If you have shaky hands, getting accurate distance measurements with a standard golf rangefinder can be difficult. There are specialized rangefinders built for players with shaky hands. Unfortunately, not all devices in this category provide the ‘enhanced stability features’ they advertise.
I reviewed a few top recommendations on the market, particularly those that prioritize vibrations, offer better grip options, and use advanced stabilization technology. These five devices stood out from the rest.
Here’s a list of the best rangefinders for shaky hands and why I recommend them:
- Best Overall: Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized
- Best feature-rich: Bushnell Tour V4
- Best value for money: Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Pro
- Best for maneuverability: Callaway EZ Laser Golf Rangefinder
- Best premium pick: Bushnell V5 Shift
I don’t struggle with golf rangers. I’ve had no issues using the Gogogo Sports Vpro for a while. However, when I planned to gift my father a rangefinder, I needed to be intentional about stability features. He’s a 70+-year-old amateur golfer who would seriously appreciate models that help with shaky hands.
Though expensive, the Nikon Coolshot ProII did the trick, and it has been his favorite. If you’re in a similar situation, I strongly recommend you prioritize the factors I took into consideration:
- A reliable built-in stabilization technique
- Comfortable in your hands
- Flag Lock technology
- Quick and precise measurements
All the devices I’ve ranked in this review excel in the above areas. However, you still have to pick one, right? I’ve provided a table below comparing these top recommendations across relevant factors to help you make a decision quicker, in case you’re in a hurry:
| Model | Weight | Magnification | Slope Switch | Stabilization Technology | Price |
| Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized | 180g | 6x | Yes | Hyperread technology | $400 |
| Bushnell Tour V4 | 340g | 5x | Yes | jolt Technology | $215 |
| Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Pro | 308g | 6x | Yes | Optic Focus System | $200 |
| Callaway EZ Laser | – | 5x | No | The built-in hand support strap minimizes shaking. | $300 |
| Bushnell V5 Shift | 320g | 6x | Yes | PinSeeker with Visual JOLT technology | $320 |
I encourage you to read about how each of these devices performs and why they work well for players with shaky hands. This can further help you decide the best pick for your situation.
1. Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized: Best Overall
Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized
$500
- Perfect accuracy, including a vibrational pin lock and multi-target mode.
- Voted the best golf rangefinder in 2018 for golfers with shaky hands.
- Red OLED display for easy reading against the green golf course backdrop.
- Waterproof for all-weather use.
Nikon’s decades of expertise in stabilization technology truly shine in this rangefinder. This is a dream gadget, from perfect accuracy and a vibrational pin lock to a multi-target mod and an adjustable display! Plus, it’s waterproof.
Its white casing with cool blue accents looks stylish, rugged, and waterproof, ideal for those rainy golf days.
What sets this rangefinder apart is its award-winning stabilization technology, which ensures precision in yardage measurements, regardless of hand stability. It was voted the best golf rangefinder in 2018 for golfers with shaky hands.
The red OLED display is easily read against the green golf course backdrop. The slope toggle is convenient and tournament-legal when turned off. Plus, it comes with a microfiber towel and an extra battery for uninterrupted play.
What I like about this rangefinder
- It’s simply the perfect product for golfers with shaky hands.
- Easily turn Slope on or off.
- Image stabilization and laser stabilization
- Sleek design.
What I don’t like about this rangefinder
- Expensive
2. Bushnell Tour V4: Best feature-rich rangefinder
Bushnell Tour V4
$215
- Precision powerhouse with laser accuracy within half a yard.
- Impressive 1000-yard range with the ability to lock onto flags within 400 yards.
- Accuracy within just one yard, making it a favorite among PGA Tour players.
- Jolt technology for flag locking, ensuring precise measurements.
This rangefinder is a precision powerhouse with laser accuracy within half a yard and Jolt technology for flag locking. It’s your perfect companion if shaky hands have been holding you back.
With a 1000-yard range and the ability to lock onto flags within 400 yards, it’s impressively accurate, differing by just one yard. No wonder it’s a favorite among PGA Tour players, providing speedy and precise readings. The ergonomic case is comfortable, though some might find it much bulkier than newer models.
What I like about this rangefinder
- A favorite for many pro players
- Flag acquisition and lock technology
- Fast and accurate.
What I don’t like about this rangefinder
- A bit older version
- It can be better in terms of lightweight.
- Not budget-friendly
3. Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Pro: Best value for money rangefinder
Blue Tees Golf Series 2 Pro
$200
- Top-tier model in the Series 2 lineup, known for its excellent performance.
- HD display with an adjustable optical focus system for crystal-clear visuals up to 800 yards.
- Enhanced flag-lock feature for easy targeting of pins.
