I've tested more rangefinders than I care to count over the past decade – from budget models that couldn't find a barn door to tour-level devices that cost more than my initial car. So when Nikon sent over their Coolshot ProII Stabilized rangefinder, I'll admit I was intrigued but skeptical. Could optical stabilization really make that much difference in a golf rangefinder? After three months and dozens of rounds, I have my answer.
Experience unmatched accuracy on the course with the Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized Golf Rangefinder. Its cutting-edge stabilization technology ensures shake-free distance readings, helping you make smarter shots and lower your score. Designed for golfers seeking precision and reliability, this rangefinder elevates your game with every use.
Right out of the box, the ProII feels different. At 6.3 ounces, it's lighter than my Bushnell Pro XE but has this solid, premium feel that reminds me why Nikon has been making optics for nearly a century. The matte finish grips well even with sweaty hands (crucial during those pressure-packed Florida summer rounds), and the buttons have a satisfying click that cheaper rangefinders just don't nail. The OLED display caught me off guard – most rangefinders at this price point still use LCD. It's one of those details you don't think matters until you're trying to range a target at dusk and everything just pops.
Here's where things get interesting. Nikon claims their stabilization reduces hand shake by up to 5x, and honestly, I thought that was marketing fluff. Then I handed my regular playing partner both this and my old non-stabilized rangefinder on a windy day at the 17th hole – a 185-yard par 3 over water. With my old unit, he kept getting the trees behind the green. With the ProII? Locked onto the flag immediately.
The stabilization doesn't just steady the image; it actually helps the laser lock onto smaller targets faster. I've been able to consistently range thin flagsticks at 200+ yards that would have been a struggle before. The technology feels borrowed from Nikon's camera division (because it probably is), and it shows. During early morning rounds when I'm still working through my initial coffee, those shaky hands don't matter anymore. The viewfinder stays rock steady, making target acquisition almost effortless.
Let me illustrate: You're on a dogleg par 4, trying to figure out if you can carry the bunker at the corner. With most rangefinders, you're standing there for what feels like an eternity, pressing the button multiple times, hoping for a reading. The ProII's HYPER READ gives you distance in about 0.3 seconds – fast enough that I can range multiple targets while my playing partners are still pulling clubs. The continuous measurement mode is where this really shines though. Hold the button down and pan across hazards, and you get real-time distance updates for up to 8 seconds. I use this constantly now to map out layup distances on par 5s. Range the water, range the bunker, range the 150 marker – all in one smooth motion. It's changed how I think about course management. The laser technology utilizes time-of-flight measurement principles similar to premium rangefinders, calculating distances based on how long it takes the beam to reflect back from targets.
You know that moment when your rangefinder beeps, but you're not sure if it grabbed the flag or the trees behind it? Nikon solved this with their Dual LOCKED ON ECHO system, and it's brilliant in its simplicity. When you lock onto the closest target (usually the flag), you get both a visual circle around the target and a subtle vibration. Not an obnoxious buzz like some models – just enough feedback to know you've got it. The real test came at my home course's 7th hole, where the flag sits directly in front of a maintenance shed. My old rangefinder would grab that shed 50% of the time. The ProII? It prioritizes the flag every single time and confirms it with that dual feedback. No second-guessing, no re-ranging three times to be sure. The LOCKED ON sign specifically indicates short-distance priority detection when multiple overlapping targets are present, measuring to the nearest target automatically.
The inclinometer in the ProII isn't groundbreaking – lots of rangefinders have slope adjustment now. What sets this apart is how easy it is to toggle on and off. One press of the mode button and you can switch between slope-adjusted and tournament-legal modes. The OLED display clearly shows which mode you're in (no more panicking during club championships wondering if slope is on). The slope calculations themselves are spot-on. I've compared them to my course's GPS systems and my playing partners' devices, and the ProII is consistently within a yard or two. On my home course's uphill 12th hole – a 165-yard par 3 that plays like 178 – the ProII nails it every time. What I really appreciate is that the slope-adjusted distance appears alongside the actual distance, so you can see both and make your own decision. The external indicator even lights up when you're measuring actual distance during tournament rounds, so there's never any question about compliance.
I'm not gentle with my equipment (ask my wife about the garage full of "slightly used" clubs), and the ProII has taken everything I've thrown at it. The IPX4 water resistance rating means it's survived multiple Florida downpours without skipping a beat. The fog-proof construction came in handy during those early morning rounds when everything else in my bag was covered in dew. The CR2 battery placement is smart – tucked away behind a sealed compartment that doesn't compromise the weatherproofing. Nikon claims 2,200 measurements per battery, and I'm getting close to that. I change batteries maybe every two months with regular play. The 18mm eye relief is generous enough that I can use it with my prescription sunglasses on – a small detail that makes a huge difference for those of us who refuse to admit we need progressive lenses.
Experience unmatched accuracy on the course with the Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized Golf Rangefinder. Its cutting-edge stabilization technology ensures shake-free distance readings, helping you make smarter shots and lower your score. Designed for golfers seeking precision and reliability, this rangefinder elevates your game with every use.
Yes, you can use the Coolshot Pro II in tournament play when you disable the slope feature. You'll need to switch to Actual Distance Mode, which makes it fully compliant with USGA Rule 14-3. The external LED indicator will light green to confirm slope is off, showing officials you're following the rules. Just remember to check your specific tournament's local rules beforehand, as regulations can vary between competitions.
You'll get a 5-year limited warranty on mechanical and optical components when you purchase the Coolshot ProII, while electronic components are covered for 1 year from your purchase date. This warranty applies only if you're the original purchaser and isn't transferable. You'll need to keep your original receipt for any warranty claims. The coverage is valid in the continental US, Hawaii, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Yes, you'll find this rangefinder works excellently with both prescription glasses and sunglasses. It features 18mm long eye relief that keeps your glasses from touching the device while providing a comfortable view. You can adjust the diopter ring to match your prescription, ensuring sharp focus without removing your glasses. The bright OLED display with adjustable brightness remains clearly visible even when you're wearing sunglasses in bright sunlight conditions.
You'll get approximately 2,200 actuations from a single CR2 lithium battery at room temperature. That's enough for many rounds of golf before needing replacement, since you're not constantly ranging targets. The auto shut-off after 8 seconds helps conserve power between shots. Keep in mind that cold weather, frequent stabilization use, and continuous measurements will drain the battery faster. Consider carrying a spare CR2 for extended golf trips.
No, you can't reliably measure distances through glass or mesh with the Coolshot ProII. The 905nm infrared laser will typically reflect off glass surfaces or get scattered by mesh, preventing accurate readings. You'll likely get false measurements as the device locks onto the glass or mesh itself rather than your intended target behind it. The rangefinder needs a clear, unobstructed line of sight to work properly and deliver accurate distance measurements.
The Nikon Coolshot ProII Stabilized Golf Rangefinder stands out with its advanced stabilization technology, delivering shake-free and highly accurate distance measurements that can improve your precision on the course. Its compact and lightweight design makes it convenient to carry during rounds, while the fast readings help speed up your game. However, it comes at a premium price and has limited battery life, which may be a consideration for frequent users. Although it lacks smartphone connectivity, this rangefinder is an excellent choice for golfers who prioritize reliability and accuracy above all.
