Nikon Coolshot Rangefinder Review
Published: Last updated:
-
At a glance
- TG Rating
- Owner Rating
-
Pros
Fits perfectly, half-yard accuracy.
-
Cons
Eyepiece could be more user friendly.
- RRP £239.99
What we say...
Technology
Picking out a target and hitting the right shot whether it’s onto the green, a hazard or a dogleg corner has now been made easier from the established brand Nikon. The Coolshot Laser Rangefinder can be used in all light conditions while giving you an accurate yardage so you always hit the perfect shot. 600y range; 6x mag; First Target Priority, LED illuminated screen, weighs 180g.
Tested
As reviewed in our 2014 Distance Devices Test – winner of our Bronze Award: Looks good, very easy to use. The First Target Priority mode means it’s easy to know when you’ve picked out the flag from the background. Didn’t get on well with the eyepiece. Like the white exterior, hopefully it won’t get grubby over time. You can scan for yardages and then freeze on the flag. Battery meter is cool and it offers 0.5 yard accuracy. It’s perfectly easy to use; like the accuracy to half-a-yard and it’s compact, fitting in your hand snugly. It’s good that extra lines appear when the laser is fired. Like having the battery meter plus you can use it in competitions.
As reviewed in our 2013 Rangefinders Test – winner of our Bronze Award: Positive comments from the test team here. Joel made use of the “First Priority” target mode and liked how half-yard measurements were given to shots under 100 yards. All testers liked the tacky and light feel, compact size and shape, but Brian said the white finish looked a bit cheap. Joel and Stephen struggled to get on with the small eyepiece at times, but Brian didn’t mind it.
The Coolshot is simple to use and gives accurate distances. The First Target Priority Mode picks out the flag against a congested background – provided you’ve got a steady hand. I like the styling but must question the colour – I’ve used it a fair bit but it got quite grubby quite quickly.
As reviewed in 2012: An impressive performance from Nikon’s top product for 2012 with Jon a big fan. He liked its tacky feel, which meant it was easy to keep hold of – even in tricky conditions. He also pointed to the First Priority Target mode, which gets a yardage to the flag, even if the background isn’t totally clean. Riath liked its lightweight nature and also that the yardages were given in half-yard increments from 100 yards in, which meant even more precision on the scoring shots. Richard felt it was easy to use and said the display was clear and crisp, even in challenging light. The only thing that let it down in Steve’s eyes was the white colour scheme, which he felt cheapened it a touch.
In the past, I’ve often found that as soon as the waterproofs come out, the rangefinder goes back into the bag – simply because it’s just too much of a faff when you’re cold and wet. But the latest Nikon is so easy to use, this problem isn’t an issue anymore – and it’s also completely waterproof. The Target Priority Mode allows the laser to focus quickly on a flag, even if the back of the green is heavily tree-lined and by pressing the power button once, you can access eight seconds of continuous scanning – essentially allowing you to flick from hazard, to green and back to hazard again.
From 100 yards and less, the Coolshot uses increments of 0.5 yards too – probably not essential to most of us, but there’s little doubting the accuracy. The rangefinder can also fire from 10metres to 550metres. If you’re not sure if you really need to upgrade your rangefinder to Nikon’s new all-singing beast, the company allows you to have a 30-day Risk Free trial. I’m pretty sure you won’t be sending it back.
