Last Updated:
Yard Range: 5-880 yards
Magnification: 6X23 mm objective diameter
Dimensions: 4 x 1.63 x 2.85 inches, 7.69 ounces
Display Type: LCD/Black
Tournament Legal: Yes
Measuring System: Yards/Meters
Measuring Distance: Distance Only
Waterproof: No – Water-resistant only: IPX4
Our Rating: 
GolfBuddy LR5 Rangefinder Review
The GolfBuddy LR5 Golf Laser Rangefinder can range out to 880 yards with 6X magnification and multi-coated optics. It’s an all-in-one device with Standard, Scan, and Pin Seeking Modes.
The ergonomic device also comes with a diopter adjustment for focusing, an automatic shut-off feature, and is water-resistant. With the slope version, you can also have access to angle compensated distances for a true idea on how your stroke will affect your game.
The GolfBuddy rangefinder line wouldn’t be complete without the LR5 Golf Laser rangefinder; and a sensational rating online indicates that consumers think the same.
GolfBuddy veered the course from the GPS world and tried their hand at the laser rangefinder, and they rocked it.
- Price
- 3 target modes
- Available with slope
- IPX4 water-resistant
- 880 yard range
- Some reports of quality control issues
GolfBuddy LR5 Laser Rangefinder Q&A:
Most conventional golf laser rangefinders do have a first target priority mode, and although the LR5 is surrounded by GPS devices, it’s still no exception to the rule. It has a Pin Mode that zeros into the nearest target, which is usually the flag, after 10 seconds of scanning nearby targets.
I’ve seen some golf rangefinders ditch the Scan Mode, but fortunately, the LRF is equipped with this panning feature. For a full 10 seconds you can scan the course to get distances on any object you float over.
This makes it super handy to get a bunch of distances in one quick pan to get an idea of the tee box.
This laser rangefinder has a Standard Mode that can give you the distance to any object it successfully acquires up to 880 yards. Because of this Standard Mode, you could get away with using it for other things too, say, like hunting, surveying, or other outdoor activities.
The LR5 golf laser rangefinder automatically defaults to the setting that you last used. So if you’re in standard mode when you turn it off, it’ll be in standard mode when you turn it back on.
Telling the difference of which mode is currently operating is easy. Taking a look at the display through the viewfinder, you’ll see the “S” icon in the left, middle of the screen if you’re in scan mode.
If you’re in pin mode, you’ll see the “P” icon in the right, middle of the screen. If you’re in standard mode, there will be no designated icon.
This rangefinder has an automatic shut off feature that will power down after 10 seconds of non-use. This helps to conserve battery life so that you can get the estimated 3000 to 5000 actuation’s from it. It does take replaceable CR2 lithium batteries, so if you see that battery life indicator start blinking, carry a spare, replace, and get back on par.
The GolfBuddy LR5 rangefinder is a distance only measuring device which is legal for tournament play. It’s only going to give you the straight line distance to the pin or to the target that you’re ranging.
If you’re looking for a laser device that can take you through the tournaments, then this is the one that you want. With that said, GolfBuddy does offer the LR5S with the slope feature. In all other aspects, it’s identical to the LR5. There is also the new LR7S which has an extra mode – Pin Finder Mode – and the slope feature.
Noteworthy Features:
- Multi-coated lens for brightness and clarity
- Three Modes: Pin, Standard, and Scan
- Accurate to -/+1 yard
- Small, compact, and ergonomic design
- Available in LR5S version for slope compensation feature
Our Verdict on the LR5
To ping up the strokes, the GolfBuddy LR5 is the brand’s only traditional laser rangefinder for golf. But, don’t be put off by the very few defective products. Some reported complaints were unfair when it came to performance.
But, if GPS navigation is what you’re after, then you’re looking in the wrong place. What you need is a Golf Buddy watch or a device like the Voice 2. It reads aloud your distance, eliminating the need to ever look at and handle your unit.
However, if you’re a dedicated laser fan, you could also consider the Nikon COOLSHOT 40 laser rangefinder that’s only smidgens more expensive. It’s worth the cost if you value stable and hyper-fast readings.
While Golf Buddy is known for their GPS technology, give them a chance to show their laser prowess, you might be impressed! If you dont’ feel this is the right range finder for you you can head over here https://golftamers.com/best-golf-rangefinders/ for a ton more options.
