Excellent work narrowing down your rangefinder options to the Nikon Coolshot 20 and the Nikon Coolshot 40. In today’s world of golf, there are so many fantastic rangefinder options to choose from, but Nikon really puts out a quality product.
There are some critical differences between these two models that are important to consider before making your final decision. In this review, we will discuss in length the pros and cons to both the Nikon Coolshot 20 and the Nikon Coolshot 40 Rangefinders.
The combination of Nikon’s features and fair pricing make them a front-runner in the golf rangefinder game.
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Nikon Coolshot 20 vs 40
When choosing a rangefinder, some essential things need to be considered.
Slope
Neither of these Nikon models have the slope function. This can be a turn off to some, but since it can’t be used in tournaments, you really won’t be at a loss when it comes to game day.
Related read: Do I need a golf rangefinder with slope?
Yardage
The Nikon Coolshot 20 can give you yardage up to 550 yards, the 40 takes it to 650. Yes, this is a difference in 100 yards, the question is, how often do you need a yardage 650 yards away.
Weight
Both Nikon Coolshot rangefinders are considered to be compact type rangefinders. They are small enough to be put in your pocket when playing, and it’s comfortable to hold in the palm of your hand.
Features
First Target Priority
Both the Nikon Coolshot 20 and the 40 come with what is called first target priority. This is to help golfers know that they have zeroed in on the correct target. When looking at a green surrounded by trees or a clubhouse, it can be challenging to see if you have the exact yardage to the pin.
Scanning
Both the Nikon Coolshot 20 and Nikon Coolshot 40 have an eight-second scan mode, but the Nikon 40 does have a slight advantage. It has a feature called Hyper Read that will help to pick up the yardage a bit quicker than the Coolshot 20. If you were using your 20 for years and some reason tried the 40, you would likely notice the difference. Is the 40 so fast that it genuinely outshines the 20, not really.
Pricing
As far as golf rangefinders go, both of these units are moderately priced. The Nikon 40 generally retails for about $100 or so more than the Nikon 40. That difference is price is due to the extra hyper read feature. The Nikon 40 is also shaped slightly differently to better fit in the palm of a player’s hand.
Accuracy
Another critical factor to consider is accuracy. If a rangefinder is not accurate, you may as well be pacing off your yardage to the nearest sprinkler head. The good news with both of these Nikon Coolshot models is that they are accurate to within one yard. Even with this being a lower-priced unit, most high-end range finders make the same claim that they are correct within that 1-yard range. Great value on these models when it comes to accuracy.
Warranty
Anytime you purchase a rangefinder, it is essential to do some research on a warranty. There are some very inexpensive models out there that will claim they are capable of many things, but they barely hold up for a season. With a Nikon, not only are you getting a high quality rangefinder, but you have a two-year warranty and a reliable and reputable company standing behind the product. This is worth considering.
Tech Specifications
| Nikon Coolshot 20 | Nikon Coolshot 40 | |
| Slope | No | No |
| Yardage | 550 Yards | 650 Yards |
| Accuracy | Within 1 Yard | Within 1 Yard |
| Scanning | 8 Second Scan Mode | 8 Second Scan Mode with Hyper Read |
| Weight | 4.4 oz. | 5.2 oz. |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Final Recommendation
Based on all of the information we provided, maybe you already know which rangefinder we would choose if it came down to the Nikon 20 vs. Nikon 40. It seems like the Nikon 20 has everything that you could need in a non-slope rangefinder for an incredibly reasonable price.
If for some reason, the Nikon 40 had a slope mode that could be turned on and off, we would see it being a much better investment. The scanning mode on the Nikon 40 is indeed faster than the Nikon 20; the question is if it is quick enough to justify a $100 difference in price. If you are someone that sees this being worth it, then, by all means, go with the Nikon 40.
Regardless of which model you choose, you won’t be disappointed by a Nikon rangefinder. Considering the value and the features, this is a model that will keep you from rangefinder shopping for quite some time.
Check GlobalGolf For Other Nikon Rangefinders
