If you were to ask which company makes the best rangefinders then you many would say Bushnell. Not only do they make some of the best golf rangefinders, but also some of the best golf GPS devices that money can buy. The company have been around for decades and pioneered the laser rangefinder using its precision optics used in hunting. Now, it has a very wide product range that even includes GPS speakers. To help you decide which Bushnell is best suited for you and your game, we've tested lots of different models from the brand and collated our top picks below. However, if you prefer other brands, we have also created guides on the best GolfBuddy rangefinders and the best Garmin golf watches so be sure to check them out as a comparison.
The Quick List
A simple to use, highly-accurate Bushnell rangefinder with bright and clear optics, seamless slope functionality and convenient carry options.
The X3+ is one of the best all-round rangefinders on the market. It comes with a punchy price tag but the range of features and performance warrants it.
The Bushnell Pro X3 golf rangefinder is aimed at the avid, competitive golfer seeking best-in-class accuracy that plays a lot on elevated courses.
The enhanced accuracy via the new algorithm in the Tour V5 Shift will help you get yardages despite terrain and the display clarity is exceptional here.
This premium, compact, and lightweight speaker delivers near-faultlessly on the brief. The inclusion of GPS functionality helps it stand out from standard Bluetooth speakers.
A fun, high-quality speaker that benefits from the huge advantage of a built-in GPS. The fact this speaker can both visibly and audibly communicate yardages makes it useful and enjoyable.
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This is an incredibly fun and useful item to wear when playing golf and is as close to the perfect golf watch as we’ve tested in recent years.
For those used to Bushnell's touchscreen or who are able to master it quickly, the iON Edge will be a very solid and affordable GPS watch.
Best Bushnell Golf Rangefinders
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Laser Rangefinders
An easy to use and highly practical rangefinder that delivers highly-accurate yardages with a bright display, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift rangefinder is a premium model that is hard to beat. Visually the Tour V6 Shift is a step up from the Tour V5 Shift. It feels a weighty, which helps to make it feel more stable when held up in the wind.
Locking onto the flag is automatic and the jolt vibration and flashing red ring deliver more reassurance that you've found your target. The display is clearer and brighter than most of the best golf rangefinders, which certainly helps pick the flag out from far away in dim light conditions. The device is also weather resistant to a rating of IPX6. It is also more durable and offers greater protection against the elements for that reason.
The Bite magnetic mount on the side also allows you to easily attach this rangefinder to the frame of a buggy so you can unclip it and use it whenever you need. It also comes with a robust case that will keep it safe and secure when clipped to your golf bag. You can also twin it with the Bushnell GPS app, which delivers 3D hole maps and flyovers as well as a scoring functionality.
- Read our full Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder Review
Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser Rangefinder
Off the bat, we must mention the new wind speed and direction feature on this rangefinder. This is something that just heightens the product further and something that we haven't seen on these types of yardage measuring devices before. Although it's an excellent addition, we must note that it is slightly difficult to set up.
In short, we felt that it’s a nice feature to have. Obviously, in tournament play, it will need to be switched off, which can be done via the Slope Switch located at the front of the device. In testing, though, we felt that the Bushnell Pro X3+ is right up there with the best golf rangefinders on the market, with Slope and Dual Display and JOLT Technology all combining to make this laser rangefinder one serious piece of kit.
Along with the multitude of technology, we quite liked the bulky nature of the device, with it keeping stable in various conditions. What's more, in the rain, the waterproof protection worked perfectly, keeping it protected in heavy downpours.
- Read our full Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser Rangefinder Review
Bushnell Pro X3 Rangefinder
Bushnell are arguably the most recognized brand in the rangefinder market and, with their Pro X3, it appears that continues to be the case. Not only is it fully waterproof, but the weighty feel performs superbly in windy conditions.
It is crammed with technology such as Slope Functionality and also has a Dual Display button which changes the graphics from black to red to make them more visible in duller conditions. It even boasts elevation change.
Another impressive initiative we liked was that you can pair the Pro X3 device with the Bushnell Golf app (make sure you download the new version) via Bluetooth. From there, you’re able to alter the settings far more easily, as well as save stats, games and course information and update the firmware. The app, which is free when you purchase a Bushnell product, also provides full color GPS hole maps with a moveable pointer and flyovers, helping you out on blind shots or if you’re unsure as to what lies ahead.
- Read our full Bushnell Pro X3 Golf Rangefinder Review
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Laser Golf Rangefinder
We are big fans of the Tour V5 Shift because it comes packed full of features like Bite technology, which is a magnetic mount with seven pounds of pulling force ideal for attaching to your cart. It also features Pinseeker with visual JOLT technology, which comprises of a red ring that flashes as JOLT vibrates to give the golfer even greater feedback and confidence to know they have locked onto the flag.
In testing we also really liked the Fast Focus System which returns yardages quickly, and there is a flashing red ring in the display which gives an extra dose of assurance that we locked onto the flag. As you would expect this model is excellently accurate too, within one yard in fact. We also liked the range of 400+ yards and the fact it is rainproof is an brilliant element.
- Read our full Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Laser Review
GPS Devices
Starting now in the Bushnell speaker section is the Wingman Mini, aimed mostly at those who carry their clubs on the golf course. It weighs just 6oz in total and its more compact shape fits easily into the palm of your hand. It also comes with a carabiner clip that allows it to attach to the accessory hook on your bag as well as Bushnell's Bite magnet technology. For its size, the Wingman Mini delivers a really clear sound that carries well on the golf course. It means your fourball will be able to enjoy the music without interfering with golfers walking up the adjacent hole.
