Bushnell has been dominating the golfing market from the start and is the go-to brand for 99% of PGA Tour players.
They have always managed to stay one step ahead of the competition.
In instances where a competitor may have surpassed Bushnell’s previous model, Bushnell revises and improves its product to always remain one step ahead.
In the Bushnell Pro lineup, we saw some awesome rangefinders like the Bushnell Pro rangefinder and Pro X2 but Bushnell wasn’t quite done yet with the surprises.
They came out with the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder claiming that it is the best laser rangefinder for golf on the market.
Today, we will explore that claim and discover the truth for ourselves in this Bushnell Pro XE review.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder review
- Range: 1,300 yards
- Magnification: 7x
- Weight: 20.48 oz
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is a sleek, modern and compact rangefinder loaded with the latest state of the art technology.
It is for use by both professionals and beginners alike and is USGA approved for tournaments.
The Pro XE can help to improve your range skills with Bushnell’s patented slope technology, Element Compensation, built-in backlight display, and a wide array of advanced functions.
Let us discuss some of its notable features and how they can help you when golfing.
Notable features on the Bushnell Pro XE
Pinseeker Technology
Pinseeker with Visual Jolt is Bushnell’s way of making the Pro XE easier to use and save time.
As with previous models, the Pinseeker technology delivers quick and accurate readings.
Unlike some of the less expensive brands, the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder gives the same reading every time so no need to keep ranging the same object over and over.
This way you can be confident of your readings whether it’s distances to bunkers, flags, hazards, or whatever you need the accurate distances to.
Visual Jolt Technology
Just when you think there is no better way to improve their Jolt Technology, Bushnell gives us Visual Jolt.
This new technology allows the rangefinder to flash a red ring as the rangefinder vibrates to let you know that you have successfully locked onto your target.
This helps in instances where the Jolt does not activate, the red light flashes instead and you know you’re locked onto the pin.
This also saves time and lets you focus more on your shot instead of measuring distances more than once.
Slope with Elements
The feature that puts Bushnell way ahead of its competitors is the Slope with Elements.
This feature also makes users glad they invested since the Pro XE isn’t exactly cheap.
As you know the slope features adjust distances based on inclines and declines in the course to give you accurate distances to the target.
However, Slope with Elements not only compensates for slopes in the terrain but also factors in temperature and barometric pressure.
In other words, this rangefinder takes the line of sight distance and then adds or subtracts yardage for temperature, pressure, and slope to give you true “play as” distances.
You can now get the most accurate compensated distances ever.
This high-tech feature is by far the best you can find in a golf rangefinder.
Tournament Legal
While the Slope with Elements is a nice feature on the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder, it does not comply with USGA regulations.
However, Bushnell was already on top of that and has a switch to turn off the Slope with Elements feature rendering the rangefinder tournament legal.
You can find the switch at the side of the rangefinder as it is built into the logo.
To toggle back and forth between the elements reading, use the mode button located at the top of the device.
Optics
If you’ve ever had the chance to use a Bushnell rangefinder then you know that their optic system is second to none.
They have some of the brightest and clearest lenses you will ever come across.
The Bushnell Pro XE optics system offers crystal clear views and can even be compared to looking through a pair of high-end binoculars.
The 25mm objective lens makes it easier to accurately see and aim at the target.
The lenses are fully multi-coated as well for use in various lighting conditions.
Ranging Distance
The Bushnell XE can range objects from 5-1300 yards.
It can accurately measure up to 500+ yards to the flag with +- 1 yard.
The field of view is 300ft at 1000 yards.
Magnification
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder offers 7x magnification which makes focusing on your target that much quicker and easier.
It also gives you the option of ranging objects in the far distance and is much appreciated by those with less than perfect eyesight.
Display
The Bushnell XE features an Ultra-Enhanced Backlight Display so you can use your rangefinder even in the sunniest of locations.
It includes a dual display that includes both black and red so you can read your measurements and navigate your screen if the lighting is less than ideal.
The Pro XE also has an adjustable eyepiece with +/- 3.5 Diopter Adjustment to help focus on targets better
Just rotate the eyepiece until the display is in focus and fire the laser to get your accurate measurements.
It is safe to say that this display feature is a step above all other Bushnell models as well as competitors.
Design
Bushnell XE comes wrapped in a metal housing with rubberized details and is fully waterproof.
It grips nicely in hand and has some heft to it that allows you to grasp firmly.
However, some users have complained that it is a bit too big for their small hands.
The outer shell can also withstand several accidental drops without damaging the rangefinders or impacting the functions in any way.
Use it in rain as well without causing any damage since the Bushnell XE is rated IPX7 which means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
That being said, do not submerge your device, this only serves as a guide in the case of accidental drops in any water near or around the golf course.
Bite Magnetic Mount
Alongside the outstanding feature of Slope with EL\lements is the next best notable feature of the Bushnell Pro XE.
The Bite Magnetic Mount is a built-in magnet at the side of the unit which allows you to attach the rangefinder to any compatible surface.
Attach it to your cart for easy handling and grabbing it within hand reach instead of hanging it on your neck or opening or closing a pouch.
While integrating the magnet adds a bit more to the weight of the rangefinder, it has made a huge difference and most users are loving it.
Battery
The Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is powered by a CR-2 3-Volt Lithium battery.
This battery is included in the purchase as well as a case for protection of the unit when it is not in use.
