Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII Rangefinder Review

Nikon is one of the world's leading providers of imaging products. It has been developing innovative optical technologies for over 100 years. In more recent times, Nikon has entered into the golf market, providing some of the best laser rangefinders in the game, and the Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII rangefinder is hoping to sit among them

Watch: Joe Ferguson details why the  Nikon Coolshot 20i GIII laser was included in Golf Monthly's Editor's Choice for 2024. 

The 20i GIII is packed to the brim with useful features designed to enhance user experience. With a measurement range between 5-730 meters or 6-800 yards, there isn’t a long driver in the world that can out-hit the 20i GIII’s capacity. Nikon says that it is accurate to within 1 yard/meter up to 100 meters and 2 yards/meters above this range, so, in theory, you can be very confident in your numbers when attacking any flag.

Coming in at 91cm x 73cm x 37 cm and weighing only 130 grams, the Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder is one of the most compact laser rangefinders I have used, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Its sleek design compliments the dimensions well and it is one of the cleanest-looking rangefinders on the market. Compared to the ShotScope Pro ZR that I have been using and enjoying for the past couple of months, it feels almost half the size. This might be something to consider for those of you out there with larger hands, however, as this could potentially feel too small and changing modes, etc might feel cumbersome.  

I found the multilayer-coated 6X magnification and super clear screen to be a standout feature of the 20i GIII rangefinder. Picking out flagsticks was exceptionally easy in all lights, and the ‘Locked On Quake’ feature vibrates gently to confirm you have zapped the flag and not those troublesome trees behind the green. The continuous measurement function made super it easy to scan the terrain and multiple hazards or run-outs. Some of my testing was conducted on a couple of particularly dark winter evenings and the visibility remained extremely clear on the 20i GIII.

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The protective case looks great and is a little different from some I am used to. Most of the rangefinder cases I test feature a clip-closing system, whereas the Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder uses a magnet. This might ordinarily concern me but the magnet feels strong and the shaping of the additional closing mechanism feels robust. The only point I would maybe have some long-term concern over would be the velcro strap that you use to attach the case to your bag. I prefer the security of a metal carabiner over velcro which I feel can degrade a little over time and with a lot of usage. A minor point, but I am clutching at straws as on the whole I loved this rangefinder.

The Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder is extremely easy to use. It is barely larger than a smartphone and fits very comfortably in the palm of your hand. All of the additional features like the ID (Incline/Decline) and First Target Priority function are elementary to access and very intuitively located. 

One of the neatest and most user-friendly rangefinders on the market and very sensibly priced, the Nikon 20i GIII rangefinder is a great option for those in the market.