Like its sister products, it comes with GPS capabilities when connected to the free Bushnell app. While it lacks the screen the Wingman View offers, the Mini does have the ability to read out the distances to the front, middle and back of the green. We also really like the price of this speaker because you can get one for around 100 bucks right now.
- Read our full Bushnell Wingman Mini Speaker Review
Bushnell Wingman View Speaker
This Bushnell Wingman View combines all the power of a Bluetooth speaker with Bushnell's market-leading GPS. The sound quality carries really well on the golf course, the bass has plenty of depth to it and ultimately every member of your four-ball will be able to enjoy the music on tee boxes and around greens.
The main difference is the built-in GPS, which is all visible from the LCD screen built into the side of the speaker. It gets all of its data from the free Bushnell app which, when linked to the speaker, effectively casts all the information from your phone to the speaker. Additionally the speaker comes with a small detachable remote in the top of the device that allows you to control the device from afar. The remote lets you turn the volume up or down, change the song, and announce the yardages to the front, middle and back of the green. This is a superb addition.
- Read our full Bushnell Wingman View Speaker Review
Watches
The Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch features a brand-new color touch screen, as well as a plethora of new features that makes it perfect for the gadget-loving golfer. Not only does it provide comfort and looks which won't look out of place on-and-off the course, but we think it is extremely simple to use, with just one button on the side serving as the on/off switch. Every other aspect is accessed by the touch screen, which is detailed, responsive and clear.
Where this watch stands out though is in the features department. Specifically, the Slope Functionality, which is extremely rare even among the best golf watches. You can access it via the golf settings, where you can choose to toggle the Slope feature on/off. Another great addition is the tournament mode setting, which gives you 100% clarity on whether the set-up is legal for tournament play.
- Read our full Bushnell Ion Elite Golf GPS Watch Review
Bushnell Ion Edge GPS Watch
The entry-level Ion Edge offers the golfer long battery life (15+ hours), a new touchscreen display, GreenView with moveable pin placement, Dynamic Green Mapping (front and back distances are shown based on golfer’s line of play), shot distance calculator, and the ability to get up to six hazard distances per hole.
It instantly recognizes courses and will find you on any hole on any course anywhere in the world. It features auto-hole advance, which automatically changes from one hole to the next, providing front, middle and back distances without touching any buttons for the rest of the round.
This is the perfect option for golfers that want accurate distances at a glance that don't cost the earth. Users also gain access to the Bushnell Golf GPS app, which includes full color hole maps and flyovers for extra detail.
- Read our full Bushnell Ion Edge GPS Watch Review
How we test Bushnell rangefinders
At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around DMDs (Distance Measurement Devices). As you would expect, this involves using different models out on the course, over a number of rounds and importantly in different conditions too because this gives us an idea on how particular models deal with sunlight, rain and wind.
As the entire team are regular golfers, DMDs usually get a thorough testing and often get compared to one another side by side to test for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability and other features. That way we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader. The final thing we wanted to mention in this section is no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and makes its own opinion on how good or bad the product is.
Laser v GPS v Watch
So, which of the three GPS devices should you go for? If simplicity and convenience are important to you then a watch will deliver this, whereas some players may prefer the pinpoint flag accuracy of laser rangefinders. In the case of larger handheld GPS units, the chief benefit is the larger screen which gives a lot more detail and the touch screen functionality will be familiar to most users of modern phones.
When looking to answer which kind of GPS option is right for you, have a think about the below factors:
Your routine
A glance at a watch is much quicker than taking a device out of its case or dragging pointers on the screen, so weigh up if extra detail or less disruption is most important to you.
Your course
If your course has lots of doglegs, blind tee shots, or you play at other clubs in matches or socially, then you might want the extra information a GPS offers over a laser.
Added extras
The larger GPS units often include scorecard and stat tracking capabilities, while some devices measure shots or steps taken, so bear all this in mind.
Battery power
Laser rangefinders run on powerful batteries that are easily replaced every six months to a year, while GPS devices normally need charging regularly via a USB, so consider if you have the discipline to keep it topped up ready for your next round.
Features
If you’re looking for your standard front, middle and back GPS yardages then a budget model will do the trick, however there are some great GPS devices out there that offer much more.
Alternatively, there are devices which can go into much greater detail when providing yardages, course detail, hazard information and so on. Obviously there are models with larger screens too which can be a particularly useful feature. Some also can help you record your score, track your shots, and many also have fitness features for off the golf course as well.
Versatility
Speaking of off the golf course, when it comes to watches in particular, many brands make models that can be used on and off the golf course because of the range of features, and overall styling. If that is important to you, then several models above will cater to this need.
Budget
Finally we should mention budget. For lasers, GPS watches and GPS devices there are lots of brands that make models at different price points so have a think about how much you are willing to pay.
FAQs
Does Bushnell make good rangefinders?
Yes, arguably the brand makes the best rangefinders on the market, with the company certainly one of the most recognized when it comes to premium performers.
Do I need Slope on my rangefinder?
Although Slope is not allowed in tournament play it is an extremely useful feature to have, especially when you're playing practice rounds or social rounds with friends. Slope is designed to compensate for changes in gradient and adjust the distance to the flag or hazard accordingly.
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