If you’re looking for a new rangefinder, the Shot Scope Pro L5 could be just what you need. It’s the brand’s first model to feature an OLED display, but still offers a competitive price tag of less than £220.
The Scottish-based brand have really stepped up their game in the last few years with a growing range of watches, lasers and shot tracking technology.
Let’s take a closer look at their latest offering…
Who Is It Aimed At?
With an RRP of £219.99 the Pro L5 is a really competitive price, especially compared to other competitors in the market like Bushnell and Garmin.
For that, you still get all of the features that you’d expect from a premium laser. You also get the benefit of the OLED clarity, which is great for golfers who want to use a rangefinder but don’t have the strongest eyesight.
It could also be really useful if you play lots of golf early in the morning, or later in the evening, when the light tends to vary.
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The Tech
The new Pro L5 is the brand’s first laser to feature a clear OLED display. Using the same kind of technology you’d see on a smart TV, it’s supposed to offer sharp visuals and be easier to read in different light conditions.
You also get use of the aerial GPS maps by connecting to the free Shot Scope app. This provides front, middle and back yardages, as well as distances to hazards and layup zones.
Combining these features with the laser is said to give golfers a ‘full course management solution’.
The Pro L5 comes with Gen 2 rapid fire detection and target lock vibration. This helps to give fast and accurate yardages. You also get a range of up to 1300 yards, if you ever find yourself getting way offline!
As with nearly all modern-day lasers, you get the adaptive slope technology. This provides distances that are adjusted for elevation changes. It can also be switched off to save you getting into trouble during competition rounds.
Shot Scope Pro L5 Rangefinder Review
Looks and Feel
With a weight of 340 grams, the Pro L5 feels more substantial than Shot Scope’s more budget-friendly options like the Pro L2 and Pro X. I prefer this as not only does it feel more premium, but I find it’s easier to hold still when it’s got a bit more weight to it.
This slightly heavier weight is still housed within a sleek, uncluttered design. The style did remind me of those two previous models.
The laser is available in both white and black, and both look very clean. It fits in the hand nicely, with the new ridge design actually helping with grip a little bit.
One aspect of the looks that I did like was the red optics, which I currently have on my own Bushnell Pro XE. I find that this is just a bit easier to read than black, especially in varying conditions,
You also get the built-in magnet, which is great for golfers who use a buggy or want to attach the laser to their trolley whilst walking.
If you’d rather keep it on your bag, there’s a smart grey carry case with carabiner clip. This offers quick access whilst staying secure.
Usability
The big story here is the OLED display, and it really delivers when it comes to on-screen clarity. It looks great.
While the screen looked bright and sharp, the viewfinder and the text inside it were on the small side. That’s something to keep in mind if your eyesight isn’t the strongest, it could be a bit tricky to read.
The battery compartment was pretty fiddly to use. A screw-in design would’ve been much easier than this one, where you basically need tiny fingers to open it without a struggle.
Performance-wise, yardages were quick and easy to get.
The slope percentage readout on the screen was a really nice touch. It’s a great way for golfers to learn how elevation changes can affect yardage. That kind of practice can help with decision-making during competitions, when slope mode isn’t allowed.
Looking through the viewfinder felt stable, and it was easy to lock onto the target. The little vibration is a helpful confirmation that the pin has been picked up.
Scan mode is also an option, which comes in handy if you’re not great at clicking to find small targets, or if you want to check multiple yardages like trees or bunkers to plan your shot.
One small gripe: the power button is smaller than what you get on most laser rangefinders, so it’s a bit harder to find and press while you’re looking through the eyepiece.
Overall, the laser’s performance was solid, but there were a few small areas where usability could’ve been better.
Shot Scope Pro L5 Rangefinder Verdict
Shot Scope may still be best known for their GPS devices, as well as shot tracking technologies, but their range of lasers have really improved in the last few years.
The Pro L5 is another great option which offers lots of features at a good price tag. It’s an improvement on the likes of the Pro X or Pro L2, even if it is slightly more expensive.
I did find a couple of small gripes, but the new OLED display really does look great. If you’ve wanted to try a laser, but you struggle with seeing out of them, this is definitely worth a try.
Would I Use It?
Yes, but I’m not sure it’s going to dislodge my Bushnell Pro XE just yet!
