- Slope with elements
- Pin seeker with visual JOLT technology
- Built in bite magnetic cart mount
- Positive click slope switch
- Range is 5-1,300 yards
Hey there, fellow golf enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and today we’re diving into the world of high-tech golfing gadgets with the Bushnell Pro XE Golf Laser Rangefinder. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, you’re usually talking about night vision gear for hunting!” Well, let me tell you, precision is precision, whether you’re lining up a shot in the woods or on the fairway. And boy, does this rangefinder deliver on precision!
First Impressions: Built Like a Tank, Performs Like a Champ
When I first got my hands on the Bushnell Pro XE, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. This bad boy is built to last, with a rugged metal housing wrapped in rubber armor. It’s a bit on the hefty side compared to some other rangefinders, but that extra weight actually helps keep it steady when you’re zeroing in on that distant flag.
The black and grey finish gives it a sleek, modern look that wouldn’t be out of place in James Bond’s golf bag. And speaking of bags, it comes with a premium carrying case and a carabiner, so you can easily clip it to your golf bag for quick access.
One thing I noticed right away is the intuitive button layout. The power button is right where your index finger naturally rests, making it easy to turn on and start ranging with minimal fuss. The mode button is easily accessible too, allowing you to switch between different features without taking your eye off the target.
Crystal Clear Optics: Like Looking Through Eagle Eyes
Peering through the Pro XE’s viewfinder is a treat. With 7x magnification (the highest in its class), you’ll feel like you’ve got superhuman vision. The image is crisp and clear, making it a breeze to pick out your target, even at long distances. And let me tell you, being able to clearly see that pin 500+ yards away is a game-changer.
The bright red display is easy to read in any lighting condition, and there’s even a nifty focus knob to fine-tune the view for your eyes. It’s like Bushnell took a high-end pair of binoculars and crammed all that optical goodness into this compact package.
What really impressed me was the speed and accuracy of the Pro XE. When you press that button, you get an almost instant reading. No more waving the rangefinder around, trying to get a lock on the flag. This thing is fast, and it’s spot-on every time.
Slope-Switch Technology: Legal When You Need It, Off When You Don’t
One of the coolest features of the Pro XE is its Slope-Switch technology. With a simple slide of a switch, you can toggle between standard mode (which is tournament legal) and slope mode, which factors in elevation changes to give you “plays like” distances.
As someone who’s played on some pretty hilly courses, I can tell you that this feature is an absolute game-changer. It takes the guesswork out of club selection when you’re facing uphill or downhill shots. And when it’s time for a tournament, just flip that switch, and you’re good to go – no need to buy a separate rangefinder for competition play.
The slope calculation is incredibly accurate. I’ve tested it against manual calculations, and it’s spot on every time. This feature alone can save you strokes, especially on courses you’re not familiar with.
JOLT Technology: Confidence in Every Measurement
Bushnell has really upped their game with the JOLT technology in the Pro XE. When you lock onto the flag, the rangefinder gives you a little vibration, like a mini celebration in your hands. But they didn’t stop there – now there’s also a visual cue with a red ring flashing in the display. It’s like the rangefinder is saying, “Yep, we got it, boss! Fire away!”
This dual feedback system gives you ultimate confidence in your measurements. No more second-guessing or taking multiple readings – when the Pro XE jolts, you know you’ve got the right distance.
I’ve found this particularly useful in situations where there might be trees or other objects behind the green. The Pro XE does an excellent job of picking out the flag from the background, eliminating those frustrating moments when you think you’ve ranged the pin but actually hit a tree 50 yards behind it.
Elements Compensation: Weather Won’t Fool You Anymore
Here’s where the Pro XE really stands out from the crowd. Its “Elements” feature takes into account not just slope, but also temperature, altitude, and barometric pressure. Why does this matter? Well, as any seasoned golfer knows, these factors can significantly affect how far your ball travels.
Imagine teeing off on a crisp morning at a mountain resort – that ball’s going to fly differently than it would on a humid afternoon at sea level. The Pro XE does all the complex calculations for you, giving you the most accurate “plays like” distance possible. It’s like having a golf supercomputer in your pocket!
Let me break this down a bit more:
Temperature Compensation: Cold air is denser than warm air, which affects ball flight. The Pro XE factors this in, so you’re not caught short on those chilly morning rounds.
