Golf365 picks the BEST budget rangefinders of 2025
Slow play has been a constant debate amongst PGA Tour competitors this year and beyond, with some options being discussed to mitigate the effect that a poor pace of play can have on performance.
This weekend’s RBC Heritage is not only the first event after the frenzy of the Masters last weekend, but also the first event of a six-month testing period in an attempt to improve the speed of play.
The event in South Carolina has seen the field using distance measuring devices in an effort that’s reduced the preparation time before each stroke at the event.
It can’t be argued that rangefinders are a quick and easy way of understanding yardage and consequently speed up club selection and caddie interaction.
World Number One, Scottie Scheffler, who’s T6 as he attempts to defend his 2024 title at Harbour Town, admitted he “forgot” he could bring a device and thought the impact of rangefinders on pace of play would be minimal.
“Is it going to help the pace of play? Maybe a few minutes…
Will it be anything significant? No. In this tournament, what affects the pace of play is walking the golf course. I think we’re playing twosomes all week, so it will go from a five-hour round to maybe four hours or less.
When you see the biggest changes in pace of play, it all comes from going from three guys to two guys in a pairing. It’s just easier to get around the golf course.”
Would a rangefinder improve my golf course experience?
For many amateur golfers, yardage posts can often be their only distance reference, with unpaid golf apps’ GPS yardages often hit and miss.
So could a rangefinder increase the speed at which you get round the golf course and settle the all too frequent debate on whether to hit your 7 iron or 8?
GOLF365 take a look at some of the most affordable rangefinders on the market that could transform your on-course enjoyment and ultimately, save you a few minutes and strokes…
REDTIGER COO1
One of the most affordable options comes from REDTIGER with a sleek white finish and a number of features that absolutely justify the budget price tag.
- Includes slope switch, which is LEGAL for tournament play
- Slope correction
- Golf flag locking
- Magnetic mount to attach to any metal surface for ultimate convenience
- Magnetic belt clip for easy, quick use before a stroke
- A range of 5-1200 yards with an accuracy of half a yard
GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2
GolfBuddy’s new and improved Laser Lite model is smaller and lighter, making it ideal for a minimal golf bag feature for those quickfire yardage checks.
- Slope-adjusted distances, which are handicap and tournament-compliant
- Easy pin finder mode – press and hold measurement makes finding yardages fast and easy
- A 0.2-second lock on means you won’t have to spend time messing around with unnecessary buttons and settings.
- A range of 2-800 yards, ideal if you enjoy reading the length of your putts
INESIS 900
Decathlon’s INESIS golf line has provided alternative ultra-budget golf equipment that seems to be more than fit for purpose, with its rangefinder in a vibrant yellow and black colourway.
- Slope and distance compensation provide you with shot angle and compensated distances that will help you choose the right club to counter the slope.
- A short press on the capture button will measure distance, while a long press will scan an area and update the measurement in real time.
- The rangefinder will confirm distance by vibrating, but you can turn this off if not your thing.
- A range of 5 – 1300 yards
Nikon COOLSHOT 20 GIII
Nikon’s product range doesn’t stop at photography, with their latest rangefinder offering crystal clear clarity that the world-leading optic technology brand is renowned for.
- It’s small and weighs just 130 grams, perfect for a minimal addition to your golf bag with maximal benefits
- The product vibrates when it finds the flag, and its 6x magnification and crystal clear view make it easy to find the target, even in those lower light rounds.
- Incline and decline features to ensure absolute accuracy.
- A measurement range of 6-800 yards
GARMIN Approach Z82
While this is by no means a budget rangefinder, the invaluable extra nifty features of the Garmin option are game changing when looking at what device will benefit you on the golf course.
- It’s the most accurate rangefinder on the market, within 10″ of the pin, allowing absolute confidence in your yardage.
- For those like myself who lack a steady hand, the Garmin device comes with image stabilisation to vibration, meaning the product will help you and update you when the target is locked in.
- Full colour 2D CourseView mapping for over 40,000 golf courses brings a new dimension to your device with factors such as course hazards taken into account on holes where those pesky bunkers may be hidden.
- It displays wind speed and direction while providing up-to-date information about the putting surface ahead.
- Carry distances of hazards and undulations on the greens.
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