Bushnell Pro XE Laser Rangefinder Review

50 Words or Less

The Bushnell Pro XE laser rangefinder is the smartest distance measuring device yet.  Uses temperature and elevation to calculate more precise yardages.

Introduction

After Bushnell released the Pro X2 rangefinder (review HERE), I wondered where they could go next.  The Pro XE answers that question in ways I never could have expected.  This rangefinder knows the elevation and the temperature and uses that information to give you incredibly precise yardages.  Is this the latest must have for competitive players?  I tested it to find out.

Check out the new Bushnell Pro X3 rangefinder HERE

Set Up & Ease of Use

As with any modern rangefinder, using the Bushnell Pro XE is very simple.  Push the power button to bring up the Aiming Circle, push it again to get a distance.

Turning Slope mode on and off is as easy as sliding the Slope Switch left or right.  You can turn on Elements Mode with a single touch of the Mode button.  Holding Mode brings up the menu for adjusting brightness and toggling between yards and meters.

Overall, the Bushnell Pro XE is intuitive and easy to use.

Accuracy & Performance

The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Pro XE is that it’s slightly larger than my trusty Pro X2.  The difference isn’t huge, but those with smaller hands may not be thrilled with the change.  My hands are slightly larger than average, so the difference was a non-issue.

Another change from the Pro X2 that’s noticeable but not game changing is the magnification.  The Pro XE bumps the magnification from 6X to 7X.  That upgrade is welcome on long par 3s and when you’re feeling bold on a par 5.

The major upgrade that Bushnell made with the Pro XE is Elements Mode.  This rangefinder knows the elevation and the temperature – without user input.  How much difference does that make?  According to Bushnell’s website, temperature and elevation differences can each be worth ten yards or more.  Combine Elements Mode with Bushnell’s Slope Technology and you have no excuse not to land every shot pin high.

You may be wondering if Elements Mode slows down the Pro XE.  It does not.  The Pro XE is every bit as fast as my Pro X2, which is to say, it’s the industry leader in speed.

Finally, the Bushnell Pro XE includes a BITE Magnetic Mount.  As you can see above, this allows you to attach the laser to your cart rather than trying to wedge it into a cup holder or toss it into the glove compartment.  It’s a seemingly minor upgrade, but it can contribute to a better pace of play and remove the aggravation of searching for your rangefinder between shots.

Value

The Bushnell Pro XE laser rangefinder has a suggested retail price of $550 (please support PIG, buy it HERE).  The price includes the rangefinder, carrying case, and a battery.

While there are many rangefinders at lower prices, the Pro XE commands a premium because it has technology that no other laser does.  The Pro XE comes with a two year warranty through Bushnell.

Conclusion

Just when it seemed that the rangefinder market was getting stale, Bushnell pulled a rabbit out of their hat.  The Pro XE rangefinder’s Elements Mode is impressive both for its ease of use and impact on accurate yardages.  If you want a rangefinder with the very latest in technology, this is it.

Buy the Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder HERE

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Matt Saternus

Founder, Editor In Chief at PluggedInGolf.com
Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Plugged In Golf. He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

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14 Comments

  1. Here is the problem. Bought this and worked well and as advertised but the graphics are in bright red. For anyone colorblind or red-green colorblind it’s difficult to see the color. Other rangefinders in their inventory have an option to switch to black. I think they recognize the issue and refunded money without issue.

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  3. Would you bag this or the Nikon Pro Stabilized?

    • Matt Saternus

      Zeco,

      I haven’t tested the Nikon, but I’ve been very happily gaming Bushnell lasers for the last several years.

      -Matt

    • Alistair Munro

      Sometimes in sunny weather I can’t see my aiming circle or yardages at all. Any tips?

      • Matt Saternus

        Alistair,

        I can’t say I’ve had any issues seeing the black aiming circle, even in brighter conditions. It makes me wonder if there isn’t something wrong with the display. I would suggest contacting Bushnell to see if they have any insight into this.

        Best,

        Matt

  4. Hello Matt,
    Bushcnell Pro XE os Garmin Z82…

    Thank-you

    • Matt Saternus

      Dino,

      I’ve only done very brief demos with the Garmin, so I couldn’t say definitively.

      Best,

      Matt

  5. Arthur Sterbcow

    If you are colorblind AVOID! Find a Model that is colorblind friendly. Hard to believe at this price they did not consider it.

  6. Sean Van Woerkom

    Have you by chance taken the X3 out on a cold day and compared it to another range finder that doesn’t have an elements feature to see how much the elements feature on the Bushnell actually makes a difference? I would be very curious on a cold morning what the difference in yardage it gives when the environment is colder and denser to see if those sensors actually kick in.

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