Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder

While over the years I have reviewed a number of rangefinders, there is only one brand that stays in my bag. In my opinion, Bushnell is the hand down leader and the best range finder you can own. To that point, Bushnell has been my rangefinder of choice since I started Three Guys Golf and for the past two years I have happily been using the Bushnell Pro X2. Frankly, I was not even excited to try out the new Bushnell Pro XE as I could not imagine there could be any meaningful new features. Well, I was wrong.

Bushnell, has a long history with golf and hunting where distance accuracy is critical. While I typically would test the accuracy of other range finders, there is simply no reason to do so with the Bushnell. If Bushnell says it is 162 yards, it’s 162 yard. Where Bushnell really bring the heat is how that yardage is effected by the elements.

More than slope: 

We are all now comfortable with the slope feature and count on it to help us make adjustment to compensate for the natural elevation of a particular hole on the golf course. However, we all know there are at least other considerations that need to be considered when determining the effective distance that a ball will travel conditional on a specific impact of the club, namely temperature and elevation.

This summer I was fortunate enough to play a number or rounds in at Seven Canyons in Sedona AZ. Even though I know the ball travels farther at 5,000 feet its really unnerving to try and get your distances right. Sure is fun to bomb drives 30 yards farther than normal but airmailing green after green can become frustrating. With the Bushnell Pro XE, you can now let science make those yardage adjustments for you. 

Like elevation, temperature and pressure are also huge factors in distance. We all know to club down in the winter, but making a real mental calculation is asking a lot for at least this guy. While I have not been able to really test this feature yet, I am quite interested to see how it works as we move from summer to fall to winter. 

Unlike the slope feature which is turned on using the slider on the outside of the rangefinder, the elements feature is activated by togging the Mode button on top of the unit until the Elements icon is visible while you look through the lens.

JOLT on steroids:

Bushnell introduced JOLT technology a number of years ago and for me it was game changer. No longer did you have to question whether you were picking up the correct target. Instead, a subtle jolt from the device let you know that you were locked onto a pin. With the Bushnell Pro XE, you now have another clue that you are lock on, a red ring. While this may be overkill, it certainly does not hurt.

The big change: Magnets:

Ironically, what I love most about the new Bushnell Pro XE has nothing to do with distance calculations. Instead it is the magnet on the side which allows you do stick it to your card for easy access. First off, the magnet is crazy strong. I have driven over huge bumps, roots and curbs that may have drawn the ire of my cart partner but did not even budge the rangefinder. If you lose this device, it will NOT be because it was jarred free. With that said I have one big warning-leave the case in your cart to avoid forgetting your rangefinder.

Look this thing is not cheap and you certainly do not want to forget it. My advice is to put the case in the cart along with your phone or other items you have a habit to clean out at the end of a round. Having the case amongst those items will insure you do not inadvertently leave your rangefinder attached your golf cart. 

Durability:

 Again, Bushnell rangefinders are not cheap but they are built to last. Fortunately, Bushnell makes their devices almost indestructible. Understandably, I am always hesitant to test this feature, however I have had the occasion of dropping the rangefinder on cement without incurring any damage. Additionally, the Bushnell Pro XE is weatherproof so you can rest easy taking it out in the rain. 

Bottom Line:

If you are serious about rangefinders, there is really only one option and that is Bushnell. Typically, I would not recommend upgrading from a model that is less that 5 years old, but the addition of Elements and the magnets are really cool, making the choice to upgrade a little tougher. For those using a lesser brand, the Pro XE would make a fantastic upgrade.