To insert the battery, simply lift the battery cover tab and rotate the battery cover counterclockwise until it becomes loose.
Lift the cover off and set aside.
If you find that your battery is not in your package, then it may have been pre-installed.
However, your rangefinder will not power on until you activate the battery.
To activate the battery, follow the steps mentioned above to remove the battery cover.
Once the cover is removed, you should see your CR-2 battery with a red plastic protective disk.
Remove the protective disk and you would have activated your new battery.
Bushnell recommended replacing the battery every 6 months.
- Slope with elements
- Pin seeker with visual JOLT technology
- Built in bite magnetic cart mount
Bushnell XE Pros
Pinseeker with Visual Jolt
Pinseeker with Visual Jolt is a powerful combination that alerts you when you are locked onto your target by vibrating and flashing a red halo type ring in the display.
The two also guarantee accuracy every time you use the rangefinder.
Slope with Elements
A first and much welcomed high tech feature in the Pro XE is the Slope with Elements.
This feature gives you true “play as” distance by factoring in slope, temperature, and barometric pressure.
Tournament Legal
Although equipped with Slope technology, the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder is tournament legal.
All you need to do is switch the Slope function off by toggling the switch built into the logo at the side of the unit.
Ultra-Enhanced Backlight Display
With a dual display (LED and LCD) featuring both red and black markings.
This makes reading the display screen easy even if you are in a sunny location.
Great Optic System
Get crystal clear views with the multicoated lenses of the Bushnell XE.
Range out to distances from 5-1300 yards at 7x magnification.
Design
Constructed from metal and protected by rubber armor the Bushnell Pro XE is easy to grip and is fully waterproof for use in inclement weather.
It also has a built-in magnet on its side that allows the rangefinder to easily attach to any metal part of your golf cart.
Bushnell XE Cons
Too large
Some users are not too happy with the size of the Bushnell XE especially those with smaller hands.
These users also complained that it is a bit heavier than others and again comfortably gripping the rangefinder was an issue.
Price
As stated earlier in the article, the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder does not come cheap.
However, those who have purchased the unit said it is worth the money because of its awesome features.
Bushnell Pro XE vs Bushnell Pro X2
We’ve decided to match the Bushnell Pro XE against its predecessor the Bushnell Pro X2.
This way we can see how Bushnell thinks and implements features into their rangefinders that keep them one step ahead of competitors.
Just like the Bushnell Pro XE, the Bushnell Pro X2 ranges from 5 -1300 yards.
The difference here is that the Pro X2 measures accurately up to 450 yards to the flag while the Pro XE can accurately measure up to 500 yards to the flag.
Another similarity between the two is that they are equipped with Bushnell Dual Display Technology.
This Bushnell Dual Display Technology allows you to toggle between a LED and LCD screen with just the touch of a button for use in various lighting conditions.
In sunny conditions use the black display and in the latter part of the afternoon or if the skies are overcast switch to the vivid red display.
For optics, the Pro XE 25 mm lenses provide clearer and sharper images when compared to the Pro X2 21 mm lenses.
However, the lenses on both are fully multicoated for optimal performance.
They are both fully waterproof (IPX7 rating), sturdily built for use in rain or snow, and can survive a few accidental drops.
The Pro XE and Pro X2 both come with Jolt technology that vibrates to alert the user when they are locked onto a target.
However, the Pro XE comes with Visual Jolt which flashes a red ring in the display while it vibrates.
The Bushnell Pro XE is also outfitted with a built-in magnet that allows it to attach easily to the metal bar of your golf cart while the Bushnell Pro X2 does not integrate any mounting options.
Next up is the Slope Technology of the Pro X2 rangefinder which gives you compensated distance based on the inclines and declines in the course.
On the other hand, the Pro XE can compensate for slope as well but also factors in temperature and altitude to give you true “play as” distance.
The Slope technology in both these models can be turned off with just the flip of a switch to make them both compliant with USGA regulations for tournament use.
The Bushnell Pro X2 comes with 6x magnification while the Pro XE comes with a higher magnification power of 7x that allows you to focus on your target faster and easier.
Where the Bushnell Pro X2 beats the Bushnell Pro XE is in the pricing and its ability to range better for distances up to 125 yards.
The Pro X2 is cheaper than the Pro XE but that isn’t to say that the Pro X2 is cheap.
All of Bushnell’s rangefinders are mostly in the higher price range due to the use of outstanding technologies and optics.
For distances up to 125 yards, the Pro X2 is accurate to a ½ yard while the Pro XE is accurate to only 1 yard.
All in all, when you put these two together they are both powerful units from Bushnell but in terms of features and optics, the Pro XE came out on top.
For more on the Bushnell Pro X2, check out our Bushnell Pro X2 review.
Final Verdict: Bushnell Pro XE review
Bushnell has outdone themselves with this feature-rich unit that comes with amazing technologies that cannot be found on any other rangefinder.
From Visual Jolt to the Slope with Elements to the Bite Magnetic Mount, the Bushnell XE is ideal for anyone looking to improve their accuracy and playing on different terrains.
It can also be used in tournaments but simply toggling the Slope with Elements function off.
What is more, is the ability to use the Pro XE in places where the weather is unpredictable due to its waterproof metal housing and Dual Display Technology.
In the end, if you can afford it, definitely grab yourself the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder and take advantage of its high tech features.
If the Pro XE is too expensive for you check out these best golf rangefinders or these best Bushnell rangefinders.
Rangefinder
Features
Price