To enhance your golfing experience and lower your scores, you will quickly realize the benefit of having a rangefinder. It provides an accurate distance to within ½ yard, rather than guessing where the flag is positioned.
Great rangefinders make club selection much easier, especially if you are in between clubs or undecided. This can save you a lot of strokes!
I have frequently played golf on a course with many a slope and had to guess the distance when considering the slope. However, most rangefinders come with a slope option to provide accurate distances to the flag and its length considering the slope.
The Callaway series of rangefinders contains one that will suit nearly all golfers irrespective of your budget or requirements.
This piece will look at some of the most popular Callaway rangefinders available.
| Callaway Tour S | Callaway 300 Pro | Callaway 200S | Callaway 250+ | Callaway EZ | |
| Dimensions | 4.5” X 3” X 1.65” | 4 ” x 2.7″ x 1.4″ | 3.74″ x 2.80″ x 1.57″ | 3.74” x 2.8” x 1.57” | 4.3” X 3.1” X 1.65” |
| Weight | 6.8 oz | 5.4 oz | 4.4 oz | 3.9 oz | 7.4 oz |
| Battery | CR2 3-Volt Lithium | CR2 3-Volt Lithium | CR2 3-Volt Lithium | CR2 3-Volt Lithium | CR2 3-Volt Lithium |
| Display | OLED Red | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Magnification | 7X | 6X | 6X | 6X | 5X |
| Max Range | 5-1200 yards | 5-1000 yards | 5-800 yards | 5 – 950 yards | 5-800 yards |
| Range To Flag | 400 yards | 300 yards | 275 yards | 300 yards | 275 yards |
| Accuracy | +/- 0.5 yard | +/- 1 yard | +/- 1 yard | +/- 1 yard | +/- 1 yard |
| Unit of Measure | Yards or Meters | Yards or Meters | Yards or Meters | Yards or Meters | Yards or Meters |
| Water/Fog Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slope Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rating | 4.8 Stars | 4.6 Stars | 4.3 Stars | 4.1 Stars | 3.9 Stars |
Callaway Rangefinder Reviews
1. Callaway Tour S Rangefinder
Pros
- Great magnification
- Long range
- Very accurate
- Slope measurement can be turned on and off
- Legal for tournament play
- Easy to use
Cons
- More premium prices
The Callaway Tour S is a laser rangefinder that stands head and shoulders above the other rangefinders in the Callaway range, in features as well as price. It is priced at nearly double the price of the less expensive EZ Laser.
Key Features:
- 7x Magnification.
- The maximum range is 1,200 yards.
- Prism mode use reflections for exact measurements to the flag making the Tour S accurate to with ½ yard.
- Slope functionality can be turned off for competition making it legal.
- The Scan mode can lock onto multiple targets simultaneously.
- High-resolution OLED Red display.
- Sure-Grip design makes it easy to hold.
- Weighs in at a solid 12.3 ounces.
- Most expensive laser rangefinder in the Callaway range.
- Measures in yards or meters.
- Water/Fog resistant.
- Premium molded hard carry is standard.
2. Callaway Laser Golf Rangefinder
Pros
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Excellent optics
- Slope measurement can be turned on and off
- Legal for tournament play
- Ease of use
- Accurate to within +- 1 yard
- Emits a “chirpy” sound when locked onto the pin
Cons
- Carry case appears to be cheap
- Prone to pick up objects beyond the flag and provide incorrect measurement
The Callaway 300 Pro Laser is a Callaway laser rangefinder priced at the lower end of the scale and is one of the most respected rangefinders available on the market.
The release of the 2021 version of the Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder still delivers all the distance measurement features as the previous version, but with a few additional functionalities.
Key Features:
- P.A.T. (Pin Acquisition Technology) with Pulse Technology™ comes standard.
- Callaway 300 locks onto the pin up to 300 yards away.
- Features Magnahold™ powerful integrated magnet to securely attach to cart frame for quick and convenient access.
