As a lifelong golfer, I have always felt inundated with the wealth of options as far as laser rangefinders go. Over the years, having experimented with several, I have experienced the whole gamut of results, mostly ranging from inaccurate and overpriced to downright useless. Then I was lucky enough to have the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder fall into my lap.
Without a doubt, the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is hands down the most accurate and trustworthy range finder I have been lucky enough to use. Bushnell products have earned their reputation, and this Bushnell Pro XE review will highlight why it is the gold standard laser rangefinder.
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is the next step in precise yardages and infinitely helpful laser rangefinders that Bushnell has become well known for. Offering ground-breaking slope recognition technology and to the point play accurate distance, it is an invaluable tool to any golfer.
Since their last range finder, the impressive Tour V4, Bushnell has added new features that not only boost accurate distances and efficacy of their laser rangefinder, but gives the added bonus of boosting your performance as a golfer.
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is great for golfers looking to improve their game and be able to pick up on and recognize the many environmental and course factors that you cannot normally see with the naked eye.
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Features & Benefits
The first impression out of the box is that the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is going to be convenient on the course. Easily attachable right to your golf bag with the carabiner they provide, it is a great rangefinder for being on the go without worrying about losing or damaging it.
It is powered by a CR-2 3-Volt Lithium battery that will last you hours of practice and playtime. Completely waterproof, you don’t even need to worry about mother nature pouring down on you and destroying your new laser rangefinder while you are hitting the links.
The Pro XE may be slightly bulkier than previous versions, such as the Pro X2 but it is also even more accurate and useful. With that being said, let’s get into some of the reasons that the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is a true masterpiece of a laser rangefinder.
1. Slope Mode
The Pro XE’s Slope with Elements compensation feature goes beyond the call of duty of other rangefinders that simply calculate your distance and elevation.
In fact, Bushnell’s addition of this Slope mode is what puts the product over the edge as the best golf rangefinder available. Besides just comparing the distance and elevation, the Pro XE takes barometric pressure and temperature into account. This is important because both of those factors play a part in your golf game.
Using the Slope with Elements technology, you will notice now more than ever just how much the temperature and time of day affects the flight path of your ball. This is useful not only for when you are using the Pro XE as it is a great learning tool that you can utilize what you’ve learned and use later on when you find yourself without it or in competition when it is not allowed.
2. The Sight and Display
You will probably notice right away that the sight on this rangefinder is incredible. Boasting a 7x magnification, you will be able to spot any far away green with clear and pristine imaging.
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder lets you see a flag from 500 yards out, and for me personally, that is a godsend. Unlike some other golf rangefinders, punching in at a long distance with the Pro XE does not distort the image nor make it look like you’re peering through a kaleidoscope.
With an adjustable focus knob, you can adjust your magnification easily at your own pace without distorting the image or losing any quality.
The sight is not the only feature that is crystal clear. With a bright red display, you will be able to read the valuable information that is has to Provide under all levels of sunlight. It is also back-lit so you can easily get clear readings day or night.
3. Jolt Technology and Magnet
The Bushnell Pro XE golf rangefinder leaves absolutely nothing to chance. Bushnell has gone so far as to add the much welcomed visual jolt technology which is infinitely helpful in locking in on that pin.
When you are trying to zero in on the pin, the Bushnell Pro XE will vibrate, or give you a visual jolt letting you know that you are on target. I can’t state enough how useful that is. Even though this Bushnell golf rangefinder is already incredibly accurate and Provides crystal clear optics, getting that little visual jolt letting you know that you are on the right track is a much welcome bonus.
Besides giving you a jolt, this laser rangefinder also lights up red so there is absolutely no mistaking that you are on target. Plus, with the accuracy of the Pro XE, you also won’t have to doubt whether or not you really are aiming in the right direction.
The Magnet
While having a magnet may not sound like a high-tech upgrade, I am not the only person you will here applaud Bushnell for adding one to the Pro XE. The addition of a BITE technology magnet not only means that you can safely attach to it a metal cart bar, but that there are endless possibilities to where you can stash your Pro XE.
It is a very strong magnet. So strong, that it can literally hold just fine attached to your putter, although I would not recommend it. It sits perfectly when mounted on a cart.
If you don’t find yourself in a cart or with a metal surface, the carabiner that it comes with is still great for attaching to your bag, but as a golfer you are more than likely going to have plenty of metal surfaces that you can conveniently attach your Bushnell Pro XE to.
Alternatives
There are several other Bushnell rangefinders that are good alternatives to the Pro XE.
Bushnell Pro XE | Bushnell Pro X2 | Bushnell Tour V4 Shift | Bushnell Hybrid |
|
| Weight | 8 oz | 8 oz | 5.8 oz | 6.1 oz |
| Dimensions | 4 x 3 x 1.5” | 4 x 3 x 1.5” | 4.1 x 3.1 x 1.6” | 4.1 x 2.8 x 1.6” |
| Range to Flag | 500 yards | 450 yards | 400 yards | 400 yards |
| Magnification | 7x | 5x | 5x | 5x |
| Display | Enhanced Backlight Black Mask LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Field of View | 300 ft at 1000 yards | 393 ft at 1000 yards | 420 ft at 1000 yards | 420 ft at 1000 yards |
| Slope Compensation | YES | YES | YES | NO |
Bushnell Pro X2
The Bushnell Pro X2, for example, have the same features as the XE but slightly less powerful. The Pro X2 doesn’t have as sophisticated of rangefinder abilities. Unlike the Pro XE, the Pro X2 only measures slope and does not detect altitude or temperature. It also can spot a slightly shorter range, maxing out at 450 yards. It is still a great laser rangefinder for any golfer looking to improve their game.
Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope)
The Bushnell Tour V4 shift is a cheaper alternative to the XE, and while it is slightly less impressive, it is a good deal and quite accurate. The Tour V4 shift will jolt upon flag lock similar to the XE but has no visual indicator. Maxing out at 400 yards, it is not as powerful as the XE but will still help you find the pin from fairway no problem.
Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder
Another good choice would be the Bushnell Hybrid. While it is more limited in what it can detect than the Pro XE, it has the added bonus of displaying laser and GPS distances which is useful for visual golfers like myself. With a range of 400 yards and magnification at 5x, it is not too far off from the XE in its capabilities.
FAQs
Q: Is the Bushnell Pro XE tournament legal?
Yes and no. It is currently considered fully compliant for tournament play, however, some tournaments may not allow you to use the slope compensation abilities.
Q: Is the Bushnell Pro XE durable?
Yes, it has a strong frame and is 100% fully waterproof. The strong magnet means mounting it is trustworthy and it won’t go anywhere.
Q: Does it come with anything?
Yes, the Pro XE comes with a carrying case that is sturdy and keeps it protected as well as a powerful CR battery.
Tech Specifications
| Yard Range | 5-1,300 yds |
| Magnification | 7X |
| Display | Enhanced Ultra-Bright Backlight Display |
| Battery type | 3-Volt Lithium (CR-2) |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
In Closing
The Bushnell XE takes away the need to do guess work and the worry that your laser rangefinder isn’t giving you all the information that you need. The slope mode alone was a selling point for me and has done wonders in improving my game.
It is sturdy, accurate, dependable and high tech. I think that this is the best laser rangefinder available right now and it is no wonder than Bushnell is the choice of 97% of the PGA.
