I've been using the same Bushnell Tour V5 for the past three years, and honestly, I didn't think I needed an upgrade. It worked fine, gave me distances, and fit in my bag. But when Bushnell sent over their new Tour V6 for testing, I figured I'd give it a shot – mostly to confirm my suspicion that rangefinder technology had plateaued. Boy, was I wrong.
The moment I pulled the V6 out of its premium carrying case (which, by the way, is noticeably nicer than what came with my V5), I could tell something was different. The body feels more polished, more purposeful. At 8.7 ounces, it's lighter than my old model, but somehow feels more substantial in the hand. The textured grip areas are positioned exactly where your fingers naturally fall, and the whole unit has this sleek, almost automotive quality to it that makes my V5 look dated by comparison.
The Bushnell Tour V5 Rangefinder delivers pro-level accuracy with lightning-fast pin acquisition, making it a must-have tool to improve every golfer’s performance.
Let me tell you about the feature that completely sold me on this rangefinder – the Visual JOLT with the red ring. I know it sounds like marketing fluff, but hear me out. You know that moment of doubt when you're aiming at a flag 150 yards away with trees behind it? That split second where you're not quite sure if you locked onto the pin or the oak tree 30 yards behind it? Bushnell has fundamentally eliminated that uncertainty.
When you hit the fire button and sweep across the flag, two things happen simultaneously: the rangefinder vibrates (like the old JOLT feature we're used to), but now a bright red ring flashes around your target in the viewfinder. It's impossible to miss. The initial time it happened, I actually pulled the rangefinder away from my eye to make sure I wasn't imagining things. This isn't some subtle indicator – it's a bold, confidence-inspiring confirmation that says, "Yes, you got the flag, not the tree."
I tested this feature extensively at my home course, which has several holes where the flags sit directly in front of tree lines. On the par-3 7th hole – a notorious 165-yarder where I've definitely clubbed wrong before due to rangefinder uncertainty – the V6 locked onto the flag every single time. The red ring appeared, the unit vibrated, and I had my distance: 168 yards to the pin, not 197 to the trees. That's the kind of confidence that leads to better club selection and, in the end, lower scores.
The PinSeeker technology itself has been enhanced too. It's faster than my V5, often locking onto targets in less than a second. Even when shooting through light rain (more on the weather resistance later), the target acquisition remained lightning quick.
Here's something I didn't expect to care about as much as I do: the BITE magnetic mount. When I first read about this feature, I thought, "Great, another gimmick I'll never use." But after accidentally realizing how strong this magnet is (it stuck to my cart's frame when I set it down without thinking), I'm completely converted.
The magnet is integrated into the side of the rangefinder – you can't even see it, but man, can you feel it. It clamps onto cart bars with serious authority. I'm talking about the kind of hold that survived me intentionally driving over the bumpiest cart path at our course just to test it. Not once did it budge. For someone who's dropped countless rangefinders while fumbling around in the cart basket, this is game-changing.
The IPX6 weather rating is another standout improvement. I got caught in a legitimate downpour during a round last month (the kind where sensible people head for the clubhouse), and the V6 kept working flawlessly. Water beaded off the lens, and while I had to wipe it occasionally for clear viewing, the electronics never skipped a beat. My playing partner's older rangefinder started fogging up internally after about 10 minutes – the V6 stayed crystal clear.
The build quality extends to the rubber armor coating, which provides excellent grip even with wet hands. The adjustment ring for focusing moves smoothly without being too loose, and all the buttons have a satisfying, positive click. After two months of heavy use, including several drops (I'm not proud of this), there's not a scratch on it.
Bushnell claims the V6 is accurate to within one yard up to 500 yards, and based on my testing against course markers and GPS units, I believe it. But here's what really impressed me: the consistency. With my old V5, I'd sometimes get slightly different readings when shooting the same target multiple times. The V6? Same number every time.
I spent an afternoon at the range comparing distances with my buddy's high-end Leupold and another friend's Garmin Z82. On targets from 50 to 250 yards, all three units were within a yard of each other consistently. Where the V6 really shined was on partial targets – like when only the top half of a flag was visible over a hill. The V6 locked on faster and more reliably than either competitor.
The 6x magnification with the 24mm objective lens provides a bright, clear image that's noticeably improved from the V5. The optics are crisp enough that I can clearly read the numbers on the 150-yard marker from the tee box on our 380-yard par 4s. The 4.0mm exit pupil and 16mm eye relief mean you can find your target quickly, even if you wear glasses like I do.
Maximum range of 1,300 yards might seem like overkill for golf, but it's nice to know the capability is there. I've used it to range trees and landmarks while playing new courses, helping me build a better mental map of the layout.
Most reviews gloss over the Bushnell Golf App compatibility, but I think they're missing something significant. Yes, the rangefinder works perfectly fine without ever downloading the app. But if you're someone who likes to prep for rounds or play new courses regularly, the app adds genuine value.
