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Nikon COOLSHOT 80i VR with ID Technology Review

Nikon Coolshot 80i VR Rangefinder side on

Last Updated: Nov 19, 2018 @ 5:36 am

Yard Range: 8-1000
Magnification: 6X21 mm objective diameter
Display Type: LCD/Black
Dimensions: 3.9 x 1.9 x 3.0″, 7.1 oz
Tournament Legal: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
Measuring System: Yards/Meters
Measuring Distance: Line of Sight/Slope

Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

 

Update - 2018.11.19The COOLSHOT 80i VR has been replaced by the COOLSHOT Pro Stabilized which you can read our review on here.

 

Nikon Golf Coolshot 80i VR Review

Nikon really gets on the ball with their new COOLSHOT 80i VR rangefinder. It’s more than just a slope device, it has Nikon’s Selectable ID Technology. What does this mean? It means that you can turn off slope and comply with USGA policy in tournament rounds.

The ID Technology gives you slope adjusted distances for uphill and downhill shots. You won’t be left coming up short or going too far with slope technology under your belt.

When it comes to size, this rangefinder is going to be as compact as you can get. You might even find that it’s too compact for your liking, but hey, quit your whining!

One of the most fascinating features of this rangefinder is its Optical Vibration Reduction Technology. If you’ve had too much coffee this morning or perhaps, you missed your morning cup-o-Joe, the rangefinder will stabilize your image due to an unsteady hand. This feature typically drives the price of a rangefinder way out of a normal budget, but Nikon has your price range in mind.

While the display is an LCD screen, you’re still at an advantage when it comes to display modes. You have the option of cycling through a series of four display modes: actual distance, actual distance and height, horizontal distance and height, and Golf Mode.

Having options is the name of the game these days and the Nikon Coolshot 80i VR is in the lead of its race!

 

PROs:
  • Easy to use
  • Accurate
  • Functional options
  • Scan Mode
  • Fog proof
CONs:
  • Occ Defective unit

 

Nikon COOLSHOT 80i VR Q&A

What does ID Stand For?

ID stands for Incline/Decline. This is an abbreviated term coined by Nikon to represent their slope mode technology.

 

Does this COOLSHOT Rangefinder have HYPER READ Technology?

Yes! This rangefinder is fast, accurate, and precise with target acquisition and displaying measurements. It’s instantaneous!

 

How to Know if the Rangefinder is on the Flag or Not?

This rangefinder has Nikon’s LOCKED ON Technology that affects the center of the reticle. When you’re on the flag, the reticle will display a center circle on the flag. When you’re ranging at another target, it won’t display the center circle.

 

How is the 80i Different to the 80 Rangefinder?

They’re identical in size and features. However, the 80i has Golf Mode to adjust for slope compensation. The slope technology can also be turned off to be made tournament legal.

 

Can you turn off the Vibration Reduction Feature?

Unfortunately, no. The VR feature is automatically activated when you turn on your rangefinder.

 

Is the 80i VR Rangefinder easy to set up?

It’s not the most intuitive set up you’ll come across. However, using the manual, you’ll be able to get setup in a jiffy to the preferences you like. It will also give you an idea of how to quickly manage modes during a round.

 

How Accurate is the Nikon COOLSHOT when ranging up to 1000 yards?

All display readings are in .5 yard increments. Under 700 yards, the COOLSHOT is accurate to -/+ .75 yards. Over 700 yards, it’s accurate to -/+ 1.25 yards.

 

Does the Nikon COOLSHOT 80i come with any Accessories?

It does! It comes with a case that also has a carabiner clip to attach to your bag or your person while on the course.

 

Nikon Coolshot 80i VR Rangefinder complete packageNoteworthy Features:

  • Selectable ID Technology
  • LOCKED ON Technology
  • HYPER READ Technology
  • VR Technology
  • 4 Display Modes

 

 

Our Verdict on the 80i VR

To ping up the strokes, the Nikon COOLSHOT 80i VR rangefinder is a simple and reliable device for all your distance needs. While setup might be a little tedious at first, its functions enable the rangefinder to be an intuitive measuring device while you’re out for a round or three!

However, if you don’t see yourself ever needing to practice with the ID Technology, then you can save yourself a few bucks with the Nikon COOLSHOT 80 VR. It’s the non-slope counterpart off the 80i, just without the slope capabilities. But, you can always turn off the slope on the 80i too. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be without it when you do need it!

Past the superbly accurate Nikon family is the Bushnell bundle. They have the Tour V4 Shift rangefinder that also has selectable ID technology. They call it Slope-Switch Technology, and it can be made tournament legal for those competing rounds. It’s new to 2017, and it’s about as bad ass as you can get for its price range.

In the end, Nikon is well-known for their high-end optical technology. It’s safe to say that this rangefinder is a well-built, reliable, and accurate device that’s certainly full of valuable technology. Hear, hear to Nikon! If you are wanting to see the full range of these fantastic devices you can here over here https://golftamers.com/best-golf-rangefinders/.

Update - 2018.11.19The COOLSHOT 80i VR has been replaced by the COOLSHOT Pro Stabilized which you can read our review on here.

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