- Slope feature can be switched off using the toggle switch.
- Maximum Measurement Range is 1000 yards.
- 6x magnification.
- Measurements in Yards or Meters.
- Accurate to within +/– 1 Yard.
- Scene mode to lock onto multiple targets simultaneously.
- Birdie mode produces a ‘chirping’ noise when locked onto the pin.
- The LCD is easy to read even in bright sunlight.
- Callaway 300 is water and fog-proof.
3. 2019 Callaway 200S
Pros
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Slope measurement can be turned on and off
- Lightweight and compact
- Legal for tournament play
- Accurate to within +- 1 yard
Cons
- The maximum range is less than the 300 Pro Laser
- Pin lock-on is shorter than the 300 Pro Laser
The 2019 Callaway 200s is a laser rangefinder that comes with some of the features that can be found on the Callaway 300 Pro laser although the maximum range to take a reading is shorter as is the lock onto the pin.
Key Features:
- Weighs a mere 3.9 ounces.
- Slope functionality can be disabled.
- P.A.T. (Pin Acquisition Technology) has a maximum range of 275 yards.
- 6X magnification up to 800 yards.
- Scan landscape to acquire multiple targets.
- Measure in Yards or Meters.
- Accurate to within + – 1 Yard.
- Water and fog proof.
- Budget-friendly and is the least expensive rangefinder in the Callaway range.
- Power is provided by a CR2 battery.
4. Callaway 250+ Laser Rangefinder
Pros
- Small and compact
- Magnahold for easy access
- 6X magnification
- Accurate to within 1 yard
Cons
- Some reviewers have experienced problems with the durability of the device. This should be resolved under Callaway’s warranty
- Some golfers reported a lack of accuracy
The Callaway 250+ Laser Rangefinder is a sleek, compact design and priced competitively compared to the 300 Pro Laser rangefinder.
As with most other Callaway laser rangefinders, the 250+ now features Callaway’s Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T.) with Pulse Technology. This technology provides feedback via vibration when locked onto the pin. The maximum range to lock onto a pin is 300 yards.
Key Features:
- Slope Technology can be turned off for tournament play.
- P.A.T. with Pulse Technology locks on to the pin up to 300 yards away.
- An ultra-compact, lightweight device.
- Magnahold with integrated magnets for storage on metal surfaces.
- Scan landscape to acquire multiple targets.
- 6X Magnification up to 950 yards.
- Measure in yards or meters.
- Accurate to within + – 1 Yard.
- Water/Fog resistant.
- Premium molded hard carrying case.
5. Callaway EZ Laser Rangefinder
Pros
- Stabilizes picture when your hands are shaky
- The rangefinder is sturdy and durable
- Easy to hold with the hand strap
- A molded case for protection
- Exterior display
Cons
- Heavier than some other Callaway rangefinders
- The maximum distance to pin lock is shorter than the 300 Pro Laser rangefinder
Callaway’s EZ Scan is a top-quality, easy-to-use laser rangefinder near the top-end of the Callaway range of rangefinders.
What sets the Callaway EZ laser apart from its stablemates is the complete easy-to-use package. Press the “EZ Button”, scan across the flagstick, and accurate distances magically appear on the interior display and can be read on the exterior LCD.
Key Features:
- EZ Mode is used to acquire the flagstick with a press of a button.
- The EZ Scan provides both internal and external reading on the exterior LCD.
- Scan mode can lock in multiple targets at once.
- P.A.T. (Pin Acquisition Technology) – lock on to the pin up to 275 yards away.
- The maximum range for accurate measurement is up to 800 yards.
- The EZ Scan comes standard with a CVR V3 Battery.
- Molded carry case is standard.
- Magnahold enables you to attach the rangefinder to the frame of the cart for easy access.
- The EZ Scan weighs in at a solid 12.8 ounces.
- 5X Magnification.
- Measure in Yards or Meters.
- Accurate to within + – 1 Yard.
- Built-in hand support strap minimizes shaking.
