50 Words or Less
The Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder has first tier image stabilization to go alongside incredible speed, accuracy, and pin-spotting tech. Durable feel, waterproof, and shockproof. True lifetime warranty.
Introduction
In 2024, Vortex brought over two decades of experience in the outdoors optics space to the golf course with their Anarch [review HERE], Blade and Blade Slope [review HERE] rangefinders. A couple years later, they’re ready to release a new flagship model, the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder. With image stabilization and the best warranty in golf (or anywhere else), it got my full attention for this review.
Set Up & Ease of Use
Having tested dozens and dozens of rangefinders, I take the basic operations for granted. Vortex doesn’t: they explicitly label the two buttons on the Anarch+ to make it as user friendly as possible. Push the “Measure” button to turn the unit on, push it again to get your distance. The “Menu” button brings up and cycles through the options: turning slope on and off, adjusting brightness, and switching between yards and meters. For over 90% of golfers, all the menu options are things you’ll set once and never touch again.
The Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder comes with all the things you’d expect: the rangefinder, a carrying case with a carabiner, a cleaning cloth, and the battery. This uses a traditional, replaceable battery which is sealed in place behind a threaded cover. Rechargeable batteries have become more popular, especially because CR123 batteries aren’t cheap, but there is an appeal to not worrying about having to charge your rangefinder. [See Price / Buy]
Accuracy & Features
I usually begin this section talking about speed and accuracy, but for the Anarch+ I have to start with the form. This thing simply feels great in hand. It has the same “tough as a brick” feeling as a Bushnell and a good bit of heft (11.4 ounces, due in part to the dual magnets). It’s fractionally shorter and wider than most rangefinders which adds to that stout, durable feeling. “Comfort Guard” provides a little extra texture and traction to your grip, so the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder stays firmly in your hand.
The durability is more than just a feeling. Vortex states that the Anarch+ rangefinder is both waterproof and shock proof. Waterproofing is done to an IPX4 standard, meaning it’s resistant to any kind of splashing. You can’t take it swimming, but it can handle the rain. Per Vortex, the Anarch+ has been tested on 5 foot drops on grass and 2 foot drops on concrete. Most importantly, it’s covered by Vortex’s unconditional lifetime warranty (more on this in Value).
Turning to the on-course performance, the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder is extremely fast and accurate. An upgraded “ranging engine” is one of the key talking points from Vortex, and it makes the Anarch+ as fast as any rangefinder I’ve tested. It also has a Slope Mode, and the best pin spotting technology I’ve used. PinSpotter+ locks on to the pin and offers both visual and tactile cues that you have the right number.
The key feature of the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder – image stabilization – makes it even easier to keep your aiming reticle locked onto the flag. If you’ve never used a rangefinder with image stabilization, you may be asking, “Will I notice?” When the image stabilization is this good, the answer is, “Yes.”
I’ve never had an issue using traditional rangefinders, but I do have a clear expectation for how much the reticle should be jumping around inside the display. When I started using the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder it was actually disorienting because the reticle was so still. It was like running with a weight vest on and then taking it off – you realize how much extra work you were doing. If you have shaky hands and want a rangefinder to make it easier to get distances, this is the one for you.
The one categorical upgrade to the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder is the addition of a second magnet. Vortex has always included a magnet on their image stabilized laser – something not every manufacturer does – but the Anarch+ has two. Is this game changing new tech? Of course not, but it will keep your rangefinder from hitting the ground, because there’s no wrong side to stick to the cart.
Finally, the optics and display on the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder are excellent. There’s 6X magnification, the standard for high end rangefinders, and adjustable focus. The display is red only and crisp. Vortex also did a good job laying out the display in a way that’s informative but not overwhelming. The reticle is centered with the yardages – straight line and, if slope is turned on, adjusted – directly below it. Those are the dominant images in the viewfinder. Other key information – low battery indicator, slope angle, and PinSpotter+ mode – are sprinkled around the edge where they’re noticeable but not obtrusive.
Value
The Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder retails for $599. This puts it at the top of the rangefinder price pyramid – a position that needs to be justified if it’s going to be considered a good value.
If you want to stack up features per dollar, the Anarch+ is not going to be your winner. This is not a rangefinder that wants to talk to an app, the weatherman, or your launch monitor; it “just” gives you an accurate yardage as quickly and easily as any laser out there.
Where the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder earns its price is with its warranty. Vortex calls it their VIP – Very Important Promise. They will repair or replace your rangefinder if it becomes damaged or defective at no cost to you. They don’t care how it was damaged or even if you’re the original purchaser. And this warranty lasts forever. Good luck finding a warranty half as good. [See Price / Buy]
Conclusion
Vortex set out to create a best-in-class rangefinder, and they did just that. From the feel to the speed to the image stabilization to the warranty, everything the Vortex Anarch+ rangefinder does, it does to the highest possible standard. It carries a premium price, but the Anarch+ is something you can have in your bag for many years to come. [See Price / Buy]
Whether it’s ranging in the wind, from long distance, or a shot that’s the difference between winning that side bet and paying up, image stabilization keeps you locked on the pin.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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