Bushnell Pro 1M – Exclusive Technology & Magnification

Golf enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new tools and accessories that would help improve their game, and their whole golf experience as a whole. The Bushnell Pro 1M Golf Laser Rangefinder features an accurate ranging ability of up to 500 yards to a flag. It comes in two models: the Tournament Edition and the Slope Edition, which is used for courses with undulating land or terrain. This review attempts to take a closer look at this device.

Bushnell Pro 1M Golf Laser Rangefinder Details

The Bushnell Pro 1M has the following key features:

• 7x magnification
• Range: 5 to 1,760 yards, 500 yards to the flag
• Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
• VDT (Vivid Display Technology) system for the display
• PinSeeker technology
• Waterproof
• Patented Slope Compensation Feature
• Battery: one 3-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Weight: 12 oz.
• Dimensions: 1.7 x 5.1 x 3.7 inches (H x W x D)

The unit comes with a carrying case, an owner’s manual and a strap.

Bushnell Pro 1M Review

At 12 ounces, the Bushnell Pro 1M is no lightweight. The first thing that you will notice is how large and heavy it is, making it cumbersome to bring around on a golf course, especially if you are on a roll and doing multiple rounds. Add the weight of the carrying case, and it could be a pain to hold for prolonged periods. Its bulk also requires two-handed operation, which can be quite frustrating especially when you are out on the course. Perhaps that is why it comes with an accessory mount at the bottom as well as a 360R-Retractor, which allows the device to be attached to the golf bag while on the course.

It is, however, very sturdy and not likely to be prone to damage. It definitely feels solid to the touch. In fact, it is said to be so durable that it can even survive being dropped on grass or even on concrete surfaces. The fact that it is waterproof makes it withstand even prolonged exposure to rain and snow.

This laser rangefinder also features Bushnell’s PinSeeker laser technology, which lets golfers focus and zero in on the target despite some hazards and trees littering the background. With the background “muted” or blocked out, it will be easier to aim on the target. It is fast and accurate, finding the targets almost in an instant.

What is new in this laser rangefinder would be another Bushnell exclusive, the VDT or Vivid Display Technology. Gone is the black LCD display of the past models; now you have the information appear on the viewfinder in vivid red. Who would be able to miss that? Since the data is in red, it is easier to read the information even against dark backgrounds. Users can toggle from among 4 brightness levels, depending on the current lighting conditions or the users’ personal preference. Basically, you will have a highly satisfying display quality under ANY lighting condition.

Of course, it is worth noting that the clarity and sharpness also has something to do with the premium lens coatings applied to this product. The display also presents the information clearly, and it comes with a bit of a tint. This makes it eye-friendly, since it reduces glare. Since it has an eyepiece that is adjustable just by twisting it up, it is possible to block out superfluous light especially when we are looking at reflective surfaces. That, compared with the VDT system and the 7x magnification, makes the Bushnell Pro 1M Golf Laser Rangefinder a joy to use.

We liked how the magnification was 7x – definitely one of the highest available for this budget range. The slope edition has the ability to provide distances adjusted to the slopes. However, it sounds easier than it actually does. Instead of pressing just one or two buttons, you would have to undergo a series of button-pressing and timing steps just to get the slope-adjusted distances as well as the slope angle.

Many golfers prefer a rangefinder that they can pan easily so they could read multiple distance readings faster and easier. The Bushnell Pro 1M does that, but only to an extent. Once the Bushnell Pro 1M locks on the nearest target, information on targets located some distance away cannot be received, since panning becomes disabled. It would have been a good idea to make it able to provide distance information while it is panning.

Ease of use is certainly not a problem with this unit. There are only two buttons to deal with: the Power button, which turns it on or off and fires the laser, and the Mode button which, when pressed, causes the device to display the menu and information needed. This is also the button used to tweak several configurations, such as brightness and the unit of measure of the distance, whether the user prefers it expressed in yards or in meters.

Since users are bound to be holding this unit most of the time, a strong and steady grip is important. Fortunately, it is designed with rubber and plastic surfaces, so grip is definitely better.

For many, the price is a deal breaker. The fact that this is one of the more expensive laser rangefinders out there causes a lot of golfers to stop and look for better options. At more than $400, it is quite heavy on the pockets. You might want to look for other models that can do the same thing at a fraction of that price.

Should You Buy The Bushnell Pro 1M 

The Bushnell Pro 1M Golf Laser Rangefinder certainly gets the job done, but if you are a serious golfer and expect more, you might want to look for another model. There are a number of more affordable models out there that can even do better than the Pro 1M, without the added weight and bulk, which are the major downsides of this unit.

 

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