When it comes to golf laser rangefinders, Nikon stands out near the top. Bushnell and Nikon seem to lead the way when it comes to both technology and ease of use. The great thing about Nikon is that they have a few models that appeal to golfers on a budget. Where Bushnell stays high priced almost through the product line, Nikon does offer a value version laser range finder that still performs amazingly well. We will compare the Nikon laser rangefinders currently available and give you some insight into which one will work best for your game.
What are the options?
Nikon Coolshot 20 GII
Six times magnification, more compact sized, first target priority, eight seconds of continuous scanning, five-year warranty, previously was the Nikon Coolshot small unit, increased yardages capabilities in the new model.
Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized
Reads yardages up to 1200 yards, six times magnification, larger unit, stabilized yardages, faster than other Nikon models, slope, ability to turn slope off, slope indicator to let competitors know that slope is off
Read full review: Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder Review
Nikon Coolshot 20i GII
Six times magnification, more compact sized, slope mode, tournament safe with the ability to turn slope off, first target priority, five-year warranty
Check GlobalGolf For Other Nikon Rangefinders
Our Recommendations
Best for Shaky Hands
If you have a hard time narrowing in on a target because your hand won’t stay steady, the Coolshot Pro Stabilized is the model for you. Not only within the Nikon brand, but across all brands, the Coolshot Pro Stabilized has done wonders for people who thought they would never be able to use a laser range finder. In addition to this incredible technology, the Coolshot pro is accurate to within ¾ of a yard. Most other golf laser rangefinders claim to be accurate to about a yard.
Not that you will need yardages 1200 yards away, but if you did, the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized has you covered. This model is more expensive than the other Nikon golf rangefinders, but the value is there. If you are a tournament player, this laser rangefinder does a great job of letting competitors know that your slope mode is turned off. There is a green light on the unit that will stay green until the slope mode is turned on having the ability to keep slope on and use it only when necessary is a nice feature. This waterproof model comes with a five-year warranty. There is no question that Nikon stands behind their product.
Related read: How To Control Your Shaking Hands When Putting
Best for Budget
The best option if you are a budget shopper is the Nikon Coolshot 20 GII. This unit does not come with the slope mode, so that will save some money. Even without slope mode, this Nikon Coolshot 20 GII will help get you very accurate yardages up to 800 yards away. This model comes with Nikon’s first target priority that will help you from mistakenly getting the wrong yardage. This Nikon Coolshot provides eight seconds of continuous scanning to give you the utmost confidence when determining your final yardage. The other benefit of the constant scanning is to get yourself some numbers on bunkers, front of green, back of green etc. Lots of technology in this unit for a lower price.
Best for Versatility
If you want the option to turn the slope feature on and off, without breaking the bank, the Coolshot 20i G2 is the model for you. For not too much more money than the Nikon Coolshot 20 GII, you can have a golf range finder with slope. The slope adjusted distance will help you with uphill and downhill shots. Although slope cannot be used in tournaments, it is a great way to help players develop some precise distance control and understanding in their own game. Even if you can’t have the slope on during tournaments, there is no question you are learning from it during practice.
The Coolshot 20i G2 does have the ability to turn slope on and off, but it won’t show on the outside of the unit like the Coolshot Pro Stabilized. This model is a step up from the base but does not offer all the benefits of the premium pro model.
What Is The Best Overall Model?
It is hard to say if one model is genuinely better than the next. The best way to make a decision is to choose a model that has the features you need. If you don’t need slope technology, don’t pay for it! If you don’t need something that gives you a yardage from 1200 yards away, don’t pay for it!
Conclusion
The great news about having to choose between a Nikon golf laser rangefinder is that they all do a great job of getting you a yardage on the golf course fast. All three Nikon models that we discussed have the first target priority and a five-year warranty. The main thing you will need to decide is the accuracy you need and whether or not slope capabilities will make a difference in your game.
