Garmin Approach Z82 vs Bushnell Pro XE vs Nikon COOLSHOT PRO II STABILIZED | Golf Rangefinder Comparison

Short on time? Jump to the PlayBetter Bottom Line on these premium laser rangefinders or click on a subject in the Table of Contents in the next section.

If you're thinking of investing in a high-end golf laser rangefinder, you may be wondering which brand makes the best one.

Once you venture into the premium end of golf rangefinders, you'll find that most of them are extremely well-made with powerful optics and advanced technology.

So the only way top-of-the-line laser rangefinders can stand out is to offer unique features and technology. As the consumer, you'll want to be aware of these features in order to determine which ones could benefit your golf game and help you play better.

In this article, we compare three of the best brands in sports optics and golf gadgets — Bushnell, Nikon, and Garmin — so that you can decide which premium golf laser rangefinder is right for you.

The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED Rangefinder — What You Need to Know

The number one feature that makes this golf rangefinder stand out is the stabilization technology.

If you've ever used a laser rangefinder, you know that hand shake —either natural or due to the wind—can be a problem. And what good is lightweight, top-of-the-line technology if you can keep it still enough to get accurate reads on distance?

Nikon has solved the problem with an advanced optical stabilization system to reduce vibration. This technology made the first generation of this Nikon rangefinder extremely popular. With this model you get an 80% reduction in hand shake.

Other features include:

• • Rapid Measurement — Keep the game moving with HYPER READ technology. Get accurate measurements in as little as 0.3 seconds.
  • The COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED features DUAL LOCKED ON ECHO technology. Skip guessing the distance with audible and visual confirmation of your target.
  • 4 Measurement Display Modes — Includes an Actual Distance mode with green LED indicator for use at official golf competitions. Additional modes include slope adjusted distance , actual distance and height mode, and a horizontal distance and height mode.
  • Provides a measurement range of 8-1,200 yards, accuracy of ±0.75m/yd, 6X magnification, and waterproof and fogproof construction.

Nikon also offers the COOLSHOT 50i, a versatile yet stylish mid-level golf laser rangefinder with an attractive price. Read more about all Nikon rangefinders on the PlayBetter blog:

Nikon COOLSHOT 50i Upgrades

Nikon COOLSHOT 50i vs Bushnell Tour V5

Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED UPGRADES

NIKON COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED VS BUSHNELL PRO XE

Nikon COOLSHOT 50i and PROII STABILIZED Announced

The Bushnell Pro XE — What You Need to Know

Advanced, tour-tested slope technology is what makes this golf laser rangefinder stand out.

Bushnell went next level with their Elements feature — that's the "E" in the Bushnell Pro XE. Temperature and elevation above sea level (Barometric pressure) have been added to their patented slope technology to give golfers even more precise compensated distances.

This is an invaluable feature to have if you play on a lot of different golf courses with varying conditions. That must be why the pros love it so much!

Other features include:

• • BITE Magnetic Cart Mount — This is another feature golfers love! The integrated BITE magnetic technology in the Bushnell Pro XE golf laser rangefinder allows you to easily grab and reattach the rangefinder to the cart.

  • An Enhanced Slope Algorithm — Provides golfers with even more precise distances to account for the hole’s incline/decline. It's tournament legal too. Most tournaments don't allow slope adjustment. Slope-Switch Technology lets you easily switch in and out of slope mode. The red crescent next to the switch shows that slope is disabled.

  • Target Confirmation — Know when you've targeted the flag with Bushnell's PinSeeker technology with JOLT. Get double the confirmation with a visual flashing red ring and a vibrating pulse.

  • With its 7x magnification, stunning definition, vivid color, and yardage accuracy within 1-yard, the Pro XE laser rangefinder will elevate your sightline and your game!

Bushnell also offers the Tour V5 with and without Slope as mid-level golf laser rangefinder option with an attractive price.

The Garmin Approach Z82 — What You Need to Know

This amazing golf laser rangefinder is the most expensive of our lineup of top high-end rangefinders ... But that's because it's LOADED with features found in both the other models—and more!

It doesn't have the Elements slope technology like Bushnell Pro XE, but it offers a ton of other golfing features.

It doesn't have the magnet mount that the Pro EX has either, but this is likely because the Approach Z82 has image stabilization like the Nikon model, which may be affected by the magnet.  

HOWEVER, this Garmin golf laser rangefinder is crammed full of golfing features, like Green View and PlaysLike, and is preloaded with over 42,000 maps worldwide. Watch a review from our partner Gabe at Let's Play Through (below), to see some firsthand experience with this golf laser rangefinder.

Other features include:

• • Green View — The map overlays show the hole layout, so you know the distance to the back, middle, and front of the green.
  • Laser Range Arc — Draws an arc on the 2-D CourseView map at the distance the laser ranged, so you can see everything in play at that distance.
  • Hazard View — Quickly scroll through each hazard and layup distance on the map to see the distance to each one.
  • Account for Wind — The Approach Z82 displays wind speed and direction, which makes it easier to figure out club selection and swing direction.
  • PlaysLike Distance — This is Garmin's version of slope compensation.
  • Lock in on the flag with image stabilization and a confirmation vibration.
  • PinPointer — Tells you the direction to the pin. So even on blind spots, you’ll know where to aim.
  • Shows tournament mode with an indicator light.
  • Flag Lock On —Image stabilization makes it easier to find and range the flag. A vibration tells you when you have found the flag.