Those who golf rely on their rangefinders to accurately measure the distance to target in order to improve their scores.
This is why golfers are always on the lookout for the best rangefinder on the market.
So how can you tell which is the best rangefinder on the market when there are so many options out there?
This is the very reason we exist, to help you by recommending and reviewing some of the best rangefinders out there.
In this post, we turn our attention to the Bushnell Medalist laser rangefinder.
Bushnell is a major manufacturer of sporting optics and outdoor products.
The company is famous for its products that are made from durable materials and their ability to perform out in the field using the latest technologies.
Bushnell has even combined two of the greatest technologies(GPS and laser) to bring you a hybrid rangefinder.
Read up on GPS rangefinders in this golf GPS rangefinders reviews article.
Without further delay, let’s get to this Bushnell Medalist laser rangefinder review.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Bushnell Medalist laser rangefinder review
- Range: 1000 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight: 9 oz
The Bushnell Medalist laser rangefinder is a compact and powerful rangefinder that guarantees accuracy and consistency on the golf course.
With PinSeeker technology, 4x magnification, and other highly functional features, this rangefinder is great for professionals and beginners alike.
What makes it better is the fact that this rangefinder meets USGA criteria and is legal for tournament play.
What is more, is the tripod mount that is molded to the bottom of the rangefinder for hassle-free mounting.
Bushnell ups the value by throwing in a 2-year warranty to entice buyers to get this affordable rangefinder on the market.
For other affordable rangefinders, jump to the best rangefinder under 150.
Bushnell Medalist rangefinder specifications
Portability
One of the main factors when choosing a rangefinder is to ensure that you do not add too much weight or bulk to your golf kit.
Rangefinders are a great tool to have and you want it to be close by so you can get your hands on it when you need it.
The Bushnell Medalist Rangefinder is lightweight and weighs just 9 oz with its battery inserted.
This small and compact rangefinder measures 5 x 1.7 x 3.8 inches and can be carried easily.
Construction
The body of the Bushnell Medalist features an excellent design with a rubberized handgrip that stops the rangefinder from slipping from hands due to excess moisture.
The Medalist framework is insulated with aluminum, which is highly durable and tough enough to endure the rough conditions on the golf course.
Battery
The Bushnell Medalist golf rangefinder uses a single lightweight 9v battery.
Although the battery is lightweight, it is very durable and can power the rangefinder for a long time.
9v batteries are common and are used in walkie-talkies, clocks, and other everyday items which makes them easy to find should you need to replace the rangefinder’s battery.
It never hurts to keep a spare in your pocket in case your rangefinder runs out of power.
Replacing the battery is easy with some users saying the cover to the battery compartment is too loose and slides off resulting in many users losing the cover.
Display
The Bushnell Medalist uses a through-the-lens LCD display to show the information gathered by the rangefinder.
It boasts a 20mm objective lens and presents all the information in a clean and uncluttered layout.
The multicoated lenses allow you to obtain superior resolution when ranging targets near and far in less than ideal lighting conditions.
4X magnification
Rangefinders featuring 4x magnification or higher are going to be beneficial to you especially if your eyesight is less than perfect.
The Bushnell Medalist golf rangefinder comes with 4x magnification to range targets better at a distance.
This 4x monocular also keeps the view steady so shaky hands are not a problem.
PinSeeker Technology
PinSeeker TechnologyThe most loved feature of the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder is the use of PinSeeker technology.
PinSeeker technology acquires distances to the flagstick without capturing background targets like grass or trees.
In the event one or more targets are acquired, the target that is closest to you is shown on the LCD screen.
Ranging distance
The Bushnell Medalist ranging distance is exceptional with the max range of 1000 yards.
Most golf shots may be out to 500 yards max so this rangefinder is more than adequate for this purpose.
In PinSeeker Mode, you can range up to 250 yards with consistency and accuracy and without the use of reflectors.
With the ability to range at 1000 yards, some users tried their luck testing the rangefinder when going hunting.
Although the Bushnell takes a while to calculate the distance to the target at extreme distances, it still delivers accurate results.
You can check out additional golfing and hunting rangefinder in the best rangefinder under 150.
Accuracy
Golf is a game that is heavily dependent on accuracy.
Accuracy is the key factor in making your shots and becoming a pro at this sport.
The Bushnell Medalist laser rangefinder is the perfect tool for outstanding accuracy.
It measures the distance to targets without any mistakes.
It even shows distances to the fraction to ensure you get the most accurate measurements with a powerful laser beam.
Most times the calculations are done in mere seconds but as we mentioned before targets to longer distance take some time.
Targeting Modes
The Bushnell Medalist rangefinder comes with 4 Modes that consider almost everything and will become every golfer’s best friend.
To change between Modes, quickly press and release the Mode button.
The Modes available as well as the indicator can be seen on the bottom of the LCD screen.
After shutting off, the rangefinder powers on with the last mode used.
Scan mode
Scan mode allows you to pan across the landscape and measure targets continuously while updating the distances to targets on the LCD display.
Rain Mode
The weather is unpredictable at times and it can go from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes.
However, the game does not have to come to a halt in the event of some light rains since the Bushnell Medalist is outfitted with a Rain mode.
Rain Mode guarantees accurate measurements in the rain, fog, and even a bit of snow.
Reflector Mode
Reflector mode is helpful when measuring reflective targets at long distances.
This ensures you get accurate measurements when measuring targets at the maximum distance of 1000 yards for this rangefinder.
PinSeeker Mode
PinSeeker Mode is used to accurately measure the distance to the target so you make your shot every time.
It locks on to flagsticks and gives you the accurate distance and blocks out background targets.
Laser Class
The Bushnell Medalist uses an invisible, eye-safe Class 1 Laser beam.
Class 1 lasers are safe and will not cause harm to the eyes.