Altitude Adjustment: Playing at higher elevations? The thinner air will make your ball fly further. The Pro XE accounts for this, ensuring you don’t overshoot the green.
Barometric Pressure: Changes in air pressure can affect ball flight too. It’s a subtle factor, but in golf, every yard counts.
While these features aren’t legal for tournament play, they’re invaluable for practice rounds and casual play. They help you understand how different conditions affect your game, potentially improving your decision-making even when you can’t use these features in competition.
Magnetic BITE: Stick It Where You Need It
Bushnell has included a clever feature called BITE – a powerful magnet built right into the rangefinder. This lets you slap it onto any metal surface on your golf cart for easy access. No more digging through your bag or worrying about where you set it down. It’s a small touch, but one that shows Bushnell really thought about how golfers use these devices in the real world.
The magnet is surprisingly strong – I’ve driven over some pretty bumpy cart paths, and the Pro XE stayed put. It’s these kinds of thoughtful design elements that really elevate the user experience.
Waterproof Design: Rain or Shine, You’re Covered
Living in an area where the weather can turn on a dime, I really appreciate the Pro XE’s fully waterproof design. Getting caught in a sudden downpour? No problem. This rangefinder can handle it, ensuring you’ll never be left high and dry (or should I say, low and wet) on the course.
I’ve used this in some pretty miserable conditions, and it’s never skipped a beat. The buttons still work perfectly even when wet, and the optics don’t fog up. It’s reassuring to know that a little bad weather won’t put your expensive gear out of commission.
Battery Life and Dual Display
The Pro XE uses a standard CR2 battery, which is easy to find and replace. In my experience, a single battery lasts for months of regular use. There’s also a battery life indicator in the display, so you’re never caught off guard by a dead rangefinder.
Speaking of the display, the Pro XE features a dual-display system. You can switch between a vivid red display, which is great for bright conditions, and a crisp black display that’s easier on the eyes in low light. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in usability across different playing conditions.
Comparison with Previous Models
For those of you familiar with Bushnell’s previous offerings, like the Tour V4 or the Pro X2, the Pro XE represents a significant step up. The optics are clearer, the ranging is faster, and the addition of the Elements feature puts it in a class of its own.
The Pro XE is slightly larger than some of Bushnell’s other models, but the extra features more than make up for the small increase in size and weight. If you’re considering an upgrade from an older Bushnell model, or even from another brand, the Pro XE is well worth considering.
The Verdict: Is the Bushnell Pro XE Worth It?
Look, I’ll be straight with you – the Bushnell Pro XE isn’t the cheapest rangefinder on the market. But in my opinion, you’re getting a whole lot of bang for your buck. The combination of top-notch optics, advanced features like Elements compensation, and rock-solid build quality make this a rangefinder that’ll serve you well for years to come.
If you’re a casual golfer who plays a few rounds a year, this might be overkill. But for those of us who take our game seriously, who play in various conditions and want every possible advantage on the course, the Pro XE is hard to beat.
In my book, the Bushnell Pro XE isn’t just a tool – it’s an investment in your golf game. It’s the kind of device that can knock strokes off your score by giving you the confidence to choose the right club and make the right shot, every time.
Pros:
- Exceptional optical clarity and 7x magnification
- Accurate to +/- 1 yard
- Slope-Switch technology for tournament compliance
- Elements feature for comprehensive distance adjustment
- Waterproof design
- JOLT technology for confident flag locking
- BITE magnetic mount
Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Slightly heavier than previous models
- Advanced features not legal for tournament play
So, if you’re ready to take your golf game to the next level, why not give the Bushnell Pro XE a shot? Trust me, your scorecard will thank you!
Remember, folks, whether you’re hunting game or hunting birdies, having the right gear can make all the difference. The Bushnell Pro XE is like the high-end scope of the golfing world – it gives you the confidence to make those precision shots that can make or break your round.
Until next time, keep your aim true and your spirits high! And hey, if you decide to pick up a Pro XE, drop me a line and let me know how it’s working out for you. I’m always eager to hear how these tools perform in the hands of fellow golf enthusiasts. Happy golfing, and may your drives be long and your putts be true!