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If you’re looking for an affordable laser rangefinder that can give you everything that you need and want, then stop right here.
If you want to save some money, but still find a high performing rangefinder without being “too cheap”, then I’ve got the brand for you.
You don’t have to give up on quality, accuracy, or super cool features to find a rangefinder that fits within your budget. Just stick with this Nikon golf rangefinder review and you’ll get the nitty gritty on Nikon’s COOLSHOT rangefinder line.
- Comparison of COOLSHOT Rangefinders
- COOLSHOT 20 VS 40
- Latest COOLSHOT’s 80 VR & Pro Stabilized
- Which is Best for You?
Nikon COOLSHOT Reviews & Comparisons
Nikon has quite the collection when it comes to rangefinders, and their golf line has something to offer every type of player. They’re a well-known brand that’s been in the game for a long time, and they’re loved for their quality and their affordability.
If you’re thinking of being a Nikon user, you’ll join the ranks of a multitude of satisfied customers. Sorry, but you’re not the first to discover one of the best kept secrets in the sports optics world.
The COOLSHOT line is Nikon’s golf rangefinder progeny and their motto is “gain confidence”. With First Target Priority Mode as the platform for their pin seeking technology, small and compact designs, and especially the wallet-friendly prices, it’s a give-in that you’ll be confident with every swing you make. This is similar to the First Target Logic mode the Leica Pinmaster II Golf Rangefinder has.
Before we get into the individual reviews of the COOLSHOT rangefinders, check out the table below for a summary of their features.
| NIKON COOLSHOT RANGEFINDERS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | COOLSHOT 20Lightest & Most Compact & Affordable of the COOLSHOT Range | READ REVIEW | |
 | COOLSHOT 40Offers More Reach & HYPER READ Technology Not Found in the COOLSHOT 20 | READ REVIEW | |
 | COOLSHOT 40iNikon's Entry-Level Slope Rangefinder With 650 Yard Range | READ REVIEW | |
 | COOLSHOT 80 VRNo Slope Rangefinder With 1000 Yard Range & Vibration Reduction Technology | READ REVIEW | |
 | COOLSHOT PRO STABILIZEDNikon's Most Advanced Slope Rangefinder With 1200 Yard Range & Vibration Reduction | READ REVIEW |
Nikon COOLSHOT Function Comparison Chart
Nikon COOLSHOT 20 VS 40
As you can see by the above comparisons, the Nikon COOLSHOT 20 and 40 share many of the same features. They both have First Target Priority Mode and both have the ability to pan the course for eight continuous seconds giving distance readings as you move over objects.
So how do they differ and what are you getting for the extra money you will spend on the COOLSHOT 40? The answer is HYPER READ technology which is a feature of the COOLSHOT 40 but not the 20. This cool technology gives you instantaneous display readings, no matter the distance. You will get your distance displayed in just half a second!
You also get better accuracy and ranging capability with the COOLSHOT 40 which displays distances in 0.5 yard increments instead of the 1 yard increments provided by the COOLSHOT 20.
Other differences in the two rangefinders include display color (the 40 offers an LED/Red Display, the 20 an LCD/Black Display) and with a slightly wider objective diameter (21mm vs 20mm) the COOLSHOT 40 is slightly larger and heavier than the COOLSHOT 20.
Also available from Nikon is the COOLSHOT 40i which has all of the sweet features you will find in the 40 with a couple of added bonuses. Most notable is Nikon’s ID (Incline/Decline) technology which will provide angle compensated distances to help you make your shot. It also has an extra target mode – Distant Target Priority Mode. Read the review on the 40i here for all the details on this top-rated rangefinder.
Latest Nikon COOLSHOT Rangefinders 80 VR & Pro Stabilized
The newest editions to the COOLSHOT range are the 80 VR and the Pro Stabalized. Some of the major improvements over their predecessors the 40 and 40i are Optical VR (Vibration Reduction) Technology and LOCKED ON technology.
Optical VR is designed to reduce vibrations caused by hand movements for more precise ranging (Nikon claims by up to 80%).
LOCKED ON technology uses First Target Priority Mode and provides confidence that you are reading the distance of the target closest to you when the LOCKED ON sign appears on the display.
In addition, the COOLSHOT Pro Stabilized also features Nikon’s ID technology for slope adjusted distances.
Which is the Best Nikon Golf Rangefinder for You?
As shown by this Nikon COOLSHOT review, the Nikon line of rangefinders are straightforward, neat, and intuitive.
To narrow down the choices to determine which one would be best for you, the first thing to do is decide whether you want a tournament legal rangefinder or not.
If you want one that can help you through the big day, then the COOLSHOT 40 is definitely the winner with its HYPER READ technology and accuracy while still being affordable and simple to use.
If you’re looking for a mid-range unit that has a little more to offer you during the practice rounds, then the COOLSHOT 40i with Slope would definitely be that step up, especially since it’s very competitive in price.
If you want all the bells and whistles to boot and you don’t mind leaving it at home during the tournaments, then the Nikon COOLSHOT Pro Stabilized laser rangefinder takes the money.
Nikon Equals Confidence
The Nikon laser rangefinders are all well-made and intuitive devices that’ll serve you well both in and out of the tournaments. Their ability to cater to both the pro and the amateur player while still fitting everyone’s budget-friendly price range is unbeatable.
When you have a Nikon, you have more than just the distance to the flag, you have confidence.