The Bushnell Pro XE laser rangefinder is the crème de la crème of golf laser rangefinders. It's priced at 25,000 THB in the Land of Smiles. That's quite a bit of coin to shell out if you consider there are alternatives available on the market for around 1,000 THB. We tested this model extensively and it beats all the other long-term test models we've tried hands down. But is it worth the price of a new driver?
Features
What does 25K THB get you?
Adjustable Slope Measurement Settings
According to Bushnell's website, "Slope-Switch Technology lets the golfer easily switch the Pro XE in and out of Slope mode. Pro XE is legal during tournament play when Slope is disabled.". We love this feature and it's really easy to use.
Pinseeker with vibration
The unit vibrates and has a red led indicator if you are taking measurements off of the flag. While other brands and models have this feature as well, Bushnells really is the most user-friendly, accurate, and fast compared to its competitors. With cheaper alternatives, we found ourselves finicking with the focus dial and re-taking measurements because sometimes the unit would hit the trees behind the flag. Although this does happen with the Bushnell Pro XE as well, it is much less frequent.
Magnetic Cart Mount
There is a magnet inside the unit which allows you to simply stick it to the side of a golf buggy's metal frame. This is an extremely useful and convenient feature.
7x Magnification Optics
The optics on the Bushnell Pro XE are outstanding. We have almost never touched the focus dial since the first adjustment. This is unlike the other units which we have tested. Those generally required us to adjust the focus dial about 5-10 times per round. Being a long hitter will exacerbate this problem because you will have to switch from getting readings from 200+ yards away, to perhaps only 100 or 50 yards away often in a round of golf.
Full rubberized waterproof metal case
With other units, we would notice that rain and humidity could fog up the lens for a day or two. This has not happened with the Bushnell Pro XE. And we've played in monsoon-type rain several times.
Two Year Limited Warranty
A two-year limited warranty you can count on. Luckily, we've never had to make a warranty claim with a Bushnell product. But we have spoken to the rare friend who has. And it was a non-issue. Bushnell did cover their product. We can not say that about Mileseey or TecTecTec.
Is it worth 25,000 THB?
If you are a serious player who puts in a serious number of rounds per week, then we believe that the Bushnell Pro XE is worth the quid. If you are a hack who mainly plays social golf and hacks his or her way around the course, then it's probably better if you save up money for lessons or a new set of ultra game improvement clubs.
The Bushnell Pro XE is the best laser rangefinder we have tested so far. It is also the one that all the staff members believe to be the best they have ever used.