- Water/Fog resistant.
Alternatives to Callaway Rangefinders
1. Nikon 50 Laser Rangefinder
Nikon is a well-respected company that has supplied cameras and similar technologies since 1948 and produced its first rangefinder camera in the same year.
It can measure close to 2,000 yards in total returning the measurement in under 0.3 seconds. Nikon provides slope measurement technology that can be switched off to make it tournament legal.
Its 6x magnification allows it to measure farther from the target and still produce accurate distances.
Similar to the Callaway rangefinders, the Nikon 50 is waterproof and fog proof to cope with the toughest conditions.
2. Hawke Laser Range Finder Pro 900
Hawke may not be the best-known brand but the Pro 900 with its 6X magnification can measure distances up to 1,000 yards.
The device offers you four modes to enjoy, distance, beeline, height with distance mode being the straightest line from your ball to the pin.
Beeline calculates the shortest horizontal distance to the target, while angle calculates the angle from your ball to the pin.
3. Bushnell Tour V5 Laser Rangefinder
The Bushnell Tour V5 is the most compact range finder of its time weighing in at 8 ounces.
This Bushnell is a top favorite amongst professional golfers for its accurate measurements.
Although the standard Tour V5 does not offer slope measurements, the Tour V5 Shift does.
FAQs
Does Callaway 300 Pro have slope?
Callaway’s 300 Pro Rangefinder comes with slope mode. To toggle Slope Mode on/off, you hold the Mode Button (M) down for 3 seconds.
What rangefinder do golf pros use?
Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is the most popular rangefinder under professional golfers. Bushnell claims that approximately 97% of professional golfers use the V5 Shift model.
How do I get my Callaway rangefinder from meters to yards?
Changing the unit of measure is straightforward on Callaway Rangefinders.
Point the rangefinder at the target and push the M (Mode) button. This will indicate which unit is in use. By holding the Mode button it will toggle between yards and meters.
How does the Callaway Rangefinder work?
To understand how Callaway’s rangefinders work you need to understand the various technologies available.
Laser rangefinders take measurements by emitting electromagnetic pulses in laser beams using their optoelectronic systems. These beams are reflected off the target’s surface and returned to the laser rangefinder. Sophisticated algorithms convert the duration of the pulse from emission to return and convert this into the distance.
Global Positioning System (GPS) uses readings from 3 or 4 satellites to calculate the yardage you’re your location to an object. This is less accurate than a laser reading but you don’t need to take out a device and lock it onto the target to obtain a reading.
GPS measurements are generally accurate to within 5 yards whereas laser readings can be accurate to within fractions of a yard.
Most Callaway rangefinders use laser technology. However, the Callaway Hybrid Rangefinder uses both laser and GPS functionality thus offering you both readings providing you with the most accurate information.
Final Thoughts
There is a Callaway rangefinder that will suit your budget and requirements.
The Callaway Tour S Laser Rangefinder is ideal for a golfer who is serious about achieving the lowest score possible and requires a light and compact rangefinder that provides accurate and reliable data. The Callaway Tour S Laser Rangefinder faces stiff competition in this market segment.
The Callaway 300 Pro is ideal for golfers that require a budget-friendly yet quality rangefinder. It provides more technology and features than its predecessor, the Callaway 200S rangefinder. This is a serious contender in the price category.
The EZ scan is ideal for the less tech-savvy golfer that requires the rangefinder to stabilize a shaky hand. One press technology and a mounting strap make it easy to hold, point, and shoot. The LCD screen makes it easier to access the information.
Our selection for the best Callaway rangefinder is the Callaway Tour S with its 7X magnification, accuracy to within ½ yard, high-resolution OLED Red display, and Sure-Grip design.
Related Articles
- How Do Golf Rangefinders Work? Are They An Essential?
- How To Use A Golf Rangefinder? And The Benefits It Will Bring!
- The 9 Best Golf Rangefinders – Reviews & Ratings
Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
