Are Cheap Golf Rangefinders Up to Par? Comparing Budget Models to Premium Ones
For golfers looking to improve their accuracy and confidence on the course, a cheap golf rangefinder is one of best steal of the season. These devices measure precise distances to the flag, bunkers, or hazards, helping players choose the right club and plan smarter shots. But not every golfer wants to spend £250 on a premium model. In fact, many golfers now ask the same question: – Are cheap golf rangefinders actually good enough to get the job done? In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at three popular budget-friendly laser rangefinders — the Budget Golf Laser Rangefinder (£23.99), the REVASRI Golf Rangefinder (£43.99), and the Mileseey PF210 (£53.99) — to see what they offer, how they perform, and where they fall short compared to the more expensive options from brands like Bushnell and Garmin. 1. Cheap Golf Rangefinders on the Market Budget Golf Laser Rangefinder – Around £23.99 This ultra-affordable entry-level rangefinder is aimed squarely at beginners and casual golfers. It’s basic but functional — providing direct line-of-sight distance readings to visible targets like flagsticks or hazards. Accuracy: Around ±2 to 3 yards Range: Up to 600 yards Magnification: 6x Slope: No Display: Basic LCD screen It’s simple, lightweight, and does what it says on the tin — point, press, and measure. While it lacks the advanced optics or speed of a Bushnell, it gives new players a taste of what using a rangefinder feels like without breaking the bank. REVASRI Golf Rangefinder – Around £43.99 A step up from the ultra-budget tier, the REVASRI rangefinder offers a slightly better build and includes optional slope functionality, something rarely seen at this price point. Accuracy: ±1 yard Range: Up to 650 yards Slope Mode: Yes (toggle on/off) Vibration Feedback: Yes (flag lock confirmation) Battery: Rechargeable USB lithium This model performs well for casual and intermediate players who want a little more tech — such as flag-lock vibration and slope-adjusted distances. Mileseey PF210 Golf Rangefinder – Around £53.99 The Mileseey PF210 sits at the upper end of the affordable range but offers near-premium performance for under £60. Accuracy: ±0.5 yard Range: 800–1000 yards Magnification: 6x Slope Function: Yes (legal toggle) Vibration Feedback: Yes Speed Measurement Mode: Yes This rangefinder feels more robust, provides faster readings, and delivers consistent accuracy even in light wind or mist. For golfers who want premium-level readings at a fraction of the price, this model is often considered one of the best value buys on the market. 2. Are Cheap Rangefinders as Accurate as Expensive Ones? In short: almost — but not quite. Expensive rangefinders like the Bushnell Tour V6 or Garmin Approach Z82 deliver military-grade precision, vibration lock, and advanced optics that work instantly every time. Cheap rangefinders, by contrast, usually fall within ±1–3 yards accuracy. For most amateur golfers, this difference is negligible — being two yards off rarely affects your club choice unless you’re playing competitively. However, where expensive rangefinders shine is in: Speed of reading (instant vs 1–2 seconds lag) Optical clarity (premium lenses and coatings) Target recognition (better at differentiating flag from background trees) Durability (better waterproofing and shock resistance) So while cheap rangefinders deliver usable distances, they may occasionally “hunt” for the flag or take slightly longer to lock on. 3. What Reviews Say About Cheap Rangefinders Reviews across Amazon, Golf Monthly, and golf forums paint a consistent picture: cheap rangefinders perform surprisingly well for the money, but expectations need to be realistic. Positive Feedback Accuracy: Many users report readings within 1–2 yards of premium models when compared side-by-side. Ease of Use: Most budget rangefinders are point-and-click simple. Value for Money: They make distance-measuring accessible for beginners. Common Weaknesses Build Quality: Lightweight plastic housing can feel less sturdy. Speed: Some models take longer to lock onto the target. Flag Detection: Struggles when background objects (trees) are close to the pin. Battery Life: Cheaper batteries or low-capacity rechargeable units. Optics: Slightly duller or less crisp viewing lens. In summary, reviews show that cheap rangefinders do their job effectively, but they lack the refinement, precision speed, and durability that justify the higher price of premium devices. 4. Pros of Buying a Cheaper Golf Rangefinder While expensive rangefinders have their place, there are several valid reasons to choose a cheaper model — especially if you’re new to the game. ✅ 1. Perfect for Beginners If you’re still learning your distances or playing casually, you don’t need to spend £300 on advanced features. A £40 rangefinder teaches you how to gauge yardages and build course awareness without over investment. ✅ 2. Great for Practice and Range Sessions You can use a cheap rangefinder on the driving range to track carry distances and test new clubs — no need for pinpoint accuracy here. ✅ 3. Easy to Replace If it breaks or gets lost, a £30 model hurts far less than a £300 one. Many golfers keep cheap rangefinders as backups even after upgrading. ✅ 4. Legal in Competitions (Non-Slope) Most budget models don’t include slope calculations, which makes them legal for competition use under R&A and USGA rules. ✅ 5. Excellent Entry into Tech-Assisted Golf For golfers unfamiliar with rangefinder use, starting cheap helps you understand what features you actually value before upgrading. Feature Cheap Rangefinders (e.g., Mileseey, REVASRI) Premium Rangefinders (e.g., Bushnell, Nikon, Garmin) Accuracy ±1–3 yards ±0.5 yard Speed Slight lag Instant Optics Basic lens HD coated optics Durability Plastic housing Waterproof & shockproof Slope Toggle Limited models Standard feature Price Range £25–£60 £250–£500 Best For Beginners, casual players Competitive and serious golfers Our Thoughts Cheap golf rangefinders have improved dramatically over the past few years. Models like the REVASRI and Mileseey PF210 offer accurate readings, slope modes, and flag-lock functions once reserved for £300 devices. While they may not offer instant readings or premium build quality, they perform more than well enough for everyday golfers. If you’re just starting out or want a backup device, a sub-£50 or sub-£100 rangefinder is