The laser bounces off the distant objects with just one touch of a button.
After this, the high-speed digital clock in the rangefinder measures the time it takes for the beam to reach the target and return to the unit.
This process takes less than a nanosecond to deliver your accurate measurements.
Ease of Use
The Bushnell Medalist golf rangefinder is easy to use with just two buttons(Power and Mode) which allows for one-handed use.
Simply point, press the button and that’s it.
Within a matter of seconds, your measurement is available on the LCD screen.
A few users experienced a bit of difficulty in PinSeeker Mode but were able to figure it out after a few uses.
- Laser rangefinder with built-in PinSeeker technology for determining golf ranges
- Calculates distance to pin or objects on the course within plus-or-minus 1 meter
- Easy-to-read, in-view LCD display shows range in your choice of yards or meters
Pros of the Bushnell Medalist
PinSeeker technology
The use of PinSeeker technology is by far the most beneficial feature of this rangefinder.
Due to this technology, it is possible to measure distant targets accurately.
Accuracy
The Bushnell medalist provides accurate measure down to the fraction so you never miss your shot
Ease of Use
The Bushnell Medalist rangefinder measures the distance to the target with the touch of a button.
This rangefinder is very practical and easy to use anywhere, anytime.
Value for money
This rangefinder is one of the most affordable options on the market and also comes with a 2 years warranty for a value that cannot be beaten.
Rain Mode
Don’t let the rain stop you as the Bushnell Medalist comes with Rain Mode to tackle rain, fog, and even some light snow.
Cons of the Bushnell Medalist
Takes longer to calculate at long distances
When ranging long distances, the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder takes more than a few seconds to calculate the distance to the target.
Faulty battery cover
Battery cover slides off easily and sometimes without the user being aware which results in loss of cover.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bushnell Medalist golf rangefinder
1. What are the dark spots in my Bushnell Medalist viewfinder?
Small dark spots that appear in the viewfinder are a natural characteristic of the LCD.
This is why it is not possible to eliminate all of the dark spots.
These few dark spots, however, do not compromise the functions of this rangefinder.
2. Does the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder vibrate when seeking the pin?
Unfortunately, it does not vibrate.
If you want a rangefinder that vibrates check out this Bushnell Tour V3 Rangefinder Review.
3. How do I change between the units of measurement on the Bushnell Medalist?
To change the units of measurement, quickly press and release the Power button on the top of the rangefinder to power it on.
Look through the eyepiece, you can find the unit of measure indicator on the lower right side of the screen.
Press the Mode button for 5 seconds which will change from M to Y if you want measurements in Yards instead of Meters and likewise if it’s the reverse.
The rangefinder maintains the last unit of measurement that was set when you last used it so there is no need for a constant reset.
Top Bushnell Medalist rangefinder competitors
The Bushnell Medalist Rangefinder is an affordable and great option since it is legal for tournament play.
However, if you aren’t sure if you want this model or not, we took a look at some rangefinders that are similar to the Medalist rangefinder.
Bushnell Tour V3 Slope Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1000 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight: 6.6 oz
Like the Bushnell Medalist, the Bushnell Tour V3 laser rangefinder can range distances up to 1000 yards.
It is easy to use and provides a single hand vertical operation.
The body is sturdy and ergonomically built so that it can fit easily in your hands without slipping.
Equipped with PinSeeker technology it offers the same accurate measurement as the Bushnell Medalist.
However, the Bushnell Tour V3 vibrates when it locks on to a flag using Jolt technology.
The golfer is alerted by short vibrating bursts to let him know that PinSeeker is activated and the laser is locked on to the flag.
Another feature that cannot be found on the Bushnell Medalist that is found on the V3 is Slope technology.
Slope technology compensates for distance based on the incline or decline in the landscape.
The compensated range is based on the ball trajectory and type of club used.
The Bushnell Tour V3 also comes with 5x magnification compared to the 4x of the Bushnell Medalist.
While the Bushnell Tour V3 comes with these additional features, it also comes at a higher price than the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder and is not suitable for tournament play.
In the end, the Bushnell Medalist is the best choice over the Bushnell Tour V3 in cases where you play on courses where slope technology is not required.
With the Bushnell Medalist, you won’t have to buy another rangefinder to play in tournaments thus saving you more money.
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder
- Range: 540 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.53 oz
Tectectec VPRO500 rangefinder is probably one of the best and most popular golfing rangefinders out there.
The VPRO500 delivers accurate measurements right down to the decimal in the blink of an eye much like the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder.
It is built to last, lightweight, and ergonomically designed to sit well in hands just like the Bushnell Medalist.
It features a Target Lock Technology which is very similar to the PinSeeker technology found in the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder.
Background objects are filtered out and you can even measure distances to overlapping targets even if your hands are shaky.
The differences between the Tectectec VPRO500 and the Bushnell Medalist is the magnification, rotating eyepiece, and price.
The magnification on the VPRO500 is 6x which is 2x more than the Bushnell Medalist.
The rotating eyepiece adjusts to focus better so those who are near-sighted or far-sighted can have a better view.
The VPRO500 costs a bit more than the Bushnell Medalist rangefinder which means the Bushnell Medalist is still the best value for money.
For an in-depth look at this rangefinder, head over to the TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder Review.
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Bushnell Medalist review: Final thoughts
In our Bushnell Medalist review, we have found that this rangefinder is a great choice for someone who is looking for an affordable rangefinder that gives you accurate measurements.
Bushnell crushed it as we expect they would with this Medalist Rangefinder.
After all, they have some of the best rangefinders in the market and this one is no less.
Although it does not come with a wide array of features, it is enough to get the job done and is legal for tournament play.If you are not satisfied that this is the rangefinder for you, have a look at our choices for the best golf rangefinders.