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CR2 or rechargeable, and what the water rating means
Updated
A CR2 unit never runs dry mid-round if you carry a spare cell. A USB-C unit saves buying cells but has to be charged. On water, "waterproof" on a listing is marketing. The IP code is the real rating, and for these picks it ranges from splash protection to strong water jets.
Battery types on the picks
| Rangefinder | Battery | Water rating on listing | Weight on listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway 300 Pro | Lithium battery included (type not named on the listing) | IPX4 | 8 oz |
| Bushnell Tour V6 Shift | CR2 included | IPX6 | Listed as 1 lb |
| Bushnell Tour V5 (non-slope) | CR2 included | IP54 | Listed as 1 lb |
| Blue Tees Series 3 Max+ | USB-C rechargeable | IPX4 | Listed as 1 lb |
| Gogogo Sport Vpro GS24 | AAA (two, per the maker) | IP54 | 6.5 oz |
| REDTIGER Golf Rangefinder | USB-C rechargeable | IP54 in the bullets, IPX4 in the spec table | 6.4 oz |
- CR2: the Bushnell picks ship with one. Bushnell lists a 3-volt lithium CR-2 as the power source for the Tour V7 Shift. Keep a spare in the bag. CR2 cells are small, so store them away from children.
- AAA: Gogogo's page says the GS24 runs on two AAA batteries with no charging needed. They are easy to buy anywhere.
- USB-C: the Blue Tees Series 3 Max+ and REDTIGER Golf Rangefinder recharge. Owners of the Blue Tees are mixed on battery life, so charge before each round.
What the IP code means
The IEC's IP code has two digits. The first rates protection from solid objects and dust, from 0 to 6. The second rates protection from water, from 0 to 9. A higher second digit means more water protection. The IEC notes that words like waterproof and water-resistant are hard to judge when used for marketing, which is why the code exists.
- The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift lists IPX6, the highest here. Bushnell also lists IPX6 for the newer V7 Shift.
- The Callaway 300 Pro and Blue Tees Series 3 Max+ list IPX4, though the Callaway listing also says waterproof. Blue Tees' own page also gives IPX4.
- The REDTIGER Golf Rangefinder listing says IP54 in its bullets and IPX4 in its spec table. Plan on the lower one.
None of these ratings means you should use the unit in a downpour or drop it in a lake. Dry it off after a wet round, and store it in its case.
Match a pick to your game with the rangefinder checker, or compare all six on the roundup page.