I've tested more rangefinders than I care to count over the past decade, and honestly, I was getting tired of the same old story. Sure, they'd measure distance. Some had slope. A few connected to apps. But when Shot Scope claimed they'd crammed a laser rangefinder, GPS device, and full shot tracking system into one unit, I thought they were overselling it. After three months and dozens of rounds with the Pro LX+, I have to eat my words – this thing is genuinely different.
The initial time I pulled it out of the box, I noticed how they'd thought through the integration. The rangefinder itself feels substantial without being bulky, and that little GPS unit (the H4) magnetically snaps onto the side like it was always meant to be there. But what really caught my attention were those 16 tiny RFID tags for your clubs. They're thinner than the Arccos sensors I'd been using, and I immediately wondered if something that small could actually track shots reliably.
Unlock your true potential on the course with the Shot Scope Pro LX+ golf rangefinder, delivering unmatched accuracy and smart tracking features.
Let's start with what most of you probably care about initially – can this thing actually compete with dedicated rangefinders from Bushnell or Garmin? The short answer is yes, with one small caveat I'll get to in a minute.
The Pro LX+ claims 900-yard range with ±1 yard accuracy, and in my testing, those numbers held up. I compared it side-by-side with my trusty Bushnell Pro XE on everything from 50-yard pitch shots to 280-yard drives, and the distances matched within a yard every single time. The 7x magnification is plenty sharp, and I love that they included both red and black display options – switching to black on overcast days makes a bigger difference than you'd think.
The flexible slope technology works exactly as advertised. You can toggle it on and off with a simple button press, and when it's off, there's a visible indicator that lets your playing partners know you're tournament legal. I played in two club championships this summer with slope turned off, and nobody questioned it. The slope calculations themselves seem accurate, though I did notice they tend to be slightly more conservative than my Bushnell – usually adding or subtracting about a yard less than I expected.
Here's that caveat I mentioned: about one in every 20 attempts, I had trouble locking onto the flag. The Target-lock technology usually works well, but occasionally requires a steadier hand than other premium models. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but when you're trying to get a quick read while your group is waiting, those extra seconds of hunting for the pin can feel like an eternity. The rapid-fire mode helps – you can take multiple readings quickly – but it's something to be aware of if you're coming from a high-end Bushnell or Leupold.
I'll admit, I was skeptical about the shot tracking. I'd tried Arccos before and found myself constantly forgetting to bring my phone or dealing with missed shots. The Shot Scope system is different, and after you get through the initial setup (which, yes, takes about 30 minutes of renaming clubs and adjusting settings), it just works.
Those tiny RFID tags screw into the end of your grips, and once they're on, you forget they exist. They're maybe half the thickness of an Arccos sensor, and I haven't noticed any change in club feel or balance. The rangefinder picks up each shot automatically when you address the ball – you'll feel a subtle vibration and see your club selection pop up on the screen. In three months of use, I'd estimate it's captured about 95% of my shots correctly.
The real magic happens after your round. The system tracks everything: distances with each club, dispersion patterns, strokes gained data, putting stats, the works. I found I was losing an average of 1.3 strokes per round from 50-75 yards out – a distance I thought was my strength. Two months of focused practice later, I've cut that number in half. That kind of understanding is worth the price of admission alone. This level of detail helps with proper club selection in ways that traditional yardage books or memory simply can't match.
One feature I didn't expect to love is the ability to pause tracking for practice shots. Hit a simple button, take your mulligan or practice swing, then resume tracking. No data corruption, no manual editing later. It's such a simple thing, but it shows they actually thought about how golfers really play.
The magnetic GPS unit (Shot Scope calls it the H4) is genius in its simplicity. When you don't need the laser, you can pop it off and clip it to your belt or pocket for quick yardages. The MIP color display is surprisingly readable even in direct sunlight, showing front, middle, and back distances plus hazard layups at a glance.
With 36,000+ courses preloaded worldwide, I haven't found a course yet that wasn't mapped. I played a brand new track in Scottsdale that opened three weeks before my visit, and somehow it was already in there with accurate distances. The free firmware updates happen automatically when you sync with the app, and Shot Scope apparently has an in-house team constantly mapping new courses.
The GPS and rangefinder work alongside beautifully. Use the GPS for a quick layup distance to avoid a hazard, then grab the rangefinder for the precise number to the pin. The whole system shares data, so your tracked shots show both GPS and laser distances for maximum accuracy. Battery life on the GPS averages about 15 hours, which sounds like a lot until you realize that's barely two rounds if you're using all the features. Plan on charging it the night before you play.
The app deserves its own mention here. It syncs quickly (usually under 30 seconds), presents data clearly, and offers over 100 different statistics to analyze. I particularly love the strokes gained breakdown – seeing exactly where you're losing shots compared to your target handicap is eye-opening and sometimes painful.
