Thread: 'Golf' rangefinders any good?

Looking at getting a rangefinder. Not looking to break the bank and don't need anything too high spec. Would be shooting out to 400yd max with .270 and a 3.5-10 vx3.
Ideally a cheap second hand one would be best but if I went new, would one of the 'golf' ones online be any good? They seem a hell of a lot cheaper than hunting ones but I suppose there's a reason for that...
One of these would be ideal but don't want to drop $600 https://broncos.co.nz/optics-and-sig...er-rangefinder

What are peoples thoughts? Or does anyone have a spare/older one kicking round? Cheers

For 400y just grab one of these: Model=SW-1000A https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...d=dy3Lv2Ro0n6w

Used one for ages, never failed and regularly ranged past 650m. Range is consistent with my Delta rangefinder binos.

Bloody hell
15 years ago that would have been 2k to buy
Amazing how technology is changing the way we shoot.

Lots of hunters using the SNDWAY. Got one myself. Works well. I keep it in zip lock bag when not in use.
I suspect many of the golf shop and lower end 'hunting' ones are SNDWAY with a new sticker and the price lifted 50% - 300% ;-)

Had a golf one for years with no issues except for a slightly dull viewfinder. It will range accurately to just over 1000 metres and has bright orange panels that help you find it in long grass.

Looks like SNDWAY is the way to go, will have to put an order through

I use a "GolfBuddy" range finder for hunting and have done so for the last 3 years. They are exactly the same as a model branded for hunting. I would suggest staying away from the real cheapies, I have looked through a cheap version and the image was horrible. Its the old story, you get what you pay for.

@jpurdon, I second (or third) the SNDWAY. I have the 1000A as well and is plenty useful and accurate. Have dropped it, bashed it against the quad etc. and still works great

+1 for the sndway. I got one a while back to get me through until i could get a "good" one. 4 years on i cant justify the upgrade. Ranges within a couple meters to my mates leupold at less than a 5th of the price.

Did you guys from Ali Express? Obviously there are multiple sellers on there too so just go with this one with the most/best reviews? Looks like they are on trademe from a dealer too for about $180. Could be worth paying the extra to avoid any mishaps via Ali. Thoughts?

Just buy from Aliexpress it'll be fine.

Don't discount Amazon. I got a Bushnell for significantly cheaper through them.

Also overspecing your rangefinder is good. Max ranges are based on reflective targets and animals will be significantly less. For example the Bushnell 1300's quote a max range of 1300yd, but only 600yd on deer. Max range will potentially decrease as the battery flattens too.

If you can afford it angle measurement/horizontal range is a very useful feature.

Amazon, Aliexpess and Temu all have great shipping to NZ now, there is n need to buy off trademe at marked up prices. Temu offers Afterpay which is good.

If you are buying from Aliexpress make sure you check the shipping because it can be free and take 2 weeks, or the shipping cost could be $1.50 to ship within a week, check multiple sellers and shipping options.

Anytime something hasn't arrived or got lost which is very rare, you get a full refund.

Originally Posted by PadLo

Amazon, Aliexpess and Temu all have great shipping to NZ now, there is n need to buy off trademe at marked up prices. Temu offers Afterpay which is good.

If you are buying from Aliexpress make sure you check the shipping because it can be free and take 2 weeks, or the shipping cost could be $1.50 to ship within a week, check multiple sellers and shipping options.

Anytime something hasn't arrived or got lost which is very rare, you get a full refund.

Just used Temu for the first time. Tried with a lowish value purchase (tin signs) as a test. 5 days to my RD letter box and free shipping.
I think there was a minimum order 30 buck IIRC.

I use a no name cheap Chinese golf range finder, seems to work great. Don't get a Leupold, mate blew a $1k on one . Two years later the LCD display shit itself . He may have used it 4 times , out of warranty .... in the bin.