We put Nikon’s latest rangefinder to the test | Proving Ground

Welcome to GOLF.com’s ClubTest Proving Ground, where managing equipment editor Jonathan Wall puts the latest designs and groundbreaking technology in the equipment space through its paces on the range and course.

The tools: Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized rangefinder

The test: Put Coolshot Pro II through a thorough evaluation to see how it performs on the course.

The results: This is the part where I’d offer my thoughts on the Coolshot Pro II Stabilized rangefinder, but my unit was recently commandeered by True Spec Golf’s VP of Tour and Education, Kris McCormack. In truth, he needed it more than I did after his previous rangefinder bit the dust.

Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Rangefinder

$449.95

Nikon’s fastest, most accurate golf rangefinder with stabilized optics and laser, incline/decline detection, pin recognition and more. Unshakable confidence. Borrowing technology from Nikon’s innovative cameras and lenses, the COOLSHOT PROII counteracts hand shake and environmental factors to steady both your view and the ranging laser. It’s easier to find your target, and it’s easier to lock onto it. Fast. Accurate. HYPER READ technology provides near-instant measurements (approx. 0.3 seconds) that are comfortably visible within the bright, crystal-clear OLED display. Explore more options for your shots without slowing down your game. Oh, what a view. Nikon has been a world-leader in optics for more than 100 years. The COOLSHOT PROII uses a brilliant 6x power monocular with Nikon’s innovative anti-glare and high-contrast coatings, plus a diopter adjustment to fine tune for your vision. Lock onto the flag. Targeting the pin? DUAL LOCKED ON ECHO—confirms you’ve hit the flag and not something in the background. It also gives a green visual cue and a pleasant audible confirmation that you’re measuring the pin, not a tree or other object 20 yards behind it.

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As a form of “repayment,” he offered to take the rangefinder for a spin and offer an honest assessment. And with that, I’ll hand the equipment mic over to Kris.

Not all rangefinders are created equal. During my time in the industry, I’ve had the opportunity to test more units than I can remember. Some lasted a few months before things started to go haywire. Others were like the Energizer Bunny and kept hanging around.

You always want the latter, provided it’s easy to use and doesn’t break the bank. No one wants to pay full boat for a rangefinder that takes a PhD to figure out. After testing the Coolshot Pro II, I can assure you Nikon’s newest rangefinder earns high marks in both departments.

The amount of features included with the rangefinder is impressive — from the Dual Locked on Echo to the ID (incline/decline) technology. The easy-to-read display for the slope adjustment is an added bonus that I didn’t know I needed. It’s very clear to decide if it is being calculated uphill or downhill, and which number is the playable number versus the static number. It’s all about ease of use for me.

The optic also gives you an added level of confidence when you lock on the target and know that you are getting a number to what you intend to shoot, rather than something that could be behind or in front of the target. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to shoot a bunker or pin, only to get a different number on the screen. It’s frustrating and shouldn’t happen when you’re paying $300-plus for a unit.

Something else I appreciated was the overall size and weight. It’s big enough to fit in the palm of your hand but not get lost in the cart. The lightweight frame also makes toting it around a breeze.

Since I started testing the rangefinder, I haven’t encountered one thing I’d change about it, which is a first for me during testing. It’s withstood the Arizona heat and some drops along the way, but it continues to produce accurate readings to the target time and time again.

At just under $400, I believe it’s the best rangefinder in the marketplace at this particular price point. It’s a bell ringer for one of the leaders in optical technology.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.

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