How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder Under $100
Being able to tell the distances when on the course makes a massive difference and is in many cases the difference between winning and losing when playing competitively. And this is because knowing distances helps with important decision making such as choosing the club.
For a few old school golfers, markers provide more than enough distance information but for the majority of golfers, nothing beats a rangefinder. Unfortunately, rangefinders can be quite pricey as many good models will typically cost upwards of $300 with some high-end ones even retailing for up to $1,000.
But, before you rush into buying these expensive ones, it is important to note that there are still some more affordable but high-performing and good quality models that will retail for under $100. However, at this smaller price range, you need to be extra cautious to ensure you end up with the best golf rangefinder under $100 and not one of those cheap knockoffs.
This piece is all about helping you find a good rangefinder without spending a lot, and it provides reviews of 3 of the best models in this price range and also explains in detail important factors to watch out for when shopping.
Top 3 Best Golf Rangefinder under $100
Via https://www.amazon.com/
Features and Specification
- Range and Accuracy: With this rangefinder, you can measure up to 700 yards, and this is quite good given the size and price tag of the device. But, its most impressive element is that it will provide an accuracy of +/-1 yard which is as good as it can get for under $100 rangefinders.
- 6X Magnification: With up to 6X magnification you can easily and clearly spot your target in any weather condition, and this is what makes this also a great rangefinder for hunting.
- PinSeeker: Convenient pinseeker mode makes it easy to locate and lock onto the flag, and there are also some convenient vibrations to alert you when you are locked onto the pin.
- Battery: It uses a CR2-3V lithium battery that is designed to serve you well for long enough, and it should hold the charge for at least a couple of rounds and charging it will also not long.
- What is in the box: Besides the rangefinder and free battery, you will also get a free carrying case, lens cloth, and a handy user manual.
Pros
- Sturdy and rugged housing
- Easy to use thanks to simple controls
- Measures in both yards and meters
- Great for both golfing and hunting
- Free carry case and battery included
Cons
- Battery cover seems to have issues as it falls off easily
- Digital readout can be a bit blurry in low light conditions
Via https://www.amazon.com/
Features and Specification
- Range and Accuracy: A longer range laser rangefinder that can measure up to 900 yards and in both meters and yards. And it will do it while maintaining an accuracy of +/-1 yard.
- 7X Magnification: With the 7X magnification which is higher than what you get from most other under $100 rangefinders and the fully multi-coated design, you can always be sure of getting clearer images from any distance.
- Mode: This high-performing rangefinder allows you to choose from four different modes which are range, speed, scanning and pin mode. And you can easily switch between the different modes at the push of a button.
- Tripod Screw: Attaching to a tripod is made easy by the 1/4-inch tripod screw that allows you to attach it to most standard tripods for more stability when measuring long distances.
- Other Features: This rangefinder will also come with a handy wrist strap that makes it more convenient to carry and hold, and you also get a free durable carrying case.
Pros
- Will measure up to an impressive 900 yards
- Durable and water-resistant housing
- Easy switch between modes
- Quicker and more convenient USB charging
- Attachable to any standard tripod for stable long distance measurements
- Convenient wrist strap included
- Free durable carrying case
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
- Manual does not have very clear instructions
Via https://www.amazon.com/
Features and Specification
- Range and Accuracy: With a measuring range of up to 700 yards, this golf rangefinder should be good enough for use in most golf courses. It also offers fast measurements with an accuracy of +/-1 yard.
- 6X Magnification: The 6X magnification on this rangefinder is meant to offer more precision and clearer views to make this a more reliable and easy-to-use device even for beginners
- Modes: There are multiple modes on this golf rangefinder all of which are designed to make it more useful and convenient to use. They include the fog and speed modes and the continuous scan mode.
- Flagpole Lock: A handy feature that makes it easy to identify the flagstick and can be super useful in situations where the flag is partially blocked.
- What is in the box: When you buy the rangefinder you will also get a free CR2 battery, carry pouch, strap, cleaning cloth and of course a start guide.
Pros
- Multiple modes for convenience and usefulness
- Free battery, carry pouch and carabiner
- Lightweight, compact and more portable
- Water and dust resistant housing
- Durable body with comfortable gripping points
- Lower power consumption and auto shutoff
- Fast and accurate measurements
Cons
- There seems to be a bit too many buttons on the device
- Directions should be more user-friendly
- Battery does not hold the charge long enough
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Golf Rangefinder Under $100
Golf rangefinders are available in various price ranges depending on the features and capability. Even at the under $100 price range, you can be sure that there will be several models to choose from, and so to make sure that you make the right choice, you should consider the following things.
