Best Golf Rangefinder 2012

At the end of the year, here were our top picks for “Best Golf Rangefinder 2012″. These are tried and true laser and GPS golf rangefinders, but be sure to also check out our current Best Golf Rangefinder picks.

Below is a list of our favorites in each category based on performance, price and customer reviews. If you know your category, start here or check out Laser and GPS Selection Tools. If you're not sure of your category, take a look at our Laser Golf Rangefinder vs GPS article or our quick and easy Buyer’s Guide.

Best Overall

1. Bushnell Hybrid – Read Full Review
   If you want the best of both worlds (GPS & Laser), here it is. If you can remember to charge it every few rounds, this is the ticket!

Best LASER Golf Rangefinder

1. Callaway Diablo Octane – Read Full Review
   The price has dropped on Callaway's newest laser rangefinder and the early ratings are terrific.
2. Leupold GX-1 – Read Full Review
   Great price on a highly rated laser rangefinder.
3. Bushnell Tour Z6 – Read Full Review
   New in 2012, Bushnell's new Z6 is fast and easy to read.

Best LASER with Slope

1. Bushnell Pro 1600 with Slope – Read Full Review
   With the recent price drop, we give the edge to the tried and true Bushnell 1600.
2. Leupold GX-2 – Read Full Review
   For price and features, we think this is an excellent value. Since you're breaking the rules anyway, you might as well get the extra bells and whistles offered only by Leupold.

Best GPS Golf Rangefinder:
(Full-featured: Yardages + Hole View Graphics)

1. Garmin Approach G6 – Read Full Review
   Pre-loaded with 25,000 golf courses. No annual fees and excellent user reviews.
2. Garmin Approach G5 – Read Full Review
   If you are looking for something more budget-friendly, the G5 is a good choice. Not as many courses at the G6 and quite a bit larger. Our top pick for a full-featured golf GPS.

Best GPS Golf Rangefinder:
(Basic: Yardages/Numbers Only)

1. Golf Buddy Voice – Read Full Review
   Small and simple, but the ratings are outstanding!
2. Garmin S1 GPS Golf Watch – Read Full Review
   The ultimate in convenience – GPS on a wrist watch!
3. Bushnell neo+ – Read Full Review
   May be all you need in a GPS. No fancy graphics, but plenty of information.

New in 2012

2012 LASER Rangefinders

1. Callaway RAZR Laser - Read Preview
   Picks up yardages even faster and more accurately than previous Callaway rangefinders and has adjustable backlight settings.
2. Laser Link Switch - Read Preview
   Laser Link's newest laser rangefinder may finally be the answer for players who want to use laser, but have trouble holding it steady.
3. Leupold GX-4i – Read Preview
   Laser rangefinder with slope. Picks up yardages even faster and more accurately than its predecessor.
4. Leupold GX-3i - Read Preview
   Picks up yardages even faster and more accurately than its predecessor
5. Bushnell Tour Z6 - Read Preview
   Faster, easier to read Vivid Display Indicators, 6x magnifcation and improved battery life.
6. Bushnell Pro 1M – Read Preview
   7x magnifcation, easy to read Vivid Display indicators and improved battery life.

2012 Golf GPS Rangefinders

1. Golf Buddy Platinum – Read Preview
   Golf Buddy tries to make some minor improvements to previous models.
2. SkyCaddie BREEZE – Read Preview
   Big, bright display, but still some typical and new SkyCaddie drawbacks.
3. Izzo Swami Watch – Read Preview
   The lowest price we've seen in a golf GPS watch.
4. Izzo Swami 4000 – Read Preview
   Big, bright display with front, middle and back yardages at a very low price point!
5. Callaway uPro MX+ – Read Preview
   Like previous models, the new Callaway golf GPS just doesn seem to measure up.
6. Garmin Approach S3 Golf Watch – Read Preview
   Garmin has an answer to its new competitors. This year's golf watch offers several more features than its predecessor. It's definitely more expensive, but Garmin's reputation and experience have to be worth something.
7. Garmin Approach G6 – Read Preview
   Pre-loaded with more courses, smaller and lighter with longer battery life than its predecessor.
8. Expresso WR62 Golf Watch – Read Preview
   If this lives up to its promise, it will replace the Garmin S1 golf watch as the leader in Basic GPS models.
9. Expresso AG50 Navigation and Golf Watch Combo – Read Preview
   A reasonably priced multi-function device that will help you navigate your way to the golf course and then give you distances to front-middle-back and hazards. It can also be used as a media player.
10. Golf Buddy Voice – Read Preview
    Golf Buddy puts its huge database of golf courses into the smallest golf GPS we've seen. This basic unit provides voice and on-screen distances to the front, middle and back of every green. The reviews are excellent!
11. MOTOACTV Golf Watch – Read Preview
    If you're a multi-sport athlete, this may be the golf watch for you. It boasts plenty of features for golf, as well as other sports.
12. Bushnell neo+ Golf Watch – Read Preview
    Similar to the Garmin S1, but with longer battery life.