The 3D flyovers have helped me understand course layouts before playing them for the primary time. Last month, I played a notoriously tricky course in Phoenix, and having studied the hole layouts on the app the night before, I knew exactly where the hidden bunkers were and which sides of the fairways to favor. The app also stores your ranging history, which I've found useful for tracking which clubs I'm actually hitting different distances (spoiler: not as far as I think).
What I particularly appreciate is that the app integration doesn't feel forced. The rangefinder doesn't need the app to function, there's no annoying registration process, and you're not bombarded with notifications. It's there if you want it, invisible if you don't.
The app does provide firmware updates for the rangefinder, though in two months of use, I haven't needed one. Everything has worked flawlessly out of the box.
Let's address the elephant in the room: this rangefinder doesn't have slope adjustment. For $299.99, some might expect that feature. Here's my take – I actually prefer it without slope. To begin with, it's tournament legal as-is, no fiddling with switches or removable faceplates. Second, I've found that constantly seeing adjusted distances actually hurt my ability to judge distances naturally. Comparable models like the Bushnell A1-Slope at the same price point include slope functionality, but add complexity that many golfers don't need for everyday play.
If you absolutely need slope, Bushnell makes the Tour V6 Shift model, but it costs more and adds complexity I don't need. The Shift version runs $399.99 and includes the same slope algorithm found in their premium models, calculating true play distance based on elevation changes. I'd rather know the true distance and make my own adjustments based on conditions and elevation.
Speaking of price, at $299.99, the V6 sits in an interesting spot. It's not cheap, but it's also $100-150 less than some competing premium models. Considering this is the #1 rangefinder on professional tours (and yes, I verified this claim – it's legit), you're getting tour-level technology at a semi-reasonable price.
The included accessories add value too. The carrying case is genuinely premium – padded, with a magnetic closure and a sturdy carabiner. The microfiber cloth is high quality, and they even include the CR2 battery to get you started. Small touches, but they show Bushnell isn't cutting corners.
The Bushnell Tour V6 golf rangefinder sets a new standard in accuracy and speed, helping golfers of all levels measure distances with confidence and elevate their performance on every hole.
Yes, you can use the Bushnell Tour V6 in tournament play. The standard Tour V6 model doesn't include slope technology, making it fully tournament legal under USGA rules. If you've got the Tour V6 Shift model with slope capability, you'll need to disable the slope function using the slope switch before competitive rounds. Once you've turned off slope mode, it's completely legal for tournament use and provides accurate yardage readings within one yard.
Your Tour V6 rangefinder comes with a two-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, protecting you against manufacturing issues. You'll need to keep your receipt, though the warranty can still apply using the manufacturing date if you don't have proof of purchase. The warranty's fully transferable between owners, and you can file claims through Bushnell's website or by calling their support line.
You'll find the Tour V6 works reliably in heavy rain thanks to its IPX6 waterproofing, which protects against powerful water jets. However, like all laser rangefinders, you'll experience reduced performance in dense fog since water droplets scatter the infrared laser beam. The Visual JOLT technology helps confirm target lock in challenging conditions, but you can't expect full accuracy in thick fog - it's a limitation of laser technology itself.
Your Tour V6's battery doesn't have official runtime specs, but you'll typically get multiple rounds of golf from a single CR2 battery. Since you're only using brief bursts to check distances, the battery lasts quite long - users don't report frequent replacements. You'll know it's time to change when the battery icon starts blinking. Keep a spare CR2 handy and you won't get caught without power mid-round.
Yes, you'll comfortably use the Tour V6 viewfinder with your prescription glasses. The 16mm eye relief provides enough distance between your glasses and the eyepiece to prevent vignetting, while the 6x magnification delivers clear views without strain. You won't need to remove your glasses since the ergonomic design accommodates eyewear well. The Visual JOLT's vibration and red ring indicators work perfectly regardless of your glasses, and users haven't reported any comfort issues.
After two months of testing, the Tour V6 has completely replaced my V5, and I can't see myself going back. The combination of the Visual JOLT, magnetic mount, and bombproof construction makes this the most confidence-inspiring rangefinder I've used. Yes, $300 is a lot of money, but when you consider that this device will likely last 5+ years and could genuinely help lower your scores, it starts to look like a bargain. Plus, Bushnell backs this unit with a two-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, giving you additional peace of mind on your investment.
If you're on the fence about upgrading from an older rangefinder, I'd say go for it – the improvements are more considerable than I expected. And if you're buying your initial rangefinder? Skip the entry-level models and invest in something that won't leave you second-guessing. The Tour V6 delivers tour-level performance at a price that, while not cheap, won't require a second mortgage. Sometimes the marketing hype is just hype. This time, Bushnell actually delivered.
