Max has very clear optics, cart magnet, pin-lock technology, and it includes slope feature, all for less than the Tour V5. Although the choice may seem like a no-brainer, I did have some issue with the BlueTees Series 3 upon testing, which may sway your opinion. The golf course that I play at does not have reflectors on the pins for easier measurement, and I found that the Series 3 Max did have trouble catching the pin on some holes when the distance was more than 150 yards. This seemed to be a repetitive occurrence, so I did some digging, and this issue was confirmed by a few reviews on Amazon. However, it only happened a couple of times during my round, and on the second or third try, I did get the right number, I also need to mention that inside 150 yards the pin-lock and vibration works wonderfully.
So, who wins this battle of higher-end rangefinders? My pick is still the Bushnell Tour V5. When I play golf, especially competitively, I want to trust the brand and product that measures my distance, and the number that I get from a rangefinder has the biggest influence on my club choice. I was highly impressed by the BlueTees Series 3 Max, the quality, the clear optics, and the slope feature, all for $259.99 is very hard to beat. However, the couple of bad readings I got from the pin-lock technology gave me doubts. Let me put it this way; if you are looking for a high-quality rangefinder under $300 that has all the features including slope, the BlueTees Series 3 Max is your best option. If you are looking for the best quality, and most accurate rangefinder under $300, that would be the Bushnell Tour V5, and if you have a spare $100 to spend for the slope feature, the Tour V5 Shift is your best bet.
Does Bushnell offer a military discount?
Bushnell does offer a military and veterans discount, however, it does have to be applied for on their website under the “VIP Program”. This discount does apply to Bushnell’s entire family of brands! https://www.bushnell.com/vip-program
Are Blue Tees rangefinders good?
Blue Tees makes very good rangefinders and they are also good value for the money. Their rangefinders are simple, accurate, and have all the necessary features for most golfers. BlueTees golf took the rangefinder market by storm due to their use of social media and affiliate marketing strategies, which created a lot of competition for other high-quality rangefinder brands such as Bushnell.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Bushnell Tour v3 released?
The Bushnell Tour v3 was unveiled to the world in a specific year. Unfortunately, the release year is not currently specified in the information provided. However, as an avid golfer who has followed Bushnell’s product releases closely, I can tell you that the company regularly updates its rangefinder product line. They first started with v1, and subsequently, we saw newer iterations like v2, v3, and so on, each with their improvements and added features, a testament to Bushnell’s commitment to helping golfers improve their game.
Can the Blue Tees 3 Max measure slope?
Yes, the Blue Tees Golf Series 3 Max rangefinder is equipped with slope technology. This feature enables it to account for the incline or decline of the terrain, providing you with the adjusted distance to the target. And the great news is, it’s utterly convenient as you can seamlessly switch the slope function on and off depending on your needs or tournament rules. When I was starting my golf journey, having a slope-adjusted distance to the green was instrumental in planning my shots. Just remember slope technology applications are typically not allowed in competitive play, so being able to turn this function off can save you from unintentional disqualifications.
What distinguishes the Blue Tees Series 2 from Series 3?
As someone who constantly updates their golf gadgets, I am quite familiar with the differences between the Blue Tees Series 2 and Series 3. The most significant difference lies in the slope function. The latest model, the Series 3 Max comes with an able-to-be-canceled slope technology. This is a favorable feature for golfers who are keen on participating in tournaments where slope-adjusted readings are not permitted. On the other hand, the Series 2 Pro, though equipped with a built-in slope function, does not offer an option to deactivate it. The Series 2, however, does not feature any slope function.
Is there slope technology in the Bushnell V5 tour?
The topic of slope technology is crucial when discussing golf rangefinders. It has created a significant impact on my personal game, allowing for more precise club selections and strategies. However, for the Bushnell V5 Tour, the standard model, it does not include slope technology. If you are a golfer seeking a rangefinder with a slope function, you might need to consider other models or brands. But remember, while slope measurement may boost your performance during practice rounds, this function is not permitted in recognized tournaments. Hence, opting for a model without slope technology like the V5 Tour may still be a wise choice depending on your game’s method and goals.
