PLAYING WITH … BUSHNELL PRO X2 LASER RANGEFINDER

Cost: $629. Tested by: Jimmy Emanuel, Golf Australia Writer (GA Handicap 9.4)

Bushnell is synonymous with quality rangefinders and the Pro X2 more than lives up to the company’s name and reputation, writes Jimmy Emanuel.

MODEL USED: Bushnell Pro X2 FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Pro X2 is small and compact, especially when compared to my trusted and now seemingly ancient Bushnell Pro 1600 rangefinder. Easily held in one hand, the Pro X2 feels solid due to the waterproof, metal housing.

The hard case is protective and lightweight, with easy access provided by the rope closing system and added security from the zipper.

I was really impressed with the clear display and speed at which the distance was provided. When holding the button and aiming at a target, the distance was on the screen before I could count beyond one. HOW IT PERFORMED: Bushnell is synonymous with quality rangefinders and the Pro X2 more than lives up to the company’s name and reputation. Despite its small size the unit contains every feature you could ever want in a rangefinder.

Accurate to half a yard inside 125 yards, I never once could lay the blame on the Pro X2 for missing a shot short or long. The common feeling that the measured distance is to the tree behind the green not the flag was not a concern, as the ‘Jolt’ vibration confirmed when I was locked onto the flag. Even when holding the button down and scanning across the green, the unit is good enough to find the flag and vibrate in confirmation.

In addition to its most basic, yet important feature of measuring distance, the unit provides the user the ability to change the display quickly and easily to adapt to different visual preferences and light conditions. With the push of a button the display changes from black to a bright red, which is perfect for early morning and late evening. The same button also allows changes in brightness – when using the red display – and unit of measurement, with chopping and changing between them easily done. The new ‘Slope Switch’ is perhaps the most intriguing improvement the company has made in light of a recent change in the Rules of Golf relating to measuring devices. Toggling the switch on the side of the unit allows the factoring in of slope into the total yardage. Slope measurements are not allowed during tournament play, so with the flick of the switch the unit is perfectly competition legal, but with the slope function armed you are able to gain an understanding of just how much the uphill and downhill holes, particularly when practicing at your home course, affect distance.

When using the slope function in testing, I realised the value of the slope measurement and just how bad my own calibrations were at times. I was as much as five metres out in my estimations of slope, more than enough to lead to completely missing a green, hitting the wrong level of a green and potentially the difference in clearing a hazard.

In addition to the quality of the display of yardages, the easily adjusted focus and battery indicator on the screen are nice touches that improve the all-round quality of the unit.

Having been a rangefinder devotee for as long as I can remember, the Bushnell Pro X2 is by far the most complete and impressive rangefinder I have used.