Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder Reviews

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The Nikon Coolshot 20 is amongst one of the highly efficient laser rangefinders in the market. Evolving from the original Coolshot, this uses the traditional technology of shooting a laser ray at the target for calculating the distance to it.

We delved deeper into the specs of the affordable Coolshot 20.

Features & Benefits of Nikon Coolshot 20 Golf Rangefinder

The Nikon Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder has a few special features that combine with its simple operation to give us a genuinely usable product. Rather than individual features, it’s the complete package that makes it worth more than its asking price.

Size and Weight:

The design factor that’s immediately noticeable is how small the Nikon Coolshot 20 is.

  • It measures only 3.6” x 2.9” x 1.5”.
  • On the other hand, the original Coolshot was 4.37” x 3.03” x 1.57”.
  • It weighed 6.34 ounces whereas, the Coolshot 20 weighs only 4.4 ounces.
  • It will be hard to find a smaller laser rangefinder with the same features and capability.

Handling:

The debate is open on whether it’s easier to handle Nikon Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder or harder because of its condensed size. On the one hand, the lightweight comfort makes it easier to hold it level for a longer duration with just one hand.

Body:

The Nikon Coolshot 20 has a white body with the eyepiece, reticules, and controls done in black. The bottom half of the body has a pattern that gives you extra grip on it.

You can comfortably hold it up to your eyes even if you wear glasses. Or else you can focus the lens based on your long or shortsightedness.

The case can take minor falls and abrasions without damaging the laser inside.

Controls:

This Nikon laser rangefinder has only two controls. One is a power button and the other is for mode.

The power button needs to be tapped only once and it pans the course. It does not need to be held pressed.

The mode button lets you change the measurement unit between yards and meters.

Water-resistance:

The Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder is water-resistant. It can’t be dunked into water, but it can be held in light rain until you find cover.

First Target Priority Mode:

This mode helps the Nikon Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder pick out the nearest targeted object against a cluttered background. This comes in extremely handy when you try to pick out a flag stationed in front of trees or bushes.

Some of the more advanced laser rangefinders offer more target modes, especially if the flag is behind obstructive items.

Continuous Panning:

The Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder scans the horizon continuously once you tap the power button. In this mode, it measures the distance to every object it can focus on. This goes on continuously for 8 seconds and finds distances to trees, flags, mounds, etc.

Some of the advanced laser rangefinders ditch this particular feature but it comes in handy when you are trying to formulate a golf strategy.

Power off:

Once the power button is tapped, the Nikon Coolshot 20 comes on for 8 seconds in Continuous panning mode. In this period you can get the target in the crosshairs and find the distance.

This functionality helps save battery life.

Magnification:

The laser of Coolshot 20 has a less powerful laser than the original Coolshot. But it still provides 6x magnification. You have a focus ring to focus the view until its clear and you have a proper view of the target.

Accuracy:

The Nikon Coolshot 20 shows yardages in the increments of 1 yard. Within the first 200 yards, the distances are accurate within 1 yard. After that, the distances are read with a maximum of 2 yards uncertainty.

Distance:

The Nikon Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder claims to be accurate until 550 yards. Most people find a reasonably good response until 200 yards.

Beyond that, you might have to fiddle a little to find the flag and get the distances as accurately as within 200 yards.

Battery:

The Nikon Coolshot 20 has a CR2 lithium battery lodged in a small compartment. It lasts for several months, especially with its power-saving operation.

Bottom Line

Working with a small budget, Nikon Coolshot 20 laser rangefinder is a good choice. It’s super-light and compact to a scale that it’s the smallest in the market today. It has a well-planned set of features that are relevant to all types of golfers. It is accurate to the level of the more advanced laser rangefinders. What do you think about our Nikon Coolshot 20 reviews?

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Dominic J. Leon
Dominic J. Leon. I am a golfer with a deep passion for golf right from my childhood. I have added unbiased product reviews for all the latest golf equipment from the market leaders. Follow me on: Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin, Tumblr.
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