Golf is expensive. That’s just a fact. With the cost of clubs, shoes, balls, bags, and accessories, preparing for a day on the green can quickly put a dent in your finances. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be had. If you’re an athlete on a budget, this article will help you buy the best golf rangefinder for the money.

PRICE VS PAYOFF

There are three factors to consider when purchasing a value rangefinder. The first and most obvious one is affordability, the second is accuracy, and the third is functionality. Any golf rangefinder that doesn’t strike a balance between these areas may not be the one for you. Take the PinCaddie 3, for instance. Pricewise, it’s an outstanding deal, and it's perfect for getting fast ranges during a weekend foursome. But if you want advanced distance measurements and additional features, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

The PinCaddie 3 does, however, provide dependable line-of-sight ranges, so you can start to minimize errors on the course. It also features Flag Lock Technology, which ensures the laser will lock onto the pin instead of hazards like tree branches or bushes. Combine that with our PinHunter 2 laser technology, and you’re guaranteed to get accurate distances with every press of the button.

The PINCADDIE 3 is $199.99 and features PINHUNTER 2, FLAG LOCK, SCAN MODE, HIGH-CONTRAST BLACK DISPLAY, WATERPROOF DESIGN, and is USGA LEGAL.

Compared to the PinCaddie 3, the GX-2c, GX-5c, and GX-6c take a big step up in accuracy. Using True Golf Range (TGR) technology, these rangefinders account for every little detail, including elevation changes and atmospheric conditions to generate incredibly accurate ranges. They cost more. But for shaving strokes off your game, there's nothing better. They also come fully loaded with a variety of features that’ll put you on track for sinking more birdies. Another GX rangefinder to consider is the GX-3c. It’s somewhat of an in-between model, programmed with more features than the PinCaddie 3 but fewer than the GX-2c. Let's see how they all stack up.

If you're a golfer who wants next-generation technology in a rangefinder that will outperform its price round after round, then the GX-2c is a strong contender. It features our Flag Lock Technology and Prism Lock Technology, which will give you an audible alert when the rangefinder locks onto a flagstick’s built-in prism. Combine that with our Club Selector, and you won’t have to second-guess yourself when choosing between a pitching wedge and a 9-iron on your next downhill par 3. And, of course, TGR and Club Selector can easily be turned off for tournament play.

The GX-2c is $329.99 and features FLAG LOCK, PRISM LOCK, DIGITALLY ENHANCED ACCURACY (DNA), SCAN MODE, TRUE GOLF RANGE (TGR), CLUB SELECTOR, FOG MODE, HIGH-CONTRAST BLACK DISPLAY, WATERPROOF DESIGN, and is USGA LEGAL.

Next up is the GX-3c. This golf rangefinder occupies an interesting space in the lineup. It’s missing several advanced features like TGR and Club Selector, but it gives you an improved aluminum housing and a red display. So regardless of weather conditions, you’ll have no problem seeing your distance measurements. Considering the three factors that make up a value rangefinder (affordability, accuracy, and functionality), this model may or may not be a good buy. It really depends on what you're looking for in a golf rangefinder. If you're a traditionalist who wants simple features in a quality package, then the GX-3c fits the bill.

The GX-3c is $449.99 and features FLAG LOCK, PRISM LOCK, DIGITALLY ENHANCED ACCURACY (DNA), SCAN MODE, FOG MODE, RED DISPLAY, WATERPROOF DESIGN, and is USGA LEGAL.

Priced only slightly higher than the GX-3c, the GX-5c takes the technology of the polymer-clad 2c and incorporates it into a durable aluminum body complete with a daylight-bright red display. Pack it with you to your next round of golf, and you’ll get the exact distances of every shot, whether you’re pitching over a bunker or hitting a high draw off the tee.

The GX-5c is $499.99 and features FLAG LOCK, PRISM LOCK, DIGITALLY ENHANCED ACCURACY (DNA), SCAN MODE, TRUE GOLF RANGE (TGR), CLUB SELECTOR, FOG MODE, RED DISPLAY, WATERPROOF DESIGN, and is USGA LEGAL.

Then there’s the apex rangefinder known as the GX-6c. It has identical features to the GX-5c and 2c but adds image stabilization to keep the laser steady and the ranging distances accurate. That additional feature does come with an extra cost, though. At nearly twice the price of the GX-2c, this innovative golf rangefinder falls short when it comes to the affordability factor.

The GX-6c is $599.99 and features FLAG LOCK, PRISM LOCK, DIGITALLY ENHANCED ACCURACY (DNA), SCAN MODE, TRUE GOLF RANGE (TGR), CLUB SELECTOR, FOG MODE, RED DISPLAY, WATERPROOF DESIGN, and is USGA LEGAL.

WHAT ARE THE BEST GOLF RANGEFINDERS FOR THE MONEY?

In summary, out of all these rangefinders, the two models that have equal claim to the title of “best golf rangefinder for the money” are the lightweight GX-2c and the GX-5c. The 2c is impossible to beat if you want an ultralight distance-measuring device that accounts for the slope of every shot. But if you need slope readings plus an upgraded red display so you can golf from sunup to sundown, the GX-5c is the winner. These two rangefinders prove that you don't need to spend a fortune to improve your game on the green.