When it comes to golf laser rangefinders, the most popular brand is Bushnell. 99% of PGA Tour pros and their caddies use the device on the range and during practice rounds.
While the price of a Bushnell device may be out of your budget, there are plenty of laser rangefinders available at an affordable price. I am going to demonstrate that in this post as I conduct a TecTecTec VPro500 review.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Laser Rangefinder
There are a wide variety of products to choose from on the laser rangefinder market. If you want the most technologically advanced device, be prepared to pay. However, if you want a device that gives you an accurate measurement of your next target, you can pick up a bargain.
Before we get into our TecTecTec VPro500 review, I have put together some factors to consider when purchasing your next laser rangefinder.
Budget
Prices of laser rangefinders fluctuate from under $100 to over $600. Ask yourself what you want to achieve with your rangefinder? If you are looking for adjusted distance measurements that factor in slope angle, wind speed, and altitude, you will be looking at a higher price bracket.
Elementary rangefinders without the slope function are considerably more affordable and will set you back less than $200.
Range
Most rangefinders these days have a maximum range of 1000 yards, which you will likely never use. In my experience, devices with an increased range enable you to lock onto the pin from further out.
When it comes to range, think about the length of your home course and what yardages you are dealing with.
Pinseeker Range
Maybe it’s my OCD or, it could be my passion for chess and Bobby Fischer. Either way, I always like to be a couple of steps ahead. That is why I recommend a rangefinder that locks onto the pin from a fair distance out.
Knowing how far you have to different points between the tee and the flag lets you set up each shot for the next. This type of strategic approach will help you to hit more fairways and greens in regulation.
Always check what the pinseeker range of the device is. The device”s maximum range could be 1000 yards, but it may only lock onto the flag up to 250 yards out. If your home course plays long, it will limit your planning.
Slope Function
Lower handicap golfers may want a laser rangefinder with a slope feature. The slope feature factors in the angle of the slope between your ball and the hole. As a result, the measurement will be more accurate than a standard device.
A standard device only gives the distance as the crow flies and does not account for angles. The distance reading on a device with a slope feature may offer a reading of a 3-5 yards difference. That could be the difference between a makeable birdie putt and needing to scramble for par.
If you do buy a laser rangefinder with a slope function, make sure it is easy to switch on and off. As per the USGA rule 14-3, you cannot use a device with effective playing distance features during a tournament.
Elements Function
Rangefinders that factor in the elements enhances the accuracy of your device. Besides the slope, they factor in barometric pressure, altitude, and in some cases, wind speed.
In general, these devices fetch the highest prices. However, the USGA prohibits the use of these features in tournaments.
Rain Resistant vs Waterproof Laser Rangefinders
When purchasing a rangefinder, you need to check if it is waterproof or rainproof. Waterproof means your device can handle a soaking from the rain. A rainproof rangefinder pushes raindrops away from the device, but too much water can result in damage.
If you live in the South, where the rainfall averages over 60 inches a year, the chances are that you will play a round in a torrential downpour. As a result, it is worth spending more to acquire a waterproof device.
A rainproof product should be sufficient for those of you that live in drier areas.
TecTecTec VPro500 Review
Pros
- 6x Magnification
- +/- 1-yard accuracy
- Target Lock Technology
- 30-day full refund guarantee
- Shock-resistant protective case
Cons
- The maximum range is 540 yards
- It is not waterproof
- It does not have slope or element features
- No vibration when locking onto the pin
TecTecTec began operating in 2014. In only a few years, they have made a name for themselves by producing rangefinders with high-quality imagery for an affordable price. The French-based company manufactures a variety of laser rangefinders for golf and hunting purposes.
Out of all the rangefinder brands on the market, TecTecTec may not be the biggest, but they provide the best customer service. If you are unhappy with your purchase, they guarantee you a full refund within 30-days.
Besides the company’s outstanding service, they produce quality products. As part of our TecTecTec VPro500 review, I have listed features of the VPro500 below to help you decide if it will benefit your golf game.
6x Magnification
The 6x magnification feature on the TecTecTec VPro500 golf rangefinder enables you to see targets clearly, up to 540 yards away. Enhanced magnification makes it easier for the device to detect specific targets from a distance.
Scanning Modes
The VPro500 comes with three scanning modes; pinseeker, first target priority, and scan mode. As is the case with other rangefinders, the pinseeker technology helps you pick out the flag even with overlapping objects.
First Target Mode helps you determine the distance to the first point in your view. It helps when you have a variety of hazards and obstacles protecting the dancefloor.
