The Best Golf Laser Rangefinder –Shot Scope PRO L1
So here at Fun Golf we’re always looking to find ways to help you improve your golf and have more fun playing the game. We recently tested out the Shot Scope PRO L1 Blue Laser rangefinder and wanted to share our review as to why we think this is the best golf laser rangefinder! Keep reading for an exclusive Discount Code!
What should I look for when buying a golf rangefinder?
When you research different rangefinder brands there are many features which are listed as being vitally important with reasons why theirs is better than the competition. To make things really simple for Fun Golf readers we’ve listed the most important three things to look for when buying a golf rangefinder:
- Slope Adjustment – Most good golf rangefinders will have a function where they can accurately calculate the distance to the target, taking any slopes into consideration. Be aware that this function is illegal in golf competition under the rules of golf, the device must have the ability to switch on and off. It is fine to use in practice but not in the club medals and competitions.
- Pin Finder Technology – This has different names depending on the rangefinder companies, but essentially the rangefinder will have technology that distinguishes the target (the flag) from other objects in the background which could confuse the laser rangefinder. So for example if there are lots of trees around the back of the green it helps the rangefinder to focus in on the flag to provide a quick and accurate reading. The good models will vibrate when the target is fixed upon assisting the measurement.
- Magnification – Some companies provide magnification technology on their rangefinders, whether this is x5 the magnification or in the very expensive modes a lot more up to x7 magnification. Definitely a feature to look out for when assessing which model to add to your wish list.
Shot Scope Laser Rangefinder Review?
The PRO L1 Laser Rangefinder has has all of these essential features, let me explain how it stacks up.
Firstly the Shot Scope Rangefinder has adaptive slope technology, this means it can provide a distance reading to the target and will take the slope into account when calculating the overall distance. To ensure that you are not breaking the rules around the use of slope technology in competitions there is a helpful led light which turns on and off. The light is on to identify the slope tech is turned off, and this light is off when the slope technology is turned on. (I did think the lights being the other way around would be simpler.) You can see from the image below the LED light display to identify slope.
The display screen shows two readings to distinguish this reading. There will be the overall distance at the top of the display, and a slope adjusted reading underneath the target. What is great about the PRO L1 and what makes it for me the best golf laser rangefinder is that is also shows the incline or decline in degrees to help you better gauge the distance.
See the image below, I tested the PRO L1 Rangefinder out at the range. You will see from the screen display that I was 74 yards away from the target, and that the slope adjusted distance was 71.4 yards. The reduced slope adjusted distance was due to me being 2 degrees above the target.
You will also notice the display on the Laser Rangefinder is in easy to distinguish red optics. There is also a black optics option, but I preferred the red as it was really easy to read against any background.
Next on the list of essential features for the best golf laser rangefinder, target lock or pin finder technology. The Shot Scope Laser Rangefinders have target lock vibration technology which makes it really easy to lock in on the flag or target, and the PRO L1 is accurate within 0.1 yards. Wow!
I’ve spent some time reviewing cheaper rangefinders and this is the one thing which lets a lot of them down. The cheaper models struggle to identify the flag against a background of trees or bushes, often giving a few inaccurate readings until the correct target has been identified. This means time is wasted and for some golfers will increase the frustration of getting the distance.
In the Shot Scope rangefinder though the target was found really quickly, and I was notified by a clear vibration in the device. This makes locking onto the flag much easier than any other model I’ve tried. The other feature which makes it easier to lock onto the target is that the rangefinder isn’t too light – some models are so light that your hand is shaking around whilst trying to focus. The PRO L1 weights 160 grams which I found was the perfect weight.
Magnification was the third most important feature in the best golf laser rangefinder, the Shot Scope excels in this area as well! With 6x magnification you will be able to focus on the flag easily, it’s also able to lock onto the target from 875 yards distance. So, if you have a long way to hit your approach into the green you can be confident in the PRO L1 being able to give you an accurate reading.
Other important features of the Shot Scope PRO L1 Laser Rangefinder:
| Red and black dual optics | Adaptive Slope technology |
| Target lock vibration | Distance in yards or metres |
| Range 875 yards | X6 magnification |
| Accurate to 1 yard | Water resistant |
| 12 month limited warranty | Replaceable CR123 battery |
| Carry case and cleaning cloth | Conforms to the Rules of Golf |
PGA Rangefinder Rules Update
In February 2021 the PGA of America announced it would allow the use of rangefinder measuring devices during its major championships. “We’re always interested in methods that may help improve the flow of play during our Championships,” said PGA of America President Jim Richerson in a press release. “The use of distance-measuring devices is already common within the game and is now a part of the Rules of Golf. Players and caddies have long used them during practice rounds to gather relevant yardages.”
This is a major change to golf at a professional level, for golf purists it presents an uncomfortable rules update. However for the more progressive golfer this is a natural step towards embracing technology in the modern game. We will watch with interest as this change unfolds in 2021. What do you think? Comment below and let me know?
How does a laser rangefinder work?
Laser rangefinders use the mechanism of a short bursting of electromagnetic pulses ( EMP ). A beam emits from the rangefinders once you are parallel to the focused target and reflects off to the point of emission. The rangefinder then calculates the accurate distance by the time taken by the beam to travel back and forward.
Golf rangefinders are of two types, GPS and Laser beam. Rangefinders help a golfer to determine the exact distance of the shot by using its GPS technology or a laser beam that travels to the hole location and gives the user the number of remaining yards. This assists the golfer to neither overdo nor underdo a shot.
We found this really useful video which helps explain how the best golf laser rangefinder works which you might find helpful. How does a laser rangefinder work?
Who are Shot Scope?
Shot Scope Technologies was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. The company have one simple aim, to improve the way in which both amateur and professional golfers collect and analyse statistics from their game. This is a perfect fit with the Fun Golf goals and values. The Shot Scope team, which consists of technology experts and golfers, including a former Walker Cup player, set out to develop smart wearable technology that was more intuitive and comprehensive than any current market offering. They not only make the best golf laser rangefinders but also award-winning GPS watches such as the Shot Scope V3 and the Shot Scope G3.
Conclusion
So, I hope you’ve found this review helpful, I really enjoyed testing out the PRO L1 Laser Rangefinder. We think this is the best golf laser rangefinder – it is an excellent piece of kit and here at Fun Golf we’re confident that it will improve your game.
Why not use my exclusive Discount Code FUNGOLF for an additional 15% off the PRO L1 Laser Rangefinder! Click here for more details!
If you try this item, out be sure to let us know how you got on in the comments below!
If you’re looking to further improve your golf why not check out our other articles on the best golf balls and the best budget golf drivers for under £200.
