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Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized laser rangefinder review – Club Junkie Reviews

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The laser rangefinder market is stocked full of models ranging from basic units to full-of-features, high-end yardage finders. With all these options, golfers also have a wide range of prices from under $100 to over $500. While the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized is far from the cheapest, it does offer a lot of options that the cheaper models don’t.

When you get the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized out of the box, you are greeted by a black carrying case that is made from woven black nylon. The case itself is pretty basic with less padding than you might expect at this price point. The latch looks like a standard plastic clip but is actually a magnet for quick opening and closing. I will be honest, it would be nice to get a heavier-duty, more molded case for this $400 laser rangefinder, but it works and clips onto your bag with ease.

The Nikon Coolshot Pro II itself is a smaller profile that fits in your hands comfortably and with a good grip. The rubberized touch points make it easy to hold even with hot, sweaty hands, or in the cold when your hands might be a little numb. While the buttons don’t stand out aggressively, they are easy to find without looking, and once you use the unit for a little bit, they become second nature to press.

Out on the course, the Coolshot is lightweight, and you don’t notice it hanging from your bag even when walking. The 6X magnification is clear and seems to have a slight tint to it that works well on sunny days. The view is still clear and pins are easy to see in overcast conditions. The eyepiece rotates to focus the lens, but once I dialed it in I didn’t feel like I had to do any further adjustment on the course. I could easily see 200-yard shots as easily as 50-yarders. The accuracy is very good, and if you shoot the flag multiple times, you get the same distance every time. Using the Coolshot Pro II to measure the distance to trees, bunkers, or even grass hills was easy and again accurate. I have yet to shoot a target that gave me a reading that looked off or incorrect.

Now the one thing missing from the Coolshot Pro II is a magnetic side to attach to the cart. This isn’t very pleasant, but I spoke with Nikon about it and any magnet on the side of the range finder would interfere with the gyroscope that stabilizes the view. The slope measurements can be turned off and on and are indicated by a small light near the front lenses of the unit. I found the slope to also be pretty accurate, and only found some issues with extreme downhill greens — but a lot of that could be put on the golfer as well!

Nikon’s image stabilization is really what makes this unit stand above a lot of other laser range finders. Originally I thought it was great for those targets over 200 yards, but the more I use it even the shorter distance targets are easier to shoot. 120-150 yard targets can easily, and quickly, be targeted with one hand. No longer do I have to support my right hand with my left to reduce the shake in my arms. Longer par 5s take me half the time compared to other rangefinders as the stable crosshairs slowly move onto the flag. Once you shoot the flag, you get the vibration indicating the laser found the flag. I have also become a big fan of the bright red LCD markings in the scope as they are easier to use in darker conditions or when the background of the green is very wooded.

Overall, I am very impressed with the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized, and it has become the rangefinder I use in my bag. The stabilization just makes it easy to use from any yardage and the clear optics help aim at any target. This may not be the cheapest rangefinder out there, but it is one of the best I have used.

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I have been an employee at GolfWRX since 2016. In that time I have been helping create content on GolfWRX Radio, GolfWRX YouTube, as well as writing for the front page. Self-proclaimed gear junkie who loves all sorts of golf equipment as well as building golf clubs!

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Karsten's Ghost

    Nov 27, 2023 at 4:26 pm

    I have the Bushnell V2, and the wife has this Nikon.

    If mine broke today, I’d be replacing it with the Nikon. One thing I’d add though… the Nikon catches background a little more often than the Bushnell. It happens with both, but it is the one area the Bushnell slightly wins. If you’re getting a new one, regardless of price and even though it’s cheaper, get the Nikon.

  2. Tom54

    Nov 27, 2023 at 11:53 am

    I have one of these rangefinders and love it.. I too was hoping for a magnet on the side but hearing the reason it is omitted I’m ok with it not having one.Several of my buddies have lost theirs when it bounced off anyway so keeping it inside the cart works for me just as well..

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Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (7/10/24): Callaway Ai-Smoke Mini-Driver

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

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From the seller: (@Mclancy94): “Callaway Mini. 13.5”. 43.25”. Denali 60X. $425 shipped.”

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This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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WITB Time Machine: Rickie Fowler’s winning WITB, 2015 Scottish Open

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At the 2015 Scottish Open, Rickie Fowler rolled in three birdie putts in his final four holes to reach 12 under par and beat countryman Matt Kuchar and Raphael Jacquelin of France by a stroke.

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WITB Time Machine is presented by 2nd Swing Golf. 2nd Swing has more than 100,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.

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Whats in the Bag

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  • James Nicholas what’s in the bag accurate as of the ISCO Championship. 

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