The final scanning function is called scan mode. As you survey the area in front of you, the rangefinders will provide distances to various markers in front of you.
Even though it is an affordable rangefinder, it offers the same scanning modes as most other products.
Range
Maximum range is an area where TecTecTec VPro500 trails competitor products. Its peak range is 540 yards, well short of the 1000 yard capacity of other devices. However, in all honesty, 540 yards exceeds the length of most holes on a golf course.
Accuracy
1 or 2 yards difference in measurement may not sound like much. However, it is the difference between a certain one-putt and nervous lag.
Based on the price of the rangefinder. I was impressed that the readings during our TecTecTec VPro500 review were never more than 1 yard off.
An accurate rangefinder not only helps you stick your approach shots close. However, it also improves your distance control and confidence over time.
Affordability
The final feature to discuss in our TecTecTec VPro500 review is affordability. The device is potentially the best laser rangefinder for the money you will spend. At $149.99., an acquisition won’t break the bank and gives you all the features you need for a tournament mode laser rangefinder.
Alternative Laser Range Finders To The TecTecTec VPro500
1. Raythor Sport Pro Golf Range Finder
Pros
- 6x Magnification
- Slope Adjustment
- Accurate to +/- 0.1 yards
- Range 5-1000 yards
- Jolt technology
Cons
- Only locks onto the flag from up to 250 yards away
- Not suitable for long golf courses
Raythor is a smaller rangefinder manufacturer producing impressive affordable products. The Sport Pro rangefinder offers 6x magnification and is accurate up to 0.1 yards of the exact distance.
The maximum range on this device is 1000 yards, but it only locks onto the flagstick from 250 yards out. That is approximately 200 yards less than premium products.
The Raythor Sport Pro comes equipped with three modes, continuous scan, slope adjustment, and speed. The speed function enables you to measure the speed of moving objects, such as tree branches.
Finally, this rangefinder has jolt technology to notify you when the laser locks onto the flag. It functions the same way as the famed Bushnell Pro X7 golf laser rangefinder with jolt.
If you are on a budget but still want a technologically advanced rangefinder, it is worth looking at the Raythor Sport Pro Range Finder.
2. TecTecTec VPro 500S
Pros
- 6x Magnification
- Pinslope technology
- Accurate to +/- 1 yard
- Target lock technology
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- The maximum range is 540 yards
- Rain resistant, not completely water-resistant
The TecTecTec VPro500 Slope is similar in function to the VPro500, except it contains pinslope technology. This factors in the degree of slope between your ball and your target providing, a more accurate measurement.
As is the case with the VPro500, this rangefinder also has three modes, pinseeker, first target priority, and scan mode. The TecTecTec VPro500S also has a maximum range of 540 yards and is equipped with 6x magnification.
The TecTecTec Vpro 500s goes for only $30 more than the standard version and is well worth the price. If you can spend $30 more, it will get you a rangefinder that offers slope mode readings. Using that feature in practice will improve your judgment when it comes to club selection and distance.
3. Boblov LF600 AG Golf Rangefinder
Pros
- Flag locking mode with vibration
- Accurate to within 1 yard from up to 220 yards away.
- 6x Magnification
- 650-yard rangefinder
- Measures the speed of moving objects
Cons
- Only locks onto the target from 250 yards away
- Measurements from 220+ yards away are less accurate than +/- 1 yard
The Boblov LF600 is the most affordable rangefinder we have showcased in this post. The design incorporates 6x magnification and has a range of 650 yards. The pinsensor technology ensures that when the laser locks onto the flag, your device will vibrate.
The biggest downside of this device is the accuracy and target locking range. After 220 yards, you will be getting measurements further than 1 yard of the actual distance. Finally, it only locks onto a target from 250 yards away, which hampers your ability to plan your hole from the tee box.
If your home course is long, this device may not offer the assistance you seek. However, if you are on a budget and want a laser rangefinder for under $100, then the Boblov LF600 is worth researching.
Final Thoughts
In concluding our TecTecTec VPro500 Review, I admit that I am impressed with this golf laser rangefinder, considering its price. While it does lose points for its lower maximum range and lack of slope mode, it is accurate, easy to use, and performs exceptionally. I am confident that this is possibly the best golf rangefinder for the money you pay. It is also refreshing to see a company offering incredible customer service.
If you are looking for an entry-level laser rangefinder without slope mode, you can check out the TecTecTec VPro500 here.
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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.
