Nikon Rangefinder Reviews
Our Top Picks
Why Nikon?
Nikon is a very well-known brand in the world of optics, so it should come as no surprise that they produce several really good rangefinders. Nikon’s laser range finders are high quality and easy to use. And the fact that all of their latest yardage finders are waterproof (yes waterproof – not water resistant) sets them apart exclusively as the only brand to offer a full line of waterproof distance finders.
Nikon Golf Range Finders
Nikon COOLSHOT PRO Stabilized
Review
The Nikon COOLSHOT PRO is Nikon’s flagship rangefinder. It is a premium finder meant to compete with some of the top yardage finders on the market. After our tests, we concluded that it competes very well with some of the very best rangefinders. The range and accuracy of the COOLSHOT PRO are very impressive. The range is as good as anything out there. The accuracy is excellent. While it isn’t quite as accurate as, say, the Bushnell Pro XE, both are accurate within less than a yard when pin seeking, and are we really going to say that a few tenths of a yard matters any time other than putting?
The COOLSHOT PRO introduces what Nikon calls Image-Stabilized Technology. This feature is designed to offset the movements in the body, arm, and hand when locking in on a target. In our tests we were able to lock in on the flag and other targets much more quickly than with some other rangefinders thanks to this new technology. Nikon also implemented the next generation of HYPER READ, which speeds up how long it takes to measure the distance and display the distance on the screen. Throughout our testing we were very impressed with the COOLSHOT PRO’s speed. From short distances to very long distances, measurements were consistently delivered in under 1 second.
This feature, combined with the stabilizing technology, made this one of the fastest rangefinders we’ve tested. The PRO offers ID (Incline/Decline) Technology, which is their version of the slope feature. It provides slope-adjusted yardages for more precise accuracy when hitting uphill or downhill shots. This feature is easily turned on or off so it can legally be used in tournament play. And it lets others know, as pretty much all slope rangefinders do, if you are using the slope feature by flashing a green LED light on the rim of the faceplate. Seriously though, why is the slope feature illegal? This is an antiquated rule, but I digress…
The locked in feature means a green ring appears around the target when it is locked in, providing confirmation the correct target is being measured. There’s also a continuous scan feature. If you hold the power button down, you will get continuous distance readings for 8 seconds. This allows you to check the distances to multiple hazards and other targets continuously for 8 seconds. The PRO is a fantastic product. It is reliable, consistent, and has a ton of great features. We really enjoyed using this tool, and have no problem saying that, in our opinion, it is one of the top 5 rangefinders on the market.
SPecs | Values |
|---|---|
Driver & Woods | 6 oz |
Dimensions | (L x W x H): 3.8″ x 1.7″ x 2.9″ |
Magnification | 6x |
Display | OLED |
Yardage Range | 1200 yards |
Accuracy | +/- 0.75 yards up to 700 yards |
| +/- 1.25 yards up to 1200 yards |
Nikon COOLSHOT 20i GII Golf Laser Rangefinder
Review
The Nikon COOLSHOT 20i GII is equipped with Nikon’s ID (incline/decline) Technology which provides slope adjusted distances for better accuracy on uphill and downhill shots. The COOLSHOT 20i GII also provides First Target Priority and a continuous scan feature. First Target Priority means it displays the distance to the closest object scanned, ensuring the distance is to the flag and not one of the trees in the background.
The continuous scan feature allows you to get continuous measurements for 8 seconds. This allows you to quickly get the distances to all of the hazards and other obstacles as well as the flag. The Nikon COOLSHOT 20i GII was a pleasure to use. It is lightweight and has plenty of range and accuracy to get just about anybody through a golf course. This is a really nice rangefinder (and remember that all of Nikon’s latest rangefinders are waterproof). But how does it compare to the PRO?
SPecs | Values |
|---|---|
Driver & Woods | 4.6 oz |
Dimensions | (L x W x H): 3.6″ x 1.5″ x 2.9″ |
Magnification | 6x |
Display | LCD |
Yardage Range | 800 yards |
Accuracy | +/- 1 yard up to 100 yards |
| +/- 2 yards up to 800 yards |
Nikon COOLSHOT PRO vs COOLSHOT 20i GII
So what’s the difference between the Nikon Coolshot Pro and the 20i? The 20i GII gives up a good amount of distance to the PRO, and it’s not quite as accurate either. The PRO offers a few features that the 20i GII does not: locked in, meaning a green circle displays around the target, verifying the finder has locked in on it; stabilization, which counteracts the movement of the rangefinder to provide faster measurements; latest HYPER READ technology, providing very fast results. The 20i GII is lighter, more compact, and has a significantly lower price point. The PRO also provides better optics. Both are really nice tools. If you are one who wants the best, regardless of the price, then you should definitely go with the PRO. Otherwise, you will have to balance the extra features and higher price point of the PRO with how important those features are to you.
Nikon COOLSHOT 20 Gll Golf Laser Rangefinder
Review
The 20 GII offers First Target Priority, which makes sure you get the distance to the pin rather than one of the trees in the background. It also features a continuous scan option. If you hold the power button down, for 8 seconds you will get continuous distance measurements. This allow you to quickly check the distances of multiples hazards or other targets, one right after the other.
The Nikon COOLSHOT 20 GII is a really nice rangefinder with some cool features. It is lightweight, compact, and plenty accurate with enough distance for most golfers. And the fact that it’s waterproof sets it (and all Nikon’s latest golf range finders) apart from 99% of its competitors. So how does it compare with the COOLSHOT 20i GII?
SPecs | Values |
|---|---|
Driver & Woods | 4.6 oz |
Dimensions | (L x W x H): 3.6″ x 1.5″ x 2.9″ |
Magnification | 6x |
Display | LCD |
Yardage Range | 800 yards |
Accuracy | +/- 1 yard up to 100 yards |
| +/- 2 yards up to 800 yards |
Nikon COOLSHOT 20i GII vs COOLSHOT 20 GII
So what’s the difference between the COOLSHOT 20i GII and COOLSHOT 20 GII? Besides the obvious additional “i” in the name, the only difference is that the 20i GII offers the ID Technology, which is Nikon jargon for slope adjusted distance. Other than the 20 GII not having the slope feature, it is identical, down to the dimensions and design, to the 20i GII. So, if you want a slope rangefinder, get the 20i GII. If you don’t mind not having the slope feature, get the 20 GII. Both are great products. Now, wasn’t that easy?