#1. Range and Accuracy
Range determines the distance that you can use the rangefinder to measure which makes it one of the most important factors to consider. A typical golf rangefinder will have a range of anywhere between 400 and 1,000 yards.
To make sure that the rangefinder has an appropriate range for you, consider the courses that you will be playing on often. However, the longer the range the better the device will be as you can use it in any course.
But, besides having a long range, the rangefinder should also be accurate. And although the accuracy also varies among different brand and models, you should aim to get something with an accuracy of at least +/-1 yard.
#2. Battery Life
Because golf rangefinders are portable devices designed for carrying around the course, they use a rechargeable battery which in most cases is lithium ion.
Besides checking the overall quality of the battery, you also need to check how long it can keep the charge to ensure the device does not die out in the middle of a golf round. A good battery should last at least a couple of rounds of golf and should also not take a long time to charge.
#3. Durability
Even if you are buying a cheaper under $100 rangefinder, you still need to make sure that you are getting value for your money. And the only way to ensure this is by going for a highly durable model.
Durability will depend on various things such as the choice of material and parts, and also the overall construction of the rangefinder. A solid and rugged plastic housing that is weatherproof and shock-resistant is a great indication that the rangefinder will last.
Also, to determine whether a rangefinder is durable, you should check the warranty length because in most instances devices with longer warranty covers are often the most durable.
#4. Features
The features of the rangefinder determine the usability which means they are a key element to consider before buying. They will vary among different models and brands, and so you need to determine the features that you want to have in your particular device.
Some of the most important features to watch out for include the magnification power, lens type and size, display screen, anti-fog, continuous scan, and flag lock. A rangefinder with all these features will be the best. However, some features are often just fancy add-ons that will not make much difference besides making the device pricier.
#5. Slope Adjustability
Slope adjustability is a convenient feature that you can find in many modern rangefinders, and it will ensure that you always get more accurate and reliable distances as they will be compensated for the slope of the terrain.
This feature makes it even easier to plan your shot, but it might not be available in some models, and this is more so when it comes to the cheaper under $100 rangefinders. And so, if you prefer slope compensated distances, it is important to make sure that you choose an appropriate model.
But, also note that this feature is not allowed in most tournaments, and so if you intend to use the rangefinder for a tournament, go for a model that allows you to switch of the slope adjustment.
#6. Comfort
If the rangefinder is not comfortable to use, it can be annoying to carry around the course for a couple of rounds. And so, besides ensuring that you buy for a model with some amazing features and impressive capability, you need to make sure you can use it comfortably.
The size of the gadget and how it fits around your hand and other things like grip type will affect the comfort, and so you need to keep them in mind when shopping. Also, things like eye relief can affect the comfort of individuals with eye issues and those that wear glasses and contacts.
#7. Ease of Use
You do not want to find yourself in a situation where you are in the middle of a golf round but you are stuck trying to figure out how to take measurements with your rangefinder as this can be annoying and time-wasting.
Before you buy an under $100 rangefinder, you need to make sure it is easy to use by watching out for things like the controls, display, and connectivity. When it comes to the controls, a rangefinder with a single or a couple of buttons is the easiest to use.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Hunting vs. Golfing Rangefinders?
A: A golf rangefinder has a nearest target priority which means it will typically focus on the nearest target which is the flag in most instances and ignore everything else behind it. For hunting rangefinders, they are equipped with distant target priority meaning they will focus on the distant object and ignore the close ones.
Q: Can you use a hunting rangefinder for golfing?
A: Yes, you can use a hunting rangefinder for golfing if it has the appropriate features and a menu option for both golfing and hunting. Some manufacturer will make their rangefinder with the versatility of being usable for both golf and hunting.
Q: Is it legal to use a laser golf rangefinder for a golf tournament?
A: Yes, laser golf rangefinders are legal for use in many tournaments, and in fact some pro players use them. However, this is only so for the models without a slope adjustment feature or those that will allow you to turn it off as it is not legal in most tournaments.
Conclusion
Buying a golf rangefinder does not always have to be an expensive venture as there are many affordable models in the market. All you need to do is pick the best among them.
And by considering factors like range and accuracy, battery life, durability, and ease of use, finding the best golf rangefinder under $100 should be a quick and less overwhelming task.
With our three featured models above from leading brands, you also now have an idea of what to buy, and so you only need to go ahead and choose one that impresses you.