After three months of regular use (I'm talking 3-4 rounds per week), the Pro LX+ still looks nearly new. The PVC soft rubber grip has maintained its tackiness despite some serious Texas heat and humidity. That built-in cart magnet is stronger than it has any right to be – I've hit some serious bumps on cart paths, and this thing hasn't budged.
Water resistance has been tested more than I'd like to admit. I've been caught in two different downpours where I couldn't get to shelter for 10+ minutes, and the rangefinder kept working without a hiccup. The anti-slip grip actually gets grippier when wet, which is a nice touch. The GPS unit is similarly weatherproof, though I did notice the screen can fog up temporarily if you go from air conditioning to humid heat too quickly.
At approximately 30 grams for the GPS unit and a reasonable weight for the rangefinder itself, carrying both isn't a burden. I typically keep the rangefinder on my cart with its magnet and the GPS clipped to my belt. Walking rounds are just as easy – the rangefinder fits perfectly in most side pockets, and you barely notice the GPS unit.
The diopter adjustment on the rangefinder is smooth and holds its setting well. I wear progressive lenses (getting old is fun), and I can dial in perfect clarity in about two seconds. The 176x176 resolution on the GPS might sound low compared to your phone, but for basic yardages and course maps, it's more than adequate.
Let's talk money. At its current price point, the Pro LX+ costs about the same as a high-end rangefinder alone. Shot Scope offers the unit at $329.99, though I've seen holiday deals knock $40 off that price during peak shopping seasons. Throw in the fact that you're also getting a GPS device and a shot tracking system that rivals Arccos (which charges a yearly subscription fee, by the way), and the value proposition becomes clear.
The closest competitor is probably the Garmin Approach Z82, which combines laser and GPS but lacks the all-encompassing shot tracking. The Bushnell Pro XE with BITE magnetic mount and LINK app comes close on features but costs much more and still doesn't offer the same level of shot tracking detail.
I ran some quick math: A comparable Bushnell rangefinder ($500), a decent GPS device ($200), and an Arccos setup with annual subscription ($300 first year, $100/year after) would run you about $1,000 upfront and ongoing fees. The Shot Scope Pro LX+ does all of that for less, with no subscription fees. Ever.
The only real compromise is that occasional flag-locking issue I mentioned earlier. If you're someone who demands absolute peak rangefinder performance above all else, you might be happier with a dedicated Bushnell Pro XE or Leupold GX-5c. But for 99% of golfers, including low handicappers, the Pro LX+ rangefinder performance is more than satisfactory.
Unlock your true potential on the course with the Shot Scope Pro LX+ golf rangefinder, delivering unmatched accuracy and smart tracking features.
Yes, you can use the Shot Scope Pro LX+ in tournament play when you disable the Adjustable Slope mode. You'll need to turn off slope before your round starts, and you shouldn't use the GPS or shot tracking features during competition. The device meets USGA and R&A requirements for legal rangefinders when slope's off. Always check your specific tournament's local rules initially, as some events add extra restrictions beyond standard regulations.
You'll get a 2-year warranty when you buy the Pro LX+ new, but you must register it with Shot Scope to activate the full coverage. Without registration, you're limited to just 3 months. If you're buying an ex-display unit, you'll receive a 1-year warranty instead. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions during normal use, and Shot Scope will repair or replace your rangefinder free if it fails within the warranty period.
Yes, you can use the Pro LX+ in rainy conditions. It's water resistant with PVC rubber grip and ABS housing that'll handle wet weather and light rain during your rounds. The rubberized grip helps you maintain control with wet hands, and the daylight readable display stays visible in poor conditions. Just don't submerge it or expose it to heavy downpours since it's water resistant, not fully waterproof.
You'll get about 5,800 laser measurements from each CR123 battery in your Pro LX+, which typically lasts multiple rounds depending on how often you're ranging targets. The GPS handheld's rechargeable battery provides 15+ hours of use per charge, easily covering two or more rounds. Since the laser and GPS use separate power sources, you won't need to replace the CR123 battery often, and you'll simply recharge the handheld via USB between uses.
Yes, you can use the PRO LX+ with prescription glasses. The adjustable eyepiece lets you customize the focus to work with your eyewear, and the 3.9mm exit pupil provides adequate viewing space for glasses wearers. While there's no official documentation specifically addressing glasses compatibility, user reports indicate it works well with most prescription glasses. You'll find the fully multi-coated lens reduces glare and the dual display options improve visibility when wearing glasses.
The Shot Scope Pro LX+ isn't just another rangefinder with some bells and whistles tacked on. It's a genuinely integrated system that solves real problems for serious golfers. If you're the type who already uses a rangefinder and has been curious about shot tracking but didn't want to deal with multiple devices or subscription fees, this is your answer. The same goes for data junkies who want to understand their game better without carrying a golf bag full of gadgets.
Is it perfect? No. But after three months of use, I've retired my Bushnell, canceled my Arccos subscription, and haven't looked back. For golfers serious about improvement who value convenience and integration over having the absolute best individual components, the Shot Scope Pro LX+ represents the best value in golf technology I've seen in years.
