GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder Review: "Revamped, easy to use and top value"
GolfMagic tests out the new GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder.
GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder - Key Features
- Faster measurement speed with ZST Technology (0.2 seconds)
- Design 2.0 compact for optimal grip and steadiness when using the rangefinder
- Easy Pin Finder Mode – Press and hold power / measurement button to activate Pin Finder Mode.
- A water-resistant and rugged design, built to withstand the toughest golfing conditions.
- Slope ON/OFF – Press and hold the MODE button for 5 seconds to turn the Slope feature on/off
- Bright LCD – Clear measurement with bright 6X magnification viewfinder
- IPX4 Water-resistant
- USGA / R&A legal for handicap & tournament play
When people ask us about the best value brand for golf GPS watches and rangefinders, we always point them in the direction of GolfBuddy, and the story is no different this season with its revamped Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder.
While some £40 more expensive than its older brother, the original Laser Lite Rangefinder, we are pleased to report the brand's new version is even more impressive with at least three standout improvements that we will come on to in this review.
There is no doubt in our mind that the GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 is fully deserving of a place in our Best Golf Rangefinder buyer guide for 2023.
Let's get stuck into it:
GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder - Looks
The first thing we noted with the new GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder is just how much lighter it is compared to the former Laser Lite.
It's only some 3g lighter taking it down to 140g, so it's not hugely different, but it's certainly noticeable in your hands.
This has a pro and a negative, which we will come onto in a moment.
We also noted it's much more compact and just all-round much sleeker than last time.
Another improvement to the Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder is an additional bit of tack to the bottom of the device, not just on the top as before.
If you've read some our recent Golf Rangefinder reviews, you will know by now just how much we love a textured area on such products because it makes keeping the rangefinder so much sturdier and stable in comparison to products that don't have this feature on board.
So a big tick here. Double tack at the top and bottom just gives you complete control over the rangefinder, and we love that.
While we loved the GolfBuddy aim Quantum Rangefinder, this was an area that really let it down for us, especially when it costs double the price.
Another improvement with the Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder comes with its stylish case. It's just a whole lot nicer with a Velcro strap, and just gives even more protection to the device than in 2022.
GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder - Performance
The GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder performed really well, just as we expected.
The technological advancements are not crazily different, but you can tell they have been refined.
Of the biggest performance updates, you have a much faster all-round device with the Laser Lite 2 thanks to the brand's ZST Technology.
As we say, it's not a hugely different change but scanning the flag is a quicker process by about a second or two compared to the Laser Lite.
Every little helps in a bid to help speed up the game right?!
Other impressive performance features include a helpful 'Scan' mode to help paint a picture for you as to what lies ahead of you and an updated 'Pin Finder' mode that gives you even greater accuracy to your target line.
The device also vibrates when you're locked in to ensure peace of mind that you've actually located the flag and not that lone tree some 30 yards behind the green!
The product's clever Slope mode is also great when activated as it helps you dial in those yardages on downhill and uphill shots. As we've said before with slope mode activation, it's like having your own personal caddie out there at times. But just remember, you will need to turn off the slope mode when you're in competition otherwise you will be disqualified.
One slight niggle with the Slope mode is that you have to press it down for up to five seconds and that seems to be a lot longer than a number of other rangefinders we have tested this season.
We must admit the GolfBuddy aim Quantum Rangefinder was much more impressive with its Slope mode, especially with its clever red / green light system to notify playing partners which mode you have on out there.
Another technological change comes with its maximum range advancing from 800 yards to 880 yards. Despite not particularly being much of a helpful improvement, it's an improvement nonetheless.
As we touched on before at the top of this review, the product is 3g lighter. This is great, well, because it's lighter to operate. But at the same time, those of you who do play windy links courses more often than not may feel as though you want something a bit heavier to hold on to.
However, as we already say, the double tack at the top and bottom of it does make a big difference in terms of overall stability.
The battery life looks really strong too, which is another big plus.
Should you buy the GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder?
Absolutely, it's a brilliant golf rangefinder, especially for its price.
The GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Rangefinder is definitely an improvement on the original GolfBuddy Laser Lite Rangefinder.
It's lighter, sleeker and much more compact which is a huge plus in itself, but it also has tiny refinements in performance updates that make the extra £40 more than worth it.
If you are in the market for an affordable golf laser rangefinder this season, we would have to put this one right towards the top of your list.
Prefer a golf watch instead? Let us point you in the direction of the very cool GolfBuddy W12 GPS Watch.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
