Bushnell Tour X rangefinder review

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As a regular user of range finders I was itching to test Bushnell's latest Tour X offering after seeing it at the 2015 PGA show in Orlando, Florida.

Bushnell have been pairing innovation and functionality with excellent build quality for many years and the Tour X has been produced to the same high standards.

My usual Bushnell Pro1M is a larger unit than this one and needs two hands to operate, but the Tour X can be used single-handedly with relatively ease. It’s surprisingly stable - coming in really handy if you have a club or two in one hand and the rangefinder in the other.

The device picks up targets with lightning speed. If you’ve been a user of previous models or use other brands, this becomes apparent almost instantly. The ESP2 technology -  standing for Extreme, Speed, Precision - does live up to its claim.

The Tour X provides yardage faster and more accurately than any other device I’ve previously used. In addition, the Tour X features Pinseeker Jolt Technology. Jargon aside, this is a really smart feature as the unit vibrates when its locks onto a target - reinforcing this target acquisition with an illuminated flag.

In the past I have used my PRO1M to benchmark other rangefinders/GPS devices and the brand’s accuracy has never come into question. In fact, 97% of the field at the 2014 Players Championship used the Bushnell laser.

Bushnell claims that it is accurate to within half a yard from five to 135 yards. The Tour X gives you yards to one decimal place, a feature that Bernhard Langer would surely relish.

The Tour X features Dual Display Technology, allowing the user to easily toggle between bright red or crisp black graphics. I found this especially helpful based on lighting conditions and the function can easily be switched between the two modes via a switch under the eyepiece. 

By far the coolest innovation is the interchangeable faceplate. When the black faceplate is engaged the Tour X conforms to USGA rule 14-3/0.5. This means it is legal for tournament play and for most of us means that we can use it in the Saturday Medal. 

When users switch to the red faceplate, which contains a microchip, the Tour X deploys Slope Technology providing players with adjusted distance readings based on elevation changes. This function is not legal for tournament play. 

I found it super-useful on a practice round at my local course which has lots of elevated greens. For example, a 155yd uphill shot played in real terms to a 173yd shot. Without taking the wind into consideration this for me was a two-club differential. 

The premium case is sturdy and will certainly protect the unit if dropped. It also comes with a handy belay clip so that it can be attached to your golf bag. What I liked most is the elastic loop that secures onto a button, giving you quick access to your rangefinder and means you only have to unzip/zip the case at the start and end of every round. 

Unlike GPS devices, this laser uses a single three-volt 123 battery and therefore regular charging is not necessary. Bushnell do not state how long the battery will last in this device but gauging previous models I've used I would say the battery will easily last two seasons, and I would consider myself a moderate to heavy user.

It is also worth mentioning that Tour X ranges out to 1,300 yards and has 6x magnification. It came in really handy at the Irish Open at Royal County Down. Sitting around a few greens, it was great to get a close up of the players through the crisp optics as they played their approach shots. So having a device like this has other benefits too.

Conclusion

This is not only the best range finder that Bushnell has produced but the best laser rangefinder on the market at present.

However, all these features do come at price. If you are due for an upgrade or looking to purchase your first laser then the Tour X should be at the top of your shopping list. Bushnell products are robust, rainproof and with good care, will last you for many years.

Bear in mind, that to get the best from any laser or GPS device, knowing your own personal yardage gapping between clubs is very important. Think about this purchase as an investment in your golf game as you will undoubtedly save a whole host of shots during its lifetime by knowing exactly how far you need to aim for every shot.

Price: £419