Bushnell are claiming that they are taking accuracy and consistency to the next level with their Tour V6 lasers this year, which seems like a pretty difficult thing to do considering their previous models have been so good for so long.
Whilst some people prefer the comprehensive outlook that a GPS watch or golf app can provide, the precise measurements that lasers give make them a popular choice for lots of golfers, often better players who are more consistent with their yardages.
I got my hands on the latest model from Bushnell to see if they're still at the top of the class.
Who Is It Aimed At?
With a price tag of £329, the Tour V6 is for serious golfers who are looking for best-in-class quality. There are plenty of other lasers availalble on the market such as the Shot Scope Pro L2 and Blue Tees Series 3 Max which are less than £200, so this is a product for people who want guaranteed performance.
The Tech
On the face of it, it seems more like evolution rather than revolution when it comes to the Tour V6 lasers when you compare them to the previous Tour V4 and Tour V5 models, with a focus on small improvements rather than wholesale changes - the carry case is the exact same as for the Tour V5, for example.
The key change has been an improvement to the PinSeeker with Visual Jolt technology, which helps users to lock on to the flag as well as providing a clear indication that they have found their target.
The full list of features includes:
- Improved PinSeeker with Visual Jolt
- Integrated Bite magnetic cart mount
- 500+ yard range to a flag
- 6x magnification
- Improved weather resistant design
- Bright, clear optics
- Premium carry case and CR2 battery included
Bushnell Tour V6 Rangefinder Review
Bushnell lasers do a good job of looking smart enough that you know they are going to be good quality, and the latest Tour V6 line features an updated design which looks a bit more interesting and a bit better than the Tour V5, with a slightly more industrial look.
The yards/metres button has moved from the side of the unit to within the settings cog which now sits on top of the laser, in front of the power button.
The standard Tour V6 comes with a black and grey finish, whilst the Tour V6 Shift is in white and grey with orange trim.
The laser itself is a great size, it sits really easily in the hand and is comfortable to grip. Whilst some people may prefer a smaller laser so that they can put it in their pocket whilst on the course, I'm happy to clip mine on to the bag so I don't mind the size. The unit itself feels like it is slightly slanted which helps it to slot into your hand for more efficient usage.
At 240g it did feel relatively heavy but for me this is a good thing as it adds to the premium feel, and also helps to keep the laser more steady when finding the target.
The key thing with a laser though is performance, and that is where the Tour V6 excelled. It is lightning fast and seems to pick up the flag quickly and easily, even when you aren't holding it completely steady. It feels so reliable that you're instantly confident in the correct yardage.
I love the Visual Jolt technology which buzzes and flashes red when you lock onto the target, it provides extra reassurance and I found that it made the number more memorable.
I tested the standard model but I would encourage golfers to put up the extra cash for the Shift version if they can afford it (it's around £70 more), which provides slope readings as well.
I've found this incredibly useful over the last few years and even though you can't use it in competition, it's helped me with my general awareness of how elevation changes can affect the true playing yardage of a shot.
Bushnell Tour V6 Rangefinder Verdict
One of the problems I've found when testing Bushnell lasers over the past few years is that it's hard for them to keep improving because their products were already market-leading in terms of quality and reliability.
I tested the Pro XE more than four years ago and I still use it to this day because it performs so well - I've still not managed to find anything that I prefer.
In all honesty I didn't notice a lot of difference between the Tour V6 and the previous Tour V5, apart from a slightly updated design which does look a bit better.
If you're looking for a top of the range laser because you've not used one before or you've had your existing one for a number of years then this would be right at the top of the list. If you've bought a Bushnell in the last couple of years, in all honesty I'm not sure it's worth upgrading as it's more of the same impressive quality that we've come to expect.
Would I Use It?
I still prefer the red optics on my own Bushnell Pro XE laser which I find a little easier to read, but if anyone I knew was looking for a top of the range laser, the Tour V6 is exactly where I'd point them.
Bushnell Tour V6 Rangefinder Pros and Cons
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