How We Test: Ease of Use
We tested laser rangefinders to see just how easy they are to use on the course. Beyond holding the device, how easy is it to locate targets, read the yardages and graphics on the screen, and navigate between different modes?
To provide a quick overview, Table 1 highlights specifications related to ease of use.
- Buttons: how many are there, and how are they used?
- Dimensions and weight help give an idea for the comfort of carrying the device in your pocket, or attaching it to your bag. All devices were weighed with batteries installed (but excluding any carry case). For reference, three golf balls weigh approximately 4.9 oz.
- Form: intended to be held vertically (smaller units to be held with one hand) or horizontally (to be held with two hands, slightly larger and heavier).
- Crosshair style: Is there an option to select the style of crosshairs used for aiming the rangefinder? If so, how many types of crosshairs are offered? Users may find that different types of crosshairs are more useful in aiming the target depending on the distance, weather conditions (bright or foggy) and backdrop to the target.
- Focus and Magnification: most rangefinders have the ability to adjust the focus at the eyepiece to more clearly read the display. Devices range from no magnification through the viewfinder up to an exceptional 7x. In general, the greater the magnification, the easier it is to see and focus on a target.
- Batteries and operating time will determine if users need to bring a charger with them on trips or if they can just toss a couple of extra batteries in their bag.
In addition, within each review we also discuss:
- How to cycle through modes (see our discussion of laser rangefinder features): if a device has multiple modes, how easy is it to cycle between them?
- Display details. The internal (and sometimes external) displays vary between laser rangefinders. What information does the device show when you are receiving a distance reading and where is it shown?
Table 1. Laser Rangefinder Specifications – Ease of Use
| Laser Rangefinder | Buttons | Dimensions (in.) | Weight (oz) | Form | Cross-hair Style |
Magnification | Focus | Batteries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell 1600 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
1.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 | 14.7* | Horizontal | Aiming circle | 7x | Yes | 9 volt |
| Bushnell 1600 Slope Edition | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
1.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 | 14.7 | Horizontal | Aiming circle | 7x | Yes | 9 volt |
| Bushnell Tour V2 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
1.6 x 2.8 x 4.3 | 6.7 | Vertical | Aiming circle | 5x | Yes | 3 volt |
| Callaway LR1200 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
5.7 x 1.9 x 3.2 | 10.1 | Vertical | Cross | 7x | Yes | 3 volt |
| Callaway idTECH | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
5.1 x 1.8 x 2.7 | 7.7 | Vertical | Cross | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
| Opti-Logic InSight GL | 1 | 1.5 x 4 x 5 | 10.8 | Horizontal | Red Dot | None | No | 9 volt |
| Opti-Logic InSight GT | 1 | 1.5 x 4 x 5 | 10.85 | Horizontal | Red Dot | None | No | 9 volt |
| Laser Link QuickShot | 1 | 6 x 2.2 x 3.1 | 8** | Vertical | Red Dot | None | No | 9 volt |
| Laser Link Red Hot | 1 | 6 x 2.2 x 3.1 | 8** | Vertical | Red Dot | None | No | 9 volt |
| Leupold GX-I | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
4 x 2.75 x 1.5 | 6.7 | Vertical | 7 Options | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
| Leupold GX-II | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
4 x 2.75 x 1.5 | 6.7 | Vertical | 7 Options | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
| Leupold GX-1 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
4 x 2.75 x 1.5 | 6.8*** | Vertical | 7 Options | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
| Leupold GX-2 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
4 x 2.75 x 1.5 | 6.8*** | Vertical | 7 Options | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
| Leupold GX-3 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
3.7 x 2.9 x 1.3 | 6.8*** | Vertical | 3 Options | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
| Leupold GX-4 | 2 Power/Fire Mode |
4.1 x 2.9 x 1.3 | 7.9*** | Vertical | 3 Options | 6x | Yes | CR-2 Lithium |
* Note: Estimated based on weight of Bushnell 1600 Slope Edition
** Based on information from laserlinkgolf.com
*** Based on information from golf.leupold.com
