A couple of decades ago, the prospect of owning/using a laser rangefinder may have seemed far off for most of us. As with everything, however, technology has advanced greatly. Laser rangefinders are no exclusion to this advancement.
Laser Rangefinders were formerly exclusively used for military or industrial operations; they used to be bulky, heavy, and largely immobile machines. Now, however, they have evolved into smaller and more portable units that are commonly used for sporting and recreational functionalities.
Hunters and golfers use rangefinders due to the main mechanism of the device, which uses a laser beam to pinpoint the exact distance to a targeted object.
Read on if you’re wondering about what the best laser rangefinder for your purpose is and how you should go about choosing one.
First, let’s take a look at some great ones in the table below!
Top 10 Laser Rangefinders Table
Picture | Name | Angle Compensation? | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Vortex Optics Ranger 1000 | Yes | $$$ | 4.8 | |
2. Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt Rangefinder | No | $$$ | 4.7 | |
3. Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 Yard Graphite Rangefinder | Yes | $$$$ | 4.7 | |
4. TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder | No | $$ | 4.5 | |
5. Bushnell Tour X Jolt Golf Laser GPS/Rangefinder | Yes | $$$$ | 4.5 | |
6. Leupold 120464 RX-650 Micro Laser Rangefinder | No | $$$ | 4.5 | |
7. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder | No | $$ | 4.4 | |
8. Laser Rangefinder - Range : 5-1600 Yards, +/- 0.33 Yard Accuracy, Golf Rangefinder | Yes | $$ | 4.4 | |
9. Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder | Yes | $$$ | 4.3 | |
10. Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder | No | $ | 4.1 |
Purchase Information
Now that you’ve got a glimpse of some great rangefinders let’s take a look at some important information you’ll need to know before you pick out the best laser rangefinder for your use.
- Range: What It Really Means. The range of a laser rangefinder isn’t dependent upon the power of the laser beam. In fact, the power of most laser beams in rangefinders is the same. The quality of the processing equipment and other parts of the device are what separate quality laser rangefinders from those with lesser range.
So, a model of rangefinder that has a higher distance than another isn’t more powerful; it’s simply more advanced and technologically complex.
- Angle Compensation or No? Angle compensation is an incredibly complex feature that makes life easier for the likes of hunters and golfers. It enables lightning-quick measurements of various downhill/uphill angles in relation to an object.
This is an incredibly useful feature for hunters in mountainous areas, or for golfers on hilly courses.
- Know Your Environment. When deciding what the best laser rangefinder for your use will be, it’s important to take into account environmental factors that may affect its performance, and how these factors will affect your use of it.
Anything that traditionally blocks light will hamper the effectiveness of your rangefinder’s laser. Fog, dust, smog, and sometimes light rain can all prevent the success of the laser beam of a rangefinder. In addition to these conditions, light rain can also impact the successful use of your tool and can cause long-term damage to it.
Based on the above information, if you’re subject to any of the above conditions, it’s important to purchase a laser rangefinder that’s waterproof and has settings that compensate for adverse conditions such as fog and dust.
Top 3 Best Laser Rangefinder Reviews
1. Vortex Optics Ranger 1000
The Vortex Ranger is a rangefinder that’s small, lightweight, and technologically supreme. It’s an amazing rangefinder, adept at handling a variety of different functions and uses.
You’ll be able to use it in any situation. Whether you’re hunting, golfing, or sniping, the Vortex Ranger has the range capacity and weather resistance to suit your needs. It has a range of almost 1000 yards. It’s also designed to be wonderfully water and element-resistant.
In addition to being wonderfully lightweight, it’s also great for evening use; the red display gives you the ability to see your targets, even as the sunsets.
Don’t worry about the Vortex Ranger breaking, either – It comes loaded with a lifetime warranty.
Being lightweight, weather-resistant, and durable, the Vortex Optics Ranger is a phenomenal rangefinder. It’s suited for many distance-finding purposes!
2. Bushnell Tour Z6 Jolt Rangefinder
Best suited for golfers, this is electrifying rangefinder will have you hitting more accurately than any golfer on your course. Let’s take a look at what the Bushnell Z6 Jolt brings to the world of rangefinding.
Seek your target flags from short to long distances – the Bushnell Z6 has a lovely range of 5-1300 yards! It’s easy to use and versatile, as well.
It’s also waterproof, which means that the longevity and functionality of this rangefinder won’t be hindered, in the long run, by moisture exposure.
Not only will you be able to locate the distance to your targets with this rangefinder; you’ll be able to see your targets as well. The Bushnell Z6 Jolt has an impressive range of magnification. You can zoom in 6 times closer than the traditional point of view.
While it’s not the cheapest rangefinder, it’s chock full of impressive features that make it suitable for golfing. Take your competition to the next level with this impressive rangefinder.
3. Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 Yard Graphite Rangefinder
Sig Sauer is best known for its firearms. Turns out that they make impressive rangefinders, as well. The Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 offers an impressive viewing distance, coupled with many other neat features. Let’s see what else it has to offer.
We already touched on the incredible distance, but it must be reiterated – You’ll be able to pinpoint your targets over a mile away! This is an incredible attribute.
The display is remarkably adapted to adverse lighting conditions. It has features that adjust the display, in a matter of seconds, to changing lighting conditions. Regardless of how much light is present in the area where you’re hunting, you will be able to use this impressive rangefinder.
It features angle adjustment, which allows users to pinpoint their targets from hilly locations. Get an accurate reading, regardless of the terrain.
It’s pricey, but the Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 is worth the buy.