Basic, Standard or Premium – Which golf rangefinder should I choose?
It’s you who takes the shot – ideally with the best possible outcome. But the chances of success are much greater if you know exactly how far you need to hit the ball. That’s why a golf rangefinder can be crucial for achieving a good score. At Dormy, we’ve chosen to divide our rangefinders into three levels: Basic, Standard, and Premium. Below, we go through each level and what you should consider when it’s time to choose a rangefinder.
Basic
When it comes to tech products, you often get what you pay for. A Basic-level rangefinder naturally comes at a lower price point than the others. It will certainly do a good job on the course and is perfectly sufficient in many situations. However, keep in mind that the optics, speed, and precision are of a simpler kind. It’s not unusual that you need to shoot at the flag more than once to ensure you’ve locked onto the right target. And when playing in the rain, the lens may fog up, reducing visibility. But just because a rangefinder is Basic doesn’t mean it’s bad – it simply means that Standard and Premium are more refined.
If you’ve never used a rangefinder before and want to try one out, a Basic model is a great place to start.
Standard
The mid-level rangefinder, where features and performance maintain a consistently high standard without the price getting out of hand. Compared to a Basic rangefinder, a Standard one has more refined qualities – clearer, sharper, and often from well-known brands, which can add peace of mind when buying. Standard models sit between Basic and Premium in both performance and price. When it comes to functions such as slope, magnet, yards/meters setting, zoom, tournament mode, etc., these can be found across all three categories. What we focus on here is not the functions themselves, but how well the rangefinder performs overall.
Premium
If you play a lot and take your golf seriously, it’s a smart move to invest in a rangefinder from this top tier. The optics are crystal clear, and the sharpness remains even in bad weather – rain, fog, or dusk – where a Premium rangefinder will outperform both Standard and Basic. The lifespan is also worth mentioning; many rangefinders in this class will last for years. One might joke that you’re more likely to lose it before it breaks.
The performance level is top-notch – you lock onto your target almost instantly, with virtually no margin of error. In addition, a Premium rangefinder can more easily detect distances to other obstacles, not just the flag.
When measuring towards trees or bushes, the Premium model provides quicker and more reliable readings. After all, avoiding hazards can sometimes be just as important as hitting the flag.
The only downside to a Premium rangefinder? It becomes harder to blame your equipment when a shot doesn’t go as planned.