- Tournament legal when the slope feature is turned off.
This rangefinder is the top-tier model in the Series 2 lineup and truly lives up to its reputation.
One of the standout features is the HD display with an adjustable optical focus system. It provides crystal-clear visuals up to 800 yards, ensuring you never miss a detail on the course. Plus, the enhanced flag-lock feature makes targeting pins a breeze.
Its slope switch technology sets the Series 2 Pro+ apart, which accurately adjusts distances, factoring in hills and slopes for precise club selection. The best part is that you can easily turn off this feature for tournament play, ensuring compliance with the rules.
Another noteworthy aspect is its durability. This rangefinder is built to withstand rain and dew, making it ideal for all-weather golfing.
With its HD display, advanced slope switch technology, and weather-resistant build, it’s a true value for money if you’re looking for a less expensive but premium rangefinder for shaky hands.
What I like about this rangefinder
- Good Value
- Pulse Vibration Lock
- Tournament Legal
- Advanced Optics
What I don’t like about this rangefinder
- It takes a second to hit the flag, but it is pretty accurate.
- Water-resistant but not waterproof
- The lightweight nature of this rangefinder makes it feel a little flimsy.
4. Callaway EZ Laser: Best for maneuverability
Callaway EZ Laser
$300
- EZ Mode for effortless flagstick locking with a simple button press.
- Impressive Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T.) for targeting the pin up to 275 yards away.
- 5X magnification ranging from 5-800 yards.
- Remarkably accurate measurements within +/- 1 yard.
The EZ Mode, activated with a simple button press, effortlessly locks onto the flagstick for precise distances. Its Pin Acquisition Technology (P.A.T.) is impressive, allowing you to target the pin up to 275 yards away. The Magnahold feature, with integrated magnets, makes it a breeze to attach to golf carts.
What I love most is the exterior LCD, which confirms the internal distance reading, and the 5X magnification ranging between 5-800 yards. It’s remarkably accurate (+/- 1 yard) and has a built-in hand support strap that minimizes shakiness. Being water and fog-resistant adds to its appeal.
If you’re a senior golfer who often walks the course, you’ll appreciate its user-friendly design that doesn’t falter with shaky hands. The display size is excellent, but I did notice it struggled a bit in heavy fog on the first fairway.
Overall, I highly recommend the Callaway EZ Laser for its ease of use and impressive features.
What I like about this rangefinder
- Easy to use
- Magna holds great
- A lightweight rangefinder
- The built-in hand support strap minimizes shaking.
What I don’t like about this rangefinder
- None so far.
5. Bushnell V5 Shift: Best Premium Pick
Bushnell V5 Shift
$320
- PGA Tour adoption and trust from over 99% of professional golfers.
- Exceptional display with crystal-clear visibility up to 1,200 yards.
- 6x magnification, 21mm objective lens diameter, and 16mm eye relief for precise targeting.
- Wide range of 5–1,300 yards and an accuracy of 1 yard.
This device is the cream of the crop, boasting top-notch features, precision, and even PGA Tour adoption. More than 99% of professional golfers trust Bushnell.
The standout features include a slope-off indicator for tournament play, pinseeker and jolt technology for effortless flag-locking, and an exceptional display offering crystal-clear visibility up to 1,200 yards. With 6x magnification, a 21mm objective lens diameter, and 16mm eye relief, it’s got all the specs I need.
What I love most is the ability to switch off the slope for official play with a clear visual indicator. Thanks to the magnetic strip, it’s also a breeze to attach to my golf cart. Whether I’m capturing accurate distances to the green or targeting multiple points, the Tour V5 delivers. Plus, it has a range of 5–1,300 yards and an accuracy of 1 yard.
This rangefinder has all the bells and whistles, including slope calculation, which complements GPS measurements perfectly.
What I like about this rangefinder
- Jolt Technology to make accurate reads easy with shaky hands
- High-end rangefinder
- Free Bushnell App access
- Crystal clear display
- Magnetic cart mount
What I don’t like about this rangefinder
- Not waterproof
- This rangefinder takes a few seconds longer than a few other options to key in on the flag pin.
Wrapping Up
Aside from budget constraints, shaky hands are a common reason many golfers avoid laser rangefinders. Fortunately, many manufacturers of these devices are incorporating technology that can get you accurate readings despite your ability to stabilize the unit.
However, it also depends on how you handle the device. You could spend up to $300 on a premium golf rangefinder for shaky hands and still see no difference if you don’t use the device properly.
If you have shaky hands, consider using two hands and flag lock technology when getting yardage. Still, a great rangefinder will allow for considerable movement, so your hand does not need to be held all that steady.
The products reviewed in this article work well for such purposes.
I hope this helped.
